Patents Assigned to Biofuel, Inc.
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Publication number: 20120181160Abstract: This invention relates to systems and methods for converting biomass into highly inert carbon. Specifically, some embodiments densify the carbon into anthracite-style carbon aggregations and store it in geologically stable underground deposits. The use of certain embodiments yield a net effect of removing atmospheric carbon via the process of photosynthesis and converting it into hard coal, which can be stored in underground beds that mimic existing coal deposits which are known to be stable for thousands of years.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: July 19, 2012Applicant: Cool Planet Biofuels, Inc.Inventor: Michael C. Cheiky
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Patent number: 8216430Abstract: A biomass fractionator and method are described for inputting ground biomass and outputting several vapor streams of bio-intermediate compounds along with syngas and biochar. A method for biomass fractioning comprises dispensing biomass into thin sheets of ground biomass; subjecting the thin sheets to ramps of temperature; and selectively collecting various groups of compounds as they are released from the thin sheets.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Cool Planet Biofuels, Inc.Inventor: Michael C. Cheiky
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Publication number: 20120171752Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for the delivery of carbon to photoautotrophs. The invention utilizes low energy regeneration of adsorbent for CO2 capture and provides for effective CO2 loading into liquids useful for photoautotroph growth and/or production of photosynthetic products, such as biofuels, via photoautotrophic culture media. The inventive system comprises a fluid/membrane/fluid contactor that provides selective transfer of molecular CO2 via a dense (non-porous) membrane from a carbonate-based CO2 snipping solution to a culture medium where the CO2 is consumed by a photoautotroph for the production of biofuels, biofuel precursors or other commercial products.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: Algenol Biofuels Inc.Inventors: Ronald CHANCE, William J. KOROS, Benjamin MCCOOL, James NOEL
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Publication number: 20120156669Abstract: A process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone, including a reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation, is provided. The reaction mixture includes phototrophic biomass that is operative for growth within the reaction zone. In one aspect, the carbon dioxide supply is modulated in response to detected process parameters. In another aspect, inputs to the reaction zone are modulated based on changes to the carbon dioxide supply. In another aspect, dilution of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is effected. In another aspect, pressure of the carbon dioxide-comprising supply is increased. In another aspect, water is condensed from the carbon dioxide-comprising supply and recovered for re-use. In another aspect, the produced phototrophic biomass is harvested at a rate which approximates a predetermined mass growth rate of the phototrophic biomass.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: POND BIOFUELS INC.Inventors: Jaime A. Gonzalez, Max Kolesnik, Steven C. Martin, Tony D. Pietro, Emidio Di Pietro
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Publication number: 20120137727Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for removing water from organic solvents, such as ethanol. The processes include distillation in two columns operated at sequentially higher pressure, followed by treatment of the overhead vapor by one or two membrane separation steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicants: ALGENOL BIOFUELS, INC., MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH, INC.Inventors: Yu Huang, Richard W. Baker, Benjamin McCool, Rong Dong
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Publication number: 20120142066Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a metabolically enhanced photoautotrophic, ethanol producing host cell comprising: at least two first metabolic enhancements reducing the enzymatic activity or affinity of at least two endogenous host cell enzymes involved in acetate and lactate fermentation, the first metabolic enhancements resulting in an enhanced level of biosynthesis of acetaldehyde, pyruvate, acetyl-CoA or precursors thereof compared to the respective wild type host cell, at least one second metabolic enhancement different from the first metabolic enhancement comprising an overexpressed enzyme for the formation of ethanol.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: ALGENOL BIOFUELS INC.Inventors: Kerstin BAIER, Ulf DUHRING, Christine OESTERHELT, Karl ZIEGLER, Heike ENKE
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Patent number: 8173044Abstract: Biomass is processed through a biomass fractioning system that creates, through the application of selective temperature ramps and pressure shocks, a series of useful volatile components and BMF char, wherein the BMF char is reacted sacrificially with any one stream of methane, carbon dioxide, steam or oxygen to create highly pure synthesis gas with a controllable range of compositions. The resulting synthesis gas may be used in any desired manner, including conversion to oxygenates such as methanol and dimethyl ether, and to hydrocarbons.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2011Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Cool Planet Biofuels, Inc.Inventors: Michael Cheiky, Rajashekharam Malyala, Ronald A. Sills
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Publication number: 20120107921Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include model-based controls to control photobioreactor operation and the growth of algae for use as a biofuels feedstock. In some embodiments, the model-based control can accounts for future conditions such as weather, product pricing, customer demands and/or other variables to operate the reactors in a manner that optimizes product revenues, minimizes costs or energy, maximizes photosynthetic or energy balance efficiency, and/or any combination of the aforementioned factors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicants: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, SOLIX BIOFUELS, INC.Inventors: Bryan Dennis Willson, Michael R. Buehner, Peter Michael Young, David Jacob Rausen, Guy Robert Babbitt, Rich Schoonover, Kristina Weyer-Geigel, David Eli Sherman
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Patent number: 8163516Abstract: The present invention discloses genetically-modified cyanobacteria with ethanol-production capabilities enhanced over the currently-reported art, and methods of making such cyanobacteria. The invention provides a genetically modified photoautotrophic, ethanol producing host cell comprising an overexpressed pyruvate decarboxylase enzyme converting pyruvate to acetaldehyde and an overexpressed Zn2+ dependent alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme converting acetaldehyde to ethanol.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Algenol Biofuels Inc.Inventors: Ulf Dehring, Dan Kramer, Karl Ziegler
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Patent number: 8148579Abstract: Methods are disclosed for forming heptan-4-one, and, optionally, heptan-4-ol, from fermentable sugars. The sugars are fermented using a bacteria or yeast that predominantly forms butyric acid. The butyric acid is subjected to catalytic ketonization conditions to form heptan-4-one, with concomitant loss of water and carbon dioxide. The heptan-4-one can be subjected to catalytic hydrogenation to form heptan-4-ol, an either of these can be included in gasoline compositions. In one aspect, the fermentable sugars are derived from lignocellulosic materials such as wood products, switchgrass, or agricultural wastes, which are delignified to form lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose. The cellulose and hemicellulose can be depolymerized to form glycose and xylose, either or both of which can be fermented by the bacteria.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: CPS Biofuels, Inc.Inventor: David Bradin
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Patent number: 8143464Abstract: Multiple catalytic processing stations enable a method for producing volatile gas streams from biomass decomposition at discrete increasing temperatures. These catalytic processing stations can be programmed to maximize conversion of biomass to useful renewable fuel components based on input feedstock and desired outputs.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Cool Planet Biofuels, Inc.Inventors: Michael Cheiky, Rajashekharam Malyala
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Patent number: 8137628Abstract: Multiple catalytic processing stations couple with a system which produces volatile gas streams from biomass decomposition at discrete increasing temperatures. These catalytic processing stations can be programmed to maximize conversion of biomass to useful renewable fuel components based on input feedstock and desired outputs.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Cool Planet Biofuels, Inc.Inventors: Michael Cheiky, Rajashekharam Malyala
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Patent number: 8088832Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing ethanol using synthetic routes via synthesis gas are disclosed. A method and apparatus for gasifying biomass, such as biomass, in a steam gasifier that employs a fluidized bed and heating using hot flue gases from the combustion of synthesis gas is described. Methods and apparatus for converting synthesis gas into ethanol are also disclosed, using stepwise catalytic reactions to convert the carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol using catalysts including iridium acetate.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2007Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Woodland Biofuels Inc.Inventors: Larry Jack Melnichuk, Karen Venita Kelly, Robert S. Davis
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Publication number: 20110287525Abstract: There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone includes an operative reaction mixture. The operative reaction mixture includes the phototrophic biomass disposed in an aqueous medium. Gaseous exhaust material is produced with a gaseous exhaust material producing process, wherein the gaseous exhaust material includes carbon dioxide. Reaction zone feed material is supplied to the reaction zone of a photobioreactor such that any carbon dioxide of the reaction zone feed material is received by the phototrophic biomass so as to provide a carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass in the aqueous medium. A discharge of the gaseous exhaust material from the gaseous exhaust material producing process is supplied to the reaction zone feed material and defines a gaseous exhaust material reaction zone supply. A supplemental gaseous dilution agent is supplied to the reaction zone feed material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: POND BIOFUELS INC.Inventors: Steven C. Martin, Max Kolesnik, Jaime A. Gonzalez
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Publication number: 20110287522Abstract: There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone includes an operative reaction mixture. The operative reaction mixture includes the phototrophic biomass disposed in an aqueous medium. Gaseous exhaust material is produced with a gaseous exhaust material producing process, wherein the gaseous exhaust material includes carbon dioxide. Reaction zone feed material is supplied to the reaction zone such that any carbon dioxide of the reaction zone feed material is received by the phototrophic biomass so as to provide a carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass in the aqueous medium. A discharge of the gaseous exhaust material from the gaseous exhaust material producing process is supplied to the reaction zone feed material and defines a gaseous exhaust material reaction zone supply. The carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass disposed in the aqueous medium is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation so as to effect photosynthesis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: POND BIOFUELS INC.Inventors: Steven C. Martin, Max Kolesnik, Jaime A. Gonzalez
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PROCESS FOR GROWING BIOMASS BY MODULATING INPUTS TO REACTION ZONE BASED ON CHANGES TO EXHAUST SUPPLY
Publication number: 20110287526Abstract: There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone includes an operative reaction mixture. The operative reaction mixture includes the phototrophic biomass disposed in an aqueous medium. Gaseous exhaust material is produced with a gaseous exhaust material producing process, wherein the gaseous exhaust material includes carbon dioxide. Reaction zone feed material is supplied to the reaction zone such that any carbon dioxide of the reaction zone feed material is received by the phototrophic biomass so as to provide a carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass in the aqueous medium. A discharge of the gaseous exhaust material from the gaseous exhaust material producing process is supplied to the reaction zone feed material and defines a gaseous exhaust material reaction zone supply. The carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass disposed in the aqueous medium is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation so as to effect photosynthesis.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: Pond Biofuels Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Martin, Max Kolesnik, Jaime A. Gonzalez -
Publication number: 20110283618Abstract: There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone includes an operative reaction mixture. The operative reaction mixture includes the phototrophic biomass disposed in an aqueous medium. Gaseous exhaust material is produced with a gaseous exhaust material producing process, wherein the gaseous exhaust material includes carbon dioxide. Reaction zone feed material is supplied to the reaction zone of a photobioreactor such that any carbon dioxide of the reaction zone feed material is received by the phototrophic biomass so as to provide a carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass in the aqueous medium. A discharge of the gaseous exhaust material from the gaseous exhaust material producing process is supplied to the reaction zone feed material and defines a gaseous exhaust material reaction zone supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: Pond Biofuels Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Martin, Max Kolesnik, Jaime A. Gonzalez
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Publication number: 20110287507Abstract: There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone includes an operative reaction mixture. The operative reaction mixture includes the phototrophic biomass disposed in an aqueous medium. Gaseous exhaust material is produced with a gaseous exhaust material producing process, wherein the gaseous exhaust material includes carbon dioxide. Reaction zone feed material is supplied to the reaction zone such that any carbon dioxide of the reaction zone feed material is received by the phototrophic biomass so as to provide a carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass in the aqueous medium. The carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass disposed in the aqueous medium is exposed to photosynthetically active light radiation so as to effect photosynthesis. A discharge of the gaseous exhaust material from the gaseous exhaust material producing process is modulated based on sensing of at least one reaction zone parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: Pond Biofuels Inc.Inventors: Steven C. Martin, Max Kolesnik, Jaime A. Gonzalez
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Publication number: 20110287405Abstract: There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone comprises a production purpose reaction mixture that is operative for effecting photosynthesis upon exposure to photosynthetically active light radiation. The production purpose reaction mixture comprises production purpose phototrophic biomass that is operative for growth within the reaction zone, such that a reaction zone concentration of production purpose phototrophic biomass is provided in the reaction zone. The growth of the production purpose phototrophic biomass comprises that which is effected by the photosynthesis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: POND BIOFUELS INC.Inventors: Jaime A. Gonzalez, Max Kolesnik, Steven C. Martin, Tony Dipietro, Emidio Dipietro
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Publication number: 20110287523Abstract: There is provided a process of growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The reaction zone includes an operative reaction mixture. The operative reaction mixture includes the phototrophic biomass disposed in an aqueous medium. Gaseous exhaust material is produced with a gaseous exhaust material producing process, wherein the gaseous exhaust material includes carbon dioxide. Reaction zone feed material is supplied to the reaction zone of a photobioreactor such that any carbon dioxide of the reaction zone feed material is received by the phototrophic biomass so as to provide a carbon dioxide-enriched phototrophic biomass in the aqueous medium. A discharge of the gaseous exhaust material from the gaseous exhaust material producing process is supplied to the reaction zone feed material and defines a gaseous exhaust material reaction zone supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: POND BIOFUELS INC.Inventors: Steven C. Martin, Max Kolesnik, Jaime A. Gonzalez