Patents by Inventor Gerald E. Speitel, Jr.

Gerald E. Speitel, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Constitutive soluble methane monooxygenase mutants of methanotrophic bacteria such as Methylosinus trichosporium A.T.C.C. 55314
    Patent number: 5316940
    Abstract: Selection of mutant methanotrophic bacteria capable of efficiently degrading halogenated hydrocarbons typically found in numerous wastewater sources is described. The mutants are distinguishable from parental strains in having a unique resistance to the presence of copper while exhibiting unusually high degradation rates toward trichlorethylene. Methylosinus trichosporium A.T.C.C. 55314 strains are particularly good sources of the described mutants which may be obtained using a new method of selection and screening. The disclosed microorganisms may be immobilized on various matrices and are particularly adaptable for use in bioreactors. Further, the methanotrophic bacteria have antibiotic resistance to streptomycin or rifampicin B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: George Georgiou, Patricia Phelps, Gerald E. Speitel, Jr.