Abstract: A culture container transportation set suitable for cultured state-maintaining transportation is provided. A culture container transportation set A1 includes: a culture container 13 including a vessel 13 made up of a bottom wall 11 and a tubular side wall 12 rising from the bottom wall 11; a flexible cover 2 covering an upper edge portion 121 of the side wall 12; a hard pressing member 3 provided on the cover 2; a cushioning material 4 of shape restorability; and a housing container 6 that houses the culture container 1, the cover 2, the pressing member 3 and the cushioning material 4 in an assembled state in which these components are stacked while pressing these components from above and below. The cushioning material 4 is provided between the housing container 6 and the culture container 1 or between the pressing member 3 and the housing container 6.

Abstract: An embodiment of a device for automatically executing a process of generating an emulsion containing nucleic acids, amplifying the nucleic acids in the emulsion, breaking the emulsion, and separating and purifying said amplified nucleic acids, is described that comprises an emulsion generation unit for sealing beads to which nucleic acids are bound in a water-in-oil type emulsion; a nucleic acid amplification unit provided with a reaction vessel for amplifying said nucleic acids and a heating and cooling part for heating and cooling the reaction vessel; an emulsion breaking unit for breaking the emulsion after nucleic acid amplification; and a nucleic acid purification unit for recovering said amplified nucleic acids from said emulsion breaking unit.

Abstract: A three stage, multiple phase anaerobic digestion system and method designed to separate the biological phases, optimize microbial activity in each phase, and significantly increase system reliability and energy production. The system physically separates the biological phases of anaerobic digestion based on particle size, particle density, and solubility of metabolic products. The system allows a complex multi-phased biological system to develop without the need for excessive control or operator intervention.

Abstract: Methods and systems for removal and recovery of phosphorus from wastewater and producing inorganic phosphorus complexes including digestate recycle.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling bacteria, especially lactic and acetic acid bacteria in the production of ethanol using an organic oxidizing compound in combination with an inorganic oxidizer is provided. Particularly, a mixture of one or more peroxy acids and one or more peroxide compounds is introduced into a fermentation mash so as to inhibit or reduce levels of bacteria that compete with yeast for the fermentation sugars. The peroxy acid and peroxide compounds largely are consumed during the fermentation process and are generally not present in the fermentation by-products, especially recovered distiller's grains.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing chemical products by anaerobically fermenting a particular biomass using anaerobic bacteria. Such chemical products include hydrogen and other gases, acetic acid and other volatile organic acids, solvents, solids, and salts of volatile organic acids.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the producing feeds/fertilizers containing died and fermented animal and plant residues. The apparatus includes a fermentation tank, an unobstructed circulation duct connected to the fermentation tank and a blower directly connected to the circulation duct wherein blower supplies air for advancing the residues up the circulation duct.

Abstract: A dynamic and noninvasive method of monitoring the adhesion and proliferation of biological cells through multimode operation (acoustic and optical) using a ZnO nanostructure-modified quartz crystal microbalance (ZnOnano-QCM) biosensor is disclosed.

Abstract: Climate control unit with an interior section containing a storage space and with a closable access opening to the storage section whereby at least one part of the interior section is separated and sealed against the rest of the interior section thus forming a separate germ-proof section. The division takes place at least in part by a membrane that is permeable for water vapor and gas but impermeable for microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an organic substrate treatment system that converts organic substrate and other organic materials to nutrient rich effluent and biogas. Using sequential degradation of the organic materials, biogas and effluent is efficiently produced with relatively short digestion times. Additives are added to the organic materials prior to anaerobic digestion to enhance biogas production. A desulfurizer may be used to clean the raw biogas so that it is suitable for use with gas engines and boilers.

Abstract: A three stage, multiple phase anaerobic digestion system and method designed to separate the biological phases, optimize microbial activity in each phase, and significantly increase system reliability and energy production. The system physically separates the biological phases of anaerobic digestion based on particle size, particle density, and solubility of metabolic products. The system allows a complex multi-phased biological system to develop without the need for excessive control or operator intervention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the fermentational production of biologically active materials, wherein a fermenter is located in an insulator which, in turn, is located within a working chamber or is adjacent to it. A pressure gradient in relation to ambient pressure prevails in both the insulator and in the working chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to decrease emission of carbon dioxide from combustion of fossil fuels or other hydrocarbons and to enhance the efficiency of methane production from anaerobic biodigesters. The invention involves feeding carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas of hydrocarbon fuel combustion to an anaerobic biodigester where biomass is anaerobically fermented to produce methane. Carbon dioxide is an electron acceptor for anaerobic fermentation, and thus some of the carbon dioxide is reduced to methane, which can again be used for fuel. In this way, at least a portion of the exhaust gas CO2 is recycled to form fuel methane instead of being released into the atmosphere. Thus, the net CO2 emission from burning a given amount of fossil fuel is decreased. Adding carbon dioxide to an anaerobic fermentation also increases the efficiency and amount of methane production in the fermentation.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: Climate control unit with an interior section containing a storage space and with a closable access opening to the storage section whereby at least one part of the interior section is separated and sealed against the rest of the interior section thus forming a separate germ-proof section. The division takes place at least in part by a membrane that is permeable for water vapor and gas but impermeable for microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for sustained methane production from atmospheric CO2 and solar energy from the sun. In general the methods involve culturing cyanobacteria in a first culture vessel and collecting and diverting the photosynthesis products, including glucose or acetic acid, to a second culture vessel including methanogenic bacteria. The photosynthesis products are then used as nutrients by the methanogenic bacteria in the second culture vessel in the production of methane. The methane produced is subsequently collected and used as a clean energy source. The invention also features compositions, including genetically modified cyanobacteria and systems for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A novel clostridia bacterial species (Clostridium ragsdalei, ATCC BAA-622/PTA-7826, “P11”) is provided. P11 is capable of synthesizing, from waste gases, products which are useful as biofuel. In particular, P11 can convert CO to ethanol. Thus, this novel bacterium transforms waste gases (e.g. syngas and refinery wastes) into useful products. P11 also catalyzes the production of acetate.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a multigas incubator capable of shortening humidity-returning time after closing its door. The incubator comprises an adiabatic box main body having an opening on a front face thereof, an adiabatic door mounted on the adiabatic box main body in an openable and closable manner, a transparent inner door for openably closing the opening, and an incubation room surrounded by the inner door and the adiabatic box main body for incubating samples such as cells, microbes and the like. The adiabatic box main body comprises an outer box made of a metal, an inner box made of a metal, a heat insulating material arranged inside the outer box between the outer and inner boxes, and an air layer arranged more inside than the heat insulating material. Gases supplied for controlling concentrations of gases in the incubation room are jetted into humidification water.

Abstract: A biogas generator employs an anaerobic digestion process to convert organic waste material within a sealed reservoir to a biogas. A solar thermal panel connected to the reservoir heats a fluid traveling through a conduit, which is connected to a heat exchanger within the reservoir. The heated fluid travels through the heat exchanger and heats the waste material to facilitate the anaerobic digestion process. Solar cells produce electricity to operate one or more pumps that pump the heated fluid through the conduit, and pump the waste material and the generated biogas, into and out of the reservoir. A rotating lid structure has elongated agitators which extend into the reservoir.

Abstract: An incubation apparatus is provided to incubate culture targets such as cells, embryos or microorganisms in an incubation chamber. The incubation apparatus is capable of inexpensively, highly accurately and automatically calibrating a gas concentration sensor. The incubation apparatus includes a gas concentration sensor 42 which detects a gas concentration in the incubation chamber 4, control means (controller 70) for controlling the supply of a gas into the incubation chamber on the basis of an output of the gas concentration sensor 42, and standard gas supply means for supplying the gas concentration sensor 42 with a standard gas which has been previously adjusted to an actually used gas concentration or a gas concentration close thereto.

Abstract: A novel clostridia bacterial species (Clostridium ragsdalei, ATCC BAA-622, “P11”) is provided. P11 is capable of synthesizing, from waste gases, products which are useful as biofuel. In particular, P11 can convert CO to ethanol. Thus, this novel bacterium transforms waste gases (e.g. syngas and refinery wastes) into useful products. P11 also catalyzes the production of acetate.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.

Abstract: A method and a device for improved freezing of biological containing living cells is disclosed. Directional cooling coupled with agitation, preferably rotation, of the vessel containing the biological sample allows for the freezing of large volume samples at much greater rates than before. Whether a sample is large or not, the greater thermal homogeneity during the freezing process as well as the resulting crystal morphology yield a frozen sample which is exceptionally suited for lyophilization.

Abstract: The invention provides a method to decrease emission of carbon dioxide from combustion of fossil fuels or other hydrocarbons and to enhance the efficiency of methane production from anaerobic biodigesters. The invention involves feeding carbon dioxide from the exhaust gas of hydrocarbon fuel combustion to an anaerobic biodigester where biomass is anaerobically fermented to produce methane. Carbon dioxide is an electron acceptor for anaerobic fermentation, and thus some of the carbon dioxide is reduced to methane, which can again be used for fuel. In this way, at least a portion of the exhaust gas CO2 is recycled to form fuel methane instead of being released into the atmosphere. Thus, the net CO2 emission from burning a given amount of fossil fuel is decreased. Adding carbon dioxide to an anaerobic fermentation also increases the efficiency and amount of methane production in the fermentation.

Abstract: A device for digesting sludge anaerobically, comprising a digesting tank (100) having an upper region (104) and a lower region (105), and a reaction chamber (107) for converting raw sludge into matured sludge, an inlet (112) for introducing sludge (109) into the digesting tank, at least one transfer pipe (120) for channelling sludge from the lowe region of the digesting tank to the upper region of the digesting tank, said at least one transfer pipe being arranged within the digesting tank and having at least a part of its length thereof arranged within the reaction chamber so that least one transfer pipe is in contact with sludge moving through the reaction chamber, thereby resulting in heat transfer from sludge moving in at least on transfer pipe to sludge in the reaction chamber, and an outlet (114) arrange at the lower region of the digesting tank for discharging matured sludge (116) from the digesting tank.

Abstract: A hybrid bioreactor for cell culture is disclosed. To simultaneously apply compressive strain for cell differentiation and shear strain for cell proliferation to cells, the hybrid bioreactor includes a plurality of reactor tube assemblies (100), a compressive strain motor (5), a shear strain motor (25), a lower anchor mount (20) having a plurality of toothed anchors (70) to respectively anchor the lower ends of the reactor tube assemblies (100) to the lower anchor mount (20), a ball screw (90) operated in conjunction with the compressive strain motor (5), an upper anchor mount (60) which engages with the ball screw (90) to vertically move upward and downward and having a plurality of compressive strain anchors (80) to anchor the upper ends of the reactor tube assemblies (100) to the upper anchor mount (60), a power transmission unit to transmit the rotating force of the shear strain motor (25) to the toothed anchors (70).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system of baiting and growing microorganisms on a gelatinous matrix. A bioreactor is provided wherein the bioreactor provides an environment conducive to the breakdown of organic aqueous material and the production of hydrogen from microorganisms and restrictive to the production of methane from methanogens. The bioreactor includes substrates coated with a gelatinous matrix, wherein the gelatinous matrix coating is replenished by additional coating material pumped into interior channels of the substrates wherein the substrates are permeable by the coating.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing chemical products by anaerobically fermenting a particular biomass using anaerobic bacteria. Such chemical products include hydrogen and other gases, acetic acid and other volatile organic acids, solvents, solids, and salts of volatile organic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for dry fermentation and equipment for carrying out the same. The invention equipment comprises a fermentation tank for dry fermentation which includes a tank body 5 for accommodating materials, a flexible sealing membrane 7 for covering said tank body 5, and a tight fixing means 3 for hermetically covering the tank body 5 with the flexible sealing membrane 7. This invention is characterized in that said tank body 5 is provided with a top opening 2 at its top part and at least one side opening 4 for loading and unloading materials at its side portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the fermentational production of biologically active materials, wherein a fermenter is located in an insulator which, in turn, is located within a working chamber or is adjacent to it. A pressure gradient in relation to ambient pressure prevails in both the insulator and in the working chamber.

Abstract: A process and system for converting animal waste to useful biofuel products, and more particularly a process and system for converting excrement from lactating dairy cattle to a combination of ethanol, methane, carbon dioxide and fertilizer is presented. The system uses a continuous process to place the animal waste into an aqueous mixture with a starter sugar and a digestive microorganism into a heated anaerobic digester. The products of the reactions within the digester include methane, which is extracted in a gaseous form, and ethanol and carbon dioxide, which are separated out of an aqueous solution in a distillation column. The water from the solution is recycled and the solid residue remaining in the digester is dried in a rotary kiln and granulated to form a fertilizer material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rapid gas recovery in a controlled gas atmosphere enclosure, which are particularly suited for maintaining incubator gas concentration levels, include the formulation of algorithms utilized for this purpose. The algorithms are included in the firmware for an embedded controller and operate gas solenoids that have inputs defined as specific gases at a defined pressure. An application of the rapid gas recovery method and apparatus to incubators is also disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a CO2 incubator capable of accurately controlling the CO2 gas concentration in an incubation space and quickly coping with a sudden change of CO2 gas concentrations in the incubation space.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for creating an environment in a container that is suitable for growing anaerobic bacteria. The device utilizes exothermic chemistry to deplete oxygen and drive the decomposition of a bicarbonate present in the closed system. The decomposition of the bicarbonate results in the release of carbon dioxide. The result of this exothermic reaction and decomposition of the bicarbonate in the closed system results in a suitable oxygen depleted, carbon dioxide enriched atmospheric environment for the growth of anaerobic bacteria. The device is formed of an air permeable package containing a heat generating composition and a bicarbonate. The air-permeable package is contained within an outer wrap that forms an air barrier to the air-permeable package. To activate the heat generating composition, the outer wrap is removed to expose the air-permeable package to the oxygen within the container.

Abstract: A culture package system comprising a package preferably in the form of a container containing one or more conventional culture media dishes containing solidified culture media. Each dish includes a bottom wall and a peripheral side wall and a removable cover having a bottom wall and a peripheral side side wall which is loosely telescoped over the dish. A plurality of the dishes are preferably provided in inverted stacked relation in the container. A cover is hermetically sealed to close the container. The interior of the package has a gaseous atmosphere having less than 1% oxygen. An oxygen absorber is placed in the package to facilitate maintaining the atmosphere at less than 1% oxygen. Preferably a moisture absorber is also placed in the package. The package is made of plastic material which is impermeable to oxygen and moisture and preferably is in the form of a container which has a base wall and a peripheral wall and a cover sealed thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for creating an environment in a container that is suitable for growing anaerobic bacteria. The device utilizes exothermic chemistry to deplete oxygen and drive the decomposition of a bicarbonate present in the closed system. The decomposition of the bicarbonate results in the release of carbon dioxide. The result of this exothermic reaction and decomposition of the bicarbonate in the closed system results in a suitable oxygen depleted, carbon dioxide enriched atmospheric environment for the growth of anaerobic bacteria. The device is formed of an air permeable package containing a heat generating composition and a bicarbonate. The air-permeable package is contained within an outer wrap that forms an air barrier to the air-permeable package. To activate the heat generating composition, the outer wrap is removed to expose the air-permeable package to the oxygen within the container.

Abstract: A cultivating apparatus designed so that cultivating containers for cultivating cultures can be mounted therein and the inside of the apparatus is hermetically sealed by closing a door of said apparatus to cultivate the cultures, is provided with a sterilizing lamp for emitting light for sterilizing germs such as bacteria, etc. contained in the gas in the apparatus. The sterilizing lamp comprises an ultraviolet lamp for emitting ultraviolet rays in which light of 200 nm or less in wavelength is cut off.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for creating an environment in a container that is suitable for growing anaerobic bacteria. The device utilizes exothermic chemistry to deplete oxygen and drive the decomposition of a bicarbonate present in the closed system. The decomposition of the bicarbonate results in the release of carbon dioxide. The result of this exothermic reaction and decomposition of the bicarbonate in the closed system results in a suitable oxygen depleted, carbon dioxide enriched atmospheric environment for the growth of anaerobic bacteria. The device is formed of an air permeable package containing a heat generating composition and a bicarbonate. The air-permeable package is contained within an outer wrap that forms an air barrier to the air-permeable package. To activate the heat generating composition, the outer wrap is removed to expose the air-permeable package to the oxygen within the container.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rapid gas recovery in a controlled gas atmosphere enclosure, which are particularly suited for maintaining incubator gas concentration levels, include the formulation of algorithms utilized for this purpose. The algorithms are included in the firmware for an embedded controller and operate gas solenoids that have inputs defined as specific gases at a defined pressure. An application of the rapid gas recovery method and apparatus to incubators is also disclosed.

Abstract: Controlled atmosphere entry/exit lock unit (10) for association with a controlled atmosphere cabinet (80), the lock unit (10) having two controlled access means (13; 30) both usually operable alternatively for sealing and communicating, one (30) relative to said cabinet (80) and the other (13) relative to outside, the lock unit further having atmosphere control means (70-78) operable for achieving internal atmosphere conditions compatible with what may be prescribed for said cabinet (80), the one access means having movable door means (30) and related powered actuation means (50; 30A, B) including for sealing relative to access with said cabinet (80).

Abstract: An apparatus for growing anaerobic microorganisms is provided having a dish top that contains a sealing ring upon which the media surface in the dish bottom rests when the apparatus is inverted. The contact between the sealing ring and the media surface forms a seal that traps the gas in the headspace between the media surface and the inside of the dish top. A oxygen reducing agent can also be incorporated into the media together, in some instances, with a substrate which react with oxygen in the media and with oxygen in the headspace thereby creating an environment suitable for growing anaerobic, microaerophilic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a specific methanogenic activity measuring apparatus, in which a carbon dioxide gas absorbing container 6 is removably accommodated in a pressure vessel 4 with a cover 3 removably set thereon, the pressure vessel 4 is removably accommodated in a thermostatic water bath 7 with a pressure transducer 8 based on the pressure-electricity converting system connected to a recorder 5 attached to the cover 3, and further a supporting member for supporting a carbon dioxide gas absorbing container and a generated gas piping 16 are attached to an external bottom surface and an internal bottom surface of the carbon dioxide gas absorbing container 6 respectively, and gas piping 12 with valves for gas phase replacement to the cover 3 of the pressure vessel 4.

Abstract: The invention relates to a static unit (1) for the production of anaerobic, micro-aerophilic or other atmospheres (e.g., CO2) in a mobile interchangeable container, which is connected, at a lid of the unit to the system for the production of the desired atmosphere in the interior of the interchangeable container. The invention also relates to an interchangeable container particularly suitable for such a device. The static unit (1) can receive mobile interchangeable containers in an aperture provided for this purpose, in which the desired atmosphere in the interior is produced fully automatically. A vacuum-operated docking cylinder automatically couples the interchangeable container, which has an internal gas supply channel for the system (4) for the production of the desired atmosphere and is pressed gas-tight against an area of the interchangeable container lid having gas inlets and outlets.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing anaerobic microorganisms is provided having a dish top that contains a sealing ring upon which the media surface in the dish bottom rests when the apparatus is inverted. The contact between the sealing ring and the media surface forms a seal that traps the gas in the headspace between the media surface and the inside of the dish top. A oxygen reducing agent can also be incorporated into the media together, in some instances, with a substrate which react with oxygen in the media and with oxygen in the headspace thereby creating an environment suitable for growing anaerobic, microaerophilic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms.

Abstract: Controlled atmosphere cabinet has enclosure (110;210) with means providing visibility (110F; 210F) of its interior from outside, gas supply (113-116, 212-216) for desired or target composition of internal atmosphere, controlled lock-type access (112) for manual introduction and removal of items, and hand/arm access port provision (111A, B; 211A, B) for manipulation of said samples in the cabinet. Gas supply associated control means (230-240) serves during use of the cabinet (other than normal atmosphere augmenting in use of the lock-type access) for additional gas supply further to correct or compensate for effects actually or potentially adverse to maintaining the desired or target internal atmosphere composition, via operator-actuated input means (121t, 123; 222) and/or means (122, 124, 139; 225) for sensing prescribed conditions to which the control means is responsive for said additional gas supply.

Abstract: A cultivating apparatus designed so that cultivating containers for cultivating cultures can be mounted therein and the inside of the apparatus is hermetically sealed by closing a door of said apparatus to cultivate the cultures, is provided with a sterilizing lamp for emitting light for sterilizing germs such as bacteria, etc. contained in the gas in the apparatus. The sterilizing lamp comprises an ultraviolet lamp for emitting ultraviolet rays in which light of 200 nm or less in wavelength is cut off.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a diglyceride, which includes:

Abstract: A connection device for connecting a filtering system to an incubator. The connection device includes a body member adapted to fit in the wall of an incubator and having at least two bores which provide access into the incubator. The bores are equipped with fittings which provide a port for connection of tubing to direct the flow of filtered air into and out of the incubator.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing anaerobic microorganisms is provided having a dish top that contains a sealing ring upon which the media surface in the dish bottom rests when the apparatus is inverted. The contact between the sealing ring and the media surface forms a seal that traps the gas in the headspace between the media surface and the inside of the dish top. A oxygen reducing agent can also be incorporated into the media together, in some instances, with a substrate which react with oxygen in the media and with oxygen in the headspace thereby creating an environment suitable for growing anaerobic, microaerophilic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms.

Abstract: A laboratory incubator (10) having an improved temperature control assembly (14) that more effectively maintains the temperature within the incubator in a desired range and more accurately controls the rate of heat loss from the laboratory incubators as ambient temperatures rise. The incubator includes a housing (12) having an enclosed incubation chamber (18) therein; a heater (22) positioned within the housing for heating the chamber; a cooling device (24) positioned within the housing for cooling the walls of the housing; and a controller (26) for controlling the operation of the heater and the cooling device to maintain a temperature in the chamber within a set temperature range. The cooling device includes an electrically operated peltier device operable to both cool the chamber and to assist the heater in heating the chamber.