US Patent 7544287 Reciprocating biological contactor and method of use

A bioreactor vessel has a biological support provided within the vessel to support bacteria and a drive system for agitating the biological support while it is it is immersed in the reaction liquor that is to be treated within the vessel. The drive system causes the biological support to oscillate with a reciprocating or rectilinear motion and the drive system is preferably located either outside the vessel or within a portion of the vessel that is above the level of reaction liquor present therein.