Patents by Inventor Stephen M. Decker

Stephen M. Decker 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).

  • Publication number: 20100297331
    Abstract: Foods containing microalgae biomass with high levels of lipid are disclosed. Examples of foods include sauces, dressings, spreads, mayonnaise, and other edible materials that contain microalgae, where the edible materials are traditionally associated with delivery of saturated fats and oils. Further provided by the invention are such microalgae-containing foods with reduced caloric load compared to traditional foods of the same type, and in various embodiments the novel foods have similar or identical organoleptic properties as full-fat versions of the foods. Also provided are methods of formulating and manufacturing the novel foods and for manufacturing microalgae-based intermediates for manufacturing the same. The novel foods and intermediates can be manufactured using existing fermentation and food processing equipment, and can replace existing food products with healthier microalgae-derived food that have desirable structural and organoleptic properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Solazyme, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Brooks, Scott Franklin, Jeff Avila, Stephen M. Decker, Enrique Baliu, Walter Rakitsky, John Piechocki, Dana Zdanis, Leslie M. Norris
  • Publication number: 20100297292
    Abstract: The invention provides unique and novel strains of microalgae that have been subjected to non-transgenic methods of mutation sufficient to reduce the coloration of biomass produced by the strains. Biomass produced from such strains can be used in the manufacture of baked goods, gluten free foods, beverages, high lipid algal flours, and other foods. Pigments such as carotenoids and chlorophyll can be undesirable for consumer acceptance when incorporated into foods such as mayonnaise, yogurt, and white sauces that are not traditionally associated with colors such as yellow, red, orange and green. Some pigments, such as chlorophyll, can also create undesirable taste profiles. Use of reduced pigment microalgal biomass expands the range of food products that can be manufactured with healthy lipid profiles. High protein containing biomass of the invention, also reduced in pigmentation, is also incorporated into products such as meat analogues, nutritional bars and meal replacement beverages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Solazyme, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Brooks, Scott Franklin, Jeff Avila, Stephen M. Decker, Enrique Baliu, Walter Rakitsky, John Piechocki, Dana Zdanis, Leslie M. Norris
  • Publication number: 20100297325
    Abstract: The compositions and methods of the invention relate to the creation of food products based on eggs, wherein the productions contain various raw materials made from microalgae in different forms. Some forms include high levels of monounsaturated oil, dietary fiber, carotenoids, and digestible crude protein. Provided herein are methods and compositions for enhancing food stability at elevated temperature during extended periods of storage in hydrated egg products. The microalgae-derived materials are provided as dry or hydrated homogenates made from heterotrophically produced microalgae of varying genera, species and strain. Weight/weight levels of saturated fats and cholesterol are reduced in egg products of the invention, while dietary fiber is increased. Blends of liquid or dried egg with liquid or dried algae are provided, as well as methods of manufacturing and formulating the blends. Unique combinations of egg whites and microalgae are also provided for manufacture of very low cholesterol egg products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Solazyme, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Brooks, Scott Franklin, Jeff Avila, Stephen M. Decker, Enrique Baliu, Walter Rakitsky, John Piechocki, Dana Zdanis, Leslie M. Norris
  • Publication number: 20100239712
    Abstract: The invention provides algal biomass, algal oil, food compositions comprising microalgal biomass, whole microalgal cells, and/or microalgal oil in combination with one or more other edible ingredients, and methods of making such compositions by combining algal biomass or algal oil with other edible ingredients. In preferred embodiments, the microalgal components are derived from microalgal cultures grown and propagated heterotrophically in which the algal cells comprise at least 10% algal oil by dry weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Solazyme, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Brooks, Scott Franklin, Jeff Avila, Stephen M. Decker, Enrique Baliu, Walter Rakitsky, John Piechocki, Dana Zdanis