US4774186A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Microbial compositions and methods for treating soil
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1985-11-05
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Granted: 1988-09-27
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Expires: 2005-11-05
Abstract
Abstract Microbiol compositions for uniform application to dry soil to provide a cover crop and to improve soil aggregation are disclosed. The compositions comprise flocculant-producing photosynthetic microorganisms, especially algae, in a dormant or resting stage mixed with a dry, particulate, water dispersible carrier. Methods for the production and use of the compositions are also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Jimmie W. Schaefer, Jr.
- 👤 Kent W. Boyum
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 15:29
CPC Classifications
C; C05; C05F; C05F11/00; C05F11/08; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S435/00; Y10S435/8215; Y10S435/946; Y10S71/00; Y10S71/903
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for the production of a dry, flowable, and water suspendible microbial composition comprising the steps of: growing flocculant-producing photosynthetic microorganisms in a nutrient-containing medium; and inducing a resting stage in said microorganisms by mixing said microorganisms with a dry, particulate, water dispersible carrier to produce said dry, flowable, and water suspendible microbial composition wherein said carrier comprises particles, substantially all of which have a diameter less than 0.05 mm.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for the production of a dry, flowable, and water suspendible microbial composition comprising the steps of: growing flocculant-producing photosynthetic microorganisms in a nutrient-containing medium; and inducing a resting stage in said microorganisms by mixing said microorganisms with a dry, particulate, water dispersible carrier to produce said dry, flowable, and water suspendible microbial composition wherein said carrier comprises particles, substantially all of which have a diameter less than 0.05 mm.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said photosynthetic microorganisms are algae.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said algae is a strain selected from the genera Chlamydomonas, Chlorella, Nostoc, Oscillatoria, Aphanocapsa, Aphanothece, Schizothrix, or Microcoleus.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said algae is a strain selected from the genera Chlamydomonas, Chlorella, Oscillatoria, Aphanocapsa, Aphanothece, Schizothrix, or Microcoleus.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said algae are green algae.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said step of inducing a resting stage in said algae comprises spraying said algae onto a dispersion of said dry, particulate, water dispersible carrier while mixing said algae with said carrier.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said algae is mixed with said carrier at a ratio of approximately 1-5% by volume of algae to approximately 99-95% by volume of carrier
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) | 1991-09-27 | 1992-03-28 | 1992-09-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-09-27 | 1996-03-28 | 1996-09-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-09-27 | 2000-03-28 | 2000-09-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |