Non-wood Patents (Class 162/99)
  • Patent number: 11819977
    Abstract: An inversion mount includes an upper mounting base, a lower mounting base, and an oblique drop arm connected from the upper mounting base to the lower mounting base. The upper mounting base is configured to normally mount to a downward-facing inversion mounting surface from below. The lower mounting base includes a non-rotary main body and a rotary latch assembly. The main body includes a forward receiver configured to axially receive a mounting insert from below as a rotary item. The latch assembly includes a side latch. The side latch extends alongside the main body, and is supported for radial pivotation between an open position, in which the side latch carries the inside hook below but not underneath the forward receiver, and a latched position, in which the side latch carries the inside hook underneath the forward receiver for hooked engagement with a side pocket behind the mounting insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Sunny Muttathukunnel Thomas
  • Patent number: 11814500
    Abstract: An algae-based thermoplastic composition is provided that includes a protein-rich algae biomass selected from either microalgae, macroalgae or combinations thereof. The protein content is greater than or equal to 15% by weight of the algae biomass and the algae biomass is dried to a moisture content of less than or equal to 15% by weight and having a particle d99 of up to 200 microns. The dried algae biomass is at least 5% by weight of the thermoplastic composition. The composition includes a biodegradable resin configured to exhibit rheological properties suitable for blending with algae including a melting temperature less than 250° C. and a melt flow rate in excess of 0.01 g/10 min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Algix, LLC
    Inventors: Bo Shi, Ryan Webster Hunt, Mark Ashton Zeller
  • Patent number: 11773539
    Abstract: Soft, durable and bulky tissue products comprising non-wood fibers and more particularly high yield hesperaloe pulp fibers are disclosed. The tissue products preferably comprise at least about 5 percent, by weight of the product, high yield hesperaloe pulp fiber and have relatively modest tensile strengths, such as a geometric mean tensile (GMT) greater than about 1,000 g/3?, and improved durability and cross-machine direction (CD) properties, such as a CD Stretch greater than about 10 percent. Additionally, at the foregoing tensile strengths the products are not overly stiff. For example the tissue products may have a Stiffness Index less than about 10.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Kayla Elizabeth Rouse, Richard Louis Underhill, David John Paulson, Felicia Marie Sauer, Thomas Gerard Shannon
  • Patent number: 11578191
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of cellulose from coffee or cocoa husks. The cellulose extracted can be used to produce paper, card stock, and cardboard. In addition, a composite material also comprising a material that allows the release of aromas is manufactured using said cellulose. Said material is used to manufacture a laminated product for use in primary, secondary and tertiary packaging applications. Said type of article allows printing on the outer surface thereof, is biodegradable and biocompatible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Industria Colombiana de Cafe S.A.S.
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Posada Correa, Leyla Yamile Jaramillo Zapata, Juan Diego Ruiz Saldarriaga
  • Patent number: 8956502
    Abstract: The objective of this invention is a method for separating cellulosic fibres, hemicellulose and lignin from parts of plants containing these, such as stems, leaves and seed coats or hulls of cereal, oilseed, fibre or grassy plants. After appropriate pre-treatments the material is heated in an alkaline solution at lower temperatures than used in the traditional cellulose manufacturing. After this heat treatment, the fibrous and other undissolved materials are separated from the solution and subsequently ground in wet condition, using preferably chafing treatments. For improving the separation, surface active substances can be included in the alkaline heat treatment solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Cerefi Oy
    Inventor: Yrjö Mälkki
  • Patent number: 8936697
    Abstract: A process for producing a water-absorbent high-porosity fibrous matrix from lignocellulosic raw materials, comprising wet mechanical processing of the raw material, drying, and then dry mechanical processing the fibers to provide a fibrous matrix is provided. The high-porosity fibrous matrix and absorbent articles prepared therefrom are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Sustainable Health Enterprises
    Inventors: Elizabeth Scharpf, Liying Huang, Hannah Brice, Joshua Velson, Sina Salehi Omran, Jeffrey Zhou, Rachel B. Licht, Clark K. Colton, William H. Dalzell
  • Publication number: 20140374040
    Abstract: A process for producing from a lignocellulosic raw material of (i) an intermediate product that is intended for the production of ethanol, containing polysaccharides, cellulose and hemicelluloses, and (ii) a product containing lignin in an aqueous solution without sulfur residue, this lignin could be precipitated. The process includes a step of pulping the raw material in an extruder at a temperature of between 60° C. and 180° C. and in the presence of a quantity of water that represents between 200% and 450% of the mass of said raw material and in the presence of a strong base at a concentration of between 0.5% and 4% relative to the volume of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: VALAGRO CARBONE RENOUVELABLE POITOU-CHARENTES
    Inventors: Jacques BARBIER, Frederic BATAILLE, Alexandre BRIAND, Stephane SOUM
  • Patent number: 8864939
    Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing a feedstock for producing paper fiber from fruit of a plant may include providing a by-product source inclusive of fiber from the edible fruit after a process for removing a majority of the edible fruit is used to produce a food. One or more treatment processes to brighten the fruit by-product may be performed. The feedstock may be produced from the brightened fruit by-product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Peter R. Moss, Doug A. Bippert, Rajesh Kumar Garg, Kim W. Robinson, Simon Gainey, Philip G. Crandall
  • Patent number: 8864940
    Abstract: An article including a first fiber derived from a first natural source and a second fiber derived from a fruit. A method of manufacturing an article may include combining a first and second fiber to form a fiber mixture, where the first and second fibers are obtained from discrete materials, and where at least one of the fibers is derived from an edible fruit of a plant. The article may be formed from the fiber mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Peter R. Moss, Doug A. Bippert, Rajesh Kumar Garg, Kim W. Robinson, Simon Gainey, Philip G. Crandall
  • Patent number: 8784609
    Abstract: Fiber furnish for use in the manufacture of paper and paper-based products, the fiber furnish consisting essentially of plant petiole tissue, wherein substantially longitudinally aligned petiole fibers have been cut generally laterally to form fibers with a fiber length distribution such that at least 95% of the fibers have substantially the same predetermined fiber length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Papyrus Technology Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Ramy Abraham Azer
  • Patent number: 8771468
    Abstract: The disclosure provides tissue webs, and products incorporating the same, where the webs comprise macroalgae fibers. More specifically the disclosure provides soft and durable tissue webs comprising at least about 1 percent macroalgae fiber by weight of the web. In the tissue webs of the present disclosure, macroalgae fibers may preferably replace high average fiber length wood fibers, which increases the strength and durability of the web without negatively stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Bo Shi, Candace Dyan Krautkramer, Michael William Veith
  • Patent number: 8715464
    Abstract: This invention relates to annual crop straw and stalk fibers having properties suitable for use in paper, paperboard, and related products disposable paper plates, cups, and bowls, molded and thermoformed pulp products, disposable food handling containers, tissue and toweling, and absorbent products such as airlaid roll goods, wipes, diapers and feminine hygiene articles. Annual crop straw or stalk is the waste product from the harvesting of the food including soy, wheat, corn, rice, and oats. The food chain is not impacted by use of these stalks and straw. Currently, most of the straw or stalk is burned, tilled under for soil amendment, or otherwise disposed of. Use of this stalk or straw for paper, paperboard and related products, and absorbent products manufacture including any product made from cellulose fibers represents an opportunity to provide additional income to farmers and a green alternative to wood pulp and therefore conserve trees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Pure Pulp Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Henry Young, Jason Heezen
  • Patent number: 8658265
    Abstract: A molded article comprising sugar beet pulp is provided. In addition a method of making the such molded articles is described. Such articles are particularly useful in the packaging of food; and for medical applications where molded articles are needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignees: AB Agri Limited, 3B Solstar Limited
    Inventors: Mark Tom Holmes, William Barry Jones
  • Patent number: 8623176
    Abstract: A method for individualizing a trichome from an epidermis of a non-seed portion of a trichome-bearing plant in Labiatae family and Geraniaceae family to form a fibrous structure is provided. The method comprises contacting the plant with a device to separate the trichome from the epidermis and incorporating the separated trichome into a fibrous structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Douglas Vinson, Teresa Jean Franklin
  • Patent number: 8574400
    Abstract: The disclosure provides tissue webs, and products incorporating the same, where the webs comprise macroalgae fibers. More specifically the disclosure provides soft and durable tissue webs comprising at least about 1 percent macroalgae fiber by weight of the web. In the tissue webs of the present disclosure, macroalgae fibers may preferably replace high average fiber length wood fibers, which increases the strength and durability of the web without negatively stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Bo Shi, Candace Dyan Krautkramer, Michael William Veith
  • Publication number: 20130023019
    Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce an intermediate or product, e.g., by fermentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: XYLECO, INC.
    Inventor: Marshall Medoff
  • Patent number: 8308901
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a process of modifying a seed based fiber (SBF) to form an enhanced fiber additive (EFA). The process includes an acid treatment step and optionally at least one fiber modification step. Preferred EFA products and uses are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin R. Anderson, David E. Garlie, Paula R. Krogmann, John T. McDonald, Jagannadh V. Satyavolu
  • Patent number: 8303772
    Abstract: Provided is an unbleached paper product made from grass type pulp, the unbleached paper product has a brightness of 35-60% ISO, the grass type pulp is unbleached. The unbleached paper product includes an unbleached toilet paper, an unbleached hand towel, an unbleached wiping paper, an unbleached duplicating paper, an unbleached meal container, an unbleached food wrapping paper and an unbleached printing paper. The paper products have a high intensity and have no detection of dioxin and absorbable organic halides in the harmful substance detection test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Shangdong Fuyin Paper & Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hongfa Li, Mingxin Song, Jihui Yang, Yanjin Bi, Jinxiang Xu
  • Patent number: 8298374
    Abstract: Dry products, and particularly dry tissue substrates, including a blend of conventional papermaking fibers and microalgae are disclosed herein. Use of a cationic retention aid in the dry tissue substrates helps to provide a tissue sheet retaining the microalgae without being detrimental to tissue properties such as caliper, bulk, air permeability, slough and absorbent capacity. Additionally, use of a flocculating agent may agglomerate the microalgae and make it easier to retain the microalgae within the tissue sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Bo Shi, Ellen Elizabeth Pelky, Jeffrey Robert Besaw, David Wesley Bernd
  • Patent number: 8287691
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a process of modifying a seed based fiber (SBF) to form an enhanced fiber additive (EFA). The process includes an acid treatment step and optionally at least one fiber modification step. Preferred EFA products and uses are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jagannadh V. Satyavolu, David E. Garlie, Kevin R. Anderson, John T. McDonald, Paula R. Krogmann
  • Publication number: 20120247696
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming a pulp mixture, the process comprising the steps of: a) providing a wood material and a first liquor, b) treating the wood material in the first liquor in order to release wood fibers, c1) introducing an agricultural crop/residue before or during the treatment of the wood material, and during the treatment deriving a first fraction comprising hemicellulose from the agricultural crop/residue, and/or c2) introducing a suspension of a first fraction comprising hemicellulose and a residue liquor derived from agricultural crop/residue by a liquor treatment, the introduction being done before, during or after the treatment of the wood material. The invention further relates to a pulp mixture comprising 1-30% originating from agricultural crop/residue and 70-99% originating from wood material. The pulp mixture comprises non-wood hemicellulose and at least part of the non-wood hemicellulose is sorbed on the wood fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SODRA CELL AB
    Inventors: Johannes Bogren, Tobias Kohnke
  • Patent number: 8268127
    Abstract: A method of degumming jute fibers with complex enzyme, wherein said complex enzyme comprises pectinase and laccase, comprises the steps of: a. soaking the jute fibers in the water solution of said complex enzyme made from pectinase and laccase and adjusting the weight proportion of said complex enzyme water solution and said jute fibers; b. adjusting the PH value of said complex enzyme water solution, and adjusting the temperature of said complex enzyme water solution to a first temperature, then keeping said complex enzyme water solution with the first temperature for a certain period of time; c. adjusting the PH value of said complex enzyme water solution, and adjusting the temperature of said complex enzyme water solution to a second temperature; then, keeping said complex enzyme water solution with the second temperature for another period of time; d. conducting enzyme deactivation of the jute fibers processed with said complex enzyme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Jiangsu Redbud Textile Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guozhong Liu, Zhenhua Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120152473
    Abstract: Fibre furnish for use in the manufacture of paper and paper-based products, the fibre furnish consisting essentially of plant petiole tissue, wherein substantially longitudinally aligned petiole fibres have been cut generally laterally to form fibres with a fibre length distribution such that at least 95% of the fibres have substantially the same predetermined fibre length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: PAPYRUS TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD.
    Inventor: Ramy Abraham Azer
  • Patent number: 8157955
    Abstract: A system for collecting ligno-cellulosic biomass over a large area to enable the commercial refining of biomass from 2,500 to in excess of 50,000 tons of biomass per day to produce ethanol or other products. The biomass is collected at a series of collection points and then transported through a network of conduit “loops” interconnecting each of the collection points and the central refining plant. The water used to transport the biomass, as a slurry, is recovered and sequentially recycled in the same pipeline system to push the biomass slurry around the system in a “loop.” The outgoing and return legs of each loop optionally are located adjacent each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Iogen Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick J. Foody, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20120047600
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for increasing lignin content in plants by expression of a cinnamoyl CoA reductase 2 (CCR2) coding sequence in the plant. Also provided are methods for reducing lignin content in a plant by down-regulation of CCR2 expression in the plant. Nucleic acid molecules for modulation of CCR2 expression and transgenic plants the same are also provided. Plants described herein may be used, for example, as improved biofuel feedstock and as highly digestible forage crops. Methods for processing plant tissue and for producing biofuels by utilizing such plants are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Rui ZHOU, Richard A. DIXON, Fang CHEN
  • Patent number: 8057635
    Abstract: A system for collecting ligno-cellulosic biomass over a large area to enable the commercial refining of biomass from 2,500 to in excess of 50,000 tons of biomass per day to produce ethanol or other products. The biomass is collected at a series of collection points and then transported through a network of conduit “loops” interconnecting each of the collection points and the central refining plant. The water used to transport the biomass, as a slurry, is recovered and sequentially recycled in the same pipeline system to push the biomass slurry around the system in a “loop”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Iogen Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick Foody, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8044120
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid composition which comprises at least one polymer and at least one ionic liquid, the cations of which are derived from polycyclic amidine bases, and a process for isolating cellulose from cellulose-containing sources using at least one such ionic liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Giovanni D'Andola, Laszlo Szarvas, Klemens Massonne, Veit Stegmann
  • Patent number: 8029645
    Abstract: Soft and strong fibrous structures and more particularly soft and strong fibrous structures that contains less softwood fibers than known fibrous structures and methods for making such soft and strong fibrous structures are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Khosrow Parviz Mohammadi
  • Patent number: 8007637
    Abstract: This invention relates to a production process of tobacco sheet by papermaking. The technical arrangement of this invention are: (a). to immerge and to extract tobacco stem and leaf scrap respectively by water-soluble solvents to respectively obtain solid tobacco stem and solid leaf scrap, and tobacco stem extract and leaf scrap extract via solid/liquid separation; (b). to defibrilate solid tobacco stem and solid leaf scrap respectively, to mix the obtained tobacco stem fiber and leaf scrap fiber and combined with dust to prepare fiber base; (c). to wholly or partly abnegate the tobacco stem extract obtained by Step (a), and to evaporated and to concentrate other extracts that then are sprayed or immerged to coat the formed fiber base that is then dried, threshed and shaped. The tobacco sheet production process offered by this invention has improved the tobacco sheet's filling capacity and its sensory quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: China Tomacco Hunan Industrial Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Jianfu Liu, Xinliang Tan, Jianshan Fu, Dafeng Yin, Changjian Deng, Gang Chen
  • Patent number: 7988822
    Abstract: A method to chemically treat light weight, bulky cellulosic material including: introducing the material to an upper inlet of a substantially vertical treatment vessel; maintaining the material in the vessel at a pressure of at least 20 bar and at a temperature of at least 200° C.; treating the material with a cooking liquor in the vessel; moving the material past at least one anti-compression ring on an inside surface of the vessel, as the material moves downward through the vessel; agitating the material in the vessel, and discharging the treated material from a lower discharge port of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Andritz Inc.
    Inventor: C. Bertil Stromberg
  • Patent number: 7927460
    Abstract: Disclosed are silver skin-containing paper and the production method thereof. Aqueous pulp slurry containing paper pulp fibers and ground silver skin is prepared, wherein the ground silver skin is provided by wet grinding of silver skin in the presence of water. The aqueous pulp slurry is then formed into a sheet. The silver skin-containing paper contains the ground silver skin at a ratio of 5 to 60% by mass of the paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Ito En, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Sato, Hiroyuki Morikawa
  • Publication number: 20110060077
    Abstract: In this patent, fibers have been successfully extracted from various natural occurring materials using a series of chemical, biological and mechanical methods. Moreover, these fibers can be conjugated onto certain polymer chains via coupling agent and chemical modification. Consequently, the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the polymers can be dramatically elevated with the incorporation of these fibers. The intended polymers include conventional plastics (epoxy resins, polyesters and polyolefins etc.), rubbers (natural rubbers and thermoplastic rubbers etc.) and biodegradable polymers. Apart from the enhancement of mechanical properties and thermal stability, the incorporation of natural fibers can reduce the production cost of the materials and meet the demand of environmental protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Yeng-Fong Shih, Chien-Chung Huang, Po-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 7887672
    Abstract: A method for extracting such natural cellulosic fiber bundles from natural cellulose sources selected from the group consisting of cornhusk, cornstalk, switchgrass leaves, switchgrass stems, rice straw, sorghum leaves, sorghum stems, soybean straw, wheat straw, cotton stems, barley straw, and combinations thereof, the method comprising performing an alkali treatment to partially delignify the cellulose source material and an enzyme treatment to depolymerize hemicellulose, break covalent links between lignin and carbohydrates, and decompose cellulose chains in the natural cellulosic source material, or a combination thereof thereby yielding extracted natural cellulosic fiber bundles having a length that is greater than that of individual cells and a fineness of at least about 1 denier and no greater than about 300 denier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Inventors: Yiqi Yang, Narenda Reddy
  • Patent number: 7837830
    Abstract: The invention relates to a paper product having 0.1 to 10 percent of an acid treated seed based fiber material incorporated into the paper making composition. The remainder of the paper product can be pulp fibers, for example wood fibers. The seed based fiber material is present on the surface of the pulp fibers and imparts certain properties to the paper product formed from it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jagannadh V. Satyavolu, David E. Garlie, Kevin R. Anderson, John T. McDonald, Paula R. Krogmann
  • Patent number: 7622019
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing pulp and paper using Rhodophyta, including immersing Rhodophyta in an extraction solvent able to dissolve agar gel for a predetermined time period to dissolve the agar gel in the extraction solvent, reacting the dissolved agar gel with a reaction solvent to be converted into a fiber, curing the fiber using a curing agent, and pulping the cured fiber. The method of the current invention is advantageous because of lower manufacturing costs, due to eliminating the need to purchase wood. Further, the use of chemicals for lignin removal and bleaching drastically decreases, thus preventing environmental contamination. Furthermore, since a final product does not contain harmful chemicals, humans and the environment are not negatively affected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventors: Hack-Churl You, Jun-Hyuk Park
  • Publication number: 20090120597
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing sheets from the pseudostems of banana plants in the family Musaceae, each pseudostem having a longitudinal axis. The method includes the steps of feeding a pseudostem (14) into a workstation, supporting (62, 34) the pseudostem for rotation thereof about its longitudinal axis within the workstation, and contacting the rotating pseudostem along substantially its entire length with a fibre-separating device (38), whereby a continuous sheet of fibre (60) is removed from the pseudostem by the fibre-separating device during rotation. Raw paper may also be made by laminating two or more of these sheets together such that the direction of the generally parallel fibres in at least two adjacent sheets is not aligned and then curing the sheets to form raw paper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: PAPYRUS AUSTRALIA LIMITED
    Inventor: Ramy Abraham Azer
  • Patent number: 7452445
    Abstract: A liquid fiber mulching mat of a non-woody fiber and the production method thereof are disclosed. The production method of a liquid fiber mulching mat for a non-woody fiber includes steps of providing a biopulp of a non-woody fiber plant, a polymer and water, mixing the biopulp, the polymer and water well for preparing a fiber pulp of the non-woody fiber plant, and applying the fiber pulp of the non-woody fiber plant on a surface of an article for forming the liquid fiber mulching mat. Besides, a solid fiber mulching mat of a non-woody fiber is disclosed. The fiber mulching mat can be used in farms for protecting the weeds and used in mountainside land for preventing soil collapse. Also the fiber mulching mat can be used in arid area for decreasing water evaporation and preventing desertification and dust storm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Yeun Foong Yu Paper MFG Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Jenn-Wen Huang, Yu-Hsiang Peng
  • Patent number: 7364640
    Abstract: A process for removing silica from nonwood plant materials involving both chemical and mechanical action is described. The silica-rich epidermal cells are liberated mechanically by a pre-pulping and low-consistency refining step and subsequently removed from the pulp via the filtrate of a thickening step. Amorphous silica is liberated chemically by using an alkaline dilution source in the pulper, then removed from the pulp via the filtrate of a thickening step and a dewatering step. The silica is then removed from the filtrate by adjusting the pH, followed by a separation step. The desilicated fibrous material may then be chemically or mechanically pulped and bleached using known processes. The silica removed from the nonwood plant material may then be used as a feedstock for other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Alberta Research Council Inc.
    Inventors: Wade Chute, Sofia Vichnevsky
  • Patent number: 7264690
    Abstract: A catalyzer for clean pulping includes sodium salicylate, anion silicate softener, cooking aids, liquid(gaseous) chlorine and water. A process for using the catalyzer for clean pulping includes the following steps: 1, cutting and impurities removing for the raw material, 2, feed preparation and impurities removing, 3, dividing into fibers by refining, 4, catalysis copolymerization, 5, refining, 6, concentration and separation, 7, pulp bleaching, 8, pulp washing and 9, finished pulp. The present invention realizes the clean production; it does not need to digest and does not produce black liquor; the process is simple and is performed at normal temperature; the resource of crops is fully used; the effect of water conservation is remarkable; it is very easy to control each stage separately and/or simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Xiang Wu Cheng
  • Patent number: 7097738
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing pulp from a fibre-based raw material using, as the cooking reagent, a solvent mixture which is based on organic acids and also contains furfural. The method is applicable to herbaceous plants, in particular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Chempolis Oy
    Inventors: Esa Rousu, Pasi Rousu, Juha Anttila, Päivi Rousu
  • Patent number: 7094317
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved method for refining cellulose that produces a highly refined cellulosic material. The method comprises soaking raw material from primarily parenchymal cell wall structures in an aqueous solution which need not contain an agent to modify the fiber (e.g., a mild alkalizing or alkaline agent and/or solution) using reduced temperatures and pressures, and refining the material with a plate refiner so that a waste water stream is reduced in volume. The mass is dried to produce the HRC fiber. The HRC fiber displays a water retention capacity of about 25 to at least about 56 g H2O/g dry HRC and retains moisture under conditions that are ordinarily used to remove moisture from materials. The highly refined fiber product can also provide excellent thickening properties and can be used in a wide variety of materials, including edible materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Fiberstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Brock Lundberg, Dale C. Lindquist
  • Patent number: 7074300
    Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved method for refining cellulose that produces a highly refined cellulosic material. The method comprises soaking raw material in a mild NaOH using reduced temperatures and pressures, and refining the material with a plate refiner so that a waste water stream is reduced in volume and has a pH within a range of 8 to 9. The present invention also comprises a HRC gel having a lignin concentration of at least about one (1)% by weight, and a water retention capacity of about 25 to at least about 56 g H2O/g dry HRC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignees: Regents of the University of Minnesota, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute
    Inventors: Brock Lundberg, Lin Gu, Rongsheng Roger Ruan, Ling Chen, Paul Bradley Addis, Jack Edgar Johnson
  • Patent number: 6923888
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating bleaching liquors from pulping processes based on organic acids. The process is characterized in that inorganic acid, such as nitric acid, phosphoric acid and/or sulphuric acid, is added into a bleaching liquor obtained from the bleaching or a stage closely associated with bleaching, whereby organic acids contained in the bleaching liquor are released into the bleaching liquor. The organic acids are then separated from the bleaching liquor and recycled to the cooking stage to be used as cooking chemicals. The nitrogen-, phosphor- and/or sulphur-containing product thereby produced, from which organic acids have been separated, is recovered to be used as a fertilizer or as raw material for a fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Chempolis Oy
    Inventors: Pasi Rousu, Päivi Rousu, Esa Rousu, Juha Anttila
  • Patent number: 6902649
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a process of modifying a seed based fiber (SBF) to form an enhanced fiber additive (EFA). The process includes an acid treatment step and optionally at least one fiber modification step. Preferred EFA products and uses are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jagannadh V. Satyavolu, David E. Garlie, Kevin R. Anderson, John T. McDonald, Paula R. Krogmann
  • Publication number: 20040256065
    Abstract: A new method for making pulp out of agricultural residue includes harvesting certain portion of plant stalk. The harvested plant stalk is bailed, transported and stored. At the mill, the plant stalk is chopped and goes through pulping process. The pulp is used to make varieties of papers with or without blending other wood based pulp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Aziz Ahmed, Jong-Myoung Won, Haiil Ryu
  • Publication number: 20040188044
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of lignocellulosic substrates having a high digestibility. This process consists in bringing said lignocellulosic substrates, which have been ground beforehand and optionally moistened in the case of dry substrates, in a stirred reactor, into contact with ozone produced from a carrier gas, the ozone being present in the carrier gas in a concentration of between 80 and 200 g/m3 NTP, with a residence time of between 8 and 40 min in said reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Alain Bailli, Christian Coste, Michel Dubois
  • Patent number: 6666951
    Abstract: An improvement in the process for the production of articles from lignocellulosic material and a formaldehyde based resin binder comprising the step of treating the lignocellulosic material prior to combining it with the binder by exposing the lignocellulosic material to an acidic environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Darren J. Kostiw
  • Publication number: 20030196771
    Abstract: The use of corn starch and corn cobs and husks as the main materials in the producton of paper is very inportant at this time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Judith Kay Shaull
  • Publication number: 20030070779
    Abstract: A novel method for producing pulp and energy from grasses is disclosed. The invention relates to producing grass plants and harvesting, handling and processing the harvested plant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: David I. Bransby
  • Publication number: 20030029589
    Abstract: Composite panels and pulp, and paper products of the pulp, are produced from Arundo donax. In the fabrication of the composite panels, Arundo donax is comminuted to a suitable size, combined with a binder, and consolidated into panels that meet standards for construction and/or furniture grade panels. The Arundo donax particulates may be combined with wood particulates to produce a mixed furnish that can be used in the preparation of composite panels. Comminuted Arundo donax is treated, in conventional pulping processes, to produce a high tensile strength pulp that can be used in the production of paper. The pulp has a lighter color than wood pulp, and thereby uses less bleaching chemicals to achieve a desired whiteness. The pulp can be combined with wood pulp to produce a variety of products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Nile Fiber Pulp & Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernett Altheimer, Michael Jackson