Patent ID: 6335191
Filing Date: 2002-01-01
Classification: C12M,Y10S

Abstract:
An automated system useful for growing bacteria from a starter population within a predetermined interval and thereafter dispensing the bacteria to perform a utility, the system comprising:a biogeneration chamber having a substantially cylindrical sidewall with an inside surface, a top and a generally conical bottom; the top further comprising feed, water and air inlet ports and a vent port; a centrally disposed chamber outlet port in the conical bottom; an orifice element disposed inside the conical bottom near the outlet port; and a recirculated fluid inlet port in the sidewall at a point slightly above the conical bottom, the recirculated fluid inlet port being directed substantially tangentially along the inside surface of the sidewall so as to create a downwardly spiraling vortex in the center of the biogeneration chamber whenever a recirculated fluid is discharged therefrom; at least one timer; at least one bacteria and nutrient feed source communicating with the feed inlet port, said source being controllable by said at least one timer; a water source communicating with the water inlet port through a valve that is controllable by said at least one timer; a pressurized air supply communicating with the air inlet port, the pressurized air supply being controllable by said at least one timer; a vent line communicating with the vent port; a recirculating pump having an inlet communicating with the chamber outlet port and an outlet communicating with the recirculated fluid inlet port; and a valve disposed between the recirculating pump and the recirculated fluid inlet port that is controllable by said timer to divert flow from the recirculating pump to a drain line that also communicates selectively with the chamber outlet port through the valve and the recirculating pump.