Patents Examined by Elvis O. Price
  • Patent number: 9315436
    Abstract: The invention relates to nonyl alcohols with a low degree of branching and derivatives produced using them. In particular the present invention relates to mixture of primary nonyl alcohols in which at least 80% of the alkyl chains are linear and at least 15% of the alkyl chains are branched at the 2-carbon position and its derivatives. The low degree of branching produces derivatives that are more elongated and less bulky that similar derivatives produced with more highly branched alcohols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Julian Richard Barnes, James Grace Crump, Paul Theodore Sharko
  • Patent number: 9315433
    Abstract: Provided is a simple and industrially advantageous method for producing 2,7-octadien-1-ol, in which an expensive palladium catalyst is recovered in high efficiency and the reaction rate per atom of palladium is enhanced. Specifically, provided is a method for producing 2,7-octadien-1-ol by subjecting butadiene and water to a telomerization in the presence of a palladium catalyst containing a water-soluble triarylphosphine having two or more sulfonate groups in the molecule and a palladium compound, a tertiary amine, and carbon dioxide, including a step of mixing the telomerization solution obtained by the telomerization with an organic solvent having a dielectric constant at 25° C. of 2 to 18, followed by carrying out phase separation in the presence of carbon dioxide, thereby obtaining 2,7-octadien-1-ol from an organic phase while recovering an aqueous phase including the palladium catalyst. By this production method, the selectivity for 2,7-octadien-1-ol is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: KURARAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Yoshikawa, Tomoaki Tsuji
  • Patent number: 9308489
    Abstract: The present invention includes a process for the dehydration of ethanol by adsorption of water at elevated pressure and for the regeneration (purging) of adsorbent at a lower pressure than the pressure used for the adsorption of water where the ratio of the duration of the regeneration (purge) step to the duration of the water adsorption step is higher than 0.1 and the temperature of adsorption is greater than 260 degree Fahrenheit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Thermal Kinetics Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Brown, Marion Simo
  • Patent number: 9302964
    Abstract: To provide a method for efficiently separating 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf) and chloromethane (R40) from a composition containing HFO-1234yf and R40. A method for separating HFO-1234yf containing substantially no R40, which comprises bringing an azeotropic composition or azeotrope-like composition of H FO-1234yf and R40 into contact with a specific extraction solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Shoji Furuta, Tetsuo Otsuka
  • Patent number: 9302966
    Abstract: A process for converting polyhydric alcohols to monoalcohols in a counter current column reactor with a metal based catalyst supported on a porous membrane coated over a tubular system that delivers hydrogen where a hydrocarbon (low polarity) liquid solvent is fed at the bottom of the column reactor and an aqueous liquid having polyhydric alcohols therein is fed into the top of the reactor such that the aqueous liquid flows countercurrent to the low polarity solvent liquid and further wherein the low polarity solvent liquid is less dense than the aqueous liquid such that the two liquids are subject to phase separation. Monoalcohols are formed by hydrogenolysis reactions of polyhydric alcohols on the metal catalyst. Monoalcohols phase separate from the aqueous phase to the hydrocarbon solvent. Monoalcohols are further separated from the organic solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventors: Lotero Edgar, Fjare A. Kristi, Sughrue L. Edward
  • Patent number: 9302965
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of ethylene glycol and 1,2-propylene glycol from starting material comprising one or more saccharides, by contacting said starting material with hydrogen in a reactor in the presence of a solvent and a catalyst system with catalytic hydrogenation abilities, wherein the process comprises the steps of: i) introducing a first portion of the starting material into the reactor such that the initial concentration of the saccharide in the solvent in the reactor is no more than 2 wt %; ii) allowing at least 90 wt % of the saccharide in the first portion of the starting material to react; iii) subsequently adding further portions of starting material to the reactor over time; and removing reaction product from the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Evert Van Der Heide, Govinda Subbanna Wagle
  • Patent number: 9297050
    Abstract: Provided is a process for removing impurities from a solution (S1), wherein said solution (S1) comprises one or more sugar dissolved in an aqueous solvent, wherein said solution (S1) has conductivity at 25° C. of 500 ?S/cm or higher, and wherein said process comprises (a) contacting said solution (S1) with a cation exchange resin (R1) to produce a solution (S2) in which 80% or more of the cations are all of the same element (E); and (b) then contacting said solution (S2) with a cation exchange resin (R2) in which, prior to said contacting, 90% or more of acid groups are in the salt form with said element (E). Also provided is a process for producing glycols comprising providing an extract solution by the process of claim 1, and then contacting said solution (S3) with hydrogen and a metal catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yi Shu, Fengshan Luo, Gongwei Pu
  • Patent number: 9290520
    Abstract: Diol derived blocked mercaptofunctional silane compositions in which the silanes comprise cyclic and bridged alkoxy groups derived from hydrocarbon-based diols and processes for their preparation are provided. Also provided are rubber compositions comprising the cyclic diol-derived blocked mercaptofunctional silanes, processes for their preparation and articles of manufacture comprising the rubber compositions, in particular, automotive tires and components thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W Cruse, Leda N. Gonzalez, Rodica Himmeldirk, Larry Allen Divens, Melinda Jackson, Eric Raymond Pohl, Antonio Chaves
  • Patent number: 9290523
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing urea-containing silanes of the general formula I wherein a diamine of the general formula II H2N—R—S—S—R—NH2??(II) is reacted with isocyanatosilane of the general formula III (R1)3Si—R—NCO??(III) in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Evonik Industries AG
    Inventors: Sebastian Rosenstingl, Ralph Moser, Caren Röben, Rosemarie Burger
  • Patent number: 9283537
    Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: XYLECO, INC.
    Inventor: Marshall Medoff
  • Patent number: 9278896
    Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: XYLECO, INC.
    Inventor: Marshall Medoff
  • Patent number: 9266800
    Abstract: A trifluoroethylene composition which is safe to handle and which can be safely stored and transported at pressures of up to 5.00 MPa. The composition comprises trifluoroethylene and HCl in a molar ratio trifluoroethylene:HCl from 10:90 to 63:37. When the composition is a compressed gas it has a pressure of from 0.50 to 5.00 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: SOLVAY SPECIALTY POLYMERS ITALY S.P.A.
    Inventor: Emanuela Antenucci
  • Patent number: 9255051
    Abstract: A method for preparing oxygenated hydrocarbons includes steps of: reacting a first heated hydrocarbon-containing gas stream with an oxygen-containing gas stream in a reactor for form a first product blend, recovering the energy generated in the reactor in order to preheat incoming hydrocarbon feed to the reactor and/or to drive endothermic reactions that generate synthesis gas, separating and condensing one or more liquid oxygenated hydrocarbons from the product stream, separating a reject stream from a recycle stream, mixing remaining gaseous hydrocarbon product from the recycle stream with the first hydrocarbon-containing gas stream after one reaction cycle, converting the first reject stream to a synthesis gas mixture, and converting the synthesis gas mixture to light alkanes to be blended with one or with oxygenates in an output stream to optionally form higher molecular weight oxygenates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Gas Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ian Lawrence Gaffney, Evan Michael Visser, Walter Breidenstein
  • Patent number: 9255050
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of 2-alkyl-3-butin-2-ols; especially to a new purification step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Tschumi
  • Patent number: 9249074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved synthesis of tetrahydromyrcenol (IUPAC name: 2,6-dimethyl-2-octanol).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventors: Raphael Beumer, Werner Bonrath, Jonathan Alan Medlock
  • Patent number: 9249076
    Abstract: Provided herein are processes comprising providing a fermentation medium comprising a fermentable carbon source, a recombinant microorganism comprising an engineered butanol biosynthetic pathway, and butanol; contacting said fermentation medium with an extractant composition comprising an effective amount of antioxidant or antioxidant-like compound, whereby at least a portion of the butanol in the fermentation medium partitions into the extractant; recovering at least a portion of the butanol and extractant composition from the fermentation medium; recycling the extractant composition recovered in (c) one or more times in the fermentation medium; optionally adjusting the effective amount of antioxidant or antioxidant-like compound in the extractant composition, whereby the rate of oxidation or effect of oxidized products in the recycled extractant composition is substantially reduced and/or avoided such that the extractant composition may be recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: BUTAMAX ADVANCED BIOFUELS LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Robert Anton, Bruce A. Diner, Steven D. Doig
  • Patent number: 9249073
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for preparing a succinic acid ester comprising the steps of bringing an aqueous liquid comprising succinic acid, alcohol, and at least 5 wt. % of a dissolved chloride salt selected from magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and zinc chloride, calculated on the weight of the liquid, to reaction conditions, thereby obtaining a succinic acid ester, and recovering the succinic acid ester and an aqueous solution comprising the dissolved chloride salt. It has been found that the process according to the invention shows a high yield and has a high reaction rate. Additionally, it has been found that the process makes it possible to carry out the separation of the succinic acid ester from the aqueous reaction medium in high yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: PURAC BIOCHEM B.V.
    Inventors: Jan Van Krieken, André Banier De Haan, Jan Van Breugel
  • Patent number: 9248400
    Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to processes for fabrication of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) membranes. These ZIF membranes can be used in separating C2? hydrocarbons from C3+ hydrocarbons and propylene/propane mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Zhiping Lai, Yichang Pan
  • Patent number: 9242910
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process to produce HCFC-244bb from HCFO-1233xf wherein, in one embodiment, co-feed species HFC-245cb is added to the reaction at a pressure of at least about 100 psig; and in another embodiment it is added to maintain a mole ratio of HFC-245cb to HCFO-1233xf of between about 0.005:1 to about 1:1. The HFC-245cb may be added as recycled by-product of the reaction and/or added as fresh feed. The HFC-245cb provides elevated pressures to the reaction thereby facilitating reactor operation, mixing and HCFC-244bb product removal. Other co-feed species are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Haluk Kopkalli, Daniel C. Merkel, Ron Joseph Roof
  • Patent number: 9242915
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for production and recovery of ethanol or other volatile organic compounds, such as acetic acid, from solid biomass material. One embodiment comprises introducing a biomass material to a compartment of a solventless recovery system, wherein the biomass material contains one or more volatile organic compounds; contacting the biomass material with a superheated vapor stream in the compartment to vaporize at least a portion of an initial liquid content in the biomass material, said superheated vapor stream comprising at least one volatile organic compound; separating a vapor component and a solid component from the heated biomass material, said vapor component comprising at least one volatile organic compound; and retaining at least a portion of the vapor component for use as part of the superheated vapor stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Corey William Radtke, Phillip Guy Hamilton, Keith Michael Kreitman