Patents by Inventor Robert E. Low

Robert E. Low 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).

  • Apparatus and method for extracting biomass
    Patent number: 6667015
    Abstract: An apparatus for extracting biomass includes a closed loop circuit having an extraction vessel (11), an evaporator (12), a compressor (13), a condenser (14) and (optionally) a storage reservoir (15) operatively connected in series. A pumped recirculation loop (20) recirculates a portion of the output of the extraction vessel (11) for further contact with biomass. One or more modifiable resistances to flow (12;23) control the flow of solvent around the recirculation loop (20) and the main closed loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Ineos Fluor Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Robert E. Low, Stuart Corr, Frederick Thomas Murphy, James David Morrison
  • Method and apparatus for recovering a solvent
    Publication number: 20030204119
    Abstract: In a closed-loop biomass extraction apparatus (10), strategies for purifying HFC solvents used therein include:
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Stuart Corr, Paul A. Dowdle, Robert E. Low, James David Morrison, Frederick Thomas Murphy
  • Apparatus and method for reducing residual solvent levels
    Publication number: 20030101870
    Abstract: A method of reducing residual solvent levels in extracted biomass that is contaminated with HFC solvent includes sparging the biomass extract with a solvent stripping gas such as air or Nitrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Stuart Corr, Paul A. Dowdle, Robert E. Low, Frederick Thomas Murphy, James David Morrison
  • Apparatus and method for reducing residual solvent levels
    Patent number: 6521022
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing residual solvent levels in extracted biomass that is contaminated with HFC solvent that includes sparging the biomass extract with a solvent stripping gas such as air or nitrogen are disclosed. Apparatus for carrying out the method include a vessel (12;25) containing extract (26) and a source of the gas. The source may be in the form of a moveable, hollow wand (27) having a sparging gas outlet; or a fixed gas inlet (30) for bubbling the gas through the extract (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ineos Fluor Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Corr, Paul A. Dowdle, Robert E. Low, Frederick Thomas Murphy, James David Morrison
  • Apparatus and methods for removing solvent residues
    Publication number: 20020195329
    Abstract: An apparatus (10′) for extracting biomass includes an extractor (11), evaporator (12), compressor (13) and condenser (14) connected in series by pipework (17) to define a closed loop extraction circuit. A transfer line (18) selectively supplies hot solvent vapor from the outlet side of the compressor (13) to the interior of the extractor (11), where the solvent vapor heats the biomass. This causes stripping of solvent from the biomass. The transfer line (18) includes control elements (19,20) for controlling the flow of solvent vapor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Stuart Corr, Paul A. Dowdle, Robert E. Low, Frederick Thomas Murphy, James David Morrison
  • Apparatus and methods for extracting biomass
    Publication number: 20020182722
    Abstract: A closed loop apparatus (10) for extracting biomass includes an evaporator (42) and a condenser (43) directly connected to one another, without an intermediate compressor. An optional pump (14) moves liquid solvent between the evaporator (42) and compressor (43) and provides a hydrostatic head for the closed loop circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Stuart Corr, Robert E. Low, Frederick Thomas Murphy, James David Morrison
  • Apparatus and method for condensing liquid solvent
    Publication number: 20020174977
    Abstract: A condenser (20) includes within its shell (22) a reservoir (22b) for condensed solvent used in biomass extraction. The reservoir (22b) supplies liquid solvent (23) to an extraction vessel (11) via an inverted lute (30). The height of the uppermost part (35) of the lute (30) determines the level of liquid (28) in the reservoir. In an embodiment the height of the uppermost part (35) is adjustable, to control the liquid level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Robert E. Low, Stuart Corr, James David Morrison, Frederick Thomas Murphy