Patents by Inventor Timothy D. Leathers

Timothy D. Leathers 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).

  • Patent number: 10612063
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing bioproducts from novel genetically altered strains of Aureobasidium pullulans. Methods and materials for the construction of these strains, examination of the bioproducts and analysis and isolation of the bioproducts from genetically altered strains is provided. Genetically altered A. pullulans strains in which one or more genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes are knocked out is detailed and the benefits of using such strains described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Christopher D. Skory, Timothy D. Leathers, Neil P. Price
  • Patent number: 10544085
    Abstract: Compounds, called liamocins from Aureobasidium pullulans, having the general structure in Formula 1 are disclosed. where R1 is either COCH3 or H; and R2 is between two to ten O-linked 3,5-dihydroxydecanoate; and R3 can be a polyol (e.g., L- or D-glycerol, L- or D-threitol, L- or D-erythritol, L- or D-arabitol, L- or D-xylitol, L- or D-lyxitol, L- or D-ribitol, L- or D-allitol, L- or D-altritol, L- or D-mannitol, L- or D-iditol, L- or D-gulitol, L- or D-glucitol (also called sorbitol), L- or D-galactitol (also called dulcitol), and L- or D-talitol), 2-amino-D-mannitol, 2N-acetylamino-D-mannitol, L-rhamnitol, or D-fucitol; except when R3 is D-mannitol, R2 is not 2 nor 3 O-linked 3,5-dihydroxydecanoate chains. These liamocins described above in addition to D-mannitol liamocin A1, D-mannitol liamocin A2, D-mannitol liamocin B1, and D-mannitol liamocin B2, alone or in combination with each other, can be used to kill certain bacteria and to treat certain bacterial infections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Bischoff, Timothy D. Leathers, Neil P. Price, Pennapa Manitchotpisit
  • Publication number: 20190256879
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing bioproducts from novel genetically altered strains of Aureobasidium pullulans. Methods and materials for the construction of these strains, examination of the bioproducts and analysis and isolation of the bioproducts from genetically altered strains is provided. Genetically altered A. pullulans strains in which one or more genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes are knocked out is detailed and the benefits of using such strains described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher D. Skory, Timothy D. Leathers, NEIL P. PRICE
  • Patent number: 10351889
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing bioproducts from novel genetically altered strains of Aureobasidium pullulans. Methods and materials for the construction of these strains, examination of the bioproducts and analysis and isolation of the bioproducts from genetically altered strains is provided. Genetically altered A. pullulans strains in which one or more genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes are knocked out is detailed and the benefits of using such strains described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by The Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Christopher D. Skory, Timothy D. Leathers, Neil P Price
  • Publication number: 20180201571
    Abstract: Compounds, called liamocins from Aureobasidium pullulans, having the general structure in Formula 1 are disclosed. where R1 is either COCH3 or H; and R2 is between two to ten O-linked 3,5-dihydroxydecanoate; and R3 can be a polyol (e.g., L- or D-glycerol, L- or D-threitol, L- or D-erythritol, L- or D-arabitol, L- or D-xylitol, L- or D-lyxitol, L- or D-ribitol, L- or D-allitol, L- or D-altritol, L- or D-mannitol, L- or D-iditol, L- or D-gulitol, L- or D-glucitol (also called sorbitol), L- or D-galactitol (also called dulcitol), and L- or D-talitol), 2-amino-D-mannitol, 2N-acetylamino-D-mannitol, L-rhamnitol, or D-fucitol; except when R3 is D-mannitol, R2 is not 2 nor 3 O-linked 3,5-dihydroxydecanoate chains. These liamocins described above in addition to D-mannitol liamocin A1, D-mannitol liamocin A2, D-mannitol liamocin B1, and D-mannitol liamocin B2, alone or in combination with each other, can be used to kill certain bacteria and to treat certain bacterial infections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Bischoff, Timothy D. Leathers, Neil P. Price, Pennapa Manitchotpisit
  • Patent number: 9950986
    Abstract: Novel compounds, called liamocins from Aureobasidium pullulans, having the general structure in Formula 1 are disclosed. where R1 is either COCH3 or H; and R2 is between two to ten O-linked 3,5-dihydroxydecanoate; and R3 can be a polyol (e.g., L- or D-glycerol, L- or D-threitol, L- or D-erythritol, L- or D-arabitol, L- or D-xylitol, L- or D-lyxitol, L- or D-ribitol, L- or D-allitol, L- or D-altritol, L- or D-mannitol, L- or D-iditol, L- or D-gulitol, L- or D-glucitol (also called sorbitol), L- or D-galactitol (also called dulcitol), and L- or D-talitol), 2-amino-D-mannitol, 2N-acetylamino-D-mannitol, L-rhamnitol, or D-fucitol; except when R3 is D-mannitol, R2 is not 2 nor 3 O-linked 3,5-dihydroxydecanoate chains. These liamocins described above in addition to D-mannitol liamocin A1, D-mannitol liamocin A2, D-mannitol liamocin B1, and D-mannitol liamocin B2, alone or in combination with each other, can be used to kill certain bacteria and to treat certain bacterial infections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Bischoff, Timothy D. Leathers, Neil P. Price, Pennapa Manitchotpisit
  • Publication number: 20170050916
    Abstract: Novel compounds, called liamocins from Aureobasidium pullulans, having the general structure in Formula 1 are disclosed. where R1 is either COCH3 or H; and R2 is between two to ten O-linked 3,5-dihydroxydecanoate; and R3 can be a polyol (e.g., L- or D-glycerol, L- or D-threitol, L- or D-erythritol, L- or D-arabitol, L- or D-xylitol, L- or D-lyxitol, L- or D-ribitol, L- or D-allitol, L- or D-altritol, L- or D-mannitol, L- or D-iditol, L- or D-gulitol, L- or D-glucitol (also called sorbitol), L- or D-galactitol (also called dulcitol), and L- or D-talitol), 2-amino-D-mannitol, 2N-acetylamino-D-mannitol, L-rhamnitol, or D-fucitol; except when R3 is D-mannitol, R2 is not 2 nor 3 O-linked 3,5-dihydroxydecanoate chains. These liamocins described above in addition to D-mannitol liamocin A1, D-mannitol liamocin A2, D-mannitol liamocin B1, and D-mannitol liamocin B2, alone or in combination with each other, can be used to kill certain bacteria and to treat certain bacterial infections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth M. BISCHOFF, Timothy D. LEATHERS, Neil P. PRICE, Pennapa MANITCHOTPISIT
  • Publication number: 20170016039
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing bioproducts from novel genetically altered strains of Aureobasidium pullulans. Methods and materials for the construction of these strains, examination of the bioproducts and analysis and isolation of the bioproducts from genetically altered strains is provided. Genetically altered A. pullulans strains in which one or more genes encoding biosynthetic enzymes are knocked out is detailed and the benefits of using such strains described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Publication date: January 19, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher D. Skory, Timothy D. Leathers, NEIL P. PRICE
  • Publication number: 20160355847
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for producing butyric acid comprising fermenting a lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate using C. tyrobutyricum strain RPT-4213 under anaerobic conditions using dilute acid-pretreated hydrolysates of wheat straw, corn fiber, corn stover, rice hull, and switchgrass, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Siqing Liu, Kenneth M. Bischoff, Timothy D. Leathers, Joseph O. Rich
  • Patent number: 7442528
    Abstract: Four new Penicillium spp. isolates (NRRL 21966, NRRL 21967, NRRL 21968, and NRRL 21969) are capable of essentially quantitative conversion of native alternan to a polymeric modified form having a lower apparent molecular weight than native alternan. A fifth isolate (NRRL 30489) obtained from a survey of deposited organisms and classified as a Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium has the same ability. The modified alternan has rheological properties similar to ultrasonicated alternan and is produced without the expense of ultrasonication. It would have utility as a substitute for gum arabic for uses such as bulking agents and extenders in foods and cosmetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Timothy D. Leathers, Melinda S. Nunnally, Gregory L. Cote
  • Patent number: 7049105
    Abstract: Four new Penicillium spp. isolates (NRRL 21966, NRRL 21967, NRRL 21968, and NRRL 21969) are capable of essentially quantitative conversion of native alternan to a polymeric modified form having a lower apparent molecular weight than native alternan. A fifth isolate (NRRL 30489) obtained from a survey of deposited organisms and classified as a Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium has the same ability. The modified alternan has rheological properties similar to ultrasonicated alternan and is produced without the expense of ultrasonication. It would have utility as a substitute for gum arabic for uses such as bulking agents and extenders in foods and cosmetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Timothy D. Leathers, Melinda S. Nunnally, Gregory L. Cote
  • Patent number: 6696282
    Abstract: The instant invention is drawn towards transformed strains of Fusarium sporotrichioides effective for the production of lycopene. The transformed strains comprise an expression cassette having three genes encoding, respectively, geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate synthase, phytoene synthase and phytoene desaturase (i.e. Tri5crtE, Tri5crtB and Tri5crtl). The transformed strains of Fusarium sporotrichioides of the instant invention produce lycopene at levels of up to 0.5 milligrams per gram culture dry weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: James D. Jones, Thomas M. Hohn, Timothy D. Leathers
  • Publication number: 20030022373
    Abstract: A method which combines the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or oligonucleotide linkers and restriction enzymes which cleave degenerate or variable recognition site sequences to allow the cloning of multiple DNA sequences into a vector is disclosed. In this invention, a plurality of unrelated DNA sequences may be directionally cloned within a single vector by adding onto the ends of the sequences, restriction sites with specific sequences which are cleaved by corresponding restriction endonucleases which recognize degenerate or variable recognition sites and which generate cohesive ends upon cleavage. The compatibility (or ability to anneal) of the cohesive ends on different DNA sequences is controlled by the choice of the nucleotide sequence within the recognition sequences of the restriction endonucleases, allowing the DNA sequences to be inserted or joined in any desired orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: James D. Jones, Thomas M. Hohn, Timothy D. Leathers
  • Publication number: 20030022319
    Abstract: Four new Penicillium spp. isolates (NRRL 21966, NRRL 21967, NRRL 21968, and NRRL 21969) are capable of essentially quantitative conversion of native alternan to a polymeric modified form having a lower apparent molecular weight than native alternan. A fifth isolate (NRRL 30489) obtained from a survey of deposited organisms and classified as a Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium has the same ability. The modified alternan has rheological properties similar to ultrasonicated alternan and is produced without the expense of ultrasonication. It would have utility as a substitute for gum arabic for uses such as bulking agents and extenders in foods and cosmetics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Applicant: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Timothy D. Leathers, Melinda S. Nunnally, Gregory L. Cote
  • Patent number: 6479275
    Abstract: Four new Penicillium spp. isolates (NRRL 21966, NRRL 21967, NRRL 21968, and NRRL 21969) are capable of essentially quantitative conversion of native alternan to a polymeric modified form having a lower apparent molecular weight than native alternan. A fifth isolate (NRRL 30489) obtained from a survey of deposited organisms and classified as a Penicillium subgenus Biverticillium has the same ability. The modified alternan has rheological properties similar to ultrasonicated alternan and is produced without the expense of ultrasonication. It would have utility as a substitute for gum arabic for uses such as bulking agents and extenders in foods and cosmetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Timothy D. Leathers, Melinda S. Nunnally, Gregory L. Cote
  • Patent number: 6372479
    Abstract: The instant invention is drawn towards transformed strains of Fusarium sporotrichioides effective for the production of B-carotene. The transformed strains comprise an expression cassette having four genes encoding, respectively, geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate synthase, phytoene synthase, phytoene desaturase and lycopene cyclase (i.e. Tri5crtE, Tri5crtB, TriScrtI and CrtY). The transformed strains of Fusarium sporotrichioides of the instant invention produce B-carotene at levels of up to 3-4 milligrams per gram of fungus (dry weight).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: James D. Jones, Thomas M. Hohn, Timothy D. Leathers
  • Patent number: 6184000
    Abstract: A method which combines the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or oligonucleotide linkers and restriction enzymes which cleave degenerate or variable recognition site sequences to allow the cloning of multiple DNA sequences into a vector is disclosed. In this invention, a plurality of unrelated DNA sequences may be directionally cloned within a single vector by adding onto the ends of the sequences, restriction sites with specific sequences which are cleaved by corresponding restriction endonucleases which recognize degenerate or variable recognition sites and which generate cohesive ends upon cleavage. The compatibility (or ability to anneal) of the cohesive ends on different DNA sequences is controlled by the choice of the nucleotide sequence within the recognition sequences of the restriction endonucleases, allowing the DNA sequences to be inserted or joined in any desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: James D. Jones, Thomas M. Hohn, Timothy D. Leathers
  • Patent number: 5789209
    Abstract: A rapid screening procedure to select microorganism strains that produce a high proportion of alternan to dextan and a high proportion of alternansucrase to dextransucrase is described. Strains selected by the method are useful to produce a high proportion of alternansucrase to dextransucrase and to produce a high proportion of alternan to dextran, either fermentatively by cultivation of the strains on sucrose, or enzymatically by using alternansucrase produced by the strains of the invention. The selected strains can also be used to obtain microorganism strains having further improvements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Timothy D. Leathers, G. Thomas Hayman, Gregory L. Cote
  • Patent number: 5702942
    Abstract: A rapid screening procedure to select microorganism strains that produce a high proportion of alternan to dextran and a high proportion of alternansucrase to dextransucrase is described. Strains selected by the method are useful to produce a high proportion of alternansucrase to dextransucrase and to produce a high proportion of alternan to dextran, either fermentatively by cultivation of the strains on sucrose, or enzymatically by using alternansucrase produced by the strains of the invention. The selected strains can also be used to obtain microorganism strains having further improvements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Timothy D. Leathers, G. Thomas Hayman, Gregory L. Cote