Patents Assigned to ICM, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11266166
    Abstract: This disclosure describes methods to separate solids from liquids in a production facility. A process separates components in the process stream by applying non-condensable media to create density differences and then using a mechanical device to separate the solids from the liquids based on the density difference. The process produces the liquids and solids, which may be further processed to create valuable animal feed products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Gallop, Christopher Riley William Gerken, Jeremy Edward Javers, Jesse Spooner, Ryan A. Mass
  • Patent number: 11103811
    Abstract: Screen designs and screens for a mechanical separation device are disclosed for separating solids from liquids in a process stream. A screen may have a plurality of openings, which are conical shaped, having a diameter of about 1.0 mm to about 1.4 mm in size that are formed on a stainless steel sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: ICM, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles C. Gallop
  • Publication number: 20200359657
    Abstract: This disclosure describes methods to separate solids from liquids in a production facility. A process separates components in a defiber process stream by using two or more mechanical devices to separate the solids from the liquids based on density differences. The process produces animal feed products having a protein content ranging from approximately 45% to approximately 64%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Applicant: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C Gallop, Keith Tjaden, Theron James Cooper, Christopher Riley William Gerken, Jeremy Edward Javers, Brandon Emme
  • Patent number: 10774303
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for using a single feedstock of barley to produce a fermented product and a method for filtering a large-particles stream from a liquid stream containing small particles of a process stream using a series of mechanical separation devices to increase yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt A. Dieker, Charles C. Gallop, Scott D. Kohl, Keith Tjaden, Justin McMillen
  • Patent number: 10414994
    Abstract: A device includes a rotary drum and a fluid conduit. The rotary drum has a horizontal rotation axis and the drum has a sealed inlet end and a sealed outlet end. The drum is configured to receive biomass proximate the inlet end and has a discharge port proximate an outlet end. The fluid conduit is disposed along an inner surface of the drum. The fluid conduit is configured to carry heated fluid and has a coupling external to the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Thorn, Albert Bennett, Samuel Vander Griend
  • Patent number: 10260031
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques to optimize dewatering process in a production facility. A process separates components in a mixture by using a separation device and a dewatering device. The process receives the mixture of liquids and solids, and separates out suspended solids from the mixture of liquids and solids by using the separation device, wherein a liquid with insoluble solids stream is created. The process dewaters the liquid with insoluble solids stream by using the dewatering device to produce a liquid with small particles stream and insoluble solids having particle sizes that are greater than about 20 microns to about 1000 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Gallop, Kurt A. Dieker
  • Patent number: 10113007
    Abstract: This disclosure describes providing techniques to treat large-size solids obtained from a slurry or a mash in dextrin production process as can be used in an alcohol production process. This disclosure describes a process for separating a large-particles stream from a liquid stream containing small particles of a process stream using a first mechanical separation device. The process further includes adding water to the large-particles stream to create a lower-solids stream in a cook tank. In an embodiment, the process may grind the large particles from the large-particles stream. In another embodiment, the process may adjust conditions (temperature, pH, processing aids addition) of the lower-solids stream in the cook tank and incubating for a predetermined amount of time. The process further includes separating components from the lower-solids stream by using a second mechanical separation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: ICM, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D Kohl
  • Patent number: 10093891
    Abstract: A method that includes clarifying a thin stillage product in a mechanical processor to produce a fine suspended solids stream and a clarified thin stillage is provided. The method further includes providing the thin stillage product and the clarified thin stillage, separately or in a combined stream, to one or more evaporators to produce one or more reduced suspended solids streams, each stream having a reduced amount of suspended solids and a lower viscosity as compared to process streams having a comparable total solids content but containing a higher amount of suspended solids. The method can further included further processing of one or more of the reduced suspended solids streams to produce a bio-oil product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D Kohl, Charles C Gallop, Kurt A Dieker
  • Patent number: 9718006
    Abstract: A multi-zoned screening apparatus is disclosed for separating fiber from a liquid medium during, for example, a grain wet mill or dry grind process. The apparatus can include a housing having a first and second zone and situated adjacent one another along a length of the housing. A cylindrical screen having a plurality of openings is situated lengthwise within the housing to correspond with the first and second zones. A conveyor is situated lengthwise within the screen and includes an elongated shaft having a first and second conveyor section and along a length of the conveyor that corresponds with the first and second zones, respectively. Each conveyor section is configured to move material in a direction along a length of the screen. In one example, the first conveyor section includes vanes and a ribbon flight helically winding about the vanes, and the second conveyor section includes a plurality of paddles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: Lee Tech, LLC, ICM, Inc., Suzhou United Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chie Ying Lee, Scott Dennis Kohl, Ren Jianmin
  • Publication number: 20170107452
    Abstract: Products produced from distillers corn oil include once refined corn oil product, food grade corn oil product, and free fatty acid product which may be used in a variety of applications. The products have varying specifications for free fatty acid content and moisture content. The applications include food, feed, additives, and manufacture of industrial products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Applicants: RRIP, LLC, ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohan Prasad Dasari, Kidron Joel Knox, Charles C. Gallop, Kurt A. Dieker, Hugh Tallant Warren, Shashank Ravi
  • Patent number: 9376504
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for using a single feedstock of barley to produce a fermented product and a method for filtering a large-particles stream from a liquid stream containing small particles of a process stream using a series of mechanical separation devices to increase yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt A. Dieker, Charles C. Gallop, Scott D. Kohl, Keith Tjaden, Justin McMillen
  • Patent number: 9375731
    Abstract: A process is disclosed which includes separating selected solids from a process stream with a selected solids mechanical processor containing a filter to produce a filtrate substantially free of selected solids and a retentate containing recovered selected solids. In one embodiment, the process stream contains an increased amount of liquid is provided to a downstream mechanical processor as compared to a process stream having no selected solids mechanical processor upstream. The selected solids mechanical processor can be a dynamic filtration device or a static separation device. Bio-oil recovery efficiency, quantity, and quality can be improved as a result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt A. Dieker, Charles C. Gallop
  • Patent number: 9150790
    Abstract: A device includes a rotary drum and a fluid conduit. The rotary drum has a horizontal rotation axis and the drum has a sealed inlet end and a sealed outlet end. The drum is configured to receive biomass proximate the inlet end and has a discharge port proximate an outlet end. The fluid conduit is disposed along an inner surface of the drum. The fluid conduit is configured to carry heated fluid and has a coupling external to the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Thorn, Albert Bennett, Samuel Vander-Griend
  • Patent number: 8986551
    Abstract: A method that includes clarifying a thin stillage product in a mechanical processor to produce a fine suspended solids stream and a clarified thin stillage is provided. The method further includes providing the thin stillage product and the clarified thin stillage, separately or in a combined stream, to one or more evaporators to produce one or more reduced suspended solids streams, each stream having a reduced amount of suspended solids and a lower viscosity as compared to process streams having a comparable total solids content but containing a higher amount of suspended solids. The method can further included further processing of one or more of the reduced suspended solids streams to produce a bio-oil product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Kohl, Charles C. Gallop, Kurt A. Dieker
  • Publication number: 20140080183
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for using a single feedstock of barley to produce a fermented product and a method for filtering a large-particles stream from a liquid stream containing small particles of a process stream using a series of mechanical separation devices to increase yield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt A Dieker, Scott D. Kohl, Justin McMillen, Keith Tjaden
  • Publication number: 20130121891
    Abstract: A process is disclosed which includes separating selected solids from a process stream with a selected solids mechanical processor containing a filter to produce a filtrate substantially free of selected solids and a retentate containing recovered selected solids. In one embodiment, the process stream contains an increased amount of liquid is provided to a downstream mechanical processor as compared to a process stream having no selected solids mechanical processor upstream. The selected solids mechanical processor can be a dynamic filtration device or a static separation device. Bio-oil recovery efficiency, quantity, and quality can be improved as a result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: ICM, Inc.
    Inventor: ICM, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8192627
    Abstract: An emulsion-breaking additive is combined with an emulsion concentrate to yield a reaction product and the emulsion concentrate is produced in a process stream and contains entrapped bio-oil. Subsequent phase separating can be accomplished with gravity separation and/or mechanical processing. The emulsion-breaking additive can be native to the process stream. Related systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Gallop, Theron Cooper, Kurt A. Dieker
  • Publication number: 20120051980
    Abstract: An emulsion-breaking additive is combined with an emulsion concentrate to yield a reaction product and the emulsion concentrate is produced in a process stream and contains entrapped bio-oil. Subsequent phase separating can be accomplished with gravity separation and/or mechanical processing. The emulsion-breaking additive can be native to the process stream. Related systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Gallop, Theron Cooper, Kurt A. Dieker
  • Publication number: 20110283602
    Abstract: An emulsion-breaking additive is combined with an emulsion concentrate to yield a reaction product and the emulsion concentrate is produced in a process stream and contains entrapped bio-oil. Subsequent phase separating can be accomplished with gravity separation and/or mechanical processing. The emulsion-breaking additive can be native to the process stream. Related systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Gallop, Theron Cooper, Kurt A. Dieker
  • Publication number: 20110265373
    Abstract: A device includes a rotary drum and a fluid conduit. The rotary drum has a horizontal rotation axis and the drum has a sealed inlet end and a sealed outlet end. The drum is configured to receive biomass proximate the inlet end and has a discharge port proximate an outlet end. The fluid conduit is disposed along an inner surface of the drum. The fluid conduit is configured to carry heated fluid and has a coupling external to the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Thorn, Albert Bennett, Samuel Vander Griend