Patents by Inventor Sean Farmer

Sean Farmer 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).

  • Multifunctional composition for enhanced oil recovery, improved oil quality and prevention of corrosion
    Patent number: 11549052
    Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions and methods for simultaneously enhancing oil recovery, improving the quality of oil and gas through reduction in sulfur-containing compounds, and preventing and/or reducing corrosion of oil and gas production equipment. A multi-functional composition is provided comprising an antimicrobial biosurfactant component, a first ammonium salt, and ammonium hydroxide. In some embodiments, the efficiency of the composition is further enhanced by the addition of a chelating agent, a phenol (e.g., carbolic acid or phenolic acid), and/or an H2S scavenger. In some embodiments, the composition is further enhanced for use in cold climates by the addition of an antifreeze mixture comprising one or more of a second ammonium salt, sodium chloride and glycerol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: LOCUS SOLUTIONS IPCO, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Kent Adams, Karthik N. Karathur, Alibek Moldakozhayev, Anthony Nerris
  • Compositions and methods for enhanced oil recovery from low permeability formations
    Patent number: 11549053
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing oil recovery from low permeability subterranean formation using three mechanisms: repressurization; reduction of interfacial tension; and increased permeability. The subject compositions comprise a chelating agent, a biosurfactant, a carbonate or bicarbonate salt, water, and a pH adjusting substance, which when applied to an oil-bearing formation according to the methods of the subject invention, allow for controlled release of carbon dioxide within the formation without complicated machinery or gas-producing microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: LOCUS SOLUTIONS IPCO, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Andrew R Lefkowitz, Karthik N Karathur, Martin R Shumway, Alibek Moldakozhayev
  • Remediation of rag layer and other disposable layers in oil tanks and storage equipment
    Patent number: 11549067
    Abstract: The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use to improve oil production and refining efficiency by, for example, remediating the disposable layers in oil tanks and other oil storage units. In preferred embodiments, the microbe-based products comprise biochemical-producing yeast and growth by-products thereof, such as, e.g., biosurfactants. The subject invention can be used to remediate rag layer and/or other dissolved solid layers that form in water-oil emulsions. Furthermore, the subject invention can be used for remediating solid impurities, such as sand, scale, rust and clay, in produced water, flow-back, brine, and/or fracking fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: LOCUS SOLUTIONS IPCO, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Kent Adams, Karthik N. Karathur
  • TREATMENT FOR UPGRADING HEAVY CRUDE OIL
    Publication number: 20230002684
    Abstract: The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use to improve oil well production and increase the value of heavy crude oil. Specifically, the subject invention provides cultivated yeast products, which can be applied to oil and/or oil and gas production equipment to improve production and increase the economic value of heavy crude oil by, for example, upgrading heavy oils and/or converting heavy hydrocarbon substances, such as asphalts, asphaltenes, tars, bitumens and/or petcokes into lighter hydrocarbon substances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Kent ADAMS, Karthik N. KARATHUR, Anthony NERRIS
  • Materials and Methods for the Efficient Dispersion of Nanoparticles
    Publication number: 20220411648
    Abstract: This present invention relates to compositions and methods of enhancing the dispersion of nanoparticles. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods can be used for enhancing the performance and/or longevity of primers using biochemical-producing microbes and/or byproducts synthesized by the microbes. In certain embodiments, the addition of biosurfactants can enhance the dispersion of pigments and/or other nanoparticles, as well as inhibition of stain or color bleeding through the primer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Jonathan ROGERS
  • Methods for Isolating Single-Molecule Products
    Publication number: 20220403319
    Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for producing, isolating, extracting and purifying single-molecule products. The subject invention provides materials and methods for extracting microbial metabolites at a high level of purity, for example, a purity of at least 80% by weight, and preferably at least 95% by weight or more. Specifically, the subject invention provides materials and methods for isolating or extracting biosurfactants and polyketides at a high level of purity. Preferably, the biosurfactant is a sophorolipid (SLP).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK
  • Compositions for Replacing Chemical Surfactants
    Publication number: 20220403439
    Abstract: The subject invention provides methods and compositions for replacing chemical surfactants for use in a wide variety of industrial applications. More specifically, the subject invention provides for the production of multi-functional biological surface-active compositions having one or more precise functional characteristics based on the desired use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: Ken ALIBEK, Sean FARMER, Sergey KRAVTSOV
  • Microbial Products and Uses Thereof to Improve Oil Recovery
    Publication number: 20220389303
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods of microbial enhanced oil recovery using biochemical-producing microbes. In specific embodiments, the methods of the subject invention comprise applying a biosurfactant-producing bacteria and/or a growth by-product thereof to an oil-producing site. In preferred embodiments, the bacteria is a strain of Bacillus in spore form. In some embodiments, the methods further comprise applying the bacteria with a yeast fermentation product, an alkaline compound, a polymer, a non-biological surfactant, and/or one or more chelating agents. Advantageously, the subject invention can be useful for stimulating the flow of oil from a well, as well as dissolving scale present in an oil-bearing formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken Alibek, Sharmistha Mazumder, Kent Adams, Tyler Dixon, Yajie Chen, Maja Milovanovic
  • Compositions and Methods for Promoting Plant Health
    Publication number: 20220386623
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for controlling infections in plants. In particular, the subject invention relates to treatments for bacterial or fungal infections affecting plant vascular systems using microbes and/or their growth by-products, such as biosurfactants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Paul ZORNER, Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK
  • METHODS FOR PREVENTING AND/OR TREATING GERD, HEARTBURN AND/OR GASTROESOPHAGEAL ACID REFLUX
    Publication number: 20220387521
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating or preventing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and related conditions. The subject invention utilizes a composition comprising digestive enzymes, one or more probiotic bacteria, and microbe-based products that can be administered to a subject in need thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: MIRELL NAOMI LEFKOWITZ, VICTOR A. PERONI, SEAN FARMER, ANDREW R. LEFKOWITZ
  • Compositions and Methods for Paraffin Liquefaction and Enhanced Oil Recovery in Oil Wells and Associated Equipment
    Publication number: 20220372364
    Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions comprising solvents and surfactants, as well as their use in improving oil and/or gas production. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise chemical or synthetic solvents and/or surfactants. In other embodiments, the compositions comprise biological components, such as microorganisms and/or their growth by-products. The subject invention can be used to dissolve, disperse and/or emulsify paraffin precipitates and/or deposits; prevent and/or inhibit paraffin deposition; remove rust deposits and prevent corrosion associated therewith; inhibit bacterial growth and/or biofilm formation; and to enhance oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Tyler DIXON, Karthik N. KARATHUR
  • Microbe-Based Products for Enhancing Growth and Phytocannabinoid Content of Cannabis
    Publication number: 20220369647
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for enhancing plant health, growth, yields and/or CBD content of Cannabis plants using a combination of microbes and/or their growth by-products. Specifically, in one embodiment, the subject invention utilizes Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NRRL B-67928.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Paul S. ZORNER, Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Alex FOTSCH, Samal IBRAGIMOVA
  • Microbe-Based Products for Enhancing Plant Root and Immune Health
    Publication number: 20220363607
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for enhancing plant immunity, health, growth and yields using a combination of microbes and/or their growth by-products. Specifically, the subject invention enhances plant health, growth and/or yields using a combination of a Trichoderma spp. fungus and a Bacillus spp. bacterium. Specifically, in one embodiment, the subject invention utilizes Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Paul S. ZORNER, Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Samal IBRAGIMOVA
  • Improved Methods for Purification of Sophorolipids
    Publication number: 20220364136
    Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for producing and purifying sophorolipids (SLP). More specifically, the subject invention provides materials and methods for the purification of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic SLP molecules to a purity of, for example, at least 80% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, without using solvents or centrifugation. Advantageously, the subject invention is suitable for industrial scale production of purified SLP for use in, for example, cleaning products and detergents, and uses safe and environmentally-friendly materials and processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Ken ALIBEK, Sean FARMER
  • Reactor for Two-Stage Liquid-Solid State Fermentation of Microorganisms
    Publication number: 20220356441
    Abstract: In preferred embodiments, the subject invention provides two-vessel fermentation systems for producing microbe-based products comprising fungal mycelia and/or spores, and/or bacterial endospores, wherein the systems comprise both a submerged fermentation vessel and a solid state fermentation (SSF) vessel. Advantageously use of the two phases improves the efficiency of producing microorganisms by catering to the different requirements for biomass and/or vegetative cell accumulation as well as the requirements for mycelial growth and/or sporulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK
  • Materials and Methods for Recovering Oil from Oil Sands
    Publication number: 20220340807
    Abstract: The present invention provides environmentally-friendly compositions and methods for recovering oil from oil sands. The present invention can also be used for reducing the viscosity and/or increasing the API gravity of oil. In specific embodiments, the invention utilizes compositions comprising biochemical-producing microorganisms and microbial growth by-products, such as biosurfactants, as well as cavitation, to enhance oil recovery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Karthik N. KARATHUR
  • Materials and methods for reducing viscosity of oil
    Patent number: 11479711
    Abstract: The invention provides environmentally-friendly compositions and methods for reducing the viscosity of crude oil using microorganisms and/or biosurfactants produced by microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: LOCUS OIL IP COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Sharmistha Mazumder, Kent Adams, Tyler Dixon, Yajie Chen, Karthik N. Karathur, Nicholas Callow, Blake Ott, Anthony Nerris
  • Production and cryopreservation of high concentration inocula
    Patent number: 11479749
    Abstract: The subject invention provides standardized, high concentration inocula in solid form for use as seed cultures in scaled-up cultivation. Further embodiments include methods of producing standardized inocula, as well as methods of preserving and storing the inocula for convenient use over extended periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: LOCUS IP COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Ken Alibek, Sean Farmer, Alibek Moldakozhayev
  • Methods and substances for prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
    Patent number: 11478494
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of neurological disorders. In particular, the present invention can be used for treating and/or preventing the symptoms and/or comorbidities of neurodegenerative conditions, diseases or disorders, such as, for example, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: LOCUS IP COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Alibek Moldakozhayev, Albina Tskhay
  • Compositions and methods for microbial enhanced digestion of polymers in fracking wells
    Patent number: 11473007
    Abstract: The present invention provides environmentally-friendly compositions and methods for degrading polymers used in fracking operations to enhance the recovery of oil and gas. Specifically, the compositions and methods utilized microorganisms and/or their growth by-products to degrade polymers, such as PGA, PLA and PAM, used in fracking wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: LOCUS OIL IP COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Kent Adams, Karthik N. Karathur