Having Living Matter, E.g., Microorganism, Etc. Patents (Class 429/2)
  • Patent number: 11949114
    Abstract: This application provides a battery box, which includes: a box body, a first battery group and a sealing member, where the first battery group includes: a first battery row including a plurality of batteries, all explosion-proof valves of the first battery row form a first explosion-proof valve row; a first guide plate, configured to be sealed and disposed above the first explosion-proof valve row, and forming a first path with an upper surface of the first battery row; and a first end plate, provided with a first recess communicating with one end of the first path, and an opening is disposed at a position, corresponding to the first recess, of the box body, where the sealing member is configured to seal the opening and be capable of being damaged to open the opening. The battery box of this application effectively exports heat to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED
    Inventors: Liwen Jiang, Wumei Fang
  • Patent number: 11932565
    Abstract: Disclosed are modular microbial fuel cell (MFC) devices, systems and methods for treating wastewater and generating electrical energy through a bioelectrochemical waste-to-energy conversion process. In some aspects, a modular MFC system includes a wastewater pretreatment system to receive and pre-treat raw wastewater for feeding pre-treated wastewater for bioelectrochemical processing; one or more modular MFC devices to bioelectrochemically process the pre-treated wastewater by concurrently generating electrical energy and digesting organic contaminants and particulates in the wastewater to yield treated, cleaner water; and a water collection module to receive the treated water from the one or more modular MFC devices and store the treated water and/or route the treated water from the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: AQUACYCL, INC.
    Inventors: Orianna Bretschger, Sofia Malinova Babanova, Carlo Abraham Angulo Rodriguez, Jaime Octavio García Cornejo, Pedro Izarael Huerta Virgen, Ryoji Naito
  • Patent number: 11774432
    Abstract: There is provided a biofilm capacitance microbial electrochemical cell (MEC) sensor to measure organic carbon in water and wastewater rapidly and accurately, represented by the 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5). The MEC runs at charging (open circuit) and discharging (close circuit) conditions alternately to improve the sensitivity, response time and accuracy. The detectable BOD5 concentrations with the biofilm-capacitance MEC range from 5 to 250 mg/L (R2>0.9). The MEC sensor enables BOD5 measurements at every 2 minutes (1 minute charging and 1 minute discharging), indicating semi-continuous quantification of organic carbon in water and wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: OZ Optics Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyung-Sool Lee
  • Patent number: 11539066
    Abstract: Methods, microbial fuel cells and microbial consortia for generating electrical current are provided according to the present invention which include providing a microbial consortium to an anode chamber of a microbial fuel cell, wherein the microbial consortium includes: 1) an engineered methanogen that contains a heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding methyl-coenzyme M reductase derived from an anaerobic methane oxidizer, 2) an exoelectrogen microbe that produces electrically-conductive appendages and/or one or more types of electron carrier, and 3) a sludge, methane-acclimated sludge, a sludge isolate component, a methane-acclimated sludge isolate component chosen from Paracoccus spp., Geotoga spp., Geobacter spp., Methanosarcina spp., Garciella spp., humic acids; or a combination of any two or more thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Thomas K. Wood, Michael J. McAnulty
  • Patent number: 11489184
    Abstract: An electrolyte including a mixture of hydroxynaphtoquinone and a precursor material thereof is provided. The electrolyte may achieve higher capacities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Foundation for Research and Business, Seoul National University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Yong Chai Kwon, Won Mi Lee, Gyun Ho Park
  • Patent number: 11231385
    Abstract: A microbial sensor, system and method that can be used to determine the biochemical conditions of waters, saturated sediments, unsaturated soils, rhizosphere and other environments is disclosed. The flexibility of the microbial sensor design allows for the monitoring of surfaces (skin, ventilation conduits, etc.). An electrochemical microbial sensor system is composed of an indicator electrode(s) and a reference electrode. The reference electrode employs a hydrogen permeable membrane. The electrochemical system is interfaced into a signal/communication module allowing the manual or automated collection of data from field deployments and laboratory investigations. The data is transmitted using various communication technologies including Bluetooth™, cellular, satellite and radio telemetry to cloud-based data management systems. The stored data may be downloaded by users using open-source dashboard and visualization software to image the various environments and/or surfaces investigated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Burge Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Burge, David A. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 11208341
    Abstract: Provided is a sewage treatment device and method for synchronously recovering water and electric energy, belonging to the field of sewage treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: JIANGNAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Xinhua Wang, Manli Meng, Shuyue Liu
  • Patent number: 11158866
    Abstract: A microbial fuel cell and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The microbial fuel cell includes a cathode, an anode, and a microbial community. The anode is made of an activated carbon prepared from waste coffee ground as an electrode material, and the microbial community is adhered to the surface of the activated carbon. Since the activated carbon prepared from waste coffee ground is beneficial for the adhesion of various microbial communities to form a biofilm, the electron transfer efficiency of the microbial fuel cell may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Yu-Hsuan Hung, Han-Yi Chen, Tzu-Yin Liu
  • Patent number: 10978713
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided according to embodiments of the present invention which includes a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reaction chamber and an exterior of the reaction chamber; exoelectrogenic bacteria disposed in the interior of the reaction chamber; an aqueous medium having a pH in the range of 3-9, inclusive, the aqueous medium including an organic substrate oxidizable by exoelectrogenic bacteria and the medium disposed in the interior of the reaction chamber. An inventive apparatus further includes an anode at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber; and a brush or mesh cathode including stainless steel, nickel or titanium, the cathode at least partially contained within the interior of the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Bruce E. Logan, Douglas Call, Matthew Merrill, Shaoan Cheng
  • Patent number: 10921003
    Abstract: A self-power air refresher system includes an air refresher apparatus and a plant microbial fuel cell (PMFC). The air refresher apparatus includes a fan, a filter located on an air-outlet path of the fan, and an energy storage device connected to the fan. The PMFC is disposed on the air-outlet path and includes soil contained in a container, a plant planted in the soil, and a first and second electrodes. The interaction between roots of the plant and microorganisms near the roots generates electrons, and the electrons are transmitted to the energy storage device through the first and second electrodes installed in the soil so as to enable the energy storage device to supply power to the fan. The air that has passed through the filter enters the soil of the PMFC, and is filtered by the plant and then discharged from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventors: Han-Yi Chen, Tzu-Yin Liu, Yu-Hsuan Hung, Chung-Sheng Ni, Peng-Hsuan Chiang, Fang-Yi Lin, Shih-Fu Liu
  • Patent number: 10886551
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for synchronously recovering metal and elemental sulfur, particularly to a method for synchronously recovering metal and elemental sulfur in sulfide ore tailings, and belongs to the technical field of waste recycling. According to the present disclosure, metal and sulfur element are transferred from a solid phase to a liquid phase in the form of ions respectively by leaching the sulfide ore tailings in an anode chamber, then metal ions are recovered in the form of hydroxide precipitate in a first cathode chamber, and sulfate ions are recovered in the form of elemental sulfur precipitate in a second cathode chamber. The method of the present disclosure can synchronously realize the recovery of metal and elemental sulfur in sulfide ore tailings, such that a metal recovery rate is up to 89.4%, and an elemental sulfur recovery rate is up to 45.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Jiangnan University
    Inventors: Xiufen Li, Xiguang Qi, Xinhua Wang, Yueping Ren
  • Patent number: 10822237
    Abstract: A method for preparing graphene balls, the method including, a) preparing a dispersion which includes, a graphene oxide, a reducing agent ranging from a monosaccharide to a polysaccharide, ammonia water and a dispersion medium; and b) spraying and drying the dispersion. According to the preparation method of the present disclosure, it is possible to prepare uniformly sized and spherical graphene balls. Such graphene can be applied to various fields due to excellent physical and chemical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Korea Institute Of Geoscience And Mineral Resources
    Inventors: Hee-Dong Jang, Han-Kwon Chang, Ji-Hyuk Choi
  • Patent number: 10811718
    Abstract: A microbial fuel cell (MFC) in which the anode and/or cathode half-cell comprises at least one additional electrode insulated from direct contact with the working electrode and arranged to be coupled to an external voltage or current source, wherein the additional electrode does not comprise an internal redox system, methods of operation of MFCs and methods for measuring, controlling or modulating MFC circuits are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND, BRISTOL
    Inventors: Ioannis Ieropoulos, John Greenman
  • Patent number: 10563162
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for growing photosynthetic organisms lacking Photosystem II (PSII) function using externally supplied electrons shuttled into the organism using redox mediators to improve photosynthetic output and to produce and recover chemicals of interest. By removing PSII, all PAR photons are funneled toward Photosystem I, thereby significantly increasing the theoretical photon utilization efficiency for CO2 fixation, energy storage and the capacity to synthesize valuable chemicals. Additional genetic modification can be performed to insert or enhance specific metabolic pathways to generate products of commercial interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Justin Flory, Petra Fromme, Willem Vermaas, Bruce Rittman, Cesar Torres, Thomas Moore, Ana Moore
  • Patent number: 10407327
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bioelectrochemical system for removing a polyvalent ion present in seawater etc., capable of producing electricity. The bioelectrochemical system according to the present invention comprises: an anode chamber comprising an anode which accommodates an electron produced when treating an organic material in wastewater with a microorganism; a cathode chamber comprising a cathode receiving the electron from the anode, for producing a hydroxide ion by reacting the electron with oxygen and water provided from the outside, and depositing the polyvalent ion inside an electrolyte by using the hydroxide ion; and an anion exchange membrane for blocking the polyvalent ion inside the electrolyte from moving to the anode chamber. Also, the present invention provides the bioelectrochemical system capable of removing the polyvalent ion present in seawater etc., and simultaneously producing hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Energy Research
    Inventors: Joo-Youn Nam, Soon-Chul Park, Dong-Kook Kim, Namjo Jeong, Chan-Soo Kim, Daehee Kim, Kyo Sik Hwang, Chul-Ho Park, Eunjin Jwa
  • Patent number: 10388977
    Abstract: The United States faces significant environmental burden to treat and transport ˜0.61 billion kg of defective tomatoes (culled tomatoes) every year. The present disclosure provides for the treatment and processing of culled tomatoes in microbial-electrochemical systems, using the microbial fuel cell as a model reactor. The fundamental differences between the long-term oxidative behavior of unprocessed culled tomatoes compared to the three readily soluble substrates (dextrose, acetate, and wastewater) are disclosed. AC electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analyses indicate the influential impedance contributions of the peel & seed to the cull oxidation. Cyclic voltammetry tests indicate that the indigenous redox-active pigments in the cull influence the faradaic processes involved in the cull oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignees: SOUTH DAKOTA BOARD OF REGENTS, FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY BOARD OS TRUSTEES
    Inventors: Venkataramana Gadhamshetty, Namita Shrestha, Alex Fogg
  • Patent number: 10381656
    Abstract: An electrode includes a proton conducting electrolyte phase, an electronic conducting phase, and a metal or metal alloy catalyst in contact with each of the phases. The electronic conducting phase is infiltrated with the proton conducting electrolyte phase such that the phases form a solid nanocomposite with bulk electronic conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: University of Tennessee Research Foundation
    Inventors: Alexander B. Papandrew, Ramez A. Elgammal
  • Patent number: 10374235
    Abstract: A method for improving power production comprising the steps of providing an existing linear array benthic microbial fuel cell system having an anode and a plurality of cathodes, wherein the anode is an insulated underwater cable buried beneath seafloor sediment, and wherein the plurality of cathodes are configured to be buoyant and to rise above the sea floor, wrapping the insulated underwater cable with carbon fiber bundles and a current collector, wherein the carbon fiber is coated with a binder, securing the carbon fiber bundles and current collector with a web of synthetic fiber, fraying the carbon fiber bundles, creating exposed carbon ends on the cable and removing the binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: David B. Chadwick, Yolanda Meriah Arias-Thode, Andrew Higier, Lewis Hsu, Kenneth E. Richter, Alex G. Phipps, Gregory W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10347932
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for harvesting electricity from a biofilm retained in a zero chamber, no interphase container, the biofilm having a portion supporting aerobic microbial activity and a second portion supporting anaerobic microbial activity, wherein the first and the second portion are in direct physical contact. A ground or a power harvester is electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to the second portion of the biofilm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: BioEnergySP, Inc.
    Inventor: José Luis Lozano
  • Patent number: 10340545
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for harvesting electricity from a biofilm retained in a zero chamber, no interphase container, the biofilm having a portion supporting aerobic microbial activity and a second portion supporting anaerobic microbial activity, wherein the first and the second portion are in direct physical contact. A power harvester is electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to the second portion of the biofilm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: BioEnergySP, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose Luis Lozano
  • Patent number: 10329678
    Abstract: A method for controlling the activity of an electrochemical device (11) comprising a bioanode (3) and a biocathode (6) immersed in an electrolyte (10A, 10C) containing microorganisms, the anode compartment (8) and cathode compartment (9) being separated by at least one membrane (14), optionally a reference electrode, a difference in potential being applied between the bioanode (3) and the biocathode (6), or between the bioanode and the reference electrode, characterised in that the operation of the device is governed by a dual control: —a priority control of the difference in potential between the bioanode and the biocathode, or between the bioanode and the reference electrode, between a minimum limit value allowing the development of an electroactive biofilm at the bioanode and a maximum limit value lower than the oxidation potential of said biofilm, and—a secondary control, when the first control is in place, optimising the Faradaic efficiency of the biocathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Institut national de Recherche en Sciences et Technologies pour I'Environnement et I'Agriculture (IRSTEA)
    Inventors: Théodore Bouchez, Arnaud Bridier, Elie Le Quemener
  • Patent number: 10153509
    Abstract: An electrode includes a first diffusion layer (11) having water repellency and functioning to diffuse oxygen, and a second diffusion layer (13) supporting a catalyst layer (30) thereon and functioning to diffuse oxygen. The electrode further includes an electrically conductive layer (12, 15) including a metal material (20, 21) and an oxygen-permeable material, and interposed between the first diffusion layer and the second diffusion layer. A fuel cell (100) and a water treatment equipment each include: an anode (3); an ion transfer layer (4) having proton permeability; and a cathode (1, 2) being the electrode described above, and separated from the anode with the ion transfer layer interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Yoshikawa, Yuuki Kitade
  • Patent number: 10147963
    Abstract: An apparatus for an in-vivo power generation comprises a fuel convertor for converting glucose in a fluid to a hydrogen rich, low carbon fuel such as ethanol or methanol by the action of a bioenzyme on the glucose in the CSF. The fluid can be any one of cerebrospinal fluid, urine and glucose solution. The apparatus further comprises a biofuel cell comprising a cathode chamber and an anode chamber with a membrane assembly sandwiched between them. The membrane assembly comprises a cathode, an anode and a proton exchange membrane. The cathode is coated with an enzyme laccase, which enables extraction of oxygen when the fluid is passed through the cathode chamber. The oxygen from the cathode chamber and the hydrogen in the hydrogen rich fuel from the anode chamber diffuses through the proton exchange membrane and reacts at an ionic level to result in water and electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Inventor: Tarkeshwar Chandrakant Patil
  • Patent number: 10074867
    Abstract: Bioelectrochemical systems comprising a microbial fuel cell (MFC) or a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) are provided. Either type of system is capable of fermenting insoluble or soluble biomass, with the MFC capable of using a consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) organism to also hydrolyze an insoluble biomass, and an electricigen to produce electricity. In contrast, the MEC relies on electricity input into the system, a fermentative organism and an electricigen to produce fermentative products such as ethanol and 1,3-propanediol from a polyol biomass (e.g., containing glycerol). Related methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Gemma Reguera, Allison M. Speers, Jenna M. Young, Bhushan Awate
  • Patent number: 10059609
    Abstract: An anaerobic electrochemical membrane bioreactor (AnEMBR) can include a vessel into which wastewater can be introduced, an anode electrode in the vessel suitable for supporting electrochemically active microorganisms (EAB, also can be referred to as anode reducing bacteria, exoelectrogens, or electricigens) that oxidize organic compounds in the wastewater, and a cathode membrane electrode in the vessel, which is configured to pass a treated liquid through the membrane while retaining the electrochemically active microorganisms and the hydrogenotrophic methanogens (for example, the key functional microbial communities, including EAB, methanogens and possible synergistic fermenters) in the vessel. The cathode membrane electrode can be suitable for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction to generate hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Gary Amy, Krishna Katuri, Craig Werner, Pascal Saikaly, Rodrigo Jimenez Sandoval, Zhiping Lai, Wei Chen, Sungil Jeon
  • Patent number: 10011813
    Abstract: The disclosure provides devices and methods to produce electrical energy from microorganisms capable of metabolizing methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Silvan Scheller, Victoria J. Orphan, Hang Yu
  • Patent number: 9966622
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrochemical cell based on a new chemistry for a flow battery for large scale, e.g., gridscale, electrical energy storage. Electrical energy is stored chemically at an electrochemical electrode by the protonation of small organic molecules called quinones to hydroquinones. The proton is provided by a complementary electrochemical reaction at the other electrode. These reactions are reversed to deliver electrical energy. A flow battery based on this concept can operate as a closed system. The flow battery architecture has scaling advantages over solid electrode batteries for large scale energy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Brian Huskinson, Michael Marshak, Michael J. Aziz, Roy G. Gordon, Theodore A. Betley, Alan Aspuru-Guzik, Suleyman Er, Changwon Suh
  • Patent number: 9935234
    Abstract: A photoelectrosynthetically active heterostructure (PAH) is manufactured by forming or providing cavities in an electrically insulating material; forming or providing an electrically conductive layer on a side of the electrically insulating material; depositing an electrocatalyst cathode layer in the cavities; depositing one or more layers of light-absorbing semiconductor material in the cavities; depositing an electrocatalyst anode layer in the cavities; removing the layer of electrically conductive metal; and forming a hydrogen permeable layer over the electrocatalyst cathode layer. The one or more layers of light-absorbing semiconductor material can form a p-n junction or Schottky junction. The PAH can be used in photoelectrosynthetic processes to produce desired products, such as reduction product (e.g., methane gas, methanol, or carbon monoxide) from carbon dioxide and liquid waste streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: HYPERSOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Eric McFarland, Tim Young, Nirala Singh, Syed Mubeen Jawahar Hussaini
  • Patent number: 9708203
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a reactor for removing organic matters by immobilized-enzymatic electrode coupled electro-coagulation. In the method, in a single electrochemical system, an enzyme-modified electrode is combined with electro-coagulation to synergistically remove organic matters from water. Certain electrochemical parameters are controlled such that a polymerization reaction is performed between hydrogen peroxide generated by a cathode reaction and organic matters catalyzed by the immobilized-enzymatic electrode. After the polymerization reaction, the organic product enters an anode chamber through a pump. The organic product is precipitated and removed by performing a reaction between the organic product and different hydrolysis products from the electro-coagulation through a coagulating/flocculating effect of compression of a double electric layer, adsorption and electric neutralization as well as precipitation capture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy
    Inventors: Hongbin Cao, He Zhao, Yuping Li, Haitao Li, Yi Zhang
  • Patent number: 9709520
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the electrochemical measurement of an analyte concentration in vivo, comprising a fuel cell with which the analyte to be measured is reacted catalytically with an enzyme contained in an enzyme layer and which supplies an electrical voltage, dependent on the analyte concentration to be measured, between an anode and a cathode, which voltage is measured. In the catalytic reaction of the analyte to be measured in the enzyme layer, a product is generated which, as fuel of the fuel cell, oxidizes on the anode and is reduced on the cathode. The invention further relates to a fuel cell for such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregor Ocvirk, Karl-Heinz Kölker
  • Patent number: 9531027
    Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for generating and storing electric power in which a microbial solar cell is provided in a sealed container with photosynthetic organisms that generate reactants of the microbial fuel cell and the products of the microbial fuel cell from sunlight received through the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Leonard M. Tender
  • Patent number: 9509028
    Abstract: A microbial battery is provided. At the anode, microbial activity provides electrons to an external circuit. The cathode is a solid state composition capable of receiving the electrons from the external circuit and changing from an oxidized cathode composition to a reduced cathode composition. Thus, no external source of oxygen is needed at the cathode, unlike conventional microbial fuel cells. The cathode can be removed from the microbial battery, re-oxidized in a separate oxidation process, and then replaced in the microbial battery. This regeneration of the cathode amounts to recharging the microbial battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Xing Xie, Yi Cui, Craig S. Criddle, Meng Ye
  • Patent number: 9499423
    Abstract: A method for supplying freely available electrons to microorganisms and/or enzymes includes applying a voltage and amperage to electrodes to create a free electron field between the electrodes, thus directly supplying electrons to the microorganisms and/or enzymes to enhance the effectiveness of the microorganisms and/or enzymes. Supplying the microorganisms and/or enzymes with electrons enhance their effectiveness in transforming and/or removing one or more target compounds from the liquid to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: D. Jack Adams
  • Patent number: 9441248
    Abstract: The invention provides for a novel type of biofuel; a method for cleaving anchors from photosynthetic organisms; and a method for producing biofuels using photosynthetic organisms, the method comprising identifying photosynthesis co-factors and their anchors in the organisms; modifying the organisms to increase production of the anchors; accumulating biomass of the organisms in growth media; and harvesting the anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Philip D. Laible, Seth W. Snyder
  • Patent number: 9391338
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electrolyte-membraneless microbial fuel cell, in-series stack thereof, and in-parallel combination thereof. According to various implementation examples, problems relating to scaling up and modularization are overcome, and problems relating to using an electrolyte membrane are solved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: GWANGJU INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: In Seop Chang, Junyeong An, Bongkyu Kim
  • Patent number: 9287577
    Abstract: The biofuel cell has a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an external circuit electrically connecting the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a positive electrode region where the positive electrode is disposed, a negative electrode region where the negative electrode is disposed, and a proton permeable membrane disposed between the positive electrode region and the negative electrode region, and the negative electrode region houses a biocatalyst together with the crushed material. The negative electrode region is separated by a mesh into an electrode region and a crushed material region, the negative electrode is housed in the electrode region, and the crushed material is housed in the crushed material region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignees: Unicharm Corporation, Hiroshima University
    Inventors: Takayoshi Konishi, Toshio Hiraoka, Toshihide Kakizono
  • Patent number: 9209475
    Abstract: To increase the power generation efficiency of a microbial power generator by using an easy and inexpensive unit. Two plate-like cation-exchange membranes 31 are disposed in parallel in a tank 30. This arrangement allows an anode chamber 32 to be formed between the cation-exchange membranes 31. Two cathode chambers 33 are separated from the anode chamber 32 by using the respective ion-permeable nonconductive membranes 31. An oxygen-containing gas is made to pass through the cathode chamber 33. An anode solution L is supplied to the anode chamber, and, preferably, the anode solution is made to circulate. A biologically treated exhaust gas is used as the oxygen-containing gas to be supplied to the cathode chamber 33. Carbon dioxide in the biologically treated exhaust gas can promote transport of Na+ and K+ ions, and water vapor can increase the ion permeability, thereby increasing the power generation efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: KURITA WATER INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Fukase, Nobuhiro Orita, Kazunari Komatsu
  • Patent number: 9149845
    Abstract: A method for in-situ treatment of sediment simultaneous with microbial electricity generation is provided, comprising steps of constructing a microbial fuel cell, placing the microbial fuel cell in the sediment, forming a cell circuit, and cultivating microorganisms to generate electrical power. The method overcomes shortcomings found in the prior art and uses organics in the sediment as fuels to in-situ treat the sediment with simultaneous electricity generation. A device for implementing the method is also provided, which can be expanded in different directions as needed and is easy to maintain during long-term operation. The device has many advantages including compact structure, easy operation, low cost, high output power density, significant reduction in sediment COD, no influence on water flow, and environment-friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Guangdong Institute of Ecoenvironmental and Soil Sciences
    Inventors: Shungui Zhou, Lixia Zhang, Li Zhuang, Yueqiang Wang
  • Patent number: 9112217
    Abstract: Systems and methods for microbial processes of generating products such as electrical power, hydrogen gas and methane, are provided according to aspects of the present invention which include a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reaction chamber and an exterior of the reaction chamber; an anode at least partially contained within an anode compartment of the reaction chamber; a plurality of exoelectrogenic microorganisms disposed in the anode compartment; a cathode at least partially contained within a cathode compartment of the reaction chamber; a conductive conduit for electrons in electrical communication with the anode and the cathode; and a reverse electrodialysis stack comprising a plurality of plurality of alternating anion selective barriers and cation selective barriers disposed between the anode and the cathode defining one or more saline material compartments and one or more lower-saline material compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: The Penn State University
    Inventors: Younggy Kim, Roland D. Cusick, Bruce Logan
  • Patent number: 9105913
    Abstract: A device includes a first electrode compartment, the anode compartment, and a second electrode compartment, the cathode compartment, with a quantity of an anode fluid including an electrochemically oxidizable substrate and optional further compounds in the anode compartment, a quantity of a cathode fluid including an electrochemically reducible substrate and optional further compounds in the cathode compartment, and further an anode at least partially in contact with the anode fluid in the anode compartment and a cathode at least partially in contact with the cathode fluid in the cathode compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Stichting Wetsus Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology
    Inventors: Mateo Jozef Jaques Mayer, Cees Jan Nico Buisman, Hubertus Victor Marie Hamelers, David Petrus Bonefatius Theodorus Bernardus Strik
  • Patent number: 9051573
    Abstract: Provided is an isolated novel Gram-negative bacterium, wherein the bacterium is an aerobic, facultative methylotroph that produces colonies that are yellow pigmented, wherein the bacterium can use methanol as a sole carbon source and can oxidize glucose and ethanol into acid. Also provided are novel purified polypeptides and isolated nucleic acids from the bacterium. Further provided are methods of using the bacterium and the purified polypeptides to degrade organic material and for use in biofuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services
    Inventors: Steven M. Holland, David E. Greenberg, Adrian Zelazny, Patrick Murray
  • Publication number: 20150147593
    Abstract: An electrode for use in bio-electrochemical systems is described, including: a substantially planar electrode material; a frame comprising a non-conductive substance; and one or more first conductive substances linked or secured to the frame. Bio-electrochemical systems, racks for inserting the electrode, and methods of using the racks are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew SILVER, Justin BUCK, Casey CHARTIER, Mark BAROSKY, James Ryan HAWKINS, Zhen HUANG, Quynh Anh Le TRAN, Tzipora WAGNER
  • Patent number: 9029025
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for increasing biofilm formation and power output in microbial fuel cells. An anode material in a microbial fuel cell has a three-dimensional and ordered structure. The anode material fills an entire anode compartment, and it is arranged to allow fluid flow within the anode compartment. The power output of microbial fuel cells is enhanced, primarily by increasing the formation and viability of electrogenic biofilms on the anodes of the microbial fuel cells. The anode material in a microbial fuel cell allows for the growth of a microbial biofilm to its natural thickness. In the instance of members of the Geobacteraceae family, the biofilm is able grow to a depth of about 40 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Tina T. Salguero, Jocelyn Hicks-Garner, Souren Soukiazian
  • Publication number: 20150111067
    Abstract: A fuel cell has an anode and a cathode with anode enzyme disposed on the anode and cathode enzyme is disposed on the cathode. The anode is configured and arranged to electrooxidize an anode reductant in the presence of the anode enzyme. Likewise, the cathode is configured and arranged to electroreduce a cathode oxidant in the presence of the cathode enzyme. In addition, anode redox hydrogel may be disposed on the anode to transduce a current between the anode and the anode enzyme and cathode redox hydrogel may be disposed on the cathode to transduce a current between the cathode and the cathode enzyme.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Adam Heller
  • Publication number: 20150104670
    Abstract: Devices for production of electricity and/or hydrogen gas are provided by the present invention. In particular, microbial fuel cells for production of electricity and modified microbial fuel cells for production of hydrogen are detailed. A tube cathode is provided which includes a membrane forming a general tube shape. An anode is provided which has a specific surface area greater than 100 m2/m3. In addition, the anode is substantially non-toxic to anodophilic bacteria. Combinations of particular anodes and cathodes are included in microbial fuel cells and modified microbial fuel cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce E. Logan
  • Publication number: 20150093601
    Abstract: A bacterial fuel cell including a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes in liquid communication with a liquid to be purified, the plurality of anodes and the plurality of cathodes each including a metal electrical conductor arranged to be electrically coupled across a load in an electrical circuit and an electrically conductive coating at least between the metal electrical conductor and the liquid to be purified, the electrically conductive coating being operative to mutually seal the liquid and the electrical conductor from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: EMEFCY LIMITED
    Inventors: Ronen Itzhak SHECHTER, Eytan Baruch LEVY, Lior ESHED
  • Publication number: 20150064501
    Abstract: Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) having configurations with spiral wound structures and with frame-and-plate structures are provided. Systems may allow for production of an electrical current that is at least partially generated by microorganisms connected directly or indirectly to an electrode. A spiral wound or frame-and-plate type bioelectrochemical system that may be used for energy or chemical production, and/or desalination may include an anolyte influent point, a catholyte influent point, electrodes, ion selective membranes, mesh separators, gas collection devices, an exterior containment vessel, and one or more external electrical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Zhiyong Ren, Casey Forrestal, Pei Xu
  • Patent number: 8962165
    Abstract: Devices for production of electricity and/or hydrogen gas are provided by the present invention. In particular, microbial fuel cells for production of electricity and modified microbial fuel cells for production of hydrogen are detailed. A tube cathode is provided which includes a membrane forming a general tube shape. An anode is provided which has a specific surface area greater than 100 m2/m3. In addition, the anode is substantially non-toxic to anodophilic bacteria. Combinations of particular anodes and cathodes are included in microbial fuel cells and modified microbial fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventor: Bruce Logan
  • Publication number: 20150030888
    Abstract: Methods and systems for microbial fuel cells with unproved cathodes are provided, in accordance with some embodiments, methods for microbial fuel cells with improved cathodes are provided. The methods comprising: abiotically reducing oxygen on a cathode having a catalyst layer bound to a gas diffusion layer using an anion conductive polymer, consequently accumulating Off at the catalyst layer, and reducing local pH by conducting the OH? away from the catalyst layer, directly or by transport of anionic buffers that act as OH? carriers, through the anion conductive polymer, in accordance with some embodiments, a system for microbial fuel cells is provided. The system comprising: a container, an anode, anode-respiring bacteria, and a cathode having a catalyst layer bound to a gas diffusion layer using an anion conductive polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Arizona Board of Regents, for and on behalf of, Arizona State University
    Inventors: Sudeep Popat, Cesar Torres, Bruce Rittmann, Dongwon Ki
  • Patent number: 8932770
    Abstract: A bacterial fuel cell including a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes in liquid communication with a liquid to be purified, the plurality of anodes and the plurality of cathodes each including a metal electrical conductor arranged to be electrically coupled across a load in an electrical circuit and an electrically conductive coating at least between the metal electrical conductor and the liquid to be purified, the electrically conductive coating being operative to mutually seal the liquid and the electrical conductor from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Emefcy Limited
    Inventors: Ronen Itzhak Shechter, Eytan Baruch Levy, Lior Eshed