Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Schwedler

Thomas E. Schwedler 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: 7258790
    Abstract: A controlled eutrophication system and process are disclosed. The system includes the combination of a partitioned aquaculture system in conjunction with an anaerobic digester. Wastewater containing pollutants, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, are fed to the partitioned aquaculture system. Algae within the system converts the pollutants into algal biomass. Fish populations, in turn, control the algal populations. The fish populations may then be periodically harvested for human or animal consumption. A polishing chamber is contained in the system in which aquatic organisms remove substantial amounts of the algae from batch fed additions of water. The water is then discharged to an external water source containing virtually no pollutants. In one embodiment, the biomass excreted by the aquatic organisms in the system are collected and fed to a digester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: David E. Brune, John A. Collier, Thomas E. Schwedler, A. G. Eversole
  • Patent number: 6192833
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a process and system for raising aquatic organisms, such as shellfish, shrimp and fish. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an automated partitioned aquaculture system for raising catfish. The aquiculture system comprises an algal growth channel; at least one raceway for producing and maintaining the aquatic organisms; and a first and second flow control device. The first flow control device is configured to control the flowrate of water through the algal growth channel substantially independently of the flowrate of water in the raceway. By changing the water flowrate, in response to factors in the aquaculture environment, production of aquatic organisms can be substantially increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventors: David E. Brune, John A. Collier, Thomas E. Schwedler