Patents by Inventor Michael A. Bilodeau

Michael A. Bilodeau 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).

  • Patent number: 11753773
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to paperboard having an improved basis weight to bending strength relationship and methods of making paperboard having an improved basis weight to bending strength relationship. In particular, a paperboard provided herein includes a refined cellulose in at least 1 ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignees: General Mills, Inc., University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: George Tuszkiewicz, Matthew W Lorence, Mark Paradis, Michael A Bilodeau
  • Patent number: 11732127
    Abstract: Disclosed are processes for making polymeric composite materials and composite materials made from those processes, the process comprising: providing a mixture, comprising: a liquid, a polymer precursor, and a dispersed-phase precursor; and subjecting the mixture to reaction conditions sufficient: to effect polymerization of the polymer precursor to produce a polymer and a reaction product; and to remove substantially all the liquid and reaction product from the mixture; wherein said reaction conditions comprise: pressure between about 10 millitorr and about 300 torr; and temperature: greater than or equal to the highest boiling point of the liquid and reaction product; less than the decomposition temperature of the polymer; and less than the decomposition temperature of the dispersed-phase precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Jonathan Spender
  • Patent number: 11634863
    Abstract: An improved market pulp and process for making the same by adding a composite material are described. The composite material includes cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibers, or another high aspect ratio, high surface area cellulose material (or a starch, or both) and a crosslinking compound that crosslinks a portion of the surface hydroxyl groups to form a 3-D matrix. Adding the composite material to market pulp has been shown to improve the strength of twice-dried paper products, made from such an enhanced market pulp. By crosslinking a portion of the surface hydroxyl groups in the market pulp to form a 3-D matrix, a first drying step may be accomplished without loss of benefits afforded when the market pulp is later re-pulped to make a paper product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Mark A. Paradis
  • Publication number: 20230117442
    Abstract: Disclosed are processes for making polymeric composite materials and composite materials made from those processes the process comprising: providing a mixture, comprising: a liquid, a polymer precursor, and a dispersed-phase precursor; and subjecting the mixture to reaction conditions sufficient: to effect polymerization of the polymer precursor to produce a polymer and a reaction product; and to remove substantially all the liquid and reaction product from the mixture; wherein said reaction conditions comprise: pressure between about 10 millitorr and about 300 torr; and temperature: greater than or equal to the highest boiling point of the liquid and reaction product; less than the decomposition temperature of the polymer; and less than the decomposition temperature of the dispersed-phase precursor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Jonathan Spender
  • Patent number: 11617311
    Abstract: Lignin formulations for making light-selective mulch, methods of making such lignin formulations, light-selective mulches comprising substrates treated with lignin formulations, and methods of making such light-selective mulches. Some methods involve preparing aqueous lignin formulations that can be used as coatings that, in turn, can be applied to a substrate, such as a paper web, to form a biodegradable, light-selective mulch. Some such mulches blocks at least some light in the ultraviolet and blue/green ranges (350 nm to 500 nm) of the visible light spectrum to inhibit weed growth below the mulch, while also transmitting light in the red/infrared ranges to heat the soil below the mulch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventors: Harshad Pande, Michael A. Bilodeau, Jonathan M. Spender, Jacob John
  • Patent number: 11485850
    Abstract: Disclosed are processes for making polymeric composite materials and composite materials made from those processes, the process comprising: providing a mixture, comprising: a liquid, a polymer precursor, and a dispersed-phase precursor; and subjecting the mixture to reaction conditions sufficient: to effect polymerization of the polymer precursor to produce a polymer and a reaction product; and to remove substantially all the liquid and reaction product from the mixture; wherein said reaction conditions comprise: pressure between about 10 millitorr and about 300 torr; and temperature: greater than or equal to the highest boiling point of the liquid and reaction product; less than the decomposition temperature of the polymer; and less than the decomposition temperature of the dispersed-phase precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Jonathan Spender
  • Publication number: 20200347549
    Abstract: An improved market pulp and process for making the same by adding a composite material are described. The composite material includes cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibers, or another high aspect ratio, high surface area cellulose material (or a starch, or both) and a crosslinking compound that crosslinks a portion of the surface hydroxyl groups to form a 3-D matrix. Adding the composite material to market pulp has been shown to improve the strength of twice-dried paper products, made from such an enhanced market pulp. By crosslinking a portion of the surface hydroxyl groups in the market pulp to form a 3-D matrix, a first drying step may be accomplished without loss of benefits afforded when the market pulp is later re-pulped to make a paper product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Applicant: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Mark A. Paradis
  • Patent number: 10731298
    Abstract: Release base papers with improved surface properties and more efficient manufacturing potential are made using cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) along with high freeness, less refined pulp. Release papers serve as the backing for common adhesive labels, for industrial film coatings, and also for certain food processing uses. The CNF may be added to the furnish and processed to paper, or the CNF may be added as a coating onto a partially dried web of paper. The CNF may optionally be combined with a starch and a starch crosslinker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignees: University of Maine System Board of Trustees, Stirling Consulting, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Robert H. Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20200240087
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to paperboard having an improved basis weight to bending strength relationship and methods of making paperboard having an improved basis weight to bending strength relationship. In particular, a paperboard provided herein includes a refined cellulose in at least 1 ply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicants: General Mills, Inc., University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: George Tuszkiewicz, Matthew W. Lorence, Mark Paradis, Michael A. Bilodeau
  • Patent number: 10695947
    Abstract: Building materials are generated by the simple mixing of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) slurry with typical wood-derived material such as wood meal, optionally with mineral particulate materials, and dried. Particle boards are made with wood meal particulates; wallboards are made with wood particulates and mineral particulates; paints are made with pigment particulates; and cement is made with aggregate particulates. The particle board samples were tested for fracture toughness. The fracture toughness was found to be from 20% higher up to ten times higher than the typical value for similar board, depending on the formulation. For cases of 20% by weight cellulose nanofibers and 80% wood, the fracture toughness was more than double that of typical particle board. The process sequesters carbon and oxygen into the building product for its lifespan—typically decades—and avoid releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Douglas W. Bousfield
  • Patent number: 10669675
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to paperboard having an improved basis weight to bending strength relationship and methods of making paperboard having an improved basis weight to bending strength relationship. In particular, a paperboard provided herein includes a refined cellulose in at least 1 ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignees: General Mills, Inc., University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: George Tuszkiewicz, Matthew W Lorence, Mark Paradis, Michael A Bilodeau
  • Publication number: 20200154649
    Abstract: Lignin formulations for making light-selective mulch, methods of making such lignin formulations, light-selective mulches comprising substrates treated with lignin formulations, and methods of making such light-selective mulches. Some methods involve preparing aqueous lignin formulations that can be used as coatings that, in turn, can be applied to a substrate, such as a paper web, to form a biodegradable, light-selective mulch. Some such mulches blocks at least some light in the ultraviolet and blue/green ranges (350 nm to 500 nm) of the visible light spectrum to inhibit weed growth below the mulch, while also transmitting light in the red/infrared ranges to heat the soil below the mulch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Harshad PANDE, Michael A. BILODEAU, Jonathan M. SPENDER, Jacob JOGN
  • Patent number: 10570563
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods including the steps of providing cellulosic material, associating the cellulosic material with an organic acid (e.g., lactic acid) to form a mixture, and heating the mixture to a temperature between 100° C. and 120° C. for at least ten minutes to form a treated cellulosic material, wherein the water retention value of the treated cellulosic material is decreased by at least 10% as compared to untreated cellulosic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Jonathan Spender
  • Patent number: 10563352
    Abstract: A scalable, energy efficient process for preparing cellulose nanofibers is disclosed. The process employs a depolymerizing treatment with one or both of: (a) a relatively high charge of ozone under conditions that promote the formation of free radicals to chemically depolymerize the cellulose fiber cell wall and interfiber bonds; or (b) a cellulase enzyme. Depolymerization may be estimated by pulp viscosity changes. The depolymerizing treatment is followed by or concurrent with mechanical comminution of the treated fibers, the comminution being done in any of several mechanical comminuting devices, the amount of energy savings varying depending on the type of comminuting system and the treatment conditions. Comminution may be carried out to any of several endpoint measures such as fiber length, % fines or slurry viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Mark A. Paradis
  • Publication number: 20180313039
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to paperboard having an improved basis weight to bending strength relationship and methods of making paperboard having an improved basis weight to bending strength relationship. In particular, a paperboard provided herein includes a refined cellulose in at least 1 ply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Applicants: General Mills, Inc., University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: George Tuszkiewicz, Matthew W Lorence, Mark Paradis, Michael A Bilodeau
  • Publication number: 20180194939
    Abstract: Disclosed are processes for making polymeric composite materials and composite materials made from those processes, the process comprising: providing a mixture, comprising: a liquid, a polymer precursor, and a dispersed-phase precursor; and subjecting the mixture to reaction conditions sufficient: to effect polymerization of the polymer precursor to produce a polymer and a reaction product; and to remove substantially all the liquid and reaction product from the mixture; wherein said reaction conditions comprise: pressure between about 10 millitorr and about 300 torr; and temperature: greater than or equal to the highest boiling point of the liquid and reaction product; less than the decomposition temperature of the polymer; and less than the decomposition temperature of the dispersed-phase precursor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Jonathan Spender
  • Patent number: 9988762
    Abstract: A scalable, energy efficient process for preparing cellulose nanofibers employs treating the cellulosic material with a first mechanical refiner with plates having a configuration of blades separated by grooves, and subsequently treating the material with a second mechanical refiner with plates having a configuration of blades separated by grooves different than the first refiner. The plate configurations and treatment operations are selected such that the first refiner produces a first specific edge loading (SEL) that is greater than the SEL of the second refiner, by as much as 2-50 fold. An exemplary high first SEL may be in the range of 1.5 to 8 J/m. Paper products made with about 2% to about 30% cellulose nanofibers having a length from about 0.2 mm to about 0.5 mm, preferably from 0.2 mm to about 0.4 mm have improved properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Mark A. Paradis
  • Publication number: 20180142411
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods including the steps of providing cellulosic material, associating the cellulosic material with an organic acid (e.g., lactic acid) to form a mixture, and heating the mixture to a temperature between 100° C. and 120° C. for at least ten minutes to form a treated cellulosic material, wherein the water retention value of the treated cellulosic material is decreased by at least 10% as compared to untreated cellulosic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Jonathan Spender
  • Patent number: 9944789
    Abstract: Disclosed are processes for making polymeric composite materials and composite materials made from those processes the process comprising: providing a mixture, comprising: a liquid, a polymer precursor, and a dispersed-phase precursor; and subjecting the mixture to reaction conditions sufficient: to effect polymerization of the polymer precursor to produce a polymer and a reaction product; and to remove substantially all the liquid and reaction product from the mixture; wherein said reaction conditions comprise: pressure between about 10 millitorr and about 300 torr; and temperature: greater than or equal to the highest boiling point of the liquid and reaction product; less than the decomposition temperature of the polymer; and less than the decomposition temperature of the dispersed-phase precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Jonathan Spender
  • Publication number: 20170073893
    Abstract: A scalable, energy efficient process for preparing cellulose nanofibers is disclosed. The process employs treating the cellulosic material with a first mechanical refiner with plates having a configuration of blades separated by grooves, and subsequently treating the material with a second mechanical refiner with plates having a configuration of blades separated by grooves different than the first refiner. The plate configurations and treatment operations are selected such that the first refiner produces a first SEL that is greater than the SEL of the second refiner, by as much as 2-50 fold. An exemplary high first SEL may be in the range of 1.5 to 8 J/m. Paper products made with about 2% to about 30% cellulose nanofibers having a length from about 0.2 mm to about 0.5 mm, preferably from 0.2 mm to about 0.4 mm have improved properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicant: University of Maine System Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Mark A. Paradis