Patents by Inventor John E. Aiken
John E. Aiken has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8217191Abstract: A process for the integral production and reactive consumption of hydrogen peroxide combines oxidation of a high-boiling secondary alcohol to form hydrogen peroxide and the ketone analog, recycle of a hydrogenated ketone/alcohol stream to the oxidation step, and epoxidation of unsaturated fatty acid esters utilizing a gaseous hydrogen peroxide stream as it is produced. The epoxidized esters are known to have desirable characteristics for use as plasticizers and similar products.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Inventor: John E. Aiken
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Patent number: 8022236Abstract: A process is described for producing fatty acid alkyl esters for both diesel fuel and non-fuel uses. The feed material includes whole oleaginous seeds slurried in a liquid triglyceride oil containing at least two weight percent free fatty acid, wherein oil from inside the seeds is first extracted with concurrent esterification of free fatty acids from all sources in an acidic environment. Following sufficient free fatty acid reaction, the intermediate product is subjected to base-catalyzed concurrent extraction and transesterification. Decanting of the byproduct glycerin is followed by water washing. Subsequently, the fatty acid ester product is concurrently purified and fractionated into a biodiesel fuel stream and a non-fuel fraction, each of which undergoes post treatment as needed. The process is optionally integrated with glycerin purification and/or methanol recovery.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventor: John E. Aiken
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Publication number: 20110046420Abstract: The present invention relates to the co-production of unsaturated aldehydes via a crossed-aldol condensation reaction catalyzed by recyclable water-soluble phase-transfer catalysts or the hydroxides thereof. The aldehydes are then hydrogenated to the desired alcohol products or saturated aldehyde feed stocks. Specifically, methods in which 2,4-diethyloctanol is co-produced with 2-ethylhexanol in batch and continuous processes are described. Recovery of the phase-transfer catalyst through water washing followed by “salting out” from the washings is also demonstrated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventors: Kurt W. KRAMARZ, Richard J. Ingram, John E. Aiken, George R. Gallaher
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Publication number: 20110036005Abstract: A string trellis apparatus for attachment to elevated substantially horizontal portions of a structure at one end and an elongated planter box at the other, includes at least two elongated hanger members of a first predetermined length each having at least one aperture disposed at a first end and a hook portion disposed at a second end and engageable with at least one of a rain gutter and a fence top; at least two substantially flexible strings having proximal and distal ends; and a planter-box connecting means disposed one of in or on the planter box for removably attaching the proximal ends of the strings to the planter box adjacent a soil surface in the planter box.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2010Publication date: February 17, 2011Inventors: John E. Aiken, Edward Scott Carlson
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Publication number: 20100113809Abstract: A process for the integral production and reactive consumption of hydrogen peroxide combines oxidation of a high-boiling secondary alcohol to form hydrogen peroxide and the ketone analog, recycle of a hydrogenated ketone/alcohol stream to the oxidation step, and epoxidation of unsaturated fatty acid esters utilizing a gaseous hydrogen peroxide stream as it is produced. The epoxidized esters are known to have desirable characteristics for use as plasticizers and similar products.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventor: JOHN E. AIKEN
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Publication number: 20100005714Abstract: An apparatus for supporting plants growing from the ground includes an elongated rigid pole with a plurality of axially-spaced apertures along much of the pole. Flexible cord ties are threaded in a spiral fashion through at least three apertures in the long wall of the elongated pole, and knots at the ends are tied around plant stems or branches thereby preventing disengagement from the holes and simultaneously supporting the plant. One end of the elongated pole is cut at an angle to the axis to form a point.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2009Publication date: January 14, 2010Inventor: JOHN E. AIKEN
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Publication number: 20090099380Abstract: A process is described for producing fatty acid alkyl esters for both diesel fuel and non-fuel uses. The feed material includes whole oleaginous seeds slurried in a liquid triglyceride oil containing at least two weight percent free fatty acid, wherein oil from inside the seeds is first extracted with concurrent esterification of free fatty acids from all sources in an acidic environment. Following sufficient free fatty acid reaction, the intermediate product is subjected to base-catalyzed concurrent extraction and transesterification. Decanting of the byproduct glycerin is followed by water washing. Subsequently, the fatty acid ester product is concurrently purified and fractionated into a biodiesel fuel stream and a non-fuel fraction, each of which undergoes post treatment as needed. The process is optionally integrated with glycerin purification and/or methanol recovery.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventor: John E. Aiken
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Patent number: 7126032Abstract: A process for purifying glycerin recovered as a byproduct of biodiesel production comprises heating a glycerin effluent stream containing a low molecular weight alcohol, water and fatty acid esters of the low molecular weight alcohol to cause transesterification of the fatty acid esters to glycerides and additional low molecular weight alcohol. The reaction mixture is sparged with nitrogen to help remove water and low molecular weight alcohol, which drives the transesterification reaction towards glyceride formation. A wash water stream may also be added to the recovered glycerin stream from biodiesel production. Either before or following the transesterification reaction, an oil layer can be separated from the recovered glycerin stream by reducing the pH of the stream to below 7. Following separation of the oil layer and transesterification the glycerin stream is flash distilled to separate glycerin from water, salts, and glycerides.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Sunoco, Inc. (R&M)Inventor: John E. Aiken
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Patent number: 7049474Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of water, rather than cumene, as a more environmentally acceptable diluent for purified cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) solutions. From 1 to about 6 weight percent water can be used to dilute purified CHP solutions, thus reducing or eliminating the use of a hazardous compound, cumene, as a diluent. The method and CHP-water solutions of the present invention should significantly reduce or eliminate the hazardous emissions problems encountered with the use of cumene as a diluent and make CHP solutions more environmentally acceptable to produce, transport and use. Water as a diluent also depresses the freezing point of the resultant solution, thereby permitting year-round use of higher concentration CHP solutions. Water diluted CHP solutions will also reduce cumene-related impurities in finished products made therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2000Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Sunoco, Inc. (R&M)Inventors: Keith E. Henry, John E. Aiken
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Publication number: 20040138510Abstract: The present invention relates to the co-production of unsaturated aldehydes via a crossed-aldol condensation reaction catalyzed by recyclable water-soluble phase-transfer catalysts or the hydroxides thereof. The aldehydes are then hydrogenated to the desired alcohol products or saturated aldehyde feed stocks. Specifically, methods in which 2,4-diethyloctanol is co-produced with 2-ethylhexanol in batch and continuous processes are described. Recovery of the phase-transfer catalyst through water washing followed by “salting out” from the washings is also demonstrated.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Kurt W. Kramarz, Richard J. Ingram, John E. Aiken, George R. Gallaher
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Patent number: 5567838Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method of making the dimethacrylate ester of alkoxylated bisphenol-A via transesterification with methyl methacrylate. This transesterification reaction proceeds at low temperatures and is driven by the removal of methanol as a methanol/saturated hydrocarbon azeotrope. The lower temperature reaction advantageously inhibits polyerization of the feed ester. The reaction is catalyzed by potassium based catalysts.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1995Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: Aristech Chemical CorporationInventors: Joseph Pugach, Jeffrey S. Salek, John E. Aiken
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Patent number: 5300702Abstract: In the production of bisphenol-A from the reaction of phenol and acetone, values are recovered from a "heavy ends" fraction by passing the fraction through a thin-film evaporator, making a light fraction which is fractionally distilled into three portions, two of which have recoverable proportions of bisphenol-A, and recovering bisphenol-A from at least one of them.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1993Date of Patent: April 5, 1994Assignee: Aristech Chemical CorporationInventors: David A. Perkins, John E. Aiken
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Patent number: 4454348Abstract: Diphenylamine is made by the reaction in the vapor phase of two moles of aniline with the consequent evolution of ammonia; surprisingly high yields and selectivities are obtained by maintaining a significant concentration of ammonia in the catalyst zone, preferably by using the ammonia as a carrier for the aniline.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1982Date of Patent: June 12, 1984Assignee: United States Steel CorporationInventors: John E. Aiken, Marvin C. Fields, Robert M. Stickel
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Patent number: 4410499Abstract: Reactor and method for providing improved conversion of oxidizable pollutants from a waste gas stream by passing such a gas stream at a velocity of less than about 200 feet per minute through a chamber containing a thin catalyst bed capable of oxidizing the oxidizable pollutants and having a temperture rise from the inlet side to the outlet side of the bed of between about 50.degree. C. and about 400.degree. C. and a distributor plate located upstream and parallel to the bed. The distributor plate contains a plurality of openings such that the plate surface has a total open area of less than about 10% therein. In a preferred embodiment wherein a plurality of catalyst beds are provided, separate distributor plates are placed between the inlet for each bed and the bed itself.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1981Date of Patent: October 18, 1983Assignee: United States Steel CorporationInventors: John E. Aiken, William J. Didycz, Donald Glassman
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Patent number: 4325921Abstract: Systems and methods for directing waste gases to a by-pass conduit from a conduit to a waste gas purifier in response to signals indicating predetermined conditions which are harmful to the waste gas purifier to which the waste gases are normally directed while at the same time maintaining a substantially uniform pressure at the source of the waste gases. Preferably, the source of the waste gases is a scrubber unit for a maleic anhydride production unit. The waste gas purifier is preferably a catalytic oxidation unit for oxidizing hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the waste gases.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1980Date of Patent: April 20, 1982Assignee: United States Steel CorporationInventors: John E. Aiken, William J. Didycz
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Patent number: 4277453Abstract: Device and method for removing dissolved organic acids from entrained liquid droplets in a waste gas stream comprising (1) heating the liquid droplets in the waste gas stream to the vaporization temperature, and (2) contacting the waste gas stream with a collecting means whereby the dissolved organic acids are deposited on the means of evaporization of the liquid droplets to thereby produce the heated gas stream substantially free of the liquid droplets.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1979Date of Patent: July 7, 1981Assignee: United States Steel CorporationInventors: John E. Aiken, William J. Didycz
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Patent number: 4248832Abstract: Reactor for removing oxidizable pollutants from a waste gas stream which comprises (1) means for introducing the waste gas stream through an inlet into a chamber containing a substantially horizontal catalyst bed container means below the inlet, which container means is for containing a granular catalyst bed for oxidizing the pollutants and which container means comprises (a) support means for the catalyst bed which support means is permeable to the waste gas stream and covers substantially the entire horizontal cross section area of the chamber below the catalyst bed and has an outer edge adjacent to the chamber wall, (b) packing means to fit around the outer edge of the support means to prevent loss of catalyst between the edge of the support means and the wall of the chamber, (c) ledge means which provides a substantially horizontal support around the inside periphery of the chamber wall for leveling the catalyst bed and which ledge means also exerts substantial downward and outward pressure on the packingType: GrantFiled: June 11, 1979Date of Patent: February 3, 1981Assignee: United States Steel CorporationInventors: John E. Aiken, William J. Didycz, Stanley J. Kerkentzes
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Patent number: 4238460Abstract: Systems and methods for directing waste gases to a by-pass conduit from a conduit to a waste gas purifier in response to signals indicating predetermined conditions which are harmful to the waste gas purifier to which the waste gases are normally directed while at the same time maintaining a substantially uniform pressure at the source of the waste gases. Preferably, the source of the waste gases is a scrubber unit for a maleic anhydride production unit. The waste gas purifier is preferably a catalytic oxidation unit for oxidizing hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in the waste gases.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1979Date of Patent: December 9, 1980Assignee: United States Steel CorporationInventors: John E. Aiken, William J. Didycz