Patents by Inventor Jeffrey W. Lighthart

Jeffrey W. Lighthart 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).

  • Ethanol production from biological wastes
    Patent number: 7687250
    Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatuses, and kits for producing ethanol and other alcohols. The methods involve fermenting organic material in a fermentation mixture to a biogas comprising methane; converting at least a portion of the biogas to synthesis gas comprising CO and H2; and contacting at least a portion of the synthesis gas with a catalyst to produce alcohol. In some embodiments, a microorganism that reduces ferric iron to ferrous iron is included in the fermentation mixture to enhance the efficiency of the fermentation and the yield of alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Novus Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Delman R. Hogen, Jeffrey W. Lighthart, Hugh McTavish, John D. Offerman
  • Ethanol production from biological wastes
    Patent number: 7622285
    Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatuses, and kits for producing ethanol and other alcohols. The methods involve fermenting organic material in a fermentation mixture to a biogas comprising methane; converting at least a portion of the biogas to synthesis gas comprising CO and H2; and contacting at least a portion of the synthesis gas with a catalyst to produce alcohol. In some embodiments, a microorganism that reduces ferric iron to ferrous iron is included in the fermentation mixture to enhance the efficiency of the fermentation and the yield of alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventors: John D. Offerman, Delman R. Hogen, Jeffrey W. Lighthart, Hugh McTavish
  • Ethanol production from biological wastes
    Patent number: 7309592
    Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatuses, and kits for producing ethanol and other alcohols. The methods involve fermenting organic material in a fermentation mixture to a biogas comprising methane; converting at least a portion of the biogas to synthesis gas comprising CO and H2; and contacting at least a portion of the synthesis gas with a catalyst to produce alcohol. In some embodiments, a microorganism that reduces ferric iron to ferrous iron is included in the fermentation mixture to enhance the efficiency of the fermentation and the yield of alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Novus Energy, LLC
    Inventors: John D. Offerman, Delman R. Hogen, Jeffrey W. Lighthart, Hugh McTavish