This inventor holds 3 USPTO granted patents. Top assignees: Ralston Purina Company, Nestec Ltd. Active years: 1977-2007.
Location History:
- Belleville, IL (US) (1979)
- St. Louis, MO (US) (1977 - 2007)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1977-2007
Title: Thomas J Ernst: Innovator in Pet Food Preservation
Introduction
Thomas J Ernst is a notable inventor based in St. Louis, MO (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of pet food preservation, holding a total of 3 patents. His innovative methods focus on enhancing the stability and nutritional value of pet food products.
Latest Patents
One of his latest patents involves a method of inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in pet food products. This method includes adding at least 0.3% by weight of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) to the pet food product. The process entails adding CLA to a pet food meal pre-mix, extruding the mixture to form the final product, cutting it to size, and drying it. Additionally, the method can include coating the dried product with CLA for enhanced preservation.
Another significant patent focuses on preparing stable high moisture food products, particularly for pets. This method allows nutritious farinaceous-proteinaceous food materials to be preserved without refrigeration or canning techniques. The process involves impregnating the materials with preservatives such as succinic acid, pyruvic acid, or fumaric acid, forming the materials, and packaging them in transparent, flexible containers for long-term storage.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Thomas J Ernst has worked with prominent companies in the pet food industry, including Ralston Purina Company and Nestec Ltd. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in food preservation techniques.
Collaborations
Some of his notable coworkers include Edward V Oborsh and Foppe E Oreel. Their collaboration has likely played a role in advancing the innovations in pet food preservation.
Conclusion
Thomas J Ernst's contributions to pet food preservation through his innovative patents demonstrate his commitment to enhancing the quality and safety of pet nutrition. His work continues to influence the industry and improve the lives of pets and their owners.