US4745058A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for producing cellulosic fibers and microcrystalline cellulose
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-05-10
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Granted: 1988-05-17
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Expires: 2004-05-10
Abstract
Abstract Cellulose strands are produced by causing a growing medium containing Acetobacter xylinum to flow along a straight-line path over a growing surface. Cellulose fibrils produced by the bacteria arrange themselves in strands on the growing surface. These strands can be converted into threads and/or yarns. The cellulose fibrils produced by Acetobacter xylinum can also be converted to microcrystalline cellulose.
Inventors
- 👤 Philip M. Townsley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 14:25
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12P; C12P19/00; C12P19/04; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S435/00; Y10S435/813; Y10S435/8215; Y10S435/822; Y10S435/823
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
A method for producing cellulose strands comprising the steps of: placing cellulose fibril producing bacteria of the genus Acetobacter in a growing medium, flowing said growing medium over a surface adapted to direct said growing medium in a straight-line flow path and to allow cellulose fibrils produced by the bacteria to string out along the flow path and intertwine to form a cellulose strand, and thereafter removing said cellulose strand from said surface.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
73 words
A method for producing cellulose strands comprising the steps of: placing cellulose fibril producing bacteria of the genus Acetobacter in a growing medium, flowing said growing medium over a surface adapted to direct said growing medium in a straight-line flow path and to allow cellulose fibrils produced by the bacteria to string out along the flow path and intertwine to form a cellulose strand, and thereafter removing said cellulose strand from said surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said surface comprises a plurality of troughs oriented parallel to each other and sloped so as to provide a straight-line flow path for said medium, said medium flowing from one end of said troughs to the other end of said troughs.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said growing medium is maintained at a temperature of from 20° to 35° C.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said growing medium is maintained at a temperature on the order of from 25° to 28° C.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said growing medium flow is continuous.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
10 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said flow is intermittent.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said growing medium comprises an aqueous sugar solution and a nitrogen source.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said growing medium further comprises a yeast extract and an antibiotic.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: immersing said cellulose strand in a bath comprising an aqueous solution of a strong base while maintaining the temperature of said solution in the range of from 50° C. to 65° C.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the bacteria is selected from the group consisting of Acetobacter xylinum or Acetobacter acetigenum.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-05-17 | 1991-11-16 | 1992-05-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-05-17 | 1995-11-16 | 1996-05-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-05-17 | 1999-11-16 | 2000-05-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |