Patents by Inventor C. Wayne Tolman

C. Wayne Tolman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Upflow bioreactor with septum and pressure release mechanism
    Patent number: 7699976
    Abstract: An upflow bioreactor includes a vessel having an inlet and an outlet configured for upflow operation. A septum is positioned within the vessel and defines a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The septum includes an aperture that provides fluid communication between the upper chamber and lower chamber. The bioreactor also includes means for releasing pressure buildup in the lower chamber. In one configuration, the septum includes a releasable portion having an open position and a closed position. The releasable portion is configured to move to the open position in response to pressure buildup in the lower chamber. In the open position fluid communication between the lower chamber and the upper chamber is increased. Alternatively the lower chamber can include a pressure release line that is selectively actuated by pressure buildup. The pressure release mechanism can prevent the bioreactor from plugging and/or prevent catastrophic damage to the bioreactor caused by high pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Utah State University
    Inventors: Conly L. Hansen, Carl S. Hansen, Kevin Pack, John Milligan, Bradley C. Benefiel, C. Wayne Tolman, Kenneth W. Tolman
  • Upflow bioreactor with septum and pressure release mechanism
    Publication number: 20080169231
    Abstract: An upflow bioreactor includes a vessel having an inlet and an outlet configured for upflow operation. A septum is positioned within the vessel and defines a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The septum includes an aperture that provides fluid communication between the upper chamber and lower chamber. The bioreactor also includes means for releasing pressure buildup in the lower chamber. In one configuration, the septum includes a releasable portion having an open position and a closed position. The releasable portion is configured to move to the open position in response to pressure buildup in the lower chamber. In the open position fluid communication between the lower chamber and the upper chamber is increased. Alternatively the lower chamber can include a pressure release line that is selectively actuated by pressure buildup. The pressure release mechanism can prevent the bioreactor from plugging and/or prevent catastrophic damage to the bioreactor caused by high pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: Utah State University
    Inventors: Conly L. Hansen, Carl S. Hansen, Kevin Pack, John Milligan, Bradley C. Benefiel, C. Wayne Tolman, Kenneth W. Tolman