Patents by Inventor John A. Howard

John A. Howard 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: 20240392333
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of converting cellulose in grain to glucose for ethanol production. By providing cost-effective cellulases expressed in the grain, the methods increase glucose yield compared to the use of starch degrading amylase enzymes alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2024
    Publication date: November 28, 2024
    Inventors: Elizabeth E. Hood, John A. Howard
  • Publication number: 20190060588
    Abstract: An aerosolization apparatus comprises a body having an inlet, an endpiece having an outlet, the endpiece being connectable to the body to define a chamber, wherein the chamber is sized to receive a capsule containing a pharmaceutical formulation in a manner which allows the capsule to move within the chamber. The apparatus further includes a connection mechanism to provide selective connection of the endpiece to the body, wherein a rotational force between the endpiece and the body is needed to connect or disconnect the endpiece from the body, the rotational force being applied about an axis passing through the chamber. When a user inhales, air enters into the chamber through the inlet so that the pharmaceutical formulation is aerosolized within the chamber and the aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation is delivered to the user through the outlet. The connection mechanism prevents inadvertent disconnection of the endpiece from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: BGP PRODUCTS OPERATIONS GmbH
    Inventors: John D. Burr, Jeff R. Wood, Adrian E. Smith, John A. Howard, Niccolai Fabrizio
  • Patent number: 10124128
    Abstract: An aerosolization apparatus comprises a body having an inlet, an endpiece having an outlet, the endpiece being connectable to the body to define a chamber, wherein the chamber is sized to receive a capsule containing a pharmaceutical formulation in a manner which allows the capsule to move within the chamber. The apparatus further includes a connection mechanism to provide selective connection of the endpiece to the body, wherein a rotational force between the endpiece and the body is needed to connect or disconnect the endpiece from the body, the rotational force being applied about an axis passing through the chamber. When a user inhales, air enters into the chamber through the inlet so that the pharmaceutical formulation is aerosolized within the chamber and the aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation is delivered to the user through the outlet. The connection mechanism prevents inadvertent disconnection of the endpiece from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: BGP Products Operations GmbH
    Inventors: John D. Burr, Jeff R. Wood, Adrian E. Smith, John A. Howard, Fabrizio Niccolai
  • Publication number: 20090205086
    Abstract: Expression of recombinant polysaccharide degrading enzymes in plants is described. In one embodiment, expression of the enzyme is preferentially directed to the seed of the plant. Expression may also be preferentially targeted to specific locations within the plant cell. Expression of cellulases in corn is shown. The result is the capacity to produce polysaccharide degrading enzymes in plants at commercially acceptable levels in a reliable manner. Methods of using same in production of ethanol is also described, including use of the plant-produced enzymes in the ethanol production process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: APPLIED BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Elizabeth E. Hood, John A. Howard
  • Patent number: 7179961
    Abstract: A method for extraction of heterologous protein from monocotyledonous plant seed comprises extracting the germ portion of the seed and extracting and purifying the protein from the germ. Enhanced expression in the germ is provided, and allows for improved efficiency in production, and cost savings. Directing expression to the germ portion further increases expression levels of the protein. The ubiquitin promoter preferentially directs expression to the germ portion of plant seed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Prodi Gene, Inc
    Inventor: John A. Howard
  • Patent number: 7071384
    Abstract: A method for commercial production and use of heterologous laccase from plant seed in commercial processes is shown. The method comprises degerminating the germ portion of the seed and using the germ as the source of laccase in a commercial process. Increased concentration of laccase on a dry weight basis is achieved. Increased cost recovery is obtained in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Howard, Elizabeth E. Hood, Michele Bailey Piatchek
  • Patent number: 7060501
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for determining whether a cell has incorporated a polynucleotide comprising the use of organophosphate hydrolase activity as a marker which has both selectable and screenable properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Biotechnology Institute
    Inventors: T. Scott Pinkerton, John A. Howard, James R. Wild
  • Patent number: 7049484
    Abstract: Production of proteases in plants is set forth, whereby heterologous DNA encoding the protease is introduced into the plant and expression of the protein achieved. By such methods, expression is achieved in plants wherein the plant cell is not damaged, the protein can be recovered without contamination by other proteases, and can be expressed at levels such that commercial production of the enzyme is obtained. Expression levels can be at 0.1% of total soluble protein of the plant, or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Prodi Gene, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Howard, Elizabeth Hood
  • Patent number: 6977325
    Abstract: The invention discloses novel promoter sequences capable of expressing genes in plant cells. The promoters include engineered versions of the maize ubiquitin promoter to increase expression levels beyond those observed with the native ubiquitin promoter and alter the tissue preference. Expression constructs, vectors, transgenic plants and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph M. Jilka, Elizabeth E. Hood, John A. Howard
  • Publication number: 20040250298
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for determining whether a cell has incorporated a polynucleotide comprising the use of organophosphate hydrolase activity as a marker which has both selectable and screenable properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: ProdiGene, Inc.
    Inventors: T. Scott Pinkerton, John A. Howard, James R. Wild
  • Patent number: 6800792
    Abstract: Expression of laccase in plants at commercial levels of production is provided. The laccase gene is preferably operably linked with promoter sequences preferentially directing expression of laccase to the seed of the plant, and may additionally include sequences directing expression to the plant cell wall. Methods of improving the process of introducing DNA into plants via Agrobacterium are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignees: ProdiGene Inc., Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Howard, Elizabeth Hood, Joseph Jilka
  • Publication number: 20040049812
    Abstract: Production of proteases in plants is set forth, whereby heterologous DNA encoding the protease is introduced into the plant and expression of the protein achieved. By such methods, expression is achieved in plants wherein the plant cell is not damaged, the protein can be recovered without contamination by other proteases, and can be expressed at levels such that commercial production of the enzyme is obtained. Expression levels can be at 0.1% of total soluble protein of the plant, or higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: John A. Howard, Elizabeth Hood
  • Patent number: 6632930
    Abstract: A method of increasing recovery of active enzyme produced in a plant is provided where the enzyme requires a transitional metal cofactor for activation. The metal cofactor is supplied to the enzyme during plant development, during extraction, or after extraction. Recovery of active enzyme is also provided by incubating the extracted enzyme at a non-enzyme degrading temperature. Addition of a negative ion salt further improves active enzyme recovery. Optimum salt concentrations for recovery of laccase from plants using copper solutions is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignees: Prodigene, Inc., Genencor International Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Hood, John A. Howard, Michele Bailey, Franciscus J. C. van Gastel, Michael Ward, Huaming Wang, Susan Woodard
  • Publication number: 20030163848
    Abstract: A method for commercial production and use of heterologous protein from plant seed in commercial processes is shown. The method comprises degerminating the germ portion of the seed and using the germ as the source of the protein in a commercial process. Increased concentration of the protein on a dry weight basis is achieved. Increased cost recovery is obtained in the process. In an embodiment heterologous laccase protein is expressed in a plant and the germ of the plant seed used in commercial processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: John A. Howard
  • Publication number: 20030150454
    Abstract: An aerosolization apparatus comprises a body having an inlet, an endpiece having an outlet, the endpiece being connectable to the body to define a chamber, wherein the chamber is sized to receive a capsule containing a pharmaceutical formulation in a manner which allows the capsule to move within the chamber. The apparatus further includes a connection mechanism to provide selective connection of the endpiece to the body, wherein a rotational force between the endpiece and the body is needed to connect or disconnect the endpiece from the body, the rotational force being applied about an axis passing through the chamber. When a user inhales, air enters into the chamber through the inlet so that the pharmaceutical formulation is aerosolized within the chamber and the aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation is delivered to the user through the outlet. The connection mechanism prevents inadvertent disconnection of the endpiece from the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Applicant: Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Burr, Jeff R. Wood, Adrian E. Smith, John A. Howard, Fabrizio Niccolai
  • Publication number: 20030145355
    Abstract: A method for extraction of heterologous protein from plant seed comprises extracting the germ portion of the seed and extracting and purifying the protein from the germ. Enhanced expression in the germ is provided, and allows for improved efficiency in production, and cost savings. Directing expression to the germ portion further increases expression levels of the protein. The ubiquitin promoter preferentially directs expression to the germ portion of plant seed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: John A. Howard
  • Publication number: 20030109011
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for the cost-effective saccharification of polysaccharides in lignocellulosic biomass, particularly in crop residues. In one embodiment of the invention polysaccharide-degrading enzymes are expressed in the seeds of plants, preferably in germ (embryo) tissue of seed. Corn crop plants are used in one embodiment of the invention. The corn seeds and the corn stover are harvested concurrently in a single pass harvesting operation to lower costs. The corn seeds are fractioned which allows for additional uses for separated tissue. The endosperm can be used as a source of starch for existing industries to produce by-product credits. In an embodiment, the starch is used to produce ethanol in currently existing facilities and the tissue, preferably germ, containing the polysaccharide-degrading enzymes can be used as the enzyme source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Elizabeth E. Hood, John A. Howard
  • Publication number: 20030110537
    Abstract: A method for commercial production and use of heterologous protein from plant seed in commercial processes is shown. The method comprises degerminating the germ portion of the seed and using the germ as the source of the protein in a commercial process. Increased concentration of the protein on a dry weight basis is achieved. Increased cost recovery is obtained in the process. In an embodiment heterologous laccase protein is expressed in a plant and the germ of the plant seed used in commercial processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: John A. Howard, Elizabeth E. Hood, Michele Bailey
  • Publication number: 20030094173
    Abstract: An aerosolization apparatus comprises a body having an inlet, an endpiece having an outlet, the endpiece being connectable to the body to define a chamber, wherein the chamber is sized to receive a capsule containing a pharmaceutical formulation in a manner which allows the capsule to move within the chamber. A connection mechanism is provided to provide selective connection of the endpiece to the body, and a locking member prevents undesired disconnection of the endpiece from the body. When a user inhales, air enters into the chamber through the inlet so that the pharmaceutical formulation is aerosolized within the chamber and the aerosolized pharmaceutical formulation is delivered to the user through the outlet. In another version, the endpiece and the body are hinged together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Burr, Jeff R. Wood, Adrian E. Smith, John A. Howard
  • Patent number: RE41318
    Abstract: The invention discloses novel promoter sequences capable of expressing genes in plant cells. The promoters include engineered versions of the maize ubiquitin promoter to increase expression levels beyond those observed with the native ubiquitin promoter and alter the tissue preference. Expression constructs, vectors, transgenic plants and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Biotechnology Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Jilka, Elizabeth E. Hood, John A. Howard