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: 8119851
    Abstract: A process for making a base oil, comprising: selecting a feed from a Fischer-Tropsch condensate; oligomerizing the feed in an ionic liquid; and0 alkylating the oligomer in the presence of an isoparaffin, in an ionic liquid alkylation zone, to form a product having: a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. of 6.9 mm2/s or greater, a VI of at least 134, and a Bromine Number of less than 4. A process comprising: oligomerizing at least one olefin in a feed from a Fischer-Tropsch condensate, wherein an olefin fraction in the olefin feed comprises greater than 50 wt % C4+ olefins, and alkylating the oligomerized product to form a base oil product. A process comprising contacting an olefin feed from a Fischer-Tropsch condensate with an isoparaffin, an acidic chloroaluminate ionic liquid catalyst, and a Brönsted acid; whereby a base oil is produced by concurrent oligomerization and alkylation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Saleh Elomari, Russell R. Krug, Stephen J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20120040413
    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: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicants: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Poulomi Sannigrahi, Arthur J. Rasgauskas, Stephen J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20120024752
    Abstract: An integrated process is provided for producing high octane naphtha. Hydrocracked naphtha from a hydrocracking reaction zone is contacted with a reforming catalyst that includes a silicate having a silica to alumina molar ratio of at least 200, and a crystallite size of less than 10 microns. Products from the reforming include a reformed naphtha and a hydrogen-rich stream, which is passed to the hydrocracking reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Cong-Yan Chen, Stephen J. Miller, James N. Ziemer, Ann J. Liang
  • Publication number: 20120024754
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multistage reforming process to produce a high octane product. A naphtha boiling range feedstock is processed in a multi-stage reforming process, in which said process involves at least 1) a penultimate stage for reforming the naphtha feedstock to produce a penultimate effluent 2) a final stage for further reforming at least a portion of the penultimate effluent 3) a regeneration step for the final stage catalyst. The severity of the penultimate stage can be increased during final stage catalyst regeneration in order to maintain the target RON of the reformate product and avoid reactor downtime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Cong-Yan Chen, Stephen J. Miller, James N. Ziemer, Ann J. Liang
  • Publication number: 20120024753
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multistage reforming process to produce a high octane product. A naphtha boiling range feedstock is processed in a multi-stage reforming process, in which said process involves at least 1) a penultimate stage for reforming the naphtha feedstock to produce a penultimate effluent 2) a final stage for further reforming at least a portion of the penultimate effluent 3) a regeneration step for the final stage catalyst. The severity of the penultimate stage can be increased during final stage catalyst regeneration in order to maintain the target RON of the reformate product and avoid reactor downtime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Cong-Yan Chen, Stephen J. Miller, James N. Ziemer, Ann J. Liang
  • Publication number: 20120029257
    Abstract: A reforming process using a medium pore zeolite under conditions to facilitate the conversion of C8 paraffinic compounds to para-xylene is provided. Para-xylene is produced at greater than thermodynamic equilibrium concentrations using the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Cong-Yan Chen, Stephen J. Miller, James N. Ziemer, Ann J. Liang
  • Publication number: 20120018667
    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: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: David C. Krammer, Ravindra Shah, Stephen J. Miller, Saleh Elomari
  • Patent number: 8101809
    Abstract: Provided is a base oil, comprising one or more oligomerized olefins, wherein the base oil has: (d) a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. grater than 2.9 mm2/s; (e) a viscosity index from 25 to 90; and (f) a cloud point less than ?55° C. Provided is a base oil made by oligomerizing propylene in an ionic liquid catalyst, where the base oil has a viscosity index from 25 to 90 and the base oil is colorless. Provided is a base oil made by oligomerizing an olefin feed comprising propylene in an acidic alkyl-pyridinium chloroaluminate ionic liquid, wherein the base oil has a viscosity index from 25 to 90, and a cloud point less than ?55° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Saleh Elomari, Stephen J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8088961
    Abstract: A process for making a pour point depressing lubricant base oil blending component comprises: pyrolyzing a plastics feed comprising polyethylene in a pyrolysis zone at a temperature in the range of about 450° C. to about 700° C. and a residence time in the range of about 3 minutes to about 1 hour to provide a pyrolysis effluent; isomerization dewaxing at least a portion of the pyrolysis effluent with an isomerization dewaxing catalyst in a catalytic isomerization dewaxing zone to provide a isomerization dewaxing effluent comprising a pour point depressing lubricant base oil blending component; and recovering the pour point depressing lubricant base oil blending component boiling in the range of about 900° F. to about 1100° F. and having a pour point in the range of about ?15° C. to about 0° C. The pour point depressing lubricant base oil blending component can be used to improve lubricating properties (e.g. pour point) of a lubricant base oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110311441
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing crystalline zeolite SSZ-13, said method comprising (a) preparing a reaction mixture comprising (1) at least one active source of an oxide of a tetravalent element or mixture of tetravalent elements, (2) optionally at least on active source of an oxide of a trivalent element or mixture of trivalent elements, (3) at least one active source of an alkali metal, (4) seed crystals of zeolite SSZ-13, (5) benzyl trimethylammonium cation in an amount sufficient to form crystals of zeolite SSZ-13, the benzyl trimethylammonium cation being used in the absence of a 1-adamantammonium cation, and (6) an amount of water that is not substantially in excess of the amount required to cause and maintain crystallization of the small pore zeolite; and (b) heating said reaction mixture at crystallization conditions for sufficient time to form crystallized material containing crystals of SSZ-13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Miller, Lun-Teh Yuen
  • Patent number: 8066799
    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: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignees: Chevron U.S.A. Inc., Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Miller, Imona C. Omole, William J. Kronos
  • Patent number: 8057782
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing crystalline small pore molecular sieves, said method comprising (a) preparing a reaction mixture comprising (1) at least one active source of an oxide of a tetravalent element or mixture of tetravalent elements, (2) optionally at least on active source of an oxide of a trivalent element or mixture of trivalent elements, (3) at least one active source of an alkali metal, (4) seed crystals capable of forming the small pore molecular sieve, (5) a structure directing agent capable of forming the small pore molecular sieve, and (6) an amount of water that is not substantially in excess of the amount required to cause and maintain crystallization of the small pore molecular sieve; and (b) heating said reaction mixture at crystallization conditions for sufficient time to form crystallized material containing crystals of the small pore molecular sieve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Miller, Lun-teh Yuen
  • Patent number: 8058214
    Abstract: A process to make a shock absorber fluid having improved performance properties, the properties including an air release after 1 minute by DIN 51381 of less than 0.8 vol %, a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. less than 5 mm2/s and an aniline point greater than or equal to 95° C., or meeting the specifications for Kayaba 0304-050-0002 or VW TL 731 class A. The shock absorber fluid is made by blending a base oil having less than 10 wt % naphthenic carbon and a high viscosity index with low levels of (or no) viscosity index improver and pour point depressant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Chantal R. Swartele, John M. Rosenbaum, Marc J. De Weerdt, Thomas Plaetinck, Stephen J. Miller, Mark L. Sztenderowicz
  • Publication number: 20110239529
    Abstract: The instant invention pertains to new biodiesels which may be blended with petrodiesel. The biodiesels may comprise a fatty acid C1-C2 alkyl ester and a fatty acid branched C3-C4 alkyl ester. Blends of the novel biodiesel and petrodiesel often exhibit advantageous cloud point properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Texaco Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8022024
    Abstract: A functional fluid comprising a base oil with a high viscosity index, wherein the functional fluid has a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. between 2.5 and 5.0 mm2/s, a low Brookfield viscosity, a high aniline point, and excellent air release. Shock absorber fluids with improved performance, comprising a particular base oil, wherein the improved performance includes high viscosity index, low Brookfield viscosity, high aniline point, excellent air release and high flash point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Chantal R. Swartele, John M. Rosenbaum, Marc J. De Weerdt, Thomas Plaetinck, Stephen J. Miller, Mark L. Sztenderowicz
  • Patent number: 8007764
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing crystalline zeolite SSZ-13 said method comprising (a) preparing a reaction mixture comprising (1) at least one active source of an oxide of a tetravalent element or mixture of tetravalent elements, (2) optionally at least on active source of an oxide of a trivalent element or mixture of trivalent elements (3) at least one active source of an alkali metal, (4) seed crystals of zeolite SSZ-13, (5) benzyl trimethylammonium cation in an amount sufficient to form crystals of zeolite SSZ-13, the benzyl trimethylammonium, cation being used in the absence of a 1-adamantammonium cation, and (6) an amount of water that is not substantially in excess of the amount required to cause and maintain crystallization of the small pore zeolite; and (b) heating said reaction mixture at crystallization conditions for sufficient time to form crystallized material containing crystals of SSZ-13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Miller, Lun-teh Yuen
  • Publication number: 20110192077
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods (processes) and systems for processing triglyceride-containing, biologically-derived oils to provide for base oils and transportation fuels, wherein partial oligomerization of fatty acids contained therein provide for an oligomerized mixture from which the base oils and transportation fuels can be extracted. Such methods and systems can involve an initial hydrotreating step or a direct isomerization of the oligomerized mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110195881
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods (processes) and systems for processing triglyceride-containing, biologically-derived oils to provide for base oils and transportation fuels, wherein partial oligomerization of fatty acids contained therein provide for an oligomerized mixture from which the base oils and transportation fuels can be extracted. Such methods and systems can involve an initial hydrotreating step or a direct isomerization of the oligomerized mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7994104
    Abstract: A process to make a light base oil fraction having a wt % Noack volatility between 0 and 100 and additionally less than a Noack Volatility Factor (NVF), wherein the Noack Volatility Factor is defined by the equation: 900×(Kinematic Viscosity at 100° C.)?2.8?15. The process comprises hydroisomerization dewaxing a waxy feed in a series of two or more reactors, and recovering the light base oil fraction having a low wt % Noack volatility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Rosenbaum, Nancy J. Bertrand, Scott C. Deskin, Brent K. Lok, Shuibo Xie, Stephen J. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110176992
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing crystalline aluminosilicate X zeolite from a reaction mixture containing only sufficient water to produce X zeolite. 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 prior to drying the crystals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen J. Miller