Patents by Inventor Michael Bilodeau
Michael 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).
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Patent number: 10563352Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Mark A. Paradis
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Patent number: 10223548Abstract: A personally identifiable information (PII) scrubbing system. The PII scrubbing system surgically scrubs PII form a log based on a scrubber configuration corresponding to the log. The scrubber configuration includes context information about locations and types of PII in the log and rules specifying how to locate and protect the PII. Scrubber configurations are quickly and easily created or modified as scrubbing requirements change or new scenarios are encountered. The flexibility provided by the scrubber configurations allows only the PII to be scrubbed, even from unstructured data, without having to include surrounding data. Many consumers can use the scrubbed data without needed to expose the PII because less non-personal data is obscured. Surgical scrubbing also retains the usefulness of the underlying PII even while protecting the PII. Consumers can correlate the protected PII to locate specific information without having to expose additional PII.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Michael Bilodeau, Gustavo Carmo
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Publication number: 20180313039Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2015Publication date: November 1, 2018Applicants: General Mills, Inc., University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: George Tuszkiewicz, Matthew W Lorence, Mark Paradis, Michael A Bilodeau
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Publication number: 20180194939Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2018Publication date: July 12, 2018Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Jonathan Spender
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Patent number: 9988762Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 6, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Mark A. Paradis
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Publication number: 20180142411Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2016Publication date: May 24, 2018Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Jonathan Spender
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Patent number: 9944789Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Jonathan Spender
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Publication number: 20180094383Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, methods including the steps of providing a cellulosic biomass, associating the cellulosic biomass with an organic liquid to form a mixture, treating the mixture to reduce the moisture content of the mixture to 30% or below (if necessary), and processing the mixture to produce cellulose nanofibrils in a slurry. In some embodiments, provided methods allow for the production of high solids content slurries containing 4% or more cellulosic nanofibrils.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2016Publication date: April 5, 2018Inventors: Michael Bilodeau, Jonathan Spender, Adriaan Van Heiningen
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Publication number: 20170177904Abstract: A personally identifiable information (PII) scrubbing system. The PII scrubbing system surgically scrubs PII form a log based on a scrubber configuration corresponding to the log. The scrubber configuration includes context information about locations and types of PII in the log and rules specifying how to locate and protect the PII. Scrubber configurations are quickly and easily created or modified as scrubbing requirements change or new scenarios are encountered. The flexibility provided by the scrubber configurations allows only the PII to be scrubbed, even from unstructured data, without having to include surrounding data. Many consumers can use the scrubbed data without needed to expose the PII because less non-personal data is obscured. Surgical scrubbing also retains the usefulness of the underlying PII even while protecting the PII. Consumers can correlate the protected PII to locate specific information without having to expose additional PII.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2017Publication date: June 22, 2017Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Michael Bilodeau, Gustavo Carmo
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Publication number: 20170073893Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2015Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Mark A. Paradis
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Patent number: 9582680Abstract: A personally identifiable information (PII) scrubbing system. The PII scrubbing system surgically scrubs PII form a log based on a scrubber configuration corresponding to the log. The scrubber configuration includes context information about locations and types of PII in the log and rules specifying how to locate and protect the PII. Scrubber configurations are quickly and easily created or modified as scrubbing requirements change or new scenarios are encountered. The flexibility provided by the scrubber configurations allows only the PII to be scrubbed, even from unstructured data, without having to include surrounding data. Many consumers can use the scrubbed data without needed to expose the PII because less non-personal data is obscured. Surgical scrubbing also retains the usefulness of the underlying PII even while protecting the PII. Consumers can correlate the protected PII to locate specific information without having to expose additional PII.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Michael Bilodeau, Gustavo Carmo
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Patent number: 9458570Abstract: A modified filler composition for use in composites, such as paper and paper board, which is produced by reacting a filler material with a binder and a reactant material. Also, a method to produce composites, such as paper and paperboard, produced containing the modified filler composition is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2011Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignees: Cerealus Holdings LLC, University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Anthony Jabar, Jr., Michael A. Bilodeau, Mark A. Paradis
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Publication number: 20160102201Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Jonathan Spender
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Publication number: 20150213288Abstract: A personally identifiable information (PII) scrubbing system. The PII scrubbing system surgically scrubs PII form a log based on a scrubber configuration corresponding to the log. The scrubber configuration includes context information about locations and types of PII in the log and rules specifying how to locate and protect the PII. Scrubber configurations are quickly and easily created or modified as scrubbing requirements change or new scenarios are encountered. The flexibility provided by the scrubber configurations allows only the PII to be scrubbed, even from unstructured data, without having to include surrounding data. Many consumers can use the scrubbed data without needed to expose the PII because less non-personal data is obscured. Surgical scrubbing also retains the usefulness of the underlying PII even while protecting the PII. Consumers can correlate the protected PII to locate specific information without having to expose additional PII.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2014Publication date: July 30, 2015Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Bilodeau, Gustavo Carmo
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Publication number: 20150167243Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2013Publication date: June 18, 2015Applicant: University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Mark A. Paradis
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Publication number: 20150125658Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicants: Stirling Consulting, INC., University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Robert H. Hamilton
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Publication number: 20150033983Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Douglas W. Bousfield
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Publication number: 20130192778Abstract: A modified filler composition for use in composites, such as paper and paper board, which is produced by reacting a filler material with a binder and a reactant material. Also, a method to produce composites, such as paper and paperboard, produced containing the modified filler composition is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2011Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM BOARD OF TRUSTEES, CEREALUS HOLDINGS LLCInventors: Anthony Jabar, JR., Michael A. Bilodeau, Mark A. Paradis
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Patent number: 8383247Abstract: A lightweight composite article with controlled biodegradation includes a fibrous substrate and one or more additives applied to the fibrous substrate to control the rate of biodegradation of the composite article. The composite article has a weight of less than about 57 grams per square meter, and a biodegradation within a range of from about 30 days to about 150 days. In some embodiments, the additives include one or more of water repellent, antimicrobial agent and biodegradable binder.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignees: Cerealus Holdings, LLC, University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Michael A. Bilodeau, Anthony Jabar, Jr., Jonathan M. Spender
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Publication number: 20120114736Abstract: A composite material for environmental odor control is useful in controlling odors from waste, for example, as an alternative daily cover for landfills and in composting applications. The composite material includes a fiber web and a zeolite containing metals to promote absorption of odorous gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2012Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: University of Maine System Board of TrusteesInventors: Karl Duncan BISHOP, Michael A. BILODEAU, Susan G. MACKAY, Douglas M. RUTHVEN