Carbohydrate Manufacture And Refining Patents (Class 127/34)
  • Patent number: 11291217
    Abstract: An edible caramel color composition and method of making the same are disclosed. The method of making an edible caramel color composition includes the step of heating a reaction mixture to form a caramel color composition, wherein the reaction mixture contains: a carbohydrate, and a sulfite compound, in the absence of a caustic compound and in the absence of an ammonium compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Josef Klucik, Sangphyo Hong
  • Patent number: 11058127
    Abstract: A process of making a caramel color comprising a) mixing a carbohydrate with an ammonia compound and a sulfite compound and at pH from just greater than about 4.0 to about 6.0; and b) heating of the mixture from step a) in a sealed vessel to a temperature of from about 120° C. to about 137° C. and maintaining a temperature in said range for at least about 2 hours, said time and temperature being sufficient to yield a product having a color level of at least about double strength and a level of 4-MeI of less than about 20 ppm, is provided. Also provided is a process of ramped heating which results in a similar caramel color product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Corn Products Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongxin Jiang, Christopher Lane
  • Patent number: 10590449
    Abstract: A simple process for converting lignocellulosic biomass into fermentation products is disclosed. Biomass may be subjected to a steam or hot-water soak to dissolve hemicelluloses. This step is followed by mechanical refining, such as in a hot-blow refiner, of the cellulose-rich (and lignin-rich) solids. The refined solids are then enzymatically hydrolyzed to generate sugars. Certain embodiments provide a process for producing ethanol, comprising: digesting a cellulosic biomass feedstock with steam or hot water to produce cellulose-rich solids, hemicellulose oligomers, and lignin; conveying the digested stream through a blow-line refiner; separating a vapor from the refined stream; introducing the refined stream to an enzymatic hydrolysis unit to produce sugars; fermenting the sugars to produce ethanol in dilute solution; and concentrating the dilute solution to produce an ethanol product. Enzymes and microorganisms may be introduced at various points in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignees: GranBio Intellectual Property Holdings, Valmet AB
    Inventors: Theodora Retsina, Jean-Pierre Bousquet
  • Patent number: 10492514
    Abstract: The foam of colorant-containing, beer-taste beverages is whitened, specifically by incorporating saponins in the beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Takeshi Teranishi, Itsuki Motohashi, Mai Kitsukawa
  • Patent number: 10316107
    Abstract: A process for producing thermally inhibited starch is described resulting in a viscostable starch product. The process comprises providing an alkaline starch having a pH, when measured in a 20% (w/v) aqueous dispersion, between 9.1 and 11.2, adjusting the water content of the starch to between 2 and 22 wt. %, heating the starch between 130 and 190° C., especially between 140 and 180° C., for a sufficient time and at a sufficient pressure for the inhibition of the starch to be initiated before the water content has reached a level of 1 wt. % and before the pH has reached a value of 9, continuing heating the starch between 140 and 190° C. until viscostability is achieved, and cooling and optionally further processing the starch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: N.V. NEDERLANDSCH OCTROOIBUREAU
    Inventors: Maurice Karel Hubertina Essers, Johannes Wilhelmus Timmermans, Jan Matthijs Jetten, Theodoor Maximiliaan Slaghek, Alida Anna Catharina Maria Oudhuis, Ricardo Nagtegaal
  • Patent number: 9775372
    Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to a composition of real fruit drink concentrate, a method of making the real fruit drink concentrate and a method of making hot as well as cold real fruit drinks. The real fruit drink concentrate comprises a plurality of fruits, spices, herbs, flowers, lemon juice, sugar and water. The method of preparing a real fruit drink concentrate comprises preparing a mixture. The mixture is prepared by mixing fresh or frozen fruit pieces, spices, sugar, lemon juice and a quantity sufficient water in a container. The mixture is cooked in a pre-heated oven at 420° F. till the caramelization of fruits and sugar occurs. A boiling water is added to the mixture and cooked again. The total cooking time is 45 minutes and the boiling water is added after at least ?rd of the total cooking time. The mixture is canned. The canning is done by using a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes. The mixture is stored in sealed jars in a cool dark place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventors: Erika Hrdinova, Rene Naglovsky
  • Patent number: 9565866
    Abstract: Class IV caramel color with reduced 4-MeI content is formed by combining carbohydrate with ammonium bisulfite and acid in an amount effective to establish a pH of less than 5. This is heated in a closed reactor vessel and heated to a temperature and for a time effective to provide the desired intensity caramel color. A base is injected into the closed reaction vessel during heating to control the caramelization reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: D.D. Williamson & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Owen Parker, Gregory Kreder
  • Publication number: 20150104843
    Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Marshall Medoff
  • Patent number: 8992688
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the removal of lignin from water suspensions originating from lignocellulosic feedstocks. The method involves adding coagulants and flocculants to the suspension. While hydrolysis does remove some lignin, the pitch in many feedstocks prevents the hydrolysis from coming into contact with all of the lignin or so effectively blocks it that the lignin can re-condense. This is especially the case with low lignin grass based lignocellulosic feedstock. But with the addition of the inventive coagulants and flocculants, a phase separation substantially accelerates and lignin forms flocs that forms that physically separates the lignin from the pitch and the cellulose thereby makes removal the lignin from aqueous suspensions by decanting and filtration effective and easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Sergey M. Shevchenko, Jane B. Wong Shing, Olivier Clot
  • Publication number: 20150068516
    Abstract: this invention is directed to a process for treating biomass. The biomass is treated with a biomass swelling agent within the vessel to swell or rupture at least a portion of the biomass. A portion of the swelling agent is removed from a first end of the vessel following the treatment. Then steam is introduced into a second end of the vessel different from the first end to further remove swelling agent from the vessel in such a manner that the swelling agent exits the vessel at a relatively low water content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Farzaneh Teymouri, Timothy J. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20150065698
    Abstract: There is described a method of isolating one or more of pectin, d-limonene, a flavour compound, a flavonoid, a soluble monosaccharide, a decomposition product of a monosaccharide and cellulose, from citrus material wherein said method comprises the microwave assisted hydrothermal low temperature treatment of citrus material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: James Hanley Clark, Lucie Anne Pfaltzgraff, Vitaliy Lvovich Budarin, Mario De Bruyn
  • Publication number: 20150041730
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the fabrication CNT dispersions using polysaccharides, especially hemicelluloses, and most advantageously xylan. The present invention also provides methods to isolate, and purify hemicelluloses from plant materials. The present invention provides methods and compositions for the coating of solid surfaces using CNT dispersions. One currently preferred method coating of a surface is electrospraying the CNT dispersion. The present invention provides electrically conducting materials that can replace conducting plastics, graphite, and even some metals as electrical conductors. In one embodiment the present materials can be used as stealth coatings. In another embodiment the present materials can provide shield against high frequency electromagnetic radiation, while being permeable to low frequency magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Veijo KANGAS
  • Patent number: 8945309
    Abstract: A catalyst for cellulose hydrolysis and/or the reduction of hydrolysis products, in which a transition metal of group 8 to 11 is supported on a solid support. A method of producing sugar alcohols comprising: hydrolyzing cellulose in the presence of the catalyst in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere with pressurization; and reducing the hydrolysis product of cellulose. Provided are a catalyst for use in the production of sugar alcohols by the hydrolysis and hydrogenation of cellulose that affords easy separation of catalyst and product, and that does not require pH adjustment, acid or alkali neutralization, or activation of the catalyst during reuse, and a method of producing sugar alcohols from cellulose employing this catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: National University Corporation Hokkaido University
    Inventors: Atsushi Fukuoka, Paresh Laxmikant Dhepe
  • Publication number: 20150027438
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for transporting viscous slurries, especially at high pressures, using fluid injection, especially steam injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Renmatix, Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Adam Simard, Perry Gerdes
  • Publication number: 20150007809
    Abstract: A method of digesting lignocellulosic material includes the steps of providing the lignocellulosic material and a caustic composition having a pH of at least about 10. The caustic composition includes water, an alkaline- or alkaline earth-metal hydroxide, and up to about 1 percent by weight based on a total weight of the composition of a branched digestion additive. The branched digestion additive has the structure: wherein A is at least one alkyleneoxy group and each alkyleneoxy group has from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, n is 0 or 1, B is a branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group having from 8 to 15 carbon atoms, X is H or B-0-(A)m, and each m is independently an average value from 3 to 30, and wherein the caustic composition has a Draves Wetting Time of less than 100 seconds as determined using ASTM D2281.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: David Durocher, Thomas C. Friel, Kenneth L. Zack
  • Patent number: 8911806
    Abstract: The invention provides a sweetener composition comprising a core nano particle in association with a sweetener carbohydrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Douxmatok Ltd
    Inventor: Avraham Baniel
  • Patent number: 8900369
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention overcome the well-known recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass in an economically viable manner. A process and a system are provided for the efficient fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass into cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The cellulose and hemicellulose thus obtained are highly amorphous and can be readily converted into highly concentrated mixtures of five and six carbon sugars using known methods. Typical yields of sugars exceed 100 grams of sugars per liter of sugar solution. Other products, such as alcohols, can easily be prepared according to methods of the invention. The modest process conditions and low solvent/solid ratios of some embodiments of the invention require relatively low capital and processing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Y. H. Percival Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140331992
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering saccharide monomers and/or oligomers from a reaction mixture. The reaction mixture may further comprise water and a molten salt hydrate. The method may comprise adding an anti-solvent, whereby at least the saccharide oligomers are precipitated from the reaction mixture. In an alternate embodiment molten salt hydrate is extracted from the reaction mixture using a suitable extractant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Roman TSCHENTSCHER, Rafael MENEGASSI DE ALMEIDA, José Rafael Hernández CARUCCI, Johan VAN DEN BERGH, Jacob Adriaan MOULIJN
  • Patent number: 8882924
    Abstract: A process for pretreating a solid, cellulose-containing biomass material which pretreatment comprises contacting the solid biomass material with an Ionic Liquid medium under sub-solvating conditions. The pretreatment results in an opening up of the texture of the solid biomass material, while no or a limited amount of biomass material is dissolved. The Ionic Liquid medium preferably is an inorganic molten salt hydrate. The pretreated biomass material can be as a feedstock in any process that benefits from the change in texture resulting from the pretreatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: KiOR, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8871475
    Abstract: A method is provided for improving enzymatic hydrolysis in saccharification of a lignocellulosic material. The method is comprising pretreating the lignocellulosic material to obtain a slurry of pretreated lignocellulosic material; adding at least one reducing agent to the slurry of pretreated lignocellulosic material or the liquid fraction thereof to decrease the enzymatic hydrolysis inhibitory properties of slurry of the pretreated lignocellulosic material or the liquid fraction thereof; and subjecting the slurry of pretreated lignocellulosic material or the liquid fraction thereof to enzymatic hydrolysis in the presence of the at least one reducing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sekab E-Technology AB
    Inventors: Bjorn Alriksson, Leif Jonsson, Venkata Prabhakar Soudham
  • Publication number: 20140311481
    Abstract: The present invention provides for novel compositions and methods for recycling or recovering ionic liquid used in IL pretreated cellulose and/or lignocellulosic biomass (LBM).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicants: SANDIA CORPORATION, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Dean C. Dibble, Aurelia Cheng, Anthe George
  • Publication number: 20140303264
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process comprising: (i) extracting ?50% by weight of all carrageenan from a carrageenan-containing seaweed material to obtain a cellulose-containing seaweed residue; and (ii) purifying the cellulose-containing seaweed residue by at least one of hydrolysis or bleaching. The present invention is also directed to the cellulose obtained from the process, as well as products containing the cellulose-containing seaweed material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: FMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zheng Tan, Michael Sestrick, William Matakas, Aaron Chip Venables
  • Publication number: 20140296495
    Abstract: Methods of producing bio-fuel and other high-value products from oleaginous biomass (e.g. algae biomass) are provided. The two-step methods use a first step of subcritical water extraction of the biomass at low temperatures to produce polysaccharides and other high value products of interest, followed by, ii) hydrothermal liquefaction of remaining solid biomass at high temperatures to produce bio-oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Shulin Chen, Moumita Chakraborty, Miao Chao
  • Patent number: 8835716
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for modifying the thermal and/or digestion properties of corn starches and corn flours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer Cropscience AG
    Inventor: Claus Frohberg
  • Publication number: 20140251318
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the removal of lignin from water suspensions originating from lignocellulosic feedstocks. The method involves adding coagulants and flocculants to the suspension. While hydrolysis does remove some lignin, the pitch in many feedstocks prevents the hydrolysis from coming into contact with all of the lignin or so effectively blocks it that the lignin can re-condense. This is especially the case with low lignin grass based lignocellulosic feedstock. But wWith the addition of the inventive coagulants and flocculants, a phase separation substantially accelerates and lignin forms flocs that forms that physically separates the lignin from the pitch and the cellulose thereby makes removal the lignin from aqueous suspensions by decanting and filtration effective and easy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Sergey M. Shevchenko, Jane B. Wong Shing, Olivier Clot
  • Patent number: 8784566
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention overcome the well-known recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass in an economically viable manner. A process and system are provided for the efficient fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass into cellulose, hemicellulose sugars, lignin, and acetic acid. The cellulose thus obtained is highly amorphous and can be readily converted into glucose using known methods. Fermentable hemicellulose sugars, low-molecular-weight lignin, and purified acetic acid are also major products of the process and system. The modest process conditions and low solvent/solid ratios of some embodiments of the invention imply relatively low capital and processing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Y. H. Percival Zhang
  • Patent number: 8771426
    Abstract: The process is for pretreating a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock and comprises: soaking a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock wherein the soaked biomass is present as a mixture with a free liquid and wherein the free liquid comprises at least one dissolved compound selected from the group consisting of glucose, xylose and respective oligomers thereof, washing the mixture of the soaked biomass and the free liquid, wherein at least a portion of the free liquid containing at least one dissolved compound selected from the group consisting of glucose, xylose and respective oligomers thereof is separated from the soaked biomass to create a soaked washed biomass and at least one free liquid stream, compressing the soaked biomass to create a released liquid, separating the released liquid from the soaked biomass, and keeping at least a portion of the released liquid separate from any free liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Beta Renewables, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Piero Ottonello, Simone Ferrero, Paolo Torre, Francesco Cherchi, Danilo Defaveri
  • Patent number: 8771425
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of biomass to render structural carbohydrates more accessible and/or digestible using concentrated ammonium hydroxide with or without anhydrous ammonia addition, is described. The process preferably uses steam to strip ammonia from the biomass for recycling. The process yields of monosaccharides from the structural carbohydrates are good, particularly as measured by the enzymatic hydrolysis of the structural carbohydrates. The monosaccharides are used as animal feeds and energy sources for ethanol production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventor: Bruce E. Dale
  • Publication number: 20140163210
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods of improving lignin separation during biomass fractionation with an acid to release sugars and a solvent for lignin (such as ethanol). In some embodiments, a digestor is employed to fractionating a feedstock in the presence of a solvent for lignin, sulfur dioxide, and water, to produce a liquor containing hemicellulose, cellulose-rich solids, and lignin. A solid additive is added to the digestor, wherein the solid additive combines with at least a portion of the lignin. Then a mixture of lignin and the solid additive is separated from the liquor, prior to hemicellulose recovery. Optionally, a solid additive may also be introduced to a hydrolysis reactor for converting hemicellulose oligomers to monomers, to improve separation of acid-catalyzed lignin. In some embodiments, the solid additive is gypsum or a gypsum/lignin mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: API Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Theodora RETSINA, Vesa PYLKKANEN, Kimberly NELSON, Mark SZCZEPANIK
  • Patent number: 8728243
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a comparatively cheap material for the containment of at least a strongly acidic mineral acid solution highly diluted with water, by means of which saccharides are extracted from lignocellulose material by hydrolysis at a temperature of 175-240° C. and a pressure of 6-34 bar (0.6-14 MPa) as well as a time of 1-60 minutes and is characterized in that the material comprises, in addition to iron in an amount greater than any other individual substance and usually at least 50% by weight, at least chromium in an amount of 10.5-30% by weight, nickel in an amount of 2.5-29% by weight, and molybdenum in an amount of 0-7% by weight. The invention also relates to an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Sekab E-Technology AB
    Inventors: Torbjörn Van Der Meulen, Gunnar Fransson, Lars Sundlöf, Jan Lindstedt
  • Patent number: 8728320
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lignin sorbent, a lignin removal unit, a biorefinery, a process for removing lignin, a process for binding lignin, and a renewable material. The lignin sorbent includes a substrate, and a lignin binding material dispersed with respect to the substrate. The lignin binding process includes the step of adding a lignin binding material to an input stream, and the step of converting the input stream into a renewable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Borden
  • Patent number: 8685167
    Abstract: A method for the hydrolysis of cellulosic materials using spent liquor. The spent liquor is derived from a pulping operation or is hydrolyzate from another cellulosic biomass process. The process can be implemented in a batch or semi continuous or continuous process. The hydrolyzate is fermented to a useful product and purified. Combustible biomass residues and chemicals are used to provide energy and chemical recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: API Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Theodora Retsina, Vesa Pylkkanen
  • Patent number: 8663392
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention overcome the well-known recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass in an economically viable manner. A process and a system are provided for the efficient fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass into cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The cellulose and hemicellulose thus obtained are highly amorphous and can be readily converted into highly concentrated mixtures of five and six carbon sugars using known methods. Typical yields of sugars exceed 100 grams of sugars per liter of sugar solution. Other products, such as alcohols, can easily be prepared according to methods of the invention. The modest process conditions and low solvent/solid ratios of some embodiments of the invention require relatively low capital and processing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Y. H. Percival Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140048060
    Abstract: A solution of a polysaccharide material, a method of producing such solutions and uses thereof. The solution is formed by the polysaccharide in a solvent which comprises an efficient amount of an active compound selected from the group of diketo compounds, such as glyoxylic acid and salts and derivatives thereof, capable of reacting with the polysaccharide. The solution thus produced can be used as a viscous dope, and for the production of fibers, films and surface coatings and for gluing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT
    Inventor: Jaakko Hiltunen
  • Publication number: 20130337521
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for remediating one or more impurities (e.g., diacetyl) that are present in manufacturing an alcohol (e.g., ethanol) from cellulosic biomass. The methods and systems include reacting the one or more impurities with at least one treatment compound (e.g., an oxidizing agent, an alkali compound, or a mixture thereof) to form a reaction product that can be separated from the alcohol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: David Charles Carlson, Blake J. Gomer, Casey C. Jenks, Sharil Kirschman-Rollag, Kristine Nicole Plack, Melissa R. Reis
  • Publication number: 20130327319
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for the mechanical or mechano-chemical treatment of biomass, wherein a mixture containing the biomass and optional further chemicals is pressed through the openings of one or more compactor one or more times. The process can be operated in a continuous manner by using more than one compactor and more than one compacting cycle, whereby the multiple compactors are operated sequentially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT
    Inventors: Kirsi Immonen, Eino Sivonen, Kyosti Valta, Anne Kallioinen, Matti Siika-Aho
  • Patent number: 8597432
    Abstract: A material which is suitable as filler or coating pigment for a fibrous web and a method for manufacturing thereof. According to the method, a feed comprising organic polymer material is cooled to at least approximately ?50° C., after which it is refined in a jet refiner to a desired particle size. The present invention generates uniform pigment particles which comprise, for instance, starch esters, and which particles have a porous surface structure, in which case they are suitable for instance as coating pigments and fillers for offset and ink-jet papers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Hannu Mikkonen, Mauno Miettinen, Kirsi Kataja, Saija Luukkanen, Soili Peltonen, Pia Qvintus-Leino
  • Publication number: 20130302854
    Abstract: This invention is intended to improve saccharification efficiency by allowing cellulose and/or hemicellulose to relax sufficiently with an ionic liquid. Cellulose and/or hemicellulose is allowed to relax sufficiently with an ionic liquid through a step of soaking cellulosic biomass in a solution containing an ionic liquid and an alkali.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhide Tabata, Nobuhiro Ishida, Satoshi Katahira, Risa Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8580038
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the purification and concentration of a partially water-soluble organic product from a source containing the same at concentration C0, which process comprises the steps of: (i) concentrating said product by means of a resin to form a first aqueous solution at concentration of C1; and (ii) fractionating an aqueous solution by temperature adjustment to form a second aqueous solution and a third aqueous solution with concentrations C2 and C3, respectively, wherein C2>C3 and C2>C1>C0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Asher Vitner Ltd.
    Inventor: Asher Vitner
  • Patent number: 8563277
    Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for high yields while using reduced enzyme loads in saccharification and fermentation processes. These methods increase the efficiency of enzymes and result in improved yields and composition of saccharification and fermentation end products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sweetwater Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Sarad Parekh, Carl P. Felice
  • Patent number: 8562731
    Abstract: The present invention describes a fungal modified chitosan adhesive for binding a fibrous material and the method of producing the adhesive. The adhesive is produced by providing a chitosan containing raw material; a fungal growing medium; a fungal culture; mixing the raw material, the growing medium and the fungal culture together to produce a suspension; incubating the suspension to produce a broth comprising a modified chitosan solid, an at least partially-consumed medium liquid and a fungal residue; separating the modified chitosan solid from the liquid and the fungal residue, and dissolving the modified chitosan solid to produce the adhesive resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Fpinnovations
    Inventors: Dian-Qing Yang, Yaolin Zhang, Xiang-Ming Wang, Hui Wan, Gilles Brunette
  • Patent number: 8546625
    Abstract: A process for the conversion of sugars and/or other biomass to produce hydrocarbons, hydrogen, and/or other related compounds is described. In one aspect, the process includes fermenting biomass to produce one or more organic intermediates, for example, a carboxylic acid, and optionally, hydrogen. The carboxylic acids may then be decarboxylated to produce carbon dioxide and one or more hydrocarbon compounds. Also described are steps to further react the hydrocarbon compounds to form polymers, hydrocarbon compounds having at least 4 carbon atoms, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Andrew A. Peterson, Curt R. Fischer
  • Patent number: 8545633
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes for production of ethanol from cellulosic biomass. The present invention also relates to production of various co-products of preparation of ethanol from cellulosic biomass. The present invention further relates to improvements in one or more aspects of preparation of ethanol from cellulosic biomass including, for example, improved methods for cleaning biomass feedstocks, improved acid impregnation, and improved steam treatment, or “steam explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Abengoa Bioenergy New Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Quang A. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20130210088
    Abstract: A method is provided for improving enzymatic hydrolysis in saccharification of a lignocellulosic material. The method is comprising pretreating the lignocellulosic material to obtain a slurry of pretreated lignocellulosic material; adding at least one reducing agent to the slurry of pretreated lignocellulosic material or the liquid fraction thereof to decrease the enzymatic hydrolysis inhibitory properties of slurry of the pretreated lignocellulosic material or the liquid fraction thereof; and subjecting the slurry of pretreated lignocellulosic material or the liquid fraction thereof to enzymatic hydrolysis in the presence of the at least one reducing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Bjorn Alriksson, Lelf Jonsson, Venkata Prabhakar Soudham
  • Publication number: 20130146049
    Abstract: The process is for pretreating a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock and comprises: soaking a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock wherein the soaked biomass is present as a mixture with a free liquid and wherein the free liquid comprises at least one dissolved compound selected from the group consisting of glucose, xylose and respective oligomers thereof, washing the mixture of the soaked biomass and the free liquid, wherein at least a portion of the free liquid containing at least one dissolved compound selected from the group consisting of glucose, xylose and respective oligomers thereof is separated from the soaked biomass to create a soaked washed biomass and at least one free liquid stream, compressing the soaked biomass to create a released liquid, separating the released liquid from the soaked biomass, and keeping at least a portion of the released liquid separate from any free liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: BETA RENEWABLES, S.P.A.
    Inventors: Piero Ottonello, Simone Ferrero, Paolo Torre, Francesco Cherchi, Danilo Defaveri
  • Publication number: 20130143285
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the conversion of a lignocellulosic feedstock involving acid pretreatment. The process comprises the steps of treating the lignocellulosic feedstock with alkali at a pH of between about 8.0 and about 12.0 so as to dissolve acetyl groups present on said lignocellulosic feedstock, while converting less than about 10% of the xylan present in the lignocellulosic feedstock to xylose and less than about 10% of the cellulose to glucose, thereby producing an alkali conditioned feedstock. The alkali conditioned feedstock is then pretreated at a temperature of about 160° C. to about 250° C., at a pH of about 0.5 to about 2.5 for about 0.5 to about 10 minutes so as to hydrolyze about 80 to 100% of the xylan and about 3 to about 15% of the cellulose to produce an acid pretreated feedstock comprising cellulose. The cellulose in the pretreated feedstock can be hydrolyzed to glucose with cellulase and the glucose can be fermented to produce a fermentation product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: IOGEN ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Tolan, Steven Cardile, Daphne Wahnon
  • Publication number: 20130139812
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for liquefying biomass, including: (a) mixing a solid organic ammonium salt containing single nitrogen with at least one organic compound which is capable of forming a hydrogen bond with the solid organic ammonium salt to form a first mixture; (b) heating the first mixture until the first mixture becomes a solution; (c) mixing a biomass and an acid catalyst with the solution to form a second mixture; and (d) heating the second mixture to make the biomass therein convert into a liquefied product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Ruey-Fu SHIH, Hom-Ti Lee, Hou-Peng WAN, Ying-Hsi CHANG, Jia-Yuan CHEN
  • Publication number: 20130145495
    Abstract: This invention provides genetically modified photosynthetic organisms and methods and constructs for enhancing inorganic carbon fixation. A photosynthetic organism of the present invention comprises a RUBISCO fusion protein operatively coupled to a protein-protein interaction domain to enable the functional association of RUBISCO and carbonic anhydrase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: DONALD DANFORTH PLANT SCIENCE CENTER
    Inventor: Richard T. Sayre
  • Publication number: 20130131012
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for obtaining citrus fiber from citrus pulp. Citrus fiber is obtained having a c* close packing concentration value of less than 3.8. The citrus fiber can be obtained having a viscosity of at least 1000 mPa·s, wherein said citrus fiber is dispersed in standardized water at a mixing speed of from 800 rpm to 1000 rpm, to a 3 w/w % citrus fiber/standardized water solution, and wherein said viscosity is measured at a shear rate of 5 s?1 at 20° C. Citrus fiber can be obtained having a CIELAB L* value of at least 90. The citrus fiber can be used in food products, feed products, beverages, personal care products, pharmaceutical products or detergent products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Todd Walter Gusek, Jacques Andre Christian Mazoyer, David Hiram Reeder, Joel Rene Pierre Wallecan
  • Publication number: 20130130328
    Abstract: Plant biomass is immersed in a solution that contains a polar solvent and an imidazolium salt that has a melting point of at least 100° C. As a result, the cellulose and hemicellulose present in the plant biomass are relaxed (decrystallized and depolymerized) and brought into an easy-to-degrade state. Reacting the immersed plant biomass with a cellulase produces saccharide at a high conversion efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhide Tabata, Nobuhiro Ishida, Risa Nakamura, Satoshi Katahira, Yoshina Takahashi