Patents by Inventor Ryan O'Connor

Ryan O'Connor 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: 12188181
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with sulfur dioxide or a sulfite compound and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The total mechanical energy may be less than 500 kilowatt-hours per ton. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: GranBio Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Nelson, Theodora Retsina, Vesa Pylkkanen, Ryan O′Connor
  • Patent number: 12072907
    Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) includes multiple data visualizations and an adjustable graphical user control. The data underlying the data visualizations are timestamped, and the graphical user control enables a user to select a time interval. When a time interval is selected or modified via the graphical user control, the multiple data visualizations update automatically in real time to reflect data that correspond to the currently selected time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: Splunk Inc.
    Inventors: Nusair Haq, Ryan O'Connor, Siegfried Puchbauer
  • Patent number: 12072859
    Abstract: A computer system displays a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes data visualizations corresponding to data having timestamps within a time interval. A first type of input signal is mapped to a second type of input signal. The first type of input signal is associated with an input device communicatively coupled to the computer system. The second type of input signal is configured to operate a graphical user control of the GUI. Before mapping, the first type of input signal is configured to perform a function that is different from operation of the graphical user control. After receiving an input signal of the first type, an input signal of the second type is applied to the graphical user control based on the mapping. The time interval is adjusted, and the data visualizations are updated automatically to correspond to updated data having timestamps within the adjusted time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: Splunk Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20240247081
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with surprisingly low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2024
    Publication date: July 25, 2024
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA, Vesa PYLKKANEN, Ryan O'CONNOR
  • Patent number: 11932706
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with surprisingly low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: GranBio Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Nelson, Theodora Retsina, Vesa Pylkkanen, Ryan O'Connor
  • Patent number: 11905341
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a nanocellulose material, comprising: fractionating a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock in the presence of a solvent for lignin and water, but no acid catalyst, to generate cellulose-rich solids; and then mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form a nanocellulose material comprising cellulose nanofibrils and/or cellulose nanocrystals. Many organic or inorganic solvents are possible. In some embodiments, the solvent for lignin is an oxygenated organic compound, such as a C1-C18 alcohol, e.g. ethanol, ethylene glycol, propanol, propanediol, glycerol, butanol, or butanediol. The solvent for lignin may be an aromatic alcohol, such as phenol, cresol, or benzyl alcohol. The solvent for lignin may be a ketone, an aldehyde, or an ether, such as methyl ethyl ketone or diethyl ether. The solvent for lignin may be a non-oxygenated alkane, olefin, or aromatic hydrocarbon. In some embodiments, the solvent for lignin is an ionic liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: GranBio Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Nelson, Theodora Retsina, Vesa Pylkkanen, Ryan O'Connor
  • Patent number: 11795345
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity, hydrophobic cellulose. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and depositing lignin onto cellulose fibers to produce lignin-coated cellulose materials (such as dissolving pulp). The crystallinity of the cellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers. These polymers may be combined with the hydrophobic cellulose to form completely renewable composites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: GranBio Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Nelson, Theodora Retsina, Vesa Pylkkanen, Ryan O'Connor
  • Patent number: 11736452
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a computer-implemented method comprises determining that a first property associated with a dashboard is modified at a first device, determining that the dashboard is accessible at a second device, where the first device and the second device are coupled via a trusted tunnel bridge, and in a real-time response to determining that the first property was modified, transmitting, to the second device via the trusted tunnel bridge, an update that causes the second device modify the dashboard based on the modified first property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: SPLUNK INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Chan, Ryan O'Connor, Philippe Tang, Simon Tam, Sterling Trafford
  • Publication number: 20220127382
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a nanocellulose material, comprising: fractionating a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock in the presence of a solvent for lignin and water, but no acid catalyst, to generate cellulose-rich solids; and then mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form a nanocellulose material comprising cellulose nanofibrils and/or cellulose nanocrystals. Many organic or inorganic solvents are possible. In some embodiments, the solvent for lignin is an oxygenated organic compound, such as a C1-C18 alcohol, e.g. ethanol, ethylene glycol, propanol, propanediol, glycerol, butanol, or butanediol. The solvent for lignin may be an aromatic alcohol, such as phenol, cresol, or benzyl alcohol. The solvent for lignin may be a ketone, an aldehyde, or an ether, such as methyl ethyl ketone or diethyl ether. The solvent for lignin may be a non-oxygenated alkane, olefin, or aromatic hydrocarbon. In some embodiments, the solvent for lignin is an ionic liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA, Vesa PYLKKANEN, Ryan O'CONNOR
  • Publication number: 20220098440
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity, hydrophobic cellulose. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and depositing lignin onto cellulose fibers to produce lignin-coated cellulose materials (such as dissolving pulp). The crystallinity of the cellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers. These polymers may be combined with the hydrophobic cellulose to form completely renewable composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Kimberly Nelson, Theodora Retsina, Vesa Pylkkanen, Ryan O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20220034038
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with sulfur dioxide or a sulfite compound and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The total mechanical energy may be less than 500 kilowatt-hours per ton. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA, Vesa PYLKKANEN, Ryan O'CONNOR
  • Patent number: 11142668
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity, hydrophobic cellulose. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and depositing lignin onto cellulose fibers to produce lignin-coated cellulose materials (such as dissolving pulp). The crystallinity of the cellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers. These polymers may be combined with the hydrophobic cellulose to form completely renewable composites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: GranBio Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Nelson, Theodora Retsina, Vesa Pylkkanen, Ryan O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20210284757
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with surprisingly low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA, Vesa PYLKKANEN, Ryan O'CONNOR
  • Patent number: 10906994
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with surprisingly low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: GranBio Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Nelson, Theodora Retsina, Vesa Pylkkanen, Ryan O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20200199407
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity, hydrophobic cellulose. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and depositing lignin onto cellulose fibers to produce lignin-coated cellulose materials (such as dissolving pulp). The crystallinity of the cellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers. These polymers may be combined with the hydrophobic cellulose to form completely renewable composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA, Vesa PYLKKANEN, Ryan O'CONNOR
  • Publication number: 20190271114
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with sulfur dioxide or a sulfite compound and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The total mechanical energy may be less than 500 kilowatt-hours per ton. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA, Vesa PYLKKANEN, Ryan O'CONNOR
  • Publication number: 20190100604
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with surprisingly low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Publication date: April 4, 2019
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA, Vesa PYLKKANEN, Ryan O'CONNOR
  • Patent number: 10093748
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with surprisingly low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: API Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Nelson, Theodora Retsina, Vesa Pylkkanen, Ryan O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20180016355
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a nanocellulose material, comprising: fractionating a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock in the presence of a solvent for lignin and water, but no acid catalyst, to generate cellulose-rich solids; and then mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form a nanocellulose material comprising cellulose nanofibrils and/or cellulose nanocrystals. Many organic or inorganic solvents are possible. In some embodiments, the solvent for lignin is an oxygenated organic compound, such as a C1-C18 alcohol, e.g. ethanol, ethylene glycol, propanol, propanediol, glycerol, butanol, or butanediol. The solvent for lignin may be an aromatic alcohol, such as phenol, cresol, or benzyl alcohol. The solvent for lignin may be a ketone, an aldehyde, or an ether, such as methyl ethyl ketone or diethyl ether. The solvent for lignin may be a non-oxygenated alkane, olefin, or aromatic hydrocarbon. In some embodiments, the solvent for lignin is an ionic liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA, Vesa PYLKKANEN, Ryan O'CONNOR
  • Publication number: 20170335138
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity, hydrophobic cellulose. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and depositing lignin onto cellulose fibers to produce lignin-coated cellulose materials (such as dissolving pulp). The crystallinity of the cellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers. These polymers may be combined with the hydrophobic cellulose to form completely renewable composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA, Vesa PYLKKANEN, Ryan O'CONNOR