Patents Examined by Ellen McAvoy
  • Patent number: 9751820
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the purification of isoprene, such as the purification of a bioisoprene composition from fermentor off-gas. The apparatus includes two columns that process the fermentor off-gas, which includes isoprene and various impurities. A solvent is added to the off-gas in the first column, and the isoprene is stripped from the solvent in the second column. Also provided is a downstream further purification process. Also provided are the resulting purified isoprene compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignees: Danisco US Inc., The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Frank J. Feher, John Kaluen Kan, Joseph C. McAuliffe, Thomas F. McCall, Lawrence J. Pickert, Christopher D. Ploetz, Stephan Rodewald, Timothy A. Sabo, Tang H. Wong
  • Patent number: 9745528
    Abstract: A compound useful for reducing fouling in a hydrocarbon refining process is provided. A method for preparing the compound includes functionalizing a polymer having a vinyl chain end to obtain a terminal group having one or more anhydride units, and reacting the anhydride units with a polyamine. Methods of using the compound and compositions thereof are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Man Kit Ng, Glen B. Brons, Matthew W. Holtcamp, Donna J. Crowther, Patrick Brant, Hong Cheng, Clarence Chase
  • Patent number: 9745531
    Abstract: A lubricity additive for fuels with sulphur content of not more than 0.05 wt % is described herein. The lubricity additive comprises a polyol ester or a mixture of polyol esters derived from C8-C18 saturated and/or unsaturated fatty acids. The polyol esters is produced by: i) esterification of a C8-C18 saturated or unsaturated fatty acids, or a mixture thereof, with a polyhydric alcohol; ii) transesterification of an oil or a mixture of oils, with fatty acid composition comprising C8-C18 saturated and/or unsaturated fatty acids, with a polyhydric alcohol. The preferred fatty acids are unsaturated C18 fatty acids, more particularly, oleic acid whereas the preferred polyhydric alcohol is neopolyol, more particularly, trimethylol propane and its isomers. A fuel composition comprising a major amount of fuel with sulphur content of not more than 0.05 wt % and a minor amount of the lubricity additive is also described herein. The amount of the lubricity additive is not more than 0.1 wt %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: MALAYSIAN PALM OIL BOARD
    Inventors: Yuen May Choo, Sit Foon Cheng, Ah Ngan Ma, Yusof Basiron
  • Patent number: 9738842
    Abstract: There is described a process and an apparatus for purifying a mixture and related products. In particular, there is described a process and an apparatus for purifying a mixture comprising fats, oils and greases as are typically found in sewer waste. The process involves heating, acidifying and separating the mixture. The apparatus used includes a heating and separation device for separating into a solid fraction, an organic liquid fraction and an aqueous liquid fraction. Apparatus such as a three phase separation unit and a rotary vacuum filter may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Argent Energy (UK) Limited
    Inventor: Michael Scott
  • Patent number: 9738847
    Abstract: Provided herein are compositions containing at least one estolide compound and at least one ene and/or Diels Alder compound. In certain embodiments, the addition of at least one ene and/or Diels Alder compound to an estolide-containing composition may improve the cold temperature, viscometric, and/or anti-wear properties of the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Biosynthetic Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jakob Bredsguard, Travis Thompson, Jeremy Forest
  • Patent number: 9738845
    Abstract: A combustible pellet drying system includes a valveless pulse combustor and a drying column. The drying column includes a first drying region and optionally a second drying region. The first drying region receives heated drying gas from the pulse combustor to dry a quantity of moist pellets flowing downwardly through the drying column. Moisture-laden exhaust gas from the first drying region is processed by a condenser to remove water and recover thermal energy therefrom, and to produce a cooled dried exhaust gas which may be reheated by passing through a jacket around the pulse combustor. The reheated dry gas is introduced into the second drying region to further dry the pellets. The second drying region is preferably a downwardly expanding cone configuration. The drying column includes a plurality of temperature sensors. Adjacent temperature sensors may be used to determine a level of pellets within the drying column. The combustible pellets are preferably coal pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: OMNIS THERMAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: David S. Gibbel
  • Patent number: 9732296
    Abstract: A composition comprising a fuel and at least one compound characterized by Formula I: wherein X is carbon, oxygen, or sulfur; R1 and R2 each independently are hydrogen, a C1 to C20 alkyl, or a C6 to C10 aryl; R3 and R3? each independently are hydrogen or a C1 to C4 alkyl; R4 and R4? each independently are hydrogen, a C1 to C4 alkyl, a C4 to C10 cycloalkyl, or a C6 to C10 aryl; R5 and R5? each independently are a C4 to C10 alkyl; R6 and R6? each independently are hydrogen or a C1 to C6 alkyl; and R7 and R7? each independently are hydrogen or a C1 to C4 alkyl; and wherein the compound of Formula I when subjected to GC-MS using electron ionization at greater than about 70 eV produces at least one ion having a mass-to-charge ratio of from 300 to 600.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Authentix, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Conroy, Philip B. Forshee, John-Christopher Boyer
  • Patent number: 9732294
    Abstract: A method for synthesizing cyclic hydrocarbons with linear hydrocarbon side chains from a renewable source, or biomass by naturally occurring or bioengineered fungal strains, or hydrodistillation of plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Benjamin G. Harvey
  • Patent number: 9732300
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are oligomerization processes using feedstocks containing propylene to produce an oligomer product, and methods for recovering a propylene oligomer from the oligomer product. The resultant propylene oligomer can be characterized by a Mn in a range from 250 to 10,000 g/mol, a viscosity index of at least 85, and a pour point in a range from ?5 to ?60° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Chevron Phillipa Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Uriah J. Kilgore, Graham R. Lief, Eric J. Haschke
  • Patent number: 9725397
    Abstract: A system and method for the conversion of free fatty acids to glycerides and the subsequent conversion of glycerides to glycerin and biodiesel includes the transesterification of a glyceride stream with an alcohol. The fatty acid alkyl esters are separated from the glycerin to produce a first liquid phase containing a fatty acid alkyl ester rich (concentrated) stream and a second liquid phase containing a glycerin rich (concentrated) stream. The fatty acid alkyl ester rich stream is then subjected to distillation, preferably reactive distillation, wherein the stream undergoes both physical separation and chemical reaction. The fatty acid alkyl ester rich stream is then purified to produce a purified biodiesel product and a glyceride rich residue stream. The glycerin rich second liquid phase stream may further be purified to produce a purified glycerin product and a (second) wet alcohol stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: REG Seneca, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Jackam, Derek J. Winkel, Jared A. Downey
  • Patent number: 9725668
    Abstract: Haze may be removed from a biofuel or biofuel intermediate by using a clarifier. The clarifier includes copolymer prepared using a formulation comprising an alpha olefin and maleic anhydride. The clarifier may also be used with admixtures of biofuels, biofuel intermediates, or biofuel feedstocks with conventional hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy J. O'Brien, Waynn C. Morgan, John A. Schield
  • Patent number: 9725649
    Abstract: The present invention relates to additive composition for controlling and inhibition of polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers including styrene comprising (a) one or more of nitroxide (i.e. nitroxyl) compounds, and characterized in that the said composition further comprises one or more of (b) aliphatic amines selected from a group comprising tertiary amines, secondary amines and primary amines. In one embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of use of presently provided composition. In another embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of controlling and inhibiting polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers including styrene by employing presently provided composition. In still another embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of preparation of presently provided composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Dorf Ketal Chemicals (India) Private Limited
    Inventor: Mahesh Subramaniyam
  • Patent number: 9719043
    Abstract: A lubricant composition of (a) an oil of lubricating viscosity; (b) a dispersant comprising the condensation product of a carboxylic functionalized polymer with an aromatic amine having at least 3 aromatic rings and at least one primary or secondary amino group; and (c) an overbased metal detergent comprising an oil-soluble neutral metal salt component and a metal carbonate component, provides good seal and corrosion performance. Desirably, the total amount of neutral metal salt component in the lubricant composition is at least about 0.75 percent by weight and the sulfated ash level of the lubricant composition is less than about 1.1 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew D. Gieselman, Mary Galic Raguz, John G. Loop
  • Patent number: 9714393
    Abstract: A compound useful for reducing fouling in a hydrocarbon refining process is provided. A method for preparing the compound includes functionalizing a polymer having a vinyl chain end to obtain a terminal group having one or more anhydride units, and reacting the anhydride units with a polyamine. Methods of using the compound and compositions thereof are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Man Kit Ng, Glen B. Brons, Matthew W. Holtcamp, Donna J. Crowther, Patrick Brant, Hong Cheng, Clarence Chase
  • Patent number: 9713908
    Abstract: A super compactor receives a carbon-containing material and delivers a brick suitable as fuel for power generation. A compaction chamber receives the carbon-containing material and has at least one ram reciprocating along a travel path and exerting a predetermined amount of pressure on the carbon-containing material. The compaction chamber also has an end effector plate or a movable slide gate against which the carbon-containing material is compressed, promoting the removal of moisture from the carbon-containing material, and one or more dewatering apertures or a membrane permitting moisture to pass through but blocking the carbon-containing material. A collector captures the moisture that passes through the dewatering apertures or membrane. A power unit provides power to the at least one ram. A heated extrusion chamber receives the carbon-containing material from the compaction chamber and heats and compacts the carbon-containing material to bind the carbon-containing material into the form of a brick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: E3BIOENERGY, LLC
    Inventor: David B. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 9708558
    Abstract: Method for preparing coal for coke making includes controlling particles size of coal or caking additive before arriving at the plant so particles content having diameter of 6 mm or more in the coal or caking additive reaches 30% by mass or less when the coal or caking additive has permeation distance of 15 mm or more. In another method, the relationship between a critical permeation distance and Gieseler maximum fluidity is obtained using permeation distances and Gieseler maximum fluidity values of one or more brands of coal or caking additive, particles size of coal or caking additive is controlled before arriving at the plant so particles content having diameter of 6 mm or more in coal or caking additive reaches 30% by mass or less when permeation distance of coal or caking additive is larger or equal to a critical permeation distance calculated from the Gieseler maximum fluidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: JFE STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yusuke Dohi, Izumi Shimoyama, Kiyoshi Fukada, Hiroyuki Sumi
  • Patent number: 9708555
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for synthesizing a combustible gas composition as well as a combustible gas composition obtained by such a method. In particular, the method comprises providing a primary gas (30) obtained by splitting water (12) by means of an electric field; and mixing the primary gas (30) with a secondary gas (44) and with air, wherein the secondary gas (44) comprises a combustible gaseous hydrocarbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: NARWA TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventor: Joerg Scharf
  • Patent number: 9694350
    Abstract: This invention provides a catalyst comprising a new form of ZnFe2O4 spinel nanoparticles, and a method for preparing same. The catalyst is useful for catalyzing the esterification of fatty acids or transesterification of triglycerides, wherein the reaction rate and conversion can be enhanced by free fatty acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Ka Fu Yung, Wing Tak Wong, Tsz Lung Kwong
  • Patent number: 9688924
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for hydrogenating a low-sulphur feed into very low sulphur and very low aromatic hydrocarbon fluids having a boiling range in the range of from 100 to 400° C. and a boiling range of not more than 80° C., comprising the step of catalytically hydrogenating said feed at a temperature from 80 to 180° C. and at a pressure from 60 to 160 bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Total Marketing Services
    Inventors: Francois Dalemat, Anne-Eline Gilles, Gildas Morvan
  • Patent number: 9688935
    Abstract: The inventive technology includes methods and apparatus for the generation and application of segregated catalytic additives for the pre-combustion treatment of carbonaceous fuel and/or feedstocks. The application of such segregated additives results in the reduction of environmentally harmful emissions during combustion as well as gasification processes. Specifically, pre-combustion treatment of carbonaceous materials with the inventive additives results in the reduction of NOx and/or mercury emissions by least 20% and 40% respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: VRC Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Marcus A. Wiley, Matthew A. Cotton, Darlene K. Sherrod, Marcus K. Wiley, Timothy P. Lenneman, Thomas Kenyon Gale