Patents by Inventor Alfred P. Leuschner

Alfred P. Leuschner 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).

  • Microbial process for producing methane from coal
    Patent number: 6143534
    Abstract: Lignite is treated with ligninase source to enhance its reactivity. In one embodiment, lignite is gasified in a subterranean reactor by simultaneous digestion by anaerobic ligninase producers, such as termite microflora, and acid formers and methanogens. In another embodiment, the lignite is treated with ligninase prior to digestion by the acid formers and methanogens. If desired, the lignite may be pretreated by alkaline hydrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Reliant Energy Incorporated
    Inventors: William M. Menger, Ernest E. Kern, O. C. Karkalits, Donald L. Wise, Alfred P. Leuschner, David Odelson, Hans E. Grethlein
  • Biochemically reacting substrates in subterranean cavities
    Patent number: 4845034
    Abstract: A method for carrying out a biochemical reaction with a culture of microorganisms is performed in a cavity formed in a subterranean formation to produce combustible hydrocarbon gases. The method is especially suitable for the conversion of alkali-oxidized or hydrolyzed coal, such as lignite, to methane. The method may be performed in the cavity as a continuously stirred tank reaction, or plug flow or as a staged reaction. The method may also be done as an anaerobic fixed film process using particles as an anaerobic filter, as a sludge blanket, or as an expanded bed process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Houston Industries Incorporated
    Inventors: William M. Menger, Ernest E. Kern, Kermit Allen, O. C. Karkalits, Donald L. Wise, Alfred P. Leuschner