Patents by Inventor Robert J. Houston

Robert J. Houston 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).

  • Naphtha reforming process
    Patent number: 4460457
    Abstract: In a process for reforming light naphtha with a bimetallic or multimetallic reforming catalyst, such as a platinum-rhenium-halogen catalyst, at conventional reforming conditions, wherein the catalyst is used for an extended continuous on-stream period, the aromatics selectivity of the catalyst is rapidly increased by contacting the naphtha and hydrogen with the catalyst at increased severity operating conditions, such as a reduced pressure less than 90% of the normal reforming pressure, during an initial portion of the on-stream period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventors: Kirk R. Gibson, Robert J. Houston, Thomas R. Hughes, Robert L. Jacobson
  • Fixed-bed reforming with mid-cycle catalyst addition
    Patent number: 4251349
    Abstract: A fixed-bed catalytic reforming process in which on-stream operation is begun with the catalyst retention volume in the first reactor less than 99% full and additional catalyst is added to said reactor while on-stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1981
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventors: Charles S. McCoy, Robert J. Houston