Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Joseph A. Lipovsky
  • Patent number: 5874251
    Abstract: Antigens derived from Taenia crassiceps have been isolated which have specificity and sensitivity in their reactivity with antibodies against Taenia saginata and Taenia solium. These antigens may therefor be used in diagnostic testing for the serological screening of livestock for cysticercosis, rather than relying upon methods involving dissection and visual examination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Dante Sam Zarlenga, Jr., Marcia Louise Rhoads
  • Patent number: 5852969
    Abstract: A bale press for compressing a bale of compressible material such as cotton is described. The bale press includes a base frame structure and a pair of platens which have generally rectangular bale compressing faces for compressing a cotton bale to facilitate the bale tieing operation. The platens are carried by the base frame structure so that they may be moved relatively toward a compression zone to compress a cotton bale sufficiently to enable the bale tie wires to be applied. A plurality of elongated, wedge-shaped, bale compression members are provided on at least one of the platens. These bale compression members protrude outwardly from the platen where they are mounted to provide a compression area which is sufficiently small so that the cotton bale is compressed only in close proximity to the positions where a single bale tie is to be placed. A sufficient number of bale compression members are provided to facilitate the application of the ties required for the bale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: William S. Anthony
  • Patent number: 5805452
    Abstract: System and method for optimizing the processing of materials, particularly the processing of cotton in a cotton gin or a textile mill. Cotton moisture, color, and foreign matter measurements are made with electronic sensors at three stations. For a gin, a dynamic programming model uses input information relative to the moisture and trash content, color, lint turnout, staple length, cotton price structure, and energy costs to select an optimum drying and cleaning sequence for the cotton. The dynamic programming model optimizes cotton producer profits by selecting the amount of gin machinery necessary to achieve the most beneficial market value while minimizing the machinery used. Automated directional valves are used to route the cotton through the selected optimum combination of seed cotton cleaners, multi-path driers, and lint cleaners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: William S. Anthony, Richard K. Byler
  • Patent number: 5756194
    Abstract: Molded products made from gelatinized starch can be made water-resistant by coating with biodegradable polyesters such as poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and poly(.di-elect cons.-caprolactone) (PCL). Adherence of the two dissimilar materials is achieved through the use of an intervening layer of a resinous material such as shellac or rosin which possesses a solubility parameter (hydrophobicity) intermediate to that of the starch and the polyesters. Coating is achieved by spraying an alcoholic solution of the shellac or rosin onto the starch-based article and subsequently coating with a solution of the polyester in an appropriate solvent. Biodegradable products made by the instant process have utility in the food service industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Randal L. Shogren, John W. Lawton
  • Patent number: 5747305
    Abstract: Production of monoglycerides is enhanced by means of enzymatic transesterification of triglycerides with aliphatic alcohols in a medium of supercritical CO.sub.2. Aliphatic primary and secondary alcohols of 1 to 8 carbon atoms may be used without support in supercritical CO.sub.2 at temperatures compatible for enzymatic transesterifion of tryglycerides. Utilization of these lower reaction temperatures has the benefit of diminishing the production of undesired side products and thus increasing the reaction efficiency with regard to production of the desired monoglycerides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: Michael A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5700961
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring the stickiness of agricultural solids such as cotton is provided. A reference moisture level of a sample is measured in a manner not responsive to the presence of sugars. The sugar-based moisture content of the sample is measured by sensors responsive to the presence of sugars. The difference between the reference moisture level and the sugar-based moisture content provides a measure of the relative stickiness of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: William S. Anthony, Richard K. Byler
  • Patent number: 5656037
    Abstract: The preparation of water-insoluble, bactericidal, peroxide-containing products, by reaction of magnesium acetate with hydrogen peroxide, and products obtained are disclosed. Processes for application and deposition of these reaction products on natural, synthetic and blend fibrous substrates are also disclosed. The modified fibrous substrates thus produced inhibit the growth and spread of odor- and disease-causing gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and the antibacterial activity of the modified fibrous substrates is durable to repeated launderings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Tyrone L. Vigo, Gary F. Danna
  • Patent number: 5650151
    Abstract: The present invention relates to purified and isolated citrus blight, antigens and antibodies thereto leaf proteins which are specific indicators of the presence of citrus blight. The isolated and purified citrus blight leaf proteins are extracted from citrus blighted leaves and have a molecular weight of about 10,000 to about 30,00 daltons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: Michael G. Bausher
  • Patent number: 5643737
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified and isolated merozoite protein which is a specific indicator of infection by Babesia equi (B. equi) in horses. This protein contains a conserved region found in all strains of B. equi. It has a molecular weight of approximately 28 KDa and has been successfully purified and sequenced. The isolated and purified merozoite protein is used to prepare antibodies which can then be used in a competitive inhibition enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of B. equi infection in horses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Donald P. Knowles, Jr., Lance E. Perryman
  • Patent number: 5639955
    Abstract: A system for calibrating sensors used in analyzing agricultural solids which includes a calibration paddle possessing one or more calibration tiles for calibrating sensors used in analysis of agricultural solids and a rotary actuator for reversible translation of said calibration paddle between a dormant location which does not interfere with material flow or sample analysis, and an active location containing a calibration position suitable for sensor calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: William S. Anthony
  • Patent number: 5567812
    Abstract: Previously unrecognized polysaccharide products are extracted from either whole Lesquerella fendleri seed or commercially processed and oil-extracted seed meal or presscake or other seed material. Processes used include the steps of: (1) combining the seed material with an aqueous solution; (2) high speed stirring or sonification of the resultant seed material for the separation of the polysaccharide from the seed; and (3) isolation of the polysaccharide from the aqueous filtrate. The resultant polysaccharides are highly polymeric and enhance solution viscosities over a wide range of pH, bleaching and salt conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Thomas P. Abbott, Kenneth D. Carlson, Robert Kleiman
  • Patent number: 5529773
    Abstract: A strain of the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides NRRL 21046 has been discovered, which is herbicidally active against the weeds coffee senna and sicklepod when applied as a postemergent. Compositions of the fungus provide a methodology for a biologically based herbicidal control. This affords an alternative to expensive chemical sprays and thereby a means for protecting the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: C. Douglas Boyette, Jimmy R. McAlpine
  • Patent number: 5514973
    Abstract: A system for analyzing the moisture content of bulk cotton or other non-homogeneous flowable solid substrates comprising: an electrical sensor consisting of multiple electrically independent measuring electrodes, each of which independently measures the moisture content of different portions of the sample; a means of pressing the mass against the surface of the sensor to form a face of uniform substrate density on that part of the mass which is pressed against the sensor; means for analyzing such face for moisture content; and a means for releasing the pressure on the halted mass to allow it to resume movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Richard K. Byler, William S. Anthony
  • Patent number: 5464771
    Abstract: A strain of the bacterium Actinomyces viscosus ATCC-55473 has been discovered, which is able to reductively dechlorinate pentachlorophenol to lesser chlorinated products under anaerobic conditions without the formation of toxic intermediates. Compositions of the bacterium provide a methodology for bioremediation of chemically contaminated sites as an alternative to existing methods which are expensive and environmentally disruptive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Frank O. Bryant, Horace G. Cutler
  • Patent number: 5368871
    Abstract: A formulation and process is provided for the production of firm, irreversible protein-containing elastic gels which can be used in the production of food analogs including kamaboko or seafood analogs. In this process a mixture of calcium caseinate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and either a carrageenan or a combination of lactalbumin and egg albumin, are blended in an aqueous mixture to form a homogeneous blend. The blend, upon heating to form a uniformly viscous solution, is subsequently cooled to form an edible gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: Richard P. Konstance
  • Patent number: 5313821
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to evaluation of the aroma of aroma-emitting substances, such as agricultural grains and oil seeds, in a safe and quantitative way. This is accomplished by causing a known volume of non-toxic gas to pass through the aroma-emitting substance, absorb the aroma, and deliver it to an evaluator. This enables the evaluator to sniff the aroma and thereby make gross quantitative evaluations with respect to the strength of any particular odor of the substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Karen L. Bett, Peter B. Johnsen
  • Patent number: 5298584
    Abstract: Anionically dyeable smooth-dry crosslinked cellulose is produced by modifying cellulose-containing material with the combination of a hydroxyalkylamine or a hydroxyalkyl quaternary ammonium salt, one or more glycols, and a crosslinking agent. The reaction is typically catalyzed with salts such as zinc nitrate or magnesium chloride used either alone or in conjunction with citric acid. Types of usable anionic dyes include acid, direct, and reactive dyes. The cellulose-containing material may be in the form of fibers, threads, linters, roving, fabrics, yarns, slivers and paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Eugene J. Blanchard, Robert M. Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 5294442
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the control or prevention of aflatoxin contamination of agricultural commodities. Non-toxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus are shown to inhibit aflatoxin production by toxigenic strains. Additionally, the non-toxigenic strains produce a factor in culture that alone inhibits aflatoxin production by toxigenic strains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: Peter J. Cotty
  • Patent number: 5292661
    Abstract: A process for biologically controlling the preharvest accumulation of aflatoxin in soil-borne crops. Non-aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus parasiticus having all of the relevant identifying characteristics of NRRL 18786 and NRRL 18991 are shown to inhibit aflatoxin production by native toxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus or Aspergillus parasiticus in the soil environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Richard J. Cole, Joe W. Dorner, Paul D. Blankenship
  • Patent number: 5271912
    Abstract: Chromium containing protein materials are treated by processes which include the steps of: combining the material to be treated with sufficient water to effect the solubilization of the gelable protein recovered therefrom, and an alkali additive. The mixture is thereafter held at a temperature of from about 60.degree. C. to about 85.degree. C. for a period of time of from about 0.5 hour to about 8 hours. The mixture is then filtered to remove the aqueous phase, which contains solubilized gelable protein. Subsequently, water is again added to the resultant chrome-containing proteinaceous cake and at least one enzyme is utilized to hydrolyze the remaining protein thus producing a product containing solubilized partially hydrolyzed protein and insoluble chromium. After separation, the chrome in the insoluble residue may be recycled into the pickling or tanning process, and the essentially chrome-free protein components may be used as ingredients in feeds, fertilizers, and cosmetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Maryann M. Taylor, Edward J. Diefendorf, Willian N. Marmer, Eleanor M. Brown