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).

  • MICROBIAL PRODUCTS AND THEIR USE IN BIOREMEDIATION AND TO REMOVE PARAFFIN AND OTHER CONTAMINATING SUBSTANCES FROM OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING EQUIPMENT
    Publication number: 20210363407
    Abstract: The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use in simultaneously enhancing oil recovery from an oil well while efficiently removing contaminating compositions such as biofilm, scale, paraffin, and/or asphaltenes from oil production equipment and oil-bearing formations. The subject invention can also be used to disperse paraffin and asphaltene precipitates, and to reduce the viscosity of heavy crude oil. The subject invention further provides materials and methods for bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Kent ADAMS, Karthik N. KARATHUR
  • Treatment of Mosaic Viruses and Bacterial Infections of Plants
    Publication number: 20210360932
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for treating certain plant pathogens using microbe-based products. In particular, the subject invention relates to treatment of plant pathogenic viruses, including mosaic virus, as well as plant pathogenic bacteria, using beneficial microbes and/or their growth by-products. In certain embodiments, the growth by-products are biosurfactants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Alibek MOLDAKOZHAYEV
  • Materials and methods for the control of nematodes
    Patent number: 11172669
    Abstract: The invention provides materials and method for controlling pests, in particular, nematodes. The invention also provides compositions comprising biosurfactants as pesticides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: LOCUS AGRICULTURE IP COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Paul S. Zorner, Ken Alibek, Maja Milovanovic, Sharmistha Mazumder, Tyler Dixon, Alex Fotsch
  • Compositions and methods for reducing hydrogen sulfide and microbial influenced corrosion in crude oil, natural gas, and in associated equipment
    Patent number: 11155746
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for reducing hydrogen sulfide and/or mercaptans in oil and/or natural gas as well as for reducing microbial induced corrosion (“MIC”) in oil and gas production environments. In particular, the subject invention provides environmentally-friendly compositions and methods for reducing hydrogen sulfide in oil and natural gas environments by controlling biocorrosive bacteria, such as SRB, therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: LOCUS OIL IP COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, Ken Alibek, Karthik N. Karathur, Anthony Nerris, Martin R. Shumway, Nicholas Callow, Ryan McGonagle, Don Kreager, Yajie Chen
  • Compositions and Methods for Reducing Atmospheric Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emissions
    Publication number: 20210315952
    Abstract: The subject invention provides compositions and methods for reducing atmospheric methane and/or nitrous oxide emissions using livestock feed additives and/or supplements. In preferred embodiments, a composition comprising a beneficial microorganism and/or a growth by-product thereof is contacted with animal feed and/or drinking water prior to the animal ingesting it. The composition is capable of, for example, controlling methanogenic microorganisms within the animal's digestive system, and thus, reducing the amount of enteric methane emissions produced from the animal and from the animal's waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Paul S ZORNER
  • Compositions and Methods for Feeding Domesticated Animals
    Publication number: 20210307361
    Abstract: The subject invention provides methods and compositions for feeding domesticated animals. In certain embodiments, compositions comprising a microorganism and/or a microbial growth by-products is contacted with an animal's food and/or drinking water. Preferably, the growth by-product is a biosurfactant. Advantageously, the subject invention can promote good health and well-being in a domesticated animal by, for example, enhancing the animal's immune system, promoting digestive health, providing nutrients to the animal and promoting dental/oral cavity health. Furthermore, the subject invention can be used to prolong the shelf life of pet food and prevent contamination of food from deleterious microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK
  • MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR MAINTAINING INDUSTRIAL, MECHANICAL AND RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT
    Publication number: 20210309941
    Abstract: The subject invention provides yeast-based products, as well as their use to improve industrial production and performance by, for example, efficiently cleaning contaminating and/or fouling substances such as FOG, biofilm, paraffin, and/or asphaltenes from industrial equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK
  • Compositions and Methods for Paraffin Liquefaction and Enhanced Oil Recovery in Oil Wells and Associated Equipment
    Publication number: 20210301191
    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: April 30, 2019
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Anthony NERRIS, Tyler DIXON, Karthik N. KARATHUR
  • Compositions and Methods for Enhanced Oil Recovery from Low Permeability Formations
    Publication number: 20210292637
    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: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Andrew R LEFKOWITZ, Karthik N KARATHUR, Martin R SHUMWAY, Alibek MOLDAKOZHAYEV
  • Yeast-Based Compositions for Enhancing Rhizosphere Properties and Plant Health
    Publication number: 20210292255
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for enhancing plant immunity, health, growth and yields, as well as enhancing rhizosphere properties, using beneficial microbes and/or their growth by-products. Specifically, the subject invention enhances plant health, growth and/or yields by applying a yeast-based composition to the plant (e.g., the roots) and/or its surrounding environment (e.g., the soil). Specifically, in one embodiment, the subject invention utilizes the killer yeast Wickerhamomyces anomalus and/or a species related closely thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Paul ZORNER, Samal IBRAGIMOVA
  • All-in-One Distributed and Portable Fermentation Systems with Platform for Holding Same
    Publication number: 20210269760
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing microbe-based compositions that can be used in the oil and gas industry, environmental cleanup, as well as for other applications are provided. More specifically, a moveable all-in-one system for producing microorganisms and/or metabolites is provided. The system can be delivered to a fermentation site in a ready-to-use state, such that on-site fermentation can be initiated in a short period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK
  • Materials and Methods for Enhanced Carbon Utilization and/or Sequestration as well as Reducing Deleterious Atmospheric Gases
    Publication number: 20210267214
    Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods for reducing deleterious atmospheric gases, such as greenhouse gases. In specific embodiments, the reduction in deleterious atmospheric gases is achieved via enhanced vegetative carbon utilization and storage, as well as increased carbon sequestration in soil. In some embodiments, the subject invention can be used for reducing the number of carbon credits used by an operator involved in, e.g., agriculture, livestock production, waste management or other industries. In certain embodiments, the subject invention provides customizable microbe-based products, as well as methods of using these microbe-based products for reduction of greenhouse gases and/or enhanced sequestration of carbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Paul S. ZORNER, Karthik N. KARATHUR, Keith HEIDECORN
  • CONCRETE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING SAME
    Publication number: 20210261459
    Abstract: This present invention relates to compositions to improve concrete using biochemical-producing microbes and/or byproducts synthesized by the microbes. The invention also relates to methods for enhancing the performance of the concrete with said microbial strains and/or their byproducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: KEN ALIBEK, SEAN FARMER, SERGEY KRAVTSOV
  • MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING VISCOSITY OF OIL
    Publication number: 20210198554
    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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Sharmistha MAZUMDER, Kent ADAMS, Tyler DIXON, Yajie CHEN, Karthik N. KARATHUR, Nicholas CALLOW, Blake OTT, Anthony NERRIS
  • Matrix Fermentation Systems and Methods for Producing Microbe-Based Products
    Publication number: 20210180000
    Abstract: The subject invention provides methods of producing advantageous microbes and/or by-products using a modified form of solid-state fermentation, or matrix fermentation. In particular, the methods utilize foodstuff mixed with liquid nutrient medium to produce a three-dimensional scaffold substrate having ample surface area on which the microbes can grow. The methods can be used to cultivate yeasts, fungi and bacteria at high concentrations without susceptibility to total contamination. The subject invention can be used in remote locations and can be transported with ease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Sharmistha MAZUMDER, Maja MILOVANOVIC, Alibek MOLDAKOZHAYEV
  • Compositions and Methods for Removing Sludge from Oil Storage Tanks
    Publication number: 20210179974
    Abstract: The subject invention provides microbe-based products, as well as their use to improve oil production and oil transmission and refining by, for example, remediating the disposable layers in oil tanks and other oil storage units. The subject invention can be used to remediate a sludge layer and/or other dissolved solid layers that form in oil storage tanks. Advantageously, the subject invention can decrease the cost of mechanical remediation of disposable layers, and aid in the recover), of more pure hydrocarbons from crude fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK
  • Methods for Paraffin Removal and Extended Post-Primary Oil Recovery
    Publication number: 20210179925
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a three-part method for increasing the amount of oil recovered from an oil well, the method comprising (1) paraffin removal; (2) gas release; and (3) plugging. The combination of parts provides for enhanced oil recovery over an extended period of time, for example two weeks or longer. In preferred embodiments, the subject invention utilizes microorganisms and/or their growth by-products, as well as other environmentally-friendly compounds, to enhance oil recovery by removing paraffin deposits from a well and providing controlled production of carbon dioxide in the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Karthik N. KARATHUR, Andrew R. LEFKOWITZ, Anthony NERRIS, Tyler DIXON, Alibek MOLDAKOZHAYEV, Martin R. SHUMWAY
  • Methods for Liberating Phosphorus from Organic Matter
    Publication number: 20210161981
    Abstract: The subject invention provides microbe-based compositions comprising biologically pure yeasts, and/or one or more microbial growth by-products, such as enzymes. In certain embodiments, the enzymes are phytases. Methods of using these compositions to liberate phosphates from phytic acid-containing organic matter are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Sean FARMER, Ken ALIBEK, Paul S ZORNER, Alibek MOLDAKOZHAYEV
  • INACTIVATED BACILLUS COAGULANTS AND USES THEREOF FOR REDUCING STRESS
    Publication number: 20210161975
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides compositions and methods comprising inactivated, non-viable, or dead Bacillus coagulans bacteria for the prevention or treatment of stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Sean Farmer, David Keller, Howard Cash
  • INACTIVATED BACILLUS COAGULANS AND USES THEREOF FOR INCREASING PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE
    Publication number: 20210154242
    Abstract: The present subject matter provides, inter alia, compositions and methods comprising inactivated, non-viable, or dead Bacillus coagulans bacteria such as whole dead bacterial spores and/or cells and/or particles that comprise inactivated, non-viable, or dead Bacillus coagulans bacteria. Compositions and methods comprising Bacillus coagulans peptidoglycan and/or lipoteichoic acid are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: David Keller, Howard Cash, Sean Farmer