Treating Animal Or Plant Material Or Micro-organism Patents (Class 435/267)
  • Publication number: 20140170218
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for treating or preventing prostate cancer or the recurrence thereof; including a non-aqueous extract of non-germinated broccoli seeds of the Brassica Oleracea Italica variety that are rich in sulforaphane. The extract is encapsulated by a compound selected from the group including acacia gum, maltodextrin, and the mixture thereof, and said composition can be provided in the form of a capsule, tablet, sugarcoated tablet, or film-coated tablet, and is orally administered one to three times a day at a daily dose of 2 to 200 mg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Theo Efstathiou, Nicolas Plu
  • Patent number: 8741625
    Abstract: Thermophilic microorganisms having a deodorizing ability for short chain fatty acids, which are the offensive odor components, are provided. Disclosed are thermophilic microorganisms having a deodorizing ability for short chain fatty acids, which belong to Bacillus licheniformis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuki Tada, Hibiki Matsushita, Toshiaki Kimura
  • Publication number: 20140147911
    Abstract: A prefabricated, multi-modal, bio-mimicry system that can be quickly deployed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Impact Bioenergy, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan Allen, Connor Folley, Thomas Kraemer
  • Patent number: 8728769
    Abstract: The invention relates to xylanases and to polynucleotides encoding the xylanases. In addition, methods of designing new xylanases and methods of use thereof are also provided. The xylanases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Steer, Walter Callen, Shaun Healey, Geoff Hazlewood, Di Wu, David Blum, Alireza Esteghlalian
  • Publication number: 20140134694
    Abstract: Solid waste that includes a mixture of wet organic material and dry organic material can be are separated using mechanical separation to produce a wet organic stream enriched in wet organics and a dry organic stream enriched in dry organics. The separated wet organic stream and dry organic stream are separately converted to renewable or recyclable products using different conversion techniques particularly suited for the separated wet and dry organic streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: ORGANIC ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: George Gitschel, Larry T. Buckle
  • Publication number: 20140087001
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the preparation of compositions comprising adipose tissue-derived secretions, for example those derived from bovine adipose tissue, and the use of such compositions in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for topical use. The invention also relates to the use of adipose tissue-derived secretions and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for the topical treatment of a non-inflammatory condition, for example the treatment of a skin condition, and for the stimulation of hair growth in a subject by topical application. The invention also relates to the use of adipose tissue-derived secretions and pharmaceutical compositions thereof for the topical treatment of acne.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Graham Vesey, Rebecca Anne Webster
  • Patent number: 8679794
    Abstract: Method for extracting oils, proteins and fermentable sugars from vegetable material in an aqueous medium, includes: a) adding water to the vegetable material; b) adding an enzyme mixture containing at least one cellulase, at least one hemicellulase, and at least one pectinase, the ratio between the pectinase activity and the cellulase activity being at least 0.14, and the ratio between the pectinase activity and the hemicellulase activity being at least 7.10?3, the pectinase activity being less than 120 ?mol/min/mL; c) incubating the vegetable material and the enzyme mixture with stirring to release oils, proteins and fermentable sugars in the reaction medium; d) separating the reaction medium to obtain free oil, an aqueous phase containing proteins and fermentable sugars, and a solid phase; e) optionally separating and recycling an emulsion of free oil or aqueous phase, to the medium; f) separating the proteins and fermentable sugars from the aqueous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Universite de Lorraine
    Inventors: Lionel Muniglia, Michel Girardin, Bernadette Piffaut, Guillaume Ricochon
  • Patent number: 8679825
    Abstract: Protein-polymer composite materials are provided according to embodiments of the present invention that include an admixture of a polymer resin, a surfactant and a non-aqueous organic solvent. An aqueous solution containing bioactive proteins is mixed with the admixture. The emulsion is mixed with a crosslinker to produce a curable composition. The curable composition is cured, thereby producing the protein-polymer composite material that is useful for facilitating removal of bioorganic stains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Regents of the University of Minnesota, Toyota Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Ping Wang, Songtao Wu, Hongfei Jia, Masahiko Ishii, Xiaodong Tong, Minjuan Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140073037
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting, without using an organic solvent, squalene produced by fermenting microalgae belonging to the Thraustochytriales sp. family, characterised in that it includes the following steps: 1) preparing a biomass of microalgae belonging to the Thraustochytriales family so as to reduce the concentration of interstitial soluble matter, and to thereby achieve a purity of 30 to 99% expressed as the dry weight of biomass over the total dry weight of the fermentation medium; 2) treating the resulting biomass using a protease enzyme selected from the group of neutral or basic proteases, so as to break the cell wall of said microalgae while preventing the formation of the emulsion produced by said enzyme treatment; 3) centrifuging the resulting reaction mixture in order to separate the oil from the aqueous phase; and 4) recovering the thus-produced crude oil rich in squalene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: ROQUETTE FRERES
    Inventor: Samuel Patinier
  • Publication number: 20140057324
    Abstract: Variants of Bacillus sp. no. 707 alpha-amylase are provided that are produced more efficiently and thus more economically. Higher fermentation yields are achieved through introducing amino acid variations that promote solubility of the variant in a fermentation broth. Increased solubility allows more enzyme to remain in solution after expression in a host cell. This in turn increases the efficiency with which the expressed variant enzyme can be recovered from the fermentation broth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Danisco US Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang AEHLE, Neelam S. AMIN
  • Publication number: 20140044698
    Abstract: The invention relates to new method of peptide hydrolysis, in particular of the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria, wherein the active form of LytM or derivative thereof is contacted with a peptide substrate, preferably with the cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria, in an aqueous environment of conductivity lower than 10 mS/cm. The invention also relates to composition comprising active form of LytM or derivative thereof and new uses of active form of LytM or derivative thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: MIEDZYNARODOWY INSTYTUT BIOLOGII MOLEKULARNEJ I KOMORKOWEJ
    Inventors: Izabela Sabala, Matthias Bochtler
  • Patent number: 8642303
    Abstract: A process for the production of ethanol wherein a hydrolyzed lignocellulosic biomass is fermented in the presence of a stillage residue. The fermentation of cellulosic hydrolysates is improved by adding prior to and/or during fermentation a stillage residue side stream from a corn starch-to-ethanol process as a nutrient source for the yeast organisms used in the fermentation. Stillage residues from the grain dry mill ethanol producing process, including the whole stillage, wet cake, thin stillage, and/or syrup are added to assist as a nitrogen and nutrient source for the fermentive processes. The stillage residue is produced by any grain-to-ethanol process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: GreenField Specialty Alcohols Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Ashley Cooper Benson, Regis-Olivier Benech
  • Patent number: 8632988
    Abstract: A method of measuring binding between hemoglobin and a microbe of interest includes: providing hemoglobin from a source of interest; contacting the hemoglobin with a microbe of interest; and measuring the binding affinity between the hemoglobin and the microbe, wherein the binding affinity is indicative of microbe virulence in the presence of the hemoglobin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Eric P. Skaar, Glib Pishchany
  • Publication number: 20130344576
    Abstract: The technology disclosed herein relates to novel methods and compositions for the production processes of algae cell components from algae of the genus Scenedesmus. The extractability of algae cellular components is improved and the process is optimized and accelerated by using the enzyme compositions according to the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: DIREVO INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY GmbH
    Inventors: Klaudija Milos, Claudia Stamme, Tanja Lindner, Vitaly Svetlichny, Andreas Scheidig
  • Publication number: 20130344544
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Verenium Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin A. GRAY, Nahla M. ABOUSHADI, James B. GARRETT
  • Publication number: 20130345309
    Abstract: Malic acid-enriched plant extracts useful as food additives are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: EPC (Beijing) Natural Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jingang Shi, Wenchao Lu
  • Patent number: 8614067
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignees: Novozymes A/S, Novozymes, Inc.
    Inventors: Lan Tang, Ye Liu, Junxin Duan, Yu Zhang, Christian Isak Jorgensen, Randall Kramer
  • Publication number: 20130337507
    Abstract: The invention relates to xylanases and to polynucleotides encoding the xylanases. In addition, methods of designing new xylanases and methods of use thereof are also provided. The xylanases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicants: Verenium Corporation, BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Steer, Walter Callen, Shaun Healey, Geoff Hazlewood, Di Wu, David Blum, Alireza Esteghlalian
  • Patent number: 8591926
    Abstract: The present invention provides formulations and methods for preventing, suppressing, treating, or controlling pre- or post-harvest disease or decay in plants. In the inventive method, plants are contacted with a formulation including an antagonistic microorganism and a booster composition. The booster composition generally includes about 3 parts Kaolin clay, about 1 part yeast, about 1 part Yucca plant extract, and about 1 part calcium-source material. The antagonistic microorganism may be included in an amount of between about 0.02 parts and about 0.5 parts by weight of the formulation, with about 0.04 parts antagonistic microorganism being preferred in testing to date. The formulation is typically applied to the above ground structures of the plant, including its leaves, flowers, stems, trunk, blossoms and fruit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: William Brower
  • Publication number: 20130309730
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel enzymes and the uses thereof. The invention also relates to methods of producing such enzymes, coding nucleic acid molecules, recombinant cells and methods of modifying biomass from such materials. The invention is particularly suited to degrade biomass and/or to improve biomass degradation. The invention also relates to various applications of the enzymes of the invention for the production of bioenergy (such as bioethanol), as well as in the field of chemistry, paper industry, textile industry and beverage industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: DEINOVE
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Leonetti, Jean-Michel Claverie, Nicolas Chabot
  • Patent number: 8586346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellobiohydrolase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignees: Novozymes, Inc., Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Ye Liu, Paul Harris, Lan Tang, Wenping Wu
  • Patent number: 8580558
    Abstract: This invention provides methods of isolating ferritin from plant and animal material. The isolated ferritin can be administered to humans or animals in need of iron, and can be used to treat or supplement iron deficiency. The isolated ferritin can be used in industrial applications, such as increasing the iron content in heat-processed food or beverages. The methods of the invention also include quantitation of iron derived from plant or animal ferritin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Slo-Iron, LLC
    Inventor: Elizabeth C. Theil
  • Patent number: 8574889
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing ammonia or ammonium from an organic material, the method by contacting the organic material with at least one hydrolytic enzyme, in a medium, to produce a medium including hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed organic material suitable for microbial fermentation. The hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed medium with organic material is then fermented in the presence of at least one microorganism capable of ammonification, wherein the fermenting is under conditions, and for a sufficient period of time, to produce a fermentation product that comprises ammonia or ammonium. The organic material includes nitrogenous compounds suitable for conversion to ammonia or ammonium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ductor Oy
    Inventors: Veikko Latvala, Ari Ketola, Ilona Oskanen, Kerttu Koskenniemi, Maiju Laaksonen, Elisa Lensu
  • Patent number: 8574884
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions comprising at least one neutral metalloprotease enzyme that has improved storage stability. In some embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease finds use in cleaning and other applications. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions comprising neutral metalloprotease(s) obtained from Bacillus sp. In some more particularly preferred embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is obtained from B. amyloliquefaciens. In still further preferred embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is a variant of the B. amyloliquefaciens neutral metalloprotease. In yet additional embodiments, the neutral metalloprotease is a homolog of the B. amyloliquefaciens neutral metalloprotease. The present invention finds particular use in applications including, but not limited to cleaning, bleaching and disinfecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Danisco US Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Shaw, Louise Wallace, David A. Estell, Ronaldus W. J. Hommes, Sang-Kyu Lee, Hiroshi Oh, Eugene S. Sadlowski
  • Publication number: 20130273629
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating vegetable, fruit and garden waste, comprising the steps of: a) fermenting vegetable, fruit and garden waste, b) mixing the at least partially fermented waste from step a) with compost, c) composting the thus obtained mixture to obtain compost, wherein the percentage dry matter by weight of the mixture obtained in step b) is at least 35. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of providing a greenhouse with carbon dioxide and/or heat. Also, the present invention relates to a method of composting fermented vegetable, fruit and garden waste. The present invention furthermore relates to a waste treatment facility for the treatment of vegetable, fruit and garden waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Axpo Kompogas AG
    Inventors: Gerrit Jacobus De Jong, Willem Elsinga
  • Publication number: 20130272974
    Abstract: The present invention provides a granule powder product containing a minimum of 25% Hydroxytyrosol, and a method of making such a product. The product is made from cultivated olive leaves. Because of unique production and purification technology provided by the present invention, Oleuropein present in the olive leaf extract is essentially completely transferred into Hydroxytyrosol by a biotransformation process. As a result, essentially no Oleuropein residue is present in the final product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Ahmad Alkayali
  • Publication number: 20130269719
    Abstract: A method of modifying the content of certain chemical compounds in tobacco materials is provided, the method including treatment of a tobacco plant component with at least one probiotic. For example, the method may modify the asparagine content in tobacco materials, which can result in a modification in acrylamide production when the tobacco material is exposed to elevated temperatures. The type of tobacco plant component treated according to the invention can be a tobacco seed, a tobacco seedling, an immature live plant, a mature live plant, a harvested plant, or a portion thereof. Examples of probiotics include probiotic species of the genera bifidobacterium, lactobacillus, enterococcus, proionobacterium, bacillus, saccharomyces, streptococcus, and mixtures thereof. Smoking articles and other tobacco products including such probiotic-treated tobacco materials are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Jerry Wayne Marshall, Serban C. Moldoveanu, Michael F. Davis, Marvin Glenn Riddick
  • Publication number: 20130273631
    Abstract: Novel laccases from Cerrena sp. WR1 and Lentinus sp. and uses thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Lie-Fen Shyur, Chih-An Hsu
  • Patent number: 8551754
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into sugars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Verenium Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Gray, Nahla Aboushadi, James Garrett
  • Publication number: 20130260444
    Abstract: Wastewater containing selenium in a soluble form is treated in a bioreactor. Microorganisms in the reactor reduce the selenium to elemental selenium, which is insoluble. The elemental selenium is discharged from the reactor in waste sludge. The waste sludge is thickened and then treated with a cell lysis reagent to break down or dissolve micro-organism cells in the sludge. After lysis, the sludge is treated to physically separate out the remaining solids, which includes elemental selenium, for reuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Yan Jin, Weiqing Xu, Yan Huang
  • Patent number: 8546115
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polyesterases having cutinase and/or suberinase activity obtainable from Coprinus and Trichoderma. The invention further relates to a method for producing the polyesterases, and to polynucleotides, vectors and host cells used therein. The enzymes are useful in hydrolysing cutin, suberin and other polyesters for example in treating agricultural or food raw materials, or wood raw materials, pulp and paper products and waste, and in modifying polyester fibers, or in laundry and dish applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Johanna Buchert, Tiina Nakari-Setälä, Pasi Halonen, Hanna Kontkanen, Ann Westerholm-Parvinen, Marjaana Rättö
  • Publication number: 20130252316
    Abstract: At least one exemplary system comprises a tubular mesh enclosure formed from a mesh material having a nominal opening size of less than 0.5 inches, said tubular mesh enclosure having an opposing pair of ends, at least one of said opposing pair of ends sealed; and a filling surrounded by said tubular mesh enclosure; said system defining a length and a generally non-circular longitudinal cross-section defining a major width, a ratio of said length to said major width greater than approximately 40. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Rodney W. Tyler
  • Publication number: 20130210100
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an organosolv process. The present process comprises treating a lignocellulosic biomass in the presence of a solvent and under certain conditions to separate at least a part of the lignin from the biomass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Alex BERLIN, Mikhail Y. Balakshin, Raymond Ma, Vera Maximenko Gutman, Darwin Ortiz
  • Patent number: 8507254
    Abstract: A process for mixing seawater, feather additive, and one or more algae to prepare a nutrient-rich feedstock for cultivating, growing, and harvesting algae. The harvested algae are processed to produce biofuel, oil, nutrient supplements, and polymers used for cosmetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Khaled Ali Abuhasel
  • Patent number: 8507246
    Abstract: The formation of acrylamide during heat treatment in the production of a food product is reduced by treating the raw material with an enzyme before the heat treatment. The enzyme is capable of reacting on asparagine or glutamine (optionally substituted) as a substrate or is a laccase or a peroxidase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Novozymes A/S
    Inventors: Gitte Budolfsen, Morten Tovborg Jensen, Hans Peter Heldt-Hansen, Mary Ann Stringer
  • Publication number: 20130196415
    Abstract: A microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus, wherein the microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus is any one of a Bacillus subtilis 104-1-3-1 strain (Accession No: NITE BP-680) and a derivative strain thereof, and wherein the microorganism belonging to the genus Bacillus produces a thrombolytic enzyme which decomposes waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: MICROBIAL CHEMISTRY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventor: MICROBIAL CHEMISTRY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
  • Patent number: 8492114
    Abstract: A genetically modified organism comprising: at least one nucleic acid sequence and/or at least one recombinant nucleic acid isolated from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and encoding a polypeptide involved in at least partially degrading, cleaving, transporting, metabolizing, or removing polysaccharides, cellulose, lignocellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, starch, sugars, sugar oligomers, carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, chitin, heteroxylans, glycosides, xylan-, glucan-, galactan-, or mannan-decorating groups; and at least one nucleic acid sequence and/or at least one recombinant nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide involved in fermenting sugar molecules to a product. Additionally, enzymatic and/or proteinaceous extracts may be isolated from one or more genetically modified organisms. The extracts are utilized to convert biomass into a product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: David N. Thompson, William A. Apel, Vicki S. Thompson, Thomas E. Ward
  • Patent number: 8492444
    Abstract: A biogenic silica from a plant material such as rice hulls, rice straw and so forth containing a significant amount of silica for use as an anti-caking agent, excipient or flavor carrier. When the plant material is certified as organic, the silica may also be certified as organic. The plant material is ground and the silica may be concentrated by carbon reduction through enzymatic treatment or burning. In some instances an antimicrobial treatment of the silica may be beneficial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Neal A. Hammond, J. Steve Peirce
  • Patent number: 8492134
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems and methods for digestion of solid waste that simplify solids handling. In certain embodiments, anaerobic methane extraction takes place for a period of time (e.g., from 1 to 4 weeks), after which an aerobic composting process begins in the same chamber. The organic waste remains in place and oxygen (e.g., in air) is forced into the chamber for an additional period of time (e.g., from 2 to 4 weeks). At the conclusion of the aerobic phase, the process yields a rough compost product that is stable and pathogen free. The rough compost can be further processed and blended to create high value engineered soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Aikan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Boggild Smed Christensen
  • Publication number: 20130183745
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for assisting hygienization of organic waste. The apparatus comprises at least one reception means for receiving organic solid matter and organic waste, mixing means for mixing the organic waste and the organic solid matter together into an organic mixture, selecting means for selecting whether to expose the organic mixture in the mixing means to either: aeration in order to create a homogenized and internally oxygenous organic mixture, thereby accelerating the hygienization of the organic mixture, or a heat treatment, wherein the heat treatment performs the hygienization of the organic mixture, or to neither the aeration nor the heat treatment. The mixing means may then expose the organic mixture to the aeration, or to the heat treatment, or to neither of the aeration nor the heat treatment on the basis of the selection. The apparatus may further comprise delivery means for passing the organic mixture to either aerobic biodegradation or an end user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: SAVATERRA OY
    Inventors: Seppo Aho, Jorma Oinas
  • Publication number: 20130184359
    Abstract: Processes are provided for extracting color comprising anthocyanin and antioxidants from hibiscus flowers. Dried or wet flowers or flower particles are soaked in water to release color from the flowers. The released anthocyanin and antioxidants are suspended in water and separated from the solid components using centrifugation, filtration, water flotation, pressing, or any combination of separation techniques. The hibiscus color may be concentrated into a color concentrate and stabilized with a stabilizing agent, such as, for example, a sugar alcohol having a 2 to 12 carbon backbone, at a pH value in the range of about 2 to about 6. Residual hibiscus color in the solid hibiscus components may be collected by mixing the components with water and then separating the residual hibiscus color using any one or more separation techniques. The residual hibiscus color may also be concentrated and stabilized with the hibiscus color or the color concentrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Karim Nafisi-Movaghar
  • Patent number: 8486688
    Abstract: The use or process of use of a sequencing batch reactor for eliminating prion in specified risk materials and for measuring the efficacy of a sequencing batch reactor to degrade prior proteins in specified risk materials are disclosed. The specified risk material is fed to a sequencing batch reactor containing a layer of acclimatized anaerobic sludge, and the specified risk material reacts with the sludge at a temperature below 25° C. so as to allow degradation of the prion protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Bio-Terre Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Y. Masse, Yun Xia
  • Publication number: 20130171713
    Abstract: A waste disposal apparatus, for disposing of waste materials using aerobic decomposition, includes a decomposition chamber having a waste inlet for receiving waste materials, and a closure member for closing the inlet and sealing the decomposition chamber. The apparatus includes a stirrer for stirring waste materials in the chamber, and a waste outlet for discharging waste materials from the chamber after aerobic decomposition thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Sage-Passant
  • Patent number: 8476061
    Abstract: This invention provides methods of isolating ferritin from plant and animal material. The isolated ferritin can be administered to humans or animals in need of iron, and can be used to treat or supplement iron deficiency. The isolated ferritin can be used in industrial applications, such as increasing the iron content in heat-processed food or beverages. The methods of the invention also include quantitation of iron derived from plant or animal ferritin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Slo-Iron, LLC
    Inventor: Elizabeth C. Theil
  • Publication number: 20130157346
    Abstract: An in-vessel composting apparatus and process for continuous processing of food waste into an end product comprising a bulk organic compost material. The apparatus comprising a shredder/particle sizer feeding a horizontal drum having at least three chambers with connecting ports of sequentially increasing diameter, and through to a bulk collection container. The apparatus is further equipped with motorized drum rotation and provision for compressing and draining excess fluid from the incoming feed stock and then reintroducing it in the third chamber as needed to maintain suitable moisture level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Paul E. Kerouac
  • Publication number: 20130145501
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polypeptide having carbohydrate material degrading activity which comprises the amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2 or an amino acid sequence encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 4, or a variant polypeptide or variant polynucleotide thereof, wherein the variant polypeptide has at least 96% sequence identity with the sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2 or the variant polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide that has at least 96% sequence identity with the sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2. The invention features the full length coding sequence of the novel gene as well as the amino acid sequence of the full-length functional protein and functional equivalents of the gene or the amino acid sequence. The invention also relates to methods for using the polypeptide in industrial processes. Also included in the invention are cells transformed with a polynucleotide according to the invention suitable for producing these proteins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Maria Jacobus Sagt, Margot Elisabeth Francoise Schooneveld-Bergmans, Johannes Andries Roubos, Alrik Pieter Los
  • Publication number: 20130139283
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for protecting plants and crops products against a variety of pests. The damages are prevented or mitigated, or the pest infestation is controlled, by applying a composition containing a pomegranate extract onto fruits and vegetables, or by employing it in the vicinity of the plant or crops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: GANIR (1992) LTD.
    Inventors: Yuval Katzir, Samir Droby, Eli Budman, Radi Aly, Chaim Sharon, Arie Yaari, Gilad Agmon
  • Publication number: 20130115669
    Abstract: The present invention relates, inter alia, to recombinant Gram-positive Clostridia host cells for producing solvents, fuels and/or chemical intermediates, and preferably ethanol, from plant cell walls comprising: (a) at least one nucleic acid encoding a plant cell wall degrading enzyme, wherein the host cells produce and secrete the plant cell wall degrading enzyme, (b) at least one nucleic acid encoding an enzyme that converts pyruvate to acetaldehyde and at least one nucleic acid encoding an enzyme that converts acetaldehyde to ethanol wherein the host cell is capable of expressing said nucleic acid, and, (c) a mutation in at least one nucleic acid encoding for an enzyme in a metabolic pathway which produces a metabolite other than acetaldehyde from pyruvate or ethanol from acetaldehyde, such that the mutation results in a reduced production of the metabolite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicants: Total S.A., Le Centre National De Recherche Scientifique (CNRS, L'Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA), L'Université de Provence, L'Université de la Mediterranée
    Inventors: Laurence GIRBAL, Florence Saint-Prix, Mathieu Cesari, Henri-Pierre Fierobe, Roberto Mazzoli, Florence Mingardon, Angélique Chanal-Vial
  • Publication number: 20130115252
    Abstract: A method of preparing genipin-rich materials from the fruit of Genipa americana fruit for their use as a cross-linking agent and as a raw material to produce colors is disclosed. The genipin-rich materials can be used in a broad range of applications including personal care, cosmetics, dietary supplements, packaging, textiles, beverages, foodstuffs, drugs, and animal feeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Wild Flavors, Inc.
    Inventor: Wild Flavors, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130104264
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2 or an amino acid sequence encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a variant polypeptide or variant polynucleotide thereof, wherein the variant polypeptide has at least 96% sequence identity with the sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2 or the variant polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide that has at least 96% sequence identity with the sequence set out in SEQ ID NO: 2. The invention features the full length coding sequence of the novel gene as well as the amino acid sequence of the full-length functional polypeptide and functional equivalents of the gene or the amino acid sequence. The invention also relates to methods for using the polypeptide in industrial processes. Also included in the invention are cells transformed with a polynucleotide according to the invention suitable for producing these proteins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventors: Margot Elisabeth Francoise Schoonneveld-Bergmans, Wilbert Herman Marie Heijne, Rene Marcel De Jong, Robbertus Antonius Damveld