Patents by Inventor Hal Alper

Hal Alper 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).

  • Publication number: 20160160299
    Abstract: Provided herein are short exogenous fungi transcription promoter nucleic acid sequences and methods of using the exogenous fungi transcription promoter nucleic acid sequences to modulate transcription initiation or rate of transcription.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Inventors: Hal Alper, Heidi Redden
  • Publication number: 20160102314
    Abstract: Provided herein are exogenous terminator sequences for use in fungi cell transcriptional termination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Hal Alper, Kathleen Curran
  • Publication number: 20150344532
    Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods useful for reducing glucose inhibition in transporting xylose, arabinose and other monosaccharides, into a yeast cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Hal Alper, Eric Young, Sunmi Lee
  • Publication number: 20150305330
    Abstract: Viscoelastic compositions capable of preventing microbial proliferation and capable of capturing microbial membrane and cell wall decomposition products are provided. The compositions comprise thermal reaction products of blends of fatty acids derived and isolated from drying and semi-drying oils such as linseed, safflower, and tung oil, with a polymer component such as for example poly (isobutyl methacrylate). These compositions are capable of capturing microbes and controlling their proliferation at a material on which the compositions are deposited, and further capable of absorption or incorporation of lipopolysaccharide and protein membrane materials and endotoxins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: MYCELX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Patent number: 9102549
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making coagulant and viscoelastic compositions for use in removal of dispersed, solubilized, and emulsified oils and hydrocarbons and other noxious species from water and air. The composition comprises thermal reaction products of blends of fatty acids derived, isolated and purified from drying and semi-drying oils such as linseed, safflower, and tung oil with a polymer such as for example poly(isobutyl methacrylate) and can include a solvent. The product of the invention facilitates cohesion of oils and hydrocarbons independent of agitation and temperature and may be used in both salt and fresh water, air and other gaseous streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: MYCELX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Publication number: 20140373715
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for separating droplets of finely aerosolized elemental mercury from a fluid stream in which the droplets are dispersed, particularly a gaseous stream. In the method, a precious metal wire capillary surface or precious metal-coated wire capillary surface is contacted with the gaseous stream, causing the aerosolized droplets to deposit on the capillary surface and by capillary action to coalesce with other of such droplets. The surface is oriented to allow the mercury to flow by gravitational forces and capillary action to the lowermost portions of the surface, where it accumulates and can be collected. Metallic capillary surfaces comprised of finely braided strands of silver, gold, palladium, platinum, or rhodium wire, or wire coated with one or more of these metals, are particularly preferred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: MYCELX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Publication number: 20140329287
    Abstract: Described herein, inter alia, are compositions, oleagnious organisms, and methods useful for producing lipids, lipid precursors, and/or oleochemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: John Blazeck, Andrew Hill, Leqian Liu, Hal Alper
  • Patent number: 8828731
    Abstract: A method for facilitating removal of mercury from a primary fluid stream of interest which is contaminated with organically-bound, elemental, and ionic mercury species. The stream is analyzed to establish the relative content of the organically-bound, elemental, and ionic mercury species present therein by forming a diverted side stream from the primary stream, and passing the side stream successively through three in series filter stages, the first captures organically bound mercury, the second captures elemental mercury, and the third captures ionic mercury. The side stream flow through the filter stages is continued for a predetermined period, and upon conclusion of the period the quantity of mercury collected at each of the filtration stages is determined. This data is then utilized to determine the capacity of the three different filtration stages required to reduce the mercury content in the mam stream to a desired level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: MyCelx Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Patent number: 8394265
    Abstract: A visual bilgewater quality indicator for use in a bilgewater filtration system which includes a filtration stage for removing oily contaminants. The quality indicator utilizes one or more filtration status chambers which are provided with a fluorescent or phosphorescent dye or pigment treated filtration media. The status chamber has a transparent outer wall. Flow through the status chamber is from the outer lateral wall toward its central axis, whereby oily contaminants in the flow collect selectively at the outer portions of the filtration media which are highly visible to an observer. Oil droplets as small as one micron, are captured and immobilized by the primary filter and are instantly visible against the background of the exemplary dye. If two status chambers are used in series, the second chamber is always kept transparent until complete loading and supersaturating breakthrough at the primary chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Mycelx Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Publication number: 20120315240
    Abstract: Viscoelastic compositions capable of preventing microbial proliferation and capable of capturing microbrial membrane and cell wall decomposition products are provided, the compositions including reaction products of drying oils and semi-drying oils and methacrylate polymers. The compositions are capable of absorption or incorporation of lipopolysaccharide and protein membrane materials and endotoxins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: MYCELX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Publication number: 20120316251
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making coagulant and viscoelastic compositions for use in removal of dispersed, solubilized, and emulsified oils and hydrocarbons and other noxious species from water and air. The composition comprises thermal reaction products of blends of fatty acids derived, isolated and purified from drying and semi-drying oils such as linseed, safflower, and tung oil with a polymer such as for example poly(isobutyl methacrylate) and can include a solvent. The product of the invention facilitates cohesion of oils and hydrocarbons independent of agitation and temperature and may be used in both salt and fresh water, air and other gaseous streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: MYCELX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Publication number: 20120273401
    Abstract: A visual bilgewater quality indicator for use in a bilgewater filtration system which includes a filtration stage for removing oily contaminants. The quality indicator utilizes one or more filtration status chambers which are provided with a fluorescent or phosphorescent dye or pigment treated filtration media. The status chamber has a transparent outer wall. Flow through the status chamber is from the outer lateral wall toward its central axis, whereby oily contaminants in the flow collect selectively at the outer portions of the filtration media which are highly visible to an observer. Oil droplets as small as one micron, are captured and immobilized by the primary filter and are instantly visible against the background of the exemplary dye. If two status chambers are used in series, the second chamber is always kept transparent until complete loading and supersaturating breakthrough at the primary chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: MYCELX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Publication number: 20120184039
    Abstract: A method for facilitating removal of mercury from a primary fluid stream of interest which is contaminated with organically-bound, elemental, and ionic mercury species. The stream is analyzed to establish the relative content of the organically-bound, elemental, and ionic mercury species present therein by forming a diverted side stream from the primary stream, and passing the side stream successively through three in series filter stages, the first captures organically bound mercury, the second captures elemental mercury, and the third captures ionic mercury. The side stream flow through the filter stages is continued for a predetermined period, and upon conclusion of the period the quantity of mercury collected at each of the filtration stages is determined. This data is then utilized to determine the capacity of the three different filtration stages required to reduce the mercury content in the mam stream to a desired level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: MYCELX TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Patent number: 8187459
    Abstract: A visual bilgewater quality indicator for use in a bilgewater filtration system which includes a filtration stage for removing oily contaminants. The quality indicator utilizes one or more filtration status chambers which are provided with a fluorescent or phosphorescent dye or pigment treated filtration media. The status chamber has a transparent outer wall. Flow through the status chamber is from the outer lateral wall toward its central axis, whereby oily contaminants in the flow collect selectively at the outer portions of the filtration media which are highly visible to an observer. Oil droplets as small as one micron, are captured and immobilized by the primary filter and are instantly visible against the background of the exemplary dye. If two status chambers are used in series, due to the ability of the infused media to permanently capture oil without re-entrainment, the second chamber is always kept transparent until complete loading and supersaturating breakthrough at the primary chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Mycelx Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Patent number: 8105423
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for practicing the method are provided for separating droplets of finely aerosolized elemental mercury from a gaseous stream in which the droplets are dispersed. In the method a gold plated metallic capillary surface is contacted with the gaseous stream, causing the aerosolized droplets to deposit on the capillary surface and by capillary action to coalesce with other of such droplets to form increasingly large drops of mercury. The surface is oriented to allow the mercury to flow by gravitational forces and capillary action to the lowermost portions of the surface, at which it accumulates, and is then collected at a suitable vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Patent number: 8062517
    Abstract: A method and system for removing from an aqueous system which is contaminated therewith: (1) mercury present as colloids, ions and/or organically bound compounds, and (2) hydrocarbons solubilized, dispersed, and/or emulsified in the said system. Pursuant to the invention the aqueous system to be treated (such as “produced water”) is passed successively through three filtration stages. The first filtration stage is provided with absorption media which effects reduction/removal of dispersed organically bound mercury species and of the dispersed and partially dissolved hydrocarbon phases, as well as of some colloidal mercury and other dissolved metallic species. The second filtration stage utilizes a salt modified reticulated granular filtration media for reduction/removal of slightly dissolved hydrocarbon phases, mercury in colloidal and ionic form and other dissolved metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Publication number: 20110198276
    Abstract: A method and system for removing from an aqueous system which is contaminated therewith: (1) mercury present as colloids, ions and/or organically bound compounds, and (2) hydrocarbons solubilized, dispersed, and/or emulsified in the said system. Pursuant to the invention the aqueous system to be treated (such as “produced water”)is passed successively through three filtration stages. The first filtration stage is provided with absorption media which effects reduction/removal of dispersed organically bound mercury species and of the dispersed and partially dissolved hydrocarbon phases, as well as of some colloidal mercury and other dissolved metallic species. The second filtration stage utilizes a salt modified reticulated granular filtration media for reduction/removal of slightly dissolved hydrocarbon phases, mercury in colloidal and ionic form and other dissolved metals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Patent number: 7981298
    Abstract: A method and system for removing from an aqueous system which is contaminated therewith: (1) mercury present as colloids, ions and/or organically bound compounds, and (2) hydrocarbons solubilized, dispersed, and/or emulsified in the said system. Pursuant to the invention the aqueous system to be treated (such as “produced water”) is passed successively through three filtration stages. The first filtration stage is provided with absorption media which effects reduction/removal of dispersed organically bound mercury species and of the dispersed and partially dissolved hydrocarbon phases, as well as of some colloidal mercury and other dissolved metallic species. The second filtration stage utilizes a salt modified reticulated granular filtration media for reduction/removal of slightly dissolved hydrocarbon phases, mercury in colloidal and ionic form and other dissolved metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Publication number: 20100000409
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for practicing the method are provided for separating droplets of finely aerosolized elemental mercury from a gaseous stream in which the droplets are dispersed. In the method a gold plated metallic capillary surface is contacted with the gaseous stream, causing the aerosolized droplets to deposit on the capillary surface and by capillary action to coalesce with other of such droplets to form increasingly large drops of mercury. The surface is oriented to allow the mercury to flow by gravitational forces and capillary action to the lowermost portions of the surface, at which it accumulates, and is then collected at a suitable vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Hal Alper
  • Publication number: 20090139918
    Abstract: A visual bilgewater quality indicator for use in a bilgewater filtration system which includes a filtration stage for removing oily contaminants. The quality indicator utilizes one or more filtration status chambers which are provided with a fluorescent or phosphorescent dye or pigment treated filtration media. The status chamber has a transparent outer wall. Flow through the status chamber is from the outer lateral wall toward its central axis, whereby oily contaminants in the flow collect selectively at the outer portions of the filtration media which are highly visible to an observer. Oil droplets as small as one micron, are captured and immobilized by the primary filter and are instantly visible against the background of the exemplary dye. If two status chambers are used in series, due to the ability of the infused media to permanently capture oil without re-entrainment, the second chamber is always kept transparent until complete loading and supersaturating breakthrough at the primary chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Hal Alper