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Небесная энциклопедия

Космические корабли и станции, автоматические КА и методы их проектирования, бортовые комплексы управления, системы и средства жизнеобеспечения, особенности технологии производства ракетно-космических систем

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Мониторинг СМИ

Мониторинг СМИ и социальных сетей. Сканирование интернета, новостных сайтов, специализированных контентных площадок на базе мессенджеров. Гибкие настройки фильтров и первоначальных источников.

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Форма поиска

Поддерживает ввод нескольких поисковых фраз (по одной на строку). При поиске обеспечивает поддержку морфологии русского и английского языка
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Применить Всего найдено 23126. Отображено 100.
05-01-2012 дата публикации

Process and Reactor System for Depolymerization of Polymeric Biomass

Номер: US20120003724A1
Принадлежит: Nagarjuna Energy Pvt Ltd

The present invention provides a continuous process for saccharification of cellulose by enzymatic degration without any loss of enzymes and also discloses a bioreactor for performing said process.

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19-01-2012 дата публикации

Systems and methods for digestion of solid waste

Номер: US20120015430A1
Принадлежит: Christensen Christian B

This invention relates generally to systems and methods for digestion of solid waste that simplify solids handling. In certain embodiments, anaerobic methane extraction takes place for a period of time (e.g., from 1 to 4 weeks), after which an aerobic composting process begins in the same chamber. The organic waste remains in place and oxygen (e.g., in air) is forced into the chamber for an additional period of time (e.g., from 2 to 4 weeks). At the conclusion of the aerobic phase, the process yields a rough compost product that is stable and pathogen free. The rough compost can be further processed and blended to create high value engineered soils.

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02-02-2012 дата публикации

Microalgae Photobioreactor

Номер: US20120028346A1
Автор: David A. Hazlebeck
Принадлежит: General Atomics Corp

A bioreactor is provided for circulating a fluid medium. To reduce manufacturing and maintenance expenses, the bioreactor is formed from two sheets of transparent plastic. Structurally, each sheet has first and second edges extending in an axial direction between proximal and distal ends. To form the bioreactor, the sheets are sealed to one another along their respective first edges, distal ends, and second edges. Also, the sheets are sealed to one another along an axially-extending boundary positioned between the first and second edges. As a result, a substantially U-shaped channel is defined between the first and second sheets. Further, two side-by-side openings to the channel are defined by the proximal ends of the sheets. Also, the bioreactor includes a conduit interconnecting the first opening and the second opening. A pump is positioned in the conduit to circulate the fluid medium through the channel.

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09-02-2012 дата публикации

Method and apparatus for cultivation of algae and cyanobacteria

Номер: US20120034679A1
Автор: Alexander Falber
Принадлежит: Zero Discharge Pty Ltd

The invention relates to a method of cultivation of algae or cyanobacteria in the presence of a luminous material that converts light of a first wavelength to a second wavelength more suitable for use in photosynthesis by the algae or cyanobacteria, and apparatus for performing the method. In one embodiment the apparatus ( 50 ) is of flexible plastic with fluorescent light concentrator or light guide ( 76 ) and perforated pipe ( 56 ) for bubbling carbon dioxide through the culture. The algae or cyanobacteria may be used to produce biofuels.

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15-03-2012 дата публикации

Energy photoconverter for obtaining biofuels

Номер: US20120064589A1
Принадлежит: Individual

The present invention relates to the design of energy photoconverters which act in a continuous and closed manner for producing biofuels and other products of interest by means of the mass culturing of phytoplankton.

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15-03-2012 дата публикации

Device for the Anaerobic Fermentation of Organic Material

Номер: US20120064619A1
Принадлежит: Organic Waste Systems NV

A device for implementing anaerobic fermentation having a vertically standing fermentation tank with a fermentation chamber in which organic material can be fermented, a feed device to mix fresh organic material with inoculant and to carry it through to an inlet in the fermentation tank, which is also provided with a cone with an extraction outlet via which fermented material can be discharged and an outlet for biogas, where the device is also provided with two or more return openings via which a fraction of the partly fermented material, located between the inlet and the outlet, is removed from the fermentation tank and is carried up through feed lines between the mixing pump and the inlet that are situated partly and vertically in the fermentation tank.

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12-04-2012 дата публикации

Methods for increasing the production of ethanol from microbial fermentation

Номер: US20120088283A1
Принадлежит: Ineos Bio Ltd

A stable continuous method for producing ethanol from anaerobic fermentation of a gaseous substrate containing at least one reducing gas in a liquid nutrient medium; supplying the gaseous substrate to the bioreactor. The free acetic acid concentration in the bioreactor is maintained at less than 5 g/L free acid. This method allows ethanol to be produced in the fermentation broth in the bioreactor at a productivity of greater than 10 g/L per day. Both ethanol and acetate are produced in a ratio of ethanol to acetate ranging from 1:1 to 20:1.

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12-04-2012 дата публикации

Photobioreactor system

Номер: US20120088296A1
Принадлежит: Individual

A space efficient photo-bioreactor. The bioreactor grows microalgae in a tall array of transparent flooded tubes. A nutrient media is circulated through the tubes. The array is configured to maximize the amount of sunlight falling upon each tube so that growth of the microalgae is as uniform as possible. Gassing/degassing systems are attached to the array of tubes at appropriate locations. These introduce carbon dioxide and remove oxygen. Cooling systems are preferably also provided so that the circulating media can be maintained at a desired temperature. Microalgae are harvested from the photo-bioreactor. The microalgae is filtered and dried. Lipids are then extracted from the microalgae. These lipids are made into biodiesel through a trans-esterification process. The lipids may be used to make other products as well.

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26-04-2012 дата публикации

Microbially-assisted water electrolysis for improving biomethane production

Номер: US20120100590A1
Принадлежит: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA

A method of producing in a bioreactor a biogas rich in methane involves electrolyzing water in an aqueous medium at a voltage in a range of from 1.8 V to 12 V in the presence of electrochemically active anaerobic microorganisms that biocatalyze production of hydrogen gas, and, contacting a species of hydrogenotrophic methanogenic microorganisms with the hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide to produce methane. Volumetric power consumption is in a range of from 0.03 Wh/L R to 0.3 Wh/L R . Current density is 0.01 A/cm E 2 or lower. The voltage is sufficient to electrolyze water without destroying microbial growth. Such a method results in improved electrolysis efficiency while avoiding the use of noble metal catalysts. Further, a combination of water electrolysis with anaerobic degradation of organic matter results in increased biogas quality and in increased biogas quantity and yield. Oxidation of hydrogen sulfide contributes to the increased quality, while an increase in the rate of organic matter hydrolysis and an increase in the production of methane from hydrogen contributes to the increased quantity and yield.

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03-05-2012 дата публикации

Aeration systems for horizontal photobioreactors

Номер: US20120107452A1
Принадлежит: Individual

This invention relates to an aeration system comprising an aeration section, a degassing section and optionally an additional section. This invention also relates to a horizontal photobioreactor comprising the aeration system. This invention further relates to methods of using the photobioreactors.

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24-05-2012 дата публикации

Apparatus For Culturing Anchorage Dependent Cells

Номер: US20120129257A1

The invention relates to an apparatus ( 1 ) for culturing anchorage-dependent cells. The apparatus ( 1 ) comprises a housing ( 2 ) with an inlet ( 4 ) and an outlet ( 5 ), and a plurality of culture plates ( 6 ) removably stacked within the housing ( 2 ). The housing ( 2 ) has a circumferential wall ( 7 ), a base ( 8 ) and a top wall ( 9 ). The base ( 8 ) comprises the inlet ( 4 ) and the top wall ( 9 ) comprises the outlet ( 5 ). The circumferential wall ( 7 ) of the housing ( 2 ) defines a longitudinal axis thereof, as well as an inner cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Shape and dimensions of the inner cross section are essentially uniform along the longitudinal axis. The culture plates ( 6 ) are arranged at least essentially parallel to each other. Each plate ( 6 ) is mounted and sealed to the circumferential wall ( 7 ) of the housing ( 2 ). Plates ( 6 ) are arranged at a distance from each other. Each culture plate ( 6 ) has a through hole ( 14 ), so that inlet ( 4 ) and outlet ( 5 ) are in fluid communication. Each through hole ( 14 ) is positioned at an outer end of the respective culture plate ( 6 ), proximate the circumferential wall ( 7 ). Through holes ( 14 ) of adjacent culture plates ( 6 ) are distally positioned in the plane of the inner cross section of the housing ( 2 ).

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31-05-2012 дата публикации

Method for producing biogas or sewage gas

Номер: US20120135491A1
Автор: Lothar Guenter
Принадлежит: DGE Dr Ing Guenther Engineering GmbH

The invention relates to a method for producing biogas or sewage gas by a multi-stage anaerobic reaction of biomass and/or sludge. Considering the disadvantages of the known prior art, a method is to be provided that leads to a higher yield of raw gas or biogas and a higher content of methane in the raw gas and enables an economically improved operating method. To this end, the reaction is carried out in the first fermentation stage (F 1 ) while maintaining a TS content of 3 to 8% and a volume load of 1 to 3 kg OTS/m 3 d. In the second fermentation stage (F 2 ), a further reaction of the solid matter phase is carried out while maintaining a TS content of 8 to 40% and a volume load of over 2 kg OTS/ m 3 d. In the second fermentation stage, the fermentation substrate is set to a TS content that is higher than the TS content of the first stage. In both fermentation stages, the reaction is carried out in the range from slightly acidic to neutral (pH value 6.5 to 8). The biogas obtained in the fermentation stages (F 1, F 2 ) is combined or removed separately and is subjected to further purification.

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31-05-2012 дата публикации

Apparatus and method of using an agricultural waste digester and biogas generation system

Номер: US20120135492A1
Автор: James E. STRAETER
Принадлежит: Individual

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.

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31-05-2012 дата публикации

Bioreactor Comprising A Silicone Coating

Номер: US20120135514A1
Принадлежит: Wacker Chemie AG

The invention relates to a bioreactor for cultivating phototrophic organisms in an aqueous culture medium. The reactor parts and/or fittings that come into contact with the culture medium are entirely or partially coated with a silicone layer, and the surface of the silicone layer has a contact angle to the water of at least 100°.

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21-06-2012 дата публикации

Multi-Phase, Gas-Lift Bioreactor for Generation of Biogas or Biofuel From Organic Material

Номер: US20120156744A1

Provided herein is a multi-phase, gas-lift bioreactor device for digestion and production of biogas or biofuel from organic material, as well as methods of use thereof.

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28-06-2012 дата публикации

Container assembly and method for containing biological graft

Номер: US20120160714A1
Автор: Yusuke Nozaki
Принадлежит: Terumo Corp

A container assembly for containing a biological graft can include a housing member sized to be able to contain the biological graft while keeping the size of an original shape of the biological graft. An aqueous fluid can fill the housing member such that the biological graft is contained in a suspended state in the aqueous fluid.

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12-07-2012 дата публикации

System for producing l-homophenylalanine and a process for producing l-homophenylalanine

Номер: US20120178133A1
Принадлежит: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)

The present invention relates to a system ( 10 ) for producing L-homophenylalanine and a process for producing L-homophenylalanine using the system ( 10 ). The system ( 10 ) and the process include monitoring and controlling of the reaction conditions (e.g., temperature and pH) to desired or predetermined values. The monitoring, adjusting and agitating steps provided by the method thereby result in a more complete conversion of the available substrate and produce a sufficient yield of homophenylalanine.

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09-08-2012 дата публикации

Treatment system of wet organic waste

Номер: US20120202280A1
Автор: Takaitsu Kobayashi
Принадлежит: URAYASU DENSETSU KK

Provided is a treatment system whereby a wet organic waste can be effectively treated and CO 2 produced in the course of the treatment can be immobilized to thereby contribute to the reduction of CO 2 . The treatment system is characterized by including microbiologically fermenting a wet organic waste in a fermentation device, combusting in a combustion furnace a fermented material obtained from the fermentation device and, at the same time, supplying to the combustion furnace a fermentation gas produced by the microbiological fermentation treatment in the fermentation device, and then recovering and immobilizing CO 2 in a hot exhaust gas produced by the combustion treatment in the combustion furnace.

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01-11-2012 дата публикации

Supplying treated exhaust gases for effecting growth of phototrophic biomass

Номер: US20120276633A1
Принадлежит: Pond Biofuels Inc

There is provided a process for growing a phototrophic biomass in a reaction zone. The process includes treating an operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed so as to effect production of a carbon dioxide-rich product material. The carbon dioxide concentration of the carbon dioxide-rich product material is greater than the carbon dioxide concentration of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed. Production of at least a fraction of the operative carbon dioxide supply-comprising gaseous material feed is effected by a gaseous exhaust material producing process. At least a fraction of the carbon dioxide-rich product material is supplied to the reaction zone so as to effect growth of the phototrophic biomass by photosynthesis in the reaction zone.

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06-12-2012 дата публикации

System and plant for cultivation of aquatic organisms

Номер: US20120309081A1
Автор: Ra'anan Herzog
Принадлежит: Univerve Ltd

Provided are a cultivating system for cultivating aquatic organisms including a load-bearing structure having a top portion with at least two top rims transverse to each other and defining a top portion, a bottom portion, and flexible tank adapted for receiving therein a growing medium and for cultivating therein aquatic organisms. Further, the tank can include at least two sidewalls extending such that at least in one cross-section taken along a plane perpendicular to said top portion, at least two of the sidewalls form a general V-shape converging towards the bottom portion. The system can also include a gas emitting arrangement linkable to a source of pressurized gas and comprising gas emitting nozzles disposed within the flexible tank at the bottom portion.

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13-12-2012 дата публикации

Saccharide-solution producing apparatus, fermentation system, saccharide-solution producing method, and fermentation method

Номер: US20120315677A1

A saccharide-solution producing apparatus 11 A according to the present invention is a saccharide-solution producing apparatus for producing a saccharide solution 22 derived from a carbohydrate-based material 21 , and includes a saccharide-solution controlling unit 15 A that controls the saccharide solution derived from the carbohydrate-based material 21 , a cellulosic biomass saccharifying unit 16 that saccharifies hydrothermally treated biomass obtained by hydrothermally decomposing a cellulosic biomass material 35 that contains a lignin component and a hemicellulose component, and produces a diluted saccharide solution 37 , and a diluted-saccharide-solution supply pipe L 11 that mixes the diluted saccharide solution 37 produced by the cellulosic biomass saccharifying unit 16 into the saccharide-solution controlling unit 15 A. With this configuration, it is possible to improve production efficiency of the saccharide solution 22 and to realize cost reduction.

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17-01-2013 дата публикации

Bioprinting station, assembly comprising such bioprinting station and bioprinting method

Номер: US20130017564A1

Bioprinting station (1) comprising:—a Bioprinting device (4) adapted to deposit a pattern of biological material (2) onto an area of interest (3 a ) of a substrate (3),—an imaging system (15) adapted to acquire an image of the substrate (3) and to reveal on the acquired image the area of interest (3 a ) with respect to a remaining part (3 b ) of the substrate (3), the acquired image of the substrate (3) being processed so as to detect the revealed area of interest (3 a ) on the acquired image and to determine the pattern corresponding to the area of interest (3 a ) detected on the acquired image.

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31-01-2013 дата публикации

Control of Biogas Plants

Номер: US20130029315A1
Принадлежит: Ksb Ag

A method and an apparatus for producing biogas from organic matter including a container ( 1 ) which is charged with fermentation substrate by a delivery system ( 13 ). At least one stirring mechanism ( 2 ) is arranged in the container. The feedback value of at least one measurable variable is detected and transmitted to a control unit ( 4 ). A reference variable is also provided to the control unit. The control unit calculates the deviation of the feedback value from the reference value, and actuating variables which modify the power input of the stirring mechanism and/or the composition of the container contents and/or the flow behavior of the container contents are adjusted as a function of the deviation.

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31-01-2013 дата публикации

Engineered Tissue Implants And Methods Of Use Thereof

Номер: US20130030548A1
Автор: Jian Ling
Принадлежит: Southwest Research Institute SwRI

A engineered tissue implant comprising a perfusion chamber formed with a biocompatible flexible tubular member having a wall defining an internal fluid flow passage and a porous scaffold within the fluid flow passage of the tubular member, the porous scaffold arranged such that, in a presence of a perfusion fluid, the perfusion fluid will flow through the porous scaffold and be inhibited from flow between the porous scaffold and the wall of the tubular member. The engineered tissue implant may be understood as a transplantable cell construct or as an implantable bioreactor for cell growth both in vitro and/or in vivo. A method to provide tissue for reconstruction may comprise forming the engineered tissue implant containing a scaffold, introducing and seeding cells to the scaffold, introducing a perfusion fluid to the scaffold which flows through the fluid flow passage and scaffold, proliferating the cells within the scaffold and forming blood vessels within the scaffold. This may be followed by transplanting the engineered tissue implant in vivo where nutrition and oxygen are provided to support the preloaded cells.

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28-02-2013 дата публикации

Enzymatic transesterification/esterification processes employing lipases immobilized on hydrophobic resins in the presence of water solutions

Номер: US20130052701A1
Принадлежит: Trans Bio Diesel Ltd

Disclosed are an enzymatic batchwise or continuous process for the production of fatty acid alkyl esters for use in the biofuels, food and detergent industries and a system therefor. The process utilizes enzymes immobilized on a hydrophobic resin mixed with a fatty acid source and an alcohol or alcohol donor in the presence of an alkaline or mild alkaline aqueous buffer, or in the presence of water or aqueous solution. The production process for fatty acid alkyl esters is carried out by transesterification or esterification simultaneously or sequentially. The biocatalyst activity is maintained with no significant activity losses in multiple uses and also avoids the accumulation of glycerol and water by-products or other hydrophilic compounds on the biocatalyst.

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28-02-2013 дата публикации

Ethanol and Protein Feed Plant Production System Using Whey Permeate

Номер: US20130052724A1
Автор: Joseph Van Groll
Принадлежит: CASEUS ENERGY

The present invention is a system for producing ethanol and yeast protein feed by fermenting whey permeate, a dairy waste product using four types of tanks: an inoculation tank, a seeding tank, a propagation tank, and a fermentation tank. Whey permeate and various chemicals are added to each of the tanks before being heated. The fermentation process for producing ethanol and yeast protein feed from whey permeate lasts 24 hours.

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07-03-2013 дата публикации

Alcohol Production Process

Номер: US20130059352A1
Автор: Joss Coombes
Принадлежит: Lanzatech New Zealand Ltd

The invention relates generally to methods for improving the microbial fermentation of gaseous substrates to produce one or more products. The invention relates to the capture of one or more components of a gaseous stream in a liquid. The invention relates to the deoxygenation of a liquid by contacting the liquid with a gaseous stream. The invention relates to methods of increasing efficiency of fermentation by using gas streams exiting a bioreactor to deoxygenate liquid streams entering a bioreactor.

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07-03-2013 дата публикации

Process for producing biogas

Номер: US20130059357A1
Принадлежит: SOLVAY SA

Process for the production of a biogas containing methane from an organic matter amenable to anaerobic digestion comprising feeding an anaerobic digester with the organic matter, said anaerobic digester containing a digestion medium comprising microorganisms capable of digesting said organic matter, wherein the total inorganic carbon concentration of the digestion medium is maintained above 9000 mg of equivalent CaCO 3 /l and the buffering capacity is maintained above 200 mmol/l by the addition of a buffering reagent comprising sodium bicarbonate to the digestion medium.

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14-03-2013 дата публикации

System for the treatment of biomass

Номер: US20130065289A1
Автор: David Charles Carlson
Принадлежит: Poet Research Inc

A system for treating biomass for the production of ethanol is disclosed. A biorefinery for producing a fermentation product from biomass is disclosed. The biorefinery comprises a system for preparing the biomass into prepared biomass and a system for pre-treating the biomass into pre-treated biomass. The biorefinery comprises a separator, a first treatment system, a second treatment system, and a fermentation system. A method for producing a fermentation product from biomass is disclosed.

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28-03-2013 дата публикации

FERMENTATION SYSTEM AND FERMENTATION METHOD USING SACCHARIDE SOLUTION

Номер: US20130078697A1

An alcohol production system that produces alcohol by alcoholic fermentation using a saccharide solution, including an alcoholic fermentation vessel in which the saccharide solution is fermented by adding yeast to produce alcohol, which is an organic feedstock, and a biomass-hydrothermally-treated-product adding means that adds a biomass hydrothermally-treated product obtained by hydrothermally treating a biomass feedstock to the alcoholic fermentation vessel. The alcohol production system can improve alcoholic fermentation efficiency and realize cost reduction without adding only a mineral salt from outside. 1. A fermentation system using a saccharide solution , which is an alcohol production system that produces alcohol by fermentation of the saccharide solution ,the fermentation system comprising:a fermentation vessel for fermenting the saccharide solution by adding yeast so as to produce an organic feedstock; anda biomass-hydrothermally-treated-product adding unit for adding biomass hydrothermally-treated product obtained by hydrothermally treating a biomass feedstock to the fermentation vessel.2. The fermentation system according to claim 1 , wherein the biomass hydrothermally-treated product is either one or both of a solid residual fraction and a hydrothermally treated fraction.3. The fermentation system according to claim 1 , further comprising an addition piping for adding either one or both of a fermentation residual fraction and a distillation residual fraction to the fermentation vessel individually or in addition to the biomass hydrothermally-treated product.4. The fermentation system according to claim 3 , wherein either one or both of the fermentation residual fraction and the distillation residual fraction are hydrothermally treated by a hydrothermal decomposition device claim 3 , and a hydrothermally treated product is then added to the fermentation vessel.5. The fermentation system according to claim 1 , wherein the biomass hydrothermally-treated ...

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04-04-2013 дата публикации

MICROFLUIDIC HANGING DROP CHIP

Номер: US20130084634A1
Принадлежит:

A microfluidic hanging drop chip is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for culturing cells and forming cell aggregates in hanging drops. 1. A microfluidic hanging drop chip comprises:{'b': 1', '1', '1, '(a) a covering portion with a length of L, a width of W, and a height or a thickness of T;'}{'b': 2', '2', '2, 'claim-text': [{'b': '2', '(i) a first surface and a second surface, the second surface being opposite the first surface at a distance of T;'}, {'b': '2', '(ii) a first end and a second end, located at each end of the channel-forming portion and the second end opposite the first end at a distance of L;'}, {'b': 2', '1', '2', '1', '2, '(iii) a microfluidic channel with a length of l, a width of w and a height of h, formed from the first surface toward the second surface and located between the first and second ends and beneath the covering portion, wherein l Подробнее

18-04-2013 дата публикации

Method and Apparatus for Producing Ammonia and Nitrogen Fertilizer Using Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria

Номер: US20130095468A1
Автор: Baskis Paul T.
Принадлежит: BASWOOD, INC.

The apparatus of the present invention includes a first nitrogen fixation tank open to the ambient air and nitrogen-fixing bacteria and a growth medium within the first nitrogen fixation tank downstream from the first nitrogen fixation tank for producing ammonium hydroxide from a combination of ambient air, water, and selected nutrients. The apparatus also includes a second evaporation tank to vaporize the ammonium hydroxide to form anhydrous ammonia. 1. An apparatus for producing ammonia comprising:a first nitrogen fixation tank open to the ambient air;a growth medium within the first nitrogen fixation tank for producing ammonium hydroxide from a combination of ambient air, water, and selected nutrients;nitrogen-fixing bacteria contained within the first nitrogen fixation tank; anda second evaporation tank downstream from the first nitrogen fixation tank to vaporize the ammonium hydroxide to form anhydrous ammonia.2. The apparatus of further comprising:a vacuum pump for maintaining negative pressure in the second evaporation tank and evacuating anhydrous ammonia from the second evaporation tank for storage;a heater for heating the water, nutrients and ammonium hydroxide from the first nitrogen fixation tank;a pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the second evaporation tank;a controller for controlling the vacuum pump responsive to a selected pressure measured by the pressure sensor, the controller controlling the transfer pump responsive to a selected pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and simultaneously controlling the transfer valve;a thermocouple for measuring the temperature downstream of the heater;a heater controller for controlling the heater responsive to a selected temperature measured by the thermocouple;a level sensor for measuring a liquid level in the second evaporation tank; anda second controller for controlling the recirculation pump responsive to a selected liquid level measured by the level sensor.3. The apparatus of wherein the growth ...

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18-04-2013 дата публикации

DIGESTER SYSTEM

Номер: US20130095546A1
Принадлежит:

A manure mixture within an anaerobic digestion tank stratifies to form a liquid effluent layer and a sludge layer. Liquid effluent from the liquid effluent layer is withdrawn from the tank through a height adjustable valve. The height adjustable valve is adapted to automatically adjust the position of its intake end within the liquid effluent layer in response to the level of the sludge layer detected by a sludge meter located within the tank. Liquid effluent withdrawn from the tank is passed through a heat exchange system including at least one heat exchanger. Heat from the heat exchanger is transferred to the liquid effluent to produce heated liquid effluent. The heated liquid effluent is reintroduced back into the digestion tank such that the temperature of the manure mixture within the tank is maintained within a suitable temperature range for anaerobic digestion of the manure mixture. Additionally, the heated liquid effluent is sprayed in an upwards direction so as to effect mixing of the manure mixture within the tank. 1. A digestion system for converting a manure mixture comprising a liquid effluent layer having a liquid level and a sludge layer having a solids level , the system comprising: 'a first end and a second end, a headspace defined above the liquid level within the tank, and a height adjustable valve including an intake end positioned within the liquid effluent layer and configured to withdraw liquid effluent from the liquid effluent layer and out of the digestion tank;', 'a digestion tank includinga heat exchange system fluidly coupled to the digestion tank, wherein liquid effluent withdrawn from the liquid layer is passed through the heat exchange system for heating before being returned to the digestion tank;a water recirculation system fluidly coupled to the heat exchange system for providing heat to the heat exchange system;a biogas collection system for regulating a level of biogas collected in the headspace of the digestion tank;a biogas ...

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25-04-2013 дата публикации

Apparatus, Kits and Methods for the Production of Biomimetic Constructs

Номер: US20130099407A1
Принадлежит: Individual

This invention relates to apparatus, kits and methods for the production of biomimetic constructs by plastically compressing a gel, such as a collagen gel, in a well using a plunger, which may be porous. The apparatus, kits and methods allow biomimetic constructs to be produced in a controlled and reproducible manner and are suitable for the production of multilayered constructs.

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25-04-2013 дата публикации

Systems and devices for restraining a micro-object and associated methods

Номер: US20130101482A1
Автор: Quentin T. Aten
Принадлежит: NANOINJECTION Tech LLC

Systems, devices, and methods for restraining a micro-object are provided. In one aspect, a micro-object restraint device is provided having a micro-barrier structure coupled to a support substrate, where the micro-barrier structure has two micro-object holding regions. Each micro-object holding region includes a micro-object receiving opening defined in the micro-barrier structure, a micro-object impeding opening at an internal region of the micro-barrier structure, and at least two contact points positioned adjacent to the micro-object impeding opening and oriented to contact and impede a micro-object at the micro-object opening. The two micro-object holding regions abut one another and the micro-object openings from the two micro-object holding regions are continuous.

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25-04-2013 дата публикации

LIQUID CURTAIN PHOTOBIOREACTORS

Номер: US20130102056A1

A relatively low cost, highly productive, scalable culture vessel, and method to grow photosynthetic organisms, in particular autotrophic algae, is provided. The culture vessel can be constructed of a transparent plastic enclosure. One or more thin sheets, films, droplets, or streams of a free falling suspension of organism in liquid media can be continuously formed within an enclosure. The free falling media can fall into a collector or pool at the bottom of the enclosure. The media can then be recirculated to the top of the enclosure to once again form into a free falling sheet, curtain, droplets, etc. The organisms (e.g., algae) can then be harvested from a collector. 1. A culture vessel for growing a photosynthetic organism comprising:(i) a partially open or fully closed enclosure that is at least partially transparent or translucent;(ii) a header positioned in the upper portion of the enclosure;(iii) one or more apertures in the header;(iv) a collector section positioned in the bottom portion of the enclosure; and(v) a main chamber positioned between the header and collector section,wherein a photosynthetic organism in a liquid growth media is circulated to the header, flows through the apertures, and then descends as a one or more streams, sheets, or droplets through the main chamber towards the collector section.2. The culture vessel of wherein the vessel is a fully closed system that is not open to the outside environment.3. The culture vessel of wherein the vessel is a partially open system that is at least partially open to the outside environment at one or more of its top and sides.4. The culture vessel of claim I wherein the liquid growth media is water or nutrient enriched water.5. The culture vessel of wherein the organism is selected from microalgae and cyanobacteria.6. The culture vessel of wherein the enclosure is partially or fully transparent.7. The culture vessel of comprising multiple apertures claim 1 , thereby causing the media to flow through ...

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25-04-2013 дата публикации

ALGAE REACTOR

Номер: US20130102069A1
Принадлежит: TENDRIS SOLUTIONS B.V.

The invention relates to a method for transferring light generated by a light emitting diode towards an aqueous liquid containing algae. The method includes emitting light by the light emitting diode having a first refractive index, transferring the light through a liquid medium having a second refractive index, and a solid medium having a third refractive index, into the aqueous liquid having a fourth refractive index. The value of the first refractive index is equal to or greater than the value of the second refractive index. The value of the second refractive index is equal to or greater than the value of the third refractive index. The value of the third refractive index is equal to or greater than the value of the fourth refractive index. The invention further relates to a reactor designed to perform such method. 1. A method for transferring light generated by a light emitting diode towards an aqueous liquid containing algae , the method comprising:emitting light by the light emitting diode, the light emitting diode having a first refractive index;transferring the light through a medium having a second refractive index;further transferring the light through a solid medium having a third refractive index; andpassing the light into the aqueous liquid, the aqueous liquid having a fourth refractive index;wherein the value of the first refractive index is equal to or greater than the value of the second refractive index, the value of the second refractive index is equal to or greater than the value of the third refractive index, and the value of the third refractive index is equal to or greater than the value of the fourth refractive index.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first refractive index has a value between 2.2 and 3.3.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the medium is a cooling fluid claim 2 , and the second refractive index has a value between 1.5 and 1.7.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the medium is a cooling fluid claim 1 , and the second ...

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02-05-2013 дата публикации

Advanced Biologic Water Treatment Using Algae

Номер: US20130105388A1
Принадлежит: AlgEvolve, LLC

An advanced water treatment method processes a continuous flow of water in a sequence of stages including pre-filtering [ 200 ] to remove solids, conditioning [ 202 ] to adjust pH, blending [ 210 ] with a recycled dense microalgae culture, and passing the resulting mixture through an enclosed, environmentally-controlled photobioreactor [ 212 ] where nutrients, PCB's, trace metals and other pollutants and regulated compounds are taken up by the algae. The flow from the PBR is separated using cross-flow filtration [ 222 ] to produce a treated water flow and a dense microalgae flow that is recycled to the blending stage [ 210 ] upstream. Thus, whereas the algae is recycled, the water entering the system is treated by flowing sequentially through the stages of the system, without any recycling or repetition of treatment stages. A pig-type cleaning system is also provided.

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02-05-2013 дата публикации

Method and apparatus for growing photosynthetic organisms

Номер: US20130109008A1
Принадлежит: MBD Energy Ltd

A biological cultivation system for the culture of photosynthetic organisms including at least one cultivation chamber permitting exposure of the culture medium to natural and/or artificial light and including; a light transmissive wall or walls defining a gas space; and a culture medium containment area below the gas space; one or more fluid inlets positioned within the culture medium containment area; and one or more gas outlets in communication with the gas space; a control unit operatively connected to a gas flow control device, the gas flow control device controlling the flow of gas in through the fluid inlets and out through the fluid outlets to control the conditions within the cultivation chamber.

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02-05-2013 дата публикации

Closed Photobioreactor System For Continued Daily In Situ Production Of Ethanol From Genetically Enhanced Photosynthetic Organisms With Means For Separation And Removal Of Ethanol

Номер: US20130109084A1
Принадлежит: Algenol Biofuels Switzerland GmbH

The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing the organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.

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02-05-2013 дата публикации

Closed Photobioreactor System For Continued Daily In Situ Production Of Ethanol From Genetically Enhanced Photosynthetic Organisms With Means For Separation And Removal Of Ethanol

Номер: US20130109085A1
Принадлежит: Algenol Biofuels Switzerland GmbH

The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing the organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.

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09-05-2013 дата публикации

Method of producing sugar

Номер: US20130115660A1
Принадлежит: PROTERRO Inc

Provided herein is a transgenic bacteria engineered to accumulate carbohydrates, for example disaccharides. Also provided is a photobioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms comprising a non-gelatinous, solid cultivation support suitable for providing nutrients and moisture to photosynthetic microorganisms and a physical barrier covering at least a portion of the surface of the cultivation support. Devices for the large scale and continuous cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms incorporating photobioreactors and methods of use are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of producing fermentable sugar from photosynthetic microorganisms using a photobioreactor of the invention.

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09-05-2013 дата публикации

PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING ALGAL OIL

Номер: US20130115664A1
Принадлежит: BARD HOLDING, INC.

A method for producing an algal oil is provided. The method includes continuously providing a growth medium and an algal strain to a bioreactor at a predetermined fluid flow rate; illuminating the growth medium and algal strain contained within the bioreactor by a first artificial light source for a time sufficient to effect lipid production by the algal strain; continuously withdrawing a portion of the growth medium and algal strain contained within the bioreactor at the predetermined fluid flow rate; and treating the withdrawn portion of the growth medium and algal strain to produce and isolate a lipid produced by the algal strain. 1. A method for producing an algal oil , the method comprising:continuously providing a growth medium and an algal strain to a bioreactor at a predetermined fluid flow rate;illuminating the growth medium and algal strain contained within the bioreactor by a first artificial light source for a time sufficient to effect lipid production by the algal strain;continuously withdrawing a portion of the growth medium and algal strain contained within the bioreactor at the predetermined fluid flow rate; andtreating the withdrawn portion of the growth medium and algal strain to produce and isolate a lipid produced by the algal strain.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined fluid flow rate is one gallon per minute.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the growth medium and algal strain are provided to a plurality of bioreactors.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the growth medium and algal strain are provided to a substantially vertically-oriented bioreactor.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first artificial light source comprises a blue light at a wavelength of 420 to 450 nanometers and a red light at a wavelength of 640 to 680 nanometers claim 1 , wherein the first artificial light source has an illuminance of 2 claim 1 ,500 to 10 claim 1 ,000 lux.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the first artificial light source comprises a ...

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09-05-2013 дата публикации

LAMINAR PHOTOBIOREACTOR FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MICROALGAE

Номер: US20130115688A1
Принадлежит: UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRID

A modular photobioreactor for the production of microalgae particularly suited for absorber emission gases with a high carbon dioxide (CO) content. It is based on the continuous recirculation of a microalgae-containing liquid medium through sheets of fabric facilitating COabsorption and microalgae illumination. The photobioreactor enables supplying the gases to the culture from inside the chamber. It provides highly efficient algae illumination, allows easy exchange of COfrom the emission gases to the culture and can be used at a low cost on a large scale. 1. A laminar photobioreactor for the production of microalgae , comprising:a panel formed by a rack or frame covered at both sides by at least one sheet of mesh through which a microalgae-containing liquid medium flows downwards, andan inner chamber between said sheets of mesh and the walls of the rack or frame, the inner chamber being air-tight by means of hydraulic closure.2. The photobioreactor according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one sheet of mesh is made of synthetic material claim 1 , glass fiber claim 1 , natural fiber claim 1 , metallic material claim 1 , or combinations thereof.3. The photobioreactor according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one sheet of mesh is supplemented by at least one sheet of fabric.4. The photobioreactor according to claim 3 , wherein said at least one sheet of fabric is made of synthetic material claim 3 , natural fibers claim 3 , or combinations thereof.5. The photobioreactor according to claim 4 , wherein said synthetic material is selected from the group consisting of PVC claim 4 , polystyrene and polypropylene.6. The photobioreactor according to claim 1 , further comprising a transparent plastic covering on said sheets at both sides.7. The photobioreactor according to claim 1 , wherein lower edges of said sheets discharge the microalgae-containing liquid medium to a channel communicating with a tank system located in a lower part of the photobioreactor.8. The ...

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09-05-2013 дата публикации

PHOTOBIOREACTOR

Номер: US20130115689A1
Принадлежит: PROTERRO, INC.

Provided herein is a transgenic bacteria engineered to accumulate carbohydrates, for example disaccharides. Also provided is a photobioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms comprising a non-gelatinous, solid cultivation support suitable for providing nutrients and moisture to photosynthetic microorganisms and a physical barrier covering at least a portion of the surface of the cultivation support. Devices for the large scale and continuous cultivation of photosynthetic microorganisms incorporating photobioreactors and methods of use are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of producing fermentable sugar from photosynthetic microorganisms using a photobioreactor of the invention. 1. A photobioreactor for cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms , the photobioreactor comprising:a non-gelatinous, solid cultivation support suitable for providing nutrients and moisture to photosynthetic microorganisms on at least a portion of a surface thereof, wherein said portion of the surface has a topography that allows photosynthetic microorganisms to adhere thereto when said portion of the surface is oriented non-horizontally; anda physical barrier disposed over at least said portion of the surface of the cultivation support.2. The photobioreactor of claim 1 , wherein the physical barrier is configured so as to allowinoculation of said portion of the surface of the cultivation support;formation and maintenance of an environment suitable for the cultivation of such photosynthetic microorganisms; orharvesting of such cultivated photosynthetic microorganisms.3. The photobioreactor of claim 1 , wherein said portion of the surface of the cultivation support is capable of cultivating photosynthetic microorganisms at a density of at least about 50 grams of dry biomass per liter equivalent.4. The photobioreactor of claim 1 , wherein the photobioreactor further comprises a source of actinic radiation; andthe source of actinic radiation is situated between the cultivation ...

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16-05-2013 дата публикации

DEVISE TO PRODUCE ALCOHOL, BIO FUELS AND OTHER COMPOUNDS WITH A SEA BASED FERMENTOR

Номер: US20130122575A1
Принадлежит:

A device, system, and method to produce alcohol and Bio fuels from bulky organic matter with a Sea based Fermentor with low cost per unit volume, formed from a plastic separator barrier which is flexible plastic film, a solar based distillation still with vacuum assist are disclosed. In one embodiment, a device includes a Fermentor coupled to a inlet channel made of plastic film separator, converted to Continuous process Fermentation channel, a Bio Gas digester to generate methane, a floating platform having engine, pumps, centrifuge and sterilization unit and a crane, a water treatment unit formed from plastic film is provided 1. A device , system and method to produce Alcohol , Bio fuels and other compounds on the sea in large scale in a cost effective way from bulky organic matter , made with low carbon footprint , comprising of:A Fermentor made of flexible plastic film as separator barrier between sea water and media, held by floats near sea surface, coupled to a inlet channel open and closed type made of flexible plastic film to convey media and fresh water with closed type channel converted into Continuous Fermentation process channel, a solid state fermentor made of flexible plastic film for pretreatment of media, a solar based distillation unit with vacuum support for purifying product by vacuum pump operated by wave and tidal energy, a Bio gas digester made of flexible plastic film as separator between sea water and organic waste matter to be digested to generate methane used as fuel, a Floating platform with engine, pumps, sterilisation unit, centrifuge and microprocessor for control:2. The devise as inwherein Fermentor of large volume at low cost per unit volume, is held by multi-chambered plastic floats embedded with plastic ropes to provide hold for strong anchorage, and stabilization, and the Fermentor to rest on sea bed where it is shallow.a protection jacket being multi-chambered made from plastic film encloses the Fermentor, to enable detection of ...

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16-05-2013 дата публикации

FERMENTER FOR A BIOGAS PLANT

Номер: US20130122579A1
Автор: Priller Eric

A fermenter for a biogas plant which operates with wet fermentation includes a fixed casing which surrounds a reaction space, an inlet for biomass and an outlet for the fermentation reside. A wall is arranged inside the casing, which separates the inlet from the outlet. 1. A fermenter for a biogas plant which operates with wet fermentation , comprising:a fixed casing which surrounds a reaction space;an inlet for biomass; andan outlet for fermentation residue, wherein a wall is arranged inside the fixed casing, which separates the inlet from the outlet.2. The fermenter according to claim 1 , wherein the wall extends spirally.3. The fermenter according to claim 2 , wherein the wall defines a spiral path for the biomass inside the reaction space claim 2 , and wherein the inlet is arranged at one end of the spiral path and the outlet is arranged at the other end of the spiral path.4. The fermenter according to claim 3 , wherein the inlet is arranged at an outer end of the path.5. The fermenter according to claim 1 , wherein the outlet is arranged approximately centrally at a bottom of the fermenter.6. The fermenter according to claim 1 , wherein the fixed casing and the wall extend vertically.7. The fermenter according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of stirrers are arranged along a path defined by the wall.8. The fermenter according to claim 1 , wherein a heater is provided.9. The fermenter according to claim 1 , wherein the fixed casing is cylindrical. This is the U.S. national phase filing of PCT/EP2010/001321, filed Mar. 3, 2010, which claims priority to German Application Serial No. 10 2009 012 418.7, filed Mar. 10, 2009.This invention relates to a fermenter for a biogas plant which operates with wet fermentation (up to 15% dry matter), comprising a fixed casing which surrounds a reaction space, an inlet for biomass and an outlet for the fermentation residue.In the fermenter, the biomass is fermented under anaerobic conditions, wherein biogas is obtained. With ...

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23-05-2013 дата публикации

Human Waste Treatment System and Method

Номер: US20130130346A1
Принадлежит: BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

A human waste treatment system is disclosed that includes at least one waste receptacle such as an airline-style toilet, an anaerobic digester such as an induced bed reactor, and a gas conditioner. Human waste may be moved by a macerator pump. Inside the digester, bacteria digests organic solids to form biogas. The anaerobic digester may be operated at thermophilic temperatures to kill pathogenic bacteria in the waste and produce treated water. The gas conditioner purifies the biogas which may be used to power an electric generator. Treated water may be used to flush the system. The system may be mounted on a semi-truck trailer and transported. The system may be self-contained.

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30-05-2013 дата публикации

METHOD FOR PRODUCING ALGAE IN THIN

Номер: US20130137171A1
Принадлежит:

The present method transfers carbon dioxide in increased concentrations using perfluorodecalin for growth of algae in a photobioreactor. First, a perfluorodecalin solution is provided and mixed with a biological growth medium and a surfactant. The biological growth medium, perfluorodecalin solution, and surfactant mixture are then emulsified by circulation in a high-pressure emulsifier. The emulsified biological growth medium, perfluorodecalin solution, and surfactant mixture are then added to a photobioreactor containing algae capable of photosynthetically utilizing carbon dioxide. After adding carbon dioxide to the photobioreactor, the carbon dioxide dissolves in the perfluorodecalin solution at a higher concentration than in the growth medium. Conditions sufficient for the algae to perform photosynthesis using carbon dioxide from the perfluorodecalin solution are maintained thereby increasing the growth rate of the algae in increased concentration of carbon dioxide due to the increased solubility of carbon dioxide in the perfluorodecalin solution. 1. A thin-film bioreactor system for increasing production of algae , comprising:container means for containing algae;means for introducing light into said container means to facilitate photosynthesis;means for introducing emulsion containing biological growth medium having algae and nutrient supplements to assist in the growth of algae;means for introducing perfluorocarbon solution pre-saturated with carbon dioxide at a high concentration level;light reflecting material lining one or more surfaces of the container means to facilitate photosynthesis to grow algae within the biological growth medium; andwhereby increasing the growth rate of the algae in increased concentration of carbon dioxide due to the increased solubility of carbon dioxide in the perfluorocarbon solution.2. The thin-film bioreactor system of claim 1 , wherein the perflurocarbon solution is perfluordecalin solution.3. The thin-film bioreactor system ...

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06-06-2013 дата публикации

METHOD FOR AUTOMATED SPERM MANIPULATION AND DEVICE FOR HOLDING SPERM AND OOCYTES

Номер: US20130143200A1
Принадлежит:

The present invention relates to systems and methods for automated, computer-controlled, tracking and manipulation of motile specimen. The systems and methods of the present invention are suited for tracking and manipulating sperm, particularly for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedures. The present invention also relates also to devices for holding motile cells, such as sperm, and non-motile cells, such as oocytes. The device of the present invention comprises a sealed chamber having an air outlet, one well for the motile cells, and another well for non-motile cells. 16-. (canceled)7. A method of automatically manipulating a microscopic motile specimen characterized in that said method comprises the following steps:(a) placing a substrate having the motile specimen on a first positioner mounted to a microscope means having an image acquiring unit;(b) acquiring microscopic images of the motile specimen and a micropipette means used to manipulate the moths specimen with the image acquiring unit;(c) automatically tracking the motile specimen on the substrate based on the images of the motile specimen and micropipette means using the first positioner;(d) automatically moving the micropipette means using a second positioner connected to the micropipette means to a location substantially proximal to the motile specimen; and(e) automatically immobilizing the motile specimen using the micropipette means for manipulation of the motile specimen.8. The method of characterized in that step (a) comprises placing a sample that includes a plurality of microscopic motile specimen on the substrate claim 7 , and wherein said method further comprises selecting a target microscopic motile specimen within the sample automatically by a computer or manually by an operator.9. (canceled)10. The method of characterized in that said microscopic motile specimen includes a tail claim 7 , and wherein the motile specimen is immobilized by automatically pressing the tail against the ...

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06-06-2013 дата публикации

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE ANAEROBIC DIGESTION OF ORGANIC MATERIAL TO BIOGAS BY MEANS OF MICRO-ORGANISMS

Номер: US20130143292A1
Принадлежит: RED PATENT B.V.

The invention relates to a device and method for the anaerobic digestion of organic material to biogas by means of microorganisms. The device and method intensify the anaerobic digestion process by using three separate reactors wherein a hydrolysis process, a first digestion process of a separated solid fraction, and a second digestion process of a separated liquid fraction take place respectively. Membranes and/or mechanical separation means are used to separate the fractions. This keeps the microorganisms, such as microbes, in the reactors. The obtained intensification of the anaerobic digestion process enables to operate with smaller tanks, which leads to lower building costs. The process also makes it possible to precipitate heavy metals for extraction. 2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first and/or the second separator comprise a membrane and/or mechanical separation mechanism.3. The device of claim 1 , the first anaerobic digestion compartment comprises the first separator.4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the second anaerobic digestion compartment comprises the second separator.5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the device comprises a grinding claim 1 , macerating or softening device arranged upstream relative to the hydrolysis compartment.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the first anaerobic digestion compartment is provided with a discharge for the solid residue of the anaerobic digestion en/or the gaseous residue of the anaerobic digestion.7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the second anaerobic digestion compartment is provided with a discharge for the liquid residue of the anaerobic digestion en/or the gaseous residue of the anaerobic digestion.8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the second anaerobic digestion compartment is provided with a discharge for the solid residue of the anaerobic digestion claim 1 , said discharge being connected with the inlet of the first anaerobic digestion compartment for the purpose of leading at least a part of the ...

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13-06-2013 дата публикации

ANAEROBIC DIGESTER FOR THE PRODUCTION OF METHANE GAS FROM ORGANIC WASTE

Номер: US20130149765A1
Автор: Austin Gary N.
Принадлежит:

An anaerobic digester to produce methane gas from animal manure. The anaerobic digester preferably includes a reactor vessel with a solar concentrator and an RF emitter. The reactor vessel may be loaded from the top with animal manure, sealed and evacuated during which the waste may be subject to focused light energy and/or subject to RF Energy from the RF emitter in order to facilitate anaerobic digestion, and then cleaned out with an auger turning out the resultant waste solids. An enzyme catalyst may also be employed to further facilitate anaerobic digestion. Methane gas produced as a result of anaerobic digestion is pumped from the reactor vessel and collected for further processing and/or burned for energy and/or heat. 1. A reactor for the production of methane gas through anaerobic digestion , said reactor comprising:a vessel capable of receiving, containing and discharging organic waste;said vessel capable of containing said organic waste in a substantially airtight environment;said vessel including at least one solar concentrator to focus light energy into said organic waste;a pump in communication with said vessel for evacuating the vessel to facilitate anaerobic digestion.2. The reactor of wherein said solar concentrator includes at least one Fresnel lens.3. The reactor of wherein said vessel includes a lid and said at least one Fresnel lens is secured in said lid.4. The reactor of wherein said at least one Fresnel lens is positioned between transparent protective sheets.5. The reactor of wherein said transparent protective sheets are constructed of polycarbonate.6. The reactor of wherein said vessel includes at least one feed through RF antenna capable of emitting RF energy into said organic waste.7. A reactor for the production of methane gas through anaerobic digestion claim 1 , said reactor comprising:a vessel having at least one opening to facilitate loading and unloading of said vessel with organic waste;said vessel including at least one solar ...

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13-06-2013 дата публикации

Heat-Stable Persephonella Carbonic Anhydrases and Their Use

Номер: US20130149771A1
Автор: Martin Simon Borchert
Принадлежит: Novozymes AS

The present invention relates to use of Persephonella carbonic anhydrase in CO 2 extraction, e.g., from flue gas, natural gas, biogas or ambient air. The Persephonella carbonic anhydrases are especially well suited for these purpose due to their extreme thermostability.

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20-06-2013 дата публикации

Magnetically Coupled System For Mixing

Номер: US20130157352A1
Принадлежит: Algenol Biofuels Inc

The invention provides a mixing system comprising a magnetically coupled drive system and a foil for cultivating algae, or cyanobacteria, in an open or enclosed vessel. The invention provides effective mixing, low energy usage, low capital expenditure, and ease of drive system component maintenance while maintaining the integrity of a sealed mixing vessel.

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20-06-2013 дата публикации

Light emitting system with adjustable watt equivalence

Номер: US20130157394A1
Автор: Zdenko Grajcar
Принадлежит: Once Innovations Inc

A light emitting diode assembly and method of manufacturing the same. The light emitting diode assembly has a heat sink. The assembly additionally has a platform assembly with a substrate having driving elements including a plurality of light emitting diode elements disposed thereon. The driving elements and light emitting diode elements are in electric communication with an AC input to produce an initial light output. The plurality of light emitting diodes emit an initial light output that is a first predetermined amount of lumens in a first lumen range and emit an initial light output that is a second predetermined amount of lumens in a second lumen range current is changed without the need to change the manufacturing process.

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27-06-2013 дата публикации

Imaging and evaluating embryos, oocytes, and stem cells

Номер: US20130162795A1
Принадлежит: Leland Stanford Junior University

Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos or pluripotent cells and/or the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in one or more embryos or pluripotent cells are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos and oocytes in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.

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27-06-2013 дата публикации

Microfluidic Capsule

Номер: US20130164192A1
Принадлежит: Gradientech AB

A microfluidic capsule () comprises a top lid (), a middle piece () and a bottom piece () to be assembled to enclose a microfluidic substrate () for analysis of cells and biochemical reactions. The middle piece () comprises support structures in the form of support pillars () and walls () around a central light window () to provide mechanical support and prevent tension-induced structural deformations. When fully assembled, light windows () in the top lid (), middle piece () and bottom piece () allows inspection of biological and/or biochemical samples positioned in the enclosed microfluidic substrate (). 1. A microfluidic capsule comprising:a top lid in the form of a lid sheet comprising a light window; a middle sheet having a perimeter and comprising at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet in the form of through holes in said middle sheet and a light window positioned to be aligned with said light window of said top lid when said top lid is attached to said middle piece and having a circumferential or circumferentially distributed wall around its perimeter;', 'multiple raised walls circumferentially distributed around said perimeter of said middle sheet and separated by raised connection structures having a height relative said middle sheet that is lower than a height of said multiple raised walls relative said middle sheet;', {'b': '210', 'at least one support pillar attached to said middle sheet at a position between said perimeter of said middle sheet () and said perimeter of said light window of said middle piece, wherein the ends of said multiple raised walls, said circumferential or circumferentially distributed wall and said at least one support pillar facing opposite to said middle sheet are arranged to be attached to said top lid; and'}, 'at least one inlet connector in the form of a tube having a first end connected to said at least one fluid inlet and having a second, opposite end protruding out through an opening of a wall of said ...

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04-07-2013 дата публикации

PRODUCING ENERGY FROM BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL

Номер: US20130171703A1

Described are methods and systems for producing synthesis gas. In some embodiments, the method includes microbiologically converting biological material to form methane and CO2; and reacting methane and CO2 formed in (a) with water and metal to form synthesis gas. Optionally, the method also includes cutting vegetation; fermenting the vegetation to form biogas comprising methane and CO2; and reacting the biogas with water and metal to form synthesis gas and metal oxide. In some embodiments of the invention, reacted metal is regenerated from metal oxide produced in the reaction. In some embodiments the regeneration comprises reacting the oxide in a bath of boiling zinc. 1. A method comprising:microbiologically converting biological material to form biogas comprising methane and carbon dioxide, react the zinc, water and the biogas to produce syngas and zinc oxide, and', 'regenerate zinc from the zinc oxide in the reaction chamber, by allowing the zinc oxide to react with the methane, and, 'introducing zinc, water and the biogas into a reaction chamber, to concurrentlyproducing a carbonaceous fuel from the syngas.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the microbial conversion is carried out by cutting vegetation claim 1 , silaging the cut vegetation and fermenting the silaged vegetation.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the zinc is introduced as liquid zinc.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the zinc is introduced as zinc vapor.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the zinc reacts with the water and biogas as zinc vapor and is regenerated from the zinc oxide as liquid zinc.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the biological material comprises sugarcane bagasse and/or portions of sugarcane that are not fermentable to ethanol claim 5 , and further comprising:gasifying the biological material to generate combustible gases, and boiling the liquid zinc with heat obtained from oxidizing the combustible gases.7. The method of claim 5 , further comprising:producing electrical power by ...

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11-07-2013 дата публикации

Sulfide generation process and system for syngas fermentation

Номер: US20130177957A1
Автор: Jianxin Du, Rathin Datta
Принадлежит: Coskata Inc

A process that generates sulfide in production of liquid products from syngas and a system for syngas fermentation including a sulfide generation process to convert feed gas to liquid product, the process including: partially oxidizing high-temperature gas, input gas, and molten sulfur to generate sulfide gas, the high-temperature gas containing oxygen, the input gas containing carbonaceous fuel and the sulfide gas containing hydrogen sulfide, CO, CO 2 , and H 2 ; mixing the sulfide gas with the feed gas to generate mixed gas having a predetermined hydrogen sulfide concentration; providing at least a portion of the mixed gas to a production fermentor containing microorganisms; and converting the mixed gas to the liquid product by contact with the microorganisms.

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11-07-2013 дата публикации

METHOD AND PLANT FOR THE CULTIVATION OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC MICRO-ORGANISM

Номер: US20130177966A1
Автор: De Poli Fabrizio
Принадлежит: MAFA AMBIENTE SRL

A method for cultivation of photosynthetic micro-organisms such as micro-algae, photobacteria, and similar organisms, through circulation within tubes made of transparent plastic material of the suspension of said organisms in an appropriate culture medium, envisages: carrying out agitation/mixing of said suspension in the culture medium in said tubes in a pulsed and non-continuous way; separating the biomass produced from the culture medium by means of sifting with a system of differential-inclination sieves; introducing C02 with total dissolution thereof inside the tubes in which the suspension of said micro-organisms in their own culture medium circulates, introducing also buffer solutions in said culture medium; extracting the oxygen produced in the photosynthesis in a natural way by means of skimmers distributed along the tubes traversed by the culture medium; controlling the temperature inside the tubes in order not to reach temperatures that are harmful to the growth of the photosynthetic micro-organisms by modifying the concentration of the biomass in the culture medium by means of said system of sieves so as to increase the transparency of the culture medium and reduce the solar energy absorbed. 1. A method for cultivation of photosynthetic micro-organisms such as micro-algae , photobacteria , and similar organisms , through the circulation within tubes made of transparent plastic material of the suspension of said organisms in an appropriate culture medium , said method comprising:carrying out agitation/mixing of said suspension in the culture medium in said tubes in a pulsed and non-continuous way;separating the biomass produced from the culture medium by means of sifting with a system of differential-inclination sieves;{'sub': '2', 'introducing COwith total dissolution thereof, inside the tubes in which the suspension of said micro-organisms in their own culture medium circulates, introducing also buffer solutions in said culture medium;'}extracting the ...

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11-07-2013 дата публикации

BIOREACTORS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING AND/OR ANALYZING ORGANS

Номер: US20130177972A1
Принадлежит:

Articles and methods for growing or analyzing tissues and organs using bioreactors or other devices and components are provided. In some embodiments, a bioreactor is configured to provide a growth chamber having one or more inlets, outlets, sensors, organ attachment sites, and/or organ identifiers. 1. A bioreactor comprising ,a chamber configured for containing an organ under culture conditions,a first inlet port and a first outlet port in fluid communication with the chamber, andan organ support structure disposed in the chamber.2. The bioreactor of claim 1 , wherein the organ support structure is connected to a scale or gauge for measuring the weight of the organ; or wherein the organ support structure comprises a platform claim 1 , optionally wherein the platform is shaped to receive the lower portion of an organ; or wherein the organ support structure comprises a first support member claim 1 , optionally wherein the first support member comprises a hook; or wherein the organ support structure comprises a first tubular connector adapted for attaching a vascular structure.37-. (canceled)8. The bioreactor of claim 2 , wherein the first tubular connector is cylindrical; or wherein the first tubular connector comprises a flexible flange; or wherein the first tubular connector comprises an elastic flange; or wherein the first tubular connector comprises an expandable flange claim 2 , optionally wherein the expandable flange is remotely controlled; or wherein the first tubular connector comprises a tapered end; or wherein the first tubular connector comprises a flared end.914-. (canceled)15. The bioreactor of claim 1 , wherein the organ support structure is in a fixed position relative to the chamber; or wherein the organ support structure can rotate around a first axis that is in a fixed position relative to the chamber; or wherein the organ support structure can rotate around a second axis that is in a fixed position relative to the chamber.1617-. (canceled)18. The ...

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11-07-2013 дата публикации

DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE TEMPERATURE OF A DIRECT-ILLUMINATION SOLAR PHOTOBIOREACTOR

Номер: US20130177975A1
Принадлежит:

The invention relates to a photoreactor () comprising a contained reaction chamber (), wherein the chamber () is separated from the exterior by a light-capturing wall () and another wall (), the capturing wall and the other wall being parallel to one another; characterized in that the photoreactor () additionally comprises a thermal valve () placed against the other wall () for passively controlling the increase in heat inside the chamber () due to the radiation passing through the capturing wall () in order to maintain the temperature in at least one part of the chamber () under a threshold temperature (Ts), the thermal valve () being made of a phase-change material. 1. A photoreactor comprising a contained reaction chamber , wherein the chamber is separated from the exterior by a light-capturing wall and another wall , the capturing wall and the other wall being parallel to each other;wherein the photoreactor additionally comprises a thermal valve placed against the other wall for passively controlling the increase in heat inside the chamber due to the radiation passing through the capturing wall for maintaining the temperature in at least one part of the chamber under a threshold temperature, the thermal valve being made of a phase-change material.2. The photoreactor of claim 1 , wherein the reactor is a photobioreactor.3. The photoreactor of claim 1 , wherein the material is a paraffin.4. The photoreactor of claim 3 , wherein the material is a paraffin with a phase-change temperature range close to 30° C.5. (canceled)6. The photoreactor claim 1 , wherein the capturing wall and the other wall are flat and sloping in relation to the ground thereby ensuring a flow claim 1 , the capturing wall being placed above the other wall.7. The photoreactor claim 1 , further comprising a filter only allowing useful radiation to pass through.8. The photoreactor claim 1 , further comprising a heat exchanger placed against the thermal valve claim 1 , if applicable claim 1 , ...

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18-07-2013 дата публикации

Maintenance and propagation of mesenchymal stem cells

Номер: US20130183274A1

Various embodiments of the present invention include compositions, materials and methods for maintaining and propagating mammalian mesenchymal stem cells in an undifferentiated state in the absence of feeder cells and applications of the same.

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18-07-2013 дата публикации

Method and Apparatus for Producing Engineered Fuel from High Cellulose Feedstock

Номер: US20130183715A1
Автор: Paul T. Baskis
Принадлежит: Individual

An apparatus and method for producing methane gas, synthetic hydrocarbon gas, and fertilizer is provided. The apparatus includes a mix tank for mixing cellulosic material with a solvent into a slurry and a generator having an exhaust. The apparatus further includes a stir tank reactor for converting the slurry to a solution containing lignin-like carbon and liquid, and a separator for separating the lignin-like carbon and liquid. An anaerobic digester decomposes the received liquid received from the stir tank into methane and liquid components. A carbon dioxide scrubber scrubs the methane component of carbon dioxide. The method includes mixing cellulosic material with a solvent into a slurry, and converting the slurry to a solution containing lignin-like carbon and liquid. It also includes separating the lignin-like carbon and liquid and decomposing the liquid into methane and liquid components, and scrubbing the methane component of carbon dioxide.

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25-07-2013 дата публикации

System and Method for Processing Alternate Fuel Sources

Номер: US20130186810A1
Принадлежит: Individual

An energy conserving wastewater treatment system capable of being fueled by alternate fuel sources comprises a synthesis gas generator that produces synthesis gas from a fuel and an organic waste digester that produces biogas. A combined synthesis gas and biogas storage reservoir that is in communication with both the synthesis gas generator and the organic waste digester. At least one boiler is in communication with the combined synthesis gas and biogas storage reservoir.

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01-08-2013 дата публикации

Device and method for cell free analytical and preparative protein synthesis

Номер: US20130196372A1
Принадлежит: Ionovation GmbH

A device is disclosed which contains one or more pores 10. The pores 10 in turn contain one or more translocase proteins which from a translocation system 20. At the pores 10, two zones, the cis zone 50 and the trans zone 60, are separated from one another on a support body 90 by means of translocation systems 20 in such a way that only those proteins that are recognized by the translocation systems 20 due to specific molecular signals can exclusively pass over from the cis zone 50 into the trans zone 60.

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01-08-2013 дата публикации

Processing biomass

Номер: US20130196386A1
Автор: Marshall Medoff
Принадлежит: Xyleco Inc

Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

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08-08-2013 дата публикации

Manufacturing method for sugar solution and device for same

Номер: US20130203117A1
Принадлежит: TORAY INDUSTRIES INC

A method produces a sugar liquid by repeating a sugar liquid production process including (1) to (3): (1) adding a filamentous fungus-derived cellulase to cellulose to perform primary hydrolysis; (2) adding a fresh filamentous fungus-derived cellulase to the hydrolysate in Step (1) to perform secondary hydrolysis; and (3) subjecting the hydrolysate in Step (2) to solid-liquid separation to obtain a sugar liquid, from which a recovered enzyme is obtained; wherein the recovered enzyme obtained in Step (3) is used for Step (1) of the next and later sugar liquid production processes.

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08-08-2013 дата публикации

CULTIVATION OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC ORGANISMS

Номер: US20130205450A1
Автор: Feng Hongwu, Lu Fan
Принадлежит: CHLOR BIOENERGY INC.

One aspect of the invention features a photobioreactor including at least one plate held in a frame and having a substantially flat surface, a collection tank for holding photysynthetic culture materials, a tunnel positioned at one end of the plate and arranged to conduct culture materials from the plate to the collection tank, and a pump configured to transfer culture materials from the collection tank back to the surface of the plate. In some instances, the plate is supported in a substantially horizontal orientation. In some implementations, the surface of the plate is water resistant. 1. A photobioreactor comprising:at least one plate held in a frame and having a substantially flat surface;a collection tank for holding photysynthetic culture materials;a tunnel positioned at one end of the plate and arranged to conduct culture materials from the plate to the collection tank; anda pump configured to transfer culture materials from the collection tank back to the surface of the plate.2. The photobioreactor of claim 1 , wherein the at least one plate comprises a first plate and a second plate claim 1 , the second plate being positioned at a higher elevation than the first plate.3. The photobioreactor of claim 2 , wherein an edge of the second plate partially overlaps the surface of the first plate.4. The photobioreactor of claim 2 , wherein the pump is configured to transfer photosynthetic culture materials from the collection tank back to the surface of the second plate.5. The photobioreactor of claim 1 , the at least one plate is supported in a substantially horizontal orientation.6. The photobioreactor of claim 1 , further comprising a cover positioned over a portion of the surface of the at least one plate.7. The photobioreactor of claim 6 , wherein a portion of the cover is substantially transparent.8. The photobioreactor of claim 1 , wherein the at least one plate comprise a raised edge around a portion of its periphery claim 1 , and wherein the raised edge is ...

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15-08-2013 дата публикации

Methods and Systems for the Production of Hydrocarbon Products

Номер: US20130210096A1
Принадлежит: Lanzatech New Zealand Ltd

Methods and systems for the production of hydrocarbon products, including providing a substrate comprising CO to a bioreactor containing a culture of one or more micro-organisms; and fermenting the culture in the bioreactor to produce one or more hydrocarbon products. The substrate comprising CO is derived from an industrial process selected from the group comprising steam reforming processes, refinery processes, steam cracking processes, and reverse water gas shift processes.

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15-08-2013 дата публикации

Biomaterial handling device

Номер: US20130210123A1
Принадлежит: Jackson Laboratory

A biomaterial handling device is described that will provide for functionality for performing both IVF procedures and washing techniques in a single device. Disclosed embodiments provide increased protection to biomaterial samples during processing and handling. Embodiments of the invention reduce labor intensive processes for both IVF and washing treatments and address reduced risks of contamination of biological samples by providing an increasingly sterile environment.

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15-08-2013 дата публикации

AUTOMATED CELL CULTURE SYSTEM

Номер: US20130210130A1
Автор: Hagg Rupert, Larcher Yves
Принадлежит: Octane Biotech, Inc.

The automated cell culture arrangement according to the invention comprises at least one closed cell culture module with at least one bioreactor. The closed cell culture module is a closed system, which means that within the closed cell culture module a closed sterile environment can be maintained. The automated cell culture arrangement according to the invention, further comprises at least one pump for pumping liquids within the closed cell culture module and at least one additional tool module, which is configured or configurable to act upon or to monitor the contents of a bioreactor and is movable relative to the at least one closed cell culture module or it is movable relative to one or several components of the at least one closed cell culture module. 2. An automated cell culture arrangement according to comprising a movable carrier supporting the movement of the at least one movable tool module relative to the at least one closed cell culture module.3. An automated cell culture arrangement comprising a predetermined space and/or support elements and/or guiding elements for the at least one movable tool element and optionally for the movable carrier for the relative positioning of the at least on tool module relative to the at least one cell culture module.4. The automated cell culture arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one closed cell culture module comprises a manifold claim 1 , interconnecting tubing and a plurality of valves connecting a plurality of vessels claim 1 , forming a closed system and wherein each closed cell culture module is configured with a separate set of at least one valve actuator and a pump suitable for pumping process fluids and cell culture fluids within the closed cell culture module.5. The automated cell culture arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the cell culture arrangement comprises at least two units claim 1 , one cell maintenance unit and one cell processing unit claim 1 , with the ambient physical ...

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15-08-2013 дата публикации

FEEDER-FREE METHOD FOR CULTURE OF BOVINE AND PORCINE SPERMATOGONIAL STEM CELLS

Номер: US20130211186A1

The present invention relates to the production and culture of undifferentiated spermatogonial stem cells that can be maintained long term and are feeder free. The resultant feeder-free populations can be used in any of a number of protocols including the generation of progeny bulls. The present invention includes novel methods required for the successful enrichment of bovine spermatogonial stem cells, novel cell lines and other components used for the same, as well as the resultant stem cell compositions. 1. A method of enriching spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) from a population of testis-derived cells containing at least one SSC , said method comprising:a) providing a media that has been preconditioned with a feeder cell line;b) contacting said population of testis-derived cells with said preconditioned media under conditions suitable for SSC cell maintenance and enrichment.2. The method of wherein said preconditioned media is created by contacting said media with cells claim 1 , or parts thereof from a strain of bovine embryonic fibroblast cells and/or bovine somatic cells isolated from bovine testes.3. The method of wherein said cell strain is selected from the group consisting of cell line BEF1 and cell line BSC1.4. The method of wherein preconditioning includes the steps of: a) contacting media with feeder cells selected from the group consisting of bovine embryonic fibroblast cells and/or bovine testicular somatic cells; b) allowing said cells to reproduce on said media; and thereafter c) removing said feeder cells.5. The method of wherein said cell feeder cells are derived from cell line BEF1 and/or BSC1.6. The method of wherein said cells are bovine cells.7. A bovine embryonic fibroblast cell line for pre-conditioning media for culture of bovine spermatogonial stem cells BEF1 deposited as ATCC Accession number ______.8. A bovine somatic cell line for pre-conditioning media for culture of bovine spermatogonial stem cells BSC1 deposited as ATCC Accession ...

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22-08-2013 дата публикации

Method and system for electro-assisted hydrogen production from organic material

Номер: US20130217089A1
Автор: Hisham Mohamed HAFEZ
Принадлежит: Greenfield Ethanol Inc

A method for producing hydrogen from organic material. Organic material and hydrogen-producing microorganisms are provided in a completely mixed bioreactor for breaking down the organic material into H 2 , CO 2 , fatty acids, and alcohols. H 2 , CO 2 , and a first liquid effluent are recovered from the completely mixed bioreactor. The first liquid effluent includes hydrogen-producing microorganisms, fatty acids, and alcohols. The first liquid effluent is provided into a gravity settler for separating the first liquid effluent into a concentrated biomass (including hydrogen-producing microorganisms) and a second liquid effluent (including at least a portion of the fatty acids and the alcohols). The concentrated biomass is provided into the completely mixed bioreactor. An input voltage is applied to at least one of the completely mixed bioreactor and the gravity settler for facilitating an electrohydrogenesis process therein.

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29-08-2013 дата публикации

Methods and apparatuses for producing biogases

Номер: US20130224819A1
Автор: Pierre Rivard
Принадлежит: Individual

There are provided methods for producing at least one biogas comprising submitting an organic material to an anaerobic digestion process in an apparatus effective for carrying such a process so as to produce the at least one biogas, pressurizing the produced at least one biogas, and using the at least one biogas for conveying the organic material through the apparatus. Apparatuses for producing at least one biogas are also disclosed.

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29-08-2013 дата публикации

Solar Biofactory, Photobioreactors, Passive Thermal Regulation Systems And Methods for Producing Products

Номер: US20130224853A1
Принадлежит: JOULE UNLIMITED TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

The invention described herein relates to photobioreactors, methods, assembly and use of such apparatus for culturing light-capturing organisms in a cost-effective manner. Various embodiments provide for a passive thermal regulation system employing selected microorganisms in a photobioreactor apparatus and methods for biological production of various fuel and chemical products from these organisms. Additional embodiments provide a solar biofactory system capable of culturing light capturing organisms to an areal productivity of 3.3 g/m2/hr. Further embodiments are directed to a photobioreactor capable of culturing light capturing organisms to an ODof about 14 g/L DCW. Such embodiments incorporate passive thermal regulation and systems. 1. A photobioreactor assembly comprising:a reactor structure;a greenhouse structure configured to provide a greenhouse environment for the reactor structure, the reactor structure and the greenhouse structure spaced relative to each other to provide temperature control of the photobioreactor; wherein the reactor structure comprises a closed reactor and the greenhouse structure comprises at least two side sheets spaced apart with the reactor disposed therebetween.25.-. (canceled)6. The photobioreactor assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least a part of a surface of the reactor is at least translucent.7. The photobioreactor assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sheets diffuse light to illuminate the reactor.8. The photobioreactor assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least one sheet includes a radiation shielding material.9. The photobioreactor assembly of claim 1 , wherein temperature control is maintained within 10° C. of ambient.10. The photobioreactor assembly of claim 1 , wherein temperature control is maintained within 5° C. of ambient.11. The photobioreactor assembly of claim 1 , further comprising chimney means for allowing use of ambient air for temperature control.12. In a photobioreactor claim 1 , the improvement of providing chimney ...

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05-09-2013 дата публикации

LENSED AND STRIPED FLAT PANEL PHOTOBIOREACTORS

Номер: US20130230904A1

The surface or surfaces of the walls of a closed photobioreactor are modified to generate light and dark regions. For example, the interior and/or exterior surfaces of the walls of the photobioreactor's chamber can be modified such that they form or incorporate convex and/or concave lenses. The concavity and/or convexity of the lenses redirect incident light rays so that the light is focused to specific points within the chamber, creating multiple light and dark regions within the photobioreactor. Alternatively, or in addition, a pattern of opaque material can be utilized on the walls of the chamber to generate light and dark regions. The number, location and shape of the light and dark regions are controlled by the design of the concavities and/or convexities and/or opaque patterns incorporated into the various surfaces of the photobioreactor. 1. A closed photobioreactor for growing photosynthetic micro-organisms comprising a chamber for holding media formed from a plurality of panels , wherein at least one panel contains translucent or transparent portions and , further , redirects or absorbs light to provide a plurality of alternating light and dark regions within the chamber , wherein the chamber is made of one or more translucent or transparent panels that form or comprise one or more convex and/or concave lenses that converge and/or diverge light to generate a plurality of alternating light and dark regions within the chamber , and wherein the interplay between radius of the curvature of the lenses and bubbling rate produced by one or more spargers located at or near the bottom of the chamber combine to expose micro-organisms in the chamber to a light/dark cycle that alternates at a frequency ranging from 25 microseconds to 60 seconds.2. The photobioreactor of claim 1 , wherein the light/dark cycle alternates at a frequency ranging from 1 millisecond to 60 seconds.3. The photobioreactor of claim 1 , wherein the light/dark cycle alternates at a frequency ...

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05-09-2013 дата публикации

CULTURE CONTAINER FOR ADHERENT CELLS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING CULTURE CONTAINER FOR ADHERENT CELLS

Номер: US20130230914A1
Принадлежит: TOYO SEIKAN KAISHA, LTD.

A culture bag for culturing adherent cells is provided without requiring a highly clean production environment and a complex production step such as a masking step. An adherent cell culture vessel that is formed of a polyolefin is configured so that part or the entirety of the inner surface of the culture vessel has a static water contact angle of 95° or more, and has an advancing contact angle and a receding contact angle that satisfy the inequality “advancing contact angle−receding contact angle>25°” when water runs down along the inner surface. 1. An adherent cell culture vessel comprising a single-layer or multi-layer film or sheet that comprises a layer of a polyolefin as at least an innermost layer , part or entirety of an inner surface of the culture vessel having a static water contact angle of 95° or more , and having an advancing contact angle and a receding contact angle that satisfy an expression (1) when water runs down along the inner surface of the culture vessel ,{'br': None, 'Advancing contact angle−receding contact angle>25°\u2003\u2003(1).'}2. The adherent cell culture vessel according to claim 1 , wherein the polyolefin comprises an antioxidant.3. The adherent cell culture vessel according to claim 1 , wherein the antioxidant is a phenol-based antioxidant.4. The adherent cell culture vessel according to claim 1 , the culture vessel being formed by applying UV rays having a wavelength other than an ozone-generating wavelength to the polyolefin so that part or entirety of the inner surface of the culture vessel has a static water contact angle of 95° or more claim 1 , and has an advancing contact angle and a receding contact angle that satisfy the expression (1) when water runs down along the inner surface of the culture vessel.5. A method for producing an adherent cell culture vessel comprising applying UV rays having a wavelength other than an ozone-generating wavelength to a single-layer or multi-layer film or sheet that comprises a layer of a ...

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12-09-2013 дата публикации

V-Trough Photobioreactor System and Method of Use

Номер: US20130232866A1
Принадлежит: Heliae Development LLC

Disclosed herein are photobioreactor systems for high productivity aquaculture or aquafarming for growing of algae or other organisms in an aquatic environment featuring aspects that favor improved growth rates by achieving control over the contents of the growth medium, including carbon source, nitrogen source, and essential trace elements necessary for growth.

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12-09-2013 дата публикации

Microalgae for Removal of Carbon Dioxide Generated from Biogas and Biogas Electric Generator

Номер: US20130236951A1
Принадлежит: NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG UNIVERSITY

The present invention relates to biogas and biogas electric generator and a biogas electricity generation method by use microalgae for removal of carbon dioxide generated from biogas and biogas electric generator. The electric generator integrates biogas production and purification, microalga culture, electricity generation, heat recycling and others into a unit volume, and, during microalgae culturing, uses carbon dioxide contained in biogas and that produced from electricity generation as a carbon source for photosynthesis to reduce the carbon dioxide contained in the biogas and the electricity generation exhaust gas, thereby attaining the goal of zero carbon emission. 1. A biogas electric generator using microalgae carbon capture , comprising: a biogas purification unit, which receives the first biogas and removes the hydrogen sulfide of the first biogas, and discharges a second biogas;', 'a microalgae culture unit, which houses a type of microalgae and receives the second biogas, wherein, the microalgae uses the carbon dioxide of the second biogas as carbon source to carry out photosynthesis before the microalgae culture unit discharges a third biogas; and', 'an electric generation unit, which receives the third biogas for use as a fuel to generate electric energy, wherein, the electric energy powers the biogas electric generator., '(A) a biogas production unit, which provides a first biogas, wherein, the first biogas comprises hydrogen sulfide, methane and carbon dioxide;'}2. The biogas electric generator using microalgae carbon capture according to claim 1 , further comprising a heat recycling unit claim 1 , which works to receive a thermal energy generated by the electric generator claim 1 , and transfer the thermal energy to the biogas production unit claim 1 , biogas purification unit claim 1 , and microalgae culture unit.3. The biogas electric generator using microalgae carbon capture according to claim 2 , further comprising a biomass fuel generation unit ...

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12-09-2013 дата публикации

SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING BIOMASS

Номер: US20130236952A1
Принадлежит: RED PATENT B.V.

A system for processing biomass using anaerobic digestion includes an anaerobic acidification reactor having an inlet for biomass and an outlet for acidified biomass, and an anaerobic settling chamber having an inlet for receiving the acidified biomass from the anaerobic acidification reactor wherein an acidified liquid biomass and a sludge biomass is formed. The anaerobic settling chamber includes a first outlet for the acidified liquid biomass, a second outlet for the sludge biomass and a third outlet for gaseous biogas effluent. The system further includes an anaerobic methane synthesis reactor for anaerobic microbial conversion of acidified liquid biomass into biogas and processed liquid biomass, having an inlet for receiving the acidified liquid biomass and a first outlet for gaseous biogas effluent and a second outlet for the processed liquid biomass. 1. An anaerobic biomass processing system for processing biomass using anaerobic digestion , comprisingan anaerobic acidification reactor, containing acidification bacteria in a suitable environment for acidifying the biomass, and comprising an inlet for biomass and an outlet for acidified biomass,an anaerobic settling chamber, comprising an inlet arranged to receive the acidified biomass from the outlet of the anaerobic acidification reactor, and containing methanogenic bacteria in a suitable environment for methanogenesis in biomass in said settling chamber, wherein said biomass is allowed to settle and thereby form a clarified liquid biomass, a sludge biomass and a gaseous biogas effluent, the anaerobic settling chamber comprising a first outlet for the clarified liquid biomass, a second outlet for the sludge biomass and a third outlet for the gaseous biogas effluent, wherein the settling chamber does not have an active mixer,an anaerobic methane synthesis reactor, containing methanogenic bacteria in a suitable environment for anaerobic microbial conversion of clarified liquid biomass into biogas and processed ...

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19-09-2013 дата публикации

Photobioreactors, Solar Energy Gathering Systems, and Thermal Control Methods

Номер: US20130244320A1
Принадлежит: JOULE UNLIMITED TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

The present invention provides photobioreactors, solar energy gathering systems, and methods for thermal control of a culture medium containing a phototrophic organism in a photobioreactor, that allow temperature control in a cost effective manner, reducing the energy required for temperature control of a culture medium containing phototrophic microorganisms in a photobioreactor. 154.-. (canceled)55. A photobioreactor comprising:(a) a reactor chamber for enclosing a phototrophic microorganism and culture medium therefor; the reactor chamber being one of a plurality of about 5 cm wide channels of a flexible thin-film photobioreactor panel having a width between about 50 cm and 3 m, and a length between 1 and 100 m long and(b) a heat exchange chamber for containing a heat exchange liquid; wherein at least part of the reactor chamber is transparent for light of a wavelength that is photosynthetically active in the phototrophic microorganism, and the reactor chamber and heat exchange chamber are in thermal contact substantially through a separating layer.56. The photobioreactor of claim 55 , wherein the reactor chamber and the heat exchange chamber are an integral part of the photobioreactor.57. The photobioreactor of claim 55 , wherein the reactor chamber and the heat exchange chamber are structurally coupled and in close proximity58. The photobioreactor of claim 55 , wherein the heat exchange chamber abuts the reactor chamber claim 55 , and the separating layer is a polymer sheet.59. The photobioreactor of claim 55 , wherein the reactor chamber and the heat exchange chamber are made of thin-film material claim 55 , and the photobioreactor is structurally adapted for horizontal placement on ground and/or for floating on water.60. The photobioreactor of claim 55 , wherein the reactor chamber and heat exchange chamber are designed for passive thermal regulation.61. The photobioreactor of claim 55 , wherein the photobioreactor is adapted to float on water.62. The ...

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26-09-2013 дата публикации

SYSTEM FOR ESTABLISHING SYNERGISM BETWEEN RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION AND FOSSIL ENERGY PRODUCTION

Номер: US20130252324A1
Автор: Bliss Charles
Принадлежит:

A method and system for synergism between a renewable energy system and a fossil energy system for the production of marketable energy forms such as electricity, methanol, petroleum-equivalent transportation fuels, urea fertilizer, and industrial hydrogen. Depending on configuration, the invention relates either to fossil-energy-assisted, renewable energy production or to renewable-energy-assisted, fossil energy production. The fossil energy source is coal, hydrocarbon fuel oil, or natural gas. The renewable energy is from the cultivation of microalgae and the extraction of its oil content, production of methane, and coincidentally-produced oxygen. The products and by-products from fossil energy production are used for the cultivation of algae and the products and by-products from algae cultivation are used to reduce the consumption of fossil energy in energy production. The synergism is the interchange of these products and by-products such that the net marketable energy production results in maximizing the use of renewable (solar) energy, minimizing the use of fossil fuel, and minimizing emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. 1. (canceled)2. The system of wherein:the renewable energy production installation includes photobioreactor arrays for using the carbon dioxide from the fossil energy production system so as to produce algae from solar radiation and from complementary artificial illumination, when solar energy is unavailable or inadequate; andthe photobioreactor arrays forms an enclosed environment in which the carbon dioxide from the fossil energy production system, water, and algae circulates while being exposed to solar radiation within the photobioreactor arrays.3. The system of wherein the photobioreactor arrays have tubes complete with internal light emitting elements to create artificial illumination for continuous algae cultivation.4. The system of wherein the renewable energy production installation further includes:an algae/liquid separation ...

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03-10-2013 дата публикации

HIGH RATE ANAEROBIC DIGESTER SYSTEM AND METHOD

Номер: US20130260433A1
Автор: Zhang Ruihong

An anaerobic digester system for producing a biogas from organic material is disclosed. The system includes a hydrolysis reactor comprising therein acidogenic and hydrolytic bacterial culture for which the organic material is a hydrolysis substrate, a biogasification reactor comprising therein acetogenic and methanogenic bacterial culture, and a biostabilization reactor comprising therein a methanogenic bacterial culture. The operating conditions of the biostabilization reactor are tailored to increase the digestion rate and energy conversion efficiency of the system. A method of using the system is also disclosed. 1. An anaerobic digester system for producing a biogas from organic material , said system comprising: a hydrolysis inlet port for receiving the organic material;', 'a first hydrolysis outlet port for discharging hydrolysis effluent from the hydrolysis reactor; and', 'a gas vent for discharging the biogas from the hydrolysis reactor;, 'a hydrolysis reactor comprising therein hydrolytic bacterial culture for which the organic material is a hydrolysis substrate, the hydrolysis reactor further comprising a biogasification reactor inlet port for receiving the hydrolysis effluent from the hydrolysis reactor outlet port;', 'a biogasification reactor outlet port for discharging biogasification effluent from the biogasification reactor; and', 'a gas vent for discharging the biogas from the biogasification reactor; and, 'a biogasification reactor comprising therein acetogenic and methanogenic bacterial culture, the biogasification reactor further comprising a first biostabilization reactor inlet port for receiving the biogasification effluent from the biogasification reactor outlet port;', 'a biostabilization reactor outlet port for discharging biostabilization effluent from the biostabilization reactor; and', 'a gas vent for discharging the biogas from the biostabilization reactor., 'a biostabilization reactor comprising therein a methanogenic bacterial culture, ...

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17-10-2013 дата публикации

Incubator and carrier system

Номер: US20130273646A1
Принадлежит: Sanyo Electric Co Ltd

An incubator includes: a mount table having placed thereon a container, a holding member holding the container, or a storage member storing the holding members in a vertical-multi-stage manner; a carrying-in door on one side-face of the incubator including first and second antennas in an interior; a discrimination unit to determine that the container or holding member is placed on the table if radio waves are transmitted/received between the first antenna and a tag of the container or holding member, and determine that the storage member is placed if radio waves are transmitted/received between the second antenna and the tag of the holding member in the storage member; and a warning unit to warn if the container or holding member is placed thereon and a specified storage destination is a place for storage member, or the storage member is placed and the destination is a place for holding member.

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17-10-2013 дата публикации

CONTAINER FOR CULTURING, MICRO MANIPULATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF SMALL SPECIMENS

Номер: US20130273648A1
Принадлежит: HERTART APS

A disposable polymer container for manipulation of small specimens adapted to optimize heat transfer between an external heating element and specimens herein contained. In particular, this invention relates to the field of containers for Assisted Reproductive Technology hereunder In-vitro fertilization (IVF). 1. A polymer specimen container for spermatozoa , sperm precursor cells , oocytes , pre-implantation embryos , zygotes , blastocysts , embryonic cells or stem cells , said polymer specimen container comprising:a specimen carrier comprising a bottom base that is externally flat and connected to a wall, said wall comprising an open hollow structure comprising recesses and ridges, wherein said open hollow wall structure has its lowest level above the lowest level of said bottom base, and further comprising:a lid, comprising a top and a bottom surface, wherein said top surface comprises protrusions complementary to at least one of said recesses or ridges in said open hollow wall structure, thereby avoiding scratching of the bottom base during stacking of said polymer specimen container.221-. (canceled)22. The polymer specimen carrier according to claim 1 , wherein said open hollow structure comprises an area for identification.23. The polymer specimen carrier according to claim 1 , wherein said area for identification comprises a barcode claim 1 , inscription claim 1 , embossed text claim 1 , writing or RFID tag.24. The polymer specimen carrier according to claim 1 , wherein at least part of the internal surface of said bottom base that is externally flat is treated so as to modify its surface properties.25. The polymer specimen carrier according to claim 1 , wherein said open wall structure forms substantially a square with or without rounded corners or being substantially circular.26. The polymer specimen carrier according to claim 1 , wherein said open wall structure comprises an innermost wall structure forming a well substantially square with or without ...

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24-10-2013 дата публикации

LIGHT GUIDE DEVICE AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING LIGHT INTO A CULTURE SOLUTION

Номер: US20130276365A1
Автор: Franklin James Bruce
Принадлежит: UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, SYDNEY

A light guide device for transmitting light through a column of light transmitting medium and into an adjacent culture growing solution, including a barrier structure for separating the medium and solution, the barrier structure being light transmissive to allow for extraction of light and being adapted to hold a material of reduced refractive index relative to the medium so as to provide total internal reflection for light incident the barrier structure at greater than a critical angle to thereby guide the light through the device. 128-. (canceled)29. A light guide device for transmitting light including a barrier structure with first and second walls for separating a column of light transmitting medium and a culture solution; wherein the first and second walls are separated by a gap; and wherein the first and second walls are light transmissive to allow light to be extracted from the medium , into the culture solution.30. The light guide device of claim 29 , wherein the light transmitting medium is liquid and the gap is filled with a gas to allow light incident on the barrier structure claim 29 , within the column of liquid claim 29 , to be transmitted through the column of liquid by total internal reflection.31. The light guide of claim 29 , wherein the first and second walls are formed of thin flexible material.32. The light guide device of claim 31 , wherein the first and second walls are composed of polymer sheets.33. The light guide device of claim 31 , wherein portions of the first and second walls are joined so as to form joined portions.34. The light guide device of claim 33 , wherein the gap is formed of multiple gap portions defined between joined portions of the walls.35. The light guide device of claim 29 , wherein the minimum width of the gap is 1 micrometer.36. The light guide device of claim 29 , further including a wavelength shifting element for shifting the wavelength of light incident the device.37. The light guide device of claim 36 , wherein ...

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24-10-2013 дата публикации

ALGAE BIOREACTOR, SYSTEM AND PROCESS

Номер: US20130280757A1
Принадлежит:

The present disclosure provides an algae bioreactor and process. The algae bioreactor includes a container with an inlet and an outlet. An algae suspension present in the container interior moves from an inlet to an outlet along a flowpath. A light assembly, a liftwall, and a gas conduit are located in the container interior. The gas conduit extends along a length of the container and emits gas bubbles into the algae suspension. A diffuser is located on a bottom wall of the container, The flowpath, the liftwall, the gas conduit, and the diffuser produce an active flow of the algae from the container inlet to the container outlet. The container may be a deep-vessel container. 1. An algae bioreactor comprising:a container comprising an inlet, an outlet, and an algae suspension in the container;a flowpath moving from the inlet to the outlet;a light assembly;a liftwall;a gas conduit extending along a length of the container interior, the gas conduit emitting gas bubbles into the algae suspension; andthe flowpath and the emitted gas bubbles moving the algae in a helical motion around the liftwall.2. The bioreactor of wherein the liftwall is substantially parallel to the flowpath.3. The bioreactor of wherein the liftwall defines a first portion and a second portion in the container claim 1 , the conduit located in the first portion and producing an upward fluid lift in the first portion.4. The bioreactor of comprising a diffuser located below the light assembly; andthe flowpath, the emitted gas bubbles and the diffuser produce an active flow of the algae from the inlet to the outlet.5. The bioreactor of wherein the container holds the algae suspension under photosynthesis conditions.6. The bioreactor of wherein the liftwall comprises a light source.7. The bioreactor of wherein the container is a deep-vessel container.8. The bioreactor of comprising a light zone and a dark zone.9. An algae bioreactor comprising:a container comprising an inlet, an outlet and an algae ...

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24-10-2013 дата публикации

DIGESTER

Номер: US20130280777A1
Автор: Muir Christopher
Принадлежит: ch4e Limited

The present invention relates to a digester () for a digester plant (), comprising a digester tank () defining a digester tank chamber () and having a module opening () and a digester module () located in the module opening and extending into the digester tank chamber (). The digester module is removably attached to the digester tank and comprises a heater () for heating material in the digester tank () together with at least one pipe () with an inlet () and an outlet (), one of which is inside the digester tank chamber and the other of which is outside the digester tank chamber (). Said at least one pipe may be: a supply pipe () for supplying material to the digester tank, the supply pipe having an inlet () outside the tank chamber and an outlet () inside the tank chamber; a withdrawal pipe for withdrawing material from the digester tank, the withdrawal pipe having an inlet inside the tank chamber and an outlet () outside the tank chamber; or a gas withdrawal pipe () for withdrawing gas from the digester tank, the gas withdrawal pipe having an inlet inside the tank chamber and an outlet () outside the tank chamber. 1. A digester for a digester plant , comprising:a digester tank defining a digester tank chamber and having a module opening;a digester module located in the module opening and extending into the digester tank chamber, wherein the digester module is removably attached to the digester tank and comprises a heater for heating material in the digester tank and at least one pipe having an inlet and an outlet, one of said inlet and outlet being inside the tank chamber and the other of said inlet and outlet being outside the tank chamber.2. A digester according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one pipe is selected from the group consisting of:a supply pipe for supplying material to the digester tank, the supply pipe inlet being outside the tank chamber and the supply pip outlet being inside the tank chamber;a withdrawal pipe for withdrawing material from the ...

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24-10-2013 дата публикации

MICROSCALE BIOPROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROTEIN MANUFACTURING

Номер: US20130280797A1
Принадлежит:

A bioprocessing system for protein manufacturing is provided that is compact, integrated and suited for on-demand production and delivery of therapeutic proteins to patients. The system can also be used for efficient on-demand production of any type of protein. 1. A bioprocessing system , comprising:a production module for producing a protein; anda purification module for receiving the protein from the production module and for purifying the protein from reagents.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the production module comprises a bioreactor for cell-based protein expression.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the production module comprises a reactor for cell-free protein expression.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the production module has a capacity of approximately 20 ml or less.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the purification module comprises:a membrane chromatography component for receiving the protein from the production module and for outputting purified protein; anda diafiltration component for receiving the purified protein from the membrane chromatography component and for outputting further purified protein.6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the diafiltration component comprises:a product section for receiving purified protein from the membrane chromatography component; anda buffer section for receiving a buffer solution.7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the diafiltration component comprises:a first substrate;a second substrate; anda diafiltration membrane positioned between the first and second substrates.8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the product section comprises a serpentine-shaped channel formed on the first substrate and the buffer section comprises a serpentine-shaped channel formed on the second substrate claim 7 , wherein the first and second serpentine-shaped channels substantially overlap each other.9. The system of claim 6 , wherein the diafiltration component comprises a flow cell.10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the product ...

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24-10-2013 дата публикации

METHOD FOR THE EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF PHOTONIC ENERGY TO CULTURES IN A FLUID MEDIUM

Номер: US20130280799A1
Принадлежит:

A method of preventing bio-filming during the delivery of photonic energy to a culture or set of organisms in a fluid culture medium, the method including introducing a fluid energy-transfer medium into the fluid culture medium through an interface; and distributing light into the fluid energy-transfer medium as it is introduced into the fluid culture medium. 1a transfer device configured to introduce an energy transfer medium into a fluid culture medium; anda photometric device including a photoreceptor and a photoemitter, the photoreceptor positioned adjacent to the first opening and the photoemitter positioned adjacent to the second opening, the energy transfer medium configured to separate the photometric device from the fluid culture medium.. A apparatus, comprising: 1. Technical FieldThe present disclosure relates to a method for the uniform distribution of photonic energy to a culture in a fluid medium that overcomes the problems of the turbidity of a dense culture and of bio-filming.2. Description of the Related ArtThe rapid and high density growth of photosynthetic microorganisms is critical in many industrial applications. These industrial applications include, without limitation, providing biomass used to extract biofuel, providing biomass used to produce methane by anaerobically digesting the biomass, producing food or specialized nutriceuticals, such as EPA and DHA for animals and humans, producing food and a growth environment for aquaculture, and consuming and sequestering industrial waste products such as CO. Providing faster growth and producing high density cultures is critical to achieving the operational scale necessary for current environmental and industrial needs. Ideally, improving the speed of growth and increasing the density of a culture will require less production space and consequently will lower the cost of associated facilities.Effective control of light. To maximize the growth of photosynthetic organisms, light must be available at ...

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31-10-2013 дата публикации

METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR CULTIVATING PHOTOTROPIC MICROORGANISMS

Номер: US20130288228A1
Принадлежит:

Method and apparatus for biomass cultivation (preferably using algae) incorporating photo bio-reactor (PBR) technology coupled with a heat sink to increase energy efficiency. An external PBR array is coupled to an indoor storage tank system with a volume equal to or greater than the volume of the PBR array. A controller can be used to optimize the growth of biomass by optimizing three key growth parameters: exposure to sunlight, temperature and nutrients. The indoor tank system serves as a reservoir where algae can be protected from harsh ambient conditions, minimizing the cost of energy for heating and cooling that would normally be incurred to accommodate ambient temperature swings caused by weather if the biomass is always stored in an outdoor PBR array. During cold winter nights, the biomass can be brought indoors to conserve thermal energy. 1. A method for cultivating phototropic organisms , the method comprising:(a) providing a colonized growth medium comprising a colony of phototropic organisms in a growth medium capable of supporting population growth of the colony;(b) introducing the colonized growth medium into a photo-bioreactor (PBR) exposed to the ambient environment, such that the colonized growth medium in the PBR is exposed to sunlight during daylight hours;(c) monitoring temperature conditions in the PBR, and;(d) automatically implementing at least one of the following functions:(i) moving the colonized growth medium from the PBR into the holding volume to prevent colonized growth medium in the PBR from being exposed to non-optimal temperatures; and(ii) moving at the colonized growth medium from the holding volume into the PBR to expose the colonized growth medium in the PBR to growth conditions.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the holding volume is larger than the volume of the PBR.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of moving the colonized growth medium from the PBR into the holding volume to prevent colonized growth medium in the PBR ...

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31-10-2013 дата публикации

SYSTEM FOR ANAEROBIC DIGESTION OF SOLID AND SOLUBLE ORGANIC WASTES, BY-PRODUCTS AND RESIDUES

Номер: US20130288326A1
Принадлежит:

The subject invention provides advantageous systems and processes for anaerobic digestion of organic waste streams, particularly agricultural waste streams. According to this invention, a new process is provided in which a liquid fraction from an organic waste stream comprising soluble compounds is segregated and incubated in a reactor separate from the solids fraction of the organic waste stream. Digestion of waste in both reactors occurs substantially simultaneously and both reactors produce biogas (thus both reactors function essentially like single stage reactors but allow for continuous or intermittent loading). According to one aspect of the invention, at least one cross-flow baffle is provided for use in an anaerobic digester to collect biogas and break up clumped solids in the reactor. In another aspect of the invention, packing media for use in an anaerobic digester is provided. 1. A continuous feed anaerobic digester system for converting degradable solid waste feedstock into useful materials , wherein the system comprises:at least one single stage anaerobic reactor for treating a solid waste stream (SD reactor);at least one single-stage anaerobic reactor for treating soluble components in waste water separated from solid waste stream (AFR reactor); andat least one conduit connecting the SD reactor to the AFR reactor;wherein the SD reactor comprises at least one cross-flow baffle.2. The digester system of claim 1 , wherein the cross-flow baffle comprises an elongate body composed of two side walls and a top section that together form an inverted substantially V-shaped transverse cross section.3. The digester system of claim 2 , wherein the inverted substantially V-shaped transverse cross section partially bounds a collection channel for at least one gas produced in the SD reactor and the side walls comprise a permeable material.4. The digester system of claim 3 , wherein the permeable material is a mesh material having a pore size that is dependent on ...

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07-11-2013 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BIOMASS DIGESTION

Номер: US20130291608A1
Автор: Johnson Detlev K.
Принадлежит:

Provided herein are systems and methods for biomass digestion and products formed thereof. The products include one or more biogases, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classified Class A Biosolids, and pathogen reduced organic liquid fertilizer. Through the digestion of waste materials using sequential phases in an efficient digestion process, enhanced biomass conversion efficiency and improved output of products (in quantity and/or quality) are obtained with a significant reduction in dwell time in each phase. 1. A method for digesting a biomass , the method comprising:processing at least a portion of the biomass in a first unit to undergo a first digestion, wherein the first digestion is performed at a first temperature;processing at least another portion of the biomass in a second unit, wherein the at least another portion of the biomass transferred from the first unit to the second unit, wherein the at least another portion of the biomass in the second unit undergoes a second digestion, wherein the second digestion is performed at a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature;processing at least a further portion of the biomass in at least one third unit, wherein the at least further portion of the biomass is transferred from the second unit to the at least one third unit, wherein in the at least one third unit the processing includes a third digestion, wherein the third digestion is performed at a third temperature that is higher than either the first temperature or the second temperature;diverting at least a portion of feedstream from the at least one third unit after undergoing the third digestion, wherein diverting provides a bioproduct suitable as one or more of a fuel, supplement, fertilizer and gas.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first unit digestion is a hydrolysis reaction performed under aerobic conditions.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second unit digestion is an acidification reaction performed under anaerobic ...

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07-11-2013 дата публикации

CIRCULATION SYSTEM

Номер: US20130295598A1
Принадлежит: TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET BERLIN

A self-contained circulation system, which supports the formation of capillaries in capillary growth sections and allows the formation of micro organoids and/or micro tissue sections for monitoring the effect of one or more test compounds and determining efficacy, side-effects, biosafety, metabolites, mode of action or organ regeneration as well as methods of establishing such micro organoids and/or micro tissue in the self-contained circulation system. 1. A circulation system , which is self-contained and comprises:a. at least one capillary growth section, comprising at least two micro inlets and two micro outlets,b. a directional pumping device, andc. an arteriolar transport channel connecting the directional pumping device and the at least two inlets and a venular transport channel connecting the directional pumping device and the at least two outlets.2. The circulation system of claim 1 , wherein the circulation system comprises at least two capillary growth sections.3. The circulation system of claim 1 , wherein one capillary growth section is at least in part gas permeable.4. The circulation system of claim 1 , wherein the capillary growth section comprises or consists of a semi-solid claim 1 , biocompatible matrix and/or semi-solid claim 1 , biocompatible hollow fibres.5. The circulation system of claim 4 , wherein the biocompatible matrix comprises micro channels claim 4 , structures and/or networks claim 4 , which allow formation of capillaries by endothelial cells.6. The circulation system of claim 1 , wherein a section of the capillary growth section is devoid of micro inlets and outlets.7. The circulation system of claim 1 , wherein the capillary growth section further comprises an extra-capillary fluid and/or waste collector.8. The circulation system of claim 1 , wherein the extra-capillary fluid and/or waste collector is separated from the biocompatible matrix and/or biocompatible hollow fibre by a cell retention membrane or by cell exclusion channels. ...

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07-11-2013 дата публикации

Apparatus and Method for Treating Organic Waste

Номер: US20130295625A1

The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating organic waste including: a first circulation line having a first circulation pump connected thereon so as to supply a portion of the organic waste being acid fermented in an acid fermenter to a methane fermenter; a second circulation line having a second circulation pump connected thereon so as to supply a portion of anaerobic digestive fluid methane fermented in the methane fermenter to the acid fermenter; and vortex generating means having a plurality of first, second and third nozzles disposed in the methane fermenter so as to allow the anaerobic digestive fluid in the methane fermenter to be agitated by vortices generated thereof. 1. An apparatus for treating organic waste , in which an acid fermenter , a methane fermenter , a buffer tank and a membrane device are disposed , the apparatus comprising:a first circulation line having a first circulation pump connected thereon so as to supply a portion of the organic waste being acid fermented in the acid fermenter to the methane fermenter;a second circulation line having a second circulation pump connected thereon so as to supply a portion of anaerobic digestive fluid methane fermented in the methane fermenter to the acid fermenter; andvortex generating means having a plurality of first, second and third nozzles disposed in the methane fermenter so as to allow the anaerobic digestive fluid in the methane fermenter to be agitated by vortices generated thereof,wherein the vortex generating means comprises:a first nozzle part having the plurality of first nozzles disposed at a given angle on a first nozzle pipe so as to form water flows in one direction in the anaerobic digestive fluid fermented in the methane fermenter;a second nozzle part having the plurality of second nozzles disposed at a given angle on a second nozzle pipe so as to form water flows in the opposite direction to the injection direction of the first nozzle part; anda first vortex circulation ...

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07-11-2013 дата публикации

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIGESTION OF SOLID WASTE

Номер: US20130295658A1
Принадлежит:

This invention relates generally to systems and methods for digestion of solid waste that simplify solids handling. In certain embodiments, anaerobic methane extraction takes place for a period of time (e.g., from 1 to 4 weeks), after which an aerobic composting process begins in the same chamber. The organic waste remains in place and oxygen (e.g., in air) is forced into the chamber for an additional period of time (e.g., from 2 to 4 weeks). At the conclusion of the aerobic phase, the process yields a rough compost product that is stable and pathogen free. The rough compost can be further processed and blended to create high value engineered soils. 1. An apparatus for decomposition of organic matter into biogas and compost , the system comprising:a waste processing tank into which solid organic waste is loaded and in which hydrolysis and composting takes place at separate times, with composting of the solid organic waste taking place during a separate stage after hydrolysis is completed, wherein the waste processing tank comprises a drain at or near its base, the drain allowing flow of percolation liquid out of the waste processing tank during the hydrolysis stage, the drain also serving as a vent through which air flows into and/or out of the solid organic waste in the waste processing tank during the composting stage;a spraying system configured to spray percolate liquid onto the solid organic waste in the waste processing tank during the hydrolysis stage, wherein the percolate liquid comprises fatty acids leached from the solid organic waste and wherein the percolate liquid is recycled from the base of the waste processing tank during the hydrolysis stage; anda biogas reactor tank into which the percolate liquid from the waste processing tank is pumped for generation of biogas under anaerobic conditions during a gasification stage.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the waste processing tank is configured to operate at ambient pressure during the hydrolysis ...

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07-11-2013 дата публикации

CLOSED TYPE PHOTO-BIO REACTING APPARATUS FOR MICROALGAE

Номер: US20130295659A1
Принадлежит:

Disclosed is a closed type photo-bio reacting apparatus for microalgae. The apparatus includes a reactor body, a hollow fiber membrane contact unit, a fluid circulating pump, a light source, and an angle adjusting lift. The reactor body cultures the microalgae. The hollow fiber membrane contact unit is disposed in the reactor body and supplies carbon dioxide to culture solution circulating in the reactor body. The fluid circulating pump circulates the culture solution in the reactor body. The light source irradiates light into the reactor body. The angle adjusting lift adjusts an inclination angle of the reactor body according to an irradiation angle of the light source. 1. A closed type photo-bio reacting apparatus for microalgae comprising:a reactor body configured for culturing the microalgae;a hollow fiber membrane contact unit disposed in the reactor body and supplying carbon dioxide to a culture solution circulating in the reactor body;a fluid circulating pump circulating the culture solution in the reactor body;a light source irradiating light into the reactor body; andan angle adjusting lift configured to adjust an inclination angle of the reactor body according to an irradiation angle of the light source.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the reactor body is formed using a plurality of cylindrical pipes claim 1 , and the plurality of cylindrical pipes are detachably connected to each other via flanges that are configured to increase or reduce a volume of the reactor body.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the culture solution and the microalgae flow in the same direction inside the reactor body claim 1 , and are supplied with carbon dioxide necessary for growth of the microalgae due to a concentration difference of a membrane while passing through the hollow fiber membrane contact unit.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the hollow fiber membrane contact unit comprises a hollow fiber potting module having a culture solution inlet and a culture ...

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07-11-2013 дата публикации

Apparatus and Method for Growing Cells

Номер: US20130295662A1
Принадлежит: FiberCell Production Solutions LLC

A system and method for culturing cells is provided that includes an extra-capillary space between at least one permeable hollow fiber and an enclosed chamber. Cells are placed in the extra-capillary space to grow. One or more reservoirs containing cell-culture media and/or an oxygen-containing gas are provided in communication with the at least one fiber. The system is configured to generate alternating flows of both the cell-culture media and the gas through a lumen of the hollow fiber(s), thereby passing both nutrients and gas through the walls of the fiber(s) to the cells in the extra-capillary space to provide a suitable environment for growth and/or proliferation of the cells. Flows of liquid and gas through the hollow fiber(s) can be produced by gravity and/or various pumping configurations. 1. An apparatus for growing biological cells , comprising:an enclosed chamber comprising at least one hollow fiber disposed in said enclosed chamber, andat least one reservoir containing a liquid media and/or a gas,wherein the at least one hollow fiber is formed of a permeable material,wherein the at least one hollow fiber has a lumen provided in fluid communication with the at least one reservoir to facilitate flow of the liquid media and the gas therethrough, andwherein an extra-capillary space capable of containing the cells is defined between an interior of the enclosed chamber and an exterior surface of the at least one hollow fiber.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one reservoir comprises at least one first reservoir provided in fluid communication with the lumen of the at least one hollow fiber proximal to a first end of the chamber claim 1 , and at least one second reservoir provided in fluid communication with the lumen of the at least one hollow fiber proximal to a second end of the chamber.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the flow of the liquid media through the at least one hollow fiber is driven by gravity.4. The apparatus of claim 2 , ...

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14-11-2013 дата публикации

OPTOFLUIDIC PHOTOBIOREACTOR APPARATUS, METHOD, AND APPLICATIONS

Номер: US20130302869A1
Принадлежит: CORNELL UNIVERSITY

An optofluidic photobioreactor including an optical waveguide having an input, characterized by an evanescent optical field confined along an outer surface of the optical waveguide produced by radiation propagating in the optical waveguide, means for inputting light to the input of the optical waveguide, and a selected photosynthetic microorganism disposed substantially within the evanescent field. A method for optically exciting a photosynthetic microorganism for generating a biofuel, a biofuel precursor, or a biomass from the optically-excited photosynthetic microorganism involves irradiating the photosynthetic microorganism attached to the surface of the waveguide with an evanescent optical field from optical radiation propagating in the optical waveguide, and driving photosynthesis in the microorganism by the evanescent optical field. 1. An optofluidic photobioreactor , comprising:an optical waveguide having an input, characterized by an evanescent optical field confined along an outer surface of the optical waveguide produced by radiation propagating in the optical waveguide;means for inputting light to the input of the optical waveguide; anda selected photosynthetic microorganism disposed substantially within the evanescent field.2. The photobioreactor of claim 1 , wherein the optical waveguide is an unclad optical fiber having a diameter claim 1 , d claim 1 , where 10 μm≦d≦100 μm claim 1 , and an input end.3. The photobioreactor of claim 2 , wherein the optical waveguide is a multi-mode optical fiber.4. The photobioreactor of claim 2 , further comprising a plurality of optical waveguides disposed in a side-by-side array configuration and having a center-to-center intra-waveguide separation claim 2 , D claim 2 , where d≦D≦1.5d.5. The photobioreactor of claim 4 , further comprising a photobioreactor enclosure having an input and an output claim 4 , inside of which the plurality of optical waveguides are disposed claim 4 , wherein the photobioreactor enclosure ...

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