Patents by Inventor Ian Lawrence Gaffney

Ian Lawrence Gaffney 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).

  • Patent number: 10975011
    Abstract: A method for forming a blend of ethers from a blend of alcohols includes a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to a reactive distillation station where it is converted a second product blend. The second product blend typically includes a mixture of ethers. An apparatus implementing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: GAS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Ian Lawrence Gaffney, Evan Michael Visser, Krishna K. Rao, Walter Breidenstein
  • Patent number: 10590357
    Abstract: A diesel fuel substitute composition includes an alcohol, an acetal, and an additive comprising a component selected from the group consisting of C3-8 dialkyl ethers, alkylated phenols, R—NO2, and combinations thereof. A method for forming the diesel fuel substitute is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: GAS TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ian Lawrence Gaffney, Evan Michael Visser, Krishna K. Rao
  • Publication number: 20190194103
    Abstract: A method for forming a blend of ethers from a blend of alcohols includes a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to a reactive distillation station where it is converted a second product blend. The second product blend typically includes a mixture of ethers. An apparatus implementing the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: IAN LAWRENCE GAFFNEY, EVAN MICHAEL VISSER, KRISHNA K. RAO, WALTER BREIDENSTEIN
  • Patent number: 10227538
    Abstract: A method includes a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas to form a first product blend in a reactor. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to one or more reactive distillation stations; and The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is converted to a second product blend at one or more reactive distillation stations. Characteristically, the second product blend includes a mixture comprising a at least two of components selected from acetals, ethers, alcohols, esters, and alkenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: GAS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Ian Lawrence Gaffney, Walter Breidenstein, Evan Michael Visser
  • Patent number: 10221118
    Abstract: A method for forming a blend of ethers from a blend of alcohols includes a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to a reactive distillation station where it is converted a second product blend. The second product blend typically includes a mixture of ethers. An apparatus implementing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: GAS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Ian Lawrence Gaffney, Evan Michael Visser, Krishna K. Rao, Walter Breidenstein
  • Patent number: 10099199
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing formaldehyde from a blend of partially oxygenated hydrocarbons includes a reactor for reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas in a reactor vessel to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds that include formaldehyde. The apparatus also includes a reactive scrubbing station in fluid communication with the reactor where the blend of partially oxygenated compounds that include formaldehyde is contacted with a reactive scrubbing liquid at the reactive scrubbing station to form a reactive liquid-formaldehyde compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: GAS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Krishna K. Rao, Evan Michael Visser, Ian Lawrence Gaffney, Walter Breidenstein
  • Publication number: 20170320801
    Abstract: A method for forming a blend of ethers from a blend of alcohols includes a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to a reactive distillation station where it is converted a second product blend. The second product blend typically includes a mixture of ethers. An apparatus implementing the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: IAN LAWRENCE GAFFNEY, EVAN MICHAEL VISSER, KRISHNA K. RAO, WALTER BREIDENSTEIN
  • Patent number: 9745238
    Abstract: A method for forming a blend of ethers from a blend of alcohols includes a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to a reactive distillation station where it is converted a second product blend. The second product blend typically includes a mixture of ethers. An apparatus implementing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Gas Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ian Lawrence Gaffney, Evan Michael Visser, Krishna K. Rao, Walter Breidenstein
  • Publication number: 20170145329
    Abstract: A diesel fuel substitute composition includes an alcohol, an acetal, and an additive comprising a component selected from the group consisting of C3-8 dialkyl ethers, alkylated phenols, R—NO2, and combinations thereof. A method for forming the diesel fuel substitute is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Inventors: IAN LAWRENCE GAFFNEY, EVAN MICHAEL VISSER, KRISHNA K. RAO
  • Publication number: 20170081602
    Abstract: A method includes a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas to form a first product blend in a reactor. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to one or more reactive distillation stations; and The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is converted to a second product blend at one or more reactive distillation stations. Characteristically, the second product blend includes a mixture comprising a at least two of components selected from acetals, ethers, alcohols, esters, and alkenes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Applicant: GAS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Ian Lawrence GAFFNEY, Walter BREIDENSTEIN, Evan Michael VISSER
  • Patent number: 9587189
    Abstract: A diesel fuel substitute composition includes an alcohol, an acetal, and an additive comprising a component selected from the group consisting of C3-8 dialkyl ethers, alkylated phenols, R—NO2, and combinations thereof. A method for forming the diesel fuel substitute is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: GAS TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ian Lawrence Gaffney, Evan Michael Visser, Krishna K. Rao
  • Patent number: 9556092
    Abstract: A method includes a step of supplying a first heated hydrocarbon-containing gas stream to a reactor. An oxygen-containing gas stream is separately supplied to the reactor to partially oxidize the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream. The oxygen-containing gas is optionally prepared by passing air through one or more membranes to increase the oxygen content. One or more of the desired liquid oxygenated hydrocarbons are condensed and/or separated from the resulting product stream. Non-hydrocarbon gases are selectively removed from the product stream to enrich the gaseous hydrocarbon fraction using a scrubber and/or a membrane. The remaining gaseous hydrocarbon products from the product stream are mixed with a fresh hydrocarbon-containing gas stream after one cycle of the reaction. Characteristically, the process uses at least one membrane to increase oxygen content of the oxygen containing gas and/or to remove non-hydrocarbon gases from the product stream as set forth above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: GAS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Evan Michael Visser, Ian Lawrence Gaffney, Walter Briedenstein
  • Publication number: 20160045890
    Abstract: A method for removing formaldehyde from a blend of partially oxygenated hydrocarbons is provided. The method including a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas in a reaction vessel to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds that include formaldehyde. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to a reactive scrubbing station where it is contacted with a reactive scrubbing liquid to form a reactive liquid-formaldehyde compound. The reactive liquid-formaldehyde compound is then removed from the first blend of partially reactive compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Krishna K. Rao, Evan Michael Visser, Ian Lawrence Gaffney, Walter Breidenstein
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20160031780
    Abstract: A method for forming a blend of ethers from a blend of alcohols includes a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to a reactive distillation station where it is converted a second product blend. The second product blend typically includes a mixture of ethers. An apparatus implementing the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Krishna K RAO, Evan Michael VISSER, Ian Lawrence GAFFNEY, Walter BREIDENSTEIN
  • Patent number: 9174903
    Abstract: A method for removing formaldehyde from a blend of partially oxygenated hydrocarbons is provided. The method including a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas in a reaction vessel to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds that include formaldehyde. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to a reactive scrubbing station where it is contacted with a reactive scrubbing liquid to form a reactive liquid-formaldehyde compound. The reactive liquid-formaldehyde compound is then removed from the first blend of partially reactive compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Gas Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Krishna K. Rao, Evan Michael Visser, Ian Lawrence Gaffney, Walter Breidenstein
  • Publication number: 20150299074
    Abstract: A method includes a step of supplying a first heated hydrocarbon-containing gas stream to a reactor. An oxygen-containing gas stream is separately supplied to the reactor to partially oxidize the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream. The oxygen-containing gas is optionally prepared by passing air through one or more membranes to increase the oxygen content. One or more of the desired liquid oxygenated hydrocarbons are condensed and/or separated from the resulting product stream. Non-hydrocarbon gases are selectively removed from the product stream to enrich the gaseous hydrocarbon fraction using a scrubber and/or a membrane. The remaining gaseous hydrocarbon products from the product stream are mixed with a fresh hydrocarbon-containing gas stream after one cycle of the reaction. Characteristically, the process uses at least one membrane to increase oxygen content of the oxygen containing gas and/or to remove non-hydrocarbon gases from the product stream as set forth above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Evan Michael VISSER, Ian Lawrence GAFFNEY, Walter BRIEDENSTEIN
  • Publication number: 20150089862
    Abstract: A diesel fuel substitute composition includes an alcohol, an acetal, and an additive comprising a component selected from the group consisting of C3-8 dialkyl ethers, alkylated phenols, R—NO2, and combinations thereof. A method for forming the diesel fuel substitute is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Ian Lawrence GAFFNEY, Evan Michael VISSER, Krishna K. RAO
  • Publication number: 20140275643
    Abstract: A method for removing formaldehyde from a blend of partially oxygenated hydrocarbons is provided. The method including a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas in a reaction vessel to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds that include formaldehyde. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to a reactive scrubbing station where it is contacted with a reactive scrubbing liquid to form a reactive liquid-formaldehyde compound. The reactive liquid-formaldehyde compound is then removed from the first blend of partially reactive compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GAS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Krishna K. Rao, Evan Michael Visser, Ian Lawrence Gaffney, Walter Breidenstein
  • Publication number: 20140275642
    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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GAS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Ian Lawrence Gaffney, Evan Michael Visser, Walter Breidenstein