Patents Assigned to Biomin, Inc.
  • Preparing organoclay-enzyme complexes using a quaternary ionic compound and mineral
    Patent number: 6534296
    Abstract: Immobilized enzymes are prepared in a one-step operation by simultaneously adding an aqueous enzyme (for example urease) to a quaternary ionic compound and a mineral (for example bentonite and a quaternary amine) while in a mixer. This one step operation results in an enzyme clad organoclay. A paste may be formed in the mixer which can be extruded to form noodles that are air dried. Immobilized enzymes may alternately be prepared by adding aqueous enzyme to an already formed organoclay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Biomin, Inc.
    Inventor: George Alther
  • Organically modified mineral materials containing engrafted bacteria for chemical contaminant decomposition
    Patent number: 6503740
    Abstract: A treatment media is provided capable of acting upon at least one chemical contaminant in an aqueous composition and assisting in the decomposition thereof. The treatment media is a biologically activated organically modified material which includes a mineral based substrate, selected from the group consisting of clays, clay analogs, synthetic resins, zeolites and mixtures thereof. The mineral based substrate is treated with an organic modification compound selected from the group consisting of quaternary amines, pyridinium compounds, phosphonium amines, and mixtures thereof. At least one strain of bacteria is engrafted to the mineral-based substrate, the bacteria being capable of facilitating decomposition of the chemical contaminant. Quaternary amines used provide enhancement of bacterial colonies and do not adversely effect bacterial activity when employed as the organic modification compound to treat the mineral based substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Biomin, Inc.
    Inventor: George Alther
  • Biocidal organoclay
    Patent number: 6165485
    Abstract: A bentonite based organoclay, when mixed with a biocidal quaternary amine containing a benzyl molecule within its structure, acts as a reasonably effective biocide.When this organoclay is further treated with iodine and iodide compounds, its efficiency is greatly enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Biomin, Inc.
    Inventor: George Alther
  • Granular organoclay for high temperature applications
    Patent number: 6093241
    Abstract: Certain wastewater streams coming out of boilers have temperatures higher than 180.degree. Fahrenheit. Organoclay granules where a quaternary amine acts as a binder will dissolve at that temperature. A cementitious binder is used to pelletice an organoclay made of sepiolite to overcome this problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Biomin, Inc.
    Inventor: George R. Alther
  • Chemical methods for removing contaminants from water
    Patent number: 6080319
    Abstract: A method is provided for removing contaminants from water. The method comprises contacting the contaminants in the water with an organoclay having a positive or negative charge on its surface. Using this method, organic and inorganic contaminants can be removed with such charged organoclays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Biomin Inc.
    Inventor: George Alther