Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Ihde

Thomas F. Ihde 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).

  • System and method for promoting attachment and growth of bivalve organisms on coastal structures
    Patent number: 11766031
    Abstract: A curtain enclosure formed from a flexible, non-permeable membrane is positioned adjacent to a section of riprap or similarly configured structure that has been installed along a shoreline. The curtain is stretched around rigid elongate posts and extends outward into the water from the edge of the riprap to create an enclosed containment area formed between the interior of the curtain and the edge of the riprap. The bottom of the curtain is weighted to sit along the bed of the water body and resist movement in that position. Once the curtain enclosure has been formed, larval bivalve organisms, such as oyster larvae, are poured into the curtain enclosure, and thereafter the curtain enclosure is maintained in that position for a period sufficient to promote attachment and growth of the larvae on the riprap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Morgan State University
    Inventors: Thomas F. Ihde, Richard V. Lacouture, Amber DeMarr
  • Method for using bivalve waste as media for micro-algal production
    Patent number: 11655446
    Abstract: A method for cultivating micro-algae cultures using bivalve waste comprising usable nitrogen and phosphorus as a nutrient source. The micro-algae cultures may be used in turn as a nutrient source for oysters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Thomas F. Ihde, Rebekah Borgert
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROMOTING ATTACHMENT AND GROWTH OF BIVALVE ORGANISMS ON COASTAL STRUCTURES
    Publication number: 20220095593
    Abstract: A curtain enclosure formed from a flexible, non-permeable membrane is positioned adjacent to a section of riprap or similarly configured structure that has been installed along a shoreline. The curtain is stretched around rigid elongate posts and extends outward into the water from the edge of the riprap to create an enclosed containment area formed between the interior of the curtain and the edge of the riprap. The bottom of the curtain is weighted to sit along the bed of the water body and resist movement in that position. Once the curtain enclosure has been formed, larval bivalve organisms, such as oyster larvae, are poured into the curtain enclosure, and thereafter the curtain enclosure is maintained in that position for a period sufficient to promote attachment and growth of the larvae on the riprap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas F. Ihde, Richard V. Lacouture, Amber DeMarr
  • METHOD FOR USING BIVALVE WASTE AS MEDIA FOR MICRO-ALGAL PRODUCTION
    Publication number: 20220098544
    Abstract: A method for cultivating micro-algae cultures using bivalve waste comprising usable nitrogen and phosphorus as a nutrient source. The micro-algae cultures may be used in turn as a nutrient source for oysters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas F. Ihde, Rebekah Borgert