Patents by Inventor Kirk Apt

Kirk Apt 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: 20190010419
    Abstract: Methods and systems used to extract lipids suitable in production of biofuels from a fermentation broth may include using heat to pre-treat the fermentation broth in order to more easily extract a product from oleaginous microorganisms in the broth. Additionally or alternatively, a combination of enzymes including amylase, 1-4 mannosidase, and 1-3 mannosidase may be used to break down cell walls of the oleaginous microorganisms. Residual broth water may be recycled and used as imbibition water for washing a process feedstock to extract sugar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Kirk APT, William BARCLAY, Micah BLAZER, Jacob BORDEN, Adam Burja, Daniel DONG, Armando DURAZO, Jean-Charles DUMENIL, Arthur EDGE, Jon HANSEN, Alexandra HOFLER, David JEFFERS, Chris LYON, Vidya PAI, Joseph William PFEIFER, III, Martin J. SELLERS, Ginger SHANK, Justin STEGE
  • Patent number: 9834799
    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: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    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: 20160355749
    Abstract: Methods and systems used to extract lipids suitable in production of biofuels from a fermentation broth may include using heat to pre-treat the fermentation broth in order to more easily extract a product from oleaginous microorganisms in the broth. Additionally or alternatively, a combination of enzymes including amylase, 1-4 mannosidase, and 1-3 mannosidase may be used to break down cell walls of the oleaginous microorganisms. Residual broth water may be recycled and used as imbibition water for washing a process feedstock to extract sugar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Applicant: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventors: Kirk APT, William BARCLAY, Micah BLAZER, Jacob BORDEN, Adam BURJA, Daniel Dong, Armando DURAZO, Jean-Charles DUMENIL, Arthur EDGE, Jon HANSEN, Alexandra HOFLER, David JEFFERS, Chris LYON, Vidya PAI, Joseph William PFEIFER, III, Martin J. SELLERS, Ginger SHANK, Justin STEGE
  • Publication number: 20160108443
    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: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Paul W. BEHRENS, John M. THOMPSON, Kirk APT, Joseph W. PFEIFER, James P. WYNN, James Casey LIPPMEIER, Jaouad FICHTALI, Jon HANSEN
  • Patent number: 9249434
    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: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    Inventors: Paul W Behrens, John M Thompson, Kirk Apt, Joseph W Pfeifer, James P Wynn, James Casey Lippmeier, Jaouad Fichtali, Jon Hansen
  • Publication number: 20140137463
    Abstract: High cell density fermentations of wild-type organisms can result in increased viscosity due to the production of exocellular polysaccharides. Mutant microorganisms with a dry morphology, resulting from reduced exocellular polysaccharide formation, were isolated and characterized. The exocellular polysaccharide composition for these modified microorganisms is shown to be different than the polysaccharide composition of the wild type microorganism. In addition to reduced exocellular polysaccharide formation, dry morphology mutants of multiple strains show reduced viscosity, improved oxygen mass transfer, and improved fatty acid fermentation yield on carbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Apt, Jacob Borden, Paul W. Behrens, David Dain, Jon Hansen, Joseph W. Pfeifer
  • Publication number: 20140142331
    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: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Paul W. BEHRENS, John M. THOMPSON, Kirk APT, Joseph W. PFEIFER, James P. WYNN, James Casey LIPPMEIER, Jaouad FICHTALI, Jon HANSEN
  • Patent number: 8669090
    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: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    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: 8663953
    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: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    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: 8497100
    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: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    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: 8497099
    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: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: DSM IP Assets B.V.
    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: 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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: 20080044866
    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: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: MARTEK BIOSCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Behrens, John Thompson, Kirk Apt, Joseph Pfeifer, James Wynn, James Lippmeier, Jaouad Fichtali, Jon Hansen
  • Publication number: 20080044865
    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: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: MARTEK BIOSCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Behrens, John Thompson, Kirk Apt, Joseph Pfeifer, James Wynn, James Lippmeier, Jaouad Fichtali, Jon Hansen
  • Publication number: 20080032358
    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: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: MARTEK BIOSCIENCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul Behrens, John Thompson, Kirk Apt, Joseph Pfeifer, James Wynn, James Lippmeier, Jaouad Fichtali, Jon Hansen