Patents by Inventor Scott J Uknes

Scott J Uknes 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: 9795144
    Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: AgBiome, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Hammer, Janice C. Jones, Michael G. Koziel, Kelly S. Smith, Scott J. Uknes
  • Patent number: 9795145
    Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: AgBiome, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Hammer, Janice C. Jones, Michael G. Koziel, Scott J. Uknes
  • Patent number: 9686998
    Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: AgBiome, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Hammer, Janice C. Jones, Michael G. Koziel, Scott J. Uknes
  • Patent number: 9675081
    Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: AgBiome, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Hammer, Janice C. Jones, Michael G. Koziel, Kelly S. Smith, Scott J. Uknes
  • Publication number: 20170150726
    Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Applicant: AgBiome, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Hammer, Janice C. Jones, Michael G. Koziel, Scott J. Uknes
  • Publication number: 20170150727
    Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Applicant: AgBiome, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Hammer, Janice C. Jones, Michael G. Koziel, Kelly S. Smith, Scott J. Uknes
  • Publication number: 20170150718
    Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Applicant: AgBiome, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Hammer, Janice C. Jones, Michael G. Koziel, Kelly S. Smith, Scott J. Uknes
  • Publication number: 20160353745
    Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Janice C. Jones, Michael G. Koziel, Scott J. Uknes
  • Publication number: 20160353744
    Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Janice C. Jones, Michael G. Koziel, Scott J. Uknes
  • Patent number: 8481810
    Abstract: The instant disclosure describes the application of genetic engineering techniques to produce cellulase in plants. Cellulase coding sequences operably linked to promoters active in plants may be transformed into the nuclear genome and/or the plastid genome of a plant. As cellulases may be toxic to plants, chemically-inducible or wound-inducible promoters may be employed. Additionally, the expressed cellulases may be targeted to vacuoles or other cellular organelles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Syngenta Participations AG
    Inventors: Edouard G. Lebel, Peter B. Heifetz, Eric R. Ward, Scott J. Uknes
  • Patent number: 7361806
    Abstract: The instant disclosure describes the application of genetic engineering techniques to produce cellulase in plants. Cellulase coding sequences operably linked to promoters active in plants may be transformed into the nuclear genome and/or the plastid genome of a plant. As cellulases may be toxic to plants, chemically-inducible or wound-inducible promoters may be employed. Additionally, the expressed cellulases may be targeted to vacuoles or other cellular organelles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Syngenta Participations AG
    Inventors: Edouard G Lebel, Peter B Heifetz, Eric R Ward, Scott J Uknes
  • Publication number: 20020062502
    Abstract: The invention provides novel methods of controlling gene expression in plastids, using an inducible, transactivator-mcdiated system, and plants comprising the novel expression systems. The present invention further describes the production of cellulose-degrading enzymes in plants via the application of genetic engineering techniques. Cellulase coding sequences are fused to promoters active in plants and transformed into the nuclear genome and the chloroplast genome. As cellulases may be toxic to plants, preferred promoters are those that are chemically-inducible. In this manner, expression of the cellulase genes transformed into plants may be chemically induced at an appropriate time. In addition, the expressed cellulases may be targeted to vacuoles or other organelles to alleviate toxicity problems. The present invention finds utility in any industrial process requiring a plentiful supply of cellulases, but particularly finds utility in the conversion of cellulosic biomass to ethanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Edouard G. Lebel, Peter B. Heifetz, Eric R. Ward, Scott J. Uknes
  • Patent number: 5942662
    Abstract: The present invention provides chemically regulatable DNA sequences capable of regulating transcription of an associated DNA sequence in plants or plant tissues, chimeric constructions containing such sequences, vectors containing such sequences and chimeric constructions, and transgenic plants and plant tissues containing these chimeric constructions. In one aspect, the chemically regulatable DNA sequences of the invention are derived from the 5' region of genes encoding pathogenisis-related (PR) proteins. The present invention also provides anti-pathogenic sequences derived from novel cDNAs coding for PR proteins which can be genetically engineered and transformed into plants to confer enhanced resistance to disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Novartis Finance Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Ryals, Christian T. Harms, Leslie B. Friedrich, James J. Beck, Scott J. Uknes, Eric R. Ward
  • Patent number: 5804693
    Abstract: The present invention provides chemically regulatable DNA sequences capable of regulating transcription of an associated DNA sequence in plants or plant tissues, chimeric constructions containing such sequences, vectors containing such sequences and chimeric constructions, and transgenic plants and plant tissues containing these chimeric constructions. In one aspect, the chemically regulatable DNA sequences of the invention are derived from the 5' region of genes encoding pathogenisis-related (PR) proteins. The present invention also provides anti-pathogenic sequences derived from novel cDNAs coding for PR proteins which can be genetically engineered and transformed into plants to confer enhanced resistance to disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Novartis Finance Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Gaffney, John A. Ryals, Leslie B. Friedrich, Scott J. Uknes, Eric R. Ward, Helmut Kessmann, Bernardus T. Vernooij
  • Patent number: 5792904
    Abstract: Methods are provided for selecting parental plants having disease resistance and for using these plants in breeding programs. In one method of the invention, lesion mimic mutants are screened for either resistance to a pathogen of interest or for the expression of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) genes. Such mutants having the desired traits or expressing the desired genes are then used in breeding programs. Parent plants can also be selected based on the constitutive expression of SAR genes. These mutants are phenotypically normal yet exhibit a significant level of disease resistance. Also disclosed are plant mutants that do not express systemic acquired resistance genes even when induced by a pathogen and methods of use for such mutants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Novartis Finance Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Ryals, Scott J. Uknes, Terrence Patrick Delaney, Eric R. Ward, Henry-York Steiner
  • Patent number: 5789214
    Abstract: The present invention provides chemically regulatable DNA sequences capable of regulating transcription of an associated DNA sequence in plants or plant tissues, chimeric constructions containing such sequences, vectors containing such sequences and chimeric constructions, and transgenic plants and plant tissues containing these chimeric constructions. In one aspect, the chemically regulatable DNA sequences of the invention are derived from the 5' region of genes encoding pathogenisis-related (PR) proteins. The present invention also provides anti-pathogenic sequences derived from novel cDNAs coding for PR proteins which can be genetically engineered and transformed into plants to confer enhanced resistance to disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Novartis Finance Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Ryals, Leslie B. Friedrich, Scott J. Uknes, Eric R. Ward
  • Patent number: 5689044
    Abstract: The present invention provides chemically regulatable DNA sequences capable of regulating transcription of an associated DNA sequence in plants or plant tissues, chimeric constructions containing such sequences, vectors containing such sequences and chimeric constructions, and transgenic plants and plant tissues containing these chimeric constructions. In one aspect, the chemically regulatable DNA sequences of the invention are derived from the 5' region of genes encoding pathogenisis-related (PR) proteins. The present invention also provides anti-pathogenic sequences derived from novel cDNAs coding for PR proteins which can be genetically engineered and transformed into plants to confer enhanced resistance to disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Novartis Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Ryals, Leslie B. Friedrich, Scott J. Uknes, Eric R. Ward
  • Patent number: 5650505
    Abstract: The present invention provides chemically regulatable DNA sequences capable of regulating transcription of an associated DNA sequence in plants or plant tissues, chimeric constructions containing such sequences, vectors containing such sequences and chimeric constructions, and transgenic plants and plant tissues containing these chimeric constructions. In one aspect, the chemically regulatable DNA sequences of the invention are derived from the 5' region of genes encoding pathogenisis-related (PR) proteins. The present invention also provides anti-pathogenic sequences derived from novel cDNAs coding for PR proteins which can be genetically engineered and transformed into plants to confer enhanced resistance to disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Novartis Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Ryals, Danny C. Alexander, James J. Beck, John H. Duesing, Robert M. Goodman, Leslie B. Friedrich, Christian Harms, Frederich Meins, Jr., Alice Montoya, deceased, Mary B. Moyer, Jean-Marc Neuhaus, George B. Payne, Christoph Sperisen, Jeffrey R. Stinson, Scott J. Uknes, Eric R. Ward, Shericca C. Williams
  • Patent number: 5614395
    Abstract: The present invention provides chemically regulatable DNA sequences capable of regulating transcription of an associated DNA sequence in plants or plant tissues, chimeric constructions containing such sequences, vectors containing such sequences and chimeric constructions, and transgenic plants and plant tissues containing these chimeric constructions. In one aspect, the chemically regulatable DNA sequences of the invention are derived from the 5' region of genes encoding pathogenisis-related (PR) proteins. The present invention also provides anti-pathogenic sequences derived from novel cDNAs coding for PR proteins which can be genetically engineered and transformed into plants to confer enhanced resistance to disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Ryals, Danny C. Alexander, James J. Beck, John H. Duesing, Robert M. Goodman, Leslie B. Friedrich, Christian Harms, Frederich Meins, Jr., Alice Montoya, deceased, Mary B. Moyer, Jean-Marc Neuhaus, George B. Payne, Christoph Sperisen, Jeffrey R. Stinson, Scott J. Uknes, Eric R. Ward, Shericca C. Williams