Patents by Inventor William B. Schafer, III

William B. Schafer, III 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).

  • Modular and distributed methods and systems to convert biomass to syngas
    Patent number: 8366796
    Abstract: The present invention provides modular and distributed methods and systems to convert biomass feedstocks into synthesis gas (syngas). The syngas can then be turned into liquid chemicals and fuels such as ethanol. The modular units of the invention bring the conversion process to the biomass source, thereby minimizing feedstock transportation costs. The modules are capable of being connected to, and/or disconnected from, each other to easily adjust the overall feedstock capacity. The present invention also provides methods and systems to determine an optimal number and distribution of modular conversion units spatially located within a region of land. The disclosed methods and systems are flexible, efficient, scalable, and are capable of being cost-effective at any commercial scale of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Range Fuels, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell Mandich, William B. Schafer, III
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SYNGAS AND ALCOHOLS
    Publication number: 20090151253
    Abstract: The present invention features methods and apparatus for the pyrolysis or torrefaction of a carbon-containing feedstock before it is converted to syngas. In some embodiments, biomass is first pretreated by torrefaction and/or pyrolysis, followed by devolatilization and/or steam reforming to produce syngas. Various mixtures of such pretreated biomass, combined with fresh biomass, can be employed to produce syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Range Fuels, Inc.
    Inventors: Leo E. MANZER, William B. SCHAFER, III
  • MODULAR AND DISTRIBUTED METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO CONVERT BIOMASS TO SYNGAS
    Publication number: 20090013601
    Abstract: The present invention provides modular and distributed methods and systems to convert biomass feedstocks into synthesis gas (syngas). The syngas can then be turned into liquid chemicals and fuels such as ethanol. The modular units of the invention bring the conversion process to the biomass source, thereby minimizing feedstock transportation costs. The modules are capable of being connected to, and/or disconnected from, each other to easily adjust the overall feedstock capacity. The present invention also provides methods and systems to determine an optimal number and distribution of modular conversion units spatially located within a region of land. The disclosed methods and systems are flexible, efficient, scalable, and are capable of being cost-effective at any commercial scale of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Range Fuels, Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchell MANDICH, William B. Schafer, III