US4036699A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fermentation apparatus and method
Assignee: Burns Philp Food Inc
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Filing: 1976-02-02
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Granted: 1977-07-19
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Expires: 1996-02-02
Abstract
Abstract A fermentation apparatus is provided wherein a vessel has mounted therein a draft tube with an impeller adjacent one end thereof to induce circulation of ferment medium through the draft tube and a flow path defined by portions of the draft tube and the vessel. A plurality of conduits have major portions thereof positioned exteriorly of the vessel with the ends thereof opening into portions of the vessel to provide a flow loop for medium from the vessel. Heat exchange means, pump means and oxygen introduction means are provided in each of the conduits to facilitate the fermentation process. In operation, medium taken from one portion of the vessel is returned to another portion of the vessel in a cooled and oxygen-enriched state.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald J. Quigg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 20:47
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12M; C12M27/00; C12M27/18; C12M27/24; B; B01; B01F; B01F23/00; B01F23/20; B01F23/23; B01F23/233; B01F23/2334; B01F23/23341; B01F23/237; B01F23/2376; B01F23/23761; B01F23/237612; C12M29/00; C12M29/18; C12M41/00; C12M41/12; C12M41/18; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S435/00; Y10S435/818
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A fermentation apparatus comprising: a. a vessel having a chamber therein; b. a draft tube mounted in said chamber and having flow openings adjacent opposite ends thereof, said draft tube defining a first flow path therethrough and defining a second flow path between same and portions of said vessel; c. first flow inducing means in said vessel for inducing flow of fluid along said first and second flow paths; d. a conduit having a major portion thereof positioned exteriorly of said vessel and having a first end opening into one of said first flow path and said second flow path and a second end opening into one of said first flow path and said second flow path forming a third flow path with said first and second ends being circumferentially spaced apart; e. heat exchange means positioned exteriorly of the vessel and being in heat transfer relation with said conduit; and f. second flow inducing means in communication with said conduit and being operable to induce flow therethrough.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
A fermentation apparatus comprising: a. a vessel having a chamber therein; b. a draft tube mounted in said chamber and having flow openings adjacent opposite ends thereof, said draft tube defining a first flow path therethrough and defining a second flow path between same and portions of said vessel; c. first flow inducing means in said vessel for inducing flow of fluid along said first and second flow paths; d. a conduit having a major portion thereof positioned exteriorly of said vessel and having a first end opening into one of said first flow path and said second flow path and a second end opening into one of said first flow path and said second flow path forming a third flow path with said first and second ends being circumferentially spaced apart; e. heat exchange means positioned exteriorly of the vessel and being in heat transfer relation with said conduit; and f. second flow inducing means in communication with said conduit and being operable to induce flow therethrough.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: a. said first and second ends are each positioned approximately the same distance from one end of the vessel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein: a. said conduit is in a plurality each having a respective said first heat exchange means in heat transfer relation therewith and second flow inducing means communicating therewith.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 3 including: a. injector means each communicating with a respective said conduit operable to inject oxygen thereinto.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein: a. said second flow inducing means includes an impeller positioned in said conduit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein: a. said first end opens into said first flow path and the second end opens into said second flow path.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-07-18 | 1981-01-17 | 1981-07-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-07-18 | 1985-01-17 | 1985-07-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-07-18 | 1989-01-17 | 1989-07-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |