Patents by Inventor Nick J. Huige

Nick J. Huige 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).

  • Method of oxygenating yeast slurry using hydrophobic polymer membranes
    Patent number: 7186428
    Abstract: Disclosed is a an economical method of efficiently oxygenating yeast slurry without bubble formation. The method employs a membrane oxygenator comprising at least one hydrophobic, microporous membrane having a gas side and a liquid side. The yeast slurry flows over the liquid side of the membrane; oxygen is delivered to the gas side of the membrane and passes through the pores to the yeast slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Miller Brewing Company
    Inventors: Nick J. Huige, Murthy Tata, Jeffrey F. Fehring, Michael C. Barney, David S. Ryder, Alfonso Navarro
  • Method of using wood chips in brewing malt beverages
    Publication number: 20030008036
    Abstract: A process is disclosed whereby wood chips are used in the brewing process to produce a beer which is more pleasing and mellow than conventional beers. The wood chips are preferably toasted oak chips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Nick J. Huige, John R. Seabrooks, David S. Ryder
  • Process for preparing a nonalcoholic (less the 0.5 volume percent alcohol) malt beverage
    Patent number: 4970082
    Abstract: Malt beverages having less than 0.5% v/v alcohol content are made by combining wort with a thick yeast slurry and fermenting sugars in the wort at 38.degree. F. to 45.degree. F. for 0.5 to 10 hours. The wort has a high extract content, at least 14% by weight. The yeast slurry is obtained from a prior beer fermentation and includes at least 10% by weight of yeast and the balance beer. The wort is combined with at least 10% to 20% v/v of the yeast slurry in the fermentation step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: Miller Brewing Company
    Inventors: Nick J. Huige, Gilbert W. Sanchez, Alan R. Leidig