Cleaning Using A Micro-organism Or Enzyme Patents (Class 435/264)
  • Patent number: 6576454
    Abstract: The present invention relates to modified enzymes with one or more amino acid residues from an enzyme being replaced by cysteine residues, where at least some of the cysteine residues are modified by replacing thiol hydrogen in the cysteine residue with a thiol side chain to form a modified enzyme, wherein the modified enzyme has high esterase and low amidase activity. Also, a method of producing the modified enzymes is provided. The present invention also relates to a method for using the modified enzymes in peptide synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Governing Council of the University of Toronto
    Inventor: J. Bryan Jones
  • Patent number: 6571810
    Abstract: Provided is a “parts washer” that includes a fluid that performs a cleaning function and maintains the viability of microorganisms in the fluid which biodegrade organic material in contact with a biological component, the parts. “Parts” include objects befouled with organic material and/or particulate matter. The cleaning fluid includes a surfactant that functions to separate organic waste from the parts being washed. A multi-tiered basin houses the cleaning fluid and the biological component living within the fluid that breaks down organic wastes produced by the cleaning fluid. The multi-tiered basin which forms the mechanical component of the washer, includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter to support microorganisms interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignees: Zymo International, Inc., ChemFree Corporation
    Inventors: James C. McClure, J. Leland Strange
  • Publication number: 20030100101
    Abstract: A composition for simultaneous cleaning and decontaminating a device. The composition is a per-compound oxidant in an amount effective for decontaminating the device and an enzyme in an amount effective for cleaning the device. The device may be a medical device such as an endoscope or kidney dialyzer and a plurality of devices can be cleaned using the same composition. The composition may additionally contain a corrosion inhibitor in an amount effective to prevent corrosion of a metal, a chelator, a buffer, a dye and combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Metrex Research Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley William Huth, Zhi-Jian Yu
  • Patent number: 6564813
    Abstract: A process is presented for cleaning fermentation or storage tanks with an enzyme-containing formulation containing one or more laccases, peroxidases, oxireductases, transferases, isomerases, lyases, and ligases or a mixture thereof. The process provides improved cleaning results, water consumption, and waste water pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Marion Lengling, Harald Kluschanzoff
  • Patent number: 6551358
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treatment of cellulosic material, as for example, knitted or woven cotton fabric, comprising the steps of preparing an aqueous enzyme solution comprising pectinase, treating the cellulosic material with an effective amount of the aqueous enzyme solution under alkaline scouring conditions; e.g., pH of 9 or above and a temperature of 50° C. or above, in a low calcium or calcium-free environment, yielding a modification of the cellulosic material such that exhibits an enhanced respond to a subsequent chemical treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Carl Andrew Miller, Steen Skjold Jorgensen, Eric W. Otto, Niels K. Lange, Brian Condon, Jiyin Liu
  • Patent number: 6544941
    Abstract: A dishwashing composition for removing protein soils is described. The dishwashing composition has a serine protease and a metallo-protease and displays protein soil removal when applied to soiled utensils in domestic, industrial and hand dishwashing cleaning applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Christine Marie Nixon Lee, Naresh Dhirajlal Ghatlia
  • Patent number: 6541233
    Abstract: A &bgr;-Glucanase enzyme capable of hydrolytically cleaving mixed glucans is presented. The &bgr;-Glucanase is sufficiently stable under alkaline conditions for use in industrial cleaning processes, especially in the brewing industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hillen, Karl-Heinz Mauer
  • Publication number: 20030059926
    Abstract: A contaminant eco-remedy (1) has a colloid-active detergent with colloidal microspheres of a predetermined particle size in an alkanol amide. The alkanol amide is prepared by condensation of a predetermined vegetable fatty acid with an alkanol amine, ethanol, distilled water, and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid in predetermined proportions. The vegetable fatty acid has a saponification value of about 271 and an acid value of about 269. The colloid-active detergent is diluted with specific concentration of water, nutrients and oxidative agents for degradation and enhanced bioremediation of organic compounds that are oxidation-reduced to non-contaminant mixtures containing nitrates, carbon dioxide, oxygen and water. From organic contaminants containing chlorine and sulphur groups, the non-contaminant mixtures may contain HCL, NACL, H2S, and SO3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Fernando A. deTorres
  • Publication number: 20030049832
    Abstract: The invention discloses a Gram-positive microorganism, Bacillus megaterium, that effectively and efficiently degrades fats, oils and grease. A composition comprising said microorganism and a method for degrading fatty acids and grease are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Jess Lind Tisinger, David Joseph Drahos, Jonathan Leder, Domenic Anthony Paone
  • Patent number: 6530386
    Abstract: A method for cleaning returnable bottles and similar containers used in the food industry. The method uses an enzymatic solution during the cleaning process. The cleaning results are at least as good as conventional methods, without requiring an increase in the duration of cleaning. The method substantially reduces bottle corrosion and waste water pollution compared to conventional methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Henkel Ecolab GmbH & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Siegfried Bragulla, Brian Glanville, Andreas Potthoff, Harald Kluschanzoff, Alfred Laufenberg
  • Patent number: 6524576
    Abstract: The present invention discloses: (i) a non-pathogenic probiotic microorganism and its probiotic/therapeutic uses; (ii) a formulation comprising an aqueous solution of a volatile fraction (VF) prepared from the extract of at least one plant derived material and its therapeutic uses; (iii) a process of manufacturing the formulation from the plant derived material; (iv) a probiotic composition comprising the non-pathogenic probiotic microorganism of the invention and/or other probiotic microorganism(s) and the formulation of the invention, and its probiotic/therapeutic uses; (v) a composition for industrial applications comprising the formulation of the invention and microorganism(s) of industrial applicability; and (vi) industrial processes and apparatuses in which the latter composition is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: The Bio Balance Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Olshenitsky, Genadi Buchman
  • Publication number: 20030032568
    Abstract: A machine cleaner tablet comprising from about 10 to about 75% of a limescale remover acid, from about 1 to about 20% of low foaming non-ionic surfactant, from about 0.5 to about 5% of a detergency enzyme and wherein the tablet has a pH measured as a 1% solution in distilled water at 20° C. in the range from about 1 to about 5. The tablet is used for cleaning the inter of automatic dishwashers, food processing machines and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher James Binder
  • Patent number: 6500658
    Abstract: An isolated or purified polypeptide having xyloglucanase activity which is obtained from a strain of the genus Malbranchea and has xyloglucanase activity in the pH range 4-11, measured at 50° C.; and/or a molecular mass of 25±10 kDa, as determined by SDS-PAGE; and/or an isoelectric point (pI) in the range 3-5; and/or an N-terminal sequence Ala-Asp-Phe-Cys-Gly-Gln-Xaa-Asp-Ser-Glu-Gln-Ser-Gly-Pro-Tyr-Ile-Val-Tyr-Asn-Asn-Leu is useful in industrial applications such as in laundry detergent compositions and for treatment of textiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Novozymes, A/S
    Inventors: Wenping Wu, Martin Schulein, Markus Sakari Kauppinen, Mary Ann Stringer
  • Publication number: 20020177220
    Abstract: Improved, non-chlorinated systems and methods for removing soils from hard surfaces are provided wherein such surfaces are initially contacted with a first aqueous use dispersion including a protease enzyme, followed by contact the surface with a second aqueous acidic use dispersion. The enzyme dispersion preferably includes a polyol such as propylene glycol and in use is heated to a temperature up to about 120° C. The acid dispersion may include a surfactant and is also used in a heated condition. The two-component systems of the invention can be used for CIP treatment of dairy or other equipment in lieu chlorinated cleaning agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Alan R. Monken
  • Publication number: 20020164775
    Abstract: Applying bacterial spores to fabric to rid the fabric of allergens. The spores are allowed to remain on the fabric for an extended period of time after application so as to continuously rid the fabric of allergens. Also, contemplated by this invention is applying the spores to a surface to rid the surface of allergens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Charles Christopher Swensen
  • Patent number: 6475290
    Abstract: A method for the cleaning of a substrate having an organic compound such as a hydrogenic compound thereon, the method comprising the step of applying to the substrate a composition comprising a lignosulfonate and a microbially effective amount of microorganisms in an aqueous solution. The method is ideally practiced to achieve the microbial degradation of hydrocarbons and can be used as a parts washing solution and for cleaning substrates such as floors, decks of vessels, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Earth Alive Resources Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Jones
  • Patent number: 6472199
    Abstract: Improved, non-chlorinated systems and methods for removing soils from hard surfaces are provided wherein such surfaces are initially contacted with a first aqueous use dispersion including a protease enzyme, followed by contact the surface with a second aqueous acidic use dispersion. The enzyme dispersion preferably includes a polyol such as propylene glycol and in use is heated to a temperature up to about 120° C. The acid dispersion may include a surfactant and is also used in a heated condition. The two-component systems of the invention can be used for CIP treatment of dairy or other equipment in lieu chlorinated cleaning agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: West Agro, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan R. Monken
  • Patent number: 6468472
    Abstract: A composition for cleaning and decontaminating medical devices such as dialyzers. A per-compound oxidant, for example, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and/or peracetic acid, is mixed with a buffer such as dipotassium hydrogen phosphate. The pH of the composition is between about 5-11. The composition effectively cleans the device, can achieve high level disinfection and sterilization of the device and is non-corrosive to plastics and adhesives used in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Metrex Research Corporation
    Inventors: Zhi-Jian Yu, Stanley William Huth
  • Patent number: 6451125
    Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from tile sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignees: Chemfree Corporation, Zymo International, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. McClure, Thomas W. McNally, J. Leland Strange
  • Patent number: 6451585
    Abstract: A process for pre-emptive potential in bioremediation of oil spills comprising the steps of fabricating cells of micro-organisms capable of degrading hydrocarbons, encapsulating the cells into pods dissolvable in a non-hydrocarbon environment such as water, introducing the pods into a body of petroleum contained in a vessel which if unintentionally fractured to release the body of petroleum into the non-hydrocarbon environment will also release the cells, causing the cells to open and allow the micro-organism to degrade the hydrocarbon and consume the oil spill. The process may also include the step of recovering pods which are not released into the non-hydrocarbon environment from the body of petroleum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Leon Kirschner
  • Patent number: 6448062
    Abstract: A composition for simultaneous cleaning and decontaminating a device. The composition is a per-compound oxidant in an amount effective for decontaminating the device and an enzyme in an amount effective for cleaning the device. The device may be a medical device such as an endoscope or kidney dialyzer and a plurality of devices can be cleaned using the same composition. The composition may additionally contain a corrosion inhibitor in an amount effective to prevent corrosion of a metal, a chelator, a buffer, a dye and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Metrex Research Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley William Huth, Zhi-Jian Yu
  • Patent number: 6440226
    Abstract: Provided is a system for parts washing that includes a fluid that performs a cleaning function and maintains the viability of microorganisms in the fluid that biodegrade the organic matter removed from the parts. “Parts” include objects such as automotive parts befouled with organic matter and particulate matter. The cleaning fluid includes a surfactant that functions to separate organic waste from the parts being washed. The cleaning fluid is both in a cleaning area and in a housing for microorganisms. A heater, thermostat, and a level control assembly function to maintain the cleaning fluid within a certain temperature range so as to maintain a proper environment for the microorganisms. The fluid recirculates from the microorganism housing to the parts cleaning area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignees: Zyma International, Inc., ChemFree Corporation
    Inventors: James C. McClure, J. Leland Strange, Thomas W. McNally, Francis A. Marks
  • Publication number: 20020106351
    Abstract: A method of reducing or eliminating off-flavor in water or fish by controlling cyanobacteria or algae in the water wherein cyanobacteria or algae produce agents that cause the off-flavor. The cyanobacteria or algae are susceptible to a new Bacterium SG-3 which heretofore has not been identified or recognized as a useful agent in controlling cyanobacteria or algae. By simply treating a body of water having an off-flavor with a pathogenic bacterium such as Bacterium SG-3, the off-flavor is reduced or eliminated. Commercial fisheries or nurseries which produce channel catfish for human consumption will benefit from using this environmentally friendly Bacterium SG-3 to reduce or eliminate off-flavor in the catfish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Harrell L. Walker, Lawrence R. Higginbotham
  • Patent number: 6420165
    Abstract: A biologically pure culture of a microorganism is provided designated SH2A and deposited under ATCC Accession No. 55926, or a mutant derived therefrom. Further provided is a biologically pure culture of a microorganism designated SH2B and deposited under ATCC Accession No. 202050, or a mutant derived therefrom. A method of degrading an organic material such as sludge is carried out by treating the organic material with an effective, degrading amount of either SH2A or a mutant derived therefrom, or SH2B or a mutant derived therefrom. The microorganism designated SH2A or a mutant derived therefrom, or SH2B or a mutant derived therefrom, is grown by culturing the microorganism at a temperature and in a medium effective to promote growth of the microorganism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Bernard I. Weinstein, David Figurski, Sadayori Hoshina, Koji Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 6420149
    Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical preparations for anti-inflammation, anti-infection, inhibition of cancer metastasis etc., foods such as dairy products etc., and a method for improving proteins, as well as a method for diagnosis of inflammatory diseases and cancer malignancy. According to the present invention, there can be provided a polypeptide having poly-N-acetyllactosamine sugar chains synthesis-related activity, a process for producing the polypeptide, DNA coding for the polypeptide, a process for producing the DNA, a recombinant vector having the DNA integrated therein, a transformant carrying the recombinant vector, an antibody recognizing the polypeptide, a process for producing poly-N-acetyllactosamine sugar chains by use of the DNA or the polypeptide, diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as inflammations, cancers etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignees: Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd., The Burnham Institute
    Inventors: Minoru Fukuda, Katsutoshi Sasaki, Kazumi Miura, Satoshi Nakagawa, Tatsunari Nishi, Susumu Sekine
  • Patent number: 6410304
    Abstract: A method of biotreating a solid material to remove an undesired compound using a nonstirred surface bioreactor is provided. According to the method the surface of a plurality of coarse substrates is coated with a solid material to be biotreated to form a plurality of coated coarse substrates. The coarse substrates have a particle size greater than about 0.3 cm and the solid material to be biotreated has a particle size less than about 250 &mgr;m. A nonstirred surface reactor is then formed by stacking the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a heap or placing the plurality of coated coarse substrates into a tank so that the void volume of the reactor is greater than or equal to about 25%. The reactor is inoculated with a microorganism capable of degrading the undesired compound in the solid material, and the solid material is then biotreated in the surface bioreactor until the undesired compound in the solid material is degraded to a desired concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Geobiotics, LLC
    Inventor: William J. Kohr
  • Patent number: 6410290
    Abstract: Catalase enzymes derived from bacteria from the genera Alcaligenes (Deleya) and Microscilla are disclosed. The enzymes are produced from native or recombinant host cells and can be utilized to destroy or detect hydrogen peroxide, e.g., in production of glyoxylic acid and in glucose sensors, and in processes where hydrogen peroxide is used as a bleaching or antibacterial agent, e.g. in contact lens cleaning, in bleaching steps in pulp and paper preparation and in the pasteurization of dairy products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Diversa Corporation
    Inventors: Dan E. Robertson, Indrajit Sanyal, Robert S. Adhikary
  • Publication number: 20020074019
    Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Chemfree Corporation and Zymo International, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. McClure, Thomas W. McNally, Francis A. Marks, J. Leland Strange
  • Patent number: 6403365
    Abstract: A process for treating hydrocarbon-containing effluents that comprise isoalkanes to reduce the hydrocarbon concentration at least partly is described, characterized in that in the presence of a suitable substrate, a Corynebacterium urealyticum CIP-I-2126 bacterium is grown, and the hydrocarbons that are contained in the effluents are degraded by the biomass of said bacteria that is thus produced. Application for pollution control of water and soil contaminated by hydrocarbons and optionally by ethers that come from a gasoline, kerosene and/or gas oil fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Floriane Solano-Serena, Rémy Marchal, Jean-Paul Vandecasteele
  • Patent number: 6399351
    Abstract: A novel pectate lyase belonging to a novel family of polysaccharide lyases has good performance in industrial processes under neutral or alkaline conditions such as laundering and textile processing. The pectate lyase may be derivable from Bacillus species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Mads Eskelund Bjørnvad, Jens Toenne Andersen, Kirk Schnorr, Martin Schülein, Lars Kongsbak
  • Patent number: 6395533
    Abstract: Microorganisms are recovered from soil by suspending a soil sample containing the microorganisms in a buffer solution comprising an organic acid of 3 or more carbon atoms, and then separating the microorganisms into supernatant of the suspension. Furthermore, the citrate buffer is a citric acid and a salt of citric acid. Also microorganisms are separated from the soil particles and recovered from the suspension by centrifugation or electrophoresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Kawaguchi, Etsuko Sugawa, Akira Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 6395532
    Abstract: The present invention relates to modified enzymes with one or more amino acid residues from an enzyme being replaced by cysteine residues, where at least some of the cysteine residues are modified by replacing thiol hydrogen in the cysteine residue with a thiol side chain to form a modified enzyme, wherein the modified enzyme has high esterase and low amidase activity. Also, a method of producing the modified enzymes is provided. The present invention also relates to a method for using the modified enzymes in peptide synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignees: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Bryan Jones
  • Patent number: 6374835
    Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignees: Chemfree Corporation, Zymo International, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. McClure, Thomas W. McNally, Francis A. Marks, J. Leland Strange
  • Publication number: 20020037236
    Abstract: A method of sterilizing an instrument having an exterior and a proximal end in a chamber of a sterilizing apparatus, the method including the following steps: washing the instrument with a rinse fluid; removing bio-burden from the instrument with a bio-burden removing fluid; stabilizing a sterilization temperature at which sterilization of the instrument occurs; sterilizing the instrument; a first rinsing of the instrument with the rinse fluid; and a first drying of the instrument. The sterilizing step includes: applying to the instrument a first application of a sterilizing fluid at a first predetermined flow rate and applying to the instrument a second application of the sterilizing fluid at a second predetermined flow rate. The first application includes a first predetermined sequence of pulses of the sterilizing fluid and a driving fluid. The second application includes a plurality of pulses of the sterilizing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: SERMED INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Roberto M. Sergio, Winfield Wood
  • Publication number: 20020028492
    Abstract: Process for the oxidation of hydrocarbons having 2 to 20 carbon atoms using microorganisms such as bacterial strains such as Rhodococcus ruber KB1, Rhodococcus ruber DSM 7511, Rhodococcus ruber SW 3 or Arthrobacter sp. 11075, their natural mutants or genetically modified mutants. The process can be used for producing oxidation products of hydrocarbons such as alcohols with improved selectivity, and for cleaning up water or soil samples contaminated with hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: Creavis Gesellschaft Fuer Techn. Und Innov. MBH
    Inventors: Hiltrud Lenke, Laura Linja, Ute Sieglen, Adolf Kuehnle, Mark Duda
  • Publication number: 20020028501
    Abstract: A commercial and institutional kitchen retrofit system for 1. the automatic daily cleaning of commercial kitchen exhaust hoods and flues, 2. a low pressure, low volume, recirculating cleaning system designed for the removal of oily residue from hard surfaces and the accelerated bioremediation of the resulting collective hydrocarbon waste, 3. the collection and elimination of roof-top grease accumulations, 4. the systematic on site incubation and enhanced propagation of cultured, hydrocarbon specific, bacterial microorganisms in an automatically mixed aqueous solution containing PH neutral oxidizers and hydrocarbon base emulsifiers altogether, producing a regenerative, recyclable cleaning solution specifically developed for use in 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Pearson Vernie McMinn
  • Publication number: 20020025571
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the cultivation of chitin/chirosanrich, filamentous fungi with capacity to assimilate mannose as well as xylose, galactose, and glucose, wherein the cultivation of the filamentous fungi in a liquid medium extracted from wood in the production of paper whereupon the said filamentous fungi are recovered from the medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Lars Edebo
  • Patent number: 6350607
    Abstract: Compositions and processes useful for the treatment of macerated foodstuff waste products, particularly foodstuff waste solids macerated by a garbage disposal apparatus. The compositions comprise per gram: 0-25% wt. bacteria complex having at least 1.0×106 bacteria/gram of bacteria complex; 75-99.99% wt. of an enzyme mixture containing: at least 5×103 CDU/gram protease enzymes; at least 1.2×104 MWU/gram amylase enzymes; at least 1×102 LU/gram lipase enzymes; at least 1×103 CU/gram cellulase enzymes; 0-25% wt. of a preservative constituent, preferably propylene glycol; 0-25% wt. of one or more nonionic surfactants; 0-10% wt. of one or more optional constituents, selected from: coloring agents, fragrancing compositions, odor neutralizing compositions, micronutrients, pH adjusting agents, thickening agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Matthew Cooney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6346244
    Abstract: The present invention relates to protein disulfide isomerases which are encoded by a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes with (i) the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or (ii) the DNA sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, under the following conditions: presoaking in 5×SSC and prehybridizing for 1 h at ˜40° C. in a solution of 5×SSC, 5×Denhardt's solution, 50 mM sodium phosphate, pH 6.8, and 50 &mgr;g of denatured sonicated calf thymus DNA, followed by hybridization in the same solution supplemented with 50 &mgr;Ci 32-P-dCTP labelled probe for 18 h at ˜40° C. followed by washing three times in 2×SSC, 0.2% SDS at 40° C. for 30 minutes; and fragments thereof. The present invention also relates to DNA sequences encoding the protein disulfide isomerases, compositions comprising said protein disulfide isomerases and methods of use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Novozymes A/S
    Inventor: Carsten Mailand Hjort
  • Patent number: 6342386
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and/or paints containing hydrolytic enzyme(s), microorganism(s), or mixtures of the hydrolytic enzyme(s) and microorganism(s), wherein the microorganism or hydrolytic enzyme remove undesired growth from a surface. Such compositions and/or paints may contain a catalytically effective amount of an inorganic salt. Also disclosed are articles coated with the composition and/or paint. Finally, methods are disclosed for reducing fouling of a marine surface, for reducing marine corrosion, for limiting absorption of water by a marine surface, for reducing the coefficient of drag of a marine surface, removing marine growth from a marine surface, and for reducing mildew fungus on a marine surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventors: Warren Paul Powers, Thomas Allan Selvig, Richard Irwin Leavitt
  • Patent number: 6331432
    Abstract: A device for cleaning and sanitizing a food reservoir. The device includes two parts. The first part contains at least one or more enzymes and the second part contains one or more antimicrobial agents. The second part is isolated from the first part by a degradable barrier that is solid and stable under storage conditions but is adapted to decompose upon exposure to the aqueous conditions used for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Derrick Bautista, David Collins-Thompson
  • Patent number: 6328045
    Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignees: Chemfree Corporation, Zymo International, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Leland Strange
  • Patent number: 6326187
    Abstract: Soil, which is contaminated by one or more hydrophobic organic chemicals, can be cleaned or remediated using an aqueous composition with a surfactant prepared by reacting an alkenylsuccinic anhydride or acid with an amine acid or salt of an amine acid. The surfactant allows at least a portion of the hydrophobic organic chemical to be removed from the soil by becoming associated with the aqueous composition, which is then separated from the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Robert N. Jones, James H. Bush, Stuart L. Bartley, John J. Mullay, Gregory M. Mlachak
  • Patent number: 6318387
    Abstract: Provided is a system for parts washing that includes a fluid that performs a cleaning function and maintains the viability of microorganisms in the fluid that biodegrade the organic matter removed from the parts. “Parts” include objects such as automotive parts befouled with organic matter and particulate matter. The cleaning fluid includes a surfactant that functions to separate organic waste from the parts being washed. The cleaning fluid is both in a cleaning area and in a housing for microorganisms. A heater, thermostat, and a level control assembly function to maintain the cleaning fluid within a certain temperature range so as to maintain a proper environment for the microorganisms. The fluid recirculates from the microorganism housing to the parts cleaning area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignees: Advanced Bioremediation Systems, Inc., Chemfree Corporation
    Inventors: James C. McClure, J. Leland Strange, Thomas W. McNally, Francis A. Marks
  • Patent number: 6316249
    Abstract: Compositions, methods and apparatus (kits) for treating petroleum and petro-chemical based contaminants within expended filtration components, wherein the filtration components are exposed to water and a small concentrated volume of dormant bio-oxidizing medium comprising freeze-dried microorganisms on a freeze-dried substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Lasky, James H. Cornwell
  • Patent number: 6297033
    Abstract: A system for nitrate removal from aquariums, both fresh water and marine aquariums, by means of permeable polymeric beads which contain a combination of fermentative and denitrifying bacteria and a carbon source. Preferred beads are beads made from sodium alginate or chitosan. The bacteria, in the presence of the carbon source, are able to reduce nitrate to nitrogen gas. Bacteria which are not harmful to fish are used. The porous beads used in the process are novel and part of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
    Inventors: Jaap Van Rijn, Amos Nussinovitch, Joseph Tal
  • Patent number: 6284514
    Abstract: The invention relates to the new bacterial strain Corynebacterium sp. K2-17 and to a process for the microbial decontamination of materials polluted with compounds from the production of phenoxyalkanoic acid herbicides, such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxybutyric acid (DCPB), 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxybutyric acid (MCPB), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA), 2,4-dichlorophenol (DCP), and 4-chloro-2-methylphenol (MCP) in a pH range of from slightly acidic to strongly alkaline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: UFZ-Umweltforschungszentrum Leipzig-Halle GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Müller, Wolfgang Babel
  • Patent number: 6281002
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preserving aqueous solutions or dispersions containing organic substances, and to an apparatus for carrying out this method and the application of the method. Also a method of preserving aqueous solutions or dispersions comprising glue or starch is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Lumos Trading & Investments Corporation
    Inventor: Christine Möller-Bremer
  • Patent number: 6268196
    Abstract: Improved methods of treating cellulose containing fabrics with cellulase comprising contacting the cellulose fabrics with truncated cellulase enzyme. Treatment of cellulose containing fabrics with cellulase core domains of the invention are disclosed as offering specific advantages of reduced redeposition of dye and increased abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Genencor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Fowler, Kathleen A. Clarkson, Michael Ward, Katherine D. Collier, Edmund Larenas
  • Patent number: 6265191
    Abstract: Lipase is immobilized on surfaces to facilitate oil removal from the surfaces and to alter wettability of the surfaces. The lipase is isolatable from a Pseudomonas organism such as Pseudomonas putida ATCC 53552 or from an organism expressing a coding region found in or cloned from the Pseudomonas. A particularly preferred lipase has a molecular weight of about 30 to 35 kd and is resolvable as a single band by SDS gel electrophoresis. Lipase sorbed on fabric forms a fabric-lipase complex for oil stain removal. The lipase may be sorbed on fabric before or after an oil stain, and the lipase is active to hydrolyze an oil stain on dry fabric or fabric in laundering solutions. The sorbed lipase has enhanced stability to denaturation by surfactants and to heat deactivation, is resistant to removal from fabric during laundering, retains substantial activity after drying fabric at an elevated temperature, and retains activity during fabric storage or wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Eugene A. Mizusawa, Susan A. Anderson, Maha Y. El-Sayed, Daniel R. Leiske, Richard J. Wiersema, Chihae Yang