Patents by Inventor Angappa M. Ponraj

Angappa M. Ponraj 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).

  • Process for obtaining useful materials from Fenugreek seeds
    Patent number: 6495175
    Abstract: A method for obtaining substantially pure fixed oil(s), oleoresin and dietary fiber from Fenugreek seeds is provided. The method employs two different solvent extraction stages, wherein the first extraction isolates fixed oils and the second extraction isolates oleoresin. The dietary fiber remaining after extraction is clean, approximately light yellow to light brown, substantially tasteless and substantially odorless. An extraction system (23) for conducting the extractions is also provided. The extraction system (23) includes a condenser (24), a seed holding extraction vessel (25), a reboiler ((26), solvent and extract reservoir) and a feedback loop (28). The extraction solvent is obtained from the reboiler and it is contacted with the Fenugreek seeds while hot shortly after condensation in the condenser. The extraction system employs minimal amounts of solvent compared to conventional processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: Garrimella B. Rao, Angappa M. Ponraj, Thavitturpalayan K. Rajendran
  • Process for obtaining useful materials from fenugreek seeds
    Publication number: 20010024665
    Abstract: A method for obtaining substantially pure fixed oil(s), oleoresin and dietary fiber from Fenugreek seeds is provided. The method employs two different solvent extraction stages, wherein the first extraction isolates fixed oils and the second extraction isolates oleoresin. The dietary fiber remaining after extraction is clean, approximately light yellow to light brown, substantially tasteless and substantially odorless. An extraction system (23) for conducting the extractions is also provided. The extraction system (23) includes a condenser (24), a seed holding extraction vessel (25), a reboiler ((26), solvent and extract reservoir) and a feedback loop (28). The extraction solvent is obtained from the reboiler and it is contacted with the Fenugreek seeds while hot shortly after condensation in the condenser. The extraction system employs minimal amounts of solvent compared to conventional processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Garrimella B. Rao, Angappa M. Ponraj, Thavitturpalayan K. Rajendran