Patents by Inventor Michael Franko
Michael Franko 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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Publication number: 20240165357Abstract: A patient interface includes: a plenum chamber; a seal-forming structure; a positioning and stabilising structure; a plenum chamber insert configured to be positioned and retained within the plenum chamber; and a vent structure; wherein the plenum chamber insert has a plenum chamber insert port; wherein the plenum chamber insert has an exterior surface configured to be positioned adjacent to an interior surface of the plenum chamber; wherein when the plenum chamber insert is positioned and retained within the plenum chamber, a radial channel is formed by the interior surface of the plenum chamber and the exterior surface of the plenum chamber insert such that gas is able to pass between a patient-proximal side of the plenum chamber insert and a patient-distal side of the plenum chamber insert via the radial channel during use.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2024Publication date: May 23, 2024Inventors: Tumul GUPTA, Michael Christopher HOGG, Luke Andrew STANISLAS, Lang Eng Siang TEH, Hans Christer Henric ENGSTROM, Lorenz EBERL, Adrian APALAKIS, Balint FRANKO
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Patent number: 11918741Abstract: A patient interface includes: a plenum chamber; a seal-forming structure; a positioning and stabilising structure; a plenum chamber insert configured to be positioned and retained within the plenum chamber; and a vent structure; wherein the plenum chamber insert has a plenum chamber insert port; wherein the plenum chamber insert has an exterior surface configured to be positioned adjacent to an interior surface of the plenum chamber; wherein when the plenum chamber insert is positioned and retained within the plenum chamber, a radial channel is formed by the interior surface of the plenum chamber and the exterior surface of the plenum chamber insert such that gas is able to pass between a patient-proximal side of the plenum chamber insert and a patient-distal side of the plenum chamber insert via the radial channel during use.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: ResMed Pty LtdInventors: Tumul Gupta, Michael Christopher Hogg, Luke Andrew Stanislas, Lang Eng Siang Teh, Hans Christer Henric Engstrom, Lorenz Eberl, Adrian Apalakis, Balint Franko
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Publication number: 20230413858Abstract: A method and system for producing a high protein meal from a whole stillage byproduct produced in a grain dry-milling process for making ethanol, with optional back end milling options, is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for producing a high protein meal from a whole stillage byproduct includes separating the whole stillage byproduct into an insoluble solids portion and a thin stillage/centrate portion, wherein at least one milling step can be applied to one or both of the insoluble solids portion and the whole stillage portion. Next, the centrate portion may be separated into a protein portion and a water-soluble solids portion. And then the protein portion can be dewatered and/or dried to define a high protein meal having at least 40 wt % protein on a dry basis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2023Publication date: December 28, 2023Inventors: Neal Jakel, Michael Franko, Donald M. Cannon
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Patent number: 11788038Abstract: The present invention relates generally to corn dry-milling, and more specifically, to a method and system for removing insoluble solids mid-evaporation in a corn (or similar carbohydrate-containing grain) dry milling process for making alcohol, such as ethanol, and/or other biofuels/biochemicals. In one example, the method for removing residual insoluble solids in a grain dry milling process includes separating a whole stillage byproduct into an insoluble solids portion and a solubles portion, which includes residual insoluble solids. Then, the solubles portion is subjected to a first evaporation, via one or more evaporators, to remove liquid from the solubles portion to define a concentrated solubles portion. After the first evaporation, the residual insoluble solids are separated from the concentrated solubles portion. And thereafter, the concentrated solubles portion is subjected to a second evaporation, via one or more evaporators, to remove additional liquid from the concentrated solubles portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: Fluid Quip Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Franko, John Kwik
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Publication number: 20230203552Abstract: An improved dry grind system and method for producing a sugar stream from grains or similar carbohydrate sources and/or residues, such as for biofuel production. In particular, a sugar/carbohydrate stream, which includes a desired Dextrose Equivalent (DE) where DE describes the degree of conversion of starch to dextrose (aka glucose) and/or has had removed therefrom an undesirable amount of unfermentable components, can be produced after saccharification and prior to fermentation (or other sugar conversion process), with such sugar stream being available for biofuel production, e.g., alcohol production, or other processes. In addition, the systems and methods also can involve the removal of certain grain components, e.g., corn kernel components, including protein, oil and/or fiber, prior to fermentation or other conversion systems. In other words, sugar stream production and/or grain component separation occurs on the front end of the system and method.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2023Publication date: June 29, 2023Inventors: Neal Jakel, John Kwik, Michael Franko, Andrew Whalen
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Patent number: 11597955Abstract: An improved dry grind system and method for producing a sugar stream from grains or similar carbohydrate sources and/or residues, such as for biofuel production. In particular, a sugar/carbohydrate stream, which includes a desired Dextrose Equivalent (DE) where DE describes the degree of conversion of starch to dextrose (aka glucose) and/or has had removed therefrom an undesirable amount of unfermentable components, can be produced after saccharification and prior to fermentation (or other sugar conversion process), with such sugar stream being available for biofuel production, e.g., alcohol production, or other processes. In addition, the systems and methods also can involve the removal of certain grain components, e.g., corn kernel components, including protein, oil and/or fiber, prior to fermentation or other conversion systems. In other words, sugar stream production and/or grain component separation occurs on the front end of the system and method.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Fluid Quip Technologies, LLCInventors: Neal Jakel, John Kwik, Michael Franko, Andrew Whalen
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Patent number: 11447806Abstract: An improved dry grind system and method for producing a sugar stream from grains or similar carbohydrate sources and/or residues, such as for biofuel production. In particular, a sugar/carbohydrate stream, which includes a desired Dextrose Equivalent (DE) where DE describes the degree of conversion of starch to dextrose (aka glucose) and/or has had removed therefrom an undesirable amount of unfermentable components, can be produced after saccharification and prior to fermentation (or other sugar conversion process), with such sugar stream being available for biofuel production, e.g., alcohol production, or other processes. In addition, the systems and methods also can involve the removal of certain grain components, e.g., corn kernel components, including protein, oil and/or fiber, prior to fermentation or other conversion systems. In other words, sugar stream production and/or grain component separation occurs on the front end of the system and method.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2021Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Fluid Quip Technologies, LLCInventors: Neal Jakel, John Kwik, Michael Franko, Andrew Whalen
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Publication number: 20220287332Abstract: A method and system for producing a high protein meal from a whole stillage byproduct produced in a grain dry-milling process for making ethanol, with optional back end milling options, is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for producing a high protein meal from a whole stillage byproduct includes separating the whole stillage byproduct into an insoluble solids portion and a thin stillage/centrate portion, wherein at least one milling step can be applied to one or both of the insoluble solids portion and the whole stillage portion. Next, the centrate portion may be separated into a protein portion and a water-soluble solids portion. And then the protein portion can be dewatered and/or dried to define a high protein meal having at least 40 wt % protein on a dry basis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2021Publication date: September 15, 2022Inventors: Neal Jakel, Michael Franko, Donald M. Cannon
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Patent number: 11230504Abstract: Method for producing a fertilizer or herbicide from a whole stillage byproduct produced in a corn dry-milling process for making alcohol and system therefore is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes separating the whole stillage byproduct into an insoluble solids portion and a thin stillage portion. Thereafter, the thin stillage portion can be dewatered to provide a water soluble solids portion and a dewatered protein portion, which may be optionally dried. The protein in the resulting protein portion can serve as a nitrogen source and sulfur containing amino acids can serve as a sulfur source, which can be desirable components in fertilizers and herbicides. To that end, the resulting protein portion directly may be sold and/or used as a fertilizer or herbicide or can be combined with other components to provide the fertilizer or herbicide.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2018Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Fluid Quip Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Franko, Neal Jakel, John Kwik
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Patent number: 11220663Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved systems and processes for clarifying a thin stillage stream in a biofuel production process, such as a dry grind alcohol production process, that removes desirable amounts of insoluble solids from at least a portion of the thin stillage stream, thereby realizing any number of process enhancements.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Fluid Quip Technologies, LLCInventors: Neal Jakel, John Kwik, Michael Franko
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Publication number: 20210301310Abstract: An improved dry grind system and method for producing a sugar stream from grains or similar carbohydrate sources and/or residues, such as for biofuel production. In particular, a sugar/carbohydrate stream, which includes a desired Dextrose Equivalent (DE) where DE describes the degree of conversion of starch to dextrose (aka glucose) and/or has had removed therefrom an undesirable amount of unfermentable components, can be produced after saccharification and prior to fermentation (or other sugar conversion process), with such sugar stream being available for biofuel production, e.g., alcohol production, or other processes. In addition, the systems and methods also can involve the removal of certain grain components, e.g., corn kernel components, including protein, oil and/or fiber, prior to fermentation or other conversion systems. In other words, sugar stream production and/or grain component separation occurs on the front end of the system and method.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: Neal Jakel, John Kwik, Michael Franko, Andrew Whalen
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Publication number: 20210301311Abstract: An improved dry grind system and method for producing a sugar stream from grains or similar carbohydrate sources and/or residues, such as for biofuel production. In particular, a sugar/carbohydrate stream, which includes a desired Dextrose Equivalent (DE) where DE describes the degree of conversion of starch to dextrose (aka glucose) and/or has had removed therefrom an undesirable amount of unfermentable components, can be produced after saccharification and prior to fermentation (or other sugar conversion process), with such sugar stream being available for biofuel production, e.g., alcohol production, or other processes. In addition, the systems and methods also can involve the removal of certain grain components, e.g., corn kernel components, including protein, oil and/or fiber, prior to fermentation or other conversion systems. In other words, sugar stream production and/or grain component separation occurs on the front end of the system and method.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2021Publication date: September 30, 2021Inventors: Neal Jakel, John Kwik, Michael Franko, Andrew Whalen
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Publication number: 20210180093Abstract: A system and process is disclosed for adding pre-fermentation separated non-fermentables, e.g., fiber, germ/oil, and/or protein, to a post-fermentation stream in a corn (or similar carbohydrate-containing grain) dry milling process for making alcohol and/or other biofuels/biochemical. The process includes mixing grain particles with a liquid to produce a slurry having starch and non-fermentables. The slurry is subjected to liquefaction to convert the starch in the slurry to complex sugars and produce a liquefied stream including the complex sugars and non-fermentables. After liquefaction but prior to fermentation of simple sugars resulting from conversion of the complex sugars, the non-fermentables are separated out to define a non-fermentables portion and an aqueous solution including the complex and/or simple sugars. The simple sugars are fermented to provide a fermented stream. Then, the separated non-fermentables portion is reincorporated back into the process into a post-fermentation stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2021Publication date: June 17, 2021Inventors: Michael Franko, John Kwik, Neal Jakel
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Patent number: 11034987Abstract: An improved dry grind system and method for producing a sugar stream from grains or similar carbohydrate sources and/or residues, such as for biofuel production. In particular, a sugar/carbohydrate stream, which includes a desired Dextrose Equivalent (DE) where DE describes the degree of conversion of starch to dextrose (aka glucose) and/or has had removed therefrom an undesirable amount of unfermentable components, can be produced after saccharification and prior to fermentation (or other sugar conversion process), with such sugar stream being available for biofuel production, e.g., alcohol production, or other processes. In addition, the systems and methods also can involve the removal of certain grain components, e.g., corn kernel components, including protein, oil and/or fiber, prior to fermentation or other conversion systems. In other words, sugar stream production and/or grain component separation occurs on the front end of the system and method.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Fluid Quip Technologies, LLCInventors: Neal Jakel, John Kwik, Michael Franko, Andrew Whalen
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Patent number: 10995346Abstract: A system and process is disclosed for adding pre-fermentation separated non-fermentables, e.g., fiber, germ/oil, and/or protein, to a post-fermentation stream in a corn (or similar carbohydrate-containing grain) dry milling process for making alcohol and/or other biofuels/biochemical. The process includes mixing grain particles with a liquid to produce a slurry having starch and non-fermentables. The slurry is subjected to liquefaction to convert the starch in the slurry to complex sugars and produce a liquefied stream including the complex sugars and non-fermentables. After liquefaction but prior to fermentation of simple sugars resulting from conversion of the complex sugars, the non-fermentables are separated out to define a non-fermentables portion and an aqueous solution including the complex and/or simple sugars. The simple sugars are fermented to provide a fermented stream. Then, the separated non-fermentables portion is reincorporated back into the process into a post-fermentation stream.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2017Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Fluid Quip Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Franko, John Kwik, Neal Jakel
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Publication number: 20210114951Abstract: Method for producing a fertilizer or herbicide from a whole stillage byproduct produced in a corn dry-milling process for making alcohol and system therefore is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes separating the whole stillage byproduct into an insoluble solids portion and a thin stillage portion. Thereafter, the thin stillage portion can be dewatered to provide a water soluble solids portion and a dewatered protein portion, which may be optionally dried. The protein in the resulting protein portion can serve as a nitrogen source and sulfur containing amino acids can serve as a sulfur source, which can be desirable components in fertilizers and herbicides. To that end, the resulting protein portion directly may be sold and/or used as a fertilizer or herbicide or can be combined with other components to provide the fertilizer or herbicide.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2018Publication date: April 22, 2021Inventors: Michael Franko, Neal Jakel, John Kwik
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Publication number: 20210062122Abstract: The present invention relates generally to corn dry-milling, and more specifically, to a method and system for removing insoluble solids mid-evaporation in a corn (or similar carbohydrate-containing grain) dry milling process for making alcohol, such as ethanol, and/or other biofuels/biochemicals. In one example, the method for removing residual insoluble solids in a grain dry milling process includes separating a whole stillage byproduct into an insoluble solids portion and a solubles portion, which includes residual insoluble solids. Then, the solubles portion is subjected to a first evaporation, via one or more evaporators, to remove liquid from the solubles portion to define a concentrated solubles portion. After the first evaporation, the residual insoluble solids are separated from the concentrated solubles portion. And thereafter, the concentrated solubles portion is subjected to a second evaporation, via one or more evaporators, to remove additional liquid from the concentrated solubles portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2020Publication date: March 4, 2021Inventors: Michael Franko, John Kwik
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Publication number: 20200199062Abstract: A method for separating one or more amino acids from a whole stillage byproduct produced in a corn dry milling process for making alcohol and system therefore is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes separating the whole stillage byproduct into an insoluble solids portion and a thin stillage portion, which include protein and amino acids. Thereafter, the thin stillage portion can be separated into a water soluble solids portion and a protein and amino acids portion. The resulting protein and amino acids portion can be separated into an amino acid(s) portion and a protein portion, both of which may be optionally dried, utilizing microfiltration, ultrafiltration, electrophoresis techniques/devices, or combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2018Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: Michael Franko, Neal Jakel, John Kwik
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Patent number: 10119157Abstract: An improved dry grind system and method for producing a sugar stream from grains or similar carbohydrate sources and/or residues, such as for biofuel production. In particular, a sugar/carbohydrate stream, which includes a desired Dextrose Equivalent (DE) where DE describes the degree of conversion of starch to dextrose (aka glucose) and/or has had removed therefrom an undesirable amount of unfermentable components, can be produced after saccharification and prior to fermentation (or other sugar conversion process), with such sugar stream being available for biofuel production, e.g., alcohol production, or other processes. In addition, the systems and methods also can involve the removal of certain grain components, e.g., corn kernel components, including protein, oil and/or fiber, prior to fermentation or other conversion systems. In other words, sugar stream production and/or grain component separation occurs on the front end of the system and method.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Fluid Quip Process Technologies, LLCInventors: Neal Jakel, John Kwik, Michael Franko, Andrew Whalen
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Publication number: 20180312891Abstract: An improved dry grind system and method for producing a sugar stream from grains or similar carbohydrate sources and/or residues, such as for biofuel production. In particular, a sugar/carbohydrate stream, which includes a desired Dextrose Equivalent (DE) where DE describes the degree of conversion of starch to dextrose (aka glucose) and/or has had removed therefrom an undesirable amount of unfermentable components, can be produced after saccharification and prior to fermentation (or other sugar conversion process), with such sugar stream being available for biofuel production, e.g., alcohol production, or other processes. In addition, the systems and methods also can involve the removal of certain grain components, e.g., corn kernel components, including protein, oil and/or fiber, prior to fermentation or other conversion systems. In other words, sugar stream production and/or grain component separation occurs on the front end of the system and method.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2018Publication date: November 1, 2018Inventors: Neal Jakel, John Kwik, Michael Franko, Andrew Whalen