Feeding Method Patents (Class 119/212)
  • Patent number: 12133512
    Abstract: An artificial propagation method of Sinocyclocheilus rhinocerous, comprising placing female and male parent fish in a sterilized culture container in which a black cave simulant is placed in advance, strictly controlling the environmental parameters of the parent fish culture. The method realizes natural spawning and sperm production of S. rhinocerous under artificial conditions without using oxytocin. There is no oxytocin used in the artificial propagation, thus not only obtaining a higher fertilization rate and incubating rate, but also reducing the aquaculture cost. The operation is simpler and faster. At the same time, different feeds are fed in different growth stages according to the different growth characteristics of each stage of S. rhinocerous fry, thereby increasing the survival rate and reducing the deformity rate of fries. Therefore, the method provided by the present disclosure realizes efficient artificial propagation method of S. rhinocerous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Xiao'ai Wang, Xiaofu Pan, Yuanwei Zhang, Junxing Yang, Bolin Lu
  • Patent number: 12114644
    Abstract: A feed consumption monitoring system for monitoring and controlling the quantity of feed introduced to an aquaculture environment. The system includes utilization of a high contrast surface, which receives a supply of running water containing a quantity of feed particles, a camera assembly to capture images of the high contrast surface upon its contact with the supply of running water, and a mount assembly to support the foregoing components, and the system may also include a lighting assembly to illuminate the high contrast surface as well as a software component to analyze such images to determine whether the quantity of feed in the supply of running water is suboptimal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Inventor: Thue Holm
  • Patent number: 11547097
    Abstract: A hybridization method of Sinocyclocheilus grahami and carp, which comprises parent fish cultivation, artificial insemination, fish egg incubating and fry feeding, strictly controls environmental parameters and feed types of parent fish cultivation, simulates good living conditions for S. grahami and carp, is beneficial for wild S. grahami and carp to adapt to the artificial breeding environment quickly, realizes natural spermatogenesis and oviposition in artificial environment without using the oxytocin, and provides sperm and eggs both in quality and quantity for artificial hybridization. At the same time, the key parameters during incubation (including incubating water level, water temperature, water flow velocity, pH, dissolved oxygen and sterilization of fertilized eggs, etc.) are also defined to provide suitable environmental conditions for the successful incubation of fertilized eggs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: KUNMING INSTITUTE OF ZOOLOGY, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Yuanwei Zhang, Xiao'ai Wang, Xiaofu Pan, Junxing Yang
  • Patent number: 10788012
    Abstract: An ocean powered Rankine cycle turbine includes a loop in which is circulated a working fluid. A first heat exchanger effects a phase change of the working fluid from liquid to gas. The gas expands to power a turbine. Gas exiting the turbine is condensed by a second heat exchanger to effect a phase change from gas back to liquid. A piston assembly is used to compress air. A wave energy converter uses ocean wave energy to reciprocally move the piston. As the wave goes down, the piston is extends drawing air into the piston housing. As the wave goes up, the piston compresses the air. Heat generated as the piston compresses air, is used to as a heat source for the first heat exchanger. Cold compressed air is used as a cold source for the second heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: AOE ACCUMULATED OCEAN ENERGY INC.
    Inventors: Jim Matei, Jason Goldsworthy
  • Patent number: 9777971
    Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising a plurality of plates that are demountably attached to a frame is disclosed. Each plate comprises a plurality of channels for conveying a primary fluid through the heat exchanger. The frames are arranged in the frame so that spaces between adjacent frame pairs define conduits for conveying a secondary fluid through the heat exchanger. The plates are mounted in the frame so that they can be individually removed from the frame. Further, each of the channels is fluidically connected to input and output ports for the primary fluid by detachable couplings. As a result, heat exchangers in accordance with the present invention are more easily repaired or refurbished than prior-art heat exchangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Nagurny, Eugene Jansen, Doug Hillson, Michael R. Eller
  • Patent number: 8689738
    Abstract: Feeding method and production technology of a vegetarian feed for carnivorous fish prepared from Spirulina and Chlorella algae that are produced by cell proliferation in production tanks in electrolyzed water with chlorine-neutralizing sodium thiosulfate and are subsequently dried, pelleted and packaged. The fish feed can be employed without the fish having diarrhea. As a result, the water in fish breeding tanks does not become immoderately eutrophic and at the same time the daily weight gain of the fish is not affected. An optimum daily growth rate and a fish flesh quality can be achieved without the use of animal and fish-based proteins in the fish food ration. The fish food is also inexpensive and ecologically sustainable and ethically acceptable, since it contributes to the rescue of the remaining fish stocks in waters worldwide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Hanspeter Steffen
  • Publication number: 20130312669
    Abstract: Feeding method and production technology of a vegetarian feed for carnivorous fish prepared from Spirulina and Chlorella algae that are produced by cell proliferation in production tanks in electrolyzed water with chlorine-neutralizing sodium thiosulfate and are subsequently dried, pelleted and packaged. The fish feed can be employed without the fish having diarrhea. As a result, the water in fish breeding tanks does not become immoderately eutrophic and at the same time the daily weight gain of the fish is not affected. An optimum daily growth rate and a fish flesh quality can be achieved without the use of animal and fish-based proteins in the fish food ration. The fish food is also inexpensive and ecologically sustainable and ethically acceptable, since it contributes to the rescue of the remaining fish stocks in waters worldwide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Hanspeter Steffen
  • Publication number: 20130149411
    Abstract: A process includes microbially degrading harvested polyculture plant material to form a concentrated microbial biomass and providing the concentrated microbial biomass to an intermediary animal for consumption. The process may also be directed to producing a product animal which includes providing a growth area having an outlet for waste and providing a harvested plant material collection area having an outlet for degradation products. The process may also include providing a microbial growth system for producing a bacterial biomass and directing at least some waste from the outlet of the product animal growth area to the harvested plant material collection area. The process may also include directing at least some degradation products to the microbial growth system, directing some of the microbial biomass produced in the microbial growth system to an intermediary animal for consumption, and directing the intermediary animal to a product animal growth area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Jere Northrop
  • Publication number: 20130008384
    Abstract: An animal feed mixture containing DL-methionyl-DL-methionine and salts thereof for animals kept in aquacultures is provided. Methods for preparing DL-methionyl-DL-methionine of formula (I) and methods to fractionate the diasteriomeric forms obtained are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph KOBLER, Thomas Haeussner, Christoph Weckbecker
  • Publication number: 20120204801
    Abstract: According to a first aspect, the disclosure provides a shrimp aquaculture system containing a water container and floating feed for shrimp made of floating feed pellets. More specifically, the water containing may also contain water, such as a fresh water or saline water, including hyper saline water, and shrimp. In certain embodiments, at least 95% of the floating feed pellets may to remain on the surface of water for at least 1 minute after being placed on the water or may have an average specific gravity of between 0.1 and 1.1. According to a second aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of shrimp aquaculture including feeding floating feed to shrimp by placing the floating feed on water, such as fresh water or saline water, containing the shrimp. The floating feed may include at least 5% floating feed pellets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: Addison Lawrence, Tom Zeigler
  • Publication number: 20110158946
    Abstract: The invention discloses paratransgenesis methods for prevention, amelioration and/or treatment of a disease or disorder in an aquatic animal. The method comprises providing a genetically modified micro algae that expresses a recombinant molecule that specifically targets one or more key epitopes of a pathogen that infects the aquatic animal and ii) feeding the aquatic animal directly or indirectly with the genetically modified unicellular algae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Ravi Durvasula, Subba Durvasula
  • Publication number: 20110067640
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of raising crustaceans, comprising maintaining crustaceans in low salinity water having a Calcium-sensing Receptor (CaSR) modulator(s), and adding feed that contains an agent that contributes to modulation of a crustacean CaSR to the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: MariCal, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Jury, H. William Harris, JR., Chris F. Holm, Marlies Betka
  • Patent number: 7909001
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of raising crustaceans, comprising maintaining crustaceans in low salinity water having a Calcium-sensing Receptor (CaSR) modulator(s), and adding feed that contains an agent that contributes to modulation of a crustacean CaSR to the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventors: Steven H. Jury, H. William Harris, Jr., Chris F. Holm, Marlies Betka
  • Publication number: 20100282176
    Abstract: A method of artificially rearing lobster larvae, in which lobster larvae of the Palinuridae and Scyllaridae families are guided toward jellyfish so that the lobster larvae parasitize the jellyfish and grow on the host jellyfish. An apparatus for rearing lobster larvae wherein a symbiotic feeding tank (1), in which the larvae are reared in the state of being parasitic on the jellyfish, and a jellyfish rearing tank (2) are connected together via a pipe (3), through which water and the jellyfish are supplied from the jellyfish rearing tank (2) to the symbiotic feeding tank (1), and the pipe (3) is provided with a switching valve (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Yuji Tanaka, Yoshioki Oozeki
  • Publication number: 20100162962
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of raising crustaceans, comprising maintaining crustaceans in low salinity water having a Calcium-sensing Receptor (CaSR) modulator(s), and adding feed that contains an agent that contributes to modulation of a crustacean CaSR to the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Marical, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven H. Jury, H. William Harris, JR., Chris F. Holm, Marlies Betka
  • Publication number: 20080223304
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for raising, transporting and releasing on a sea bed (50) crustacea juveniles which are in a housing section (1), the housing section (1) being adapted for connection to an emigration device (60, 80, 100) and the emigration device (60, 80, 100) being provided with at least one bore (70, 86) arranged to form an open path between an area near the surface of the sea bed (50) and a tubular element (10) disposed in a cut-out (12) in the housing section (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: T. Kjetil Froyland
  • Publication number: 20080163825
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of cultivating filter feeders such as Artemia by substituting special microorganisms for naturally occurring microscopic algae, and providing conditions optimal for the growth of these organisms. These substituted special microorganisms provide an abundant food source for Artemia and subsequently the Artemia provide a food source for higher order members of the marine food chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Gordon H. Sato
  • Patent number: 7347163
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of cultivating filter feeders such as Artemia by substituting special microorganisms for naturally occurring microscopic algae, and providing conditions optimal for the growth of these organisms. These subsituted special microorganisms provide an abundant food source for Artemia and subsequently the Artemia provide a food source for higher order members of the marine food chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Gordon H. Sato
  • Patent number: 7121227
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions and kits for improving the raising of pre-adult anadromous fish, or preparing pre-adult anadromous fish for transfer to seawater. The methods involve adding at least one Polyvalent Cation Sensing Receptor (PVCR) modulator to the freshwater in an amount sufficient to increase expression and/or sensitivity of at least one PVCR; and adding feed for fish consumption to the freshwater, wherein the feed comprises an amount of NaCl sufficient to contribute to a significantly increased level of the PVCR modulator in serum of the pre-adult anadromous fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: MariCal, Inc.
    Inventors: H. William Harris, Jr., David R. Russell, Jacqueline Nearing, Marlies Betka
  • Patent number: 7063855
    Abstract: A composition is for feeding aquacultural prey organisms such as Artemia and rotifiers, comprising a lipid component comprising at least 25 wt % of phospholipids and providing a DHA content of at least 30 wt %. The lipid component is preferably derived from marine organisms such as fishmeal, phytoplankton or zoo plankton biomass. The composition is used for providing prey organisms having a high content of highly-unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) suitable for aquaculture of fish including halibut, turbot, bass and crustaceans and molluses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventors: Baldur Hjaltason, Gudmundur G. Haraldsson, Olafur Halldorsson
  • Patent number: 6863028
    Abstract: A tidal irrigation and electrical system used to harness the power of the ocean tide to generate electricity, create sustainable aquaculture, act as a CO2 sink, and generate hydrocarbons. An artificial atoll is created on the continental shelf to define a lagoon completely isolated from the surrounding ocean. As the tides rise and fall, the natural tidal action draws nutrient-rich, cold seawater into the lagoon to stimulate the growth of biolife. As the ocean tide falls, the natural tidal action draws the lagoon water out of the lagoon and through a biofilter to remove the biolife prior to discharge of the water back to the ocean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Martin T. Sherman
  • Patent number: 6851387
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for producing aquatic specie for consumer consumption within a closed aquaculture system. It provides for growing algae in artificial saltwater under controlled conditions in an algae subsystem, feeding the algae to adult artemia for producing small artemia in an artemia subsystem, feeding the algae and small artemia to immature aquatic specie for producing adolescent aquatic specie in an aquatic specie nursery subsystem, and feeding the algae and small artemia to the adolescent aquatic specie to for producing adult aquatic specie in an aquatic specie growout subsystem, which are then harvested. The invention also includes a data acquisition and control subsystem for automated control of the aquaculture system. A unique filtration subsystem accepts waste from the aquatic specie subsystem, pumps the waste through a series of filters, and returns the filtered saltwater to the algae subsystem, the artemia subsystem and the aquatic specie subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Automated Shrimp Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C Untermeyer, Bill G. Williams, Gerald Easterling
  • Patent number: 6513453
    Abstract: A method for extruding poultry litter into substantially cylindrically shaped plugs of various lengths for use as bait for assorted marine animals wherein all pathogens are destroyed to prevent damaging the environment and any organisms that might consume said processed bait product. Furthermore, fish or shellfish by-products and other materials may be combined with the poultry litter so as to enhance the effectiveness of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Leslie J Johnson
  • Patent number: 6337078
    Abstract: Controlled release compositions of matter are disclosed comprising complexes for treating a population of one or more aquatic organisms in a column of water. The complexes comprise at least one system wherein the system comprises at least one bioactive agent as a component selected for treating a population of aquatic organisms, at least one carrier component, and at least one coating component for regulating the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water or at least one bioactive agent and one joint-function component that can serve as both a carrier and coating to regulate the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water, with or without optional binder components and/or additional formulation materials. The components are selected to sink or float so that the complexes will permeate and/or remain in any planar or volumetric segment of a water column for a period of time that is sufficient to effectively treat a population of aquatic organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Lee County Mosquito Control District
    Inventor: Richard Levy
  • Patent number: 6335027
    Abstract: Controlled release compositions of matter are disclosed comprising complexes for treating a population of one or more aquatic organisms in a column of water. The complexes comprise at least one system wherein the system comprises at least one bioactive agent as a component selected for treating a population of aquatic organisms, at least one carrier component, and at least one coating component for regulating the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water or at least one bioactive agent and one joint-function component that can serve as both a carrier and coating to regulate the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water, with or without optional binder components and/or additional formulation materials. The components are selected to sink or float so that the complexes will permeate and/or remain in any planar or volumetric segment of a water column for a period of time that is sufficient to effectively treat a population of aquatic organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Lee County Mosquito Control District
    Inventor: Richard Levy
  • Patent number: 5887548
    Abstract: Described is a process for determining excitants, attractants, incitants and stimulants for members of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus, Penaeus vannamei and Procambrus clarkii. The apparatus for carrying out the process includes static tank flow-through tank and Y-maze each equipped with variable-focus camera. Also described is a method for exciting and/or attracting and/or stimulating and/or inciting members of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus vannamei (referred to collectively as Penaeus spp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignees: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Board of Regents, University of Texas System
    Inventors: Giampietro Cardinale, Alan Owen Pittet, Phillip G. Lee, Jennifer C. Ellis, Elizabeth A. McCliment
  • Patent number: 5839391
    Abstract: An aquaculture system is disclosed in which feeding and aeration are provided by a bottom mounted piping system. In addition, floating surface panels may provide thermal insulation. The bottom mounted piping system allows a food and oxygen slurry to be injected into a pond even when the floating surface panels cover the pond. The floating surface panels may allow an air bubble to form between the pond surface and the panel to aid in thermal insulation. The aquaculture system is particularly adapted for use as a shrimp farm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Gulf Gas Marine Ltd.
    Inventor: Cam M. Shaar
  • Patent number: 5836264
    Abstract: Described is a process for determining excitants, attractants, incitants and stimulants for members of the Penaeus genus of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus vannamei, as well as apparatus for carrying out such process. The apparatus for carrying out the process includes static tank means, flow-through tank means and Y-maze means each equipped with variable-focus camera means taken alone or in combination with one another. The variable-focus camera means platform is also described and is part of our invention. Also described is a method for exciting and/or attracting and/or stimulating and/or inciting members of the Penaeus genus of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus vannamei (referred to collectively as Penaeus spp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignees: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Alan Owen Pittet, Phillip G. Lee, Jennifer C. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5823141
    Abstract: Described is a process for determining excitants, attractants, incitants and stimulants for members of the lass Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus, Penaeus vannamei and Procambrus clarkii. The apparatus for carrying out the process includes static tank means, flow-through tank means and Y-maze means each equipped with variable-focus camera means. Also described is a method for exciting and/or attracting and/or stimulating and/or inciting members of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus vannamei (referred to collectively as Penaeus spp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignees: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Alan Owen Pittet, Phillip G. Lee, Jennifer C. Ellis, Elizabeth A. McCliment
  • Patent number: 5823142
    Abstract: Described is a process for determining excitants, attractants, incitants and stimulants for members of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus, Penaeus vannamei and Procambrus clarkii. The apparatus for carrying out the process includes static tank means, flow-through tank means and Y-maze means each equipped with variable-focus camera means. Also described is a method for exciting and/or attracting and/or stimulating and/or inciting members of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus vannamei (referred to collectively as Penaeus spp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignees: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventors: Giampietro Cardinale, Alan Owen Pittet, Phillip G. Lee, Jennifer C. Ellis, Elizabeth A. McCliment
  • Patent number: 5706759
    Abstract: Described is a process for determining excitants, attractants and incitants for members of the Procambrus clarkii species of the Class Crustacea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignees: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Alan Owen Pittet, Phillip G. Lee, Jennifer C. Ellis, Elizabeth A. McCliment
  • Patent number: 5579723
    Abstract: Described is a process for determining excitants, attractants, incitants and stimulants for members of the Penaeus genus of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus vannamei, as well as apparatus for carrying out such process. The apparatus for carrying out the process includes static tank means, flow-through tank means and Y-maze means each equipped with variable-focus camera means taken alone or in combination with one another. The variable-focus camera means platform is also described and is part of our invention. Also described is a method for exciting and/or attracting and/or stimulating and/or inciting members of the Penaeus genus of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus vannamei (referred to collectively as Penaeus spp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignees: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Alan O. Pittet, Phillip G. Lee, Jennifer C. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5567221
    Abstract: Controlled release fertilizer compositions which release fertilizer at a controlled rate over an extended period of time are employed in aquaculture treatment methods whereby nutrients are efficiently and effectively released into closed aquatic ecosystems such as ponds, lakes, watersheds and other aqueous environments over a period of time in order to enhance the growth of phytoplanktonic algae populations in the water and to thereby promote marine life populations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Larson, Richard J. Kastner
  • Patent number: 5474030
    Abstract: Described is a process for determining excitants and attractants for members of the Penaeus genus of Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus and Penaeus vannamei, as well as apparatus for carrying out such process. The apparatus for carrying out the process includes "static" tank apparatus, "flow through" tank apparatus and "Y-maze" apparatus, each equipped with a camera device and each taken alone or in combination with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignees: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Alan O. Pittet, Phillip G. Lee, Jennifer C. Ellis