Patents by Inventor Michele D. Myers

Michele D. Myers 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 of separating lignocellulosic material into lignin, cellulose and dissolved sugars
    Patent number: 5730837
    Abstract: A method for separating lignocellulosic material into (a) lignin, (b) cellulose, and (c) hemicellulose and dissolved sugars. Wood or herbaceous biomass is digested at elevated temperature in a single-phase mixture of alcohol, water and a water-immiscible organic solvent (e.g., a ketone). After digestion, the amount of water or organic solvent is adjusted so that there is phase separation. The lignin is present in the organic solvent, the cellulose is present in a solid pulp phase, and the aqueous phase includes hemicellulose and any dissolved sugars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Stuart K. Black, Bonnie R. Hames, Michele D. Myers