Patents by Inventor Robert J. Saxton

Robert J. Saxton 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: 10017430
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for tandem alkene dehydrogenation/alkene dimerization using an iridium pincer complex catalyst on a support comprising magnesium silicates (e.g., Florisil®). The reaction process comprises providing an iridium pincer complex bound to a solid support comprising magnesium silicates; providing a gaseous alkane feedstock comprising at least one alkane; and contacting the gaseous alkane feedstock with the iridium pincer complex bound to the solid support in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor to form dimerized alkenes. The processes disclosed herein can accomplish facile, low-temperature tandem transfer dehydrogenation of alkanes and dimerization of alkenes with unprecedented TONs at a reasonable rate of conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignees: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Oleg Mironov, Robert J. Saxton, Alan S. Goldman, Akshai Kumar
  • Publication number: 20180044261
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for tandem alkene dehydrogenation/alkene dimerization using an iridium pincer complex catalyst on a support comprising magnesium silicates (e.g., Florisil®). The reaction process comprises providing an iridium pincer complex bound to a solid support comprising magnesium silicates; providing a gaseous alkane feedstock comprising at least one alkane; and contacting the gaseous alkane feedstock with the iridium pincer complex bound to the solid support in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor to form dimerized alkenes. The processes disclosed herein can accomplish facile, low-temperature tandem transfer dehydrogenation of alkanes and dimerization of alkenes with unprecedented TONs at a reasonable rate of conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicants: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Oleg Mironov, Robert J. Saxton, Alan S. Goldman, Akshai Kumar
  • Publication number: 20180002361
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for dehydrogenation of an alkane to an alkene using an iridium pincer complex. In the dehydrogenation reactions, hydrogen that is co-formed during the process must be removed for the chemical reaction to proceed and to prevent the excess hydrogen from poisoning the catalyst. In one embodiment the process comprises providing an alkane feedstock comprising at least one alkane and contacting the alkane with an iridium pincer complex in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propene, or mixtures to form an alkene product. The processes disclosed herein can accomplish facile, low-temperature transfer dehydrogenation of alkanes with unprecedented selectivities and TONs at a reasonable rate of conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicants: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Akshai KUMAR, Oleg MIRONOV, Robert J. SAXTON, Alan S. GOLDMAN
  • Patent number: 9828400
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for dehydrogenation of an alkane to an alkene using an iridium pincer complex and iridium pincer complexes. In the dehydrogenation reactions, hydrogen that is co-formed during the process must be removed for the chemical reaction to proceed and to prevent the excess hydrogen from poisoning the catalyst. In one embodiment the process comprises providing an alkane feedstock comprising at least one alkane and contacting the alkane with an iridium pincer complex in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propene, or mixtures to form an alkene product. The processes disclosed herein can accomplish facile, low-temperature transfer dehydrogenation of alkanes with unprecedented selectivities and TONs at a reasonable rate of conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignees: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Akshai Kumar, Oleg Mironov, Robert J. Saxton, Alan S. Goldman
  • Patent number: 9828310
    Abstract: Provided is a Group 9 novel metal catalyst complex further comprising a ketone-containing cocatalyst. The metal catalyst complex is useful in generating olefins from alkanes with great efficiency. In one embodiment, provided is an iridium catalyst complex useful in the dehydrogenation of alkanes comprising a ketone-containing cocatalyst and iridium complexed with a tridentate ligand. Also provided is a novel dehydrogenation method which utilizes the catalyst composition. In other embodiments, a novel process for preparing oligomers from alkanes utilizing the catalyst composition is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignees: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Alan Stuart Goldman, Robert Timothy Stibrany, Robert J. Saxton, Oleg Mironov
  • Patent number: 9802971
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for dehydrogenation of an alkane to an alkene using an iridium pincer complex. In the dehydrogenation reactions, hydrogen that is co-formed during the process must be removed for the chemical reaction to proceed and to prevent the excess hydrogen from poisoning the catalyst. In one embodiment the process comprises providing an alkane feedstock comprising at least one alkane and contacting the alkane with an iridium pincer complex in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propene, or mixtures to form an alkene product. The processes disclosed herein can accomplish facile, low-temperature transfer dehydrogenation of alkanes with unprecedented selectivities and TONs at a reasonable rate of conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignees: Chevron U.S.A. INC., Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Akshai Kumar, Oleg Mironov, Robert J. Saxton, Alan S. Goldman
  • Publication number: 20170210771
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for dehydrogenation of an alkane to an alkene using an iridium pincer complex and iridium pincer complexes. In the dehydrogenation reactions, hydrogen that is co-formed during the process must be removed for the chemical reaction to proceed and to prevent the excess hydrogen from poisoning the catalyst. In one embodiment the process comprises providing an alkane feedstock comprising at least one alkane and contacting the alkane with an iridium pincer complex in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propene, or mixtures to form an alkene product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Applicants: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Akshai KUMAR, Oleg MIRONOV, Robert J. SAXTON, Alan S. GOLDMAN
  • Patent number: 9676682
    Abstract: Provided is a Group 9 novel metal catalyst complex further comprising a ketone-containing cocatalyst. The metal catalyst complex is useful in generating olefins from alkanes with great efficiency. In one embodiment, provided is an iridium catalyst complex useful in the dehydrogenation of alkanes comprising a ketone-containing cocatalyst and iridium complexed with a tridentate ligand. Also provided is a novel dehydrogenation method which utilizes the catalyst composition. In other embodiments, a novel process for preparing oligomers from alkanes utilizing the catalyst composition is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignees: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Alan Stuart Goldman, Robert J. Saxton, Oleg Mironov
  • Publication number: 20170129830
    Abstract: Provided is a Group 9 novel metal catalyst complex further comprising a ketone-containing cocatalyst. The metal catalyst complex is useful in generating olefins from alkanes with great efficiency. In one embodiment, provided is an iridium catalyst complex useful in the dehydrogenation of alkanes comprising a ketone-containing cocatalyst and iridium complexed with a tridentate ligand. Also provided is a novel dehydrogenation method which utilizes the catalyst composition. In other embodiments, a novel process for preparing oligomers from alkanes utilizing the catalyst composition is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicants: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
    Inventors: Alan Stuart GOLDMAN, Robert Timothy STIBRANY, Robert J. SAXTON, Oleg MIRONOV
  • Publication number: 20150251171
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for dehydrogenation of an alkane to an alkene using an iridium pincer complex. In the dehydrogenation reactions, hydrogen that is co-formed during the process must be removed for the chemical reaction to proceed and to prevent the excess hydrogen from poisoning the catalyst. In one embodiment the process comprises providing an alkane feedstock comprising at least one alkane and contacting the alkane with an iridium pincer complex in the presence of a hydrogen acceptor selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propene, or mixtures to form an alkene product. The processes disclosed herein can accomplish facile, low-temperature transfer dehydrogenation of alkanes with unprecedented selectivities and TONs at a reasonable rate of conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicants: RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY, CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Akshai KUMAR, Oleg MORONOV, Robert J. SAXTON, Alan S. GOLDMAN
  • Publication number: 20150073185
    Abstract: Provided is a Group 9 novel metal catalyst complex further comprising a ketone-containing cocatalyst. The metal catalyst complex is useful in generating olefins from alkanes with great efficiency. In one embodiment, provided is an iridium catalyst complex useful in the dehydrogenation of alkanes comprising a ketone-containing cocatalyst and iridium complexed with a tridentate ligand. Also provided is a novel dehydrogenation method which utilizes the catalyst composition. In other embodiments, a novel process for preparing oligomers from alkanes utilizing the catalyst composition is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicants: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Stuart Goldman, Robert Timothy Stibrany, Robert J. Saxton, Oleg MIRONOV
  • Publication number: 20140221716
    Abstract: The present invention provides an olefin oligomerization process comprising the steps of: i) reducing the level of acetonitrile in an olefin feed by contacting the feed with a non-zeolitic metal oxide; and ii) contacting the olefin feed with reduced level of acetonitrile with an olefin oligomerization catalyst under conditions suitable to oligomerize the olefin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Geraldine Tosin, An Verberckmoes, Helge Jaensch, George M. K. Mathys, Machteld M. W. Mertens, Sourav Saha, Hailian Li, Robert J. Saxton
  • Patent number: 8697018
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to molecular sieve SSZ-25 and its use in the reduction of oxides of nitrogen in a gas stream such as the exhaust from an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Stacey I. Zones, Robert J. Saxton
  • Patent number: 8519011
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for converting synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbon mixtures useful in the production of fuels and petrochemicals. The synthesis gas is contacted with at least two layers of synthesis gas conversion catalyst wherein each synthesis gas conversion catalyst layer is followed by a layer of hydrocracking catalyst and hydroisomerization catalyst or separate layers of hydrocracking and hydroisomerization catalysts. The process can occur within a single reactor, at an essentially common reactor temperature and an essentially common reactor pressure. The process provides a high yield of naphtha range liquid hydrocarbons and a low yield of wax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Saxton, Charles L. Kibby, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Tapan Das
  • Patent number: 8481601
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of performing a synthesis gas conversion reaction in which synthesis gas contacts a catalyst system including a mixture of ruthenium loaded Fischer-Tropsch catalyst particles and at least one set of catalyst particles including an acidic component promoted with a noble metal, e.g., Pt or Pd. The reaction occurs at conditions resulting in a hydrocarbons product containing 1-15 weight % CH4, 1-15 weight % C2-C4, 70-95 weight % C5+, 0-5 weight % C21+ normal paraffins, and 0-10 weight % aromatic hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Tapan Das, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Charles L Kibby, Robert J. Saxton
  • Publication number: 20130157841
    Abstract: Methods for preparing catalysts including a transition metal component and a zeolite component are disclosed. In some embodiments, the transition metal is deposited in a precursor solution onto a zeolite extrudate to form an intermediate integral catalyst wherein prior to the deposition, the zeolite has been subjected to an initial ion exchange with protecting cations which exchange with the protons of the zeolite. The intermediate integral catalyst is heated to decompose the transition metal, and the catalyst is subsequently subjected to a secondary ion exchange with an ionic ammonium complex which exchanges with the protecting cations. The resulting ammonium treated catalyst is heated to a temperature sufficient to decompose the ammonium complex to form ammonia and H+ ions. The transition metal in the resulting catalyst is in the form of reduced crystallites located outside the zeolite channels. No appreciable ion exchange of the transition metal occurs within the zeolite channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Howard S. Lacheen, Robert J. Saxton
  • Publication number: 20130158138
    Abstract: Methods for preparing integral synthesis gas conversion catalyst extrudates including an oxide of a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) metal component and a zeolite component are disclosed. The oxide of the FT metal component is precipitated from a solution into crystallites having a particle size between about 2 nm and about 30 nm. The oxide of the FT metal component is combined with a zeolite powder and a binder material, and the combination is extruded to form integral catalyst extrudates. The oxide of the FT metal component in the resulting catalyst is in the form of reduced crystallites located outside the zeolite channels. No appreciable ion exchange of FT metal occurs within the zeolite channels. The acid site density of the integral catalyst extrudate is at least about 80% of the zeolite acid site density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Robert J. Saxton, Howard S. Lacheen, Tapan Das
  • Patent number: 8461220
    Abstract: A method is provided for converting synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbon mixtures useful as distillate fuel and/or lube base oil containing no greater than about 25 wt % olefins and containing no greater than about 5 wt % C21+ normal paraffins. The synthesis gas is contacted with a synthesis gas conversion catalyst comprising a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis component and an acidic component in an upstream catalyst bed thereby producing a wax-free liquid containing a paraffin component and an olefin component. The olefin component is saturated by contacting the liquid with an olefin saturation catalyst in a downstream catalyst bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Kibby, Robert J. Saxton, Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Tapan K. Das
  • Patent number: 8445550
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming a hybrid Fischer-Tropsch catalyst extrudate for use in synthesis gas conversion reactions. The method includes extruding a mixture of ruthenium loaded metal oxide support particles, particles of an acidic component and a binder sol to form an extrudate. The resulting extrudate contains from about 0.1 to about 15 weight percent ruthenium based on the weight of the extrudate. In a synthesis gas conversion reaction, the extrudate is contacted with a synthesis gas having a H2 to CO molar ratio of 0.5 to 3.0 at a reaction temperature of 160° C. to 300° C., a total pressure of 3 to 35 atmospheres, and an hourly space velocity of 5 to 10,000 v/v/hour, resulting in hydrocarbon products containing 1-15 weight % CH4; 1-15 weight % C2-C4; 70-95 weight % C5+; 0-5 weight % C21+ normal paraffins; and 0-10 weight % aromatic hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Kandaswamy Jothimurugesan, Tapan Das, Charles L. Kibby, Robert J. Saxton
  • Patent number: 8440156
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to molecular sieve SSZ-28 and its use in the reduction of oxides of nitrogen in a gas stream such as the exhaust from an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Stacey I. Zones, Robert J. Saxton