Frederick C Colwell

US Patent:

58220747, Oct 13, 1998

Filed:

Feb 25, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/804995

Inventors:

Vance A. Deason - Idaho Falls ID
Frederick S. Colwell - Idaho Falls ID
Kirk L. Ricks - Idaho Falls ID

Assignee:

Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Company - Idaho Falls ID

International Classification:

G01N 2155
G01K 1100

US Classification:

356445

Abstract:

A sensing device for sensing an environmental factor. The device includes a retroreflective layer disposed in a parallel, facing relationship with a sensing layer. The sensing layer has an initial optical absorption capacity for (i) sensing a presence of an environmental factor, (ii) experiencing a change in optical absorption capacity responsive to said environmental factor, and (iii) transmitting and attenuating light. A first portion of the sensing layer is sealed off from exposure to the environment while a second portion remains exposed to the environment such that, when the environmental factor is present, the first portion of the sensing layer is prevented from experiencing a change in optical absorption capacity responsive to said environmental factor. Well-collimated light beams are passed through the sensing layer and are reflected back from the retroreflective layer for processing. When the environmental factor is present, the beams which pass through the second portion are attenuated responsive to an increase in optical absorption capacity and are compared with the non-attenuated beams passing through the first portion to calculate the presence and quantity of the environmental factor.

US Patent:

59225599, Jul 13, 1999

Filed:

Nov 11, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/967472

Inventors:

Frederick S. Colwell - Idaho Falls ID
Gill G. Geesey - Bozeman MT
Richard J. Gillis - Bozeman MT
R. Michael Lehman - Idaho Falls ID

Assignee:

Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Company - Idaho Falls ID

International Classification:

C12Q 124

US Classification:

435 30

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for determining the nutrients to stimulate microorganisms in a particular environment. A representative sample of microorganisms from a particular environment are contacted with multiple support means wherein each support means has intimately associated with the surface of the support means a different nutrient composition for said microorganisms in said sample. The multiple support means is allowed to remain in contact with the microorganisms in the sample for a time period sufficient to measure difference in microorganism effects for the multiple support means. Microorganism effects for the multiple support means are then measured and compared. The invention is particularly adaptable to being conducted in situ. The additional steps of regulating nutrients added to the particular environment of microorganisms can enhance the desired results. Biological systems particularly suitable for this invention are bioremediation, biologically enhanced oil recovery, biological leaching of metals, and agricultural bioprocesses.

US Patent:

56862997, Nov 11, 1997

Filed:

May 23, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/448022

Inventors:

Frederick S. Colwell - Idaho Falls ID
Gill G. Geesey - Bozeman MT
Richard J. Gillis - Bozeman MT
R. Michael Lehman - Idaho Falls ID

Assignee:

Lockheed Idaho Technologies Company - Idaho Falls ID

International Classification:

C12M 300
E21B 4900

US Classification:

4352871

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for determining the nutrients to stimulate microorganisms in a particular environment. A representative sample of microorganisms from a particular environment are contacted with multiple support means wherein each support means has intimately associated with the surface of the support means a different nutrient composition for said microorganisms in said sample. The multiple support means is allowed to remain in contact with the microorganisms in the sample for a time period sufficient to measure differences in microorganism effects for the multiple support means. Microorganism effects for the multiple support means are then measured and compared. The invention is particularly adaptable to being conducted in situ. The additional steps of regulating nutrients added to the particular environment of microorganisms can enhance the desired results. Biological systems particularly suitable for this invention are bioremediation, biologically enhanced oil recovery, biological leaching of metals, and agricultural bioprocesses.