This inventor holds 4 USPTO granted patents and 1 published patent application, plus 2 CIPO patents. Top assignees: N.v. Desmet Ballestra Engineering S.a., De Smet Engineering Naamloze Vennootschap, Desmet Ballestra Engineering N.v./s.a.. Active years: 2006-2020.
Company Filing History:
2 out of 10 
1 out of 2 
1 out of 1 Years Active: 2006-2020
Title: Etienne Le Clef: Innovator in Vegetable Oil Extraction
Introduction
Etienne Le Clef is a notable inventor based in Wezembeek-Oppem, Belgium. He has made significant contributions to the field of vegetable oil extraction, holding a total of four patents. His innovative approaches have improved processes in the extraction and processing of oil-bearing materials.
Latest Patents
One of his latest patents focuses on a vegetable oil extraction improvement. This invention relates to an apparatus and a process for subjecting oleaginous vegetable material to continuous prepressing. The goal is to extract at least part of the oil contained in the material while producing a cake of partially de-oiled oleaginous vegetable material. The apparatus includes a mechanical prepress for compressing the material, along with a cake discharge for cooling the resulting cake. The cooler is designed to subject the cake to a downward movement while supplying a coolant gas, preferably air, in a counter-current flow.
Another significant patent by Le Clef is an oil-bearing material crushing process. This process includes pre-heating and pre-drying the oil-bearing vegetable material to create warm, partially dried material. The material is then rapidly surface heated to weaken and non-adhere the hull, which is subsequently cracked and removed. The dehulled material can be flaked and solvent extracted to generate oil and meal. The process also includes steps for drying the meal and condensing the vapor stream produced.
Career Highlights
Etienne Le Clef has worked with prominent companies in the engineering sector, including Desmet Ballestra Engineering S.A. and Desmet Ballestra Engineering N.V./S.A. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in the field of vegetable oil extraction.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Le Clef has collaborated with notable professionals such as Vincent Van Den Schrieck and Marc Kellens. These collaborations have likely enriched his work and contributed to the advancements in his patented processes.
Conclusion
Etienne Le Clef is a distinguished inventor whose work in vegetable oil extraction has led to innovative processes and apparatuses. His contributions continue to impact the industry positively, showcasing the importance of innovation in agricultural engineering.