Patents by Inventor Jeffrey D. Rimer

Jeffrey D. Rimer 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: 12024452
    Abstract: Analogues of citrate, namely hydroxycitrate (HCA) and isocitrate (ICA), have dual roles as nucleation inhibitors and growth suppressors in the formation of mineral scale. Their potency is comparable to commercial phosphorous-based inhibitors, but they are more environmentally friendly, which has practical advantages for use in a broad range of commercial applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Xi Geng, Ricardo Sosa
  • Publication number: 20240173705
    Abstract: Interconnected zeolite nanosheets with a structural motif resembling self-pillared pentasil zeolites are synthesized through the use of MEL or MFI-type zeolites as crystalline seeds. The use of MEL- or MFI-type zeolites as crystalline seeds induces the spontaneous formation of pillared zeolites, thus avoiding, for the first time, the use of any organic or branching template for the crystallization of these hierarchical structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2022
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Applicant: University of Houston System
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Rishabh Jain
  • Patent number: 11866325
    Abstract: The methods for synthesizing mordenite (MOR) zeolite crystals described herein utilize a combination of organics and produce MOR crystals with reduced size, higher Si/Al ratio, fewer stacking faults, less occluded organics in the final product, and a longer catalyst lifetime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Manjesh Kumar
  • Publication number: 20230399234
    Abstract: Nano-sized zeolites may be prepared using germanium oxide (GeO2) as a component of the overall synthesis composition. This is accomplished by the addition of GeO2 as an inexpensive reagent for the synthesis gel. Most of the Ge is retained in the synthesis mixture and the small amount incorporated in the zeolite solid (Si/Ge>100) does not have an appreciable impact on zeolite acidity or other physicochemical properties. The methods disclosed herein circumvent challenges to prepare nano-sized zeolites having dimensions less than 100 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: University of Houston System
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Deependra Parmar, Adam Mallette
  • Publication number: 20230077288
    Abstract: A secondary growth procedure described herein is used to prepare finned zeolites. The finned zeolites possess properties that are distinctly unique compared to crystals of similar size lacking fins. The procedure is amenable to a wide range of zeolite crystal structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Applicant: University of Houston System
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Yufeng Shen, Heng Dai
  • Publication number: 20230030968
    Abstract: Analogues of citrate, namely hydroxycitrate (HCA) and isocitrate (ICA), have dual roles as nucleation inhibitors and growth suppressors in the formation of mineral scale. Their potency is comparable to commercial phosphorous-based inhibitors, but they are more environmentally friendly, which has practical advantages for use in a broad range of commercial applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Applicant: University of Houston System
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Xi Geng, Ricardo Sosa
  • Publication number: 20210214237
    Abstract: The methods for synthesizing mordenite (MOR) zeolite crystals described herein utilize a combination of organics and produce MOR crystals with reduced size, higher Si/Al ratio, fewer stacking faults, less occluded organics in the final product, and a longer catalyst lifetime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Applicant: University of Houston System
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Manjesh Kumar
  • Patent number: 10662070
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide compositions of crystalline zeolite materials with tailored crystal habits and the methods for forming such crystalline zeolite materials. The methods for forming the crystalline zeolite materials include binding one or more zeolite growth modifiers (ZGMs) to the surface of a zeolite crystal, which results in the modification of crystal growth rates along different crystallographic directions, leading to the formation of zeolites having a tailored crystal habit. The improved properties enabled by the tailored crystal habit include a minimized crystal thickness, a shortened internal diffusion pathlength, and a greater step density as compared to a zeolite having the native crystal habit prepared by traditional processes. The tailored crystal habit provides the crystalline zeolite materials with an aspect ratio of about 4 or greater and crystal surfaces having a step density of about 25 steps/?m2 or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Manjesh Kumar
  • Publication number: 20200009163
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to compositions and methods requiring these compositions that may act to reduce the incidence and/or reoccurrence of kidney stones and/or other pathological calcification diseases, symptoms, or conditions. The compositions include a polyphosphate material, which may be method of treating pathological calcification. In some embodiments, the polyphosphate material included in the composition to be administered may be a linear tripolyphosphate material or a hexametaphosp hate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Bryan G. Alamani
  • Patent number: 10421666
    Abstract: Methods of controlling crystal polymorphism in organic-free synthesis of Na-Zeolites and the zeolite crystals formed using those methods are provided. The methods disclosed herein create certain types of zeolite crystals more efficiently than other previously known methods. The methods also create certain types of zeolite crystals in a form and concentration not previously disclosed. The methods disclosed herein generally comprise using solutions with varying ratios of silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), hydroxide (OH), and water. Some implementations of the invention disclosed include efficient methods of producing nearly pure cancrinite (CAN), methods of obtaining sodalite in solutions with a high Si/Al ratio, and a method of forming thin, platelet-like ANA crystals with a width of less than about 1 ?m and a length of at least about 3 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Miguel Maldonado, Matthew D. Oleksiak
  • Patent number: 10407312
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a composition comprising a zeolite with high silica content. In some embodiments, the silica to aluminum ratio (SAR) for the zeolite is 2:1. In some embodiments, the zeolite comprises Zeolite HOU-2 (LTA-type). In some embodiments, the silica to aluminum ratio (SAR) for the zeolite is >3. In some embodiments, the zeolite comprises Zeolite HOU-3 (FAU type). In some embodiments, the zeolite is synthesized using a one-step method. In some embodiments, the zeolite is synthesized without the use of an organic structure-directing agent (OSDA). In some embodiments, the zeolite is synthesized without the use of post-synthesis dealumination. In some embodiments, the zeolite is synthesized without the use crystal seeds. In some embodiments, the zeolite is used in commercial ion exchange. In some embodiments, the zeolite is used for catalysis reaction. In some embodiments, the zeolite is highly thermostable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
    Inventors: Marlon T. Conato, Matthew D. Oleksiak, Jeffrey D. Rimer
  • Publication number: 20190216756
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition for dissolving calcium oxalate crystals thereby inhibiting/preventing further growth of crystals. In some embodiments, such a composition comprises at least one stereoisomer of hydroxycitrate, a derivative of the organic acid citrate. Such a method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of the aforementioned composition. In another embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a method of treating kidney stone disorder. Such a method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the aforementioned composition. In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of treating calcium oxalate stone disease. In an embodiment, the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the aforementioned composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Applicant: University of Houston System
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Jihae Chung, John Asplin
  • Publication number: 20190153035
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a composition for inhibiting calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal growth comprising at least one isolated polypeptide comprising a plurality of amino acids that bind the surface of the calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal; and a plurality of amino acids spacers, wherein the amino acid spacers are arranged in varying sequences between the plurality of amino acids that bind the surface of the calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal. In some embodiments, the present disclosure related to a method of controlling calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal growth in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject therapeutically effective amount of the calcium oxalate monohydrate inhibiting polypeptide. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of identifying calcium oxalate monohydrate inhibiting peptides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Pankaj Karande
  • Publication number: 20190144291
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide compositions of crystalline zeolite materials with tailored crystal habits and the methods for forming such crystalline zeolite materials. The methods for forming the crystalline zeolite materials include binding one or more zeolite growth modifiers (ZGMs) to the surface of a zeolite crystal, which results in the modification of crystal growth rates along different crystallographic directions, leading to the formation of zeolites having a tailored crystal habit. The improved properties enabled by the tailored crystal habit include a minimized crystal thickness, a shortened internal diffusion pathlength, and a greater step density as compared to a zeolite having the native crystal habit prepared by traditional processes. The tailored crystal habit provides the crystalline zeolite materials with an aspect ratio of about 4 or greater and crystal surfaces having a step density of about 25 steps/?m2 or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: University of Houston System
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Manjesh Kumar
  • Patent number: 10285961
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a composition for dissolving calcium oxalate crystals thereby inhibiting/preventing further growth of crystals. In some embodiments, such a composition comprises at least one stereoisomer of hydroxycitrate, a derivative of the organic acid citrate. Such a method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of the aforementioned composition. In another embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a method of treating kidney stone disorder. Such a method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the aforementioned composition. In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of treating calcium oxalate stone disease. In an embodiment, the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the aforementioned composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: University of Houston System
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Jihae Chung, John Asplin
  • Patent number: 10246489
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a composition for inhibiting calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal growth comprising at least one isolated polypeptide comprising a plurality of amino acids that bind the surface of the calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal; and a plurality of amino acids spacers, wherein the amino acid spacers are arranged in varying sequences between the plurality of amino acids that bind the surface of the calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal. In some embodiments, the present disclosure related to a method of controlling calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal growth in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject therapeutically effective amount of the calcium oxalate monohydrate inhibiting polypeptide. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of identifying calcium oxalate monohydrate inhibiting peptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON, RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Pankaj Karande
  • Patent number: 10173903
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide compositions of crystalline zeolite materials with tailored crystal habits and the methods for forming such crystalline zeolite materials. The methods for forming the crystalline zeolite materials include binding one or more zeolite growth modifiers (ZGMs) to the surface of a zeolite crystal, which results in the modification of crystal growth rates along different crystallographic directions, leading to the formation of zeolites having a tailored crystal habit. The improved properties enabled by the tailored crystal habit include a minimized crystal thickness, a shortened internal diffusion pathlength, and a greater step density as compared to a zeolite having the native crystal habit prepared by traditional processes. The tailored crystal habit provides the crystalline zeolite materials with an aspect ratio of about 4 or greater and crystal surfaces having a step density of about 25 steps/?m2 or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Manjesh Kumar
  • Publication number: 20170369327
    Abstract: Methods of controlling crystal polymorphism in organic-free synthesis of Na-Zeolites and the zeolite crystals formed using those methods are provided. The methods disclosed herein create certain types of zeolite crystals more efficiently than other previously known methods. The methods also create certain types of zeolite crystals in a form and concentration not previously disclosed. The methods disclosed herein generally comprise using solutions with varying ratios of silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), hydroxide (OH), and water. Some implementations of the invention disclosed include efficient methods of producing nearly pure cancrinite (CAN), methods of obtaining sodalite in solutions with a high Si/Al ratio, and a method of forming thin, platelet-like ANA crystals with a width of less than about 1 ?m and a length of at least about 3 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. RIMER, Miguel MALDONADO, Matthew D. OLEKSIAK
  • Publication number: 20170283459
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a composition for inhibiting calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal growth comprising at least one isolated polypeptide comprising a plurality of amino acids that bind the surface of the calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal; and a plurality of amino acids spacers, wherein the amino acid spacers are arranged in varying sequences between the plurality of amino acids that bind the surface of the calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal. In some embodiments, the present disclosure related to a method of controlling calcium oxalate monohydrate crystal growth in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject therapeutically effective amount of the calcium oxalate monohydrate inhibiting polypeptide. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of identifying calcium oxalate monohydrate inhibiting peptides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Rimer, Pankaj Karande
  • Publication number: 20170247261
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a composition comprising a zeolite with high silica content. In some embodiments, the silica to aluminum ratio (SAR) for the zeolite is 2:1. In some embodiments, the zeolite comprises Zeolite HOU-2 (LTA-type). In some embodiments, the silica to aluminum ratio (SAR) for the zeolite is >3. In some embodiments, the zeolite comprises Zeolite HOU-3 (FAU type). In some embodiments, the zeolite is synthesized using a one-step method. In some embodiments, the zeolite is synthesized without the use of an organic structure-directing agent (OSDA). In some embodiments, the zeolite is synthesized without the use of post-synthesis dealumination. In some embodiments, the zeolite is synthesized without the use crystal seeds. In some embodiments, the zeolite is used in commercial ion exchange. In some embodiments, the zeolite is used for catalysis reaction. In some embodiments, the zeolite is highly thermostable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: University of Houston System
    Inventors: Marlon T. Conato, Matthew D. Oleksiak, Jeffrey D. Rimer