Biochemical Fuel Cell Patents (Class 429/401)
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Publication number: 20110059373Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for production of ATP. This system is comprised of a support and one or more enzymes coupled to that support which are capable of collectively producing ATP from glucose or fructose metabolism. The present invention is additionally directed to a device, which includes the system, and to a method for carrying out a reaction involving the conversion of ATP to ADP using the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2008Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.Inventor: Alexander Travis
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Publication number: 20110059374Abstract: A fuel cell having excellent properties is provided in which, when an enzyme is immobilized in at least one of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a sufficient buffering capability can be provided even in a high power output operation and the inherent capability of the enzyme can be sufficiently exerted. In a biofuel cell including a structure in which a positive electrode 2 and a negative electrode 1 face each other with an electrolyte layer 3 therebetween, the electrolyte layer 3 containing a buffer material, and the biofuel cell including an enzyme immobilized in at least one of the positive electrode 2 and the negative electrode 1, the electrolyte layer 3 contains a compound including an imidazole ring as a buffer material and at least one acid selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid is further added to the electrolyte layer 3.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Hideyuki Kumita, Yoshio Goto, Takaaki Nakagawa, Hideki Sakai, Hiroki Mita, Ryuhei Matsumoto, Yuichi Tokita
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Publication number: 20110054561Abstract: Electrochemical power cells having an open-cell architecture for electrically powering an implantable medical device system include a first and a second electrode assembly, wherein at least one is a biocompatible hermetically sealed anode assembly (e.g., that of a lithium anode assembly). The power cell can be a biological lithium semi-fuel cell in which a bodily constituent partakes in the cell discharge reaction at the cathode as an active reagent. The active cathode reagent can be oxygen supplied from the body. In a particularly suitable application, the biological lithium semi-fuel cell provides electrical power to a cardiac pacemaker device, such as for a novel cardiac pacemaker system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: POLYPLUS BATTERY COMPANYInventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Bruce Katz
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Publication number: 20110053005Abstract: A fuel cell has an anode and a cathode with anode enzyme disposed on the anode and cathode enzyme is disposed on the cathode. The anode is configured and arranged to electrooxidize an anode reductant in the presence of the anode enzyme. Likewise, the cathode is configured and arranged to electroreduce a cathode oxidant in the presence of the cathode enzyme. In addition, anode redox hydrogel may be disposed on the anode to transduce a current between the anode and the anode enzyme and cathode redox hydrogel may be disposed on the cathode to transduce a current between the cathode and the cathode enzyme.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: Adam Heller
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Publication number: 20110039165Abstract: There is provided a fuel cell whose current density and maintenance ratio can be improved when at least glucose dehydrogenase and diaphorase are immobilized on an anode using an immobilizing material composed of poly-L-lysine and glutaraldehyde. The fuel cell has a structure in which a cathode 2 and an anode 1 face each other with an electrolyte layer 3 therebetween, the anode 1 being obtained by immobilizing at least glucose dehydrogenase and diaphorase on an electrode using an immobilizing material composed of poly-L-lysine and glutaraldehyde, wherein the mass ratio of the poly-L-lysine to the glutaraldehyde in an immobilizing material is 5:1 to 80:1, the mass ratio of the glucose dehydrogenase to the diaphorase is 1:3 to 200:1, and the average molecular weight of the poly-L-lysine is 21500 or more.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Taiki Sugiyama, Hideki Sakai, Yuichi Tokita
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Publication number: 20110039164Abstract: A biofuel cell device for generating electrical current. The device includes a fuel manifold having a face, and at least one cavity in the face defining a fuel reservoir, an inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir for flow of fuel fluid into the manifold to fill the reservoir and an outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir for flow of fuel fluid out of the manifold. The device has an anode assembly including at least one bioanode positioned for contact with fuel fluid in the fuel reservoir, and a cathode assembly including at least one cathode positioned for flow of fuel fluid through the bioanode to the cathode. The device includes a controller operatively connected to the anode assembly and the cathode assembly for controlling the output of electrical current from the biofuel cell device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2007Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: AKERMIN, INC.Inventors: Niki L. Akers, Scott A. Nelson, Wayne L. Gellett, David Trentmann, Jacob Whited, Yimin Zhu, David Bao Le, Mehmet Kesmez, Joshua Schumacher
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Publication number: 20110033757Abstract: Provided is a floating-type microbial fuel cell capable of effectively generating energy from organic contaminants of contaminated waters. The floating-type microbial fuel cell includes a cathode, an anode electrically connected to the cathode, and a floating unit connected to the cathode and/or the anode and floatable in a substrate solution, wherein the cathode is positioned at a region in the substrate solution having a dissolved oxygen concentration higher than that of a region at which the anode is positioned, and the anode is positioned at a region in the substrate solution having an amount of electrons generated by microorganisms larger than that of a region at which the cathode is positioned.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: GWANGJU INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: In Seop Chang, Junyeong An
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Patent number: 7883802Abstract: Electrochemical power generation systems in which the oxidizable reactant is non-carbon constituents of a fossil fuel are provided. The fossil fuel may be coal, which is contacted with an aqueous electrolyte medium used in the systems. The electrolyte may, in certain aspects, be acid mine drainage. Aspects of the invention include systems and methods for remediation of acid mine drainage, where the systems are configured to raise the pH of acid mine drainage. Aspects of the invention also include regenerating the electrolyte using an external electricity source and recirculating the electrolyte to the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Inventors: R. Paul Levine, Robert Danziger
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Patent number: 7875394Abstract: A proton exchange membrane fuel cell comprises an cathodic compartment including a cathode, an oxidant consisting of oxygen and at least one enzyme catalyst, an anodic compartment comprising an anode, a fuel and at least one catalyst. The anodic and cathodic compartments are arranged at either end of the membrane. The cell is characterized in that the enzyme catalyst of the anodic compartment is an oxidoreductase type enzyme capable of catalyzing the reduction of oxygen into hydrogen peroxide and the hydrogen peroxide is a direct receptor of the electrons from the cathode.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueInventors: Damien Feron, Alain Bergel
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Publication number: 20110014525Abstract: A method for the deposition of metals in bacterial cellulose and for the employment of the metallized bacterial cellulose in the construction of fuel cells and other electronic devices is disclosed. The method for impregnating bacterial cellulose with a metal comprises placing a bacterial cellulose matrix in a solution of a metal salt such that the metal salt is reduced to metallic form and the metal precipitates in or on the matrix. The method for the construction of a fuel cell comprises placing a hydrated bacterial cellulose support structure in a solution of a metal salt such that the metal precipitates in or on the support structure, inserting contact wires into two pieces of the metal impregnated support structure, placing the two pieces of metal impregnated support structure on opposite sides of a layer of hydrated bacterial cellulose, and dehydrating the three layer structure to create a fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Barbara R. Evans, Hugh M. O'Neill, Valerie Malyvanh Jansen, Jonathan Woodward
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Publication number: 20100330434Abstract: A microbial fuel cell includes a cell housing having first and second chambers. The first chamber is adapted for containing a fluid including a biomas. The second chamber is adapted for containing an oxygenated fluid. A cathode extends into the cell housing second chamber and an anode segment of an electrode assembly extends into the cell housing first chamber. The electrode assembly has multiple, substantially aligned, fibers. The outer surfaces of the fibers of the anode segment are adapted for receiving a biofilm.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: Joseph A. Swift, Michael A. Butler, Stanley J. Wallace
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Patent number: 7858243Abstract: Embodiments may include efficient fuel cell systems including an anode, a cathode, a lead-containing cathode catalyst, at least one proton exchange connector, and perhaps even an external circuit between the anode and the cathode. Other embodiments may include enhanced degradation of contaminants in environmental media such as perhaps petroleum hydrocarbon in groundwater with microbial fuel cells and the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: The University of Wyoming Research CorporationInventors: Song Jin, Jeffrey M. Morris, Paul Fallgren
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Patent number: 7858244Abstract: A fuel cell that uses alcohol as a fuel and including an electrolyte, and an anode and a cathode that are disposed across the electrolyte. The anode of the fuel cell contains a first particle that catalyzes the degradation of alcohol, and a second particle that catalyzes the degradation of aldehyde.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Haruyuki Nakanishi, Yusuke Kuzushima
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Patent number: 7851094Abstract: An example arrangement for providing power includes a microbial fuel cell and a controller for supplying power to a plumbing component. The controller supplies power using power generated by the microbial fuel cell. An example method of powering a plumbing device includes providing wastewater to a microbial fuel cell and generating power with the microbial fuel cell. The method powers a plumbing device using the power generated by the microbial fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Masco CorporationInventors: David M. Burke, William Schwingel
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Publication number: 20100310945Abstract: A fuel cell includes an anode 5, a cathode 7, a catalyst, an electrolytic fluid 4, a substrate, a fluid chamber 1 and a mobile capacitive particles 10,20 that are capable of storing charge. In operation, the charged capacitive particles 10 transfer electrons generated in an electrochemical reaction to the anode 5.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2008Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: UGCS (UNIVERSITY OF GLAMORGAN COMMERCIAL SERVICES)Inventors: Giuliano Claudio Premier, Christopher Pickett, Alan Jon Guwy, Richard Mark Dinsdale
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Publication number: 20100304226Abstract: A microbial fuel cell having a pathway for passage of effluent from the anode to the cathode is provided, in addition to an ion exchange membrane between the chambers. Effluent may also pass from cathode to anode forming a continuous loop. Oxidation of effluent at the anode creates ammonium ions and produces electrons for an external circuit. The ammonium ions undergo nitrification at the cathode. Alternatively a nitrification reactor may be provided in the effluent pathway. Electrons are received by the cathode from the external circuit to reduce nitrate ions created by the nitrification process.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2008Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLANDInventors: Jurg Keller, Korneel Rabaey, Stefano Fereguia, Bernadino Virdis
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Patent number: 7833667Abstract: A method and device for processing organic waste in an environmentally friendly manner. The waste flow is processed in a bipolar biofuel cell. The waste is introduced into a space having a pair of electrodes, which includes at least one anode and at least one cathode, while in a bipolar cell the anode and cathode are separated spatially and/or by a porous, electronically non-conductive, non-ion-selective wall, while an oxidizer is introduced in the space around the cathode, and where a potential difference is formed across the pair of electrodes such that at the anode CO2 is produced and electricity is produced. The method can be carried out with waste flows including animal manure, waste water, waste water purification sludge, kitchen and garden waste (KGW), roadside grass, residual flows from industrial processes (such as molasses, whey, draff) and/or dredgings.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNOInventors: Jan Gerritse, Machiel Saakes, Alfons Johannes Maria Stams
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Publication number: 20100279180Abstract: A process for the utilization of the methane produced by enteric fermentation, specifically to a process that utilizes methane produced by ruminant animals through enteric fermentation as a source of carbon and/or energy for the directed production of methane-based goods or processes is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: NEWLIGHT TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Markus Herrema, Kenton Kimmel
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Publication number: 20100279178Abstract: Microbial fuel cells may include anode(s), cathode(s) and a biofilm attached to at least the anode. The biofilm may include bacterial cells adapted to facilitate transfer of a plurality of electrons to the anode from a feedstock. In an example embodiment, a microbial fuel surface may include a large surface area to volume ratio in order to increase power (electron) generation and/or transfer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Jason E. Barkeloo, Daniel J. Hassett, Randall T. Irvin
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Publication number: 20100279179Abstract: Improved nanotube devices and systems/methods for fabrication thereof are provided. The present disclosure provides systems/methods for depositing controlled numbers of nanotubes with specific properties at predefined locations for the fabrication of nanotube devices. The nanotube devices may be utilized in a range of applications. A bio-fuel cell system that does not require a proton exchange membrane separator and does not need a mediator to transfer charge is provided. This exemplary bio-fuel cell uses enzyme functionalized SWNTs for the anode/cathode. The absence of a membrane in the bio-fuel cell configuration opens up the possibility of other configurations that would otherwise be unfeasible. This includes a bio-fuel cell where the anode/cathode are on the same substrate. Since the electrodes can share the same substrate, the configuration may be integrated with a circuit device on the same substrate. An IC and its power source may be fabricated on the same silicon wafer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: NEW JERSEY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Reginald C. Farrow, Zafar Iqbal, Alokik Kanwal
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Publication number: 20100266906Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a biofuel battery having a fuel, electrode and water and its manufacturing method. The biofuel battery comprises a bio fuel as a negative electrode, dissolved oxygen in water as a positive electrode and water as an electrolyte. The carbohydrate is used as bio mass for generating electron in the bio cell. The biofuel battery produces maximum amount of 1 volt electricity under the optimal conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2010Publication date: October 21, 2010Inventors: Maryam Otadi, Sina Poormohammdian
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Publication number: 20100261072Abstract: The present invention provides an enzyme electrode composed of a carbon particle on which glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) with flavine adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as a coenzyme is supported and an electrode layer contacting the carbon particle, wherein the carbon particle and/or the electrode layer are/is composed of the carbon particles with a particle diameter of not more than 100 nm and a specific surface area of at least 200 m2/g.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2008Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: Ultizyme International Ltd.Inventors: Wakako Tsugawa, Koji Sode
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Patent number: 7807303Abstract: A microbial fuel cell includes a cell housing having first and second chambers. The first chamber is adapted for containing a fluid including a biomass. The second chamber is adapted for containing an oxygenated fluid. A cathode extends into the cell housing second chamber and an anode segment of an electrode assembly extends into the cell housing first chamber. The electrode assembly has multiple, substantially aligned, fibers. The outer surfaces of the fibers of the anode segment are adapted for receiving a biofilm.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Joseph A. Swift, Michael A. Butler, Stanley J. Wallace
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Publication number: 20100248042Abstract: In the case in which a fuel cell has a structure in which a cathode (2) and an anode (1) are opposed with the intermediary of an electrolyte layer (3) and the cathode (2) is formed of an electrode to which an oxygen reductase and so on is immobilized and this electrode has pores inside, at least part of the surface of this electrode is rendered water repellent. For example, the surface of the electrode is rendered water repellent by forming a water-repellent agent on the surface of this electrode. Thereby, in the case in which the cathode is formed of an electrode to which an enzyme is immobilized and this electrode has pores inside, a fuel cell that can stably achieve a high current value by optimization of the amount of water contained in the cathode and a manufacturing method thereof are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2008Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Takaaki Nakagawa, Hideyuki Kumita, Masaya Kakuta, Hideki Sakai, Hiroki Mita, Yoshio Goto
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Publication number: 20100239920Abstract: Microbial fuel cells including multiple electrodes, and systems of such fuel cells, are provided. An exemplary fuel cell includes a population of exoelectrogenic microbes and at least two anodes in an anode chamber, and a cathode in a cathode chamber. A path exists between the chambers for conducting hydrogen ions and each anode is connected to the cathode by a separate external circuit. Electrical output from the fuel cell is maximized by optimizing the microbe population, achieved by dynamically controlling the sub-populations at each of the multiple anodes. Systems comprising multiple such fuel cells connected by a dynamically reconfigurable fluidics system provide further optimization.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventor: Brian Sefton
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Publication number: 20100227203Abstract: A first embodiment is disclosed, relating to a device including an anode and a cathode. The anode and cathode are placed in a separate anode and cathode compartment. In at least one embodiment of the device, electron transfer takes place from the cathode to a terminal electron acceptor via a redox mediator. In at least one embodiment, the redox mediator includes the Fe (II)/Fe (III) redox couple. According to a further aspect, of at least one embodiment of the invention, relates to a method for generating electric energy with use of the device according to at least one embodiment of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2007Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: MAGNETO SPECIAL ANODES B.V.Inventors: Annemiek Ter Heijne, Hubertus Victor Marie Hamelers, Cees Jan Nico Buisman
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Publication number: 20100203398Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting cellulosic biomass to electric energy. Cellulosic biomass is dissolved in a suitable solvent. The solution is used as a feed for a fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2008Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: BIOECON INTERNATIONAL HOLDING N.V.Inventors: Paul O'connor, Sjoerd Daamen
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Publication number: 20100178572Abstract: The present invention provides an electron transfer mediator modified enzyme electrode which can obtain a high current density and exhibit a stable electrode performance by covalently bonding an electron transfer mediator with a surface of a conductive base material constituting the electrode via a specific spacer, and a biofuel cell comprising the electron transfer mediator modified enzyme electrode. An electron transfer mediator modified enzyme electrode comprising a conductive base material connected to an external circuit, an oxidoreductase electron-transferable with the conductive base material and an electron transfer mediator which can mediate electron transfer between the conductive base material and the oxidoreductase, wherein the electron transfer mediator is covalently bonded to the surface of the conductive base material via a spacer containing at least a straight-chain structure, and a biofuel cell comprising the electron transfer mediator modified enzyme electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2007Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hisao Kato, Hidetaka Nishikoori, Kenji Kano, Seiya Tsujimura
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Patent number: 5879691Abstract: A delivery system for a tooth whitening substance includes a strip of material having a flexural stiffness less than about 50 grams/centimeter as measured on a Handle-O-Meter per ASTM test method D2923-95. The strip of material is readily conformable without permanent deformation to a shape of a tooth when the delivery system is placed thereagainst. The tooth whitening substance is applied to the strip of material such that when the delivery system is placed on a surface of the tooth, the substance contacts the surface providing an active onto the surface. The substance also provides adhesive attachment between the strip of material and the surface to hold the delivery system in place for a sufficient time to allow the active to act upon the surface. A method of delivery includes pre-coating the strip of material, having the wearer apply substance to the strip of material, or having the wearer apply the substance directly to the surface before applying a strip of material.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Paul A. Sagel, Robert S. Dirksing, Frederick J. Rohman