Patents by Inventor Michael E. Wisniewski

Michael E. Wisniewski 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).

  • Synergistic combinations of natural of compounds that control decay of fruits and vegetables and reduce contamination by foodborne human pathogens
    Publication number: 20030113421
    Abstract: Plant essential oils and chitosan salts were tested individually and in combination against a postharvest pathogen Botrytis cinerea and two foodborne human pathogens Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Four essential oils (cinnamon, allspice, savory, red thyme) in combination with two chitosan salts (chitosan sorbate and chitosan propionate) demonstrated synergistic antimicrobial activity against all three organisms. The synergistic combinations of essential oils and chitosan salts also demonstrated an eradicant activity against E. coli on apple disks previously inoculated with the organism. Synergistic combinations of essential oils and chitosan salts hold promise of giving superior control of both postharvest decay organisms and foodborne human pathogens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Charles L. Wilson, Ahmed El Ghaouth, Michael E. Wisniewski
  • Biological control of diseases of harvested agricultural commodities using strains of the yeast candida oleophila
    Patent number: 5741699
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to isolates of Candida oleophila which are effective for the control of postharvest diseases in fruit and to biocontrol compositions which include such isolates. A method of utilizing the isolates to inhibit pathogens which cause postharvest diseases is also described. The organisms were isolated from the surface of tomato fruit and are useful for the control of a variety of fruit-rot pathogens in a variety of fruits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Charles L. Wilson, Michael E. Wisniewski, Edo Chalutz
  • Biological control of diseases of harvested agricultural commodities using strains of the yeast Candida oleophola
    Patent number: 5425941
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to isolates of Candida oleophila which are effective for the control of postharvest diseases in fruit and to biocontrol compositions which include such isolates. A method of utilizing the isolates to inhibit pathogens which cause postharvest diseases is also described. The organisms were isolated from the surface of tomato fruit and are useful for the control of a variety of fruit-rot pathogens in a variety of fruits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Charles L. Wilson, Michael E. Wisniewski, Edo Chalutz
  • Apparatus and method for applying material to agricultural commodities
    Patent number: 5228621
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an apparatus and process for applying material, such that it is dispersed in a pulsed manner, in micronized form, to agricultural commodities, while preventing drift of the micronized material to nontargeted areas. The instant invention employs a canopy which is passed over the agricultural commodity wherein a micronizing means is used to apply material, such as a pesticide, to an agricultural commodity within the canopy. The micronized material is preferably electrostatically charged when applied to the commodity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: The United States, As Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Charles L. Wilson, Michael E. Wisniewski