They Invented What? (No. 8)

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U.S. Pat. No. 6,982,161:  Process for the utilization of ruminant animal methane emissions.

 

I claim: 

1. A method for producing methane-utilizing microorganisms in a confined apparatus comprising using the methane exhaled through ruminant animal exhalation as a source of carbon and/or energy for the growth of said microorganisms, comprising:
    a. collecting methane gas that has been exhaled through ruminant animal exhalation,
    b. providing methane-utilizing microorganisms which can use said methane as a source of carbon and/or energy for growth,
    c. providing a growth-culture medium which promotes the growth of said microorganisms, including a nutrient substrate and/or a microorganism immobilization means,
    d. providing a means for the directed mutual-exposure of said methane, said microorganisms, and said growth-culture medium, including a means for the capture and conveyance of said methane and a means for confining said microorganisms, said growth-culture medium, and said methane to a…

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