The Biox process has some particular advantages that to a large extent simplify rather than complicate the process. This is described in their recent press reports. of which the following is one example:
"This process utilizes a co-solvent; base catalyzed one phase process. The advantages presented were those of a continuous process with significant reduction in process time and the success achieved when using feedstocks of high free fatty acid content. The goal of the biox process is to produce biodiesel from any feedstock at a cost of 15-20 cents/litre (CND)." Porcine lipase as a catalyst is readily available and the co-solvent itself is not unique. The process, nevertheless, appears unique enough to merit claims that the USPTO recognizes as patentable. How difficult would it be to invent around this process and/or to improve upon it? And, if this is not possible, since the process offers unique advantages, what would a homebrew process look like using some of the essential Biox process details? The US Patent Office encourages the development of new technology, for which reason they require patent details to be clearly presented; this will enable others to see whether the technology can be improved. The technique of "inventing around the patent" to obtain its competitive advantages is the first thing a megabusiness often considers, before consideing whether or not to buy out the competitive patent rights of another patent holder. Alternatively, there have been instances of a company just usiing the technology of a patent for their commercial purposes, and say "sue me." There appear therefore to be two reasons for looking at thie Biox patented technology, first to see if you can invent around the Biox process, and second to see if the Biox technology can simplify the homebrew process, without, however, using the technology for commercial purposes. Note that a patent does not prevent use of the technology exceot for commercial benefit. For the technology to develop into regional-sized businesses rather than into a mega business, this goal would seem to require, or at least to be expedited, by developing a patentable positoin and then putting those proprietary rights into the public domain. Alternatively, a new business could be formed, using the technology on a proprietary basis, but with the deliberate intent of developing the technology on a regional basis. Otherwise, the Biox process, being based upon its own propietary, patentable position, appears destined, or at least as is their intent, to become a megabusiness and take over the commercial market, much as Edward Beggs described in his 8/17 message. . Glenn Ellis [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> 4 DVDs Free +s&p Join Now http://us.click.yahoo.com/pt6YBB/NXiEAA/mG3HAA/FGYolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Biofuels list archives: http://archive.nnytech.net/ Please do NOT send Unsubscribe messages to the list address. To unsubscribe, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/