Patents Assigned to Diamond Shamrock Corporation
  • Production of alkali metal carbonates in a cell having a carboxyl membrane
    Patent number: 4147599
    Abstract: An alkali metal carbonate substantially free of alkali metal chloride is efficiently produced by electrolyzing an alkali metal chloride in an electrolytic cell having anolyte and catholyte compartments separated by a cation-exchange hydraulically impermeable membrane comprised of a thin film of a fluorinated polymer having pendant carboxylic acid or alkali metal carboxylate groups and a cathode spaced apart from the membrane, injecting into the catholyte compartment of the cell carbon dioxide in a quantity sufficient to convert substantially all the alkali metal hydroxide forming therein to the alkali metal carbonate salt, and utilizing a magnitude of electrolyzing current that reduces alkali metal chloride in the catholyte solids to less than 400 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1979
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin J. O'Leary, Charles J. Hora, Donald L. DeRespiris
  • Method of producing sols by electrodialysis
    Patent number: 4147605
    Abstract: A method of producing a sol of an element selected from the group consisting silicon, aluminum, antimony, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, tin and tungsten comprising electrodialytically transferring alkali metal cations of an aqueous solution of a water soluble alkali metal salt of the oxide of the said element from an anode compartment of an electrolytic cell to a cathode compartment of the electrolytic cell while essentially preventing the migration of the metal oxide into the cathode compartment by positioning a cation permselective membrane between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment while carefully and continuously controlling the pH of the solution and removing the so-produced sol from the anode compartment of the electrolytic cell as well as a novel electrodialytic cell for sol formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1979
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventors: Barry A. Schenker, Thomas T. Sugano, Neil W. Stillman, Kevin J. O'Leary
  • Electrochemical cell with stirred slurry
    Patent number: 4147839
    Abstract: In a battery of electrochemical unit cells in which an active metal in powder form is an electrode, high rate reaction at high efficiency is achieved by slurrying the powdered metal in the cell electrolyte. The slurrying is carried out entirely within each cell so that no transfer of electrolyte to and from the cell during discharge is necessary. Such batteries are suitable for powering vehicles. A battery of such cells can be emptied and then refuelled either by pressure or by vacuum; in one embodiment the active metal can be regenerated in each of the cells from the discharge products formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1979
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Solomon, Charles Grun
  • Reverse-side treatment of fabric reinforced membranes
    Patent number: 4147844
    Abstract: Disclosed are a sulfonyl group containing fluorocarbon polymer cation-exchange membrane which has been fabric reinforced and, on one side of which has been treated, after the fabric reinforcing has been applied in a heat-pressure application, to a depth of at least 10 microns with a primary amine or a secondary amine or mixtures thereof to aminate a majority of said sulfonyl groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1979
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew D. Babinsky, Charles J. Hora
  • Multicomponent fruit abscission compositions
    Patent number: 4145209
    Abstract: A composition comprising two compounds from the group cycloheximide, 5-chloro-3-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrazole and glyoxal dioxime and optionally including an additive compound capable of enhancing the activity of the composition is a synergistic combination capable of promoting fruit, especially citrus fruit, abscission when applied to trees bearing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1979
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Holm
  • Phosphatized and painted metal articles
    Patent number: 4143205
    Abstract: Metal substrates, and particularly ferrous metal substrates, are now protected by having on their surface composite coatings wherein the base coating comprises a water-insoluble phosphatized coating from an organic phosphatizing composition. Over the phosphatized base coating there is then deposited a topcoating that is typically a paint topcoating. However, a rinse coating, such as a chromic acid solution, may be used on the base coating prior to a paint coating. A highly desirable adherent, corrosion-resistant and water-insoluble composite coating thereby protects the substrate metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1979
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventors: Edward A. Rowe, Jr., William H. Cawley
  • Alkenyl ethers from high molecular weight polyols
    Patent number: 4142042
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing alkenyl ethers from high molecular weight polyols in a liquid phase system containing concentrated alkali metal hydroxide, water, water immiscible hydrocarbon solvent and high molecular weight polyol such that the addition of an alkenyl halide results in a reaction which yields an alkenyl ether product which is not readily distillable from the reaction solution at slightly elevated temperatures and atmospheric pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1979
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventor: Paul H. Goble
  • Anionic fluorochemical surfactants
    Patent number: 4140709
    Abstract: 6-Hydroxyhexyl perfluoroisopropyl ether is prepared by reaction of hexafluoroacetone and potassium fluoride to obtain an alcoholate which is then reacted with 1-chloro-6-hexanol. One mole of the ether may be reacted with about 1 mole to about 20 moles of ethylene oxide to produce a hydroxyethyl ether. One mole of 2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobutanol may be reacted with from about 1 to about 5 moles of propylene oxide to produce a hydroxypropyl ether. One mole of hexafluorobutanol may also be reacted with about 1 to about 5 moles of propylene oxide and then about 1 mole to about 20 moles of ethylene oxide to produce a hydroxyethyl ether. The hydroxyhexyl ether, hydroxylpropyl ether and both hydroxyethyl ethers may be sulfated to produce anionic surfactants which are useful as antistatic agents and lubricants for polymeric shapes such as nylon films and filaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1979
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventor: Alex J. Szur
  • Thermally reversible amphoteric ion exchange resins of improved demineralization capacity
    Patent number: 4139499
    Abstract: A process of making an amphoteric polymeric composition which process comprises dispersing particles of an ion exchange resin comprising either weakly basic or weakly acidic ionogenic groups in a solution comprising one or more monomers containing an ionogenic group, or organic precursor thereof, of opposite charge to the ionogenic groups of the ion exchange resin particle, wherein the ion exchange resin particle and the monomer are not of opposite charge, and a crosslinking agent comprising two or more vinylic or allylic groups; secondly polymerizing the monomer to give a macroporous crosslinked polymer matrix; and thirdly treating the polymeric composition to convert any organic precursors to ionogenic groups to form an amphoteric polymeric composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1979
    Assignees: ICI Australia Limited, Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventors: Keith O. Wade, Jerry H. Brown
  • Metal laminate strip construction of bipolar electrode backplates
    Patent number: 4138324
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for electrically and mechanically connecting the backplates of a bipolar electrode to be used in a filter press electrolytic cell for electrochemical production. This method employs the use of a metal laminate strip having surfaces of metallic substances identical and corresponding to the metallic makeup of the given backplates which can be welded between the anode and cathode backplates using standard weldment procedures. The metal laminate strips are placed in a spaced series such that the anode and cathode backplates present two parallel planes in spaced relation to each other thereby leaving a space for the escape of hydrogen gas, preventing hydrogen embrittlement of the titanium anode backplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventor: Lewis M. Meyer
  • Ruthenium recovery process
    Patent number: 4132569
    Abstract: Ruthenium is stripped from a catalyst or electrode substrate by immersion in a fluoboric acid solution, converted to ruthenium oxide, and the ruthenium oxide is then converted to the alpha ruthenium trichloride for use in the preparation of fresh catalyst and/or electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1979
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventors: Raul S. DePablo, David E. Harrington, William R. Bramstedt
  • Electrode sheet assembly apparatus
    Patent number: 4129292
    Abstract: The specification and drawings disclose an anode assembly for use in electrolytic cells, and apparatus for forming such assemblies. The anode assembly comprises an anode riser to which is joined a parallel pair of metal sheets which form anode surfaces. The sheets are joined to the riser by connecting means which permit movement of the sheets toward and away from one another while maintaining their parallel relationship. Additionally, the connecting means is such that it maintains a tension on the sheets to prevent them from warping or assuming a non-planar configuration. The disclosed apparatus permits assembly of the sheets to the riser in a simple, rapid manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1978
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald R. Pohto, Richard O. Olson
  • Swimming pool chlorinator system
    Patent number: 4129493
    Abstract: A new and improved swimming pool chlorinator which facilitates the provision of a higher strength hypochlorite solution over a wide concentration range than can be obtained from prior swimming pool chlorinators. The new and improved chlorinator utilizes a membrane type cell having opposed catholyte and anolyte chambers including a cathode and an anode member, respectively, disposed in a close spaced relationship to each other and separated by a substantially hydraulically impermable cation exchange membrane. The products of electrolysis in the catholyte and anolyte chambers are combined exteriorally of the cell to obtain sodium hypochlorite which may then be conveyed to the swimming pool water. Means are provided to selectively vary the electrical current in the cell to control the amount of sodium hydrochlorite ultimately produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1978
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Tighe, Hugh L. McCutchen
  • Ketoxime carbamates
    Patent number: 4128581
    Abstract: Carbamate derivatives of ketoximes are useful in combatting pests such as insects, mites, and nematodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1978
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas A. Magee
  • Surface-treated soft contact lenses
    Patent number: 4128318
    Abstract: Polymer hydrogels adapted for use as soft contact lenses are treated to provide at least on the surfaces thereof a modified, less hydrophilic polymeric structure inhibiting penetration by bacteria and proteins, whereby development of clouding and discoloration of the lens material is significantly retarded in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1978
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Sieglaff, Charles J. Hora, Joseph P. Tiefenbach
  • Processing aid for use in worsted and woolen processes
    Patent number: 4128398
    Abstract: A processing aid is used to improve worsted and woolen processes. In the worsted process, pretreatment of wool tops with the processing aid prior to dyeing preserves fiber strength and softness. In the woolen process, addition of the processing aid to the carbonizing bath permits reduction in sulfuric acid concentration, enhances destruction of vegetable matter, and produces whiter, cleaner fiber and preserves fiber strength. If desired, the processing aid may also be introduced in the final rinse after wool scouring in either worsted or woolen processes. The preferred processing agent is epoxidized chain extended polyamide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1978
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventor: Mel Alpert
  • Transition metal oxide electrodes
    Patent number: 4125449
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode for use in electrochemical processes wherein a metal substrate made of a valve metal such as titanium carries a semi-conducting intermediate coating consisting of a combination of tin and antimony oxides laid down upon the valve metal substrate in a series of layers and a top coating consisting of an oxide selected from the group of chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, molybdenum or tungsten applied in a series of layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1978
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Lewis, Larry A. Schenke, Mary R. Suchanski, C. Richard Franks, deceased
  • High temperature chlorination catalyst
    Patent number: 4124534
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel catalyst system for chlorination of hydrocarbons either by oxyhydrochlorination, and/or oxychlorination. The catalyst system comprises copper chloride impregnated onto an alumina support with a metal chloride selected from the group consisting of potassium chloride, lithium chloride, cesium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride or barium chloride, said alumina support having a sodium oxide content of from 0.2 to about 2.0% by weight and a silica content no more than 4%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1978
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick C. Leitert, Carl G. Vinson, Jr.
  • Controlling silica sol particle size
    Patent number: 4124471
    Abstract: A novel method of controlling electrodialytically produced silica sol particle size and concentration comprising effecting electrodialysis of an alkali metal silicate anolyte in an electrodialysis cell with a cation permselective membrane separating the anolyte and the catholyte while adding alkali metal silicate solution to the anolyte to maintain the desired pH whereby a silica sol with increasing particle size is formed and when the silica sol has reached the desired particle size, continuing electrodialysis with addition of an alkali metal hydroxide solution to control the pH until the silica sol has the desired concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1978
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventors: Donald F. Lieb, Thomas T. Sugano
  • Electrode assembly
    Patent number: D250185
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1978
    Assignee: Diamond Shamrock Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Kubrin, Gerald R. Pohto