Non-Toxic Fire Extinguishing Compositions, Devices and Methods of Using Same

Abstract

The present specification discloses nontoxic fire extinguishing agent compositions, devices, methods and uses of same that are safe for both users and the environment. In particular examples, the nontoxic fire extinguishing agent comprises a microbial supernatant.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a fire, the method comprising: applying an effective amount of a composition to a fire, wherein the composition comprises a treated, fermented yeast supernatant including bio-nutrients, minerals, and amino acids and one or more nonionic surfactants, wherein the treated, fermented microbial supernatant lacks any active enzymes, activatable pro-enzymes, or any enzymatic activity.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fermented yeast supernatant is produced from a culture containing yeast belonging to the genus Brettanomyces, Candida, Cyberlindnera, Cystofilobasidium, Debaryomyces, Dekkera, Fusarium, Geotrichum, Issatchenkia, Kazachstania, Kloeckera, Kluyveromyces, Lecanicillium, Mucor, Neurospora, Penicillium, Pichia, Rhizopus, Rhodosporidium, Rhodotorula, Saccharomyces, Schizosaccharomyces, Thrichosporon, Torulaspora, Torulopsis, Verticillium, Yarrowia, Zygosaccharomyces, or Zygotorulaspora.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fermented yeast supernatant is produced from a culture containing yeast belonging to the genus Saccharomyces.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more nonionic surfactants include one or more polyether nonionic surfactants, one or more polyhydroxyl nonionic surfactants, and/or one or more nonionic biosurfactants.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more nonionic surfactants include one or more alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactants, one or more alkylphenol ethoxylate nonionic surfactant, alkene amide nonionic surfactant, or a combination thereof.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises one or more anionic surfactants.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the one or more anionic surfactants include an alkane sulfonate anionic surfactant.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition is formulated as a liquid composition, a dry powdered composition, a paste composition or a colloidal composition.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the colloidal composition is a foam composition.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a liquid composition comprising 15% to 50% by weight of a treated, fermented microbial supernatant and 3% to 15% by weight of one or more nonionic surfactants.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a dry powdered composition comprising 6% to 15% by weight of a dried treated, fermented microbial supernatant, and the one or more nonionic surfactants comprise 6% to 20% by weight of a first dried nonionic biosurfactant, and 67.5% to 87.5% by weight of a second dried nonionic biosurfactant.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a foam composition comprising 15% to 50% by weight of a treated, fermented microbial supernatant, 3% to 15% by weight of one or more nonionic surfactants.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the foam composition further comprises 1% to 6% by weight of one or more foaming agents, 2% to 10% by weight of one or more stabilizing agents, or both.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises 1% to 3% by weight of one or more preservatives.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fire uses combustible solid substances as a fuel source, uses combustible liquid, liquefiable substances or gases as a fuel source, uses combustible metals and metal alloys as a fuel source, or uses combustible cooking liquids as a fuel source.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the fire involve electrical components and/or energized equipment.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition is applied to one or more areas where control of a fire is desired.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the one or more areas is a man-made structure or apparatus, or a natural structure or location.

Description

EXAMPLES

[0196] The following non-limiting examples are provided for illustrative purposes only in order to facilitate a more complete understanding of representative embodiments now contemplated. These examples should not be construed to limit any of the embodiments described in the present specification, including those pertaining to the fire extinguishing compositions, or methods or uses disclosed herein.

Example 1

Preparation of Treated Fermented Yeast Supernatant 1

[0197] To prepare a treated fermented yeast supernatant, a fermentation reaction is set up in which about 1,000 L of warm water having a temperature of between about 29 C. to about 38 C. was placed in a large, jacketed mixing kettle. To the water was added about 84.9 kg black untreated cane molasses, about 25.2 kg raw cane sugar and about 1.2 kg magnesium sulfate. The mixture was thoroughly blended, after which about 11.4 kg diastatic malt and about 1.2 kg baker's yeast were added and agitated slightly. The mixture is incubated at about 26 C. to about 42 C. for about 3 days, after which the effervescent reaction had subsided, indicating essentially complete fermentation. At the end of the fermentation the yeast fermentation composition is centrifuged to remove the sludge formed during the fermentation. The resulting fermentation supernatant (about 98.59%, by weight) was collected and sterilized by autoclaving. The treated fermented yeast supernatant can then be stored in liquid form for subsequent use. Alternatively, the treated fermented yeast supernatant can be spray dried by methods known in the art to produce a dry powder. The dry powder form can also be stored for subsequent use.

Example 2

Preparation of Treated Fermented Yeast Supernatant 2

[0198] To prepare a treated fermented yeast supernatant, a fermentation reaction is set up in which about 1,000 L of warm water having a temperature of between about 29 C. to about 38 C. was placed in a large, jacketed mixing kettle. To the water was added about 42.5 kg black untreated cane molasses, about 12.6 kg raw cane sugar and about 1.2 kg magnesium sulfate. The mixture was thoroughly blended, after which about 10.3 kg diastatic malt and about 1.2 kg baker's yeast were added and agitated slightly. The mixture is incubated at about 26 C. to about 42 C. for about 3 days, after which the effervescent reaction had subsided, indicating essentially complete fermentation. At the end of the fermentation the yeast fermentation culture is centrifuged to remove the sludge formed during the fermentation. The resulting fermentation yeast supernatant (about 98.59%, by weight) was collected and treated by autoclaving. The treated fermented yeast supernatant can then be stored in liquid form for subsequent use. Alternatively, the treated fermented yeast supernatant can be spray dried by methods known in the art to produce a dry powder. The dry powder form can also be stored for subsequent use.

Example 3

Preparation of Treated Fermented Yeast Supernatant 3

[0199] To prepare a treated fermented yeast supernatant, a fermentation reaction is set up in which about 1,000 L of warm water having a temperature of between about 29 C. to about 38 C. was placed in a large, jacketed mixing kettle. To the water was added about 21.3 kg black untreated cane molasses, about 6.3 kg raw cane sugar and about 1.2 kg magnesium sulfate. The mixture was thoroughly blended, after which about 9.3 kg diastatic malt and about 1.2 kg baker's yeast were added and agitated slightly. The mixture is incubated at about 26 C. to about 42 C. for about 3 days, after which the effervescent reaction had subsided, indicating essentially complete fermentation. At the end of the fermentation the yeast fermentation culture is centrifuged to remove the sludge formed during the fermentation. The resulting fermentation supernatant (about 98.59%, by weight) was collected and treated by autoclaving. The treated fermented yeast supernatant can then be stored in liquid form for subsequent use. Alternatively, the treated fermented yeast supernatant can be spray dried by methods known in the art to produce a dry powder. The dry powder form can also be stored for subsequent use.

Example 4

Preparation of a Liquid Composition

[0200] This example shows exemplary formulations of liquid compositions disclosed herein.

[0201] To manufacture an exemplary batch size of 4,500 L of an liquid composition disclosed herein, 1,000 L of hot sterile water (about 60 C. to about 65 C.) was added to 675 L to 2,250 L of treated fermented microbial supernatant (15% to 50% final concentration) in a large, jacketed mixing kettle (see Tables 1-5). To this mixture was added 135 kg to 675 kg of non-ionic surfactants (3% to 15% final concentration) (see Tables 1-5). This mixture was thoroughly blended to effect solution. Additional water was then added to bring a final volume of the mixture to about 4,500 L and stirred until complete mixing was obtained. The pH of the resulting liquid composition was adjusted using any suitable acid, such as, e.g., phosphoric acid. The pH adjusted liquid composition was then filter sterilized to remove any microbial contamination and packaged for distribution. Liquid compositions produced according to this process were found to be nonirritating to skin tissue, nontoxic and could be stored in a cool location over periods of months without any discernible loss in effectiveness or deterioration.

[0202] As a specific example of the above, formulation LF3 was prepared by adding 1,000 L of hot sterile water (about 60 C. to about 65 C.) was added to 1,000 L of treated fermented microbial supernatant (22% final concentration) in a large, jacketed mixing kettle. To this mixture was added 168.8 kg of a first linear secondary alcohol ethoxylate (TERGITOL 15-S-5, a polyethylene glycol trimethylnonyl ether) (3.75% final concentration) and 168.8 kg of a second linear secondary alcohol ethoxylate (TERGITOL 15-S-7, a polyethylene glycol trimethylnonyl ether) (3.75% final concentration) to bring the total nonionic surfactant amount to 337.6 kg (7.5% final concentration). This mixture was thoroughly blended to effect solution. Additional water was then added to bring a final volume of the mixture to about 4,500 L and stirred until complete mixing was obtained. The pH of the resulting liquid composition was adjusted to pH 7.0 using phosphoric acid. The pH adjusted liquid composition was then filter sterilized to remove any microbial contamination and packaged for distribution. Liquid compositions of formulation LF3 produced according to this process were found to be nonirritating to skin tissue, nontoxic and could be stored in a cool location over periods of months without any discernible loss in effectiveness or deterioration.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Liquid Composition Formulations Component LF1 LF2 LF3 LF4 LF5 LF6 LF7 Treated, Fermented 675 L- 675 L- 675 L- 675 L- 675 L- 675 L- 675 L- Supernatant 2,250 L 2,250 L 2,250 L 2,250 L 2,250 L 2,250 L 2,250 L Water 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L Alcohol ethoxylate 67.5 kg 101.3 kg 135 kg 168.8 kg 225 kg 281.2 kg 337.5 kg nonionic surfactant.sup.1 Alcohol ethoxylate 67.5 kg 101.3 kg 135 kg 168.8 kg 225 kg 281.2 kg 337.5 kg nonionic surfactant.sup.2 Water q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. pH 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 .sup.1Linear secondary alcohol ethoxylate (TERGITOL 15-S-5, a polyethylene glycol trimethylnonyl ether). .sup.2Linear secondary alcohol ethoxylate (TERGITOL 15-S-7, a polyethylene glycol trimethylnonyl ether).

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Liquid Composition Formulations Component LF8 LF9 LF10 LF11 LF12 LF13 LF14 Treated, Fermented 675 L- 675 L- 675 L- 675 L- 675 L- 675 L- 675 L- Supernatant 2,250 L 2,250 L 2,250 L 2,250 L 2,250 L 2,250 L 2,250 L Water 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L Alcohol ethoxylate 135 kg 225 kg 315 kg 405 kg 495 kg 585 kg 675 kg nonionic surfactant.sup.3 Water q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. pH 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 .sup.3Fatty alcohol ethoxylate (ethoxylated dodecyl alcohol).

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Liquid Composition Formulations Component LF15 LF16 LF17 LF18 LF19 LF20 LF21 Treated, 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L Fermented Supernatant Water 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L Alcohol 135 kg 225 kg 315 kg 405 kg 495 kg 585 kg 675 kg ethoxylate nonionic surfactant.sup.4 Water q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. pH 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 .sup.4Fatty alcohol ethoxylate (ethoxylated tridecyl alcohol).

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Liquid Composition Formulations Component LF22 LF23 LF24 LF25 LF26 LF27 LF28 Treated, 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L Fermented Supernatant Water 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L Alkylphenol 135 kg 225 kg 315 kg 405 kg 495 kg 585 kg 675 kg ethoxylate nonionic surfactant.sup.5 Water q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. pH 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 .sup.5Nonylphenol ethoxylate.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Liquid Composition Formulations Component LF29 LF30 LF31 LF32 LF33 LF34 LF35 Treated, 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L 675 L-2,250 L Fermented Supernatant Water 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L 1,000 L Alkylphenol 135 kg 225 kg 315 kg 405 kg 495 kg 585 kg 675 kg ethoxylate nonionic surfactant.sup.6 Water q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. pH 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 .sup.6Octylphenol ethoxylate.

[0203] Optionally, 2% to 6% final concentration of an anionic surfactant can be incorporated into a liquid composition of Tables 1-5 prior to adjusting the volume to 4,500 L with additional water. For example, DOWFAX 2A1 or an anionic biosurfactant such as, e.g., STEPONOL AM 30-KE, an ammonium lauryl sulfate, STEPONOL EHS, a sodium 2-ethyl hexyl sulfate, or a combination thereof can be added to the liquid composition.

[0204] Optionally, 0.5% to 3% final concentration of one or more preservatives can be incorporated into a liquid composition of Tables 1-5 prior to adjusting the volume to 4,500 L with additional water. For example, about 1% by weight sodium benzoate, about 0.01% by weight imidazolidinyl urea, about 0.15% by weight diazolidinyl urea, about 0.25% by weight calcium chloride, or about 0.5% sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (Nuosept 44). In this case, the preservatives are added to the liquid mixture and the temperature of the mixture is then slowly raised to about 40 C. for about one hour with continuous agitation to ensure that all the components of the mixture are dissolved. The mixture is then cooled to from about 20 C. to about 25 C. and additional water is then added to bring the final volume of the liquid composition to about 4,500 L and stirred until complete mixing had been obtained. The pH of the resulting liquid composition was adjusted using any suitable acid, such as, e.g., phosphoric acid. The pH adjusted liquid composition was then filter sterilized to remove any microbial contamination and packaged for distribution. Liquid compositions produced according to this process were found to be nonirritating to skin tissue, nontoxic and could be stored in a cool location over periods of months without any discernible loss in effectiveness or deterioration.

[0205] To manufacture an exemplary batch size of 3,785 L of an liquid composition disclosed herein, 13.25 kg to 113.6 kg of dry powder fermented microbial supernatant (0.35% to 3.0% final concentration) was added with agitation to 1,000 L of hot sterile water (about 60 C. to about 65 C.) in a large, jacketed mixing kettle (see Table 6). To this mixture was added 113.6 kg to 454.2 kg of propylene glycol (3.0% to 12.0% final concentration) which was blended until uniform. In successive order, 113.6 kg to 454.2 kg of a secondary alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactant, TERGITOL 15-S-9, a polyethylene glycol trimethylnonyl ether, (3.0% to 12.0% final concentration) was added and blended until uniform, 56.8 kg to 283.9 kg of a secondary alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactant, TERGITOL 15-S-7, a polyethylene glycol trimethylnonyl ether, (1.5% to 7.5% final concentration) was added and blended until uniform, 94.6 kg to 378.5 kg of an alkane sulfonate anionic surfactant, BIO-TERGE PAS-8S, a sodium caprylyl sulfonate, (2.5% to 10.0% final concentration) was added and blended until uniform, and 18.9 kg to 170.3 kg of an alkene amide nonionic surfactant, STEPOSOL MET-10U, a N,N-dimethyl 9-decenamide, (0.5% to 4.5% final concentration) was added and blended until uniform. The mixture is then cooled to from about 20 C. to about 25 C. and additional water is then added to bring the final volume of the liquid composition to about 3,785 L and stirred until complete mixing had been obtained. The pH of the resulting liquid composition was adjusted using any suitable acid, such as, e.g., phosphoric acid. The pH adjusted liquid composition was then filter sterilized to remove any microbial contamination and packaged for distribution. Liquid compositions produced according to this process were found to be nonirritating to skin tissue, nontoxic and could be stored in a cool location over periods of months without any discernible loss in effectiveness or deterioration.

[0206] Optionally, 0.5% to 3% final concentration of one or more preservatives can be incorporated into a liquid composition of Table 6 prior to adjusting the volume to 3,785 L with additional water. For example, 18.9 kg of sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (Nuosept 44) (0.5% final concentration) can be added to the liquid mixture and the temperature of the mixture is then slowly raised to about 40 C. for about one hour with continuous agitation to ensure that all the components of the mixture are dissolved. The mixture is then cooled to from about 20 C. to about 25 C. and additional water is then added to bring the final volume of the liquid composition to about 3,785 L and stirred until complete mixing had been obtained. The pH of the resulting liquid composition was adjusted using any suitable acid, such as, e.g., phosphoric acid. The pH adjusted liquid composition was then filter sterilized to remove any microbial contamination and packaged for distribution. Liquid compositions produced according to this process were found to be nonirritating to skin tissue, nontoxic and could be stored in a cool location over periods of months without any discernible loss in effectiveness or deterioration.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Liquid Composition Formulations Component LF36 LF37 LF38 LF39 LF40 LF41 LF42 Dry Powder 0.35%-2.0% 0.35% 0.77% 2.0% 0.70% 1.5% 3.0% Fermented Supernatant.sup.7 Alcohol 3.0%-9.0% 3.0% 6.0% 9.0% 6.0% 9.0% 12.0% ethoxylate nonionic surfactant.sup.8 Alcohol 1.5%-6.0% 1.5% 3.0% 6.0% 3.0% 6.0% 7.5% ethoxylate nonionic surfactant.sup.9 Alkene amide 0.5%-4.5% 0.5% 2.0% 4.5% 1.0% 2.0% 3.0% nonionic surfactant.sup.10 Alkane sulfonate 2.5%-8.0% 2.5% 4.5% 8.0% 5.0% 7.5% 10.0% anionic surfactant.sup.11 Propylene glycol 3.0%-9.0% 3.0% 6.0% 9.0% 6.0% 9.0% 12.0% Water.sup.12 q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. q.s. pH 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 6.5-8.0 .sup.7TASTONE 154. .sup.8Linear secondary alcohol ethoxylate (TERGITOL 15-S-9, a polyethylene glycol trimethylnonyl ether). .sup.9Linear secondary alcohol ethoxylate (TERGITOL 15-S-7, a polyethylene glycol trimethylnonyl ether). .sup.10Alkene di-substituted amide (STEPOSOL MET-10U). .sup.11Sodium caprylyl sulfonate (BIO-TERGE PAS-8S). .sup.12Optionally 0.5% of a preservative can be added.

[0207] The formulations of Tables 1-6 are manufactured with the intent to be sold as ready to use, although such ready-to-use products are typically diluted further still when used in a method of use disclosed herein. A concentrate formulation can also be produced. In this case, a liquid composition is manufactured by adding 2,250 L to 4,365 L of treated fermented microbial supernatant (50% to 97% final concentration) in a large jacketed mixing kettle and the volume of water adjusted accordingly. When producing a liquid composition concentrate, the treated fermented microbial supernatant may require heating to about 40 C. to about 65 C. before the nonionic surfactants are added to facilitate dissolvement and proper mixing of the surfactants.

Example 5

Preparation of Dry Powdered Composition

[0208] This example shows exemplary formulations of dry powdered compositions disclosed herein.

[0209] To manufacture an exemplary batch size of 1000 kg of a dry powdered composition, a powder blender such as a rotor stator or rotary drum mixer is pre-treated by spraying internal surfaces with a 1% bleach solution, incubating for 10 minutes and then wiping surfaces dry. Next, 60 kg to 200 kg of a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Quillaja saponaria (final concentration 6% to 20%) 60 kg to 150 kg of a dried treated fermented microbial supernatant (final concentration 6% to 15%), and 5 kg to 15 kg of Citric Acid (final concentration 0.5% to 1.5%) were added to the powder blender (see Tables 7-15) and the components blended to achieve a uniform color and appearance of the mixture. To this mixture was added 675 kg to 875 kg of a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Yucca schidigera (final concentration 67.5% to 87.5%) (see Tables 7-15), and blending continued until a uniform color and appearance of the mixture was achieved. Dry powdered compositions produced according to this process were found to be nonirritating to skin tissue, nontoxic and could be stored in a cool location over periods of months without any discernible loss in effectiveness or deterioration.

[0210] As a specific example of the above, formulation PF3 was prepared by adding 90.0 kg of Quillaja Dry 100 (a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Quillaja saponaria) (final concentration 9%), 92.0 kg of TASTONE 154 (a dried treated fermented microbial supernatant) (final concentration 9.2%), and 10.0 kg of Citric Acid (final concentration 1%) were added to the powder blender and the components blended to achieve a uniform color and appearance of the mixture. To this mixture was added 808.0 kg of Yucca SD Powder (a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Yucca schidigera) (final concentration 80.8%), and blending continued until a uniform color and appearance of the mixture was achieved. Dry powdered compositions of formulation PF3 produced according to this process were found to be nonirritating to skin tissue, nontoxic and could be stored in a cool location over periods of months without any discernible loss in effectiveness or deterioration.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Dry Powdered Composition Formulations Component PF1 PF2 PF3 PF4 PF5 PF6 Dried Fermented 6-9% 7-10% 8-11% 9-12% 10-13% 11-14% Supernatant.sup.1 Dried Biosurfactant.sup.2 6-9% 7-10% 8-11% 9-12% 10-13% 11-14% Dried Biosurfactant.sup.3 80.5-87.5% 78.5-85.5% 76.5-83.5% 74.5-81.5% 72.5-79.5% 70.5-77.5% Dried Citric Acid 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% .sup.1a dried yeast supernatant (TASTONE 154). .sup.2a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Quillaja saponaria (Quillaja Dry 100). .sup.3a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Yucca schidigera (Yucca SD Powder).

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Dry Powdered Composition Formulations Component PF7 PF8 PF9 PF10 PF11 PF12 Dried Fermented 6-9% 6-9% 6-9% 6-9% 6-9% 6-9% Supernatant.sup.1 Dried Biosurfactant.sup.2 7-10% 8-11% 9-12% 10-13% 11-14% 12-15% Dried Biosurfactant.sup.3 79.5-86.5% 78.5-85.5% 77.5-84.5% 76.5-83.5% 75.5-82.5% 74.5-81.5% Dried Citric Acid 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% .sup.1a dried yeast supernatant (TASTONE 154). .sup.2a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Quillaja saponaria (Quillaja Dry 100). .sup.3a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Yucca schidigera (Yucca SD Powder).

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Dry Powdered Composition Formulations Component PF13 PF14 PF15 PF16 PF17 PF18 Dried Fermented 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% 7-10% Supernatant.sup.1 Dried Biosurfactant.sup.2 6-9% 8-11% 9-12% 10-13% 11-14% 12-15% Dried Biosurfactant.sup.3 79.5-86.5% 77.5-84.5% 76.5-83.5% 75.5-82.5% 74.5-81.5% 73.5-80.5% Dried Citric Acid 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% .sup.1a dried yeast supernatant (TASTONE 154). .sup.2a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Quillaja saponaria (Quillaja Dry 100). .sup.3a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Yucca schidigera (Yucca SD Powder).

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Dry Powdered Composition Formulations Component PF19 PF20 PF21 PF22 PF23 PF24 Dried Fermented 8-11% 8-11% 8-11% 8-11% 8-11% 8-11% Supernatant.sup.1 Dried Biosurfactant.sup.2 6-9% 7-10% 9-12% 10-13% 11-14% 12-15% Dried Biosurfactant.sup.3 78.5-85.5% 77.5-84.5% 75.5-82.5% 74.5-81.5% 73.5-80.5% 72.5-79.5% Dried Citric Acid 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% .sup.1a dried yeast supernatant (TASTONE 154). .sup.2a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Quillaja saponaria (Quillaja Dry 100). .sup.3a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Yucca schidigera (Yucca SD Powder).

TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Dry Powdered Composition Formulations Component PF25 PF26 PF27 PF28 PF29 PF30 Dried Fermented 9-12% 9-12% 9-12% 9-12% 9-12% 9-12% Supernatant.sup.1 Dried Biosurfactant.sup.2 6-9% 7-10% 8-11% 10-13% 11-14% 12-15% Dried Biosurfactant.sup.3 79.5-84.5% 76.5-83.5% 75.5-82.5% 73.5-80.5% 72.5-79.5% 71.5-78.5% Dried Citric Acid 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% .sup.1a dried yeast supernatant (TASTONE 154). .sup.2a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Quillaja saponaria (Quillaja Dry 100). .sup.3a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Yucca schidigera (Yucca SD Powder).

TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Dry Powdered Composition Formulations Component PF31 PF32 PF33 PF34 PF35 PF36 Dried Fermented 10-13% 10-13% 10-13% 10-13% 10-13% 10-13% Supernatant.sup.1 Dried Biosurfactant.sup.2 6-9% 7-10% 8-11% 9-12% 11-14% 12-15% Dried Biosurfactant.sup.3 76.5-83.5% 75.5-82.5% 74.5-81.5% 73.5-80.5% 71.5-78.5% 70.5-77.5% Dried Citric Acid 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% .sup.1a dried yeast supernatant (TASTONE 154). .sup.2a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Quillaja saponaria (Quillaja Dry 100). .sup.3a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Yucca schidigera (Yucca SD Powder).

TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Dry Powdered Composition Formulations Component PF37 PF38 PF39 PF40 PF41 PF42 Dried Fermented 11-14% 11-14% 11-14% 11-14% 11-14% 11-14% Supernatant.sup.1 Dried Biosurfactant.sup.2 6-9% 7-10% 8-11% 9-12% 10-13% 12-15% Dried Biosurfactant.sup.3 75.5-82.5% 74.5-81.5% 73.5-80.5% 72.5-79.5% 71.5-78.5% 69.5-76.5% Dried Citric Acid 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% .sup.1a dried yeast supernatant (TASTONE 154). .sup.2a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Quillaja saponaria (Quillaja Dry 100). .sup.3a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Yucca schidigera (Yucca SD Powder).

TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 14 Dry Powdered Composition Formulations Component PF43 PF44 PF45 PF46 PF47 PF48 Dried Fermented 12-15% 12-15% 12-15% 12-15% 12-15% 12-15% Supernatant.sup.1 Dried Biosurfactant.sup.2 6-9% 7-10% 8-11% 9-12% 10-13% 11-14% Dried Biosurfactant.sup.3 74.5-81.5% 73.5-80.5% 72.5-79.5% 71.5-78.5% 70.5-77.5% 69.5-76.5% Dried Citric Acid 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% .sup.1a dried yeast supernatant (TASTONE 154). 2a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Quillaja saponaria (Quillaja Dry 100). .sup.3a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Yucca schidigera (Yucca SD Powder).

TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 15 Dry Powdered Composition Formulations Component PF49 PF50 PF51 PF52 PF53 PF54 Dried Fermented 12-15% 8-11% 8-11% 8-11% 8-11% 8-11% Supernatant.sup.1 Dried Biosurfactant.sup.2 12-15% 13-16% 14-17% 15-18% 16-19% 17-20% Dried Biosurfactant.sup.3 68.5-75.5% 71.5-78.5% 70.5-77.5% 69.5-76.5% 68.5-75.5% 67.5-74.5% Dried Citric Acid 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% .sup.1a dried yeast supernatant (TASTONE 154). .sup.2a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Quillaja saponaria (Quillaja Dry 100). .sup.3a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Yucca schidigera (Yucca SD Powder).

Example 6

Preparation of Dry Powdered Composition

[0211] This example shows exemplary formulations of dry powdered compositions disclosed herein.

[0212] To manufacture an exemplary batch size of 1000 kg of a dry powdered composition, a powder blender such as a rotor stator or rotary drum mixer is pre-treated by spraying internal surfaces with a 1% bleach solution, incubating for 10 minutes and then wiping surfaces dry. Next, 60 kg to 150 kg of a dried treated fermented microbial supernatant (final concentration 6% to 15%) and 5 kg to 15 kg of Citric Acid (final concentration 0.5% to 1.5%) were added to the powder blender (see Tables 16-17) and the components blended to achieve a uniform color and appearance of the mixture. To this mixture was added 835 kg to 935 kg of a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Yucca schidigera (final concentration 83.5% to 93.5%) (see Tables 16-17), and blending continued until a uniform color and appearance of the mixture was achieved. Dry powdered compositions produced according to this process were found to be nonirritating to skin tissue, nontoxic and could be stored in a cool location over periods of months without any discernible loss in effectiveness or deterioration.

[0213] As a specific example of the above, formulation PF57 was prepared by adding 92.0 kg of TASTONE 154 (a dried treated fermented microbial supernatant) (final concentration 9.2%), and 10.0 kg of Citric Acid (final concentration 1%) were added to the powder blender and the components blended to achieve a uniform color and appearance of the mixture. To this mixture was added 907.0 kg of Yucca SD Powder (a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Yucca schidigera) (final concentration 90.7%), and blending continued until a uniform color and appearance of the mixture was achieved. Dry powdered compositions of formulation PF57 produced according to this process were found to be nonirritating to skin tissue, nontoxic and could be stored in a cool location over periods of months without any discernible loss in effectiveness or deterioration.

TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 16 Dry Powdered Composition Formulations Component PF55 PF56 PF57 PF58 PF59 PF60 Dried Fermented 6-9% 7-10% 8-11% 9-12% 10-13% 11-14% Supernatant.sup.1 Dried Biosurfactant.sup.3 89.5-93.5% 88.5-92.5% 87.5-91.5% 86.5-90.5% 85.5-89.5% 84.5-88.5% Dried Citric Acid 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% 0.5-1.5% .sup.1a dried yeast supernatant (TASTONE 154). .sup.2a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Quillaja saponaria (Quillaja Dry 100). .sup.3a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Yucca schidigera (Yucca SD Powder).

TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 17 Dry Powdered Composition Formulations Component PF61 Dried Fermented 12-15% Supernatant.sup.1 Dried Biosurfactant.sup.2 83.5-87.5% Dried Citric Acid 0.5-1.5% .sup.1a dried yeast supernatant (TASTONE 154). .sup.2a dried biosurfactant comprising saponins extracted from Yucca schidigera (Yucca SD Powder).

Example 7

Preparation of Liquid Composition

[0214] This example shows exemplary procedures to make a liquid composition disclosed herein using a dry powdered composition disclosed herein.

[0215] To produce 1 L of an exemplary liquid composition disclosed herein, 30 g of an exemplary dry powdered composition covered under formulation PF3 as described in Example 5 or formulation PF57 as described in Example 6 is added to 1 L of water and mixed until the dry powdered composition is dissolved completely. This makes a 3% solution of a liquid composition using a dry powdered composition. The pH of the liquid composition can be checked and the pH adjusted to 6.5 to 8.0 using any suitable acid, such as, e.g., phosphoric acid.

[0216] Similar procedures are used to manufacture a liquid composition using any of the other formulations of a dry powdered composition described in Tables 7-17. In addition, the amount of dry powdered composition added to 1 L of water can also be varied. For example, 5 g to 500 g of a dry powdered composition can be added to 1 L of water to produce a 0.5% to 50% solution of a liquid composition using a dry powdered composition.

[0217] Optionally, 2% to 8% final concentration of an anionic biosurfactant can be incorporated into a liquid composition of this example. For example, STEPONOL AM 30-KE, an ammonium lauryl sulfate, STEPONOL EHS, a sodium 2-ethyl hexyl sulfate, or a combination thereof can be added to the liquid composition.

[0218] Optionally, 0.5% to 3% final concentration of one or more preservatives can be incorporated into a liquid composition of Tables 1-5 prior to adjusting the volume to 4,500 L with additional water. For example, about 1% by weight sodium benzoate, about 0.01% by weight imidazolidinyl urea, about 0.15% by weight diazolidinyl urea, about 0.25% by weight calcium chloride, or about 0.5% sodium hydroxymethylglycinate (Nuosept 44). In this case, the preservatives are added to the liquid mixture and the temperature of the mixture is then slowly raised to about 40 C. for about one hour with continuous agitation to ensure that all the components of the mixture are dissolved. The mixture is then cooled to from about 20 C. to about 25 C. and the pH of the resulting liquid composition was adjusted using any suitable acid, such as, e.g., phosphoric acid. The pH adjusted liquid composition was then filter sterilized to remove any microbial contamination and packaged for distribution. Liquid compositions produced according to this process were found to be nonirritating to skin tissue, nontoxic and could be stored in a cool location over periods of months without any discernible loss in effectiveness or deterioration.

Example 8

Preparation of a Foam Composition

[0219] To prepare a foam composition, a liquid composition is prepared, for example as described in Examples 4 or 7, except that suitable foaming agents like the ones disclosed herein, stabilizing agents, like the ones disclosed herein, or both are added to the liquid composition at a final concentration of 1% to 6% and mixed until completely incorporated.

Example 9

Controlling Fire Using a Liquid Composition

[0220] This example shows exemplary use of a liquid composition disclosed herein in controlling a fire using a method disclosed herein.

[0221] A building has a wet chemical fire suppression system installed on its premises. A liquid composition disclosed herein, including the one described in Examples 4 and 7, is diluted with water or similar solvent to a final concentration of about 1% to about 5% and is filled into the tank reservoirs of the wet chemical fire suppression system, with or without known wet chemical fire suppression agents, like aqueous potassium carbonate, and pressurized. The tank includes a high-pressured nitrogen cartridge that when activated, will discharge and open the valve on the pressurized tank with the liquid composition, releasing the composition into the piping and out of the nozzles of the suppression system to suppress the fire. Upon an occurrence of a fire, heat sensors of the wet chemical fire suppression system will detect the fire. This detection will activate the system and a liquid composition disclosed herein will be sprayed or otherwise discharged into the area where the fire is located, thereby suppressing or otherwise extinguishing the fire.

[0222] An individual has a portable fire extinguisher on his premises. The fire extinguisher contains a liquid composition disclosed herein, including the ones described in Examples 4 and 7, diluted with water or similar solvent to a final concentration of about 1% to about 5% within its reservoir. The fire extinguisher includes a high-pressured gas canister of carbon dioxide in its interior operably linked to the reservoir. When the handle of the fire extinguisher is compressed, it opens the high-pressure gas canister expelling the carbon dioxide into the reservoir which forces the liquid composition from the reservoir through a siphon tube and out the nozzle. When the individual requires the use of the portable fire extinguisher to control a fire, he depresses the handle and sprays the liquid composition over the fire, extinguishing it.

[0223] An individual has a liquid fire suppression pump device comprising a reservoir for holding a liquid composition disclosed herein and fitted with the level gauge to monitor the composition levels, a pump which pumps the liquid composition from reservoir to a water line, and a proportioner to control the amount of liquid composition injected into the water line. A liquid composition disclosed herein, including the ones described in Examples 4 and 7, is filled into the reservoir of the liquid fire suppression pump device, with or without known foam fire suppression agents. In operation, the liquid fire suppression pump device is connected to a water source like a fire hydrant, a plumbed water supply or a portable or installed water tank fitted with a pump. The pump then takes suction from the reservoir and injects the liquid composition into the water line, with the amount of liquid composition injected into the water line controlled by the proportioner, a typical dilution range is 1% to 5% of the starting liquid composition contained in the reservoir. The liquid solution is carried through a hose, in a portable system, or a hard-piped network, in an installed system, to the desired location. A nozzle is provided at end of the pipe or pipe network. When the individual requires the use of the liquid fire suppression device to control a fire, he operated the device and sprays the liquid solution using the liquid composition over the fire, extinguishing it.

[0224] A liquid composition disclosed herein, including the ones described in Examples 4 and 7, can also be used in an aerial fire suppression system such as the ones described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,474,564, 7,748,662, and 10,406,390 and US Patent Publication Nos. 2014/0069666 and 2014/0374537, the content of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In one example, an aircraft, such as a helicopter, airship, drone or airplane, comprises a first tank holding water, a second tank holding liquid composition disclosed herein, nozzles, and piping in fluid communication with both the first and second tanks and the nozzles. As the aircraft flies over a fire, water is pumped out of the first tank and through the nozzles, creating a Venturi effect which will draw the liquid composition from the second tank and into the piping where it mixes with the water in the nozzle, which is then directed onto the fire below.

[0225] Likewise, further examples include land-based vehicles, such as firefighting engines and trucks where such an arrangement can be provided to mix a liquid composition from a reservoir and into water to be applied and directed onto a fire and/or areas/object that are near a fire or predicted to be in the path of a fire.

Example 10

Controlling Fire Using a Foam Composition

[0226] This example shows exemplary use of a foam composition disclosed herein in controlling a fire using a method disclosed herein.

[0227] A building has a foam fire suppression system installed on its premises. A foam composition disclosed herein, made by diluting a liquid composition disclosed herein, including the ones described in Examples 4 and 7, with water or similar solvent to a final concentration of about 1% to about 5% is filled into the tank reservoirs of the foam fire suppression system, with or without known foam fire suppression agents. Optionally suitable foaming agents like the ones disclosed herein, stabilizing agents, like the ones disclosed herein, or both may be incorporated at a final concentration of 1% to 6%, e.g., the foam compositions described in Example 8. The tank includes a high-pressured carbon dioxide or nitrogen cartridge that when activated, will discharge and open the valve on the pressurized tank with the foam composition, releasing the composition into the piping and out of the nozzles of the suppression system to suppress the fire. Upon an occurrence of a fire, heat sensors of the foam fire suppression system will detect the fire. This detection will activate the system and a foam composition disclosed herein will be sprayed or otherwise discharged into the area where the fire is located, thereby suppressing or otherwise extinguishing the fire.

[0228] An individual has a portable fire extinguisher on his premises. The fire extinguisher contains a foam composition disclosed herein, made by diluting a liquid composition disclosed herein, including the ones described in Examples 4 and 7, with water or similar solvent to a final concentration of about 1% to about 5%. Optionally suitable foaming agents like the ones disclosed herein, stabilizing agents, like the ones disclosed herein, or both may be incorporated at a final concentration of 1% to 6%, e.g., the foam compositions described in Example 8. The fire extinguisher includes a high-pressured gas canister of carbon dioxide in its interior operably linked to the reservoir. When the handle of the fire extinguisher is compressed, it opens the high-pressure gas canister expelling the carbon dioxide into the reservoir which forces the foam composition from the reservoir through a siphon tube and out the nozzle. As the pumped foam solution passes through the monitor or nozzle, it creates a low-pressure zone that causes air to rush inside through holes of monitor or nozzle to create foam. When the individual requires the use of the portable fire extinguisher to control a fire, he depresses the handle and sprays the foam composition over the fire, extinguishing it.

[0229] An individual has a foam fire suppression device comprising a foam tank for holding a foam composition disclosed herein and fitted with the level gauge to monitor the composition levels, a centrifugal foam pump which pumps the foam composition from foam tank to the water line, and a proportioner to control the amount of foam composition mixing with water to form a foam solution. A foam composition disclosed herein, made by diluting a liquid composition disclosed herein, including the ones described in Examples 4 and 7, with water or similar solvent to a final concentration of about 1% to about 5%, is filled into the foam tank of the foam fire suppression device, with or without known foam fire suppression agents. Optionally suitable foaming agents like the ones disclosed herein, stabilizing agents, like the ones disclosed herein, or both may be incorporated at a final concentration of 1% to 6%, e.g., the foam compositions described in Example 8. In operation, the foam fire suppression device is connected to a water source like a fire hydrant, a plumbed water supply or a water tank fitted with a pump. The foam pump then takes suction from the foam tank and injects the foam composition into the water line, with the amount of foam composition injected into the water line controlled by the proportioner. The foam solution is carried through a hose, in a portable system, or a hard-piped network, in an installed system, to the desired location. A foam monitor or nozzle is provided at end of the pipe or pipe network. As the pumped foam solution passes through the monitor or nozzle, it creates a low-pressure zone that causes air to rush inside through holes of monitor or nozzle to create foam. When the individual requires the use of the foam fire suppression device to control a fire, he operated the device and sprays the foam formed using the foam composition over the fire, extinguishing it.

Example 11

Controlling Fire Using a Dry Powdered Composition

[0230] This example shows exemplary use of a dry powdered composition disclosed herein in controlling a fire using a method disclosed herein.

[0231] A building has a dry chemical fire suppression system installed on its premises. A dry powdered composition disclosed herein, including the ones described in Examples 5 and 6, is filled in the tank reservoirs of the dry chemical fire suppression system, with or without known dry chemical powder fire suppression agents like monoammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, or potassium bicarbonate, and pressurized. The tank includes a high-pressured nitrogen cartridge that when activated, will discharge and open the valve on the pressurized tank with the dry powdered composition, releasing the composition into the piping and out of the nozzles of the suppression system to suppress the fire. Upon an occurrence of a fire, heat sensors of the dry chemical fire suppression system will detect the fire. This detection will activate the system and a dry powdered composition disclosed herein will be sprayed or otherwise discharged into the area where the fire is located, thereby suppressing or otherwise extinguishing the fire.

[0232] An individual has a portable fire extinguisher on his premises. The fire extinguisher contains a dry powdered composition disclosed herein, including the ones described in Examples 5 and 6, within its reservoir. The fire extinguisher includes a high-pressured gas canister of carbon dioxide in its interior operably linked to the reservoir. When the handle of the fire extinguisher is compressed, it opens the high-pressure gas canister expelling the carbon dioxide into the reservoir which forces the dry powdered composition from the reservoir through a siphon tube and out the nozzle. When the individual requires the use of the portable fire extinguisher to control a fire, he depresses the handle and sprays the dry powdered composition over the fire, extinguishing it.

[0233] A dry powdered composition disclosed herein, including the ones described in Examples 5 and 6, can also be used in an aerial fire suppression system such as the ones described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,474,564, 7,748,662, and 10,406,390 and US Patent Publication Nos. 2014/0069666 and 2014/0374537, the content of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Example 12

Controlling Fire Using a Fire Extinguishing Composition

[0234] This example shows exemplary efficacy of a fire extinguishing composition disclosed herein in extinguishing a fire fueled by tires as the combustible material employing a method disclosed herein.

[0235] In an area devoid of all vegetative growth, a pit having dimensions of approximately 3.5 m in width2.5 m in length1.5 m in depth was dug in the ground. Three automobile tires we placed in the center of the pit and dosed in gasoline. A firefighter ignited the tires using a torch and the combustible materials were allowed to burn for 1 minute. The entire pit was engulfed in flames with peak heights reaching about 5 m above ground level and extensive thick black billowing smoke emanating from the fire. At this point the firefighter began hosing the fire down with a liquid solution comprising a fire extinguishing composition disclosed herein, such as the ones described in Examples 4 and 7, by spraying the solution over the entire pit area using a broad nozzle. The fire was extinguished in about 20 to 25 seconds. The firefighter than tried to reignite the tires using the torch, but was unable to do so, indicating that a fire extinguishing composition disclosed herein was not only significantly effective in extinguishing the initial fire, but also prevent reignition of the combustible material coated with a fire extinguishing composition disclosed herein.

[0236] The above experiment was repeated using different combustible materials, including wood and oil with similar fire extinguishing effects. With respect to the experiments conducted with oil, a fire extinguishing composition disclosed herein also resulted in a significant remediation of hydrocarbons.

[0237] These experiments demonstrate that a fire extinguishing composition disclosed herein is extremely effective in extinguishes a fire fueled by a wide variety of combustible materials. In addition, as non-toxic compositions, a fire extinguishing composition disclosed herein has a significant technical advantage in that it does not pollute the environment, expose humans and other living beings to toxic substances, and further degrades residual combustible materials remaining after the fire is extinguished.

[0238] In closing, foregoing descriptions of embodiments of the present invention have been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is to be understood that, although aspects of the present invention are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these described embodiments are only illustrative of the principles comprising the present invention. As such, the specific embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Therefore, it should be understood that embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are in no way limited to a particular element, compound, composition, component, article, apparatus, methodology, use, protocol, step, and/or limitation described herein, unless expressly stated as such.

[0239] In addition, groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, steps and/or limitations of the present invention are not to be construed as limitations. Each such grouping may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other groupings disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or more alternative embodiments, elements, steps and/or limitations of a grouping may be included in, or deleted from, the grouping for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the grouping as modified, thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0240] Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that certain changes, modifications, permutations, alterations, additions, subtractions and sub-combinations thereof can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, it is intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such changes, modifications, permutations, alterations, additions, subtractions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not to be limited to that precisely as shown and described by this specification.

[0241] Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the present invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0242] The words, language, and terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments, elements, steps and/or limitations only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims. In addition, such words, language, and terminology are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus, if an element, step or limitation can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself.

[0243] The definitions and meanings of the elements, steps or limitations recited in a claim set forth below are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not only the combination of elements, steps or limitations which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements, steps or limitations may be made for any one of the elements, steps or limitations in a claim set forth below or that a single element, step or limitation may be substituted for two or more elements, steps or limitations in such a claim. Although elements, steps or limitations may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements, steps or limitations from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination. As such, notwithstanding the fact that the elements, steps and/or limitations of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, steps and/or limitations, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. Furthermore, insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. Accordingly, the claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention.

[0244] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in the present specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term about. As used herein, the term about means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent above and below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary. For instance, as mass spectrometry instruments can vary slightly in determining the mass of a given analyte, the term about in the context of the mass of an ion or the mass/charge ratio of an ion refers to +/0.50 atomic mass unit. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0245] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate numerical value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of a numerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0246] Use of the terms may or can in reference to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment also carries with it the alternative meaning of may not or cannot. As such, if the present specification discloses that an embodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may be or can be included as part of the inventive subject matter, then the negative limitation or exclusionary proviso is also explicitly meant, meaning that an embodiment or an aspect of an embodiment may not be or cannot be included as part of the inventive subject matter. In a similar manner, use of the term optionally in reference to an embodiment or aspect of an embodiment means that such embodiment or aspect of the embodiment may be included as part of the inventive subject matter or may not be included as part of the inventive subject matter. Whether such a negative limitation or exclusionary proviso applies will be based on whether the negative limitation or exclusionary proviso is recited in the claimed subject matter.

[0247] The terms a, an, the and similar references used in the context of describing the present invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Further, ordinal indicators-such as, e.g., first, second, third, etc.for identified elements are used to distinguish between the elements, and do not indicate or imply a required or limited number of such elements, and do not indicate a particular position or order of such elements unless otherwise specifically stated. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., such as) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the present invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the present specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0248] When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the open-ended transitional term comprising, variations thereof such as, e.g., comprise and comprises, and equivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof like including, containing and having, encompass all the expressly recited elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features alone or in combination with unrecited subject matter; the named elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features are essential, but other unnamed elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features may be added and still form a construct within the scope of the claim. Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using the closed-ended transitional phrases consisting of or consisting essentially of (or variations thereof such as, e.g., consist of, consists of, consist essentially of, and consists essentially of) in lieu of or as an amendment for comprising. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the closed-ended transitional phrase consisting of excludes any element, limitation, step, integer, or feature not expressly recited in the claims. The closed-ended transitional phrase consisting essentially of limits the scope of a claim to the expressly recited elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features and any other elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter. Thus, the meaning of the open-ended transitional phrase comprising is being defined as encompassing all the specifically recited elements, limitations, steps and/or features as well as any optional, additional unspecified ones. The meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase consisting of is being defined as only including those elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features specifically recited in the claim, whereas the meaning of the closed-ended transitional phrase consisting essentially of is being defined as only including those elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features specifically recited in the claim and those elements, limitations, steps, integers, and/or features that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed subject matter. Therefore, the open-ended transitional phrase comprising (and equivalent open-ended transitional phrases thereof) includes within its meaning, as a limiting case, claimed subject matter specified by the closed-ended transitional phrases consisting of or consisting essentially of. As such, the embodiments described herein or so claimed with the phrase comprising expressly and unambiguously provide description, enablement, and support for the phrases consisting essentially of and consisting of.

[0249] Lastly, all patents, patent publications, and other references cited and identified in the present specification are individually and expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the compositions and methodologies described in such publications that might be used in connection with the present invention. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this regard is or should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents are based on the information available to the applicant and do not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.