Patents by Inventor George T. Sperl

George T. Sperl 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: 5750392
    Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide present in an aqueous system is removed and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing into the system nitrite and nitrate and/or molybdate ions, whereby denitrifying microorganisms outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide and the nitrite along with the denitrifying microorganisms remove hydrogen sulfide already present in the system. The system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms and which is essentially free of hydrogen sulfide can enhance oil recovery by means of a microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Geo-Microbial Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald O. Hitzman, George T. Sperl, Kenneth A. Sandbeck
  • Patent number: 5405531
    Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide present in an aqueous system is removed and the production of hydrogen sulfide by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) is eliminated by introducing into the system nitrite and nitrate and/or molybdate ions, whereby denitrifying microorganisms outcompete the sulfate-reducing bacteria for the available carbon nutrients, thus preventing the SRB from producing hydrogen sulfide and the nitrite along with the denitrifying microorganisms remove hydrogen sulfide already present in the system. The system which contains the denitrifying microorganisms and which is essentially free of hydrogen sulfide can enhance oil recovery by means of a microbial enhanced oil recovery mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Geo-Microbial Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald O. Hitzman, George T. Sperl, Kenneth A. Sandbeck
  • Patent number: 5250483
    Abstract: A method of releasing metals from catalysts in a form that is readily recoverable using denitrifying bacteria is disclosed. The method can be used to regenerate catalysts and to recover metals from catalysts, especially molybdenum and nickel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Geo-Microbial Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: George T. Sperl, Donald O. Hitzman
  • Patent number: 5204261
    Abstract: A novel strain of P. pastoris and an alcohol oxidase free of catalase activity produced therefrom is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: William D. Prevatt, George T. Sperl
  • Patent number: 5044435
    Abstract: A method of microbial enhanced oil recovery includes introducing, into an underground carbonate-containing rock formation that defines an anaerobic environment, denitrifying microorganisms, water, and a source of nitrate ion. The microorganisms reduce the nitrate and produce sulfuric acid which dissolves the rock formation, releasing oil. The microorganisms can be denitrifying Thiobacilli, such as T. denitrificans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Injectech, Inc.
    Inventors: George T. Sperl, Penny L. Sperl
  • Patent number: 4879231
    Abstract: Process for transforming yeast strains of the genus Pichia is disclosed. Novel yeast strains of the genus Pichia which can be transformed with recombinant DNA material are also disclosed. In addition, a method for isolating functional genes and other functional DNA sequences from yeast strains of the genus Pichia is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: David W. Stroman, James M. Cregg, Michael M. Harpold, George T. Sperl
  • Patent number: 4818700
    Abstract: Novel DNA sequences which code for the production of the Pichia protein argininosuccinate lyase are provided. Novel constructs including these sequences, as well as organisms transformed therewith are provided. In addition, novel strains of Pichia defective in argninosuccinate lyase activity are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: James M. Cregg, George T. Sperl
  • Patent number: 4795708
    Abstract: Single cell protein (SCP) is produced at high yields from a novel methanol assimilating Methylomonas sp. grown at elevated temperatures in an aerobic bacterial fermentation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: George T. Sperl, John A. Cruze