The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 20, 2010
Filed:
Oct. 12, 2006
Conly L. Hansen, North Logan, UT (US);
Carl S. Hansen, Garland, UT (US);
Kevin Pack, North Logan, UT (US);
John Milligan, North Logan, UT (US);
Bradley C. Benefiel, Idaho Falls, ID (US);
C. Wayne Tolman, Rupert, ID (US);
Kenneth W. Tolman, Rupert, ID (US);
Conly L. Hansen, North Logan, UT (US);
Carl S. Hansen, Garland, UT (US);
Kevin Pack, North Logan, UT (US);
John Milligan, North Logan, UT (US);
Bradley C. Benefiel, Idaho Falls, ID (US);
C. Wayne Tolman, Rupert, ID (US);
Kenneth W. Tolman, Rupert, ID (US);
Utah State University, North Logan, UT (US);
Abstract
An upflow bioreactor includes a vessel having an inlet and an outlet configured for upflow operation. A septum is positioned within the vessel and defines a lower chamber and an upper chamber. The septum includes an aperture that provides fluid communication between the upper chamber and lower chamber. The bioreactor also includes means for releasing pressure buildup in the lower chamber. In one configuration, the septum includes a releasable portion having an open position and a closed position. The releasable portion is configured to move to the open position in response to pressure buildup in the lower chamber. In the open position fluid communication between the lower chamber and the upper chamber is increased. Alternatively the lower chamber can include a pressure release line that is selectively actuated by pressure buildup. The pressure release mechanism can prevent the bioreactor from plugging and/or prevent catastrophic damage to the bioreactor caused by high pressures.