Patents by Inventor Stephen J. Miller

Stephen J. Miller 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: 8586805
    Abstract: A method comprising the steps of providing a fatty acyl mixture comprising: (i) a C10-C16 acyl carbon atom chain content of at least 30 wt. % wherein at least 80% of the C10-C16 acyl carbon atom chains are saturated; and (ii) a C18-C22 acyl carbon atom chain content of at least 20 wt. % wherein at least 50% of the acyl C16-C22 carbon atom chains contain at least one double bond; hydrolyzing at least some of the mixture to yield a quantity of C10-C16 saturated fatty acids and C18-C22 unsaturated fatty acids; oligomerizing at least some of the C18-C22 unsaturated fatty acids to yield a quantity of C36+ fatty acid oligomers; separating at least some of the C10-C16 saturated fatty acids from the C36+ fatty acid oligomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8569040
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to compositions and methods for more efficiently and effectively growing microalgae suitable for biofuel production. In one aspect, the invention pertains to a composition comprising microalgae and a suitable growth medium. The suitable growth medium comprises a nutritionally acceptable nitrate salt, and a carbonate salt. The concentration of nutritionally acceptable nitrate salt is from about 75 to about 200 ?M while the concentration of carbonate salt is from about 1 to about 6 mM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignees: Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Nils Kroger, Stephen J. Miller, Nicole Poulsen
  • Publication number: 20130256586
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a refrigerator oil composition comprising (a) a triester species having the following structure: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are the same or independently selected from hydrocarbon groups having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms and wherein “n” is an integer from 2 to 20; and (b) a refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant is a halohydrocarbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: David C. Kramer, Ravindra Shah, Stephen J. Miller, Saleh Elomari
  • Patent number: 8524968
    Abstract: A process for making base oil, comprising: oligomerizing one or more olefins having a boiling point less than 82° C. in the presence of an ionic liquid catalyst to produce the base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 1100 mm2/s or higher. Also, a process, comprising: oligomerizing the olefins in the presence of an ionic liquid catalyst to produce the base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. of 300 mm2/s or higher and a low cloud point, wherein a wt % yield of products boiling at 482° C.+ (900° F.+) is at least 65 wt % of a total yield of products from the oligomerizing. Additionally, a process, comprising: oligomerizing the olefins in the presence of an ionic liquid catalyst to produce the base oil having a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. greater than 1100 mm2/s and a low cloud point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Saleh A. Elomari, Stephen J. Miller, Sven Ivar Hommeltoft
  • Publication number: 20130220119
    Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performance crosslinked membranes are described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer comprising covalently bonded ester crosslinks. The resultant membrane exhibits a high permeability of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4 selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after the membrane is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Koros, David Wallace, John D. Wind, Stephen J. Miller, Claudia Staudt-Bickel
  • Patent number: 8497097
    Abstract: The instant invention pertains to the use of chlorine dioxide in new processes for treating lignocellulosic feedstocks, as well as, new compositions suitable for, for example, bioalcohol production. Advantageously, the processes and compositions of the present invention may be used in more environmentally friendly, cost-efficient production of fuels and, if desired, may be coupled with other biomass processing facilities such as Kraft pulp bleaching mills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignees: Georgia Tech Research Corporation, Chevron U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Poulomi Sannigrahi, Arthur J. Rasgauskas, Stephen J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8480880
    Abstract: A process for making a lubricating base oil having a viscosity index of at least 110, comprising the steps of: combining a waxy light neutral base oil and a wax derived from pyrolyzing a plastics feed comprising polyethylene to form a blend; hydroisomerization dewaxing the blend; and recovering the lubricating base oil from an effluent from the hydroisomerization dewaxing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8480879
    Abstract: A process for producing an API Group I base oil, comprising: blending a lower quality base oil that does not meet API Group I specifications with a Fischer-Tropsch derived distillate fraction having defined pour point, viscosity index and Oxidator B, and isolating an API Group I base oil that has improved defined properties. A process for producing an API Group I base oil, consisting essentially of: (a) selecting a lower quality base oil not meeting API Group I specifications, having defined saturates, viscosity index and Oxidator BN; and (b) blending the lower quality base oil with a Group II base oil and a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil. A process for improving the lubricating properties of a lower quality base oil. Also, a process for operating a base oil plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Rosenbaum, Brent K. Lok, David C. Kramer, John O'Brien, Stephen J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8449760
    Abstract: A method for improving the lubricating properties of a distillate base oil characterized by a pour point of 0 degrees C. or less and a boiling range having the 10 percent point falling between about 625 degrees F. and about 790 degrees F. and the 90 percent point falling between about 725 degrees F. and about 950 degrees F., the method comprises blending with said distillate base oil a sufficient amount of a pour point depressing base oil blending component to reduce the pour point of the resulting base oil blend at least 3 degrees C. below the pour point of the distillate base oil, wherein the pour point depressing base oil blending component is an isomerized Fischer-Tropsch derived bottoms product having a pour point that is at least 3 degrees C. higher than the pour point of the distillate base oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8394182
    Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performance crosslinked membranes are described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer comprising covalently bonded ester crosslinks. The resultant membrane exhibits a high permeability of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after the membrane is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignees: The University of Texas System, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Koros, David Wallace, John Wind, Claudia Staudt-Bickel, Stephen J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130043424
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a refrigerator oil composition comprising (a) at least one diester species having the following structure: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are the same or independently selected from hydrocarbon groups having from 2 to 17 carbon atoms; and (b) a refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Krammer, Ravindra Shah, Stephen J. Miller, Saleh Elomari
  • Patent number: 8372368
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for synthesizing non-zeolitic molecular sieves which have a three dimensional microporous framework comprising [AlO2] and [PO2] units. In preparing the reaction mixture, a surfactant is used, coupled with non-aqueous impregnation to prevent acid sites from being destroyed by water during Pt impregnation. The superior SAPO exhibits higher activity and selectivity especially in catalytic hydroisomerization of waxy feeds, due to the presence of medium-sized silica islands distributed throughout the SAPO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8366909
    Abstract: Processes for reforming of naphtha feedstocks are described. Briefly, a two stage naphtha reforming process is described. The first stage uses a low acidity beta zeolite catalyst under relatively mild reforming conditions to form an effluent. This effluent is passed to a subsequent stage where further reforming occurs using a catalyst containing ZSM-5 zeolite. The second stage is run under mild reforming conditions. The low pressures employed in the reforming process described maximize liquid product yield by avoiding unwanted cracking reactions and production of light products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130015101
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for synthesizing non-zeolitic molecular sieves which have a three dimensional microporous framework comprising [AlO2] and [PO2] units. In preparing the reaction mixture, a surfactant is used, coupled with non-aqueous impregnation to prevent acid sites from being destroyed by water during Pt impregnation. The superior SAPO exhibits higher activity and selectivity especially in catalytic hydroisomerization of waxy feeds, due to the presence of medium-sized silica islands distributed throughout the SAPO.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. MILLER
  • Patent number: 8337586
    Abstract: A method of making a crosslinked polyimide membrane is described. A monoesterified membrane is formed from a monoesterified polyimide polymer. The monoesterified membrane is subjected to transesterification conditions to form a crosslinked membrane. The monoesterified membrane is incorporated with an organic titanate catalyst before or after formation of the monoesterified membrane. A crosslinked polyimide membrane made using the aforementioned method and a method of using the membrane to separate fluids in a fluid mixture, such as methane and carbon dioxide, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Wind, Stephen J. Miller, Oluwasijibomi O. Okeowo
  • Publication number: 20120316352
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing crystalline titanosilicate zeolite TS-1 from a reaction mixture containing only sufficient water to produce zeolite TS-1. In one embodiment, the reaction mixture is self-supporting and may be shaped if desired. In the method, the reaction mixture is heated at crystallization conditions and in the absence of an added external liquid phase, so that excess liquid need not be removed from the crystallized product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventor: Stephen J. MILLER
  • Patent number: 8328906
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymer. Such high molecular weight, monoesterified polyimide polymers are useful in forming crosslinked polymer membranes for the separation of fluid mixtures. According to its broadest aspect, the method of making a crosslinked membrane comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polyimide polymer comprising carboxylic acid functional groups from a reaction solution comprising monomers and at least one solvent; (b) treating the polyimide polymer with a diol at esterification conditions in the presence of dehydrating conditions to form a monoesterified polyimide polymer; and (c) subjecting the monoesterified fiber to transesterification conditions to form a crosslinked fiber membrane, wherein the dehydrating conditions at least partially remove water produced during step (b). The crosslinked membranes can be used to separate at least one component from a feed stream including more than one component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignees: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Miller, Imona C. Omole, William J. Kronos
  • Publication number: 20120241996
    Abstract: A method of making a crosslinked polyimide membrane is described. A monoesterified membrane is formed from a monoesterified polyimide polymer. The monoesterified membrane is subjected to transesterification conditions to form a crosslinked membrane. The monoesterified membrane is incorporated with an organic titanate catalyst before or after formation of the monoesterified membrane. A crosslinked polyimide membrane made using the aforementioned method and a method of using the membrane to separate fluids in a fluid mixture, such as methane and carbon dioxide, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Wind, Stephen J. Miller, Oluwasijibomi O. Okeowo
  • Patent number: 8268187
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a refrigerator oil composition comprising (a) at least one diester species having the following structure: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are the same or independently selected from hydrocarbon groups having from 2 to 17 carbon atoms; and (b) a refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Krammer, Ravindra Shah, Stephen J. Miller, Saleh Elomari
  • Patent number: 8252968
    Abstract: A process for producing a low volatility gasoline blending component and a middle distillate, comprising alkylating a hydrocarbon stream comprising at least one olefin having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms and at least one paraffin having from 4 to 6 carbon atoms with an ionic liquid catalyst and an unsupported halide containing additive, and separating the alkylate into at least the low volatility gasoline blending component and the middle distillate, wherein the middle distillate is a fuel suitable for use as a jet fuel or jet fuel blending component. Also, a process for producing a gasoline blending component and a middle distillate, comprising adjusting a level of a halide containing additive provided to an ionic liquid alkylation reactor to shift selectivity towards heavier products, and recovering a low volatility gasoline blending component and the middle distillate. Also, processes comprising alkylating isobutane with butene over specific chloroaluminate ionic liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Sven Ivar Hommeltoft, Stephen J. Miller, Ajit Ramchandra Pradhan