Patents by Inventor James A. Casey

James A. Casey 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: 20120071677
    Abstract: Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Paul W. Behrens, John M. Thompson, Kirk Apt, Joseph W. Pfeifer, III, James P. Wynn, James Casey Lippmeier, Jaouad Fichtali, Jon Hansen
  • Publication number: 20120034653
    Abstract: Most microalgae are obligate photoautotrophs and their growth is strictly dependent on the generation of photosynthetically-derived energy. In this study it is shown that the microalga Phaeodaclylurn tricornutum can be engineered to import glucose and grow in the dark through the introduction of genes encoding glucose transporters. Both the human and Chlorella kessleri glucose transporters facilitated the uptake of glucose by P. tricornutum, allowing the cells to metabolize exogenous organic carbon and thrive, independent of light. This is the first successful trophic conversion of an obligate photoautotroph through metabolic engineering, and it demonstrates that methods of cell nourishment can be fundamentally altered with the introduction of a single gene. Since strains transformed with the glucose transport genes are able to grow non-photosynthetically, they can be exploited for the analysis of photosynthetic processes through mutant generation and characterization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Kirk Emil APT, F.C. Thomas Allnutt, David J. Kyle, James Casey Lippmeier
  • Patent number: 8008050
    Abstract: Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Behrens, John M. Thompson, Kirk Apt, Joseph W. Pfeifer, III, James P. Wynn, James Casey Lippmeier, Jaouad Fichtali, Jon Hansen
  • Publication number: 20110195480
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to recombinant microalgal cells and their use in production of heterologous hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) polypeptides, as well as compositions and uses thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Anne-Cécile V. Bayne, James Casey Lippmeier, Kirk Emil APT, Xuan Guo, Joyce A. Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20110195449
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to recombinant thraustochytrids that grow on sucrose and cell cultures comprising the recombinant thraustochytrids as well as methods of producing cell cultures, biomasses, microbial oils, compositions, and biofuels using the recombinant thraustochytrids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: James Casey Lippmeier, Kirk Emil Apt, Jon Milton Hansen
  • Publication number: 20110195448
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to recombinant thraustochytrids that grow on xylose and cell cultures comprising the recombinant thraustochytrids as well as methods of producing cell cultures, biomasses, microbial oils, compositions, and biofuels using the recombinant thraustochytrids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: James Casey LIPPMEIER, Kirk Emil Apt
  • Publication number: 20110189228
    Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant microalgal cells and their use in heterologous protein production, methods of production of heterologous polypeptides in microalgal extracellular bodies, microalgal extracellular bodies comprising heterologous polypeptides, and compositions comprising the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Anne-Cécíle V. BAYNE, James Casey LIPPMEIER, Kirk Emil APT, Ross Eric ZIRKLE
  • Patent number: 7939710
    Abstract: Most microalgae are obligate photoautotrophs and their growth is strictly dependent on the generation of photosynthetically-derived energy. In this study it is shown that the microalga Phaeodaclylurn tricornutum can be engineered to import glucose and grow in the dark through the introduction of genes encoding glucose transporters. Both the human and Chlorella kessleri glucose transporters facilitated the uptake of glucose by P. tricornutum, allowing the cells to metabolize exogenous organic carbon and thrive, independent of light. This is the first successful trophic conversion of an obligate photoautotroph through metabolic engineering, and it demonstrates that methods of cell nourishment can be fundamentally altered with the introduction of a single gene. Since strains transformed with the glucose transport genes are able to grow non-photosynthetically, they can be exploited for the analysis of photosynthetic processes through mutant generation and characterization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Kirk Emil Apt, F. C. Thomas Allnutt, David J. Kyle, James Casey Lippmeier
  • Patent number: 7884565
    Abstract: A human-machine interface assembly includes a user interface and a passive force feedback mechanism. The user interface is configured, upon receipt of an input force that exceeds a null breakout force, to move from a null position to a first control position and, upon receipt of an input force that exceeds a soft stop force, to move beyond the first control position. The passive force feedback mechanism is coupled to the user interface and is configured to supply the null breakout force to the user interface when the user interface is in the null position, and supply the soft stop force to the user interface when the user interface is in the first control position. The soft stop force exceeds the null breakout force and is not supplied to the user interface unless the user interface is in the first control position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: James I Kern, James Casey Hanlon, Justin A. Tanner
  • Patent number: 7871809
    Abstract: Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Behrens, John M. Thompson, Kirk Apt, Joseph W. Pfeifer, III, James P. Wynn, James Casey Lippmeier, Jaouad Fichtali, Jon Hansen
  • Publication number: 20100316342
    Abstract: A photonic crystal based optical modulator that is capable of being integrated with electronic circuits on a chip. An optical modulator is formed by using a substrate, an optical buffer layer, and optical waveguide layer and providing photonic crystal regions in the optical waveguide layer. Improved strength and durability of the optical modulator is achieved by using an electrode island to limit the suspended area to the minimum required by the photonic crystal waveguides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: James A. Casey, Armand Rosenberg, Charles R. Eddy, JR., Michael A. Mastro
  • Publication number: 20100313309
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel acyl-CoA synthetases and novel acyltransferases, nucleic acid molecules encoding the same, recombinant nucleic acid molecules and recombinant host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules, genetically modified organisms (microorganisms and plants) comprising the same, and methods of making and using the same. Also disclosed are genetically modified organisms (e.g., plants, microorganisms) that have been genetically modified to express a PKS-like system for the production of PUFAs (a PUFA PKS system or PUFA synthase), wherein the organisms have been modified to express an acyl-CoA synthetase, to express an acyl transferase, to delete or inactivate a fatty acid synthase (FAS) expressed by the organism, to reduce competition for malonyl CoA with the PUFA synthase or to increase the level of malonyl CoA in the organism, and in one aspect, to inhibit KASII or KASIII.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: JAMES G. METZ, JERRY M. KUNER, JAMES CASEY LIPPMEIER
  • Patent number: 7829129
    Abstract: Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Behrens, John M. Thompson, Kirk Apt, Joseph W. Pfeifer, III, James P. Wynn, James Casey Lippmeier, Jaouad Fichtali, Jon Hansen
  • Patent number: 7824892
    Abstract: Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Behrens, John M. Thompson, Kirk Apt, Joseph W. Pfeifer, III, James P. Wynn, James Casey Lippmeier, Jaouad Fichtali, Jon Hansen
  • Publication number: 20100233760
    Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant cells and microorganisms of the phylum Labyrinthulomycota and their use in heterologous protein production. Novel promoter, terminator, and signal sequences for efficient production and, optionally, secretion of polypeptides from recombinant host cells and microorganisms are also encompassed by the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Kirk E. Apt, James Casey Lippmeier, David Simpson, Jun Wang, James P. Wynn, Ross Zirkle
  • Patent number: 7759548
    Abstract: Disclosed are novel acyl-CoA synthetases and novel acyltransferases, nucleic acid molecules encoding the same, recombinant nucleic acid molecules and recombinant host cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules, genetically modified organisms (microorganisms and plants) comprising the same, and methods of making and using the same. Also disclosed are genetically modified organisms (e.g., plants, microorganisms) that have been genetically modified to express a PKS-like system for the production of PUFAs (a PUFA PKS system or PUFA synthase), wherein the organisms have been modified to express an acyl-CoA synthetase, to express an acyl transferase, to delete or inactivate a fatty acid synthase (FAS) expressed by the organism, to reduce competition for malonyl CoA with the PUFA synthase or to increase the level of malonyl CoA in the organism, and in one aspect, to inhibit KASII or KASIII.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Metz, Jerry M. Kuner, James Casey Lippmeier
  • Patent number: 7745183
    Abstract: Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Martek Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Paul W. Behrens, John M. Thompson, Kirk Apt, Joseph W. Pfeifer, III, James P. Wynn, James Casey Lippmeier, Jaouad Fichtali, Jon Hansen
  • Publication number: 20100055628
    Abstract: The present invention describes a method for production of a renewable, combustible liquid fuel that may be used in internal combustion engines, as a fuel source for electricity generation including turbines and fuel cells, or as a burnable heat source. This fuel is derived from set of biomolecules that are produced under nutrient limitation conditions as those found at a waste water treatment plant. More specifically this invention envisions the use of poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) (PHA), especially those with monomeric residues ranging in size from C4 to C10 , as feed stream for production of a biofuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Zackary Allen McMurry, James Casey Smoot
  • Patent number: 7641706
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a naturally occurring group of biological compounds to produce a combustible fuel that may be used in either internal combustion engines or as a burnable heat source. These compounds are a set of biomolecules produced by some bacteria in nutrient limiting environmental conditions when storage of carbon is necessary. More specifically this invention envisions the use of polyhydroxy alkanoates (PHA), especially those ranging in size from C4 to C8, to produce the combustible fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: Zackery Allen McMurry, James Casey Smoot
  • Publication number: 20090178503
    Abstract: A human-machine interface assembly includes a user interface, a first null breakout force mechanism, and a second null breakout force mechanism. The first null breakout force mechanism is coupled to the user interface and is configured to supply the null breakout force to the user interface at a first force magnitude when the user interface is in the null position. The second null break out force mechanism is adapted to receive an engagement signal and is operable, in response to the engagement signal, to engage the user interface and supply the null breakout force to the user interface at a second force magnitude, which is greater than the first force magnitude, when the user interface is in the null position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: James Casey Hanlon, James I. Kern, Justin A. Tanner