Patents by Inventor Robert Thomas Hembre

Robert Thomas Hembre 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).

  • Publication number: 20160229784
    Abstract: This invention relates to hydrogenation processes for making cyclohexane compounds. More specifically, this invention relates to hydrogenation processes in the presence of tertiary amide solvent compounds, as well as compositions that can result from such processes. The invention thus provides processes for making cyclohexanecarboxylic acid compounds and processes for making hydroxymethylcyclohexane compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert Thomas Hembre, Venkata Bharat Ram Boppana, Scott Donald Barnicki
  • Patent number: 9388105
    Abstract: A liquid phase hydrogenolysis of acetal compounds, such as cyclic acetals and cyclic ketals, is disclosed. The acetal compounds are fed to a reaction zone and reacted in the presence of a noble metal catalyst supported on a carbon or silica support to make hydroxy mono-ether compounds in high selectivity, without the necessity of using acidic co-catalysts such as phosphorus containing acids or stabilizers such as hydroquinone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Damon Ray Billodeaux, Thomas James Devon, Jonathan Michael Penney, Daniel Latham Terrill, Robert Thomas Hembre, Jerome Leonard Stavinoha, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20160175737
    Abstract: This invention relates to solvents for extracting C1 to C4 carboxylic acids from aqueous streams. More specifically, the extraction solvents include one or more salts composed of a tetraalkylphosphonium cation and a carboxylate anion. The extraction solvents may further include one or more non-ionic liquid organic solvents as an enhancer. The extraction solvents are useful for extracting aqueous mixtures containing one or more lower carboxylic acids, such as monocarboxylic acids, alkoxycarboxylic acids, and halogen-containing carboxylic acids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert Thomas HEMBRE, Scott Donald BARNICKI, Chester Wayne SINK, Christopher HARDACRE, Jingyi LIU, Fei QI
  • Publication number: 20160175738
    Abstract: This invention relates to solvents for extracting C1 to C4 carboxylic acids from aqueous streams. More specifically, the extraction solvents include one or more salts composed of a tetraalkylphosphonium cation and a phosphinate anion. The extraction solvents may further include one or more co-solvents as an enhancer. The co-solvents may be selected from higher carboxylic acids, ethers, esters, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and nitriles. The extraction solvents are useful for extracting aqueous mixtures containing one or more lower carboxylic acids, such as monocarboxylic acids and organofluorine carboxylic acids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert Thomas HEMBRE, Scott Donald BARNICKI, Chester Wayne SINK, Christopher HARDACRE
  • Patent number: 9346737
    Abstract: This invention relates to hydrogenation processes for making cyclohexane compounds. More specifically, this invention relates to hydrogenation processes in the presence of tertiary amide solvent compounds, as well as compositions that can result from such processes. The invention thus provides processes for making cyclohexanecarboxylic acid compounds and processes for making hydroxymethylcyclohexane compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert Thomas Hembre, Venkata Bharat Ram Boppana, Scott Donald Barnicki, Shane Kipley Kirk
  • Patent number: 9340482
    Abstract: This invention relates to hydrogenation processes for making cyclohexane compounds. More specifically, this invention relates to hydrogenation processes in the presence of tertiary amide solvent compounds, as well as compositions that can result from such processes. The invention thus provides processes for making cyclohexanecarboxylic acid compounds and processes for making hydroxymethylcyclohexane compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert Thomas Hembre, Venkata Bharat Ram Boppana, Scott Donald Barnicki
  • Patent number: 9328050
    Abstract: This invention relates to hydrogenation processes for making hydroxymethylbenzoic acid compounds. More specifically, this invention relates to hydrogenation processes in the presence of tertiary amide solvent compounds, as well as compositions that can result from such processes. The invention thus provides processes for making hydroxymethylbenzoic acid compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Venkata Bharat Ram Boppana, Robert Thomas Hembre, Scott Donald Barnicki, Shane Kipley Kirk
  • Patent number: 9308527
    Abstract: This describes bidentate ferrocene-linked phosphine-phosphoramidate compounds. Hydroformylation catalyst compositions and methods of hydroformylation using the compounds are also disclosed. Methods of making the compounds are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Rebecca How, Matt Clarke, Robert Thomas Hembre, James A. Ponasik, Ginette S. Tolleson
  • Publication number: 20150258536
    Abstract: This describes bidentate ferrocene-linked phosphine-phosphoramidate compounds. Hydroformylation catalyst compositions and methods of hydroformylation using the compounds are also disclosed. Methods of making the compounds are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Rebecca How, Matt Clarke, Robert Thomas Hembre, James A. Ponasik, Ginette S. Tolleson
  • Publication number: 20150252122
    Abstract: A process for making an infusible polyolefin includes the steps of: a) contacting the polyolefin in a sulfonation reactor with a sulfonation mixture comprising sulfur trioxide to produce the infusible polyolefin; b) recovering from the sulfonation reactor a recovery stream having sulfur dioxide; c) oxidizing at least a portion of the recovered sulfur dioxide to produce a recycle stream; and d) combining at least a portion of the recycle stream with the sulfonation mixture of step (a). Another aspect of the invention is for making a carbonized fiber from an infusible polyolefin of the present invention and further includes the step of carbonizing the infusible polyolefin to produce a carbon fiber. Another aspect of the invention is an apparatus for preparing an infusible polyolefin. The apparatus includes a plurality of compartments in fluid communication wherein at least one compartment is adapted for contacting a polyolefin with sulfur trioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Chester Wayne Sink, Ernest Phillip Smith, Robert Thomas Hembre, Jasper Clarkson, Ping Peter Shang
  • Patent number: 9115155
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing a 1,4-disubstituted cyclohexane compound of formula (I): where A is —OH, —OR, Br, or Cl; and R is a silyl group, a hydrocarbyl group, or an acyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms. The process includes the steps of reacting ethylene with a (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-diene compound to produce a 3,6-disubstituted cyclohex-1-ene compound, and hydrogenating the 3,6-disubstituted cyclohex-1-ene compound to yield the 1,4-disubstituted cyclohexane compound of formula (I).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Matthew Allen Boone, Robert Thomas Hembre
  • Publication number: 20150183706
    Abstract: This invention relates to hydrogenation processes for making cyclohexane compounds. More specifically, this invention relates to hydrogenation processes in the presence of tertiary amide solvent compounds, as well as compositions that can result from such processes. The invention thus provides processes for making cyclohexanecarboxylic acid compounds and processes for making hydroxymethylcyclohexane compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert Thomas Hembre, Venkata Bharat Ram Boppana, Scott Donald Barnicki
  • Publication number: 20150183699
    Abstract: This invention relates to hydrogenation processes for making cyclohexane compounds. More specifically, this invention relates to hydrogenation processes in the presence of tertiary amide solvent compounds, as well as compositions that can result from such processes. The invention thus provides processes for making cyclohexanecarboxylic acid compounds and processes for making hydroxymethylcyclohexane compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Thomas Hembre, Venkata Bharat Ram Boppana, Scott Donald Barnicki, Shane Kipley Kirk
  • Patent number: 9040748
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production and purification of glycolic acid or glycolic acid derivatives by the carbonylation of aqueous formaldehyde. The water in the hydrocarboxylation zone is reduced via reaction with the ester bonds in a recycle stream comprising glycolic acid oligomers and/or methyl glycolate oligomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Mesfin Ejerssa Janka, Scott Donald Barnicki, Robert Thomas Hembre, Kelley Margaret Moran, Stephen Neal Falling
  • Patent number: 8927766
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production and purification of glycolic acid or glycolic acid derivatives by the carbonylation of methylene dipropionate in the presence of a homogeneous acid catalyst and propionic acid. This invention discloses hydrocarboxylations and corresponding homogeneous acid catalyst and glycolic acid separations. The homogeneous acid catalyst is readily separated from the hydrocarboxylation reaction effluent and recycled and the propionic acid is readily removed from the glycolic acid and the propionic acid is recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Scott Donald Barnicki, Robert Thomas Hembre, Stephen Neal Falling
  • Patent number: 8912240
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making methanol and ethanol from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The process includes contacting a mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen with a catalyst system containing a ruthenium compound—and optionally, a chloride or bromide-containing compound—dispersed in a low-melting tetraorganophosphonium chloride or bromide salt under conditions effective to produce methanol and ethanol. The invention also relates to a process for making methanol and ethanol from carbon monoxide and water using the same catalyst system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jan Hendrik Blank, David John Cole-Hamilton, Robert Thomas Hembre, James Allen Ponasik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8829234
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production and purification of glycolic acid or glycolic acid derivatives by the carbonylation of formaldehyde in the presence of a solid acid catalyst and a carboxylic acid. This invention discloses hydrocarboxylations and corresponding glycolic acid separations wherein the glycolic acid stream is readily removed from the carboxylic acid and the carboxylic acid is recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Scott Donald Barnicki, Robert Thomas Hembre, Stephen Neal Falling, Mesfin Ejerssa Janka, Kelley Margaret Moran
  • Publication number: 20140243435
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making methanol and ethanol from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The process includes contacting a mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen with a catalyst system containing a ruthenium compound—and optionally, a chloride or bromide-containing compound—dispersed in a low-melting tetraorganophosphonium chloride or bromide salt under conditions effective to produce methanol and ethanol. The invention also relates to a process for making methanol and ethanol from carbon monoxide and water using the same catalyst system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Jan Hendrik BLANK, David John COLE-HAMILTON, Robert Thomas HEMBRE, James Allen PONASIK, JR.
  • Patent number: 8765999
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production and purification of glycolic acid or glycolic acid derivatives by the carbonylation of formaldehyde in the presence of a homogeneous acid catalyst and a carboxylic acid. This invention discloses hydrocarboxylations and corresponding homogeneous acid catalyst and glycolic acid separations. The homogeneous acid catalyst is readily separated from the hydrocarboxylation reaction effluent and recycled and the carboxylic acid is readily removed from the glycolic acid and the carboxylic acid is recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Scott Donald Barnicki, Robert Thomas Hembre, Stephen Neal Falling, Andrew James Vetter
  • Patent number: 8703999
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production and purification of glycolic acid or glycolic acid derivatives by the carbonylation of methylene dipropionate in the presence of a solid acid catalyst and propionic acid. This invention discloses hydrocarboxylations and corresponding glycolic acid separations wherein the propionic acid stream is readily removed from the glycolic acid and the propionic acid is recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Scott Donald Barnicki, Robert Thomas Hembre, Stephen Neal Falling, Mesfin Ejerssa Janka, Kelley Margaret Moran