Patents Represented by Attorney Ralph C. Medhurst

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  • Process for making 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone
    Patent number: 4996367
    Abstract: A process is described to make a dihydroxydiphenol sulfone product with a 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenol sulfone purity in excess of 90 wt. % by reaction of phenol and concentrated sulfuric acid in a solvent mixture containing a lower-boiling and a higher-boiling hydrocarbon, removal by azeotropic distillation of water, hydrocarbon, and phenol, phase separation of the distillate, and return of at least the phenol to the reaction at a rate which maintains a phenol to sulfuric acid mol ratio in the reaction of at least 2 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas B. Ernst, Gunter Caspari
  • Process for preparing bisphenol polyarylates
    Patent number: 4994546
    Abstract: Process for preparing polyarylates comprising the steps of (a) prepolymerizing a diester of Bisphenol-A with at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid to form a prepolymer having a melting point of at least about 200.degree. C. and being fluid at the polymerization temperature; followed by (b) polycondensing said prepolymer under agitation until it is substantially transformed into a powdery solid; maintaining said agitation to keep the powdery solid in a polydispersed solid state; and continuing the polymerization below the agglomeration temperature of the polymerizing solid, until the desired molecular weight is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Brian A. Stern, Richard Layton
  • Process for regenerating spent heavy hydrocarbon hydroprocessing catalyst
    Patent number: 4994423
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a spent hydroprocessing catalyst regeneration process wherein the catalyst is subjected to an initial partial decoking step, followed by impregnation with a Group IIA metal-containing component, and then subjected to a final decoking step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick T. Clark, Albert L. Hensley, Jr.
  • Syncrude dedusting extraction
    Patent number: 4994175
    Abstract: A method for dedusting synthetic oil is disclosed. A feed of dust-laden synthetic oil is dissolved in a non-polar solvent of at least one alkane containing from 4 to 7 carbon atoms and aggregates of dust material are formed. The dissolved dust-laden synthetic oil is then gravitationally separated into a substantially dedusted stream in a dust-enriched stream including aggregates formed in the dissolution step. The dissolution and gravitational separation steps are conducted at a temperature and pressure greater than about 150.degree. F. and about ambient pressure and less than about the critical point temperature and pressure of the solvent and the aggregates provide acceptable settling and sludge compression rates. Methods for producing and dedusting oil from synthetic fuel stock are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Jay T. Hargreaves, James L. Taylor
  • Polyamide, polyimide, and polyamide-imide polymers of diamino-t-butylbenzene
    Patent number: 4992527
    Abstract: Resinous condensation polymers of polycarboxylic acid compounds and aromatic diprimary amines comprising diamino-t-butylbenzenes are described. In particular, film-forming polyamides, polyimides and polyamide-imides and their copolymers made using diamino-t-butylbenzenes which have amino groups meta or para to each other on a benzene ring are described. These polymers have some solubility in organic solvents such as N-methylpyrrolidone, a high glass transition temperature, excellent thermal stability, and are useful in films, fibers and composites, and in the electronics industry as electrical component substrates, protective coatings, interlevel dielectrics and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Fenoglio, Douglas E. Fjare, John L. Melquist, Edwin F. Morello, Neal R. Nowicki
  • Catalyst and method of preparing the catalyst for lower alkane conversion
    Patent number: 4992409
    Abstract: A method for converting a feedstock alkane containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms to a higher molecular weight hydrocarbon comprising contacting a feedstock with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalytic composition is disclosed. The catalytic composition includes a Group IA metal, a Group IIA metal and a third component, the precursor of which is a sol such as an aqueous suspension of a metal such as aluminum, silicon, titanium, zinc, zirconium, cadmium or tin with which the other components of the composition are thoroughly dispersed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn O. Michaels, Michael J. Spangler
  • Production of polycarboxylic acids with a molybdenum-activated cobalt catalyst
    Patent number: 4992580
    Abstract: The addition of molybdenum to oxidation catalysts provided by a heavy transition metal-bromine ion combination containing cobalt uniquely increases catalytic activity of said combustion for converting methyl groups to the corresponding carboxylic acid groups on the benzene nucleus. Such greater catalytic activity is manifested by higher yields of aromatic acids. The polycarboxylic acids produced by the novel process are useful as raw materials for fibers and films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: Walter Partenheimer
  • Process for the production of trimellitic acid
    Patent number: 4992579
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of trimelitic acid from pseudocumene is disclosed. The pseudocumene is oxidized in the presence of a cerium, cobalt, manganese, and optionally zirconium, bromine catalyst wherein all of the cerium is added in the second stage of the oxidation, and wherein most of the bromine is also added during the second oxidation stage. Trimellitic acid is useful in the manufacture of polyester and polyamide-imides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne P. Schammel
  • Monoalkenylation of alkylbenzenes in a fixed catalyst bed
    Patent number: 4990717
    Abstract: A method for the production of a monoalkenylated benzene is disclosed. In this method an alkylbenzene is reacted with a C.sub.4 to C.sub.5 conjugated diene in a fixed catalyst bed containing a supported alkali metal catalyst. A monoalkenylated reaction product is produced and is separated from the reactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: David L. Sikkenga
  • Silane-modified supported polyolefin catalyst to produce a broadened molecular weight distribution product
    Patent number: 4990478
    Abstract: An olefin polymerization catalyst system comprises a solid, hydrocarbon-insoluble, magnesium-containing, titanium-containing, electron donor-containing component; an alkyl aluminum compound; and organosilane compound selected from the group consisting of branched C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 alkyl-t-butoxydimethoxysilanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Charles R. Hoppin, Benjamin S. Tovrog
  • Process for preparation of alpha, beta-unsaturated acids
    Patent number: 4990662
    Abstract: Catalyst and process are disclosed for the improved preparation of alpha, beta-unsaturated acids. The catalyst comprises a porous silica gel component and a Group IA alkali metal component, which is present in an amount of from 200 to 20,000 parts per million and optionally another component such as tin (IV) oxide, and mixtures thereof. The process comprises reacting formaldehyde and an aliphatic carboxylic acid in the presence of said catalyst while maintaining catalyst activity and selectivity during the process by addition of a source of the alkali metal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Gary P. Hagen, Ruth A. Montag
  • Hydrotreating process to minimize catalyst slumping
    Patent number: 4990241
    Abstract: A hydrotreating process is provided with at least one deflector to minimize catalyst agglomeration and buildup. Preferably, the deflectors comprise an inner annular baffle and an outer annular baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Buttke, Robert E. Boening, Frank W. Pickell
  • Biphasic rare earth aluminum borates and process for their preparation
    Patent number: 4990480
    Abstract: The preparation, structure, and properties of solid inorganic materials containing at least one transition element, aluminum, boron and oxygen are described. Also described is the use of such materials in catalytic compositions for the conversion of organic compounds. In particular, new materials comprising(a) crystalline LnAl.sub.1.67+0.67X (B.sub.4 O.sub.10)O.sub.X, and(b) crystalline LnAl.sub.2.67+0.33Z (B.sub.4 O.sub.11)O.sub.Zwhere Ln is at least one transition element, X is a number ranging from 0 to 1, and Z is a number ranging from 0 to 2, each crystalline phase having a characteristic X-ray diffraction pattern are described as well as the use of such materials in various catalyzed processes including oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing hydrocarbons, dehydrogenation to functionalize alkylaromatic compounds, and ammoxidation of alkylaromatic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Melvin L. Luetkens, Jr., Larry C. Satek
  • Olefin polymerization catalyst
    Patent number: 4988656
    Abstract: A solid hydrocarbon-insoluble, alpha-olefin polymerization catalyst component with superior activity, stereospecificity and morphology characteristics comprises the product formed by (A) forming a solution of a magnesium-containing species from a magnesium carbonte or a magnesium carboxylate; (B) precipitating solid particles from such magnesium-containing solution by treatment with a transition metal halide and an organosilane; (C) reprecipitating such solid particles from a mixture containing a cyclic ether; and (D) treating the reprecipitated particles with a transition metal compound and an electron donor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory G. Arzoumanidis, Nicholas M. Karayannis, Habet M. Khelghatian, Sam S. Lee, Bryce V. Johnson
  • Furnace for oil refineries and petrochemical plants
    Patent number: 4986222
    Abstract: An economical, efficient, compact furnace is provided with horizontal radiant furnace tubes that extend along all the walls of the furnace for uniform heat distribution and load. The furnace is particularly useful in oil refineries and petrochemical plants. The furnace also has a special pattern of burners for safer, more effective heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Frank W. Pickell, John Z. Varesic, M. Shannon Melton, Sidney H. Melton
  • Front-wheel drive grease with synergistic sulfate and carbonate additive system
    Patent number: 4986923
    Abstract: A high performance sulfated lubricating grease effectively lubricates front-wheel drive joints as well as other equipment. The lubricating grease has excellent extreme pressure properties and antiwear qualities and is economical, effective, and safe. In one preferred form, the sulfated lubricating grease comprises a base oil, a polyurea thickener, a borated oil-separation inhibitor, and a special synergistic, additive package comprising calcium sulfate and calcium carbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Waynick
  • Production and purification of t-butylstyrene
    Patent number: 4982034
    Abstract: A process to purify t-butylstyrene from product containing substantial amounts of t-butylethylbenzene and small amounts of alkenyl-substituted styrene impurities by a combination of vacuum fractionation and vacuum evaporation in the presence a polymerization inhibitor, and treatment with a carbonaceous adsorbent. Such a product to be purified can be prepared by catalytically, oxidatively dehydrogenating over an alkaline pyrophosphate in the vapor phase t-butylethylbenzene containing about 95 wt. % or more of the p-isomer which can be made by alkylating ethylbenzene with isobutylene in a controlled manner in the presence of cooled concentrated sulfuric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Moore, Marc L. Kullberg, Lori B. Lane
  • Process for the hydrodenitrogenation and hydrocracking of high nitrogen feeds
    Patent number: 4981576
    Abstract: There is disclosed a catalyst, which catalyst comprises a hydrogenation component comprising chromium, molybdenum, and at least one metal of Group VIII, a crystalline molecular sieve zeolite, and a porous refractory inorganic oxide. Suitable molecular sieve zeolites are those having pore diameters of at least 5 .ANG. (0.5 nm) and containing exchangeable cations, for example, faujasite-type crystalline aluminosilicates, mordenite-type crystalline aluminosilicates, ZSM-type crystalline aluminosilicates, and AMS-type crystalline metallosilicates.There are also disclosed processes for the hydrodenitrogenation and hydrocracking of a hydrocarbon stream containing a substantial amount of nitrogen compounds, which processes comprise contacting said stream under suitable conditions and in the presence of hydrogen with the aforesaid catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: A. Martin Tait, Thomas D. Nevitt, Albert L. Hensley, Jr.
  • Sprinkler for fighting fires in oil refineries and the like
    Patent number: D313459
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: Jack E. Propp, David W. Owens
  • Sprinkler for fighting petroleum fires and the like
    Patent number: D313834
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Owens, Jack E. Propp