Patents by Inventor Roland P. DeBruyn
Roland P. DeBruyn 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).
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Publication number: 20240132919Abstract: Exemplary methods of producing methane in a reservoir may include accessing a consortium of microorganisms in a geologic formation. The methods may include delivering an aqueous solution including waste product to the consortium of microorganisms. The methods may include increasing production of gaseous materials by the consortium of microorganisms The methods may include recovering gaseous products from the reservoir. The gaseous products may by characterized by an enriched methane concentration.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2022Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventors: Gary Vanzin, Joseph Edward Zemetra, Roland P. DeBruyn, John Deuss
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Patent number: 9434872Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Transworld Technologies Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
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Patent number: 9057082Abstract: Disclosed are strategies for the economical microbial generation of hydrogen, useful as an alternative energy source, from hydrocarbon-rich deposits such as coal, oil and/or gas formations, oil shale, bitumen, tar sands, carbonaceous shale, peat deposits and sediments rich in organic matter through the management of the metabolism of microbial consortia.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2013Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Transworld Technologies Inc.Inventors: Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson, Robert S. Pfeiffer, Eric L. Szaloczi, Glenn A. Ulrich, Jeffrey L. Weber
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Publication number: 20150104795Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
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Patent number: 8794315Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Transworld Technologies Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
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Patent number: 8715978Abstract: Disclosed are strategies for the economical microbial generation of hydrogen, useful as an alternative energy source, from hydrocarbon-rich deposits such as coal, oil and/or gas formations, oil shale, bitumen, tar sands, carbonaceous shale, peat deposits and sediments rich in organic matter through the management of the metabolism of microbial consortia.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Transworld Technologies Inc.Inventors: Roland P. Debruyn, James B. Dodson, Robert S. Pfeiffer, Eric L. Szaloczi, Glenn A. Ulrich, Jeffrey L. Weber
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Publication number: 20140073023Abstract: Disclosed are strategies for the economical microbial generation of hydrogen, useful as an alternative energy source, from hydrocarbon-rich deposits such as coal, oil and/or gas formations, oil shale, bitumen, tar sands, carbonaceous shale, peat deposits and sediments rich in organic matter through the management of the metabolism of microbial consortia.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Transworld Technologies Inc.Inventors: Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson, Robert S. Pfeiffer, Eric L. Szaloczi, Glenn A. Ulrich, Jeffrey L. Weber
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Publication number: 20130240204Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: LUCA Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
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Patent number: 8479813Abstract: Methods to enhance biogenic gas production in an anaerobic geologic formation containing carbonaceous material may include the steps of accessing the anaerobic formation, increasing a rate of production of the biogenic gases in the anaerobic formation, and flowing formation water within the anaerobic formation after the increase in the production of biogenic gases. Methods to redistribute formation water in an anaerobic geologic formation containing carbonaceous material may include the steps of locating a reservoir of the formation water within the anaerobic formation, forming at least one channel between the reservoir and at least a portion of the carbonaceous material, and transporting the formation water from the reservoir to the carbonaceous material through the channel. The methods may also include the accumulation of biogenic gas in an anaerobic geologic formation to enhance biogenic gas production.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: LUCA Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Verlin Dannar, Robert S. Pfeiffer, Roland P. DeBruyn, Shane Bower, Glenn A. Ulrich, Jeffrey L. Weber, David Brock, Jim Ford, Travis Meyers, Mark Finkelstein
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Publication number: 20120309070Abstract: Disclosed are strategies for the economical microbial generation of hydrogen, useful as an alternative energy source, from hydrocarbon-rich deposits such as coal, oil and/or gas formations, oil shale, bitumen, tar sands, carbonaceous shale, peat deposits and sediments rich in organic matter through the management of the metabolism of microbial consortia.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: LUCA Technologies, LLCInventors: Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson, Robert S. Pfeiffer, Eric L. Szaloczi, Glenn A. Ulrich, Jeffrey L. Weber
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Patent number: 8302683Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: LUCA Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
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Patent number: 8092559Abstract: Disclosed are strategies for the economical microbial generation of hydrogen, useful as an alternative energy source, from hydrocarbon-rich deposits such as coal, oil and/or gas formations, oil shale, bitumen, tar sands, carbonaceous shale, peat deposits and sediments rich in organic matter through the management of the metabolism of microbial consortia.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Luca Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson, Robert S. Pfeiffer, Eric L. Szaloczi, Glenn A. Ulrich, Jeffrey L. Weber
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Publication number: 20110284215Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: LUCA Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
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Patent number: 8051908Abstract: A method for stimulating methane production from a carbonaceous material is described. The methods may include the step of contacting the material with cells of a methanogenic consortium under anaerobic conditions to form a reaction mixture. The method may also include maintaining anaerobic conditions for a time sufficient to permit methanogenesis, and collecting methane from anaerobic water or head space of the reaction mixture.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2010Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: LUCA Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
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Patent number: 7977282Abstract: Methods of stimulating biogenic production of a metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content are described. The methods may include accessing a consortium of microorganisms in a geologic formation that includes a carbonaceous material. They may also include providing a phosphorous compound to the microorganisms. The phosphorous compound stimulates the consortium to metabolize the carbonaceous material into a metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content. Also, methods of stimulating biogenic production of a metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content by providing a yeast extract amendment to a consortium of microorganisms is described. The yeast extract amendment stimulates the consortium to metabolize carbonaceous material in the formation into the metabolic product with enhanced hydrogen content.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Luca Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn A. Ulrich, Roland P. DeBruyn, Gary Vanzin
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Patent number: 7975762Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2010Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Luca Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
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Publication number: 20110139439Abstract: Methods to enhance biogenic gas production in an anaerobic geologic formation containing carbonaceous material are described. The methods may include the steps of accessing the anaerobic formation, increasing a rate of production of the biogenic gases in the anaerobic formation, and flowing formation water within the anaerobic formation after the increase in the production of biogenic gases. Also described are methods to redistribute formation water in an anaerobic geologic formation containing carbonaceous material. The methods may include the steps of locating a reservoir of the formation water within the anaerobic formation, forming at least one channel between the reservoir and at least a portion of the carbonaceous material, and transporting the formation water from the reservoir to the carbonaceous material through the channel. Further described are methods of accumulating biogenic gas in an anaerobic geologic formation to enhance biogenic gas production.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: LUCA Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Verlin Dannar, Robert S. Pfeiffer, Roland P. DeBruyn, Shane Bower, Glenn A. Ulrich, Jeffrey L. Weber, David Brock, Jim Ford, Travis Meyers, Mark Finkelstein
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Patent number: 7845403Abstract: A process for introducing microorganisms to carbonaceous material in an anaerobic environment is described. The process includes the step of extracting formation water from a geologic formation, and removing at least a portion of an extractable material from the formation water to make amended formation water. The process may further include introducing the amended formation water to the carbonaceous material. Also, a process for increasing biogenic hydrocarbon production in a geologic formation containing a carbonaceous material is described. The process includes extracting formation water from the formation, removing at least a portion of one or more hydrocarbons from the formation water to make amended formation water, and reintroducing the amended formation water to the geologic formation.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: LUCA Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
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Publication number: 20100300680Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: LUCA Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
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Publication number: 20100101782Abstract: A method for stimulating methane production from a carbonaceous material is described. The methods may include the step of contacting the material with cells of a methanogenic consortium under anaerobic conditions to form a reaction mixture. The method may also include maintaining anaerobic conditions for a time sufficient to permit methanogenesis, and collecting methane from anaerobic water or head space of the reaction mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2010Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: LUCA Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson