Vessels Or Trays In Series Patents (Class 435/294.1)
  • Patent number: 11732232
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biomimetic cell culture apparatus that mimics interactions among organs in a human body. The present disclosure includes a plurality of culture units for culturing cells, a conduit for connecting the plurality of culture units to each other to form a circulating path, a pump unit disposed on the conduit for forming a flow in culture medium such that the culture medium circulates through the plurality of culture units, and an agitating module for agitating the plurality of culture units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: KOREA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF BIOSCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Cho Rok Jung, Jung Hwa Lim, Hyun Mi Kang, Kyung Hee Noh, Kyung Sook Chung, Mi Young Son, Myung Jin Son
  • Patent number: 11667874
    Abstract: A cell culture apparatus includes one or more plates having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface. The first major surface comprises a structured surface defining a plurality of wells. Each well has an interior surface defining an upper aperture and a nadir, wherein the upper aperture of each well has a diametric dimension in a range from 100 micrometers to 2000 micrometers. The apparatus also includes a plurality of spacers extending from the first major surface along a length of the bottom surface. A plurality of flow channels are defined between adjacent rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gregory Roger Martin, Allison Jean Tanner
  • Patent number: 11642447
    Abstract: A reverse osmosis (RO) system is described that is connectable to a dialysis machine and is capable of using heated purified water to clean and disinfect an external connection section or portion disposed between the RO system and the dialysis unit (or any other external heat tolerant device) without forming a closed loop system between both systems before and during a heat forward process. This can be accomplished without the need for direct/indirect or wired/wireless communication with the dialysis unit or the need to introduce a chemical cleaner or process that would require further rinsing after chemical disinfection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Clinton W. Hulme
  • Patent number: 11613722
    Abstract: A cell culture apparatus includes one or more plates having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface. The first major surface comprises a structured surface defining a plurality of wells. Each well has an interior surface defining an upper aperture and a nadir, wherein the upper aperture of each well has a diametric dimension in a range from 100 micrometers to 2000 micrometers. The apparatus also includes a plurality of spacers extending from the first major surface along a length of the bottom surface. A plurality of flow channels are defined between adjacent rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gregory Roger Martin, Allison Jean Tanner
  • Patent number: 11478751
    Abstract: An automated single-use filtration device, in particular for large-volume filtration processes, comprises an unfiltrate inlet, one or more filter elements, a filtrate outlet and sensors for detecting specific process parameters and regulating mechanisms for adjusting specific process parameters. The sensors and regulating mechanisms are connected to an external monitoring and control system, which is adapted for evaluating and processing sensor data and for piloting the regulating mechanisms based on one or more control algorithms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Diel, Maik Sommer
  • Patent number: 11339363
    Abstract: A cell culture cartridge is provided comprising a plurality of zones geometrically configured to provide for symmetrical fluid flow with each of the plurality of zones to avoid dead areas in flow within each of the plurality of zones. In certain embodiments, at least eight inlets are provided, with an inlet positioned at each corner of the cell culture cartridge. In certain embodiments, a shared outlet is positioned on a top surface of the cell culture cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: FLASKWORKS, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew Kozbial
  • Patent number: 11299678
    Abstract: The techniques introduced here include a system and method for efficiently, and in some embodiments automatically, processing solid organic waste. In both the method and the system the solid organic waste is injected into a rotating, thermally isolable, container with internal sensors that help in keeping humidity and temperature within given parameters, before the resulting dried solid organic waste is sent to a pyrolysis chamber and its exhausts are sent to filter. In some embodiments, inert material in the form of dried solid organic waste is left in the container in order to make the process even more efficient and system and process are made automatic and remotely controllable through the use of software automation and a web of internal and external sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Inventors: Dario Presezzi, Valentino Villa, Marco Mosciarello, Stefano Pessina, Mattia Bonfanti
  • Patent number: 11285471
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an adaptable microenvironment for cellular and biological processing in a traceable, transportable unit. In an illustrative example, an apparatus consists of one or more portable cell tissue containment modules that may be removably interconnected to perform a processing step and/or transfer the stored medium to another module. Associated apparatus and methods are proposed to ensure non-contaminating mechanical or fluid communication between a plurality of modules or between a module and peripheral equipment, to limit process errors such as steps performed out of order, and to intrinsically manage identification of tissue samples with accompanying process data in a manner that decreases risk of mislabeling or otherwise mishandling a sample at all stages of the production and treatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Nextern Innovation, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Douglas, Richard Farrell, David Bontrager
  • Patent number: 11274273
    Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of cell culture chambers in combination with tracheal space(s). The body of the apparatus has imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with tracheal spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chambers and the external environment. The flask body also includes an aperture that will allow access to the cell growth chambers by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the apparatus, and location of an optional neck and cap section, allows for its manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, further making the apparatus ideal for high throughput applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory Roger Martin, Allison Jean Tanner
  • Patent number: 10647956
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for isolating, removing and analyzing cells. Provided is a method for isolating, removing and analyzing cells by filtering a liquid specimen containing cells through a porous polyimide film, and subjecting the cells captured by the film which did not pass through the porous polyimide film, or the cells in the liquid specimen which did pass through the porous polyimide film, to an examination of one or more cell properties selected from a group consisting of cell number or type, internal or external cell structure, type or amount of cell surface antigen, type or amount of material secreted from cells, cell adhesion, and cell survival rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignees: UBE INDUSTRIES, LTD., UNIVERSITY OF TSUKUBA
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Fukamizu, Jun-Dal Kim, Masahiko Hagihara, Yukinori Wada
  • Patent number: 10626365
    Abstract: The invention relates to a long term cell culturing method and a cell culturing apparatus and kit that employ a porous polyimide film. The invention further relates to a cell cryopreservation method and kit employing the porous polyimide film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: UBE INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiko Hagihara, Motohisa Shimizu, Yukinori Wada
  • Patent number: 10519411
    Abstract: The invention relates to cassettes for culturing cells. The invention also relates to analytical and preparative incubators for housing the cassettes. The invention also relates to methods of using the cassettes, for example, to culture cells wherein the processes of feeding and passaging cells are automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Sage Science, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Paul Magnant
  • Patent number: 10519478
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using cells to produce a substance, and involves applying the cells to a polyimide porous film, culturing the cells and producing the substance by means of the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: UBE INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiko Hagihara, Motohisa Shimizu, Yukinori Wada
  • Patent number: 10479974
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for the mass cultivation of cells, and a cell cultivation device and kit. The present invention further pertains to a continuous cell cultivation method and a continuous cell cultivation device in which a carrier is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: UBE INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiko Hagihara, Motohisa Shimizu, Yukinori Wada
  • Patent number: 10400202
    Abstract: A space efficient photo-bioreactor. The bioreactor grows microalgae in a tall array of transparent flooded tubes. A nutrient media is circulated through the tubes. The array is configured to maximize the amount of sunlight falling upon each tube so that growth of the microalgae is as uniform as possible. A vertically-oriented gasser tube is provided. Gas is injected into this gasser tube along with the liquid nutrient medium. A bubble-size limiter is employed in the gas injector. The flow rates are configured so that the liquid nutrient medium and injected gas remain within the vertical gasser tube for 30 seconds or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: The Florida State University Research Foundation Incorporated
    Inventors: Jose Viriato Coelho Vargas, Jr., Wellington Balmant, Alexandre Stall, Andre Bellin Mariano, Juan Carlos Ordonez, Zohrob Hovsapian, Emerson Dilay
  • Patent number: 10280389
    Abstract: Disclosed are processing systems and processes for carrying out enzymatic batchwise or continuous process for the production of fatty acid alkyl esters for use in the biofuels, food and detergent industries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: TRANS BIODIESEL LTD.
    Inventors: Sobhi Basheer, Usama Mohsen
  • Patent number: 9976161
    Abstract: A reactor for continuous saccharification of biomass having a high solid content comprises perforated plates and stirring means, in which the perforated plates includes nozzles for feeding additives, including a saccharification enzyme, and a sensor, which communicate with the holes of the perforated plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignees: SK Innovation Co., Ltd., SK Energy Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taewan Kim, Minsu Koo, Younghwan Chu, Donghyun Kim, Taeseung Kim, Bonwook Koo, Minji Sung
  • Patent number: 9845451
    Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of cell culture chambers in combination with tracheal space(s). The body of the apparatus has imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with tracheal spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chambers and the external environment. The flask body also includes an aperture that will allow access to the cell growth chambers by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the apparatus, and location of an optional neck and cap section, allows for its manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, further making the apparatus ideal for high throughput applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory Roger Martin, Allison Jean Tanner
  • Patent number: 9783769
    Abstract: The present invention is a cell cultivating vessel or device, such as a single or multitier flask, including a cover having a top plate, a side wall and a resealable port; an intermediate tray for receiving cells and cell culture media, having a bottom plate, a side wall, and a gap region formed between an interior upwardly angled lip located on an interior portion of the intermediate tray bottom plate and an adjacent outwardly angled side wall portion of the intermediate tray bottom plate, wherein the lip has a outwardly swooping curvilinear edge feature; and a base tray for receiving the cells and cell culture media, including a bottom plate and a side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Phillip Clark, Kurt Greenizen, Christopher A. Scott, Marc Emerick
  • Patent number: 9617191
    Abstract: The present invention is a composting bioreactor system that can be continually fed with biodegradable solid wastes, waste waters and exhaust gases, that can automatically recycle the biodegradable wastes into liquid nutrients and heat energy, and that automatically supplies the nutritious liquid and heat into the integrated hydroponics system or aquaponics system. The invention together with the integrated food growing system can be installed onsite in places such as household balconies, household backyards and premises of restaurants and food factories etc. therefore can lead to zero mileage targets both for recycling the wastes and for growing the foods consumed in the same location. It can fully recover and reuse all the nutrients and heat energy from the treated wastes. It can also reach the target of nearly zero pollution to the environment during all processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Xianggen Wu
  • Patent number: 9528082
    Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are generally related to a cell culture system. More particularly, the systems and methods enable the culturing and interconnecting of a plurality of tissue types in a biomimetic environment. By culturing organ specific tissue types within a biomimetic environment and interconnecting each of the organ systems in a physiologically meaningful way, experiments can be conducted on in vitro cells that substantially mimic the responses of in vivo cell populations. In some implementations, the system is used to monitor how organ systems respond to agents such as toxins or medications. The system enables the precise and controlled delivery of these agents, which, in some implementations, enables the biomimetic dosing of drugs in humans to be mimicked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignees: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc., The Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Joseph Cuiffi, Jeffrey T. Borenstein, Anilkumar Harapanahalli Achyuta, Mark J. Mescher, Linda Griffith, Samuel Walker Inman
  • Patent number: 9417229
    Abstract: A test sensor container (400) is designed for use with an analyte measuring system (40). The test sensor container (100) may include a cartridge (200) including a plurality of stacked individual compartments (202) connected to one another in an accordion-style fashion. Each individual compartment (202) is collapsible from an expanded to a collapsed condition and is dimensioned to hold a test sensor (6) when in the expanded condition. The test sensor container further includes at least one foil cover (116) sealing the plurality of compartments (102, 202).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AG
    Inventors: Daniel Brown, Martin Antoine Mathelier, Sung-Kwon Jung
  • Patent number: 9290730
    Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of cell culture chambers in combination with tracheal space(s). The body of the apparatus has imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with tracheal spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chambers and the external environment. The flask body also includes an aperture that will allow access to the cell growth chambers by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the apparatus, and location of an optional neck and cap section, allows for its manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, further making the apparatus ideal for high throughput applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory Roger Martin, Allison Jean Tanner
  • Patent number: 9260681
    Abstract: An apparatus for the fermentation of a vegetable product in the form of crushed material, includes a first tank for containing the crushed material and a second collection tank for the gaseous products generated from the crushed material's fermentation, a first piping system adapted to let communicate a part of the first tank, where the gaseous products are gathered, with the second tank, a second piping system adapted to let communicate the second and the first tank, the system having a outlet in the first tank where, in use, the liquid of the crushed material is present, first and second valves associated respectively to the first and second piping system to make the two tanks selectively communicating conditionally to the open/closed status of said valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: L.A.S.I. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Remo Crosato
  • Patent number: 9045721
    Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of cell culture chambers in combination with tracheal space(s). The body of the apparatus has imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with tracheal spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chambers and the external environment. The flask body also includes an aperture that will allow access to the cell growth chambers by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the apparatus, and location of an optional neck and cap section, allows for its manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, further making the apparatus ideal for high throughput applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory Roger Martin, Allison Jean Tanner
  • Patent number: 9040290
    Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of cell culture chambers in combination with tracheal space(s). The body of the apparatus has imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with tracheal spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chambers and the external environment. The flask body also includes an aperture that will allow access to the cell growth chambers by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the apparatus, and location of an optional neck and cap section, allows for its manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, further making the apparatus ideal for high throughput applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory Roger Martin, Allison Jean Tanner
  • Publication number: 20150125913
    Abstract: An integrated facility for the co-production of ethanol and biodiesel fuel is provided. Ethanol and corn oil, the primary product and a by-product from the ethanol plant, are utilized as feedstocks for a biodiesel plant operating within the same general facility as the corn ethanol plant. By-products of the biodiesel plant, principally crude liquid glycerol and gaseous ethanol or methanol, are recycled to various parts of the ethanol plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Rachel Overheul, Brandon Awtrey, Daniel Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150125908
    Abstract: A method of producing a sugar liquid from cellulose-containing biomass includes (1) to (3): (1): subjecting a cellulose-containing biomass to hydrothermal treatment and thereafter separating the treated cellulose-containing biomass into a hydrothermally-treated liquid and a cellulose-containing solid content; (2): adding a filamentous fungus-derived cellulase to the cellulose-containing solid content obtained in (1) to hydrolyze the cellulose and thereafter separating the hydrolysate into a saccharification residue and a sugar liquid; and (3): washing the saccharification residue obtained in (2) with the hydrothermally-treated liquid obtained in (1) to elute the filamentous fungus-derived cellulase adsorbed to the saccharification residue into the hydrothermally-treated liquid and thereafter obtaining a solution component comprising the filamentous fungus-derived cellulase by solid-liquid separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kurihara, Hiroko Ishizuka, Atsushi Minamino, Katsushige Yamada
  • Publication number: 20150111271
    Abstract: A multi-stage anaerobic digester is designed to treat a high solids, stackable feedstock. The system may also receive a pumpable feedstock such as a slurry or sludge. In a first stage, the digestate circulates in one direction around a raceway such that the digestate may pass a feed inlet multiple times before leaving the first tank. An optional side stream loop withdraws fibrous material from near the top of the reaceway and return digestate with chopped fibers, preferably lower and further along the raceway. An outlet from the raceway located near, but upstream of the feed inlet discharges partially digested substrate to a second stage, which is operated as a stirred tank reactor. The two stages may be provided in a single tank with an internal wall separating a ring shaped outer portion from a cylindrical inner portion. The digester may be operated in a thermophilic temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Anaergia Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Josse, Christian Friedl, Martin Bayer
  • Publication number: 20150104862
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to process of gasification of carbonaceous materials to produce synthesis gas or syngas. The present disclosure provides improved methods of gasification comprising: adding one or more carbonaceous materials, adding a molecular oxygen-containing gas, adding carbon dioxide gas and optionally adding water into said gasifier. This disclosure is also directed to process of production of one or more alcohols from said syngas via fermentation or digestion in the presence of at least one microorganism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: INEOS USA LLC
    Inventors: Bhagya Chandra Sutradhar, Ching-Whan Ko
  • Publication number: 20150099287
    Abstract: Provided is a biogas generation system comprising a fermenter for generating a biogas containing carbon dioxide and methane by decomposing an organic waste by the action of methane bacteria; a biogas refinery for condensing the methane contained in the biogas by dissolving the carbon dioxide contained in the generated biogas in a liquid; and a photoelectrochemical device for generating methane, carbon monoixide, or formic acid from the carbon dioxide dissolved in the liquid. The photoelectrochemical device comprises a cathode chamber for storing a first electrolyte solution containing the carbon dioxide dissolved in the liquid; an anode chamber for storing a second electrolyte solution; a solid electrolyte membrane; a cathode electrode provided in the cathode chamber; an anode electrode provided in the anode chamber; and an external power supply for applying a negative voltage and a positive voltage to the cathode electrode and the anode electrode, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: SATOSHI YOTSUHASHI, MASAHIRO DEGUCHI, HIROSHI HASHIBA, TAKEYUKI SEKIMOTO, YUKA YAMADA
  • Patent number: 8986985
    Abstract: An invention proposes a photobioreactor with a cultivation chamber in the form of a shallow closed trough that is irradiated by the sun light. The bottom section of the shallow closed trough comprises an elongated polymer flexible film, which is arranged with small inclination to the horizontal plane; the middle longitudinal section of the elongated polymer flexible film plays a role of the bottom cover of the shallow closed trough. A bank of translucent or transparent flat rigid members, which are abutted in-line with a small inclination to the horizontal plane, provides required rigidity to the entire photobioreactor. The translucent or transparent flat rigid members are provided with longitudinal bottom spacers and joined with the lateral longitudinal sections of the elongated polymer flexible film. In addition, the translucent flat rigid members serve for closing the shallow trough from above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Alexander Levin
  • Publication number: 20150072387
    Abstract: A bioreactor system is provided for continuous fermentation of a gaseous substrate, said system comprising two or more primary bioreactors and one or more secondary bioreactors connected by a central bleed line. Further provided is a process for inoculating multiple bioreactors utilising a central bleed line, said process comprising passing fermentation broth from a first primary bioreactor to other primary bioreactors and/or secondary bioreactors via a central bleed line. Further provided is a process for maintaining stable fermentation of a gaseous substrate across multiple bioreactors, said process comprising providing fermentation broth from one or more operational primary bioreactors to one or more secondary bioreactors via a central bleed line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Christophe Collet, Jan Yan Ng, David Nathaniel Aston
  • Publication number: 20150064768
    Abstract: The present invention provides a closed system to propagate virus-infected cells without the effect of shear force, while providing quicker access to nutrients than is available conventionally. This system design allows for a high density of infected cell growth to increase the virus yields and to maintain homogeneity of the contents of the main container. The system further provides a nuclease to degrade the cellular DNA prior for purification of the virus or viral components. As the system is designed for maximum containment at low risk, the live virus can be a hazardous virus such as a Bio-safety Level 3 (BSL 3), BSL 4 or BSL5 virus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Subhash V. KAPRE
  • Publication number: 20150064780
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a bioreactor system (3, 4) that is suited for one time use. The bioreactor system (3, 4) comprises a first bioreactor vessel (1), a second bioreactor vessel (20), a tissue retainer (35), and a cap (40). Advantageously, the bioreactor system (3, 4) of the present invention provides a sterile environment that is maintained over the course of cell seeding applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: THE CHILDREN'S MERCY HOSPITAL
    Inventors: Richard Hopkins, Gabriel Converse, Eric Buse
  • Publication number: 20150064762
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a system and a process for the production of ethanol and related products from lignocellulosic biomasses (second generation—2G—ethanol), particularly from sugarcane bagasse and straw, however not limited thereto, integrated with conventional processes for the production of ethanol (first generation—1G—ethanol) such as, for example, from sugarcane juice and/or molasses (a process that is typically Brazilian, either in sugar and ethanol plants or in autonomous distilleries), corn, grain, wheat, sugary sorghum, white beetroot, among others, comprising the recovery/reuse of streams and effluents. More specifically, the present invention refers to an integrated process for the production of ethanol and related products where the said process warrants increased efficiency particularly in the use of the raw material, steam, electric power and treated water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: José Ricardo Medeiros Pinto, Oswaldo Godoy Neto, Juliana Conceição Teodoro, Danilo Ribeiro De Lima, Liliane Pires Andrade, José Augusto Travassos Rios Tomé, Célia Maria Araújo Galvão
  • Patent number: 8969074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromagnetic bioaccelerator for obtaining biomass by simulating environmental marine conditions, comprising at least the following elements: octagonal biomass converters (1), seawater reserve tanks (3), particle filters (4), UV light filters (5), feedback and mixture tanks (6), pressurization feed tanks (8), manometers (9), pressure controllers (10), buffer tanks (11), expansion tanks with a safety valve (12), heat exchangers (13), temperature control thermostats (14), recycled water feedback tanks (15), reinjection pumps (16), centrifuges for separating the biomass from the water (17), desuperheaters (18); control panels (25), recirculation pumps (26), densimeters (27), biomass mechanical extraction systems by means of centrifugation (32) and biomass accumulation tanks (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Bio Fuel Systems, S.L.
    Inventors: Bernard A. J. Stroïazzo-Mougin, Cristian Gomis Catala
  • Patent number: 8962309
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the conversion into biogas of fermentation stillage arising as a waste product of ethanol production. This apparatus comprises a separation unit for the separation of the fermentation stillage into a thin fraction and a thick fraction, at least one biogas reactor for fermenting the thin fraction and/or the thick fraction, and a storage tank. According to a first aspect of the present invention, two biogas reactors are provided, to separate the thin fraction and the thick fraction independently of one another. According to a second aspect of the present invention, a nitrogen sink is provided downstream of the storage tank to provide, from the reactor effluent, process water with low or no nitrogen content which may then be fed to the reactor and/or the bioethanol plant. According to a third aspect the invention is characterized by a combination of a single-stage separation unit and a heavy-duty biogas reactor with a pore-free flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Agraferm Technologies AG
    Inventor: Hans Friedmann
  • Publication number: 20150044757
    Abstract: Methods and systems for capturing and storing carbon dioxide are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: mixing materials including magnesium or calcium with one or more acids and chelating agents to form a magnesium or calcium-rich solvent; using the organic acids derived from biogenic wastes as acids or chelating agents; generating carbonate ions by reacting a gas including carbon dioxide with a carbonic anhydrase biocatalyst; reacting the solvent with the carbonate ions to form magnesium or calcium carbonates; recycling a solution containing the biocatalyst after forming magnesium or calcium carbonates for re-use in the generating step; using the magnesium and calcium carbonates as carbon neutral filler materials and using the silica product as green filler materials or inexpensive absorbents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Ah-Hyung Alissa Park, Edward J. Swanson, Huangjing Zhao, Greeshma Gadikota, Patrick V. Brady, Tushar Patel, Scott Banta
  • Publication number: 20150024453
    Abstract: A method, process, apparatus, use and formulation for dual biocatalytic conversion of CO2 containing gas into carbon containing bio-products by enzymatic hydration of CO2 into bicarbonate ions in the presence of carbonic anhydrase and metabolic conversion of the bicarbonate ions into carbon containing bio-products in a biological culture. The dual biocatalytic conversion may be relatively constant with controlling a feeding of the bicarbonate ions to the biological culture in accordance with demands of the biological culture by retaining over-production of bicarbonate ions and feeding part of the over-production to the biological culture in accordance with nutrient demands of the biological culture. Bicarbonate ions may also be reconverted to generate a pure CO2 gas stream. The CO2 containing gas may be derived from operations of a power plant which receives a carbon-containing fuel for combustion, and the biological culture may be an algae culture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Sylvie Fradette, Chantal Guimond, Eric Madore, Glenn R. Kelly, Jonathan A. Carley, Geert F. Versteeg
  • Patent number: 8927267
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a multi-layer system for containing cells in culture, and a system for visualizing cells cultured in the multi-layered system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-layer cell culture device having a specialized bottom plate and a microscope adaptor which can accommodate a microscope to allow microscopic visualization of cells cultured in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Scott Matthew Bennett, David Alan Kenney, Gregory Roger Martin, Jeffry J Santman, Allison Jean Tanner
  • Publication number: 20150004702
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automated system for isolating stromal vascular fraction cells from the mammalian tissue. The system comprises a plurality of containers for storing buffer solutions, tissue samples and digestive buffers. A tissue processing unit fluidly connected to the containers for processing the tissues. The tissue processing unit performs at least one of washing process, digestion process, phase separation process and combination thereof for separating an aqueous fraction of tissue and a fatty fraction. A cell concentration unit fluidly connected to the tissue processing unit for receiving the aqueous fraction of tissue from the tissue processing unit. The cell concentration unit filters the aqueous fraction of tissue by vibrating a filtration assembly by a filter vibrator. A waste collection unit fluidly connectable to the tissue processing unit and cell concentration unit is provided for receiving waste tissues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: STEMPEUTICS RESEARCH PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: Swathi Sundar Raj, Venkatesh Gopal, Nancy Priya, Balagangadhara Krishnegowda, Prajod Thiruvampattil, Anish Sen Majumdar, Murali Cherat
  • Publication number: 20140377867
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for growing and maintaining cells. A three-dimensional matrix, such as a hydrogel material, is seeded with cells and placed in a bioreactor having two compartments. The matrix is supported between the two compartments by first and second porous materials, which engage opposing surfaces of the matrix. A first media stream having certain properties is propagated through the first compartment, where it contacts one surface of the matrix via the first porous material. A second media stream having different properties is propagated through the second compartment such that it contacts the opposite surface of the matrix via the second porous material. Through migration of each stream at least partially into the matrix, various controlled gradients may be established within the matrix, encouraging growth of the cells. Such gradients include osmotic pressure, oscillating osmotic pressure, hydrostatic pressure, oxygen tension, and/or nutrient gradients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Craig Halberstadt, Richard Peindl
  • Publication number: 20140370587
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system that has been devised to overcome the two most important limitations for sustained biological hydrogen production, namely contamination of the microbial hydrogen-producing cultures with methane-producing cultures necessitating frequent re-start-up and/or other methanogenic bacteria inactivation techniques, and the low bacterial yield of hydrogen-producers culminating in microbial washout from the system and failure. The system includes a continuously stirred bioreactor (CSTR) for biological hydrogen production, followed by a gravity settler positioned downstream of the CSTR, which combination forms a biohydrogenator. The biomass concentration in the hydrogen reactor is kept at the desired range through biomass recirculation from the bottom of the gravity settler and/or biomass wastage from the gravity settler's underflow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Hisham Mohamed HAFEZ, Mahamed Hesham EL NAGGAR, George F. NAKHLA
  • Publication number: 20140349365
    Abstract: Methods and systems for recovery of phosphorus from wastewater and producing inorganic phosphorus complexes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: MULTIFORM HARVEST INC.
    Inventor: Keith E. Bowers
  • Patent number: 8895289
    Abstract: Photochemical process and device adapted to breed, produce, or hydrocultivate microorganisms. The process includes conveying a reaction medium in a reactor in a meander-shaped way that includes moving the reaction medium along a direction that perpendicularly or inclined at an angle to an imaginary horizontal plane, wherein, during the conveying, the reaction medium moves in the reactor at least once along a first direction defined as one of a top down direction and a direction of gravity, moves in the reactor at least once along a second direction defined as one of a bottom up direction and against the direction of gravity, and moves in the reactor one of freely under atmospheric pressure and while exposed to the atmosphere. The process also includes introducing into and removing from the reactor the reaction medium in a continuous manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ecoduna AG
    Inventors: Martin Mohr, Franz Emminger
  • Publication number: 20140342444
    Abstract: A sugar solution production apparatus includes a saccharification tank that obtains a saccharified solution containing a solid substance from a cellulose-containing biomass, a solid-liquid separator that separates the solid substance from the saccharified solution to obtain a sugar solution, an enzyme recovery solution tank that stores an enzyme recovery solution, a sugar solution extraction line that extracts the sugar solution from the solid-liquid separator, a warm water supply unit that supplies warm water to the solid-liquid separator, an enzyme recovery solution supply line that supplies the enzyme recovery solution from the enzyme recovery solution tank to the solid-liquid separator, an enzyme recovery solution recovery line that feeds the enzyme recovery solution containing the saccharifying enzyme recovered from the solid substance to the enzyme recovery solution tank, and an enzyme recovery solution return line that returns the enzyme recovery solution to the saccharification tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Atsushi Minamino, Junpei Kishimoto, Hiroyuki Kurihara, Katsushige Yamada
  • Publication number: 20140342445
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are organ chips that can be individually used or integrated together to form different microphysiological systems, e.g., for use in cell culturing, drug screening, toxicity assays, personalized therapeutic treatment, scaffolding in tissue repair and/or replacement, and/or pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamics studies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: Donald E. Ingber, Kevin Kit Parker, Geraldine A. Hamilton, Anthony Bahinski
  • Publication number: 20140335583
    Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a biofuel using genetically modified iron-oxidizing bacteria (IOB) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: providing an IOB that have been genetically modified to enable them to generate a biofuel or chemical; feeding a first source of ferrous iron to the IOB; feeding water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen to the IOB; producing at least the biofuel or chemical, ferric iron, and an IOB biomass; and preventing ferric precipitates from forming. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include the following: a bioreactor including IOB that have been genetically modified to enable them to generate a biofuel; a first source of ferrous iron; sources of water, carbon dioxide, and oxygen; a source of anti-ferric precipitating agent in fluid communication with the bioreactor; and a electrochemical reactor that is configured to electrochemically reduce ferric iron to a second source of ferrous iron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Alan West, Scott Banta
  • Publication number: 20140335585
    Abstract: This invention relates to apparatuses and methods for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions resulting from combustion using a bioreactor that includes methanogenic bacteria or genetically modified algae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: HILLWINDS ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Alexander M. Chirkov