Patents by Inventor Lawrence M. Pratt

Lawrence M. Pratt 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).

  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXTRACTING OIL FROM FOOD WASTE
    Publication number: 20170368474
    Abstract: A method and device for extracting oil from food waste is disclosed. Food waste is introduced into an elongated cylinder that is immersed under hot water. A drive shaft is actuated that simultaneously presses the food waste against an interior wall and moves the food waste through the cylinder. The content of the cylinder is subjected to steam treatment using a steam inlet in the cylinder. The combination of hot water, steam treatment and pressing recovers a high content of oil from the food waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Research Foundation of the City University of New York
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Pratt
  • Process for converting fats, oils and greases into fuels
    Patent number: 9701911
    Abstract: A method for producing a light oil fraction from plant-based and/or animal-based fats, oils or greases is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a feedstock including free fatty acids into a processing system. The system is heated at a controlled rate to a specified temperature, both of which are selected to produce a light oil fraction with a reduced fatty acid content. The system is permitted to reflux for a predetermined time, during which more of the light oil fraction is produced. The light oil fraction is separated from the remainder of the feedstock and contains less than 10% free fatty acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignees: Research Foundation of the City University of New York, University of Connecticut
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Pratt, Richard Steven Parnas
  • PROCESS FOR CONVERTING FATS, OILS AND GREASES INTO FUELS
    Publication number: 20150291889
    Abstract: A method for producing a light oil fraction from plant-based and/or animal-based fats, oils or greases is disclosed. The method comprises introducing a feedstock including free fatty acids into a processing system. The system is heated at a controlled rate to a specified temperature, both of which are selected to produce a light oil fraction with a reduced fatty acid content. The system is permitted to reflux for a predetermined time, during which more of the light oil fraction is produced. The light oil fraction is separated from the remainder of the feedstock and contains less than 10% free fatty acids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Pratt, Richard Parnas
  • Self-contained log fire starting kit
    Patent number: 4627854
    Abstract: A fire building kit comprising a carton (12) in which a spacer (30) rests on the bottom wall (14) to support paper wads (31), kindling strips (32, 35) and logs (34) all conveniently arranged to start a fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1986
    Assignee: Firebox Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Pratt