With A Rotatably Mounted Tank Or Vessel Patents (Class 435/298.2)
  • Patent number: 11827870
    Abstract: A bioreactor for producing hydrogen gas and other metabolites. The bioreactor utilizes light, fermentation, and other metabolic processes for the production of metabolites, derived from various microorganisms contained within the bioreactor through respective metabolic pathways. The bioreactor comprises a main reactor chamber, a semipermeable membrane, a sleeve, a power supply, a substrate medium, a heating member, a plurality of tubing members, a collection reservoir, a pressure-sealed connecter member, and an agitator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Generen Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Markos Aurelio Salisbury, Robert Allen Ersek
  • Patent number: 11758860
    Abstract: An alga growing apparatus that includes a gas dissolving portion, an alga tank, first and second LEDs, a supplying portion, and a circulation pump portion. Gas dissolving portion dissolves carbon dioxide and oxygen into deep-ocean water to form growing water. The circulation pump portion sucks out and delivers the growing water and the nori thalli from the alga tank 30 to the gas dissolving portion and injects the growing water and the nori thalli into the alga tank upon passage through the gas dissolving portion and a supply pipe of the supplying portion. The supplying portion discharges the growing water and the nori thalli along a direction obliquely intersecting a curving direction of an inner side surface of the alga tank and the growing water flows inside the alga tank as an eddy flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignees: NICHIMAN CO., LTD., DAISHIN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Yamada, Satoshi Nakamura, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Kazumitsu Toya
  • Patent number: 9815039
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bioreactor, especially a plug flow bioreactor, including an agitator running along a longitudinal axis for thoroughly mixing a dry solid biomass that is to be outgassed in a fermentation chamber. In said bioreactor, an agitator shaft is mounted exclusively in two opposite end walls of the fermentation chamber while at least one free end of the agitator is connected to a drive unit outside the fermentation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Bernhard Horstmann
    Inventors: Thomas Schlüter, Uwe Heitland
  • Patent number: 9493734
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cell culture tube, having in opposite end walls two respective eccentric openings which communicate with each other through an inner straight passage formed in the cell culture tube, in which the inner straight passage is tilted at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the cell culture tube to allow a culture medium to smoothly flow into and out of the inner passage through the openings. Also, provided is a multiple cell culture system using a plurality of the culture tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Corestem Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Ho Shin, Jung Gyu Woo, Jai Myung Yang, Jai Jun Choung, Kyung Suk Kim, Mi Ran Choi
  • Publication number: 20150140654
    Abstract: Described are embodiments for expanding cells in a bioreactor. In one embodiment, methods are provided that distribute cells throughout the bioreactor and attach cells to specific portions of a bioreactor to improve the expansion of the cells in the bioreactor. Embodiments may be implemented on a cell expansion system configured to load, distribute, attach and expand cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: TERUMO BCT, INC.
    Inventors: Brian J. NANKERVIS, Mark E. JONES
  • Patent number: 8889407
    Abstract: An apparatus for the aerobic in-vessel rotary drum composting of feedstock into nutrient-rich compost comprising means for shredding said input material, said means configured and powered for shredding said feedstock into a particle size no larger than one cubic inch, a vessel having an input port on top of such vessel and a discharge port, said vessel comprising one chamber, said vessel configured and powered for composting said shredded feedstock, and said vessel tilted from the input port to the discharge port, means for passing said feedstock from said means for shredding into said vessel, means for rotating said vessel, means for introducing air into said vessel and a process controller, said process controller communicating with said means for shredding, said vessel, said means for rotating said vessel and said means for introducing air into said vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: FOR Solutions IP, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Smith-Sebasto
  • Patent number: 8871501
    Abstract: A rotating drum that is made from a plurality of panels that are connected to form sub-cylinders that, in turn, are connected to form a drum cylinder. Drum heads are connected at both ends of the drum cylinders. The drum may be rotated using rotational means. In one preferred embodiment the rotational means is a tangential rotational drive system that engages drive tires that are positioned between sub-cylinders. A method for fabricating rotating drums. A business method of mass production of and/or distribution of rotating drums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Rick Claypool
  • Patent number: 8815578
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cell culture tube, having in opposite end walls two respective eccentric openings which communicate with each other through an inner straight passage formed in the cell culture tube, in which the inner straight passage is tilted at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the cell culture tube to allow a culture medium to smoothly flow into and out of the inner passage through the openings. Also, provided is a multiple cell culture system using a plurality of the culture tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Corestem Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Ho Shin, Jung Gyu Woo, Jai Myung Yang, Jai Jun Choung, Kyung Suk Kim, Mi Ran Choi
  • Patent number: 8809043
    Abstract: A system and method for rotating a cell growth chamber of a cell expansion system includes a rotatable member for engaging a chamber coupling attached to the cell growth chamber. The rotatable member includes an independently operable mechanism for engaging a rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. In at least one embodiment, the chamber coupling is selectively rotatable by turning the rotatable member, thereby rotating the cell growth chamber around a first axis. The cell growth chamber is also selectively rotatable around a second axis by turning the rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. Other novel aspects include a way of attaching the cell growth chamber to the shaft assembly, and a new tube routing clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Leuthaeuser, Jon A. Dodd, Thomas G. Dilorenzo
  • Patent number: 8728802
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and process for treating biomass bearing material including municipal solid waste (MSW). The apparatus includes a reaction vessel configured for rotation and steam injection, with helically arranged auger vanes attached to the internal walls of the vessel, a self aligning door. Embodiments includes various of a heated jacket, modified raised projections on the top edge of the auger vanes, a modified door, modified door sealing assembly, and a process of quick charging the interior of the vessel with steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Biomass Worldwide Group Limited
    Inventor: Anthony P. Noll
  • Patent number: 8685716
    Abstract: A composting apparatus and method is described. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical drum which is horizontally rotatably supported. A hopper is disposed at a feed end of the drum for receiving organic waste material in soft or hard form. A material shredding mechanism and a grinding mechanism are rotatably secured in the hopper and driven in counter-rotation for shredding and grinding the organic waste material and feeding it into an inlet opening of the drum. A series of material mixing and conveying vane assemblies are secured spaced-apart inside the drum and define sub-composting compartments therebetween. The material mixing and conveying vane assemblies have a plurality of vanes secured in spaced-apart relationship and project interiorly towards a central longitudinal axis of the drum and are oriented at a common angle to mix, further shred and displace shredded and ground material from the inlet opening towards the rear discharge end of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Great Wall of China Waste Company Inc.
    Inventor: Elias Bassile
  • Publication number: 20140051162
    Abstract: One or more embodiments are described directed to a method and system for loading and distributing cells in a bioreactor of a cell expansion system. Accordingly, embodiments include methods and systems that may provide for adding a plurality of cells to a fluid within a bioreactor of the cell expansion system. A first percentage of the plurality of cells is avowed to settle in the bioreactor and a second percentage of the plurality of cells is allowed to settle outside of the bioreactor. The first percentage of cells is then expanded in the bioreactor. The second percentage of cells is wasted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. NANKERVIS
  • Patent number: 8551740
    Abstract: A technique for producing microbial cellulose is provided, including: preparing a liquid medium for microbial cultivation in a container; horizontally rotating multiple hollow tubes that are fitted together or separated from one another, so that each of the hollow tubes is alternately partially immersed in the liquid medium and partially exposed above the horizontal surface of the liquid medium; wherein each of the hollow tubes has a rough outer surface and a smooth inner surface, so as to allow microorganisms to form microbial cellulose on the outer surface of each hollow tube, as well as forming sheets of microbial cellulose on the horizontal surface of the liquid medium not being disturbed by the hollow tubes, and removing the microbial cellulose from the outer surfaces of the hollow tubes in order to obtain tubular microbial cellulose. In addition, the sheets of microbial cellulose are also harvested from the liquid medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Food Industry Research and Development Institute
    Inventors: Hsu-Chou Hsiao, Ting-Sheng Lu, Han-Ken Chen, Jinn-Tsyy Lai, Fwu-Lin Lee, Chung-Liang Chu, Chii-Cherng Liao
  • Publication number: 20130157366
    Abstract: A system and method for rotating a cell growth chamber of a cell expansion system includes a rotatable member for engaging a chamber coupling attached to the cell growth chamber. The rotatable member includes an independently operable mechanism for engaging a rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. In at least one embodiment, the chamber coupling is selectively rotatable by turning the rotatable member, thereby rotating the cell growth chamber around a first axis. The cell growth chamber is also selectively rotatable around a second axis by turning the rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. Other novel aspects include a way of attaching the cell growth chamber to the shaft assembly, and a new tube routing clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventor: Terumo BCT, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8399245
    Abstract: A system and method for rotating a cell growth chamber of a cell expansion system includes a rotatable member for engaging a chamber coupling attached to the cell growth chamber. The rotatable member includes an independently operable mechanism for engaging a rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. In at least one embodiment, the chamber coupling is selectively rotatable by turning the rotatable member, thereby rotating the cell growth chamber around a first axis. The cell growth chamber is also selectively rotatable around a second axis by turning the rotatable fitting associated with the chamber coupling. Other novel aspects include a way of attaching the cell growth chamber to the shaft assembly, and a new tube routing clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Terumo BCT, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Leuthaeuser, Jon A. Dodd, Thomas G. DiLorenzo
  • Patent number: 8129158
    Abstract: An agricultural waste digester and biogas generation system. The system includes a digester assembly having a cylindrical body, a hollow interior, a center axis and a plurality of wheel segments within the interior of the digester assembly. A gas conduit extends from the interior of the digester assembly to a power generation device. Also included is a water vessel containing water, and each of the plurality of wheel segments have an acruate, contoured surface area which restrict biogas movement within the digester assembly to produce induced agitation of agricultural waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: James E. Straeter
  • Patent number: 7985577
    Abstract: Waste material is screened to produce unders and overs, the overs are treated to produce a partially hydrolyzed biomass, and the partially hydrolyzed biomass and the unders are anaerobically digested. Treating the overs includes fermenting and mixing the overs with an aerotolerant anaerobic bacteria in a controlled environment, such as a rotating drum, while air is passed through the controlled environment. The moisture content, pH, and biological content of the overs can be adjusted before the overs are treated. Volatile fatty acids from the air passed through the controlled environment can be collected for anaerobic digestion or can be recirculated back into the controlled environment. The cleansed air can also be recycled back into the controlled environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Recology, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris E. Choate
  • Patent number: 7960172
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for aeration of organic material, wherein the organic material undergoes an aerobic composing process, such that air is caused to evenly penetrate the organic material. The organic material is first sealed in a vessel. Air is then delivered to the contents of the vessel such that an air pressure of from about 1 to about 1000 kPa above atmospheric pressure is maintained in the vessel. A pressure differential initially forms and is then allowed to equilibrate over a period of time, in which time air flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure in the organic material thus ensuring that aeration is evenly distributed throughout the organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: AnaeCo Limited
    Inventor: Thomasz Rudas
  • Patent number: 7910360
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for inoculating a biological substrate with cells include provision for rotating a container in which the substrate and a cell suspension are received about first and second axes of rotation. The apparatus comprises said container, first drive means for rotatably supporting the container about the first axis, and second drive means for rotatably supporting the first drive means about the second axis. The first and second axes of rotation do not lie in the same plane and extend in different directions so that the container revolves around the second axis while the container is rotating about the first axis. The inoculation method utilizes this apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignees: JAPAN as represented by PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL CARDIOVASCULAR CENTER, Nipro Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiya Fujisato, Takuro Kogoshi, Yusuke Suga, Akio Kishida, Takeshi Nakatani, Soichiro Kitamura
  • Publication number: 20100297233
    Abstract: Methods and devices for cell or tissue culture are provided. One aspect provides a bioreactor having a gas permeable, closed-loop chamber for cell or tissue culture, and an oscillating means for moving the gas permeable, closed-loop chamber bidirectionally along an axis horizontal to an axis normal to the closed-loop chamber to force convection of cells and fluid in the gas permeable, closed-loop chamber. The bioreactor optionally includes a tissue engineering scaffold, an inlet means, an outlet means, and integrated sensors. Another aspect provides a bioreactor having a plurality of gas permeable, closed-loop chambers for cell or tissue culture. Methods of culturing cells and producing tissue constructs are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Matteo G. Moretti, Lisa E. Freed, Robert S. Langer
  • Patent number: 7799560
    Abstract: A versatile compartmentalized cell culture device, with a selectively permeable membrane separating the compartments, provides many attributes relative to traditional devices. It can be configured for high-density cell culture, co-culture, and sample dialysis while rolling or standing still. It can also be configured for continuous movement of liquid between compartments. The wide combination of attributes not found in other membrane based cell culture and bioprocessing devices includes more cell capacity, more cell secreted product capacity, higher cell and product density, increased medium capacity, minimized use of exogenous growth factors, compatibility with standard cell culture equipment and protocols, increased scale up efficiency, capacity to function when rolling or standing still, capacity for perfusion without the need for pumps, and more efficient sample dialysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Wilson Wolf Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, Daniel P. Welch, Alison Robeck, Douglas A. Page
  • Patent number: 7790437
    Abstract: An organ transportation device includes a fluid-tight organ container and structure within the organ container for engaging an organ within the organ container. A base assembly is provided, and structure for rotating the organ engaging structure and the organ relative to the base assembly. The base assembly can have a motor and a battery to provide for rotation of the organ container during shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignees: Biorep Technologies, Inc., The University of Miami
    Inventors: Ramon E. Poo, Camillo Ricordi
  • Patent number: 7745208
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and a process for treating biomass bearing material including municipal solid waste (MSW). The apparatus includes a reaction vessel held at an angle and configured for rotation and steam injection, with helically arranged internal flights, a self-aligning door closure, and a swing-away door assembly. It also includes a novel structure for shredding biomass bearing material attached to the edges of the flights. This structure is a number of projecting tooth like points and paddles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony P. Noll
  • Patent number: 7659111
    Abstract: A method and a device for improved freezing of biological containing living cells is disclosed. Directional cooling coupled with agitation, preferably rotation, of the vessel containing the biological sample allows for the freezing of large volume samples at much greater rates than before. Whether a sample is large or not, the greater thermal homogeneity during the freezing process as well as the resulting crystal morphology yield a frozen sample which is exceptionally suited for lyophilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Core Dynamics Limited
    Inventors: Uri Meir, Yoram Amsalem, Yehudit Natan, Amir Arav
  • Patent number: 7651852
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for aeration of organic material, wherein the organic material undergoes an aerobic composting process, such that air is caused to evenly penetrate the organic material. The organic material is first sealed in a vessel. Air is then delivered to the contents of the vessel such that an air pressure of from about 1 to about 1000 kPa above atmospheric pressure is maintained in the vessel. A pressure differential initially forms and is then allowed to equilibrate over a period of time, in which time air flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure in the organic material thus ensuring that aeration is evenly distributed throughout the organic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: AnaeCo Limited
    Inventor: Tomasz Rudas
  • Publication number: 20090272688
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor (1) for the purification of waters, said reactor comprising a cross-sectionally essentially circular or elliptical tank section (2) provided with inlet means (5) for water to be purified and outlet means (6) for purified water. The tank holds thereinside carrier material (3) on which a biofilm may develop. The tank is further provided with means (4) for supplying a fluid which contains a reaction gas required by the purification process, such that the water to be purified develops gas bubbles containing a reaction gas. The tank section is adapted to be essentially full of water during the purification process. The fluid supply means (4) are disposed on the tank wall and the reactor comprises control means for operating the fluid supply means in such a way that a spinning motion of the carrier, the water, and at least some of said reaction-gas bearing bubbles is effected thereby around a rotation centerline passing essentially through the tank's cross-sectional center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Gennadi Zaitsev
  • Publication number: 20090275114
    Abstract: To simplify mixing systems without stirrer systems and to minimize cleaning and validation operations, it is proposed that a vibratory mixer with a vibratory mechanism should have a container. Into this container is inserted a bag which, after use, need not be cleaned and is instead replaced by a new one. This bag is equipped with the connections and sensors required and presterilized. The bag is placed into an angled container. The container serves as a stabilization casing. As a result of the vibration of the container, there is liquid displacement over the angle range, which improves the mixing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Marcel Roll
  • Patent number: 7604987
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor comprising a chamber for containing cells or tissue cultures within a culture medium. The bioreactor also comprises a detector capable of detecting a change in one or more metabolites associated with growth of the cell or tissue cultures within the chamber and a chamber drive capable of rotating the chamber at a first speed about a first axis and a second speed about a second axis, the second axis being disposed at an angle relative to the first axis. In use, the magnitude of the first speed and the second speed are independently variable of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: National University of Singapore
    Inventors: Dietmar W. Hutmacher, Swee Hin Teoh, Manoja Ranawake, Woon Shin Chong, Keng Soon Ting, Kay Chiang Chua, Than Myint, Chum Mok Puah, Toon Tien Foo, Jan-Thorsten Schantz
  • Patent number: 7510866
    Abstract: A hybrid bioreactor for cell culture is disclosed. To simultaneously apply compressive strain for cell differentiation and shear strain for cell proliferation to cells, the hybrid bioreactor includes a plurality of reactor tube assemblies (100), a compressive strain motor (5), a shear strain motor (25), a lower anchor mount (20) having a plurality of toothed anchors (70) to respectively anchor the lower ends of the reactor tube assemblies (100) to the lower anchor mount (20), a ball screw (90) operated in conjunction with the compressive strain motor (5), an upper anchor mount (60) which engages with the ball screw (90) to vertically move upward and downward and having a plurality of compressive strain anchors (80) to anchor the upper ends of the reactor tube assemblies (100) to the upper anchor mount (60), a power transmission unit to transmit the rotating force of the shear strain motor (25) to the toothed anchors (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Kuiwon Choi, Tae Soo Bae, Jung Kyu Kim, Chang Yang Lee
  • Publication number: 20090081752
    Abstract: A bioreactor, kit, a method of using the device to promoting growing and/or culture of a cell, and a method for regenerating and/or improving the function of mammalian cells. The bioreactor includes a controlling circuit coupled to magnetic field emitter that emits relatively steep and short-lived magnetic field pulses during these an active ephemeral period. The bioreactor also provides a relatively long-term inactive phase in which no magnetic field pulses are imposed. The kit includes the unassembled components of the bioreactor. The method of using the bioreactor and of regenerating and/or improving the function of mammalian cells includes the step of applying a time variant magnetic field through the cell to promote growing and/or culturing, and then introducing the cells to a mammal to regenerate cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Robert G. DENNIS, David A. WOLF, Donnie RUDD
  • Publication number: 20090035857
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to devices and methods for processing, cultivating or otherwise manipulating cell cultures which may be disposed on a flat or substantially flat surface such as cell culture substrate material. Devices and methods are disclosed for dividing a cell culture layer into divided portions, including isolated divided portions, that may then be transferred from the cell culture to a new location. For some embodiments, the divided portions may be transferred to a new cell culture support substrate in order to continue to grow and cultivate the cell line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: INVITROGEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan Chesnut, Robert Dees, Soojung Shin
  • Patent number: 7449331
    Abstract: The invention provides a roller bottle for cell growth culturing including a plurality of axial pleats therearound for increasing cell growth surface area and further including circumferential ribs integrally formed therewith for reinforcing the pleated wall structure. These circumferential ribs prevent the bottle walls from bowing outward when the inside of the bottle becomes pressurized during cell growth culturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Whitley
  • Publication number: 20080145926
    Abstract: This invention relates to a reactor unit with a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first chamber is formed by the interior of a housing and wherein the second chamber is formed by the interior of a plurality of hollow fibers arranged in the housing. The hollow fibers are arranged in the housing such that their density in at least one region of the first chamber does not exceed 10 fibers/mm2, based on the cross-sectional area of the first chamber. In accordance with another aspect of the invention it is provided that in the reactor unit two casting compounds are arranged, in which a portion of the hollow fibers is embedded and between which another portion of the hollow fibers extends, wherein the length of at least some or all hollow fibers is at least 0.5% greater than the distance of the casting compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Franz Kugelmann, Paul Hengster, Raimund Margreiter, Bernd Nederlof, Massimo Fini, Ciro Tetta, Thomas Wild, Micaela Yakubovich, Michael Paul, Marco Caronna
  • Patent number: 7371566
    Abstract: A composting apparatus including an electric motor driven drum. The drum is provided with spaced fins on the inner surface and a supporting shaft that can include air holes to provide air within the confines of the drum. In this instance, tubes with holes are secured inside the drum and communicate with a source of air so that air passes into the tubes, and thus into the pile of composting material. The drum is provided with a sliding door that closes an opening in the drum. The door is secured at its ends for movement within a grooved mount attached onto a surface of the drum. The door is moved along a surface of the drum to open the door. The door can be held in position with a small opening or to a full open position, thus opening the entire opening in the surface of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Commercial Composting LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Craven, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080044890
    Abstract: An interchangeable sleeve for enhancing proliferation of cells in a rotating bioreactor is disclosed with the interchangeable sleeve having a substantially cylindrical and substantially rigid electrical conductive material wound in a cylindrical shape and capable of being connected to a pulsating time varying electromagnetic current to create a time varying electromagnetic force of from approximately 0.05 gauss to 0.5 gauss within the cylindrical portion of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Clayton R. Parker
  • Patent number: 7300789
    Abstract: The invention provides a bioreactor (10) for the culture of animal, vegetable, microbial of algal cells of their co-cultures, of the type including a body (12) which delimits an internal volume (14) capable of holding a culture liquid (16) and a gas volume (17) above the culture liquid (16), and which includes means for introducing (18) and/or extracting (20) elements respectively into and/or out of the internal volume (14) of the body (12), and of the type which includes means (22) for driving the body (12) in an oscillating movement so as to obtain agitation of the culture liquid (16), characterised in that the body (12) is a rigid vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Richard Martin, Pascal Hilaire
  • Publication number: 20070224676
    Abstract: The present invention provides a roller bottle for cell growth culturing, the roller bottle including a bottom wall; a top wall having an opening formed therethrough; and, a side wall extending between the top and bottom walls, a plurality of corrugations being defined in the side wall. Further, a distance is defined between the top and bottom walls, and the corrugations are selectively deformable to alter the distance. Advantageously, with the present invention, a single roller bottle may be provided with its length being adjustable in response to cell culture size and density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Applicant: BECTON, DICKINSON AND COMPANY
    Inventor: Tariq A. Haq
  • Patent number: 7198940
    Abstract: A bioreactor apparatus and cell culturing system is provided for the automated cultivation and processing of living cells remotely both on earth and in low gravity which utilizes a generally cylindrical reactor vessel that may be optionally rotated about its cylindrical axis while allowing the entrance of fresh or recycled fluid and the removal, optionally, of spent medium, medium to be recycled or filtered or unfiltered medium for the collection of samples. A method of exchanging gases between the culture medium and ambient gases is provided. A fresh-medium storage bag and peristaltic pump is used for batch feeding, perfusion or sample collection. An enclosure and manifold representing an additional level of chemical containment and a series of pinch valves for the periodic collection of samples of suspended cells or cell-free medium is disposed therein together with a humidity control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Shot Hardware Optimization Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Vellinger, Kenneth W. Barton, Mark S. Deuser, Mark E. Wells
  • Patent number: 7189281
    Abstract: A second-generation rotating biofilter employing microorganisms in a microbiological film (biofilm) “mineralizes” contaminants, such as VOCs and odoriferous contaminants. Contaminated fluid, such as air from manufacturing processes, is directed radially outward from a perforated pipe through porous foam attached to the pipe. The pipe serves as the axis upon which layers of foam suitable for supporting formation of biofilms are placed. In one embodiment, an octagonal-shaped drum incorporates eight baskets. In each basket, foam is layered outwardly from the pipe in trapezoidal-shaped layers each of approximately 3.8 cm thickness, each layer separated by air gaps of approximately 1.3 cm to prevent clogging. Seven layers in each of eight baskets comprise the octagonal drum. When the drum is sprayed on one side, water soaks the media and it is heavier on that side, thus facilitating rotation of the drum. Further, the biofilms are supplied with moisture and supplemental nutrients as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Byung J. Kim
  • Patent number: 7186549
    Abstract: A container for shipping items in an aircraft includes a shipping compartment and an expandable chamber for receiving gas from the shipping compartment. At least one conduit connects the expandable chamber to the shipping department so as to permit the flow of gas therebetween. A method for shipping items in an aircraft is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignees: Biorep Technologies, Inc., University of Miami
    Inventors: Ramon E. Poo, Camillo Ricordi
  • Patent number: 7144727
    Abstract: The bioreactor system of the present invention has two fluid-filled culture compartments in which cells, tissues and other biologicals are cultured. The two culture compartments are in fluid communication with each other and each culture compartment is transversed by a filter that prevents the exit of the cells from the culture compartment. Both reusable and disposable culture chambers are described for use as the first and/or second culture compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Synthecon, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Akers, William J. Anderson, Stephen S. Navran, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7067307
    Abstract: The bioartificial reactor has a reactor vessel. A cell culture chamber in the reactor, in particular for liver cells, is divided off from a flow chamber for a nutritive medium and from a flow chamber for plasma and blood by semipermeable walls. At least one flow chamber is formed as a tube that is helically wound in the shape of a screw and that is made of semipermeable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Raimung Margreiter
    Inventors: Boris-Wolfgang Hochleitner, Paul Hengster
  • Patent number: 6867040
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are directed to a perfusion culture system in which a rotating bioreactor is used to grow cells in a liquid culture medium, while these cells are attached to an adhesive-treated porous surface. As a result of this arrangement and its rotation, the attached cells divide, with one cell remaining attached to the substrate, while the other cell, a newborn cell is released. These newborn cells are of approximately the same age, that are collected upon leaving the bioreactor. The populations of newborn cells collected are of synchronous and are minimally, if at all, disturbed metabolically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventors: Charles E. Helmstetter, Maureen Thornton, Steve Gonda
  • Patent number: 6841384
    Abstract: The invention provides an advanced roller bottle system for cell culture that efficiently, continually, and automatically replenishes spent media with fresh media. The roller bottle system optimizes media use by removing spent media in response to a predetermined condition change and replenishing the spent media with fresh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson Company
    Inventor: Neil F. Robbins, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040241835
    Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous flow dual axis bioreactor (10) for growing three-dimensional cell or tissue cultures. The bioreactor (10) includes a chamber (12) adapted to contain a three-dimensional matrix for growing three-dimensional cell or tissue cultures. A rotatable plate (14) supports the chamber (12) and is rotatable about a vertical axis (16). The rotatable plate (14) is supported on an rotary L-shaped bracket (20) that rotates about a horizontal axis (22). Two multi-flow fluid connectors (32,34) are provided to prevent any pipes connecting the chamber to a feed source or a product tank from being entangled and to allow continuous flow to and from the bioreactor (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Dietmar W. Hutmacher, Swee Hin Teoh, Manoja Ranawake, Woon Shin Chong, Keng Soon Ting, Kay Chiang Chua, Than Myint, Chum Mok Puah, Toon Tien Foo, Jan-Thorsten Schantz
  • Patent number: 6780638
    Abstract: A cell culture apparatus comprises a rotor releasably housing a plurality of cell culture vessels/roller bottles. The apparatus provides for rotation of the rotor at a controlled speed about a substantially horizontal axis and for the rotational axis of the rotor and the bottles housed therein to be tilted to a substantially vertical position in order to allow fluid to be supplied or drain therefrom. Each vessel is provided with a cap equipped with a fluid supply/drain connection arranged at the lowest point of the cap when the vessel is vertically inverted (as shown in FIG. 1). The supply/drain connection of each bottle cap is connected to a manifold that allows the supply or extraction of fluid via a sealable external connection. Venting of the gas space within the bottle during fluid transfer is provided by a snorkel tube passing upwards through the fluid, and formed as an internal extension of the bottle cap. The snorkel tube is provided with a micro-porous filter, venting to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Alexander Robert Powell
  • Publication number: 20040137609
    Abstract: The invention relates to a treatment compartment (1) for treating histological samples with treating agents (2, 2′, 2″). Said treatment compartment (1) comprises a housing (3) with an inlet and outlet (4, 4′) for the treating agents (2, 2′, 2″), a rotatable retaining device (5) which receives the samples and a closable access opening (6) on the front (7). The aim of the invention is to improve a treatment compartment (1) of the above kind in such a way that it has a compact design and is easily accessible without the risk of the treating agents (2, 2′, 2″) emerging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Ilia Borisovitch Izvoztchikov, Helge Ebeling
  • Patent number: 6720178
    Abstract: A reservoir is provided with a spiroid pump which enables the automatic transfer of fresh medium into a roller bottle culture chamber. The reservoir may be formed from a portion of a culture chamber or may be a separate bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Berson, Goetz Friederichs
  • Patent number: 6699706
    Abstract: Cell lysis may be brought about by contacting a suspension of cells with a lysis reagent such as sodium hydroxide solution; subsequent treatment enables organic molecules such as plasmid DNA to be separated from other cell components. Intimate mixing of the cell suspension with lysis reagent is achieved by passage through a fluidic vortex mixer arranged so the residence time of the cell suspension in the mixer is less than the time for lysis to be completed, and may be less than 0.1 seconds. Such a vortex mixer comprises a cylindrical chamber with an axial outlet duct and at least one tangential inlet duct, but with no internal baffles. The low shear stress to which the cell suspension is subjected minimizes loss of product through denaturation or fragmentation of the product, and indeed of contaminants. The subsequent treatment may also utilize a fluidic vortex mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Accentus PLC
    Inventor: Robert Cecil Brooks
  • Patent number: 6673598
    Abstract: A cell culture bag for culturing cells, cellular aggregates, particles, tissues and organoids is disclosed. The cell culture bag is a flexible and disposable culture bag that fits within a bag support chamber of a bioreactor. The cell culture bag has an inlet means and an outlet means for the introduction and removal of media. Certain embodiments of the culture bag have an inlet and outlet fluid coupling swivel joint and/or perforated perfusion tubes extending from the inlet means into the interior of the bag to assist in mass transfer and mixing the media to maintain an even temperature throughout the culture bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Synthecon, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Akers, William J. Anderson, Stephen S. Navran, Jr., Adrian F. Dinges, Jr.