Patents by Inventor Nicholas J. Nagle

Nicholas J. Nagle 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).

  • Process for the conversion of and aqueous biomass hydrolyzate into fuels or chemicals by the selective removal of fermentation inhibitors
    Patent number: 6737258
    Abstract: A process of making a fuel or chemical from a biomass hydrolyzate is provided which comprises the steps of providing a biomass hydrolyzate, adjusting the pH of the hydrolyzate, contacting a metal oxide having an affinity for guaiacyl or syringyl functional groups, or both and the hydrolyzate for a time sufficient to form an adsorption complex; removing the complex wherein a sugar fraction is provided, and converting the sugar fraction to fuels or chemicals using a microorganism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Bonnie R. Hames, Amie D. Sluiter, Tammy K. Hayward, Nicholas J. Nagle
  • Process for the conversion of and aqueous biomass hydrolyzate into fuels or chemicals by the selective removal of fermentation inhibitors
    Publication number: 20020177199
    Abstract: A process of making a fuel or chemical from a biomass hydrolyzate is provided which comprises the steps of providing a biomass hydrolyzate, adjusting the pH of the hydrolyzate, contacting a metal oxide having an affinity for guaiacyl or syringyl functional groups, or both and the hydrolyzate for a time sufficient to form an adsorption complex; removing the complex wherein a sugar fraction is provided, and converting the sugar fraction to fuels or chemicals using a microorganism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Bonnie R. Hames, Amie D. Sluiter, Tammy K. Hayward, Nicholas J. Nagle
  • Pretreatment of high solid microbial sludges
    Patent number: 5785852
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for pretreating microbial sludges in order to enhance secondary anaerobic digestion. The pretreatment process involves disrupting the cellular integrity of municipal sewage sludge through a combination of thermal, explosive decompression and shear forces. The sludge is pressurized and pumped to a pretreatment reactor where it is mixed with steam to heat and soften the sludge. The pressure of the sludge is suddenly reduced and explosive decompression forces are imparted which partially disrupt the cellular integrity of the sludge. Shear forces are then applied to the sludge to further disrupt the cellular integrity of the sludge. Disrupting cellular integrity releases both soluble and insoluble organic constituents and thereby renders municipal sewage sludge more amenable to secondary anaerobic digestion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rivard, Nicholas J. Nagle
  • Pretreatment of microbial sludges
    Patent number: 5380445
    Abstract: Methods are described for pretreating microbial sludges to break cells and disrupt organic matter. One method involves the use of sonication, and another method involves the use of shear forces. The pretreatment of sludge enhances bioconversion of the organic fraction. This allows for efficient dewatering of the sludge and reduces the cost for final disposal of the waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Christopher J. Rivard, Nicholas J. Nagle