Patents by Inventor Eric M. Roberts

Eric M. Roberts 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: 4950597
    Abstract: The present invention involves a process for screening for and isolating spontaneously occurring or induced cellulose II-producing microorganisms. The process comprises a series of steps in various embodiments. Initially, cellulose-producing microorganisms from a first culture are plated out on a nutrient agar plate. The nutrient agar plate is then incubated to facilitate formation of colonies from single microorganisms. Samples of liquid nutrient medium are then inoculated with microorganisms from colonies having a smooth configuration, as compared to the usual rough colony configuration. The inoculated samples are then aerobically incubated to facilitate microorganism proliferation and pellicle formation. From these incubated samples are selected microorganisms, which, after a cultivation period, have proliferated but not formed a pellicle. Said selected microorganisms produce cellulose II instead of the cellulose I produced by pellicle-forming organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: The University of Texas Board of Regents
    Inventors: Inder M. Saxena, Eric M. Roberts, R. Malcolm Brown, Jr.