Donald J Maxwell

US Patent:

8103385, Jan 24, 2012

Filed:

Sep 30, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/242568

Inventors:

Maina A. Macharia - Round Rock TX, US
Donald Melvin Maxwell - Scottsdale AZ, US
Srinivas Budaraju - Austin TX, US

Assignee:

Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. - Mayfield Heights OH

International Classification:

G05D 11/00
G05D 11/02
G05B 21/00
C12P 7/08

US Classification:

700282, 700273, 700266, 435161, 435163

Abstract:

The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling flow rates through parallel distribution paths of centrifuges and dryers using model predictive control. In particular, the present techniques are presented in the context of biofuel production, wherein control of whole stillage flow rates through parallel distribution paths of centrifuges and dryers may be optimized. However, the present techniques may also be applied to other suitable applications, such as the production of agricultural products, where parallel distribution paths of centrifuges and dryers may be used to separate solids from liquids as well as to remove water from the solids and liquids.

US Patent:

20100082139, Apr 1, 2010

Filed:

Sep 30, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/242531

Inventors:

Maina A. Macharia - Round Rock TX, US
Zhaozhi Wei - Austin TX, US
Donald Melvin Maxwell - Scottsdale AZ, US

Assignee:

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Mayfield Heights OH

International Classification:

G06F 19/00
G06G 7/66

US Classification:

700103, 703 6

Abstract:

The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling the balance between energy usage and biofuels dehydration between a distillation process unit and molecular sieves with model predictive control technology. In particular, the present techniques are presented in the context of biofuel production, wherein control of the balance between energy usage and water removal in biofuel production may be optimized. However, the present techniques may also be applied to any other suitable applications, such as liquor processing, where energy may be used to remove water from the liquor.

US Patent:

20100082140, Apr 1, 2010

Filed:

Sep 30, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/242606

Inventors:

Maina A. Macharia - Round Rock TX, US
Donald Melvin Maxwell - Scottsdale AZ, US

Assignee:

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, INC. - Mayfield Heights OH

International Classification:

G05D 11/02
G06F 19/00
G06Q 30/00
G06Q 50/00

US Classification:

700103, 705400, 700285

Abstract:

The present invention provides novel techniques for controlling the blending of multiple fluids. In particular, the present techniques are presented in the context of biofuel production, wherein blending of a denaturant with an undenatured biofuel may be controlled and optimized. However, the present techniques may also be applied to any other suitable applications, such as the production of petroleum products, where multiple fluids may be blended.