Patents by Inventor Paul O'Connor

Paul O'Connor 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).

  • Catalytic process for reacting carbon dioxide with hydrogen
    Patent number: 8754269
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reacting carbon dioxide with hydrogen. In the process a catalyst having carbon dioxide adsorbed thereto is contacted with hydrogen at an elevated temperature. The catalyst can be regenerated by contacting depleted catalyst with a carbon dioxide source, for example a flue gas of a power plant. In a preferred embodiment carbon dioxide is reacted by in situ hydrolysis of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Antecy B.V.
    Inventor: Paul O'Connor
  • PROCESS FOR CONVERTING POLYSACCHARIDES IN AN INORGANIC MOLTEN SALT HYDRATE
    Publication number: 20140135510
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting a polysaccharide-containing biomass material to platform chemicals. The process comprises dissolving the polysaccharides in an inorganic molten salt hydrate, converting the polysaccharides to monosaccharides, and converting the monosaccharides to derivatized (di) anhydro sugars that are easily separable from the inorganic molten salt hydrate. The derivatized (di) anhydro sugars are useful as fuel additives and fuel substitutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: BIOeCON International Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Michael MAKKEE, Jacob MOULIJN, Rafael MENEGASSI DE ALMEIDA, Paul O'CONNOR
  • Stable suspensions of biomass comprising inorganic particulates
    Patent number: 8715377
    Abstract: Liquid suspensions are disclosed comprising a suspending medium, small particles of biomass, and small particles of an inorganic material. The inorganic material stabilizes the suspension, so that it may be transported by pipeline or tank car without developing a sediment. The suspension may be used in manufacturing a bio-fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul O'Connor, Sjoerd Daamen
  • Process for converting carbon-based energy carrier material
    Patent number: 8709239
    Abstract: A process is disclosed process for converting a solid or highly viscous carbon-based energy carrier material to liquid and gaseous reaction products, said process comprising the steps of: a) contacting the carbon-based energy carrier material with a particulate catalyst material b) converting the carbon-based energy carrier material at a reaction temperature between 200° C. and 450° C., preferably between 250° C. and 350° C., thereby forming reaction products in the vapor phase. In a preferred embodiment the process comprises the additional step of: c) separating the vapor phase reaction products from the particulate catalyst material within 10 seconds after said reaction products are formed. In a further preferred embodiment step c) is followed by: d) quenching the reaction products to a temperature below 200° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul O'Connor, Dennis Stamires, Jacob Adriaan Moulijn
  • DIRECT PHOTOCONVERSION OF CARBON DIOXIDE TO LIQUID PRODUCTS
    Publication number: 20140090972
    Abstract: A photocatalytic process is disclosed for the reduction of carbon dioxide and water. The process comprises reacting carbon dioxide and water in the presence of a photocatalytic composition that is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of from 200 to 700 nm. The photocatalytic composition is capable of chemisorbing carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: ANTECY B.V.
    Inventors: Paul O'CONNOR, Avelino CORMA CANOS, Hermenegildo GARCIA GOMEZ
  • SELF-CONTAINED SOLAR-POWERED ENERGY SUPPLY AND STORAGE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140057139
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for energy supply and storage. The system is self-contained. It comprises a means for generating solar electric power. Electric power can be converted to a liquid fuel, such as methanol, in a reversible liquid fuel cell. The liquid fuel is stored. When demand for electric power exceeds the supply of solar power, electric power is generated in the liquid fuel cell using stored liquid fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: ANTECY B.V.
    Inventors: Paul O'CONNOR, Gerrit VAN PUTTEN, Jacobus Cornelis RASSER, Sasa MARINIC
  • Polymeric material of photosynthetic origin comprising particulate inorganic material
    Patent number: 8657946
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new composition of matter comprising a polymeric material of photosynthetic origin having embedded therein small particles of an inorganic material. The composition of matter is particularly suitable for use in processes whereby the polymeric material is converted to fuels in liquid or gas form, and/or to the valuable specialty chemicals. The polymeric material comprises biomass. More specifically, the polymeric material comprises cellulose and at least one of hemicellulose and lignin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul O'Connor
  • Process for dissolving cellulose-containing biomass material in an ionic liquid medium
    Patent number: 8652261
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for dissolving the cellulose component if a cellulose-containing biomass material in an Ionic Liquid medium. The biomass material contains minerals. At least part of the minerals are removed prior to contacting the biomass material with the Ionic Liquid medium. The Ionic Liquid medium preferably is an inorganic molten salt hydrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul O'Connor
  • Polymeric material of photosynthetic origin comprising particulate inorganic material
    Patent number: 8648138
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new composition of matter comprising a polymeric material of photosynthetic origin having embedded therein small particles of an inorganic material. The composition of matter is particularly suitable for use in processes whereby the polymeric material is converted to fuels in liquid or gas form, and/or to the valuable specialty chemicals. The polymeric material comprises biomass. More specifically, the polymeric material comprises cellulose and at least one of hemicellulose and lignin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul O'Connor
  • Process to separate lipids from lipid-containing biomass for producing platform chemicals and/or liquid biofuels
    Patent number: 8628593
    Abstract: The process described in the instant invention has the steps of dissolving the lipid-containing biomass in an ionic liquid, whereby a lipid phase and a hydrophilic phase are formed. The lipid phase contains primarily triglycerides, which can be converted to biodiesel by transesterification to, e.g., methyl esters. The hydrophilic phase comprises dissolved biopolymers, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and protein. The biopolymers are converted in situ to compounds that are insoluble in the molten inorganic salt hydrate. The molten inorganic salt hydrates regenerated by removing insolubles, such as lignin, ash from the biomass, and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: BOleCON International Holding N.V.
    Inventors: Jacob A. Moulijn, Sjoerd Daamen, Paul O'Connor, Rob Van Der Meij
  • PRETREATMENT OF BIOMASS WITH CARBONACEOUS MATERIAL
    Publication number: 20140007499
    Abstract: A composition of matter is disclosed comprising an intimate mixture of a particulate solid biomass material and a carbonaceous material. The composition is suitable for conversion to a bio-oil in a pyrolysis reaction. The carbonaceous material acts as a reducing agent during the pyrolysis reaction. The composition of matter produces bio-oil in a greater yield than prior art processes. The bio-oil is of improved quality, as evidenced by its low TAN value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Stamires, Paul O'Connor
  • CATALYTIC PROCESS FOR CONVERTING CARBON DIOXIDE TO A LIQUID FUEL OR PLATFORM CHEMICAL
    Publication number: 20140000157
    Abstract: A process for converting carbon dioxide to liquid fuels for a liquid fuel composition and/or a platform chemical composition. In this conversion process carbon dioxide is adsorbed to a catalyst composition, and reacted with hydrogen to form oxygenated hydrocarbons. Hydrogen for use in the process can be generated in situ or ex situ. The process can be carried out in a fully carbon neutral manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: ANTECY B.V.
    Inventors: Paul O'CONNOR, Sjoerd DAAMEN
  • Liquid fuel from aquatic biomass
    Patent number: 8617261
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting aquatic biomass to a bio-oil. The process comprises mixing the aquatic biomass with a particulate catalytic material; subjecting the aquatic biomass to a catalytic cracking reaction to form a reaction mixture comprising a bio-oil; and isolating the bio-oil from the reaction mixture. Preferably the process is integrated with a plant for producing aquatic biomass, so that heat and CO2 generated during the process may be used in the production of aquatic biomass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul O'Connor
  • Process for reducing the oxygen content of high-oxygen feedstocks
    Patent number: 8598393
    Abstract: A process is described for reducing the oxygen content of a high-oxygen feedstock. The process is particularly suitable for biomass-based feedstocks. The process comprises contacting the feedstock with carbon monoxide and/or coke in the presence of a catalyst. Conveniently, the coke may be present in the form of a deposit on the catalyst. Carbon monoxide may be generated in a regeneration step of the catalyst. The process may be carried out in conventional refinery equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul O'Connor
  • Processing of biomass-derived oxygenates with particles comprising a coke deposit
    Patent number: 8574460
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing a mixture of CO and H2 (syn-gas). The method comprises contacting particles containing a coke deposit with oxygenated molecules derived from biomass. In a preferred embodiment the particles are catalyst particles. The method may be carried out in the regenerator of a conventional fluid catalyst cracking (FCC) unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul O'Connor, Avelino Corma Camos, George W. Huber
  • Modular biomass treatment unit
    Patent number: 8558043
    Abstract: A modular biomass treatment unit includes a first module having a pretreater and a first frame for transportation to and operation at a site adjacent to a solid biomass growth source. The pretreater is operable to process solid biomass to produce a plurality of solid biomass particles for conversion into a fuel or specialty chemical. The first frame supports the pretreater during transportation to and operation at the site adjacent to the solid biomass growth source. The modular biomass treatment unit can also include additional modules each comprising a reactor, a separator, and a frame for transportation to and operation at a site such as the site adjacent to the solid biomass growth source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Yanik, Paul O'Connor, Robert Bartek
  • Pretreatment of biomass with carbonaceous material
    Patent number: 8552233
    Abstract: A composition of matter is described herein that can be subjected to pyrolysis and converted into a bio-oil. The composition comprises an intimate mixture of a particulate solid biomass material and a carbonaceous material. The carbonaceous material acts as a reducing agent during the pyrolysis reaction. The composition of matter produces bio-oil in a greater yield than prior art processes. The bio-oil is of improved quality, as evidenced by its low TAN value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: KiOR Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Stamires, Paul O'Connor
  • Improved Process for Converting Carbon-Based Energy Carrier Material
    Publication number: 20130245346
    Abstract: A process is disclosed process for converting a solid or highly viscous carbon-based energy carrier material to liquid and gaseous reaction products, said process comprising the steps of: a) contacting the carbon-based energy carrier material with a particulate catalyst material b) converting the carbon-based energy carrier material at a reaction temperature between 200° C. and 450° C., preferably between 250° C. and 350° C., thereby forming reaction products in the vapor phase. In a preferred embodiment the process comprises the additional step of: c) separating the vapor phase reaction products from the particulate catalyst material within 10 seconds after said reaction products are formed. In a further preferred embodiment step c) is followed by: d) quenching the reaction products to a temperature below 200° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul O'Connor, Dennis Stamires, Jacob Adriaan Moulijn
  • SIMULTANEOUS HYDROLYSIS AND HYDROGENATION OF CELLULOSE
    Publication number: 20130245252
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for conversion of cellulose in an Ionic Liquid medium. The process is characterized in that a cellulose-containing feedstock and an Ionic Liquid are mixed at a temperature below 80 ° C. The mixture is heated to a conversion temperature in the range of 80 ° C. to 220 ° C. under a hydrogen atmosphere. The presence of hydrogen during the heating step significantly reduces the formation of degradation products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicants: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras
    Inventors: Michiel MAKKEE, Jacob Adriaan MOULIJN, Jianrong LI, Paul O'CONNOR, Jacobus Cornelis RASSER, Armand Eduard ROSHEUVEL, Rafael MENEGASSI DE ALMEIDA
  • Biomass catalytic conversion process and apparatus for use therein
    Patent number: 8524959
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for small-scale operation of biomass catalytic cracking. The process is suitable for lab scale and pilot plant operation, as well as for small-scale commercial operation. The process is suitable for simulating a continuous biomass catalytic cracking (BCC) process. The process comprises a biomass conversion cycle and a catalyst regeneration cycle. A fluid bed reactor and a reaction feed fluidizer suitable for use in the process are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul O'Connor, Henrique Soares Cerqueira, Robert Bartek, Steve Yanik