Including Solid Extended Fluid Contact Reaction Surface Patents (Class 435/299.1)
-
Patent number: 8658419Abstract: This disclosure describes an improved heat transfer system for use in reaction vessels used in chemical and biological processes. In one embodiment, a heat transfer baffle comprising two sub-assemblies adjoined to one another is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: ABEC, Inc.Inventor: Cameron Knight
-
Publication number: 20140045256Abstract: There is provided a cell chip including: a first substrate having biomaterials fixed thereto; a second substrate provided with one or more receiving space in which a culture medium is stored; and a circulation unit circulating the culture medium stored in the receiving space.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Inventors: Dong Woo LEE, Bo Sung KU, Sang Jin KIM, Moo-Yeal LEE
-
Patent number: 8597940Abstract: A gas cracking apparatus adapted to simultaneously efficiently discharge gas heavier than air and gas lighter than air resulting from assimilations of malodorous gas and greenhouse gas. The main frame of the gas cracking apparatus includes a closed metallic circular tube or angular tube. This tube is provided at its superior portion with a superior vent and provided at its inferior portion with an inferior vent, and the tube is further provided with a gas inlet disposed between the superior vent and the inferior vent.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Inventors: Keiji Furukawa, Mieko Murata, Yoshihiro Kuwahara, Youihi Satou, Chieko Satou
-
Patent number: 8563299Abstract: A process for converting a feed gas containing at least one of CO, CO2, and/or H2 to a liquid product using biomass that grow on the surface of carriers suspended in a fermentation broth within the vessel of a moving bed bioreactor (MMBR). An injector is used to at least partially dissolved the feed gas in the fermentation broth, at least partially entrain the gas in the broth as microbubbles and to introduce the mixture of the entrained gas and broth into the vessel in a substantially horizontal direction. The injection of the mixture creates eddy current in the surrounding liquid for thoroughly mixing the fermentation broth in the vessel and for keeping the biomass carrier moving to provide sufficient shear so as to maintain a biofilm thickness on the carrier in a desirable range.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Coskata, Inc.Inventor: Robert Hickey
-
Patent number: 8551740Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Food Industry Research and Development InstituteInventors: Hsu-Chou Hsiao, Ting-Sheng Lu, Han-Ken Chen, Jinn-Tsyy Lai, Fwu-Lin Lee, Chung-Liang Chu, Chii-Cherng Liao
-
Publication number: 20130224842Abstract: A carbonic anhydrase bioreactor for treating a CO2-containing gas includes a reaction chamber for receiving a liquid; porous particles with carbonic anhydrase entrapped therein provided in the reaction chamber for catalyzing a reaction of CO2 into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions to obtain a treated gas and an ion-rich solution; a retention device for retaining the porous particles within the reaction chamber; a liquid inlet for providing the liquid; a gas inlet for providing the CO2-containing gas; a liquid outlet for releasing the ion-rich solution; and a gas outlet to release the treated gas. Processes are also described for treating a CO2-containing gas, where particles comprising porous material with entrapped carbonic anhydrase catalyze the reaction and the particles are retained in the reaction chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: August 29, 2013Applicant: CO2 SOLUTIONS INC.Inventor: CO2 Solutions Inc.
-
Publication number: 20130203159Abstract: To efficiently carry out spheroid culturing. A culture substrate is a culture container to culture cells and three-dimensionally aggregate them to prepare spheroids. The culture substrate is made of a synthetic resin material. On a surface of the culture substrate, a plurality of dents 20 to be compartments in which cells are cultured are formed. The plurality of dents 20 are formed by laser irradiation on the culture substrate surface. At the peripheries of openings of the dents 20, the synthetic resin material is melted and piled up to form banks 22. The culture substrate surface between two adjacent dents 20 is a non-flat surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: Asahi Glass Company, LimitedInventor: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
-
Patent number: 8501477Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a kit including: (i) a plasma polymerized surface having first and second regions, said first region including a first concentration of carboxylic acid groups on said plasma polymerized surface and said second region including a second concentration of carboxylic acid groups on said plasma polymerized surface, wherein said first concentration and said second concentration are different; (ii) a first plasma polymerized secondary substrate having carboxylic acid groups disposed consistently thereacross at a concentration equal to said first concentration; and, (iii) a second plasma polymerized secondary substrate having carboxylic acid groups disposed consistently thereacross at a concentration equal to said second concentration.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Robert Short, Patricia Murray, Kristina Parry
-
Patent number: 8496837Abstract: A process for affecting reductive conversion reactions in a reactor using the palladized bacterial cellulose immobilized on a support for reductive conversion reactions in a reactor.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignees: Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of TechnologyInventors: Upendra Patel, Sumathi Suresh
-
Patent number: 8481303Abstract: A microfluidic cell culture apparatus includes a cell retention chamber and a perfusion channel. The cell retention chamber has a structured surface. The structured surface includes a major surface from which a plurality of projections extends into the chamber. The plurality of projections are arranged to suspend cells cultured in the chamber above the major surface. The first perfusion channel is configured to provide laminar flow of a fluid through the channel and forms a plurality of openings in communication with the cell retention chamber. The openings are configured to prevent cells from the retention chamber from entering the perfusion channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Ronald A. Faris, Vasiliy N. Goral, Miya (Yi-Cheng) Hsieh, Odessa N. Petzold, Po Ki Yuen
-
Patent number: 8465971Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling biological functions with mechanical vibration are provided. Stimulation is applied to cells of one of an organism, bacteria or virus by mechanical vibration. The biological function comprises biological functions relating to cell growth. The biological functions relating to cell growth may include at least one of cell cultivation, cell proliferation, cell fusion, and cell differentiation.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2008Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Tokyo Iken Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akio Kishida, Tsutomu Furuzono, Kozo Miyazaki, Toru Masuzawa
-
Patent number: 8435782Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture chamber with which the survival rate of cells to be cultured can be increased, and a method of producing the same. A cell culture chamber according to the present invention includes a mass of projections formed of a plurality of microprojections 1 formed on a surface on which cells are cultured. The width or diameter of each of the microprojections 1 is in a range of 20 nm to 3 ?m, and the aspect ratio of each of the microprojections is in a range of 0.2 to 3.0. Thus, there can be provided a cell culture chamber most suitable for the adhesion and differentiation/proliferation of cells to be cultured.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2007Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.Inventors: Taiji Nishi, Go Tazaki, Motohiro Fukuda, Michio Yazawa, Masayuki Takahashi
-
Patent number: 8435781Abstract: The present invention provides a bioreactor having a system that can grow cells, tissue, etc. while maintaining or improving their function, and finally recover the cells as they are with good efficiency. The bioreactor has a porous sheet-form material disposed in its main body, the porous sheet-form material being formed from a nonwoven fabric, etc. having high cell affinity in order to retain cells. This porous sheet-form material has a thermosensitive polymer and a cell-adhesive substance incorporated thereinto, and the porous sheet-form material is not only cell-adhesive but also allows cells and tissue to be detached from the porous sheet-form material as they are by, for example, cooling from 37° C. to 25° C. Furthermore, in order to efficiently ensure the bioactivity or the survival of the cells, it is arranged so that circulation of a culture medium in a culturing space of the bioreactor is of a radial flow type.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Kyushu Institute of TechnologyInventor: Makoto Kodama
-
Patent number: 8409854Abstract: A bioreactor comprising a reactor chamber defined by reactor walls and a reactor opening, optionally with means penetrating the reactor opening in order to supply gases and/or liquids, for taking samples, for supplying microorganisms or cells, for the introduction of measuring probes, for the addition of additives or sterilizing agents and/or for emptying the bioreactor, with means for sealing the reactor opening, wherein at least one inflatable eddy current breaker is installed in the reactor chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2001Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbHInventors: Ursula Erhardt, Christoph Erhardt
-
Patent number: 8409847Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the diameter of a mammalian hybrid coronary bypass graft. The system includes a controller having at least one input for receiving information and feedback information and an output for outputting control signals, including at least one steady flow system control signal; and a pressure/flow loop subsystem coupled to the controller. The pressure/flow loop subsystem includes a specimen holder, an external flow loop system coupled to the specimen holder, a steady flow system, and an output for outputting the feedback information. The pressure/flow loop subsystem receives the control signals and is capable of adjusting a diameter of a specimen in accordance with the control signals, when the specimen holder contains the specimen.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: ICE Development Technologies, LLCInventor: Michael Dancu
-
Patent number: 8399243Abstract: Developing heart valves are exposed to dynamic strains by applying a dynamic pressure difference over the leaflets. The flow is kept to a minimum, serving only as a perfusion system, supplying the developing tissue with fresh nutrients. Standard heart valves were engineered based on B trileaflet scaffolds seeded with cells isolated from the human saphenous vein. Tissue compaction is constrained by the stent, inducing increasing pre-strain in the tissue. The dynamic strains the tissues are exposed to via the dynamic pressure difference, are estimated using finite element methods based on the mechanical properties of the neo-tissue, in order to get inside into the strain distribution over the leaflet.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2006Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignees: Universitaet Zuerich, Technische Universiteit EindhovenInventors: Carlijin V. C. Bouten, Anita Mol, Marcel C. M. Rutten, Simon P. Hoerstrup, Frank P. T. Baaijens
-
Patent number: 8367400Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, provides a culture vessel which includes a body having at least a first edge at least partially perimetrically bounding the body, and at least a first seal extending from the first edge. The first seal is breachable and fluid-tight, and disposed obliquely to the first edge so as to subtend an acute angle therewith. The first seal separates the body into first and second chambers. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a culture vessel is provided which allows for volume expansion in situ.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventor: Mark R. Timmins
-
Patent number: 8357528Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional system, and compositions obtained therefrom, wherein individual layers of the system comprise channels divided longitudinally into two compartments by a centrally positioned membrane, and wherein each compartment can comprise a different cell type.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignees: The General Hospital Corporation, The Charles Stark Draper LaboratoryInventors: Joseph P. Vacanti, Jeffrey T. Borenstein, Eli Weinberg
-
Patent number: 8343749Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention preferably relate to a method and apparatus for a two-stage membrane-based production of gas, preferably hydrogen gas or the like, from solid biological materials, preferably organic waste materials or the like, comprising anaerobic hydrolysis and fermentation and photofermentation using microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Arrowhead Center, Inc.Inventors: Nagamany Nirmalakhandan, Shuguang Deng, Geoffrey Smith
-
Publication number: 20120315694Abstract: There is provided a cell culture device, which includes a plurality of cell culture units, in which the cell culture unit includes: a cell culture tub that defines a culture space for cultivating cells, contains culture medium in the culture unit, and has an air layer above the culture medium; a drainage channel that is connected to the cell culture tub to discharge used culture medium to the integral drainage channel; an open culture medium reservoir that supplies new culture medium into the cell culture tub; and a droplet generator that is disposed between the cell culture tub and the open culture medium reservoir and supplies the culture medium from the open culture medium reservoir to the cell culture tub, using negative pressure of the air layer generated when the used culture medium is discharged.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Young-Ho Cho, Tae-Yoon Kim, Dong-Woo Lee, Sang-Jin Kim, Yong-Soo Oh, Bo-Sung Ku
-
Patent number: 8329457Abstract: The present invention discloses a bioartificial liver system comprising a fixed-bed bioreactor packed with gel beads containing hepatocytes of an animal, a plasma reservoir, a plasma separator, and an efflux chamber, wherein the plasma reservoir is located at a position higher than the bioreactor, a ventilation filter in contact with atmosphere is provided at the top of the plasma reservoir, and the top of the plasma reservoir is directly connected to the efflux chamber via a connecting line. The inventive system satisfactorily performs the essential liver functions without the problems of gel bead damage or channeling.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignees: Lifecord Inc.Inventors: Jung Keug Park, Sung Koo Kim, Suk Koo Lee, Young-Jin Kim, Doo-Hoon Lee, Ji-Hyun Lee, Hee-Hoon Yoon, Jae-Nam Ryu, Choon-Hyuck Kwon, Jeong-Kwon Noh, Hey-Jung Park
-
Patent number: 8329460Abstract: A triphasic bioreactor for physico-chemically treating a gas is disclosed. The triphasic bioreactor comprises a reaction chamber with a liquid and biocatalysts in suspension in the liquid, for catalyzing a reaction between the gas and the liquid to obtain a treated gas and a solution containing a reaction product. A gas bubbling means is provided in the reaction chamber for bubbling the gas to be treated into the liquid thereby dissolving the gas into the liquid and increasing a pressure inside the reaction chamber. The bioreactor further comprises a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for receiving the liquid and filling the reaction chamber, a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for releasing the solution and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to release the treated gas. The bioreactor further comprises a retention device to retain the biocatalysts in the reaction chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: CO2 Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Carmen Parent, Frederic Dutil
-
Patent number: 8329459Abstract: A triphasic bioreactor for physico-chemically treating a gas is disclosed. The triphasic bioreactor comprises a reaction chamber with a liquid and biocatalysts in suspension in the liquid, for catalyzing a reaction between the gas and the liquid to obtain a treated gas and a solution containing a reaction product. A gas bubbling means is provided in the reaction chamber for bubbling the gas to be treated into the liquid thereby dissolving the gas into the liquid and increasing a pressure inside the reaction chamber. The bioreactor further comprises a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for receiving the liquid and filling the reaction chamber, a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for releasing the solution and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to release the treated gas. The bioreactor further comprises a retention device to retain the biocatalysts in the reaction chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: CO2 Solutions Inc.Inventors: Carmen Parent, Frédéric Dutil
-
Patent number: 8329458Abstract: A triphasic bioreactor for physico-chemically treating a gas is disclosed. The triphasic bioreactor comprises a reaction chamber with a liquid and biocatalysts in suspension in the liquid, for catalyzing a reaction between the gas and the liquid to obtain a treated gas and a solution containing a reaction product. A gas bubbling means is provided in the reaction chamber for bubbling the gas to be treated into the liquid thereby dissolving the gas into the liquid and increasing a pressure inside the reaction chamber. The bioreactor further comprises a liquid inlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for receiving the liquid and filling the reaction chamber, a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber for releasing the solution and a gas outlet in fluid communication with the reaction chamber to release the treated gas. The bioreactor further comprises a retention device to retain the biocatalysts in the reaction chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: CO2 Solutions Inc.Inventors: Carmen Parent, Frédéric Dutil
-
Patent number: 8318476Abstract: Systems and methods for biological and chemical gas treatment are disclosed. The systems may generally include a biological treatment zone and a chemical oxidation zone. An oxidizing agent subsystem may deliver an oxidizing agent, such as chlorine dioxide, to the chemical oxidation zone. The oxidizing agent subsystem may generate the oxidizing agent in situ from a product of the biological treatment zone. The oxidizing agent subsystem may include a reaction chamber and a source of a reactant, such as an alkaline metal chlorite reservoir. A controller may be in communication with various sensors and other components to generally manage operation of the disclosed systems.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventors: Richard D. Parker, Jennifer Romaine Miller, David L. Morano
-
Patent number: 8318479Abstract: A system has been constructed that recapitulate the features of a capillary bed through normal human tissue. The system facilitates perfusion of three-dimensional (3D) cell monocultures and heterotypic cell co-cultures at the length scale of the capillary bed. A major feature is that the system can be utilized within a “multiwell plate” format amenable to high-throughput assays compatible with the type of robotics commonly used in pharmaceutical development. The system provides a means to conduct assays for toxicology and metabolism and as a model for human diseases such as hepatic diseases, including hepatitis, exposure-related pathologies, and cancer. Cancer applications include primary liver cancer as well as metastases. The system can also be used as a means of testing gene therapy approaches for treating disease and inborn genetic defects.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Univeristy of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: Karel Domansky, Linda G. Griffith, Steven R. Tannenbaum, Alan Wells, Samuel Walker Inman
-
Patent number: 8318414Abstract: A system for hemodynamic simulation comprises a vessel having properties of a blood vessel, a reservoir containing a quantity of fluid, tubing connecting the vessel and reservoir, and at least one pump for circulating the fluid within the system. Fluid can be tissue culture medium or blood analog fluid, and the vessel may include mammalian cells attached to its inside. A drive system, comprising two reciprocating drive shafts that are coupled by a cam, enables the uncoupling of pulsatile flow and pulsatile pressure to provide independent control over wall shear stress and circumferential strain. The shaft drives two pumps that are 180 degrees out-of-phase and are connected upstream and downstream of the vessel, and effect this uncoupling.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: ICE Development Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael B. Dancu, John M. Tarbell
-
Patent number: 8283159Abstract: The invention relates to a fermenter (10) for producing biogas from organic material, having a fermentation chamber (11) with a substantially round basal surface to receive fermentation material; arranged, in the peripheral region of the fermentation chamber, filling means (12) for substrate to be fermented; arranged, above the fermentation chamber, an unpressurized gas store (13) with gas discharging means (14); stirring means (15); a settling chamber (16) with overflow rim; and also pumping means (17) for the continuous or batchwise removal of fermentation material from the fermentation chamber and introduction into the settling chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Inventor: Wilhelm Gantefort
-
Patent number: 8247223Abstract: The methods are disclosed to introduce catalysts and fluids into an apparatus and/or media to effect remediation of contaminants, improve soil fertility and permeability, control undesirable pests, or create useful chemicals or food. Aerobic metabolism of compounds in a media is facilitated through the transfer of fluids, such as air. The apparatus and methods provide an environment for select organisms, including refugia and nutrient substrate. The biodegradable composition of the apparatus is partially transformed by catalytic treatment. Catalysts or remediation agents are produced in-situ, for specific applications that provide a range of retention, activation, activity, and release profiles.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2012Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Inventors: Robert William Rawson, Mia Rose Maltz
-
Patent number: 8222021Abstract: A waste gas treatment process using biological treatment technology including filtering waste gas to be treated, and introducing the filtered waste gas into a biological treatment system periodically and switchably from two ends of the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Inventors: Ching-Ping Tseng, Ying-Chien Chung
-
Patent number: 8222026Abstract: A membrane supported bioreactor arrangement and method for anaerobic conversion of gas into liquid products including membrane modules having hollow fibers packed across a cross sectional area of the membrane module, each of the hollow fibers formed from an asymmetric membrane wall having a porous outer layer defining biopores for retaining a porous biolayer about the outer surface of the membrane wall and a less permeable hydration layer around the hollow fiber lumen; a membrane vessel for surrounding the outside of the hollow fibers with a process gas from a gas supply conduit; and a liquid supply conduit operably connected to the hollow fibers for supplying a process liquid to the hollow fiber lumens. The gas supply conduit enables the formation of a biolayer on the outer surface of the hollow fiber wall by interaction of microorganisms with the process gas and the production of a liquid product.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Coskata, Inc.Inventors: Shih-Perng Tsai, Rathin Datta, Rahul Basu, Seong-Hoon Yoon
-
Patent number: 8192980Abstract: A microreactor is shown having an inlet or feed channel, an inlet or feed zone for a flow of fluid, a reaction zone, an outlet zone and an outlet or evacuation channel, the zones and channels being in fluid communication, and at least one compound such as an enzyme capable of producing a biological or biochemical reaction with at least one constituent of the flow of fluid, the compound being attached to the surfaces of the inlet zone, reaction zone, and outlet zone.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Philippe Combette, Olivier Constantin, Françoise Vinet, Gilles Marchand
-
Patent number: 8178332Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the removal of carbon dioxide from a gas stream, particularly a flue gas, hydrogen gas from a reformer, natural gas, or gas from a cement kiln. Immobilized enzymes for use in carbon capture and other systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Akermin, Inc.Inventors: Wayne L. Gellett, Tracy L. Bucholz, Richard T. Zvosec, Joshua Schumacher, Robert A. Clayton, Robert P. Shirtum
-
Patent number: 8178345Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus includes a unitary flask body including a rigid upper and lower surface, connected by side walls. The cell growth apparatus comprises multiple cell growth chambers stacked in vertical alignment and orientation within the unitary flask body. The stacked chambers are held in position by unitary connecting columns that run through each cell growth chamber and terminate at the rigid upper and lower surfaces of the apparatus. The cell growth chambers are separated by tracheal spaces that allow air from the external environment to contact the cell growth surface of each individual cell growth chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Scott M. Bennett, Henry J. Cattadoris, David A. Kenney, Gregory R. Martin, Allison J. Tanner, Joseph C. Wall
-
Patent number: 8158407Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can coat a hybrid graft with a confluent monolayer of endothelial cells by immobilizing stem cells on a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft, and placing the hybrid graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote the stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid graft and in an environment to promote the stem cells to differentiate into endothelial cells.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: ICE Development Technologies, LLCInventor: Michael Dancu
-
Patent number: 8148142Abstract: A system and methods for processing organic waste material for residential type environments includes a reactor tank dimensioned to receive a predetermined amount of organic material therein. The amount of organic material is selected based upon the size of the residential service area the system is servicing. The system includes homogenizing the volume of organic waste materials and selectively introducing the homogenized organic material into a reaction tank. A system for selectively removing gaseous by-products from the anaerobic digestion of organic material within the reactor tank is provided, along with a system for selective removal of waste solids from the reactor tank to provide for substantially continuous processing of materials and production of usable gases.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Inventors: Michael R. Sapp, Rudy J. Wojtecki
-
Patent number: 8114659Abstract: This apparatus introduces catalysts and fluids into a media to effect remediation of contaminants, improve soil fertility and permeability, control undesirable pests, or create useful chemicals or food. The apparatus generates and releases enzymes, metabolites, and biologically active organisms. Aerobic metabolism of compounds in a media is facilitated through the transfer of fluids, such as air. The apparatus and methods provide an environment for select organisms, including refugia and nutrient substrate. The biodegradable composition of the apparatus is partially transformed by catalytic treatment. Catalysts or remediation agents are produced in-situ, for specific applications that provide a range of retention, activation, activity, and release profiles. The apparatus is placed in contact with media. Catalytic infusion of media by biological consortia, such as fungi, releases exudates that transform or biodegrade materials.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Inventors: Robert William Rawson, Mia Rose Maltz
-
Patent number: 8110385Abstract: A linear biodevice is provided with fibers that have a curved portion in its cross section approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and approximately spherical adhesive cells that adhere to the periphery of the fiber. A membrane-like biodevice is provided with a sheet that has an opening and approximately spherical adhesive cells that adhere to the opening. A curved portion is present in the cross section on an inner edge of the opening. A bioreactor is provided with a membrane-like biodevice in which spherical adhesive cells grow densely so as to close the openings of the sheet.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and TechnologyInventors: Satoshi Konishi, Tetsuya Miwa
-
Patent number: 8093041Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention preferably relate to a method and apparatus for a two-stage membrane-based production of gas, preferably hydrogen gas or the like, from solid biological materials, preferably organic waste materials or the like, comprising anaerobic hydrolysis and fermentation and photofermentation using microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Arrowhead Center, Inc.Inventors: Nagamany Nirmalakhandan, Shuguang Deng, Geoffrey Smith
-
Publication number: 20110318817Abstract: An air purifier with a tub capable of containing a liquid. Reactor plates are in the tub wherein the reactor plates provide a curvilinear path for air flow with abrupt directional change. A pump is situated to distribute the liquid onto the reactor plates to form a moist surface. An air inlet brings contaminated air into contact with biocatalyst on the moist surface thereby forming purified air. An air outlet discharges said purified air from the air purifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: sgblue, Inc.Inventors: Wesley O. Greene, Brian D. Summers, Roy D. Crowninshield
-
Publication number: 20110318778Abstract: The present invention is directed to an organic substrate treatment system that converts organic substrate and other organic materials to nutrient rich effluent and biogas. Using sequential degradation of the organic materials, biogas and effluent is efficiently produced with relatively short digestion times. Additives are added to the organic materials prior to anaerobic digestion to enhance biogas production. A desulfurizer may be used to clean the raw biogas so that it is suitable for use with gas engines and boilers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventors: GERT BJØRN PETERSEN, Carsten Moberg, Karsten Hammer Langgaard
-
Patent number: 8058059Abstract: A bioremediation device in the form of a cylindrical cartridge having an open mesh side wall and end-caps forming an enclosed volume and which contains a suitable media. The cartridge is removeably mounted in and supported on opposite sides by wall halves in the form of near semi-circular housing halves. The wall halves further contain inlet and outlet openings to permit a liquid and gaseous flow through the cartridge and the contained media.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Inventor: Lewis J. Daly
-
Patent number: 8043848Abstract: In a bioreactor, a culture solution derived from a cultivation tank is separated into bacteria cells and filtrate by a bacteria cell filter. The filtrate is introduced from the bacteria cell filter into a micro-nano bubble generation tank where micro-nano-bubbles are mixed with the filtrate. The filtrate containing micro-nano-bubbles is returned to the cultivation tank to activate the microorganisms therein, so that a biological reaction time is reduced by the activated microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazuyuki Sakata, Kazumi Chuhjoh, Masaki Kataoka
-
Patent number: 8039246Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft by placing the hybrid hemodialysis access graft or the hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote endothelial cells to form a confluent monolayer on the surface of the hybrid graft.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: ICE Development Technologies, LLCInventor: Michael Dancu
-
Patent number: 8034608Abstract: Hybrid synthetic grafts and embodiments of systems and methods for producing hybrid vascular grafts that can yield implantable grafts that combine synthetic grafts with living cells. Embodiments of systems can include a pressure/flow loop subsystem having an external flow loop system coupled to a specimen holder, where the pressure/flow loop subsystem is capable of adjusting at least two dynamic conditions in the specimen holder or a diameter of a specimen in the specimen holder. Embodiments of methods can promote endothelialization of a hybrid hemodialysis access graft or a hybrid femoral artery bypass graft by placing the hybrid hemodialysis access graft or the hybrid femoral artery bypass graft in a system embodiment according to the invention under conditions effective to promote stem cells to form a confluent monolayer on the hybrid graft.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2008Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: ICE Development Technologies, LLCInventor: Michael Dancu
-
Patent number: 8012746Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising a reactor that is operatively connected to: (a) a biogas production unit for converting waste to a biogas stream; and (b) an engine that utilizes the biogas stream from the biogas producing unit to produce energy and an engine exhaust.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Biogas & Electric, LLCInventor: Michael Matelich
-
Patent number: 8003379Abstract: A bioreactor and bioreactor system are suitable for the growth of materials from algae. More specifically, the system preferred embodiments use concentrated sunlight in a solo- or co-generation system to produce algae and products therefrom as well as solar thermal energy.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Brightsource Energy, Inc.Inventors: Arnold J. Goldman, Michael Kagan, Yuri Kokotov
-
Patent number: 7968331Abstract: A cell co-culture apparatus and a method of co-culturing and isolating cells using the cell co-culture apparatus to research interactions between cells by direct contact between the cells are provided. The cell co-culture apparatus includes a first substrate including a substrate portion and a plurality of projections provided on a surface of the substrate portion, each of the projections having a top surface for culturing cells, a second substrate including a same number of first channels as a number of the projections such that the channels fit with the projections and substrate surfaces formed between the first channels, and a third substrate including a plurality of second channels corresponding with the top surfaces and a plurality of third channels corresponding with the substrate surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kwang Ho Cheong, Chin-sung Park
-
Patent number: 7968329Abstract: A method of yielding a functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft is provided. The method includes conditioning a hybrid synthetic tubular structure having stem cells and/or endothelial cells on at least one surface to yield the functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft. Specifically, the method includes placing the hybrid synthetic tubular structure in a system capable of producing three dimensional dynamic conditions for a sufficient time to yield said functional human hybrid coronary bypass graft.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Inventor: Michael Dancu
-
Patent number: 7964387Abstract: A method of yielding a functional human hybrid hemodialysis access graft is provided. The method includes conditioning a hybrid synthetic tubular structure having stem cells and/or endothelial cells on at least one surface to yield the functional human hybrid hemodialysis access graft. Specifically, the method includes placing the hybrid synthetic tubular structure in a system capable of producing three dimensional dynamic conditions for a sufficient time to yield said functional human hybrid hemodialysis access graft.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Inventor: Michael Dancu