Patents by Inventor Esther M. Wilcox

Esther M. Wilcox 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).

  • Methods for improving syngas-to-alcohol catalyst activity and selectivity
    Patent number: 8318986
    Abstract: The invention herein provides methods of activating a catalyst composition. These methods include annealing a catalyst with an inert gas, under effective conditions, and then contacting the annealed catalyst with syngas to produce an activated catalyst. These steps can also be reversed. The activated catalysts can be employed to convert syngas into products, such as alcohols, with improved selectivities and yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick J. Alsum, Esther M. Wilcox, Jesse E. Hensley, Karl Kharas
  • METHODS FOR IMPROVING SYNGAS-TO-ETHANOL CATALYST SELECTIVITY
    Publication number: 20100152498
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods to increase yields and selectivities to particular alcohols, such as ethanol, during alcohol synthesis from syngas. In some embodiments, a starting catalyst can be activated by contacting with a gas stream under certain preferred activation temperatures, pressures, and compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Range Fuels, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl KHARAS, Esther M. Wilcox, Heinz Juergen Robota
  • METHODS FOR IMPROVING SYNGAS-TO-ALCOHOL CATALYST ACTIVITY AND SELECTIVITY
    Publication number: 20100076228
    Abstract: The invention herein provides methods of activating a catalyst composition. These methods include annealing a catalyst with an inert gas, under effective conditions, and then contacting the annealed catalyst with syngas to produce an activated catalyst. These steps can also be reversed. The activated catalysts can be employed to convert syngas into products, such as alcohols, with improved selectivities and yields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Range Fuels, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. ALSUM, Esther M. Wilcox, Jesse E. Hensley, Karl Kharas