Patents by Inventor Florian Mansfeld

Florian Mansfeld has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8524402
    Abstract: A microbial fuel cell for generating electricity. The microbial fuel cell includes an anode and a cathode electrically coupled to the anode. The anode is in contact with a first fluid including microorganisms capable of catalyzing the oxidation of ammonium. The anode is in contact with a second fluid including microorganisms capable of catalyzing the reduction of nitrite. The anode and the cathode may be housed in a single compartment, and the cathode may rotate with respect to the anode. The microbial fuel cell can be used to remove ammonium from wastewater, to generate electricity, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Zhen He, Kenneth H. Nealson, Florian Mansfeld
  • Publication number: 20120082868
    Abstract: A microbial fuel cell (MFC) includes a cation exchange membrane defining an anode chamber, an anode positioned in the anode chamber, and a cathode in contact with an exterior of the cation exchange membrane. A restrictor in contact with the cation exchange membrane defines an opening through which water flows into or out of the anode chamber. The MFC includes bacteria in the anode chamber that oxidize organic compounds in the water while oxygen is reduced at the cathode, such that electricity is generated in the absence of an external power source. In an example, the MFC is coupled to a buoy and provides electricity to an electrically powered device also coupled to the buoy, thereby providing a low-maintenance source of power in remote locations. The electrically powered device may be, for example, a light or a sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Yuelong Huang, Zhen He, Florian Mansfeld
  • Publication number: 20110183159
    Abstract: A microbial fuel cell for generating electricity. The microbial fuel cell includes an anode and a cathode electrically coupled to the anode. The anode is in contact with a first fluid including microorganisms capable of catalyzing the oxidation of ammonium. The anode is in contact with a second fluid including microorganisms capable of catalyzing the reduction of nitrite. The anode and the cathode may be housed in a single compartment, and the cathode may rotate with respect to the anode. The microbial fuel cell can be used to remove ammonium from wastewater, to generate electricity, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: University of Southern California
    Inventors: Zhen He, Kenneth H. Nealson, Florian Mansfeld
  • Publication number: 20060257682
    Abstract: Processing a galvanized metal using a cerium nitrate solution. The cerium nitrate is used to add cerium to a surface of the galvanized metal. Hydrogen peroxide, colloidal silica and silene may be added to the solution that is applied to the surface of the metal. This can reduce the corrosion reaction, thereby improving corrosion resistance. In an embodiment, the processing is carried out by dipping the metal into the solution for 60 seconds or less, followed by drying for 10 seconds or less, for a total processing time of 70 seconds or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: November 16, 2006
    Inventors: Yon-Kyun Song, Florian Mansfeld