Abstract: A system and method for separating human waste and converting urine into potable water for drinking and use in a hand washing station (165). In one aspect a commode (100), a three-way valve (110) at the outlet of the commode, a urine reactants tank (145), a storage container (160), a pump (170), and a spigot (175) are used. A user turns an actuator (111) on the valve in one direction to direct feces and feces-plus-urine into a reactants tank for feces, and in another direction to direct urine into the urine reactants tank. The urine reactants tank contains a plurality of baffles (210) separating the tank into chambers. A first chamber contains algae and microorganisms supplied by a seed (150). These organisms absorb nutrients from the urine as they grow into a mass (152). A last chamber contains only purified water that flows from the tank into the storage container from which it can be pumped to the spigot.

Abstract: A system for converting urine into potable water for drinking and use in a hand washing station (165) comprises a commode (100), a three-way valve (110) at the outlet of the commode, a urine reactants tank (145), a storage container (160), a pump (170), and a spigot (175). A user turns an actuator (111) on the valve in one direction to direct feces and feces-plus-urine into a reactants tank for feces, and in another direction to direct urine into the urine reactants tank. The urine reactants tank contains a plurality of baffles (210) separating the tank into chambers. A first chamber contains algae and microorganisms supplied by a seed (150). These organisms absorb nutrients from the urine as they grow into a mass (152). A last chamber contains only purified water which flows from the tank into the storage container from which it can be pumped to the spigot.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing cyanotoxins and excess ions from contaminated water. Contaminated water passes from a storage tank (200), through a sand filter (210), through a reaction chamber (230), and finally through a carbon filter (270). The sand filter removes particulates and some bacteria. Treatment of the water in the reaction chamber first destroys cyanotoxins, algae, and bacteria through the use of high voltage shocks applied between two groups of electrodes (285, 285?), then the voltage on the electrodes is lowered and electrolysis is used to sequester free ions in the water in the region near the electrodes. Partially treated water is removed from the upper portion of the reaction chamber and passed through a carbon filter (270) to remove radiation, and to improve taste and smell. After passage through the carbon filter, the water is potable. The water remaining in the reaction chamber is discarded into a reservoir (265).

Abstract: A system for removing cyanotoxins and excess ions from contaminated water. Contaminated water passes from a storage tank (200), through a sand filter (210), through a reaction chamber (230), and finally through a carbon filter (270). The sand filter removes particulates and bacteria. The reaction chamber first destroys cyanotoxins, algae, and bacteria through the use of high voltage shocks applied between two groups of electrodes (285, 285? then the voltage on the electrodes is lowered and electrolysis is used to sequester free ions in the water in the region near the electrodes. Partially treated water is removed from the upper portion of the reaction chamber and passed through a carbon filter (270) to remove radiation, and improve taste and smell. The water is then potable. The water remaining in the reaction chamber is discarded into a reservoir (265).

Abstract: A protective helmet (100) comprises a plurality of layers. A fabric layer (200) conforms to a wearer's head, extending around the head from the top of the head to a point above the ears. A first, conforming hard layer (205) follows and is secured to the fabric layer. A second hard layer (210) conforms to and rests on the previous hard layer, but is not attached to it. A fibrous layer (215) is formed over the second hard layer, and a wet settable friable or frangible material layer, e.g., plaster, (220) is applied over the fibrous layer. The friable or frangible material infiltrates the fiber layer and seals it to the second hard layer. While the friable or frangible material is still wet, a mold (222) or tool (not shown) forms a plurality of lines, e.g., hexagonal trenches (225), in the friable material that extend downward toward the fibrous layer. The mold can optionally be left in place or removed after the plaster hardens. Next, a surface layer (230) of resin is applied over the outside of the layers.

Abstract: For extracting phosphorous from algae-in a body of water, the algae are deposited into a sealable tank (200) that is then evacuated, thereby rupturing the algal cell walls. The ruptured algae are then moved to a second tank (260), mixed with water and bacterial cultures, and allowed to settle until the lipids rise to the top and the oil-less debris settles to the bottom. The second tank also contains sacrificial (295) and rusted electrodes (320). The phosphorous from the algae combines with the rust. The lipids and debris are then removed. Next, an electrical source (315) causes the rust to be removed from the rusted electrodes and settle. In addition, a phosphorous-rich scum floats to the top. These components are placed in storage containers for later use and the water is returned, thereby reducing its phosphorous content.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing humanly edible food from Jatropha curcas L. (JCL) or a similar plant or an algae comprises an air-tight tank (200) for containing a mixture of water, a fermenting press cake (125) of JCL seeds, yeast and other ingredients (289), including amylase and a fungus, a container for mash (290) produced during fermentation, a still (300) with a distillation column (355) for separating ethanol (360) from water, a container for ethanol (365), a source of water (215), and combustible sources (261, 296, 335) for providing heat to a plurality of burners (260, 288, 320). Ethanol produced during fermentation extracts toxic phorbol esters from the mash. After fermentation, the water and ethanol are removed from the tank and moved to the still. The mash is moved to a container (286) where it is heated to decompose toxic lectins therein, rendering the mash edible by humans and other animals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting oil from algae comprises a disruptor (125) having a plurality of deflectors (220 and 225) against which a mixture of algae and water (100) is forcibly impacted upon the urging of a pump (115). The impacting of the algal cells against the deflectors ruptures their cell walls and liberates the lipids (oil) and other materials contained therein. A tank (130) collects the mixture and after a settling period, the mixture forms at least three layers comprising oil (155), water (160), and algal residue (165). The oil layer is removed through one or more conduits (177, 178) into a holding tank (185) for further refining and use. The water is discarded, and the biomass residue comprising algal cell walls and other non-oil components is removed to another holding container (199) from which it can be discarded or used as an agricultural fertilizer or the like. If desired, the residue can be further treated in order to scavenge any remaining oil.

Abstract: A system for making biofuels comprising methane, ethanol, and biodiesel comprises a tank (100) with a sealable lid (120). An algae mass (105), water, and either a yeast or bacterial culture (106) is added to the tank. Under high temperature conditions, sour (CO2-containing) methane is produced and stored in a container (130). Under lower temperature conditions, ethanol and CO2 are produced. Heated or cooled water passed through a water jacket (160) that surrounds the tank maintains the proper temperature within the tank. The CO2 is stored in a second container (270). The sour methane and the CO2 are optionally passed through a scrubber. Scrubbed methane is suitable for use as a fuel and drives a generator (275) that supplies power to various parts of the system. Carbon credits will be available for CO2 that is trapped in the scrubber. A still (185) separates ethanol and water for later use. Biodiesel can also be made in the apparatus by first making ethanol, then employing a transesterification process.