Patents by Inventor William A. Whittenberger
William A. Whittenberger 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: 9901905Abstract: A monolith for catalytic or sorbent purposes. The monolith includes a substrate sheet having attached thereto a plurality of catalytic or sorbent beads. Each bead has a diameter of at least fifty microns. The substrate sheet at least partially defines one or more channels through the monolith. Fluid flowing through the channels will contact the beads for catalytic or sorbent purposes.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2012Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: William A. Whittenberger, Lorne W. Deyoung, Todd A. Romesberg, David A. Becker, Snezana Aleksic
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Patent number: 9901898Abstract: Described herein are expandable center arrangements for use in a tubular reactor, such as a reformer, for enhancing heat transfer and reactor efficiency. The expandable center arrangement can include a cone being expandable in the radial direction and an expansion weight for promoting expansion of the cone. The cone and expansion weight can be slidably arranged on a center support. Expansion of the cones in the radial direction forces reactor components radially outward to an outer tube that houses the reactor components and expandable center arrangement. Expansion of reactor components towards the outer tube promotes heat for carrying out catalytic reactions.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2013Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: William A. Whittenberger, Joseph W. Whittenberger, Brian L. Davis, James A. Rundo
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Patent number: 9751073Abstract: A reactor for carrying out catalytic reactions. The reactor includes a reactor component optionally arranged on a central rod in a reactor tube. The reactor component can have fluid ducts for directing fluid flow through the reactor. The fluid ducts are effective for increasing heat transfer in the reactor. The reactor component can further have a washer attached to a top or bottom surface for directing fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: William A. Whittenberger, Gordon W. Brunson, Brian L. Davis, Todd A. Romesberg, Randall J. Bartos, Joseph W. Whittenberger
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Patent number: 9643150Abstract: Reactor installation tools and methods for installing reactor components in a reactor tube are described herein. A reactor installation tool can include a releasable attachment assembly for securing the tool to a reactor or support for holding reactor components. The tool can include a movable cylinder that can be actuated to engage and push on a reactor component in an interior region of the reactor for positioning the contents of the reactor in a desired location. The tool can further include means for supply blasts of compressed gas to an interior region of the reactor to aid in the expansion and positioning of the reactor contents. A skirt seal can be used to ensure that the blasts of compressed gas are contained in the interior region of the reactor.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2013Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: William A. Whittenberger, Joseph W. Whittenberger, Randall J. Bartos
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Patent number: 9573106Abstract: A reactor installation tool and method for installing reactor components in a reactor housing. A reactor installation tool can include a push unit having a central aperture traversing its entire length and a push rod, a housing gripper having a center open section traversing its entire length and an expandable bladder positioned adjacent the center open section for securing the housing gripper inside a reactor housing. Reactor components can be installed by first lowering reactor components into a reactor housing, then lowering the reactor installation tool into the reactor housing above the reactor components, and then inflating the expandable bladder such that the expandable bladder contacts an inside surface of the reactor housing to secure the housing gripper inside the reactor housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: William A. Whittenberger, Joseph W. Whittenberger
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Patent number: 9457336Abstract: Described herein are flexible seals for directing fluid flow in a tubular reactor, such as a reformer, for enhancing heat transfer and reactor efficiency. The seals can be made of corrugated metal foil that is expandable in the radial direction for accommodating the expansion and contraction of reactor components in the tubular reactor during operation. The seals can block or redirect fluid flow through the reactor. Fluid is directed to the interior of the reactor by the seals and bypass around the outer circumference of the reactor components is reduced or eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: JOHNSON MATTHEY PLCInventors: William A. Whittenberger, Todd A. Romesberg, Louis J. Zuponcic, Lorne W. DeYoung, Gordon W. Brunson
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Patent number: 9403138Abstract: A wire standoff suitable for use in a tubular reactor, such as a reformer, is described. The wire standoff includes a portion or segment positioned between an outer reactor tube and one or more reactor components located within the tube. The reactor components and the outer tube are prevented from coming into directed contact with one another by the positioning of the wire standoff. The wire standoff can be secured to a reactor component at one of its ends or to a washer located between stacked reactor components. Prevention of the reactor components from contact with the outer tube promotes fluid flow through the reactor and can enhance heat transfer and reactor efficiency for carrying out catalytic reactions.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2013Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANYInventors: William A. Whittenberger, Joseph W. Whittenberger, Brian L. Davis
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Publication number: 20160038911Abstract: A reactor for carrying out catalytic reactions. The reactor includes a reactor component optionally arranged on a central rod in a reactor tube. The reactor component can have fluid ducts for directing fluid flow through the reactor. The fluid ducts are effective for increasing heat transfer in the reactor. The reactor component can further have a washer attached to a top or bottom surface for directing fluid flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2015Publication date: February 11, 2016Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Gordon W. Brunson, Brian L. Davis, Todd A. Romesberg, Randall J. Bartos, Joseph W. Whittenberger
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Patent number: 9216394Abstract: A reactor for carrying out catalytic reactions. The reactor includes a reactor component optionally arranged on a central rod in a reactor tube. The reactor component can have fluid ducts for directing fluid flow through the reactor. The fluid ducts are effective for increasing heat transfer in the reactor. The reactor component can further have a washer attached to a top or bottom surface for directing fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: JOHNSON MATTHEY PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANYInventors: William A. Whittenberger, Gordon W. Brunson, Brian L. Davis, Todd A. Romesberg, Randall J. Bartos, Joseph W. Whittenberger
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Publication number: 20150314257Abstract: A wire standoff suitable for use in a tubular reactor, such as a reformer, is described. The wire standoff includes a portion or segment positioned between an outer reactor tube and one or more reactor components located within the tube. The reactor components and the outer tube are prevented from coming into directed contact with one another by the positioning of the wire standoff. The wire standoff can be secured to a reactor component at one of its ends or to a washer located between stacked reactor components. Prevention of the reactor components from contact with the outer tube promotes fluid flow through the reactor and can enhance heat transfer and reactor efficiency for carrying out catalytic reactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2013Publication date: November 5, 2015Applicant: Catacel Corp.Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Joseph W. Whittenberger, Brian L. Davis
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Publication number: 20150209755Abstract: Described herein are flexible seals for directing fluid flow in a tubular reactor, such as a reformer, for enhancing heat transfer and reactor efficiency. The seals can be made of corrugated metal foil that is expandable in the radial direction for accommodating the expansion and contraction of reactor components in the tubular reactor during operation. The seals can block or redirect fluid flow through the reactor. Fluid is directed to the interior of the reactor by the seals and bypass around the outer circumference of the reactor components is reduced or eliminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Todd A. Romesberg, Louis J. Zuponcic, Lorne W. DeYoung, Gordon W. Brunson
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Publication number: 20140356109Abstract: A reactor installation tool and method for installing reactor components in a reactor housing. A reactor installation tool can include a push unit having a central aperture traversing its entire length and a push rod, a housing gripper having a center open section traversing its entire length and an expandable bladder positioned adjacent the center open section for securing the housing gripper inside a reactor housing. Reactor components can be installed by first lowering reactor components into a reactor housing, then lowering the reactor installation tool into the reactor housing above the reactor components, and then inflating the expandable bladder such that the expandable bladder contacts an inside surface of the reactor housing to secure the housing gripper inside the reactor housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: Catacel Corp.Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Joseph W. Whittenberger
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Publication number: 20140325843Abstract: Reactor installation tools and methods for installing reactor components in a reactor tube are described herein. A reactor installation tool can include a releasable attachment assembly for securing the tool to a reactor or support for holding reactor components. The tool can include a movable cylinder that can be actuated to engage and push on a reactor component in an interior region of the reactor for positioning the contents of the reactor in a desired location. The tool can further include means for supply blasts of compressed gas to an interior region of the reactor to aid in the expansion and positioning of the reactor contents. A skirt seal can be used to ensure that the blasts of compressed gas are contained in the interior region of the reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2013Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Joseph W. Whittenberger, Randall J. Bartos
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Patent number: 8863385Abstract: A reactor including a monolith having a plurality of fins in an annular arrangement for receiving fluid flow through the reactor. The monolith is disposed within a generally cylindrical outer tube, and around a corrugated inner tube. The reactor includes a device for urging the monolith radially outward, so as to maintain contact between the monolith and the outer tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited CompanyInventors: William A. Whittenberger, David A. Becker, Randall J. Bartos
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Publication number: 20140205506Abstract: A reactor for carrying out catalytic reactions. The reactor includes a reactor component optionally arranged on a central rod in a reactor tube. The reactor component can have fluid ducts for directing fluid flow through the reactor. The fluid ducts are effective for increasing heat transfer in the reactor. The reactor component can further have a washer attached to a top or bottom surface for directing fluid flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2014Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: Catacel Corp.Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Gordon W. Brunson, Brian L. Davis, Todd A. Romesberg, Randall J. Bartos, Joseph W. Whittenberger
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Patent number: 8763249Abstract: A reactor installation tool and method for installing a reactor unit in a reactor tube. A reactor installation tool including a movable assembly and a fixed assembly linked together such that the movable assembly can be adjusted relative to the fixed assembly. The movable assembly including a reactor sleeve attachment means for releasably securing a reactor sleeve loaded with a reactor unit to the tool. The fixed assembly including an expandable clamping unit for releasably securing the tool to a reactor tube. A reactor unit can be installed in the reactor tube by adjusting the movable assembly to extract the reactor unit from the reactor sleeve as the fixed assembly is rigidly secured to the reactor tube. The fixed assembly can be released from the reactor tube and the reactor installation tool can be removed from the reactor tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Catacel, Corp.Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, David A. Becker, Randall J. Bartos
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Patent number: 8721973Abstract: A reactor for carrying out catalytic reactions. The reactor includes a reactor component optionally arranged on a central rod in a reactor tube. The reactor component can have fluid ducts for directing fluid flow through the reactor. The fluid ducts are effective for increasing heat transfer in the reactor. The reactor component can further have a washer attached to a top or bottom surface for directing fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Catacel Corp.Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Gordon W. Brunson, Brian L. Davis, Todd A. Romesberg, Randall J. Bartos, Joseph W. Whittenberger
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Publication number: 20130291383Abstract: A reactor installation tool and method for installing a reactor unit in a reactor tube. A reactor installation tool including a movable assembly and a fixed assembly linked together such that the movable assembly can be adjusted relative to the fixed assembly. The movable assembly including a reactor sleeve attachment means for releasably securing a reactor sleeve loaded with a reactor unit to the tool. The fixed assembly including an expandable clamping unit for releasably securing the tool to a reactor tube. A reactor unit can be installed in the reactor tube by adjusting the movable assembly to extract the reactor unit from the reactor sleeve as the fixed assembly is rigidly secured to the reactor tube. The fixed assembly can be released from the reactor tube and the reactor installation tool can be removed from the reactor tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, David A. Becker, Randall J. Bartos
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Publication number: 20130259757Abstract: Described herein are expandable center arrangements for use in a tubular reactor, such as a reformer, for enhancing heat transfer and reactor efficiency. The expandable center arrangement can include a cone being expandable in the radial direction and an expansion weight for promoting expansion of the cone. The cone and expansion weight can be slidably arranged on a center support. Expansion of the cones in the radial direction forces reactor components radially outward to an outer tube that houses the reactor components and expandable center arrangement. Expansion of reactor components towards the outer tube promotes heat for carrying out catalytic reactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Catacel Corp.Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Joseph W. Whittenberger, Brian L. Davis, James A. Rundo
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Publication number: 20130259767Abstract: A wire standoff suitable for use in a tubular reactor, such as a reformer, is described. The wire standoff includes a portion or segment positioned between an outer reactor tube and one or more reactor components located within the tube. The reactor components and the outer tube are prevented from coming into directed contact with one another by the positioning of the wire standoff. The wire standoff can be secured to a reactor component at one of its ends or to a washer located between stacked reactor components. Prevention of the reactor components from contact with the outer tube promotes fluid flow through the reactor and can enhance heat transfer and reactor efficiency for carrying out catalytic reactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: Catacel Corp.Inventors: William A. Whittenberger, Joseph W. Whittenberger, Brian L. Davis