Including Solid Extended Fluid Contact Reaction Surface Patents (Class 435/299.1)
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Publication number: 20080206735Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a culture vessel suitable is provided for a cultivation of cells and/or tissues. The exemplary vessel comprising at least one reversibly closable aperture in the vessel wall, and at least one surface-increasing substrate within the vessel, with the substrate being made of a single mold. According to another exemplary embodiment, a system can be provided comprising at least two vessels being interconnected via at least one aperture in their vessel wall, and a cultivation process using such a vessel or system, in which at least one type of cells, tissue, tissue-like cell cultures, organs, organ-like cell cultures, or multicellular organisms may be cultivated in the presence of at least one fluid or solid medium, e.g., provided for growing and/or cultivating the culture.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: CINVENTION AGInventor: Soheil Asgari
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Publication number: 20080153154Abstract: The water to be treated might be river water which needs to be clarified, or might be septic tank effluent which needs to have its BOD and dissolved organics content diminished, and its ammonium oxidised. Treatment is done by passing the water through a block of soft open-cell foam. The block of foam is rectanguloid in its basic form. The block of foam is housed in a watertight box. The rectanguloid form enables minimal hydraulic heads, and is simple and cheap to manufacture and install.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventor: E. Craig JOWETT
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Patent number: 7390653Abstract: The culture chamber of the present invention has a fluid-filled culture compartment in which cells, tissues and other biologicals are cultured. The culture compartment is transversed by one or more molecular weight cut-off membranes attached to a membrane carrier assembly. Incoming nutrients are transported through the membrane into the culture compartment and metabolic waste products are transported away from the fluid-filled culture compartment through the membrane and out the chamber outlet. Both reusable and disposable culture chambers are described for culturing cells, cell aggregates, particles, tissues and organoids.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Synthecon, Inc.Inventors: Roger Akers, William J. Anderson, Adrian F. Dinges, Jr., Stephen S. Navran, Jr.
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Publication number: 20080142422Abstract: A method and a plant to remove metals by biosorption from mining or industrial effluents comprising: (a) subject the effluent to at least one first stage of pre-treatment, selecting among: precipitation by pH rising, solvent extraction or solvent extraction on emulsified membranes in order to reduce its load of metals to a concentration level that allows it to be treated by the next stage of biosorption, and (b) subject the liquid that has been previously in the stage of pre-treatment to a second stage of continuous metals removal by biosorption.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicants: UNIVERSIDAD DE CHILE, BIOTECHNOLOGIAS DEL AGUA LTDA.Inventors: Davor Cotoras Tadic, Fernando Valenzuela Lozano, Miguel Esteban Zarzar Maza, Pabla Leticia Viedma Elicer
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Patent number: 7374928Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor for cultivating microorganisms, as well as a method for its production. The invention is characterized in that the bioreactor (1) comprises two identically constructed base elements (2,3) that are constructed in trough shape and consist of a bottom part (4) and four side parts (5) arranged on a bottom part (4) and having an inside depth T1. The base element (2,3) consists of a light permeable material. The identically constructed base elements (2,3) are arranged on each other so as to exactly cover each other. A flow guide device is arranged inside the identically constructed base elements (2,3).Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der angewandten Forschung e.VInventor: Walter Trösch
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Patent number: 7371567Abstract: A bioreactor for bioartificial organs, comprising a closed and substantially tubular body inside which there is a containment cavity; an animal and/or human cell culture and support structure, accommodated in the cavity and suitable to be crossed by a fluid to be processed; a port for the inflow of the fluid to be processed, which is formed in the body upstream of the structure; a port for the outflow of the processed fluid, which is formed in the body downstream of the structure; a first chamber for collecting the fluid to be processed, which is formed in the cavity upstream of the structure and is connected to the outside of the body by means of the inflow port; a second chamber for collecting the processed fluid, which is formed in the cavity downstream of the structure and is connected to the outside of the body by means of the outflow port; a first bundle of hollow capillary fibers for the inflow of the fluid to be processed, which is accommodated in the cavity and is interposed between the first collectType: GrantFiled: March 18, 2004Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Rand S.R.L.Inventor: Daniele Galavotti
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Patent number: 7348175Abstract: A microprocessor controlled and instrumented bioreactor for conditioning intravascular tissue engineered medical products. One bioreactor design including an integrated pump to provide a relatively small volume of fluid nutrient. The microprocessor control providing measurement and control of the fluid flow and tissue displacement and subsequent determination of material properties. One design includes a flexible joint providing motion of the treated tissue in the axial, bending and torsional direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: St3 Development CorporationInventors: Kent Vilendrer, Troy Nickel
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Patent number: 7326564Abstract: In some embodiments, a flow system includes a medical device mount, fluid and a conduit containing the fluid and medical device mount. The conduit is mounted on an assembly that moves the conduit along with the medical device mount to induce relative motion of the fluid relative to the medical device mount. In preferred embodiments, pulsatile fluid motion is generated. In some embodiments, the fluid includes viable cells. In alternative embodiments, a flow system includes a continuous flow pump connected to a conduit loop having multiple branch conduits downstream from the pump providing alternative paths over a section of the conduit loop. Each branch conduit has a valve controlling flow through the branch. In some embodiments, at least one branch includes a medical device mount.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: St. Jude Medical, Inc.Inventors: Beverley I. Lundell, Robert L. Meisch, John R. Wilson, Matthew W. Weston, M. William Mirsch, II, Kathy J. Grossinger, legal representative, Doug A. Page, deceased
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Patent number: 7320889Abstract: A device and a method for the cultivation of cells is disclosed that utilizes external pneumatic pressure responsive to liquid level sensors to gently recirculate and cause turbulence in cell growth medium to promote cell growth without any shearing action and without a stir motor or mechanical manipulation means.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Kahlert, Bernd-Ulrich Wilhelm, Rainer Salzmann, Wolfgang Rietschel
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Publication number: 20070207534Abstract: In some embodiments, a system may reduce contaminants in water. A system may include a biofilm in a container. The biofilm may be formed from one or more bacteria coupled to one or more substrates. The bacteria may be selected to maximize the reduction of contaminants in water. The system may include one or more bacteria generators to provide bacteria to the biofilm and/or one or more air sources to provide an air bubble stream to the container and/or the bacteria generator. In some embodiments, bacteria may be preserved in a starvation phase. Bacteria may be incubated until they reach a starvation phase. The bacteria may then be preserved as beads or immobilized on a substrate. The preserved bacteria may be used in a system for the reduction of contaminants in water.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2006Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventors: Robert Gavin Jones, Gordon Alf Plishker, Joshua Richard Quinn, Ralph Edward Holm
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Patent number: 7198941Abstract: The present invention provides a porous vessel bioreactor apparatus for use in reaction with immobilized enzymes and/or microbial cells, said apparatus consisting of a vertically elongated reaction vessel having at least one liquid reactant inlet; at least one product outlet on the vessel; at least one porous vessel completely submerged in the reactant, said porous vessel having pore size ranging from 5 mm to 0.2 microns and a vertical length less than a level of the reactants to be maintained in the vessel, and immobilized bio-catalyst particles comprising the enzymes and/or microbial cells placed inside the porous vessel such that the liquid reactant is in contact with the bio-catalyst in both radial and axial directions.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2002Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Council of Scientific and Industrial ResearchInventors: Nitin Wasantrao Fadnavis, Bankupalli Satyavathi, Gurrala Sheelu, Vasantha Madhuri Kallakunta, Trishool Namani
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Patent number: 7192767Abstract: The present invention concerns a matrix reactor for reactions in which low-molecular and high-molecular reactants are involved wherein the reactor space VR contains a matrix and comprises a reaction compartment and a supply compartment, wherein the matrix is composed of a porous material which can take up low-molecular reactants and wherein the exclusion volume V0 of the matrix is available as the reaction compartment and the matrix volume VM of the matrix is available as the supply compartment. The matrix reactor can be used for enzymatic processes, in particular for a coupled in vitro transcription/translation reaction to produce proteins.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2001Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.Inventors: Bernd Buchberger, Wolfgang Mutter, Albert Roeder
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Patent number: 7189281Abstract: A second-generation rotating biofilter employing microorganisms in a microbiological film (biofilm) “mineralizes” contaminants, such as VOCs and odoriferous contaminants. Contaminated fluid, such as air from manufacturing processes, is directed radially outward from a perforated pipe through porous foam attached to the pipe. The pipe serves as the axis upon which layers of foam suitable for supporting formation of biofilms are placed. In one embodiment, an octagonal-shaped drum incorporates eight baskets. In each basket, foam is layered outwardly from the pipe in trapezoidal-shaped layers each of approximately 3.8 cm thickness, each layer separated by air gaps of approximately 1.3 cm to prevent clogging. Seven layers in each of eight baskets comprise the octagonal drum. When the drum is sprayed on one side, water soaks the media and it is heavier on that side, thus facilitating rotation of the drum. Further, the biofilms are supplied with moisture and supplemental nutrients as needed.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Byung J. Kim
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Patent number: 7176017Abstract: A triphasic bioreactor for physico-chemically treating a gas is disclosed. The triphasic bioreactor comprises a reaction chamber with a liquid and biocatalysts in suspension in the liquid, for catalyzing a reaction between the gas and the liquid to obtain a treated gas and a solution containing a reaction product. A gas bubbling means is provided in the reaction chamber for bubbling the gas to be treated into the liquid thereby dissolving the gas into the liquid and increasing a pressure inside the reaction chamber. The bioreactor further comprises a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for receiving the liquid and filling the reaction chamber, a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for releasing the solution and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to release the treated gas. The bioreactor further comprises a retention device to retain the biocatalysts in the reaction chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: CO2 Solution Inc.Inventors: Carmen Parent, Frédéric Dutil
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Patent number: 7160713Abstract: Method and apparatus for biologically oxidizing organic matter. Finely powdered organic matter is suplied into the top end of an upright, high reaction vessel (1). The vessel (1) has been filled up substantially completely by small balls, on the surfaces of which the matter to be oxidized is present in thin layers. By means of a conveyor (6) outside the vessel, the balls are transferred uppwards, whereby the balls in the reaction vessel (1) flow downwrds. Oxidizing air is blown uppwrds against the flow of balls, whereby in the upper section of the vessel, drying takes place in the first instance and then is formed an oxidizing zone automatically by microbial activity in a section, wherein the best oxidizing conditions are prevailing. Exhaust air is cleaned by means of ionic cleaners (14) and singlet oxygen generators (27) and oxidized matter is recovered from the bottom end of the reaction vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Hannu L. Suominen
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Patent number: 7157271Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method removing contaminated gas by a biofilter resolving malodorous substance and volatile organic compounds, included in the waste gas generated from industrial and environmental facilities, into innoxious substances such as water, microorganism and carbon dioxide by means of microorganism The agitator of microorganism carrier of the present invention prevents the clog induced from the growth of microorganism, the increase of pressure loss thereby and the decrease of removing capacity of malodorous substance and volatile organic compounds by desorbing the biofilm.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignees: Biosaint Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hee Wook Ryu, Kyung Suk Cho, Tae-Ho Lee
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Patent number: 7153433Abstract: Application of a functionalized porous membrane to purify nucleic acids, the binding properties of the membrane with respect to nucleic acids being adjustable by controlling the conditions of an ambient medium. The membrane is functionalized by deprotonated groups.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Eppendorf AGInventors: Thomas Kolzau, Heinz Gerhard Köhn, Wilhelm Plüster, Mathias Ulbricht
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Patent number: 7015038Abstract: A method and an apparatus for preparing and culturing cells, particularly bone marrow stromal cells. The method includes the steps of placing an oxygenator and a scaffold in a container, such as a syringe, withdrawing bone marrow stromal cells with the syringe, evenly distributing the cells on the scaffold, connecting the syringe with a reservoir with a medium to enrich the syringe with the medium, and promoting the medium level movement in the syringe to culture bone marrow stromal cells.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: King-Ming Chang, Ya-Chun Tseng, Long-Shuenn Jean, Benning Wang
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Patent number: 6991926Abstract: A method comprising the indirect electrochemical regeneration of NAD(P)H in enzymatic substrate conversions which are catalyzed by monooxygenases, for example, is described. In particular, a method for the electroenzymatic preparation of 2,3-dihydroxyphenyl derivatives, which is catalyzed by the enzyme 2-hydroxybiphenyl 3-monooxygenase and in which simultaneously the NAD+ formed by reductive cleavage of oxygen is electrochemically reduced, is described.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2001Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Basf AktiengesellschaftInventors: Andreas Schmid, Frank Hollmann, Bernhard Hauer, Thomas Zelinski, Christiane Karla Steckhan, legal representative, Uwe Steckhan, legal representative, Antje Steckhan, legal representative, Heike Steckhan, legal representative, Eberhard Steckhan, deceased
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Patent number: 6953676Abstract: Disclosed are devices for amplifying a preselected polynucleotide in a sample by conducting a polynucleotide polymerization reaction. The devices comprise a substrate microfabricated to define a sample inlet port and a mesoscale flow system, which extends from the inlet port. The mesoscale flow system includes a polynucleotide polymerization reaction chamber in fluid communication with the inlet port which is provided with reagents required for polymerization and amplification of a preselected polynucleotide. In one embodiment the devices may be utilized to implement a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the reaction chamber (PCR chamber).Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Trustees of the University of PennsylvaniaInventors: Peter Wilding, Larry J. Kricka
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Patent number: 6946288Abstract: A ventilation system is disclosed for an enclosure in which people live. The ventilation system comprises a first ducting means for ducting fresh air from outside to inside the enclosure and a second ducting means for ducting stale air. The second ducting means comprises a stale air inlet for receiving stale air containing carbon dioxide from inside the enclosure and an exhaust manifold having a first vent to exhaust air outside the enclosure and a second vent in fluid communication with the first ducting means to return clean air into the first ducting means. The ventilation system is further characterised in that it comprises catalysing means for catalysing hydration of carbon dioxide contained in at least a portion of the stale air into a solution of carbonate ions and hydrogen ions, and thereby removing carbon dioxide from said portion of the stale air and obtaining clean air. Evacuating means are also provided for evacuating the solution out of the ventilation system.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: CO2 Solution, Inc.Inventors: Jean-Sébastien Blais, Jean Ruel, Frédéric Dutil
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Patent number: 6924140Abstract: A system for capturing and neutralizing HAP's (hazardous air pollutants) and VOC's (volatile organic compounds) at the source point by providing a closed loop remediation system which utilizes an air collection, treatment and control module containing a predetermined size bay of multiple interchangeable mini-biofilter cartridges that function to consume the pollutant and recirculate remediated air back to the source point of the pollutant. The system includes establishing a closed loop air system at a work station which generates and emits VOC's, capturing the VOC's in the air stream flow and transporting them directly into an adjacent biofilter module which contains selected microorganisms in mini-cartridges which biodegrade said VOC's and recirculates remediated air back to the source point of the pollutant.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Inventor: Lewis J. Daly
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Patent number: 6921662Abstract: The invention provides a cell/tissue culture apparatus for applying a physical stimulation necessary for the proliferation and growth of a cell or tissue to a material to be cultivated serving as a cell or tissue to be cultivated, thereby realizing the culture as desired and protecting the material to be cultivated from contamination of various bacteria and so forth.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Takagi Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takao Takagi, Setsuo Watanabe
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Patent number: 6852227Abstract: A flow-through medium for use in a biological digester has a truncated conical shape, a plurality of internal ribs, and optional external ribs. The conical shape of the media creates a venturi-like action for fluid flowing through the media, which increases the tumbling of the media elements against each other and against the wall of the enclosure in which they are contained. Moreover, the conical shape and venturi-like action prevents slough from accumulating within the media elements, allowing it to be washed through the media. A method of treating sewage effluent includes placing the media elements in an enclosure partially submersed in the effluent and rotating the enclosure to expose the media to the effluent and to a source of oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: JRJ Holdings, LLCInventor: Richard J. Petrone
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Patent number: 6844187Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor as well as a method for cultivating organic material: in particular cells, by means of a nutrient medium. For an intensive cultivation of the organic material in a simple and reliable handling a flow generating device is provided in the bioreactor according to the invention, by means of which the nutrient medium can be put into a flow, wherein a receiving device is arranged in the flow that is adapted for receiving and/or retaining the organic material and wherein the receiving device that is adapted for passing through the flowing nutrient medium is permeable. The method in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the nutrient medium is at least temporarily put into a flow, that the organic material, in particular cells, is retained in or at a receiving device, which is permeable to the nutrient medium and that the nutrient medium is passed through the receiving device.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2000Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Sefar AGInventors: Thomas Wechsler, Ulrich Baer, Christian Oehr, Thomas Graeve
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Publication number: 20040259231Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel biotechnological process of solubilization and concentration of CO2 from emission exhausts or streams that could be coupled for further biochemical/chemical conversion. The biotechnological process occurs in novel reactors/devices employing immobilized biocatalysts enabling concentration and solubilization of emitted CO2 by allowing catalytic contacting with water spray. These novel reactors or devices could be coupled to other reactors/devices resulting in further biochemical/chemical conversion of the concentrated carbon dioxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2003Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventor: Sanjoy K. Bhattacharya
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Publication number: 20040229343Abstract: A membrane supported biofilm reactor uses modules having fine, hollow fibres, for example, made from dense wall Poly methylpentene (PMP) used in tows or formed into a fabric. In one module, one or more sheets of the fabric are potted into a module to enable oxygen containing gas to be supplied to the lumens of the hollow fibres. Various reactors and processes, for example to treat wastewater, using such modules are described. Mechanical, chemical and biological methods are used to control the thickness of the biofilm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: Zenon Environmental Inc.Inventors: Hidayat Husain, Pierre Lucien Cote, Ian Glenn Towe, Henry Behmann, Ian Alexander Pottinger
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Publication number: 20040219659Abstract: The invention features a bioreactor system. The system includes components, which exert physiologically relevant translational and rotational strains on a growing bioengineered tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: Gregory H. Altman, Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, Peter R. H. Stark
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Patent number: 6806052Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for simultaneously analyzing a plurality of analytes anchored to microparticles. Microparticles each having a uniform population of a single kind of analyte attached are disposed as a substantially immobilized planar array inside of a flow chamber where steps of an analytical process are carried out by delivering a sequence of processing reagents to the microparticles by a fluidic system under microprocessor control. In response to such process steps, an optical signal is generated at the surface of each microparticle which is characteristic of the interaction between the analyte carried by the microparticle and the delivered processing reagent. The plurality of analytes are simultaneously analyzed by collecting and recording images of the optical signals generated by all the microparticles in the planar array.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Lynx Therapeutics, Inc.Inventors: John Bridgham, Kevin P. Corcoran, George S. Golda, Michael C. Pallas, Sydney Brenner
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Patent number: 6794183Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for cultivating plant or animal tissue. The inventive device comprises a fermenter container, a supply device for liquid nutrients and gases, devices for discharging used nutritive liquids and gases and solid carrier plates for the plant tissues which are permeable to said liquid nutrients and gases and are arranged within the fermenter container in a stationary manner. According to the invention, the fermenter container comprises a dimensionally stable lid component that carries the various supply and discharge lines as well as the carrier for the cells and comprises a pot- or bag-shaped plastic hose. The opening of said hose is sealed against the lid and is fixed.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Rootec Gesellschaft Für Bioaktive Wirkstoffe mbHInventors: Eckhart Wildi, Reinhart Wildi, Peter Ripplinger
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Publication number: 20040152185Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for the biofiltration of volatile organic compounds. The process involved recirculating contaminated effluent gas through a biofilter (1), the biofilter (1) having an inlet (20), outlet (15) and micro-organism laden filter media bed (3). The filter media bed additionally having moisture retaining properties. This process has been effective in removing high levels of VOCs from effluent gas streams and also in removing VOCs from an effluent gas stream where the VOC levels and/or volumes of effluent gas vary over time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2004Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventors: Imelda Egan, Ian Phillips
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Patent number: 6767734Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing cell population of the same chronological age. Cells of a predetermined age are collected onto an array of surfaces. The collected cells are retained on the said surface during their continuous cultivation and kept from mixing with their descendants by means of flushing away their offspring. Sampling of surface from the array at desired time gives cell populations of desired cell age for examination, assay and other different uses.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Inventor: Shi V. Liu
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Publication number: 20040137610Abstract: Disclosed is a biofilter system for removing volatile organic compounds, generated from various industrial facilities, such as petrochemical plants, refining plants and paint plants, and environmental facilities including sewage treatment plants. The biofilter system comprises a volatile organic compound (VOC) load equilizing portion, a VOC-containing contaminated air transferring portion, a biofiltering portion, and a storing portion for adjusting pH and nutrients in the biofiltering portion. By using such system, an offensive odor and VOC evolved from various industrial facilities and environmental facilities can be efficiently controlled. In addition, even in production processes and storage facilities at which high VOC concentration regulating materials are discontinuously discharged, VOC can be effectively removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Yong-Seok Park, Yeal-Soon Hwang, Hyung-Charn Kim, Yong-Taek Yi
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Publication number: 20040110280Abstract: The present invention provides a porous vessel bioreactor apparatus for use in reaction with immobilized enzymes and/or microbial cells, said apparatus consisting of a vertically elongated reaction vessel having at least one liquid reactant inlet; at least one product outlet on the vessel; at least one porous vessel completely submerged in the reactant, said porous vessel having pore size ranging from 5 mm to 0.2 microns and a vertical length less than a level of the reactants to be maintained in the vessel, and immobilized bio-catalyst particles comprising the enzymes and/or microbial cells placed inside the porous vessel such that the liquid reactant is in contact with the bio-catalyst in both radial and axial directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2002Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: Nitin Wasantrao Fadnavis, Bankupalli Satyavathi, Gurrala Sheelu, Vasantha Madhuri Kallakunta, Trishool Namani
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Publication number: 20040082060Abstract: An apparatus for forcing airflow through (i.e., aerating) a particulate material consists of a planar bearing surface and a ventilation conduit underlying the planar bearing surface. A plurality of delivery conduits extend between the ventilation conduit and the planar bearing surface with a mouth of the delivery conduits being near the planar bearing surface. A grate, defining a plurality of openings, covers the mouth of each delivery conduit. Each grate has a top surface substantially parallel to the planar bearing surface and positioned at or no more than a select distance below the planar bearing surface. This select distance is close enough to the planar bearing surface to prevent the accumulation of particulate material over the grate as the particulate material is scraped from the planar bearing surface with an implement having a linear edge abutting the planar bearing surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: CH2M HILL, Inc.Inventor: Jan Allen
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Patent number: 6727091Abstract: The plants are disposed on a near-vertical matrix panel of porous or fibrous inert material, in which the roots of the plants are embedded. Hydroponic water trickles down the panel, keeping the roots wet. A fan draws the air to be treated horizontally through the panel. The unit freshens stale air in a room. It may be provided as a wall-mounted unit, or as a self-standing tower unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: University of GuelphInventor: Alan Blake Darlington
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Patent number: 6706521Abstract: A reaction chamber is adapted to contain a fluidized bed having a slurry of liquid, media and biomass. A lift and motive fluid are provided to urge slurry from the reaction chamber through a passage from a slurry inlet to a slurry discharge. The height of the slurry inlet is adjustable with respect to the bottom of the reaction chamber to help control the fluidized bed.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Envirogen, Inc.Inventor: Samuel Frisch
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Publication number: 20040038383Abstract: A method for treating an organic exhaust gas comprises the following steps. First, an organic exhaust gas containing a harmful substance is generated. Then, a treating liquid is provided. The organic exhaust gas is contacted with the treating liquid so as to dissolve the harmful substance into the treating liquid. Finally, bacteria are contacted with the treating gas containing the harmful substance so that the harmful substance is biochemically degraded.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Masaya Iwamoto
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Publication number: 20040029267Abstract: A bioreactor for the culture of animal, vegetable, microbial or algal cells or their co-cultures. The arrangement includes a body which delimits an internal volume capable of holding a culture liquid and a gas volume above the culture liquid, and which includes an arrangement for introducing and/or extracting elements respectively into and/or out of the internal volume of the body. The bioreactor further includes a drive for driving the body in an oscillating movement so as to agitate the culture liquid, and the body is a rigid vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: L'OREALInventors: Richard Martin, Pascal Hilaire
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Publication number: 20040023374Abstract: Anchorage-dependent cells are grown in a novel cell culture plate and on a novel substratum which increase the oxygenation of the cells. The cell culture plate is made by enclosing a growth chamber within a shell made of a solid sterilizable. One or more culture wells are positioned within the chamber. An inlet port and outlet port are fashioned within the shell for gas exchange. The wells have a well wall which allows for the diffusion of oxygen from the chamber into the well. A perfluorocarbon is placed within the well. A perfluoro-aldehyde is mixed with the perfluorocarbon, and the perfluoro-aldehyde re-orients so that the aldehyde head groups are at the interface. An attachment factor is bound to the perfluoro-aldehyde, which is sunk into the PFC substratum. Aqueous growth media is then added to the well, and anchorage-dependent cells added and allowed to grow.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: Catherine Rappaport, Edward Trujillo, Yvonne Rensch, Masoud Abbasi, Michael Kempe, Christian Rocaboy, John Gladysz
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Patent number: 6673597Abstract: The present invention provides systems for growing two or three dimensional mammalian cells within a culture medium facilitated by an electromagnetic field, and preferably, a time varying electromagnetic field. The cells and culture medium are contained within a fixed or rotating culture vessel, and the electromagnetic field is emitted from at least one electrode. In one embodiment, the electrode is spaced from the vessel. The invention further provides methods to promote neural tissue regeneration by means of culturing the neural cells in the claimed system. In one embodiment, neuronal cells are grown within longitudinally extending tissue strands extending axially along and within electrodes comprising electrically conductive channels or guides through which a time varying electrical current is conducted, the conductive channels being positioned within a culture medium.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: David A. Wolf, Thomas J. Goodwin
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Publication number: 20030232428Abstract: A system for capturing and neutralizing HAP's (hazardous air pollutants) and VOC's (volatile organic compounds) at the source point by providing a closed loop remediation system which utilizes an air collection, treatment and control module containing a predetermined size bay of multiple interchangeable mini-biofilter cartridges that function to consume the pollutant and recirculate remediated air back to the source point of the pollutant. The system includes establishing a closed loop air system at a work station which generates and emits VOC's, capturing the VOC's in the air stream flow and transporting them directly into an adjacent biofilter module which contains selected microorganisms in mini-cartridges which biodegrade said VOC's and recirculates remediated air back to the source point of the pollutant.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventor: Lewis J. Daly
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Patent number: 6635441Abstract: A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of unpoisoned fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: IRM, LLCInventors: Robert Charles Downs, Scott Allan Lesley, James Kevin Mainquist, Daniel T. McMullan, Andrew J. Meyer, Marc Nasoff
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Publication number: 20030180942Abstract: The invention provides a bio-reactor device and a method of cultivating live cells. The device comprises a holder which contains a matrix of porous foam material in whose interior live cells are anchored, the device comprising also a liquid contained in the holder. The liquid is an oxygen carrier and satarates the matrix, the liquid comprising a synthetic or semi-synthetic constituent. The method involves perfusing the oxygen carrier liquid through the matrix to deliver oxygen to the cells and to absorb carbo-dioxide from the cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventors: Schalk Van Der Merwe, Francis Sean Moolman, Robert Paul Bond, Adriaan Jacobus Van Wyk
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Patent number: 6617155Abstract: Disclosed is a bioreactor apparatus having a bed of buoyant media pellets floating within a filtrate to be processed. The apparatus includes a tank (22) having a peripheral wall for containing filtrate (34) and a bed (36) of media pellets (38). A central manifold (100) is rotatably supported within the tank, the central manifold being mounted for rotation about a vertical axis (22) and having a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings (140) intermediate its ends, the openings adapted to eject filtrate in a generally horizontal direction and along a substantially vertical plane toward the wall of the tank, cyclically fluidize pellets in a directly narrow zone. In a preferred aspect, there is also a thrust manifold (140), generally parallel to the axis of the central manifold and having a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings intermediate its ends directed horizontally and generally perpendicularly to the plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Inventor: J. Wayne Van Toever
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Publication number: 20030165998Abstract: The aim of the invention is to investigate the bonding of substances to target molecules. This is achieved by means of a densely packed device wherein various target molecules are bonded in a large number of sample areas. Cross-contamination and evaporation need to be minimized. The active surface of the sample areas have to be maximized. The inventive solution resides in the use of carrier plates, containing densely packed capillary structures and having a very large inner surface despite small outer dimensions. 1000 times more molecules can be bonded than on a flat outer surface of a comparable size. Cross contamination is avoided by the lack of cross links between the capillaries. Evaporation is minimized by a small outer surface. After the inner surface of the capillaries has been silanized, peptides and peptidomimetics are synthesized in a locally targeted manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2003Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventors: Andreas Frey, Juergen Helfman, Marcus Alexander Schmidt, Gerhard Mueller
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Publication number: 20030157676Abstract: The invention relates to a cell immobilising carrier, which can be used in a novel continuous fermentation process. More particularly, this fermentation process is used in the continuous production of beer. The immobilising carrier comprises a porous medium of fibers. The medium has a porosity of at least 70%.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2003Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventors: Marc Arnaut, Marc Andries, Freddy Delvaux, Marc Kelgtermans
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Publication number: 20030129743Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for cultivating plant or animal tissue. The inventive device comprises a fermenter container, a supply device for liquid nutrients and gases, devices for discharging used nutritive liquids and gases and solid carrier plates for the plant tissues which are permeable to said liquid nutrients and gases and are arranged within the fermenter container in a stationary manner. According to the invention, the fermenter container consists of a dimensionally stable lid component that carries the various supply and discharge lines as well as the carrier for the cells and consists of a pot- or bag-shaped plastic hose. The opening of said hose is sealed against the lid and is fixed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: Eckhart Wildi, Reinhart Wildi, Peter Ripplinger
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Publication number: 20030100105Abstract: An apparatus and method for extracting cells from organs in which a digestion chamber includes at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and a separator for retaining the organ and permitting the cells and the physiologically compatible medium to exit the outlet. The digestion chamber can also includes at least one agitation member having an interior with at least one void. An agitation member for extracting cells from organs is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2001Publication date: May 29, 2003Applicant: Ramon E. PooInventors: Ramon E. Poo, Camillo Ricordi
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Publication number: 20030082794Abstract: The present invention relates to a biological filter for the purification of waste gases comprising a bed of biologically active carrier material consisting of pith extracted from coconut husks, the bed being contained such that the waste gases are brought in contact with the said bed and removed from the bed at points spatially separated from the inlet points.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2001Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Ajit Haridas, Swachchha Majumdar