Patents by Inventor Scott Franklin

Scott Franklin 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).

  • Renewable Diesel and Jet Fuel from Microbial Sources
    Publication number: 20170022436
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of manufacturing alkanes from triglyceride oils produced through fermentation of oil-bearing microbes. The processes provided herein can utilize a variety of carbohydrate feedstocks including cane bagasse, sugar beet pulp, corn stover, glycerol, corn starch, sorghum, molasses, waste glycerol, and other renewable materials. These processes further comprise hydrotreating, hydrocracking, isomerization, distillation, and other petrochemical processes for use with oil-bearing microbes and products derived therefrom to manufacture fuels. Particular embodiments include the manufacture of ASTM D975 and ASTM D1655 compliant fuels. Genetically engineered microbes provided herein can be used in the manufacture of renewable diesel and renewable jet fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: TerraVia Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Trimbur, Chung-Soon Im, Harrison F. Dillon, Anthony G. Day, Scott Franklin, Anna Coragliotti
  • Structuring fats and methods of producing structuring fats
    Patent number: 9551017
    Abstract: Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce oleaginous recombinant cells that produce triglyceride oils having desired fatty acid profiles and regiospecific or stereospecific profiles. Genes manipulated include those encoding stearoyl-ACP desturase, delta 12 fatty acid desaturase, acyl-ACP thioesterase, ketoacyl-ACP synthase, and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase. The oil produced can have enhanced oxidative or thermal stability, or can be useful as a frying oil, shortening, roll-in shortening, tempering fat, cocoa butter replacement, as a lubricant, or as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The fatty acid profile can be enriched in midchain profiles or the oil can be enriched in triglycerides of the saturated-unsaturated-saturated type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: TerraVia Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Aravind Somanchi, George Rudenko, Riyaz Bhat, Xinhua Zhao, Risha Bond, Walter Rakitsky, Alejandro Marangoni, Diza Braksmayer
  • MICROBIAL OILS WITH LOWERED POUR POINTS, DIELECTRIC FLUIDS PRODUCED THEREFROM, AND RELATED METHODS
    Publication number: 20160376617
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for the production of dielectric fluids from lipids produced by microorganisms are provided, including oil-bearing microorganisms and methods of low cost cultivation of such microorganisms. Microalgal cells containing exogenous genes encoding, for example, a sucrose transporter, a sucrose invertase, a fructokinase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, a lipid pathway modification enzyme, a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, a desaturase, a fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, and/or an acyl carrier protein are useful in manufacturing dielectric fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Walter Rakitsky, George Rudenko, Xinhua Zhao, Felipe Arana Rodriguez, Wenhua Lu, Janice Wee
  • Genetically engineered microbial strains including lipid pathway genes
    Patent number: 9518277
    Abstract: Genetically engineered microbial, e.g., Chlorella protothecoides, cells producing microbial oils are useful as a food additive and a source of renewable fuels and industrial chemicals. Lipid biosynthesis genes for Auxenochlorella protethecoides are disclosed that are useful for increasing lipid production and altering fatty acid and triacylglycerol profiles in recombinant microrganisms including cells of the genus Auxenochlorella or Prototheca.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: TerraVia Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Shane Brubaker, George N. Rudenko, Riyaz Bhat, Matthew Shoa-Azar, Aravind Somanchi, Aren Ewing
  • Photovoltaic panel mounting rail with integrated electronics
    Patent number: 9515599
    Abstract: A photovoltaic mounting rail that includes an elongate bottom wall, a mounting support, an outer sidewall and one or more electronic components. The mounting support extends upwardly from the bottom wall to a top wall and extends between the first and second ends of the rail. The outer sidewall extends upwardly from the bottom wall to a distal edge and also extends between the first and second ends of the bottom wall. The outer sidewall is spaced apart from the mounting support and defines a service channel between the outer sidewall and the mounting support. The rail is adapted for attachment of a photovoltaic panel with electronic devices to the top wall of the mounting support and the connection of the electronic devices to electronic components located within the service channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: LUMOS LSX, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Christopher Klinga, Brian Rafferty
  • Oleaginous Microalgae Having an LPAAT Ablation
    Publication number: 20160348119
    Abstract: Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce oleaginous recombinant cells that produce triglyceride oils having desired fatty acid profiles and regiospecific or stereospecific profiles. Genes manipulated include those encoding stearoyl-ACP desaturase, delta 12 fatty acid desaturase, acyl-ACP thioesterase, ketoacyl-ACP synthase, lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase, ketoacyl-CoA reductase, hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydratase, and/or enoyl-CoA reductase. The oil produced can have enhanced oxidative or thermal stability, or can be useful as a frying oil, shortening, roll-in shortening, tempering fat, cocoa butter replacement, as a lubricant, or as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The fatty acid profile can be enriched in midchain profiles or the oil can be enriched in triglycerides of the saturated-unsaturated-saturated type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Riyaz Bhat, Xinhua Zhao
  • NOVEL MICROALGAL FOOD COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20160324167
    Abstract: The invention provides novel microalgal food compositions comprising microalgal biomass that have been processed into flakes, powders and flours. The microalgal biomass of the invention is low in saturated fats, high in monounsaturated triglyceride oil and can be a good source of fiber. The invention also comprises microalgal biomass that is suitable as a vegetarian protein source and also as a good source of fiber. Novel methods of formulating food compositions with the microalgal biomass of the invention are also disclosed herein including beverages, baked goods, egg products, reduced fat foods and gluten-free foods. The provision of food compositions incorporating the microalgal biomass of the invention to a human have the further benefit of providing healthful ingredients while achieving levels of satiety sufficient to reduce further caloric intake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Applicant: TerraVia Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Brooks, Scott Franklin, Jeff Avila, Stephen M. Decker, Enrique Baliu, Walter Rakitsky, John Piechocki, Dana Zdanis, Leslie M. Norris
  • DIGITAL CONTENT DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTION SYSEM
    Publication number: 20160300043
    Abstract: Digital content distribution systems and methods are provided for distributing for digital data files, such as digital audio and video data files. In accordance with one implementation, a token-based authentication system is provided that does not require knowledge of the individual user requesting the download of digital content data or real-time access to user account information. Instead, the token-based authentication system embeds the authentication information, or token, in the download request information itself. In this way, the download or content server authenticates the download request using the token contained in the download request information and therefore does not require any additional information to carry out this authentication, such as access to user account information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Depeng BI, Stephen Christopher GLADWIN, Troy Steven DENKINGER, Timothy Scott FRANKLIN, Bart Richard CILFONE, Anne Marie PEWTERBAUGH, Jeffrey Jonathan SPURGAT
  • Methods for producing a triglyceride composition from algae
    Patent number: 9464304
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for cultivation of oleaginous microorganisms on feedstocks including depolymerized cellulosic material such as corn stover, Miscanthus, forage sorghum, sugar beet pulp and sugar cane bagasse. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing novel triglyceride oil compositions using cellulosic feedstocks, including oil compositions comprising fatty acids such as those having chain lengths of 8, 10, 12, and 14 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: TerraVia Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Aravind Somanchi, Karen Espina, George Rudenko, Penelope Chua
  • GENETICALLY ENGINEERED MICROBIAL STRAINS INCLUDING PROTOTHECA LIPID PATHWAY GENES
    Publication number: 20160289695
    Abstract: Genetically engineered microbial, e.g., Prototheca, cells provide microbial oil useful as a food additive and a source of renewable fuels and industrial chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Scott FRANKLIN, Shane BRUBAKER, George N. RUDENKO, Jeffrey L. MOSELEY, Xinhua ZHAO, Tina T. HUYNH, Riyaz BHAT, Matthew SHOA-AZAR, Trung H. NGUYEN, Karen ESPINA, Aravind SOMANCHI
  • Renewable diesel and jet fuel from microbial sources
    Patent number: 9434909
    Abstract: The invention provides methods of manufacturing alkanes from triglyceride oils produced through fermentation of oil-bearing microbes. The processes provided herein can utilize a variety of carbohydrate feedstocks including cane bagasse, sugar beet pulp, corn stover, glycerol, corn starch, sorghum, molasses, waste glycerol, and other renewable materials. These processes further comprise hydrotreating, hydrocracking, isomerization, distillation, and other petrochemical processes for use with oil-bearing microbes and products derived therefrom to manufacture fuels. Particular embodiments include the manufacture of ASTM D975 and ASTM D1655 compliant fuels. Genetically engineered microbes provided herein can be used in the manufacture of renewable diesel and renewable jet fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: SOLAZYME, INC.
    Inventors: Donald E. Trimbur, Chung-Soon Im, Harrison F. Dillon, Anthony G. Day, Scott Franklin, Anna Coragliotti
  • THIOESTERASES AND CELLS FOR PRODUCTION OF TAILORED OILS
    Publication number: 20160251685
    Abstract: The invention features plant acyl-ACP thioesterase genes of the FatB class and proteins encoded by these genes. The genes are useful for constructing recombinant host cells having altered fatty acid profiles. Oleaginous microalga host cells with the new genes or previously identified FatB genes are disclosed. The microalgae cells produce triglycerides with useful fatty acid profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: Solazyme, Inc.
    Inventors: George N. RUDENKO, Jason CASOLARI, Scott FRANKLIN
  • Junction cover for photovoltaic panel modules
    Patent number: 9425734
    Abstract: A junction cover for a photovoltaic (PV) panel module system that includes a PV panel mounting structure, a rail, a PV module with a junction box and wiring extending between the rail and the junction box. The junction cover encloses the junction box and wiring and includes a lid and a wire housing. The lid has a plurality of sides and is releaseably attached to the junction box. The wire housing includes a top plate having proximal and distal ends, first and second sides and first and second side walls extending downwardly from the first and second sides. The top plate extends from a first side of the lid and slopes downwardly to the distal end. The top plate and side walls define an interior and an opening at the distal end. When the lid is attached to the junction box, the wiring extending between the rail and the junction box is within the wire housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: LUMOS LSX, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Klinga, Scott Franklin
  • Digital content distribution and subscription system
    Patent number: 9397991
    Abstract: Digital content distribution systems and methods are provided for distributing for digital data files, such as digital audio and video data files. In accordance with one implementation, a token-based authentication system is provided that does not require knowledge of the individual user requesting the download of digital content data or real-time access to user account information. Instead, the token-based authentication system embeds the authentication information, or token, in the download request information itself. In this way, the download or content server authenticates the download request using the token contained in the download request information and therefore does not require any additional information to carry out this authentication, such as access to user account information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: AOL Inc.
    Inventors: Depeng Bi, Stephen Christopher Gladwin, Troy Steven Denkinger, Timothy Scott Franklin, Bart Richard Cilfone, Anne Marie Pewterbaugh, Jeffrey Jonathan Spurgat
  • Microbial oils with lowered pour points, dielectric fluids produced therefrom, and related methods
    Patent number: 9388435
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for the production of dielectric fluids from lipids produced by microorganisms are provided, including oil-bearing microorganisms and methods of low cost cultivation of such microorganisms. Microalgal cells containing exogenous genes encoding, for example, a sucrose transporter, a sucrose invertase, a fructokinase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, a lipid pathway modification enzyme, a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, a desaturase, a fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, and/or an acyl carrier protein are useful in manufacturing dielectric fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: TerraVia Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Walter Rakitsky, George Rudenko, Xinhua Zhao, Felipe Arana Rodriguez, Wenhua Lu, Janice Wee
  • Tailored Oils
    Publication number: 20160194672
    Abstract: Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce oleaginous recombinant cells that produce triglyceride oils having desired fatty acid profiles and regiospecific or stereospecific profiles. Genes manipulated include those encoding stearoyl-ACP desturase, delta 12 fatty acid desaturase, acyl-ACP thioesterase, ketoacyl-ACP synthase, and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase. The oil produced can have enhanced oxidative or thermal stability, or can be useful as a frying oil, shortening, roll-in shortening, tempering fat, cocoa butter replacement, as a lubricant, or as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The fatty acid profile can be enriched in midchain profiles or the oil can be enriched in triglycerides of the saturated-unsatturated-saturated type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Aravind Somanchi, George Rudenko, Riyaz Bhat, Xinhua Zhao, Risha Bond, Walter Rakitsky, Alejandro Marangoni, Diza Braksmayer
  • Tailored Oils Produced from Recombinant Oleaginous Microorganisms
    Publication number: 20160186219
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for the production of oil, fuels, oleochemicals, and other compounds in recombinant microorganisms are provided, including oil-bearing microorganisms and methods of low cost cultivation of such microorganisms. Microalgal cells containing exogenous genes encoding, for example, a lipase, a sucrose transporter, a sucrose invertase, a fructokinase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, a keto acyl-ACP synthase enzyme, a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, a fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a fatty aldehyde reductase, a fatty acid hydroxylase, a desaturase enzyme, a fatty aldehyde decarbonylase, and/or an acyl carrier protein are useful in manufacturing transportation fuels such as renewable diesel, biodiesel, and renewable jet fuel, as well as oleochemicals such as functional fluids, surfactants, soaps and lubricants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Aravind Somanchi, Janice Wee, George Rudenko, Jeffrey L. Moseley, Walter Rakitsky, Xinhua Zhao, Riyaz Bhat
  • Tailored Oils Produced from Recombinant Heterotrophic Microorganisms
    Publication number: 20160186191
    Abstract: Methods and compositions for the production of oil, fuels, oleochemicals, and other compounds in recombinant microorganisms are provided, including oil-bearing microorganisms and methods of low cost cultivation of such microorganisms. Microalgal cells containing exogenous genes encoding, for example, a lipase, a sucrose transporter, a sucrose invertase, a fructokinase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, a keto acyl-ACP synthase enzyme, a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, a fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a fatty aldehyde reductase, a fatty aldehyde decarbonylase, and/or an acyl carrier protein are useful in manufacturing transportation fuels such as renewable diesel, biodiesel, and renewable jet fuel, as well as oleochemicals such as functional fluids, surfactants, soaps and lubricants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Aravind Somanchi, Janice Wee, George Rudenko, Jeffrey L. Moseley, Walter Rakitsky
  • Nucleic acids useful in the manufacture of oil
    Patent number: 9353389
    Abstract: Novel gene sequences from microalgae are disclosed, as well as novel gene sequences useful in the manufacture of triglyceride oils. Also disclosed are sequences and vectors that allow microalgae to be cultivated on sugar cane and sugar beets as a feedstock. In some embodiments, the vectors are useful for the purpose of performing targeted modifications to the nuclear genome of heterotrophic microalgae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: SOLAZYME, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Franklin, Aravind Somanchi, Karen Espina, George Rudenko, Penelope Chua
  • Cosmetic Compositions Comprising Microalgal Components
    Publication number: 20160120795
    Abstract: The invention provides cosmetic compositions comprising microalgal biomass, whole microalgal cells, and/or microalgal oil in combination with one or more other cosmetic ingredients, and methods of making such compositions. In preferred embodiments, the microalgal components of the cosmetic compositions are derived from microalgal cultures grown heterotrophically and which comprise at least 10% oil by dry weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Geoffrey Brooks, Scott Franklin