Patents Assigned to Unilever Patent
  • Patent number: 6159524
    Abstract: The present invention concerns the technical field of edible spreads. Consumers have exhibited a preference for fats which are relatively low in saturates, low in trans fatty acids, low in sixteen-carbon fatty acids and contain some polyunsaturated fats. In a known product the fat phase comprises around 80 wt % of the product and consists of a blend of around 40 wt % olive oil and 60 wt % partially hardened olive oil. The invention provides an edible spread comprising from 80-5 wt % fat and 95-20 wt % of an aqueous phase dispersed in the fat, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT;a) the oleic acid content of the fat phase is 45-80 wt % on fat phase,b) the saturated fatty acid content of the fat phase is 5-20 wt % on fat phase,c) the trans fatty acid content of the fat phase is 0-10 wt % on fat phase, and,d) the 18-carbon fatty acid content of the fat phase is 70-100 wt % on fat phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventor: Robert Middelton Livingston
  • Patent number: 6160140
    Abstract: The invention concerns an isomerisation process, wherein materials comprising non-congugated long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids are subjected to base in the presence of an alcohol with .gtoreq.3 C-atoms and .gtoreq.2 OH groups and having ratio C-atoms: OH-groups of .gtoreq.1.25. The resulting reaction product, containing the conjugated isomers is obtained in higher yield at lower temperatures and are not contaminated by presence of non food grade solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings BV
    Inventors: Krish Bhaggan, Frederick William Cain, John Bernard Harris, Victoria Taran
  • Patent number: 6156271
    Abstract: An assay device incorporates a composite strip comprising at least two bodies of porous liquid-conductive material in liquid-flow contact with each other via an interface and together defining at least part of a liquid flow path through which liquid must flow during the performance of an assay, wherein at said interface the lateral dimension, relative to the direction of the liquid flow path, of the contact area of the upstream body is narrowed such that liquid flow from the upstream body into the downstream body is focused towards the centre-line of the flow path in the downstream body, thereby reducing the likelihood that liquid will deviate from the intended flow path. The upstream body can be a sample-collecting wick, terminating at the interface as a point or prow (FIG. 7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventor: Keith May
  • Patent number: 6140078
    Abstract: The invention provides a salt-inducible promoter present in SEQ ID NO: 10 and derivable from a lactic acid bacterium in isolation from the coding sequence normally controlled by said promoter in a wild-type lactic acid bacterium, with modifications and important parts thereof. Also provided are a recombinant vector and a transformed lactic acid bacterium comprising such promoter, and the production of a desired protein by such transformed bacterium, whereby the gene encoding said desired protein or a precursor thereof is expressed under control of such promoter. The desired protein can be secreted by the bacterium due to the presence of a signal sequence. The action of the salt-inducible promoter is enhanced at a pH of about 4-4.5 and/or by the presence of glutamic acid. Such process can be used in a fermentation process, in which the desired protein is a lytic protein causing lysis of the cells and release of the cell content. Or the desired protein can be an enzyme involved in flavour formation, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings
    Inventors: Jan W. Sanders, Jan Kok, Gerard Venema, Adrianus M Ledeboer
  • Patent number: 6140295
    Abstract: The invention relates to laundry detergents containing lipase and new perfumes and to the new perfumes themselves. Such new perfumes counteract residual malodors of lipase treated laundry. They comprise at least 25% by weight of one or more fragrance materials chosen from: aliphatic ketones with m(olecular) w(eight) between 200 and 350 A(tomic) M(ass) U(nits), aromatic ketones with mw between 150 and 350 AMU, aliphatic aldehydes with mw between 160 and 350 AMU, aromatic aldehydes with mw between 130 and 350 AMU, nitriles with mw between 150 and 350 AMU, condensation products of aldehydes and amines with mw between 190 and 350 AMU, macrocyclic lactones with mw below 350 AMU and aromatic nitromusks, and less than 50% by weight of esters from fatty acids with 1-7 carbon atoms. Preferably they contain more than 30% of the specified fragrance materials and less than 30% of the esters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: John Martin Behan, Keith Douglas Perring, Brian James Willis
  • Patent number: 6133048
    Abstract: A reagent useful in immunoassays, comprising a direct particulate level co-sensitized with a specific binding agent having specificity for an analyte or analyte analog and with a non-specific protein which can participate in a control reaction with another specific binding agent which does not bind to the first specific binding agent nor participate in the formation of a complex by means of which detection of the analyte or analyte analog is accomplished. Preferably the first specific binding agent is an antibody raised in a first species and the non-specific protein is an immunoglobulin from another species. Optionally, the reagent additionally comprises a second population of the direct particulate label sensitized solely with the non-specific protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings BV
    Inventors: Yvonne E. Penfold, David A. Percival
  • Patent number: 6130100
    Abstract: A process of manufacturing test strips of the type comprising a length of porous carrier material capable of acting as a liquid flow path for a sample liquid and having at least zone downstream from a first end of the strip which zone contains an immobilized specific binding agent to act as a capture means during an assay to reveal the presence of an analyte in applied sample liquid, and in which process the specific binding agent is deposited onto a sheet of the porous carrier material which is then blocked and subdivided into a plurality of individual identical test strips, wherein blocking of the porous carrier material is achieved by applying a solution of blocking agent to the sheet upstream from the zone in an amount sufficient to ensure that the solution permeates downstream to beyond the zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Ian Jobling, David A. Percival, Michael E. Prior
  • Patent number: 6123979
    Abstract: Blends of wax-esters with beneficial health properties comprise: .gtoreq. two different wax-esters in amounts of 5-95% and each having m.pt -10.degree. C. to 80.degree. C. blend displaying m.pt: 15 to 45% while >80 wt % of wax-esters in blend have m.pt 20 to 60.degree. C.; wax-esters derived from linear alcohols and linear carboxyl acids either of them having .gtoreq.8 C-atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings BV
    Inventors: Paul Hepburn, Paul Thomas Quinlan, Kevin Warren Smith, James Vincent Watts, Reginaldus Petrus J van der Wielen
  • Patent number: 6114147
    Abstract: A method is provided for immobilizing a binding protein capable of binding to a specific compound, using recombinant DNA techniques for producing said binding protein or a functional part thereof. The binding protein is immobilized by producing it as part of a chimeric protein also comprising an anchoring part derivable from the C-terminal part of an anchoring protein, thereby ensuring that the binding protein is localized in or at the exterior of the cell wall of the host cell. Suitable anchoring proteins are yeast .alpha.-agglutinin, FLO1 (a protein associated with the flocculation phenotype in S. cerevisiae), the Major Cell Wall Protein of lower eukaryotes, and a proteinase of lactic acid bacteria. For secretion the chimeric protein can comprises a signal peptide including those of .alpha.-mating factor of yeast, .alpha.-agglutinin of yeast, invertase of Saccharomyces, inulinase of Kluyveromyces, .alpha.-amylase of Bacillus, and proteinase of lactic acid bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings
    Inventors: Leon Gerardus J. Frenken, Pieter de Geus, Franciscus Maria Klis, Holger York Toschka, Cornelis Theodorus Verrips
  • Patent number: 6113969
    Abstract: A water continuous, acidified dairy base product is provided having a dry matter content of 19-40% that contains 7-18% fat and 7-18% protein, the protein contains casein and whey protein and contains at least 50% casein, the protein that is undissolved being 80-100%, that has a pH of 5.9-6.5, a firmness as indicated by the Stevens value at 10.degree. C. of at least 40 g and a particle size D3.2 as measured by laser diffraction of at most 15 micron. The product can be used for similar purposes as creme fraiche but it contains more protein and less fat and calories. A process for preparing the product is provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings BV
    Inventors: Janos Bodor, Axel de With
  • Patent number: 6112405
    Abstract: A component assembly, or fan, comprises a hub having secured thereto a plurality of radially extending components. The hub, which is generally of semi-circular configuration, includes planar raised portions constructed and arranged to be vacuum gripped by a rotary indexing support, or turret, and holes which accommodate guide rods of a hopper for storing a supply of the fans. The components are connected to the hub at angularly spaced intervals by severable linkage portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings BV
    Inventor: John C Inkster
  • Patent number: 6090421
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a browning composition which, when applied to a foodstuff, in particular meat or a meat product, imparts a browning effect to the surface of the substrate to which it is applied. More in particular, the present invention relates to a browning composition which can be applied by spraying on the foodstuff. This is achieved by dissolving or dispersing a browning agent in a water phase, and mix such water phase with an oil or fat phase to form an emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings BV
    Inventors: Martin Christophersen, Johannes Mattheus Cornelissen, Susanne Wenger
  • Patent number: 6090574
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a protein by a eukaryote transformed by multicopy integration of an expression vector into the genome of a yeast, such as Saccharomyces, Hansenula, and Kluyveromyces, or of a mould such as Aspergillus, Rbizopus and Trichoderma, the expression vector containing both an "expressible gene" encoding the protein and a so-called "deficient selection marker meeded for the growth of the yeast or mould in a specific medium", such as the LEU2d, TRP1d or URA3d gene, in combination witha ribosomal DNA sequence, resulting in stable high copy integration of 100-300 copies per cell. This multicopy integration results in an increased production of the desired protein, which can be guar .alpha.-galactosidase, an oxidase or a hydrolytic enzyme such as a lipase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings, B.V.
    Inventors: Marco F. Giuseppin, Maria T. S. Lopes, Roelf J. Planta, Johannes M. A. Verbakel, Cornelis T. Verrips
  • Patent number: 6087138
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a composition rich in sotolon from a source rich in 4-hydroxy-L-iso-leucine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings BV
    Inventors: Amir Maximiliaan Batenburg, Johannes Jan Wesdorp
  • Patent number: 6066244
    Abstract: A composite electrode, comprising:a solid non-metallic substrate, (such as ceramic, glass, or epoxy resin,)and, bonded directly or indirectly to said substrate,a non-conducting matrix, incorporating particles which are accessible to the electrode surface and contain an insoluble metal salt (e.g. halide) in direct electrical contact with the metal corresponding to said salt, said metal being present either (i) in the form of metallic particles incorporated in a non-conducting matrix zone disposed so that said metal salt-containing particles are located between said metallic particles and said electrode surface, and/or (ii) a solid metallic surface in the form of an intermediate layer between said matrix and said substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Claes Ivan Nylander, Brian Jeffrey Birch, Clive Edward Marshman, Peter Richard Stephenson
  • Patent number: 6039861
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrochemical reaction wherein a controlled amount of a first reagent is generated electrochemically at an electrode in electrical contact with a solution of an electrochemically inert salt, comprising applying a suitable electrical potential to the electrode for a suitable time to generate a controlled amount of the first reagent by electrochemical reaction between the electrode and a species in solution producing a localized thin layer environment comprising the first reagent in the vicinity of the electrode; and monitoring the amount or presence of the first reagent or a further species produced in solution in response to production of the first reagent. The method invention thus involves generating the first reagent in situ at an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings BV
    Inventors: Brian Jeffrey Birch, Nicholas Andrew Morris
  • Patent number: 6033717
    Abstract: Method for substantially decreasing the viability of microorganism and deactivating enzymes in a contaminated substance by exerting a high pressure the substance. The substance is conducted in a steady flow through and open narrow tube while the pressure difference between the entrance and the exit of the tube is maintained at 100 Mpa or more. The temperature rise of the product while passing through the tube can be confined to less than 5.degree. C. The method provides a continuous ultra high pressure preservation process suitable for processing foods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings
    Inventors: Wim Agterof, Hubertus L Lelieveld, Thomas Reichelt, Johannes P Smelt
  • Patent number: 6027910
    Abstract: A method is provided for immobilizing an enzyme, comprising immobilizing the enzyme or a functional part thereof to the cell wall of a microbial cell using recombinant DNA techniques. The enzyme is immobilized by linking it to the C-terminal part of a protein that ensures anchoring in the cell wall. Also provided is a recombinant polynucleotide comprising a structural gene encoding an enzyme protein, a part of a gene encoding the C-terminal part of a protein capable of anchoring in a eukaryotic or prokaryotic cell wall, as well as a signal sequence, in addition to a chimeric protein encoded by the recombinant polynucleotide and a vector and a microorganism containing the polynucleotide. The microorganism is suitable for carrying out enzymatic processes on an industrial scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Franciscus M Klis, Maarten P Schreuder, Holger Y Toschka, Cornelis T Verrips
  • Patent number: D418118
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings BV
    Inventors: Rosie L. Habeshaw, Andreas Mehne
  • Patent number: D422578
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.
    Inventors: Herve Bertrand, Michael T Pearson