You can freely build on How William Burton Invented Modern Gasoline Refining
This patent expired in 1932. Every claim — 0 independent, 0 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
Standard Oil Co
Patent granted
1913
Expired
1932
Forward citations
2
What this patent covers
The patent describes a method for increasing the yield of gasoline from crude oil by heating heavy oil fractions under pressure. By applying heat and pressure in a closed vessel, the process breaks down larger, heavier hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, lighter ones suitable for internal combustion engines. This thermal cracking process allowed refiners to extract significantly more fuel from every barrel of oil compared to simple distillation.
What is now free to use
All 0 claims of US 1049667 are in the public domain. Specifically:
The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Does not cover catalytic cracking, which uses chemical catalysts to speed up the reaction.
Does not cover modern hydrocracking techniques that use hydrogen gas to improve fuel quality.
Does not cover the extraction of crude oil from the ground.
Does not cover the design of the internal combustion engines that consume the gasoline.
Who is building on this today
Modern global energy companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and BP continue to refine and scale the fundamental principles of hydrocarbon cracking. While the technology has evolved into highly sophisticated catalytic and hydro-processing units, the core objective of maximizing fuel yield from crude remains the same.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Early 20th-century oil refineries
Standard Oil production facilities
Gasoline supply chains for Model T automobiles
How to cite this patent in your documentation
Standard Oil Co. US Patent 1049667. Manufacture of gasolene.. Granted 1913, expired 1932. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.