Anerobic Cultivation Patents (Class 435/801)
  • Patent number: 12089566
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides a system and methods for automated imaging and manipulation of small animals. In exemplary embodiments, the disclosed subject matter provides a motorized picking assembly, that is coupled to a processor and adapted to remove selected small animals from a source plate and transfer them to a destination plate. The disclosed subject matter provides methods, which include identifying at least one parameter for the small organisms, selecting organisms based on the parameter and transferring selected organisms from the source plate to the destination plate. In certain embodiments, the disclosed subject matter provides a handheld self-sterilizing loop tool for the manual manipulation of small organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
    Inventors: Christopher Fang-Yen, Anthony Fouad
  • Patent number: 11932563
    Abstract: A method for improved anaerobic digestion is presented. The method includes mixing a volume of waste material with water to form a feedstock mixture. The volume of waste material includes an initial amount of biomass and the feedstock mixture includes methanogenic bacteria either naturally present in the waste material or introduced artificially. The method also includes introducing one or more promoter substances to the feedstock mixture. The one or more promoter substances are capable of modifying the methanogenic bacteria. Modifying includes stimulating novel enzyme production in the methanogenic bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Topstone Ventures, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. Barry
  • Patent number: 11925931
    Abstract: Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography according to one embodiment is a humidified enclosure that delivers relative humidities above 95% and preferably above 97% in standard operation, and that can allow microscope observation of samples within. Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography can be used for preparation of protein crystal samples for examination using X-rays and for protein structure determination by X-ray crystallography, involving addition of liquid to the sample and removal of liquid from the sample using vacuum or suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: MiTeGen, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Jayne, David Closs, Benjamin A. Apker, Robert E. Thorne
  • Patent number: 11773413
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a booster composition for enhancing the biogas yield and stabilizing the operation of a biomethanation plant, a method for the preparation of said booster composition and a method for enhancing the biogas yield and stabilizing the operation of a biomethanation plant using said composition by ameliorating the effect of shock conditions like pH and temperature. The booster composition comprises of specifically defined constituents selected from controlled release agents, redox potential balancers, direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) improvers, micronutrient balancers, and Co-factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: INDIAN OIL CORPORATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Manoj Kumar, Srikanth Sandipam, Prakash Chandra Sahoo, Ravi Prakash Gupta, Suresh Kumar Puri, Sankara Sri Venkata Ramakumar
  • Patent number: 11498752
    Abstract: A sludge digester including a vessel and floating cover. The vessel includes a sidewall and an interior volume configured to receive and contain sludge. According to one embodiment, the cover comprises a frame structure that is constructed and arranged to form a skirt member formed at a periphery of the cover and extending downwardly into the vessel, and a continuous ballast ring attached to a lower portion of the skirt member and configured to form a trough member with an interior surface of the skirt member. The sludge digester may also include a guide system coupled to the sidewall and the skirt member and configured to allow vertical displacement of the cover with change in volume of at least one of a gas and a sludge contained in the vessel beneath the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Matthew P. Bronk, Douglas N. Muller, Thomas Mangione
  • Patent number: 8936927
    Abstract: Processes are provided for starting up of anaerobic, deep tank fermentation systems used in the anaerobic bioconversion of hydrogen and carbon monoxide in a gaseous substrate stream to oxygenated organic compounds such as ethanol. In the processes injectors using a motive liquid are used to introduce gas substrate into the deep tank fermentation reactor where at least one of: (i) adjusting the gas to liquid flow ratio through an injector, (ii) changing the rate of liquid flow through an injector, and (iii) adjusting the carbon monoxide mole fraction in the gas feed by admixture with at least one other gas, wherein the mass transfer of carbon monoxide to an aqueous menstruum in the reactor is controlled to obtain the robust growth of the microorganism while maintaining the carbon monoxide concentration below that amount which is unduly adverse to the microorganism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Coskata, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Hickey, Richard E. Tobey, Shih-Perng Tsai
  • Patent number: 8637299
    Abstract: A Capture Carbon Storage (CCS) Process for the economical capture of carbon dioxide from coal fuel gas, and the storage of the carbon dioxide as lipid oil or the use of the environmentally begin oil for transportation. The lipid oil may be refined into gasoline, biodiesel fuel, jet fuel, ethanol, and methane which provide a renewable energy resource for the United State's future energy needs. It is a new fuel form which has been both chemically and physically altered to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide. It is a coal cleaning/upgrading process which produces a refined fuel, Hydrogen, that may be used to produce electricity and an environmentally begin biofuel for transportation. The renewable fuel will produce no carbon foot print at the internal combustion engine's exhaust pipe. The CCS Process will produce a 100% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere and thereby, stop the Global Warming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Albert Norman Heichberger
  • Patent number: 8629251
    Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of phospholipid detection. In particular, certain embodiments provide the detection of phosphatidic acid. For example, certain proteins are capable of binding phosphatidic acid and can be used as a diagnostic and/or research tool to identify and quantitate phosphatidic acid. Phosphatidic acid may be in or from cells and tissues isolated from plants, animals and humans. For example, a trigalactosyldiacylglycerol-2 (TGD2) protein may be fused with a fluorescent probe to monitor and measure phosphatidic acid in vitro as well as in vivo. In other embodiments, a trigalactosyldiacylglycerol-4 (TGD4) protein may be fused with a fluorescent probe to monitor and measure phosphatidic acid in vitro as well as in vivo. In additional embodiments, a fragment comprising either a truncated TGD2 or TGD4 phosphatidic acid binding region protein may be used to monitor or measure phosphatidic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State University
    Inventors: Christoph Benning, Zhen Wang
  • Patent number: 8413800
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved flat package of petri dishes and method of producing the same for prolonging shelf life and preservation of sterility of the petri dishes. The flat package is comprised of an optically clear, high-barrier, moisture-, gas- and microbial-resistant pouch. A plurality of petri dishes located adjacent one another are placed in an interior cavity of the pouch, after which the pouch is vacuum-packed, optionally flushed with an inert gas and then heat sealed. The placement and immobilization of the petri dishes in the pouch allow for prolonged shelf life and preservation of sterility, greatly reduced breakage rates, and enhanced visibility of the petri dishes by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Bret T. Barnhizer
  • 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: 7736512
    Abstract: The method aims at obtaining from waste and more particularly from municipal solid waste (MSW) the energy contained therein at the highest level for industrial use by means of natural technologies and with low environmental impact. The method, denoted by the acronym NEW (Natural Energy from Waste) operates through the following process phases: a) aerobic digestion of the putrescible biological part to produce stabilized waste which is easy to handle, b) separation of a fraction rich in materials with a high heat value, c) storage of the residue, rich in biodegradable and inert substances, compacted into appropriate geometrical shapes in bioreactors which can be activated and sealed, d) activation of the bioreactors with water and their service in time during anaerobic digestion to supply biogas to be used for the production of energy, e) bio-stabilization and dehydration of the residual material of the anaerobic treatment with air, f) possible recovery of the materials produced in this way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Ecodeco S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Natta, Gianni Donati
  • Patent number: 7033822
    Abstract: A process for producing methane and/or high purity hydrogen from anaerobically decomposed organic materials as well as a methane and/or high purity hydrogen generation system that operates in accordance with this process, are provided. The inventive system, which is capable of delivering at least 40 slpm of the desired product gas or gases, is completely self-contained, requiring no outside sources of energy, and is made up of fewer components, thereby allowing for a reduced plant footprint, and a more cost-effective source of renewable methane and hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: New Energy Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Valerie A. Maston
  • Patent number: 6902726
    Abstract: Plant-derived oils, carvacrol and thymol, when added to human or animal waste reduce the production of gas and short-chain volatile fatty acids, and the viability of total anaerobic bacteria and fecal coliforms. In an embodiment, carvacrol or thymol are combined with eugenol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: Vincent H. Varel
  • Publication number: 20040048367
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for creating an environment in a container that is suitable for growing anaerobic bacteria. The device utilizes exothermic chemistry to deplete oxygen and drive the decomposition of a bicarbonate present in the closed system. The decomposition of the bicarbonate results in the release of carbon dioxide. The result of this exothermic reaction and decomposition of the bicarbonate in the closed system results in a suitable oxygen depleted, carbon dioxide enriched atmospheric environment for the growth of anaerobic bacteria. The device is formed of an air permeable package containing a heat generating composition and a bicarbonate. The air-permeable package is contained within an outer wrap that forms an air barrier to the air-permeable package. To activate the heat generating composition, the outer wrap is removed to expose the air-permeable package to the oxygen within the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: William Francis Seip
  • Patent number: 6660518
    Abstract: Provided by the invention is a reactor for two-phase methane fermentation of organic waste materials such as livestock excrements which can be operated for a long period with stability. The apparatus comprises an acid fermentation tank (1) connected to a feed tank, a methane fermentation tank (2) partitioned from the acid fermentation tank (1) with a partition wall (4) having a gate valve (4A) and a settling tank (3) partitioned from the methane fermentation tank (2) by a second partition wall (5) having a gate valve (5A) and the space in the upper part of the methane fermentation tank (2) serves as a gas holder (6). The methane gas generated in the methane fermentation tank (2) and collected in the gas holder (6) is taken out from a methane outlet pipeline (10) opening in the canopy of the gas holder (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Bioelex Corporation
    Inventor: Takaaki Maekawa
  • Patent number: 6642047
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for creating an environment in a container that is suitable for growing anaerobic bacteria. The device utilizes exothermic chemistry to deplete oxygen and drive the decomposition of a bicarbonate present in the closed system. The decomposition of the bicarbonate results in the release of carbon dioxide. The result of this exothermic reaction and decomposition of the bicarbonate in the closed system results in a suitable oxygen depleted, carbon dioxide enriched atmospheric environment for the growth of anaerobic bacteria. The device is formed of an air permeable package containing a heat generating composition and a bicarbonate. The air-permeable package is contained within an outer wrap that forms an air barrier to the air-permeable package. To activate the heat generating composition, the outer wrap is removed to expose the air-permeable package to the oxygen within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: William Francis Seip
  • Patent number: 6610377
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single- or multilayer plastic sheeting for covering products, particularly ensiled agricultural products, or similar, like chopped silage. According to the invention, in order to prevent the fermentation of the ensiled material or to limit it to a lactic fermentation caused by anaerobic microorganisms, the cover sheeting or at least one layer of said sheet is made of an insulating plastic airtight material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: I.B.M. Industria Plastics Monregalese S.p.A.
    Inventors: Bartolomeo Forzano, Gianfranco Ferrero
  • Publication number: 20030092173
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for creating an environment in a container that is suitable for growing anaerobic bacteria. The device utilizes exothermic chemistry to deplete oxygen and drive the decomposition of a bicarbonate present in the closed system. The decomposition of the bicarbonate results in the release of carbon dioxide. The result of this exothermic reaction and decomposition of the bicarbonate in the closed system results in a suitable oxygen depleted, carbon dioxide enriched atmospheric environment for the growth of anaerobic bacteria. The device is formed of an air permeable package containing a heat generating composition and a bicarbonate. The air-permeable package is contained within an outer wrap that forms an air barrier to the air-permeable package. To activate the heat generating composition, the outer wrap is removed to expose the air-permeable package to the oxygen within the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: William Francis Seip
  • Patent number: 6555359
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for anaerobic treatment of organic wastes in a liquid filled vessel wherein particles of the waste are buoyed and form a floating bed in the liquid by the gasses generated by the anaerobic digestion of the wastes. The bed forms to an upper stratum of the least digested, least dense waste and a lower stratum of the most digested, most dense waste. Liquid from beneath the bed is continuously sprayed over the upper surface of the bed through a series of discharge ports which expands to bed downwardly. Each spraying period is followed by a quiescent period to allow the bed to reform. Over time the floating bed is moved from an inlet end to an outlet end of the vessel where the most digested waste is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Anaerobics, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Cummings
  • Patent number: 6489156
    Abstract: A Rhodobacter species and variants thereof are provided for odor remediation of anaerobic livestock waste lagoons. Also provided are vector systems and genetically reconstituted Rhodobacter PS9 cells, and related methods for biomass production in anaerobic livestock waste lagoons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan A. DiSpirito, Young S. Do, Gregory J. Phillips, James A. Zahn
  • Patent number: 6465244
    Abstract: Controlled atmosphere entry/exit lock unit (10) for association with a controlled atmosphere cabinet (80), the lock unit (10) having two controlled access means (13; 30) both usually operable alternatively for sealing and communicating, one (30) relative to said cabinet (80) and the other (13) relative to outside, the lock unit further having atmosphere control means (70-78) operable for achieving internal atmosphere conditions compatible with what may be prescribed for said cabinet (80), the one access means having movable door means (30) and related powered actuation means (50; 30A, B) including for sealing relative to access with said cabinet (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Don Whitley Scientific Limited
    Inventors: Michael John Annable, Evan Jonathan Kitsell, Julian Stuart Walton
  • Patent number: 6429008
    Abstract: An apparatus for growing anaerobic microorganisms is provided having a dish top that contains a sealing ring upon which the media surface in the dish bottom rests when the apparatus is inverted. The contact between the sealing ring and the media surface forms a seal that traps the gas in the headspace between the media surface and the inside of the dish top. A oxygen reducing agent can also be incorporated into the media together, in some instances, with a substrate which react with oxygen in the media and with oxygen in the headspace thereby creating an environment suitable for growing anaerobic, microaerophilic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Oxyrase, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Copeland, Howard I. Adler, Gerald E. Spady
  • Patent number: 6265210
    Abstract: Controlled atmosphere cabinet has enclosure (110;210) with means providing visibility (110F; 210F) of its interior from outside, gas supply (113-116, 212-216) for desired or target composition of internal atmosphere, controlled lock-type access (112) for manual introduction and removal of items, and hand/arm access port provision (111A, B; 211A, B) for manipulation of said samples in the cabinet. Gas supply associated control means (230-240) serves during use of the cabinet (other than normal atmosphere augmenting in use of the lock-type access) for additional gas supply further to correct or compensate for effects actually or potentially adverse to maintaining the desired or target internal atmosphere composition, via operator-actuated input means (121t, 123; 222) and/or means (122, 124, 139; 225) for sensing prescribed conditions to which the control means is responsive for said additional gas supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Don Whitley Scientific Limited
    Inventors: Peter Silley, Michael John Annable
  • Patent number: 6255080
    Abstract: Proteinaceous antibiotics produced by ruminal bacteria are provided. The diverse group of ruminal bacteria known as Butyrivibrio spp. is a preferred source of such proteinaceous antibiotics. The proteinaceous antibiotics are generally resistant to gastric proteases, exhibit a high level of hydrophobicity, are effective to inhibit growth of target organisms under anaerobic conditions, are ineffective in aerobic conditions, and have a molecular weight of less than about 5 kDa. Also provided are methods for identifying ruminal bacteria which produce such proteinaceous antibiotics, and methods for producing the proteinaceous antibiotics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
    Inventors: Ronald M. Teather, Robert J. Forster, Martin Kalmokoff
  • Patent number: 6204051
    Abstract: An apparatus for growing anaerobic microorganisms is provided having a dish top that contains a sealing ring upon which the media surface in the dish bottom rests when the apparatus is inverted. The contact between the sealing ring and the media surface forms a seal that traps the gas in the headspace between the media surface and the inside of the dish top. A oxygen reducing agent can also be incorporated into the media together, in some instances, with a substrate which react with oxygen in the media and with oxygen in the headspace thereby creating an environment suitable for growing anaerobic, microaerophilic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Oxyrase, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Copeland, Howard I. Adler, Gerald E. Spady
  • Patent number: 6153422
    Abstract: An oxygen absorber is provided which is obtainable by mixing 10 to 60 parts by weight of a particulate thermoplastic resin having a softening point of 90 to 125.degree. C. and a particle diameter of 1 to 500 .mu.m with 100 parts by weight of an oxygen absorbing composition containing an ascorbic acid compound, water and an activated carbon. The oxygen absorber can inhibit overheat to prevent spontaneous ignition. Further, the activated carbon has a particle diameter of 0.1 to 2 mm and the ascorbic acid compound includes L-ascorbic acid, sodium L-ascorbate, calcium L-ascorbate and sodium D-iso-ascorbate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Kashiba
  • Patent number: 6010896
    Abstract: A media additive for the promotion of the growth of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria is presented. The additive comprises lyophilized microorganisms exposed to ionizing radiation. The microorganisms are Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Escherichia coli ATCC 110303. Such microorganisms are incapable of multiplication, yet retain many of their metabolic pathways, enzymes, and biologically active compounds, permitting them to be utilized by the bacteria to be cultured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Eli Eshet Eisenberg, George L. Evans
  • Patent number: 5955344
    Abstract: An apparatus for growing anaerobic microorganisms is provided having a dish top that contains a sealing ring upon which the media surface in the dish bottom rests when the apparatus is inverted. The contact between the sealing ring and the media surface forms a seal that traps the gas in the headspace between the media surface and the inside of the dish top. A oxygen reducing agent can also be incorporated into the media together, in some instances, with a substrate which react with oxygen in the media and with oxygen in the headspace thereby creating an environment suitable for growing anaerobic, microaerophilic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Oxyrase, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Copeland, Howard I. Adler, Gerald E. Spady
  • Patent number: 5914070
    Abstract: A gas concentration adjusting agent which allows a low oxygen concentration environment, such as an ischemic environment for tests of cultured cell damage caused by low oxygen or the like, to be conveniently created, as well as a method and a system for adjusting gas concentrations using this easily handled agent, are provided. During the culture of cultured cells under low oxygen-ischemic culture conditions in a sealed container, the gas concentration adjusting agent consisting of water, a carbon dioxide absorbent, and an ascorbic acid-based, carbon dioxide-generating type of oxygen-absorbing composition is sealed inside the sealed container, so as to adjust the oxygen concentration in the culture environment to no more than 1% and the carbon dioxide concentration to between 3 and 7%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Hisaya Araki, A-Hon Kwon, Tomoo Kamiya, Yoshihiko Harima
  • Patent number: 5811259
    Abstract: A biochemical reactor utilizing an immobilized carrier which is useful in applications such as denitrification of waste water and includes a circulation conduit within the interior of the biochemical reactor. A feed conduit feeds recirculating fluid through a circulation inlet of the circulation conduit. The feed outlet of the feed conduit is located relative to the circulation inlet opening to direct fluid flowing out of the feed outlet into the circulation conduit to induce a circulation motion of immobilized carriers and fluid into the circulation inlet opening, through the circulation conduit, out of a circulation outlet opening, through the interior of the biochemical reactor, and again into the inlet of the circulation conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: EcoMat, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Jans Hall
  • Patent number: 5763170
    Abstract: A method for forming and using an array of, e.g., bacteria, yeast or bacteriophage for the purpose of identifying particular constituents thereof. The array is formed by directing a stream of droplets, each containing on average about 1 or a few biological particles, at spaced locations in an array on a surface, e.g., a nylon membrane or agar gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Amersham International plc
    Inventor: Margaret Raybuck
  • Patent number: 5561059
    Abstract: A substrate bioavailability enhancing chemical mixture and bioremediation method is disclosed which increases substrate availability in microbial bioremediation and results in increased biodegradation efficiency and completeness while significantly shortening operating time. The mixture contains a surfactant, an emulsifier, an emulsifying solvent, a sequestering agent, and a pH control agent. A preferred mixture also contains a biocatalyst which stimulates the reproductive cycle and rapid multiplication of microbes and thus increases the number of microbes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventors: Conard E. Kaiser, Jock R. Collins
  • Patent number: 5518923
    Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus for detecting biological activities in a large number of blood culture containers. The containers are placed in a plurality of wells arranged in concentric rows on a turntable that is rotated about a central axis. Each well is designed to receive and hold one of a plurality of sealable containers inserted base first, with each container having optical sensing means for sensing microorganisms therein and a bar code pattern attached thereto for identification purposes. Each well has an opening in its base to allow a sensor station to monitor a fluorescence chemical sensor in each container to determine whether there is microorganism growth within the container. Prior to inserting each container into a well on the turntable, a culture medium and blood specimen are introduced into the container and the bar code is scanned to identify the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Klaus W. Berndt, Daniel L. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 5405773
    Abstract: An approved assay for the determination for motile facultative anaerobic pathogens is described which involves the use of a growth-enhancing substance such as oxyrase enzyme in order to increase the growth rate of a target pathogen in a growth medium, to thereby shorten the time required to complete the assay. The assay of the invention is particularly suited for the determination of L. monocytogenes in food products such as meat and dairy goods, and provides an effective screening assay which can be completed in about 24-36 hours. Preferably, a product sample is first incubated in Fraser Broth containing oxyrase enzyme; if a darkened color results, a small portion of the liquid is then placed within a U-shaped culture tube provided with modified Oxford agar; the motility characteristics of the target pathogen are observed in the U-tube, which is indicative of the presence of L. monocytogenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Kansas State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Daniel Y. C. Fung, Linda Yu
  • Patent number: 5401639
    Abstract: A stabilized anoxic diagnostic reagent solution comprising an oxygen labile reagent, glucose oxidase, glucose, a hydrogen donor, sterile membrane fragments derived from bacteria having membranes containing an oxygen transfer system, and a reagent binding agent. The stabilized reagent has at least six months storage stability at 2.degree.-8.degree. C. and open vial stability of at least three weeks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Louis Saldivar, Jr., Barbara J. England
  • Patent number: 5362639
    Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the fermentation by yeast of sugar to alcohol wherein a portion of the nutrient phosphate is provided by one or more condensed phosphates. It has been found that when condensed phosphates are employed as the nutrient source the fermentation rate increases. In addition, the rate increase is only observed when an increase in macronutrient elements is provided in conjunction with the condensed phosphates to compensate for the elements sequestered by the condensed phosphates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Griffith, Toan M. Ngo
  • Patent number: 5342524
    Abstract: Methods of improving anaerobic digestion by enhancing the microorganism population through the creation of a nutrient environment more favorable for microbial growth and through the addition of microbes and, more particularly, by the addition of chelating agents, chelating agents and nutrients, and methanogens. Methods for the improved production of said methanogens by the provision of controlled amount of methanol and H.sub.2 and CO.sub.2. Methods for the improved preservation of said methanogen by ultra-freezing and freeze-drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: James L. Gaddy
  • Patent number: 5250427
    Abstract: A process is described for converting organic materials (such as biomass wastes) into a bioplastic suitable for use as a biodegradable plastic. In a preferred embodiment the process involves thermally gasifying the organic material into primarily carbon monoxide and hydrogen, followed by photosynthetic bacterial assimilation of the gases into cell material. The process is ideally suited for waste recycling and for production of useful biodegradable plastic polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Paul F. Weaver, Pin-Ching Maness
  • Patent number: 5240721
    Abstract: A device for controlling fermentation and ensilagation of food for use with an apparatus for fermenting and ensilaging is disclosed. The device comprising a key input unit manually controlled by a user so as to set the rate of fermentation and the ripeness stage. A microprocessor controls the respective units in accordance with a preset program and in response to signals representing the present rate of fermentation and ripeness setting provided by the key input unit. A load control unit controls a heating unit and a cooling unit in response to a control signal applied thereto from the microprocessor and representing the present rate of fermentation and the ripeness stage. A temperature detecting unit detects the present temperature inside an ensilaging container and outputs a signal representing the detected temperature to the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang H. Yun
  • Patent number: 5219755
    Abstract: The process comprises circulation in a vessel containing the germs during a time T.sub.1 a ternary gas mixture comprising about 5% carbon dioxide, between 3.5 and 5% hydrogen; the balance consisting of nitrogen, followed by sealingly closing the vessel containing this gas mixture, advantageously under a slight overpressure, these operations are carried out automatically by means of an assembly comprising a gas feeding line and a gas outlet line each provided with an electro-valve and being electronically controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Willemot, Robert Briend
  • Patent number: 5188946
    Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus, a device, and a method using the inventive device and apparatus for the sequential enrichment of a particular microorganism to a threshold level to allow for its detection. The use of the apparatus for sequential microbial enrichment shortens the time period normally spent to enrich samples to permit the growth of enough microorganisms to detect the particular microorganism(s) of interest. The invention eliminates the need for multiple manual transfers of potentially biohazardous materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: BioControl Systems Incorporated
    Inventors: N. Robert Ward, Jr., Philip J. Lozier
  • Patent number: 5187070
    Abstract: An improved assay for the determination for motile facultative anaerobic pathogens is described which involves the use of a growth-enhancing substance such as oxyrase enzyme in order to increase the growth rate of a target pathogen in a growth medium, to thereby shorten the time required to complete the assay. The assay of the invention is particularly suited for the determination of L. monocytogenes in food products such as meat and dairy goods, and provides and effective screening assay which can be completed in about 24-36 hours. Preferably, a product sample is first incubated in Fraser Broth containing oxyrase enzyme; if a darkened color results, a small portion of the liquid is then placed within a U-shaped culture tube provided with modified Oxford agar; the motility characteristics of the target pathogen are observed in the U-tube, which is indicative of the presence of L. monocytogenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Kansas State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Daniel Y. C. Fung, Linda Yu
  • Patent number: 5147801
    Abstract: A culture medium device in the form of a sheet comprises a base sheet member composed of an upper sheet having a hydrophilic property such as filter paper, a lower sheet having a water repellent property covering a lower surface of the upper hydrophilic sheet and a sheet member having a water repellent property preferably in the form of a film having a character suitable for bacteria to be treated. A gel agent or gelatinizer containing bacteria culturing nutrient is dispersed on an upper surface of the upper hydrophilic sheet of the base sheet member and the gel agent or gelatinizer is absorbed in the upper hydrophilic sheet and then solidified. The upper water repellent sheet member is applied so as to cover the upper surface of the upper hydrophilic sheet of the base sheet member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Kirin Beer Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Suzuki, Yuji Sakamoto, Yuko Masuda
  • Patent number: 5091315
    Abstract: A bioconversion reactor for the anaerobic fermentation of organic material. The bioconversion reactor comprises a shell enclosing a predetermined volume, an inlet port through which a liquid stream containing organic materials enters the shell, and an outlet port through which the stream exits the shell. A series of vertical and spaced-apart baffles are positioned within the shell to force the stream to flow under and over them as it passes from the inlet to the outlet port. The baffles present a barrier to the microorganisms within the shell causing them to rise and fall within the reactor but to move horizontally at a very slow rate. Treatment detention times of one day or less are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of Stanford University
    Inventors: Perry L. McCarty, Andre Bachmann
  • Patent number: 5076927
    Abstract: This invention comprises the steps of (1) acid phase anaerobic digestion of biomass to produce volatile acids and a stabilized sludge, (2) use of the volatile acids as the carbon source and electron donor for biological sulfate reduction for removal of acidity, metals and sulfate from acid mine drainage, and to produce acetate, (3) use of the acetate solution as feed for methane phase anaerobic digestion to produce methane and to reduce the organic content of the effluent of the process, (4) and use of the methane to satisfy the energy requirements of the process. Key to the process is the use of kinetic control (i.e., a relatively short mean cell residence time) to ensure partial oxidation of higher molecular weight volatile acids (e.g., propionic, butyric, valeric) and production of acetate during the sulfate reduction step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: Robert M. Hunter
  • Patent number: 4996073
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method, composition and device for removing dissolved oxygen from solutions containing alcohols and/or acids. By removing oxygen from various products, the present invention is an effective antioxidant for beverages and food products, as well as for industrial and commercial solutions containing alcohols and/or acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Oxyrase, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Copeland, Howard I. Adler, Weldon D. Crow
  • Patent number: 4987068
    Abstract: Microorganisms or animal cells are cultured in a fluidized or fixed bed bioreactor on porous inorganic sintered support spheres containing inwardly continuous and outwardly open pores. The spheres have a density and diameter such that shear forces created under fluidized bed conditions shear off microorganisms or animal cells grown out of the pores and on the surface of the spheres. Culturing may be carried out in a fixed bed continuous reactor and the bed subjected to intermittent fluidized bed conditions to shear microorganisms or animal cells off the sphere surfaces. The spheres may be coated with a thin plastic layer to increase resistance to abrasion. Also, the spheres may be provided with a surface layer of inorganic and/or organic material for improving immobilization of microorganisms or animal cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: Schott Glaswerke
    Inventors: Walter Trosch, Werner Kiefer, Karlheinz Lohmann, Hans Durolf
  • Patent number: 4981592
    Abstract: Addition of alkaline proteolytic enzymes derived from Bacillis licheniformis in the anaerobic stage of bacterial digestion processes to improve the settling properties of the bacterial biomass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Grain Processing Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Garbutt, Claire L. Smith
  • Patent number: 4936996
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for treating a biodegradable organic material in an aqueous medium to produce methane gas is disclosed. The method involves flowing the aqueous medium under pressure through a hydrolytic-redox, immobilized microbe bioreactor to form a reaction product and then continuing the flow of the reaction product through an anaerobic, immobilized microbe bioreactor whereby methane gas is evolved. The aqueous medium is flowed in a downward direction counter to the flow of the gaseous carbon dioxide given off during the reaction and the aqueous medium may be recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Biodynamic Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph A. Messing
  • Patent number: 4929557
    Abstract: At least one type of excretable, thermostable amylolytic enzyme, such as amylase and pullulanase, can be recovered from a culture medium in which thermophilic anaerobic bacteria, such as Thermoanaerobacter finii or Thermobacteroides acetoethylicus, are propagated anaerobically in continuous culture, in the presence of a higher saccharide as carbon source, such an enzyme having a high stability at temperatures between 60.degree. and 70.degree. C. in absence of metal ions and substrate and under aerobic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Kali-Chemie AG
    Inventors: Garabed Antranikian, Gerhard Gottschalk