Location History:
- La Place, LA (US) (1989)
- Wilmington, DE (US) (1977 - 2006)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1977-2006
Title: **Frank Edward Herkes: Innovator in Chemical Processes**
Introduction
Frank Edward Herkes, based in Wilmington, DE, has made significant contributions to the field of chemical engineering with a total of 28 patents to his name. His innovative work primarily focuses on the production of specialized compounds used in the creation of advanced materials.
Latest Patents
Among his latest inventions, Frank Herkes has developed a process for the preparation of a 3-hydroxycarboxylic acid from a 3-hydroxynitrile. More specifically, he has demonstrated how to convert 3-hydroxyvaleronitrile into 3-hydroxyvaleric acid with high efficiency, achieving up to 100% conversion. This process utilizes enzyme catalysis, employing either nitrile hydratase alongside amidase activity or nitrilase activity of a microbial cell. The resultant 3-hydroxyvaleric acid serves as a viable substitute for ε-caprolactone in the formulation of highly branched copolyesters.
Career Highlights
Frank has had a distinguished career, working with well-known companies such as E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Company and DSM N.V. His innovations in chemical processes have made lasting impacts in the industry, particularly in polymer and material science.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Frank has collaborated with various professionals, including notable coworkers like Robert Donald Fallon and John Edward Gavagan. These collaborations have further enhanced his research and contributed to the success of his patented inventions.
Conclusion
Frank Edward Herkes stands out as an accomplished inventor and a significant contributor to the advancements in chemical production and materials science. His ongoing commitment to innovation continues to inspire future developments in the field.
Inventor’s Patent Attorneys refers to legal professionals with specialized expertise in representing inventors throughout the patent process. These attorneys assist inventors in navigating the complexities of patent law, including filing patent applications, conducting patent searches, and protecting intellectual property rights. They play a crucial role in helping inventors secure patents for their innovative creations.