Patents by Inventor Todd Werpy
Todd Werpy 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).
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Patent number: 7615652Abstract: The invention includes methods for producing dianhydrosugar alcohol by providing an acid catalyst within a reactor and passing a starting material through the reactor at a first temperature. At least a portion of the staring material is converted to a monoanhydrosugar isomer during the passing through the column. The monoanhydrosugar is subjected to a second temperature which is greater than the first to produce a dianhydrosugar. The invention includes a method of producing isosorbide. An initial feed stream containing sorbitol is fed into a continuous reactor containing an acid catalyst at a temperature of less than 120° C. The residence time for the reactor is less than or equal to about 30 minutes. Sorbitol converted to 1,4-sorbitan in the continuous reactor is subsequently provided to a second reactor and is dehydrated at a temperature of at least 120° C. to produce isosorbide.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Johnathan E. Holladay, Jianli Hu, Yong Wang, Todd A. Werpy
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Publication number: 20090054538Abstract: Chemical production processes are provided than can include exposing a reactant composition to a catalyst composition to form a product composition, with the reactant composition including a multihydric alcohol compound and product composition including a carbonyl compound. The catalyst composition can include one or more elements of groups 5 and 6 of the periodic table of elements. Catalyst compositions are provided that can include one or more of niobia, hydrated niobia, tungstic acid, phosphotungstic acid, and phosphomolybdic acid.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Thomas H. Peterson, Alan H. Zacher, Michel J. Gray, James F. White, Johnathon E. Holladay, Todd A. Werpy
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Publication number: 20090054693Abstract: Chemical production processes are provided that can include exposing a reactant composition to a catalyst composition to form a product composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Thomas H. Peterson, Alan H. Zacher, Michel J. Gray, James F. White, Todd A. Werpy
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Publication number: 20090054695Abstract: Chemical production processes are provided that can include exposing a reactant composition to a catalyst composition to form a product composition. The reactant composition can include a multihydric alcohol compound and the product composition can include a carbonyl compound. The catalyst composition can include a metal effective to facilitate catalyst activation. Processes disclosed also include supplementing a dehydration catalyst with a promoter, and activating the supplemented catalyst in the presence of oxygen. Processes also include providing a supplemented dehydration catalyst to within a reactor, and exposing a multihydric alcohol compound to the dehydration catalyst, with the exposing forming coke within the reactor. Oxygen can be provided to the reactor to remove at least a portion of the coke.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Thomas H. Peterson, Alan H. Zacher, Michel J. Gray, James F. White, Todd A. Werpy
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Publication number: 20090054694Abstract: Chemical production processes are provided that include exposing a reactant composition to a catalyst composition to form a product composition, with the reactant composition including a multihydric alcohol compound and the catalyst composition being effective to dehydrate at least a portion of the multihydric alcohol compound. Embodiments of the process provide that the reactant composition is exposed to the catalyst composition for less than about 0.25 seconds and/or that the catalyst is maintained at a temperature of from about 280° C. to about 320° C. Processes utilizing a reactant composition including a multihydric alcohol compound and an inert compound are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Thomas H. Peterson, Johnathan E. Holladay, Alan H. Zacher, Michel J. Gray, Todd A. Werpy, James F. White
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Publication number: 20070287845Abstract: A method of reducing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) where a starting material containing HMF in a solvent comprising water is provided. H2 is provided into the reactor and the starting material is contacted with a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from Ni, Co, Cu, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ir, Re and Rh, at a temperature of less than or equal to 250° C. A method of hydrogenating HMF includes providing an aqueous solution containing HMF and fructose. H2 and a hydrogenation catalyst are provided. The HMF is selectively hydrogenated relative to the fructose at a temperature at or above 30° C. A method of producing tetrahydrofuran dimethanol (THFDM) includes providing a continuous flow reactor having first and second catalysts and providing a feed comprising HMF into the reactor. The feed is contacted with the first catalyst to produce furan dimethanol (FDM) which is contacted with the second catalyst to produce THFDM.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2007Publication date: December 13, 2007Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTEInventors: Michael Lilga, Richard Hallen, Todd Werpy, James White, Johnathan Holladay, John Frye, Alan Zacher
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Publication number: 20070173643Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing an initial di-carbonyl compound by conversion to a cyclic compound. The cyclic compound is reacted with an alkylating agent to form a derivative having an alkylated ring nitrogen. The invention encompasses a method of producing an N-alkyl product. Ammonia content of a solution is adjusted to produce a ratio of ammonia to di-carboxylate compound of from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1. An alkylating agent is added and the initial compound is alkylated and cyclized. The invention includes methods of making N-methyl pyrrolidinone (NMP). Aqueous ammonia and succinate is introduced into a vessel and ammonia is adjusted to provide a ratio of ammonia to succinate of less than 2:1. A methylating agent is reacted with succinate at a temperature of from greater than 100° C. to about 400° C. to produce N-methyl succinimide which is purified and hydrogenated to form NMP.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2007Publication date: July 26, 2007Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTEInventors: Todd Werpy, John Frye, James White, Johnathan Holladay, Alan Zacher
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Publication number: 20070173652Abstract: The invention includes methods of producing dianhydrosugars. A polyol is reacted in the presence of a first catalyst to form a monocyclic sugar. The monocyclic sugar is transferred to a second reactor where it is converted to a dianhydrosugar alcohol in the presence of a second catalyst. The invention includes a process of forming isosorbide. An initial reaction is conducted at a first temperature in the presence of a solid acid catalyst. The initial reaction involves reacting sorbitol to produce 1,4-sorbitan, 3,6-sorbitan, 2,5-mannitan and 2,5-iditan. Utilizing a second temperature, the 1,4-sorbitan and 3,6-sorbitan are converted to isosorbide. The invention includes a method of purifying isosorbide from a mixture containing isosorbide and at least one additional component. A first distillation removes a first portion of the isosorbide from the mixture. A second distillation is then conducted at a higher temperature to remove a second portion of isosorbide from the mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: Johnathan Holladay, Jianli Hu, Yong Wang, Todd Werpy, Xinjie Zhang
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Publication number: 20070173651Abstract: The invention includes methods for producing dianhydrosugar alcohol by providing an acid catalyst within a reactor and passing a starting material through the reactor at a first temperature. At least a portion of the staring material is converted to a monoanhydrosugar isomer during the passing through the column. The monoanhydrosugar is subjected to a second temperature which is greater than the first to produce a dianhydrosugar. The invention includes a method of producing isosorbide. An initial feed stream containing sorbitol is fed into a continuous reactor containing an acid catalyst at a temperature of less than 120° C. The residence time for the reactor is less than or equal to about 30 minutes. Sorbitol converted to 1,4-sorbitan in the continuous reactor is subsequently provided to a second reactor and is dehydrated at a temperature of at least 120° C. to produce isosorbide.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: Johnathan Holladay, Jianli Hu, Yong Wang, Todd Werpy
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Publication number: 20070135303Abstract: A textured catalyst having a hydrothermally-stable support, a metal oxide and a catalyst component is described. Methods of conducting aqueous phase reactions that are catalyzed by a textured catalyst are also described. The invention also provides methods of making textured catalysts and methods of making chemical products using a textured catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2007Publication date: June 14, 2007Inventors: Todd Werpy, John Frye, Yong Wang, Alan Zacher
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Patent number: 7199250Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing an initial di-carbonyl compound by conversion to a cyclic compound. The cyclic compound is reacted with an alkylating agent to form a derivative having an alkylated ring nitrogen. The invention encompasses a method of producing an N-alkyl product. Ammonia content of a solution is adjusted to produce a ratio of ammonia to di-carboxylate compound of from about 1:1 to about 1.5:1. An alkylating agent is added and the initial compound is alkylated and cyclized. The invention includes methods of making N-methyl pyrrolidinone (NMP). Aqueous ammonia and succinate is introduced into a vessel and ammonia is adjusted to provide a ratio of ammonia to succinate of less than 2:1. A methylating agent is reacted with succinate at a temperature of from greater than 100° C. to about 400° C. to produce N-methyl succinimide which is purified and hydrogenated to form NMP.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Todd A. Werpy, John G. Frye, Jr., James F. White, Johnathan E. Holladay, Alan H. Zacher
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Patent number: 7186668Abstract: A textured catalyst having a hydrothermally-stable support, a metal oxide and a catalyst component is described. Methods of conducting aqueous phase reactions that are catalyzed by a textured catalyst are also described. The invention also provides methods of making textured catalysts and methods of making chemical products using a textured catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Battele Memorial InstituteInventors: Todd Werpy, John G. Frye, Jr., Yong Wang, Alan H. Zacher
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Patent number: 7169321Abstract: A nontoxic deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a biobased freezing point depressant, a surfactant, an antioxidant, and water. The fluid has an LD50 greater than about 10,000 mg/L. Another deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a biobased freezing point depressant, a vinylpyrrolidone polymer having a molecular weight between about 10,000 and about 700,000, and water. Another deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a biobased freezing point depressant, a nonionic surfactant selected from the polyoxyalkylene ethers, an antioxidant, and water. Another deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a biobased freezing point depressant, a surfactant, a food grade material that functions as an antioxidant, and water. A further deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a biobased freezing point depressant, a material that functions as both a buffer and a freezing point depressant, and water.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Kevin L. Simmons, John G. Frye, Jr., Todd A. Werpy, William D. Samuels, H. Nicholas Conkle, Bruce F. Monzyk, Sara F. Kuczek, Satya P. Chauhan
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Patent number: 7105105Abstract: A nontoxic deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a freezing point depressant selected from short chain polyols having 3 to 5 carbons atoms, and mixtures thereof, a wetting agent, an antioxidant/preservative, and water. The fluid has an LD50 greater than about 10,000 mg/L. Another deicing/anti-icing fluid includes the freezing point depressant, a vinylpyrrolidone polymer having a molecular weight between about 10,000 and about 700,000, and water. A runway deicing fluid includes glycerol, a buffer, an antioxidant/preservative, and water. Another deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a freezing point depressant having hydrophobic character, a wetting agent comprising an organophosphorus compound capable of producing an organic wettable surface, and water.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: William D. Samuels, H. Nicholas Conkle, Bruce F. Monzyk, Kevin L. Simmons, John G. Frye, Jr., Todd A. Werpy, Sara F. Kuczek, Satya P. Chauhan
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Patent number: 7038094Abstract: Methods and compositions for reactions of hydrogen over a Re-containing catalyst with compositions containing a 5-carbon sugar, sugar alcohol, or lactic acid are described. It has been surprisingly discovered that reaction with hydrogen over a Re-containing multimetallic catalyst resulted in superior conversion and selectivity to desired products such as propylene glycol. A process for the synthesis of PG from lactate or lactic acid is also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Todd A. Werpy, John G. Frye, Jr., Alan H. Zacher, Dennis J. Miller
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Patent number: 6992209Abstract: The invention includes a method of forming an alpha, beta-unsaturated compound. A carboxylic acid is mixed with an alpha-hydroxy acid or an alpha-hydroxy ester and is esterified to form an alpha-acyloxy derivative. The alpha-acyloxy derivative is transformed into an alpha, beta-unsaturated derivative. The invention additionally includes a process of forming an acrylate. Lactic acid or a lactic acid ester is reacted with a first portion of acetic acid in the presence of a first catalyst to produce the corresponding 2-acetoxy propionic acid or ester. A non-reacted portion of the acetic acid is recycled. The 2-acetoxy propionic acid or ester is transferred to a second vessel containing a second catalyst, and acetic acid is liberated from the 2-acetoxy propionic acid or ester to produce a corresponding acrylic acid or acrylate ester. The acid or ester is subsequently esterified by reaction with an alcohol to form a desired acrylate ester.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Michael A. Lilga, Todd A. Werpy, Johnathan E. Holladay
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Patent number: 6982328Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing plant material by adding water to form a mixture, heating the mixture, and separating a liquid component from a solid-comprising component. At least one of the liquid component and the solid-comprising component undergoes additional processing. Processing of the solid-comprising component produces oils, and processing of the liquid component produces one or more of glycerol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid and propylene glycol. The invention includes a process of forming glycerol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid and propylene glycol from plant matter by adding water, heating and filtering the plant matter. The filtrate containing starch, starch fragments, hemicellulose and fragments of hemicellulose is treated to form linear poly-alcohols which are then cleaved to produce one or more of glycerol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid and propylene glycol. The invention also includes a method of producing free and/or complexed sterols and stanols from plant material.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignees: Archer Daniels Midland Company, Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Todd A. Werpy, Andrew J. Schmidt, John G. Frye, Jr., Alan H. Zacher, James A. Franz, Mikhail S. Alnajjar, Gary G. Neuenschwander, Eric V. Alderson, Rick J. Orth, Charles A. Abbas, Kyle E. Beery, Anne M. Rammelsberg, Catherine J. Kim
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Publication number: 20050087720Abstract: A nontoxic deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a freezing point depressant selected from short chain polyols having 3 to 5 carbons atoms, and mixtures thereof, a wetting agent, an antioxidant/preservative, and water. The fluid has an LD50 greater than about 10,000 mg/L. Another deicing/anti-icing fluid includes the freezing point depressant, a vinylpyrrolidone polymer having a molecular weight between about 10,000 and about 700,000, and water. A runway deicing fluid includes glycerol, a buffer, an antioxidant/preservative, and water. Another deicing/anti-icing fluid includes a freezing point depressant having hydrophobic character, a wetting agent comprising an organophosphorus compound capable of producing an organic wettable surface, and water.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2004Publication date: April 28, 2005Inventors: William Samuels, H. Conkle, Bruce Monzyk, Kevin Simmons, John Frye, Todd Werpy, Sara Kuczek, Satya Chauhan
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Publication number: 20050065337Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing plant material by adding water to form a mixture, heating the mixture, and separating a liquid component from a solid-comprising component. At least one of the liquid component and the solid-comprising component undergoes additional processing. Processing of the solid-comprising component produces oils, and processing of the liquid component produces one or more of glycerol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid and propylene glycol. The invention includes a process of forming glycerol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid and propylene glycol from plant matter by adding water, heating and filtering the plant matter. The filtrate containing starch, starch fragments, hemicellulose and fragments of hemicellulose is treated to form linear poly-alcohols which are then cleaved to produce one or more of glycerol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid and propylene glycol. The invention also includes a method of producing free and/or complexed sterols and stanols from plant material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2004Publication date: March 24, 2005Inventors: Todd Werpy, Andrew Schmidt, John Frye, Alan Zacher, James Franz, Mikhail Alnajjar, Gary Neuenschwander, Eric Alderson, Rick Orth
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Publication number: 20050064560Abstract: The invention includes methods of processing plant material by adding water to form a mixture, heating the mixture, and separating a liquid component from a solid-comprising component. At least one of the liquid component and the solid-comprising component undergoes additional processing. Processing of the solid-comprising component produces oils, and processing of the liquid component produces one or more of glycerol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid and propylene glycol. The invention includes a process of forming glycerol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid and propylene glycol from plant matter by adding water, heating and filtering the plant matter. The filtrate containing starch, starch fragments, hemicellulose and fragments of hemicellulose is treated to form linear poly-alcohols which are then cleaved to produce one or more of glycerol, ethylene glycol, lactic acid and propylene glycol. The invention also includes a method of producing free and/or complexed sterols and stanols from plant material.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2004Publication date: March 24, 2005Inventors: Todd Werpy, Andrew Schmidt, John Frye, Alan Zacher, James Franz, Mikhail Alnajjar, Gary Neuenschwander, Eric Alderson, Rick Orth