US4746615A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sterilizable fluidized bed fermenter
Assignee: Hoechst AG
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Filing: 1987-07-28
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Granted: 1988-05-24
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Expires: 2007-07-28
Abstract
Abstract It is possible by use of a sterilizable fluidized bed fermenter to carry out low-moisture fermentations. Fluidizable granulated microorganisms are used for this fermentation under sterile conditions in the fluidized bed fermenter which is initially operated as a bubble column.
Inventors
- 👤 Rainer Buchholz
- 👤 Hans-Matthias Deger
- 👤 Hartmut Voelskow
- 👤 Rolf Woernle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 19:14
CPC Classifications
C; C12; C12M; C12M29/00; C12M29/20; C12M25/00; C12M25/16; C12M25/20; C12M29/04; C12M29/06; C12M41/00; C12M41/12; C12M41/18; C12M41/22; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S435/00; Y10S435/813
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A sterilizable fluidized bed fermenter for carrying out low-moisture fermentations, in which use is made of microorganisms which are cultured under sterile conditions in the fluidized bed fermenter itself, which is initially operated as a bubble column, and are converted into fluidizable granules, which has the following features (a) the fluidized bed fermenter (1) has at the bottom an orifice (2) for introducing a stream of gas, and an inlet bottom section (3) with a perforated or sintered disk (4) for distributing the stream of gas, (b) one or more filter elements (5) are mounted on the side of the bottom part of the fluidized bed fermenter and can be used to draw off the used culture broth under sterile conditions,
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
A sterilizable fluidized bed fermenter for carrying out low-moisture fermentations, in which use is made of microorganisms which are cultured under sterile conditions in the fluidized bed fermenter itself, which is initially operated as a bubble column, and are converted into fluidizable granules, which has the following features (a) the fluidized bed fermenter (1) has at the bottom an orifice (2) for introducing a stream of gas, and an inlet bottom section (3) with a perforated or sintered disk (4) for distributing the stream of gas, (b) one or more filter elements (5) are mounted on the side of the bottom part of the fluidized bed fermenter and can be used to draw off the used culture broth under sterile conditions,
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
(c) there is provision of a reservoir (6) which is provided with a steam line (a) and a substrate line (b), from which the fluidizable granules can be sprayed with nutrient solution through a line (c) and a nozzle (16),
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
(c) there is provision of a reservoir (6) which is provided with a steam line (a) and a substrate line (b), from which the fluidizable granules can be sprayed with nutrient solution through a line (c) and a nozzle (16),
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
(d) there is a temperature-controllable air humidifier (7) which prevents the microorganisms being dried out by the stream of gas, and
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
(d) there is a temperature-controllable air humidifier (7) which prevents the microorganisms being dried out by the stream of gas, and
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
(e) there is a device for introducing superheated steam, a jacket heat-exchanger or a heating element (8) for sterilizing all the fittings of the fluidized bed fermenter which are in direct contact with the microorganisms.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
(e) there is a device for introducing superheated steam, a jacket heat-exchanger or a heating element (8) for sterilizing all the fittings of the fluidized bed fermenter which are in direct contact with the microorganisms.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
A fluidized bed fermenter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stream of gas introduced through the bottom orifice (2) to fluidize the microorganisms is recirculated.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
A fluidized bed fermenter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stream of gas introduced through the bottom orifice (2) to fluidize the microorganisms is passed straight through.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
A fluidized bed fermenter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gases formed in the fermentation are removed through a membrane filter candle (11), a valve (14) and an additional filter element (15).
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
A fluidized bed fermenter as claimed in claim 3, wherein the amounts of gas formed during fermention which are removed from the fermeter are replaced by introducing oxygen or air through the bottom orifice (2).
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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) | 1991-05-24 | 1991-11-23 | 1992-05-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-05-24 | 1995-11-23 | 1996-05-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-05-24 | 1999-11-23 | 2000-05-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |