Patents by Inventor Steven M. Heilmann

Steven M. Heilmann 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).

  • Patent number: 9475698
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for hydrothermally treating sewage wastes to preferably obtain valuable products, including fatty acids, carbon-neutral combustible hydrochar fuels, heavy metal salts for recycling into industrially important metals, and phosphoric acid and derivatives thereof. Fatty acids can be chemically transformed into useful products such as soaps, cosmetics and liquid transportation fuels such as biodiesel and conventional gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels; hydrochars created in the process can be combusted and the energy created used to generate electricity; heavy metal salts can be chemically reduced to form industrially important metals for use as catalysts; and phosphoric acid and its derivatives have very important roles as fertilizers in agriculture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
    Inventors: Steven M. Heilmann, Frederick J. Schendel, Marc Gregor Von Keitz, Kenneth J. Valentas, Anthony L. Mikula, Brandon Michael Wood
  • Publication number: 20150183641
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for hydrothermally treating sewage wastes to preferably obtain valuable products, including fatty acids, carbon-neutral combustible hydrochar fuels, heavy metal salts for recycling into industrially important metals, and phosphoric acid and derivatives thereof. Fatty acids can be chemically transformed into useful products such as soaps, cosmetics and liquid transportation fuels such as biodiesel and conventional gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels; hydrochars created in the process can be combusted and the energy created used to generate electricity; heavy metal salts can be chemically reduced to form industrially important metals for use as catalysts; and phosphoric acid and its derivatives have very important roles as fertilizers in agriculture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Steven M. Heilmann, Frederick J. Schendel, Marc Gregor Von Keitz, Kenneth J. Valentas, Anthony L. Mikula, Brandon Michael Wood
  • Patent number: 8999030
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing synthetic coal and aqueous liquid plant fertilizing solution products from a fermentation residue such as is left over from the corn based process of producing ethanol. The synthetic coal has a high heat value commensurate with naturally occurring coals and is lower in ash and sulfur content and thus has value as a clean burning energy source. The aqueous fertilizer includes commercially useful amounts of phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen in solution. The process of the invention is also energy efficient in that the products produced thereby involve the use of substantially less energy as compared to the traditional methods of processing fermentation residues in the corn based ethanol production industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Frederick J Schendel, Marc von Keitz, Kenneth J Valentas, Steven M Heilmann, Lindsey R Jader, Brandon M Wood
  • Publication number: 20140033777
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing synthetic coal and aqueous liquid plant fertilizing solution products from a fermentation residue such as is left over from the corn based process of producing ethanol. The synthetic coal has a high heat value commensurate with naturally occurring coals and is lower in ash and sulfur content and thus has value as a clean burning energy source. The aqueous fertilizer includes commercially useful amounts of phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen in solution. The process of the invention is also energy efficient in that the products produced thereby involve the use of substantially less energy as compared to the traditional methods of processing fermentation residues in the corn based ethanol production industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Frederick J. Schendel, Marc von Keitz, Kenneth J. Valentas, Steven M. Heilmann, Lindsey R. Jader, Brandon M. Wood
  • Patent number: 8586338
    Abstract: Ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Mark R. Etzel, Yi He, Steven M. Heilmann, Jerald K. Rasmussen, Kannan Seshadri, Simon K. Shannon, Clinton P. Waller, Jr., Douglas E. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20130206571
    Abstract: The present invention concerns low energy requiring methods for processing low cellulosic biomass materials into oil, char and liquid components. One method comprises the steps of subjecting the biomass to hydrothermal carbonization under specified reaction conditions for producing a combined char and oil fraction as well as an aqueous fraction, separating the combined oil and char fraction from the aqueous fraction by filtration; separating the combined oil and char fraction into individual oil and char fractions using an organic solvent for forming an oil depleted char fraction and a liquid oil and solvent solution, and separating the liquid oil and solvent solution into individual oil and solvent fractions by distillation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Steven M. Heilmann, Kenneth J. Valentas, Marc Von Keitz, Frederick J. Schendel, Paul A. Lefebvre, Michael J. Sadowsky, Laurie A. Harned, Lindsey R. Jader
  • Patent number: 8414664
    Abstract: Algae-derived synthetic coal and filtrates. The invention described herein provides an algae-derived synthetic coal product and filtrates and process for preparing the same using an improved hydrothermal carbonization process. The synthetic coal product is similar to natural bituminous coal in terms of percent carbon content and energy equivalency while at the same time containing relatively low levels of sulfur and contaminant heavy metals. Unlike natural coal and other fossil fuels, because the carbon of the biomass is formed through photosynthesis, carbon dioxide formed during combustion is a “carbon neutral” event with little or no “new” carbon dioxide being added to the earth's atmosphere. The algae-derived filtrates contain useful constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: HydoChar LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Heilmann, Kenneth J. Valentas, Marc von Keitz, Frederick J. Schendel, Paul A. Lefebvre, Michael J. Sadowsky
  • Publication number: 20120291343
    Abstract: The invention herein describe a novel process for producing a novel synthetic coal product from fermentation residues, such as, the waste materials from fermentation based ethanol production. The fermentation residue is subject to a hydrothermal carbonization process in an aqueous solution at a temperature and at a pressure sufficient to form a synthetic coal solid and a liquid component. This process does not require drying of the fermentation residue which provides for a more energy efficient method of processing thereof. The synthetic coal solid has a high heat content combustive material. The liquid component has nutrient value so that it can be recycled thereby permitting the sustainable recycling of such nutrients and the water in which those nutrients are dissolved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Frederick J. Schendel, Marc Von Keitz, Kenneth J. Valentas, Lindsey Jader, Steven M. Heilmann
  • Publication number: 20110271588
    Abstract: Synthetic coal, methods of producing synthetic coal, produced from fermentation residue, such as the residue from ethanol production, by subjecting the fermentation residue to hydrothermal carbonization in an aqueous solution at a temperature and a pressure sufficient to form a synthetic coal solid and a liquid component. The solid synthetic coal component has a low ash content and may be used as a carbon source for energy production, such as for combustive thermal energy generation, or for gassification for the production of synthesis gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: BioChar, LLC
    Inventors: Frederick J. Schendel, Marc von Keitz, Kenneth J. Valentas, Lindsey Jader, Steven M. Heilmann
  • Publication number: 20110184078
    Abstract: Ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Mark R. Etzel, Yi He, Steven M. Heilmann, Jerald K. Rasmussen, Kannan Seshadri, Simon K. Shannon, Clinton P. Waller, JR., Douglas E. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20110056124
    Abstract: Algae-derived synthetic coal and filtrates. The invention described herein provides an algae-derived synthetic coal product and filtrates and process for preparing the same using an improved hydrothermal carbonization process. The synthetic coal product is similar to natural bituminous coal in terms of percent carbon content and energy equivalency while at the same time containing relatively low levels of sulfur and contaminant heavy metals. Unlike natural coal and other fossil fuels, because the carbon of the biomass is formed through photosynthesis, carbon dioxide formed during combustion is a “carbon neutral” event with little or no “new” carbon dioxide being added to the earth's atmosphere. The algae-derived filtrates contain useful constituents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Steven M. Heilmann, Kenneth J. Valentas, Marc von Keitz, Frederick J. Schendel, Paul A. Lefebvre, Michael J. Sadowsky
  • Publication number: 20110006007
    Abstract: Provided are filtration media, matrixes, and systems for liquid purification that utilize functional polymer particles. The functional polymer particles can comprise a cationic charge. Exemplary functional polymer particles comprise comprise [3-(methacryloylamino)propyl]-trimethylammonium chloride (MAPTAC) polymerized with trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Gokhan Kuruc, Marjorie Bucholz, Todd E. Arnold, Robert T. Fitzsimons, JR., Kannan Seshadri, Steven M. Heilmann, Andrew W. Rabins, Catherine A. Bothof
  • Patent number: 7659323
    Abstract: Hydrophilic compositions are described, which are prepared from a first oligomer containing pendent polymerizable groups and pendent hydrophilic groups, crosslinked with a co-reactive second component oligomer possessing photoinitiator groups. The compositions may be used as in preparation of hydrophilic gel coatings or layers for medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kevin M. Lewandowski, Duane D. Fansler, Michael S. Wendland, Steven M. Heilmann, Babu N. Gaddam
  • Publication number: 20090326498
    Abstract: Hydrophilic compositions are described, which are prepared from a first oligomer containing pendent polymerizable groups and pendent hydrophilic groups, crosslinked with a co-reactive second component oligomer possessing photoinitiator groups. The compositions may be used as in preparation of hydrophilic gel coatings or layers for medical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Kevin M. Lewandowski, Duane D. Fansler, Michael S. Wendland, Steven M. Heilmann, Babu N. Gaddam
  • Patent number: 7598298
    Abstract: Hydrophilic compositions are described, which are prepared from a first oligomer containing pendent polymerizable groups and pendent hydrophilic groups, crosslinked with a co-reactive second component oligomer possessing photoinitiator groups. The compositions may be used as in preparation of hydrophilic gel coatings or layers for medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kevin M. Lewandowski, Duane D. Fansler, Michael S. Wendland, Steven M. Heilmann, Babu N. Gaddam
  • Patent number: 7557177
    Abstract: Initiators for atom transfer radical polymerizations are described. The initiators have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Duane D. Fansler, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Babu N. Gaddam, Steven M. Heilmann, Larry R. Krepski, Stephen B. Roscoe, Michael S. Wendland
  • Publication number: 20090062711
    Abstract: Hydrophilic compositions are described, which are prepared from a first oligomer containing pendent polymerizable groups and pendent hydrophilic groups, crosslinked with a co-reactive second component oligomer possessing photoinitiator groups. The compositions may be used as in preparation of hydrophilic gel coatings or layers for medical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Kevin M. LEWANDOWSKI, Duane D. Fansler, Michael S. Wendland, Steven M. Heilmann, Babu N. Gaddam
  • Patent number: 7459489
    Abstract: Hydrophilic compositions are described, which are prepared from a first oligomer containing pendent polymerizable groups and pendent hydrophilic groups, crosslinked with a co-reactive second component oligomer possessing photoinitiator groups. The compositions may be used as in preparation of hydrophilic gel coatings or layers for medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kevin M. Lewandowski, Duane D. Fansler, Michael S. Wendland, Steven M. Heilmann, Babu N. Gaddam
  • Patent number: 7384984
    Abstract: Hydrophilic compositions are described, which are prepared from a first component oligomer containing pendent hydrophilic groups and pendent reactive functional groups capable of reaction at effective rates (at normal processing temperatures), with a co-reactive second component possessing functionality that is complementary to that of the first oligomer. The compositions may be used as in preparation of hydrophilic gel coatings or layers for medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kevin M. Lewandowski, Duane D. Fansler, Michael S. Wendland, Steven M. Heilmann, Babu N. Gaddam
  • Patent number: 7342047
    Abstract: The present invention provides cross linkable compositions useful in the preparation of hydrophilic gels, and are prepared from obligers having pendent hydrophilic ploy(alkenylene oxide) groups, and pendent pulverizable functional groups, and cross linked by polyfunctional ploy(alkenylene oxides).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kevin M. Lewandowski, Duane D. Fansler, Michael S. Wendland, Steven M. Heilmann, Babu N. Gaddam