| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 047100400 | ALGAE CULTURE | 35 |
| 20130042522 | Ponds for the culture of photosynthetic organisms - The present invention relates to a method for the construction of land-based covered ponds for the aquaculture of photosynthetic organisms and the associated device constituted by a very long gutter which serves both as a wall shared by two juxtaposed ponds, support for the covering of the ponds, passageway for the operating staff and rainwater receptacle. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20100107487 | METHODS FOR ESTIMATING INTRINSIC AUTOTROPHIC BIOMASS YIELD AND PRODUCTIVITY IN UNICELLULAR PHOTOSYNTHETIC ALGAE - A robust methodology is described herein for determining the algae biomass photoautotrophic yield (in gram of biomass synthesized per μmole of absorbed photons), which is useful for reliable biomass productivity estimates for selecting, comparing, and optimizing algae cultures for large-scale production. Another method is provided herein to increase dissolved inorganic carbon concentration and alleviate limitations common in aerated small-scale batches. This carbonate addition method allows for a more accurate determination of the algae culture photoautotrophic yield under small-scale experimental conditions. Also provided herein is a method for estimating a light spectrum-dependent scatter-corrected algae-specific absorption cross section, which permits the use of Beer's law to estimate the fraction of photons absorbed by a given algae culture. Determination of the algae photoautotrophic yield and absorption cross section enable a full photobioreactor parameterization and the resulting capacity to achieve highly controlled nutrients-supply conditions. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20130061518 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGH-VOLTAGE PULSE ASSISTED AGGREGATION OF ALGAE - A method and device for aggregating algae in an aqueous solution is disclosed. The method can include providing an algae feed comprising a liquid and algae dispersed therein. The algae feed can be aggregated by applying a nanosecond pulsed electric field to the algae feed. The nanosecond pulsed electric field can include a plurality of electric pulses having a pulse duration ranging from 1 to 1,000 nanoseconds. The method can also include separating an aggregated algae stream from the algae feed and feeding the aggregated algae stream to a lipid extraction operation. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20120247008 | HIGH-EFFICIENCY BIOREACTOR AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF - Methods and systems for growing algae are disclosed. For example, disclosed is an exemplary bioreactor for growing algae that includes a chamber, a liquid-permeable membrane that includes a plurality of hollow fiber membranes disposed within the chamber. Each hollow fiber membrane can include a hollow interior and may be made of a liquid-permeable, algae-impermeable membrane, and each hollow fiber membrane may be disposed within the chamber. The respective interiors of the hollow fiber membranes may at least partially define an inner-capillary space (ICS). The interior of the chamber and respective exteriors of the hollow fiber membranes may at least partially define an extra-capillary space (ECS). When algae is grown in the ECS, lipids produced by the algae may be extracted from the ECS to the ICS via the hollow fiber membranes without killing the majority of algae and while containing the algae to the ECS. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20090126265 | ALGAE CULTIVATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Embodiments of the present invention relate to algae cultivation systems and methods. In an embodiment, an algae cultivation system is included. The algae cultivation system can include a cultivation tank, a plurality of light transmitting elements configured to be at least partially submerged in a liquid medium disposed within the cultivation tank, wherein the light transmitting elements increase the effective surface area of the liquid medium exposed to light, and a plurality of gas injectors configured to emit gas into the liquid medium. In an embodiment a method of culturing algae is included. The method can include measuring the amount of carbon dioxide in a cultivation system and modulating the amount of light being supplied to the cultivation system based on the measured amount of carbon dioxide. In an embodiment, a method of culturing algae can include measuring the amount of light being input into a cultivation system and modulating the amount of carbon dioxide being supplied to the cultivation system based on the measured amount of light. Other embodiments are also described herein. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20110283608 | BIO-MASS FARMING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A bio-mass farming system comprises a plurality of repositories ( | 11-24-2011 |
| 20100325948 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND MEDIA FOR CIRCULATING AND CARBONATING FLUID IN AN ALGAE CULTIVATION POND - Systems, methods and media for carbonation of fluid in an algae cultivation pond via the use of jets are disclosed. Carbon dioxide is provided to a pressurized fluid. A jet of carbonated fluid is generated from the pressurized fluid and the carbon dioxide. Circulation of the fluid in the algae cultivation pond is initiated via the jet of carbonated fluid. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100170151 | Aquaculture Harvesting, Gas Exchange, and Media Circulation Device and Method of Use - An aquaculture harvesting, gas exchange, and media circulation device and method of use for the cultivation and collection of microalgae is disclosed. The current invention couples water motion, gas exchange, and harvesting into one comprehensive system. A modified airlift pump is used to circulate water, exchange gas, and facilitate harvesting. By eliminating other energy consuming components, a more energy efficient and cost effective device and method is disclosed for the production of microalgae, which can be used as a biofuel or food source while simultaneously removing carbon dioxide from the environment. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100170149 | ALGAE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Algae production systems and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an algae production system can include a plurality of elongated growth receptacles arranged in a desired configuration at a work site. The growth receptacles have a generally non-circular cross-sectional profile and are configured to hold an algae culture, and wherein the individual growth receptacles have a generally non-circular cross-sectional profile. The system can also include a carbon dioxide (CO | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100162620 | Optimization of Algal Product Production through Uncoupling Cell Proliferation and Algal Product Production - In algae, the conditions for optimal production of biomass are different than the optimal conditions for oil/lipid production. Conventional processes require that both steps be optimized simultaneously which is necessarily sub optimal. The invention provides systems and processes for optimizing each type of production separately and independently, thereby improving overall production of oil, lipids and other useful products. This process is advantageous because it allows the optimization of the individual steps and growth phases in the production of oil from biomass. This allows the use of different feedstocks for various process steps. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100154298 | Open Ocean Floating Algae Farm - An open ocean floating algae farm built around a ship. The ship provides propulsion power for navigation, storage capacity for materials and algae products, machinery for harvesting and processing the algae, housing for crew, and facilities for maintenance of the floating farm. The invention is also comprised of transparent tubes that circulate a broth of seawater saturated with CO | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100162621 | ALGAE HIGH DENSITY BIOREACTOR - The invention disclosed herein relates to an ultra high intensity micro algal bioreactor designed to minimize the area foot print while completely controlling and optimizing the conditions for growing one or more specific strains of micro algae at maximum efficiency and minimum cost. The innovative bioreactor is in the form of an algae growing assembly that comprises a plurality of growing trays vertically stacked together and retained within a transparent housing. Each growing tray is configured to flowingly transport nutrient enriched water to the growing tray positioned immediately beneath it. Each growing tray is composed of a stiff transparent plastic sheet having a pliable transparent gas permeable membrane affixed thereon. A carbon dioxide gas infusion system is fluidicly connected to each of the plurality of growing trays such that carbon dioxide gas is able to (1) inflate respective carbon dioxide gas chambers, and (2) diffuse into the nutrient enriched water. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100257781 | SOLAR-AUGMENTED, NOX- AND CO2-RECYCLING, POWER PLANT - Stack gases of a burner, such as a power plant or other combustion source, may be remediated by a captive algae farm cycling some portion of the stack gases through a scrubber, and ultimately out into a manifold feeding a farm composed of tubes hosting the growth of algae. Liquids from the scrubber, including water capturing volatile organic compounds, solid particulates, nitrogen compounds, sulfur compounds, carbon dioxide, and the like, remediate the water and feed the algae farm. Meanwhile, the vapors and other gases provide an environment rich in water vapor, nitrogen compounds acting as fertilizer, and carbon dioxide to feed the algae to promote increased rates of growth. The algae may be recycled as a fuel itself, or may be harvested for use as a soil amendment to enrich the organic content of soils. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100236141 | Method of hormesis for seaweed through irradiation - Through a low-dose irradiation, a seaweed's growth becomes fast and its production is improved as well. By doing so, a material for biomass energy is provided. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100242355 | Ecosystem and apparatus to increase crop yield by treating agricultural land with Algal by-products - A method to improve the yield of an acre of a crop having a growing season of less than one year. The method includes the steps of providing an irrigation system for the crop, providing an ecosystem producing algal by-products, and applying the algal by-crop to the crop with irrigation water. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100170150 | Method and Systems for Solar-Greenhouse Production and Harvesting of Algae, Desalination of Water and Extraction of Carbon Dioxide from Flue Gas via Controlled and Variable Gas Atomization - Method and means are described that constitute systems for utilizing solar energy to facilitate the following processes: 1. Grow and collect micro-algae as a source of bio-fuel or industrial products; 2. Desalinate sea, brackish or waste water for industrial use; 3. Extract carbon dioxide from flue gas. The method employs two modified greenhouses, one for growing algae and/or preheating air and aqueous liquid mixtures, and the other for harvesting and drying algae or other finely dispersed solids content of slurries. The processes are controlled by varying the degree of atomization with linear nozzles. In the first greenhouse, linear nozzles spray liquid sheets and coarse droplets to absorb solar energy. In the second greenhouse, linear nozzles finely atomize suspensions for solar drying. The method and greenhouses are also utilized for solar desalination of water and for extraction carbon dioxide coupled with its absorption in magnesium hydroxide slurry. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20110113682 | BUBBLER - A bubble column for facilitating algae growth comprised a tank adapted to contain a volume of growth medium with algae growing therein, with a light pipe disposed centrally therein and extending from near the top surface of the growth medium in the tank to near the bottom of the tank. The light pipe illuminates substantially the entire volume of the growth medium. A diffuser is positioned at or near the bottom of the tank and receives a gas stream, and converts the gas stream to a stream of bubbles that agitate the algae without creating a fluid flow within the tank. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110078949 | BREEDING AND REPRODUCTION SYSTEM FOR LIGHT-INTENSIVE MICROORGANISMS (SUCH AS ALGAE) - The invention relates to a system for the breeding and reproduction of microorganisms, comprising a basin system ( | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110041395 | Integrated Agriculture and Aquaculture Production System - The present invention concerns a system for the production of high yield agricultural and aquaculture products using separate, discrete and scalable production units that cooperate to provide a low carbon food production facility. A combination of greenhouses, hydroponic farms, fish hatcheries and on-site pyrolysis-gasification generators is used to produce and consume almost all the necessary materials from a feed stock of municipal waste, and other forms of carbon-containing waste feed stocks. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110247262 | PHOTOBIOREACTOR FOR MASS-CULTURING MARINE MICROALGAE USING SEMI-PERMEABLE MEMBRANE - Provided is a photobioreactor for mass-culturing marine microalgae using a semi-permeable membrane. The photobioreactor installed in a floating type on a water level or soaked at a predetermined depth from the water level to mass-culture isolated marine microalgae includes a culturing bag formed of the semi-permeable membrane through which enables seawater to exist, but prevents the marine microalgae from being penetrated, the culturing bag being configured to provide a three-dimensionally culturing space for accommodating the marine microalgae; and a floating unit connected to the culturing bag to dispose the culturing bag near the sea level, thereby exposing the culturing bag to sunlight. Since the photobioreactor for mass-culturing the marine microalgae using the semi-permeable membrane is provided, the photobioreactor may be manufactured at a low cost and free from the spatial restrictions, thereby enabling the expansion of the photobioreactor in both the horizontal and vertical directions. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20100005711 | Lighted Algae Cultivation Systems - Embodiments of the present invention relate to algae cultivation systems that include light sources and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes an algae cultivation system including a tank configured to hold a liquid medium and a rotor disposed within the tank. The rotor can be configured to be rotated while disposed within the tank. The system can also include a light source coupled to the rotor such that the light source rotates within the tank when the rotor rotates within the tank. Other embodiments are also described herein. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20120198761 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING AND HARVESTING ALGAE - An apparatus and method are described for producing and harvesting algae. The orientation of the production substrates is critical for maximizing production as a function of water area utilized. By employing an array of algae production substrates in a vertical configuration relative to the water surface, the yield of algae production per area of open water is increased substantially relative to prior art algae production systems. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20110258920 | V-Trough Photobioreactor System and Method of Use - 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. In one aspect, a photobioreactor is disclosed which comprises a cavity defined by: a substantially V-shaped base comprising: two base walls, said base walls meeting proximate to an axis defining an interior angle, each base wall comprising: a sloped portion and a substantially vertical portion, a proximal end and a distal end, and a length extending along said axis and a width extending perpendicular to said axis; the cavity being further defined by: a proximal side wall adjacent to said proximal end, and a distal side wall adjacent to said distal end; and the photobioreactor system further comprising: at least one gas delivery system disposed within said cavity and extending parallel to said axis, and at least one carbon dioxide delivery system disposed within said cavity and extending parallel to said axis. In other aspects, methods of use of these systems and kits for their assembly are disclosed. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20100031561 | Raceways for Cultivating Algae - A raceway for cultivating algae in a liquid medium, comprising one or more precipitators positioned along the raceway, and at which precipitators the algal biomass produced in the raceway is precipitated from the liquid medium and concentrated. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20110107664 | Nutrient System and Methods - A nutrient system for automatically supplying growth medium to an algae growth system comprises a tank for mixing nutrients, together with a plurality of computer-controlled pumps for supplying metered amounts of selected constituents to the tank. The nutrient mix is heated to a preselected temperature under computer control, and recirculated until the desired uniformity is achieved. The nutrient mix is then supplied to the algae growth system. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20090113790 | ALGAE PRODUCTION - Methods and systems for algae production are provided, the methods and systems generally comprising providing at least one body of water having an algae population in suspension, growing algae, heating the body of water with a heat source, heating the algae process with a heat source, drying the algae with a heat source, and covering the body of water with a cover. Heat recovery systems, algae processing, and covers are also provided. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20100287829 | SUBMERSIBLE AQUATIC ALGAE CULTIVATION SYSTEM - Floating ponds for the cultivation of algae are disclosed. The floating ponds consist of a buoyant framework, a liner, a culture, and a mooring system. Submersible floating ponds are disclosed with a buoyant framework built from tubes that may be filled or partially filled with, for example, air, or water, or the surrounding water, or the culture, and thereby the present invention provides a framework in which the buoyancy may be modulated. Use of submerging lines and spools are disclosed to control the orientation and depth of the floating pond during submersion. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20120210636 | Large Scale Syngas BTU Enhancement for Power Generation - A method and system for converting low BTU synthesis gas (Syngas), and synthesis gas that has been generated in situ, into a higher BTU product while minimizing the process carbon footprint. Preferably, a plasma gassifier is used to generate the syngas. Sensible heat is recovered and applied to produce electricity. The syngas is water gas shifted to enhance hydrogen production. Gasification is performed in a pyrolysis mode of operation, a nitrogen reduced mode of operation, an oxygen enriched mode of operation, or a coke supplemented mode of operation. The syngas is delivered to a reactor to produce product. The reactor is any of a pellet style reactor, a monolith style reactor, a foam reactor, a ceramic foam reactor, an alumina oxide reactor, and an alpha alumina oxide reactor. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20110113681 | USE OF BY-PRODUCT CARBON DIOXIDE FROM A STEAM METHANE REFORMER IN AN ALGAE BIOFUEL PRODUCTION PROCESS - Carbon dioxide that is collected as a by-product of hydrogen production from a steam methane reformer (SMR) is used as a feed stock for growth of algae biomass for various purposes, e.g. biofuel production, chemical intermediates, nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals. This invention helps reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, a known greenhouse gas, and helps to optimize algae growth that is used for the production clean biofuel to reduce the dependence on petroleum and fossil fuels. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110119999 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ALL-TERRAIN LARGE-SCALE PRODUCTION OF ALGAE - A modular all-terrain algal production system that includes a plurality of segments. Each segment is made from one or more trays that are adapted to grow algae on their surface. The trays each have a flange end configured to be coupled to non-flanged end of an adjacent tray to form floways. Each floway has a rotatable surge bucket at one end that is able to hold water and spill the water in a wave down the floway into a catchment. The system is supported on uneven terrain by an adjustable structure arranged to provide each floway with a horizontal inclination. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20120279119 | ARCHITECTURE FOR SYMBIOTIC LIVESTOCK AND BIOFUEL PRODUCTION - Methods and apparatus involve locating an algae production facility in close proximity to a livestock production facility whereby the outputs of one or both facilities promotes productivity levels in the facility. In an illustrative example, the algae production facility includes a bioreactor in fluid communication with the atmosphere inside, for example, a poultry facility. In some examples, the atmosphere inside the poultry facility may be around a substantially controlled temperature suitable for poultry. The atmosphere may further contain substantial Nitrogen-content suitable to promote algae growth. Various embodiments may symbiotically consume waste products from each facility to promote production of, for example, protein for food and algae, which may be used for animal feed, for example, and/or processed into fuel. In some examples, the algae production facility may be conveniently packaged into a module. In some examples, the module may be stored and shipped in a conventional shipping container. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20110296749 | Method and apparatus for the cultured sea algae - A method and apparatus for utilizing, processing, distributing and an accompanying business model for sea algae, particularly forced cultured kombu, to prevent the expansion of global warming, by encouraging a re-purchase of the cultured sea algae, by paying the purchaser back, in a constant rate, a part of the profit from the sales of a CO2 omission right, which right depends upon the CO2 absorption and fixation ability. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110308149 | System for Supporting Algae Growth with Adsorbed Carbon Dioxide - A system is provided for supporting algae growth with adsorbed carbon dioxide. In the system, a channel such as a raceway is provided and holds bicarbonate solution. As algae grows in the solution, it is converted into carbonate solution. Therefore, the system provides a high surface area liquid gas contact medium for converting the carbonate solution back into bicarbonate solution. Specifically, the carbonate solution from the channel is delivered to the contact medium. At the contact medium, the carbonate solution drips or slowly moves along while air, containing carbon dioxide, moves across the solution. As carbon dioxide is adsorbed by the solution, it converts back into bicarbonate solution. Then, the bicarbonate solution is fed back into the channel to support further algae growth. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20080236033 | Slow-release floating fertilizer - Floating slow-release fertilizer is designed to significantly reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This granulated fertilizer has a density lighter than seawater. Therefore its pellets can float on the surface of seawater. After being dispensed into water, the pellets are able to continually release certain nutrients for a period of time. During this period, an otherwise inanimate water region is temporarily suitable for plant growth. Floating slow-release fertilizer enables the growth of planting phytoplankton in ocean to remove CO | 10-02-2008 |
| 20130133250 | System and Method for Removing Contaminants in Liquids - A fluid filtration system using a rotating container, comprising a shell having an inlet pipe installation port and an outlet port, the inlet pipe installation port and the outlet port are located on the same or opposite side (end) of the shell, and having some distance from the outermost edge of the shell, such that said rotating container can retain fluid during rotation. Stirring blades are placed inside the shell of said rotating container, which rotate with the shell synchronously. The purification process includes the injection of the fluid into the rotating container, which can withhold liquid during high-speed rotation. When the fluid in the rotating container swirls at high speed, substances of higher densities will accumulate at the internal wall of the rotating container away from the rotation axis, whereas substances of lower densities will accumulate at the inner ring region closer to the rotation axis. | 05-30-2013 |
