Patents by Inventor Tonya Tiedje

Tonya Tiedje 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 treatment of biomass feedstocks
    Patent number: 7937851
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously treating a moist biomass feedstock is disclosed. The method includes treating a biomass feedstock with a swelling agent in a pressurized first vessel, transferring the feedstock to a second vessel at a lower operating pressure than the first vessel such that the biomass fibers rupture. At least portions the swelling agent, and/or the moisture are recycled in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Michigan Biotechnology Institute
    Inventors: Srinivasan Rajagopalan, Tonya Tiedje, Darold McCalla
  • PROCESS FOR TREATMENT OF BIOMASS FEEDSTOCKS
    Publication number: 20090098251
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously treating a moist biomass feedstock is disclosed. The method includes treating a biomass feedstock with a swelling agent in a pressurized first vessel, transferring the feedstock to a second vessel at a lower operating pressure than the first vessel such that the biomass fibers rupture. At least portions the swelling agent, and/or the moisture are recycled in the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Srinivasan Rajagopalan, Tonya Tiedje, Darold McCalla
  • SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONTINUOUS BIOMASS PROCESSING
    Publication number: 20080229657
    Abstract: This invention is directed to biomass processing. In one embodiment, the biomass is processed by contacting the biomass with a swelling agent as the biomass and swelling agent are transported through a reactor system. In another embodiment, the processed biomass is fermented. Steam is also applied in the biomass processing. The steam can be applied before, during or after the biomass is first contacted with the swelling agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: David Senyk, Tonya Tiedje, Darold F. McCalla, Farzaneh Teymouri