Patents by Inventor Jeffrey C. Burnham

Jeffrey C. Burnham has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5417861
    Abstract: A method for treating bioorganic or raw or treated wastewater sludge so that a stability based upon achieving a significant microbial population, conductivity level and percent solids, is developed rapidly, is provided for indefinitely and is independent of climatic conditions. A dewatered sludge that has not been treated (i.e., raw) or a sludge that has been treated to a PSRP level or a sludge that has been treated to a PFRP level, i.e., pasteurized or sterilized sludge when still in a wet condition, i.e., between 12%-30% solids, or when in a dry condition, i.e., between 30-60% solids, is mixed with alkaline adsorptive materials to reduce odor, to increase the percent solids and to facilitate granulation, is adjusted to a mildly alkaline pH, and is adjusted to an ionic conductivity which will allow the sludge to mature rapidly when seeded with a beneficiating microbial flora. This process will reduce the pH or a high alkaline treated sludge, e.g., often above pH 12, to a physiological pH of between 7 and 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: N-Viro International Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Patent number: 5275733
    Abstract: A method for treating wastewater sludge so that a stability based upon achieving a significant microbial population, conductivity level and percent solids, is developed rapidly, is provided for indefinitely and is independent of climatic conditions. A dewatered sludge that has not been treated (i.e., raw) or a sludge that has been treated to a PSRP level or a sludge that has been treated to a PFRP level, i.e., pasteurized or sterilized sludge when still in a wet condition, i.e., between 12%-30% solids, or when in a dry condition, i.e., between 30%-60% solids, is mixed with alkaline adsorptive materials to reduce odor, to increase the percent solids and to facilitate granulation, is adjusted to a mildly alkaline pH, and is adjusted to an ionic conductivity which will allow the sludge to mature rapidly when seeded with a beneficiating microbial flora. This process will reduce the pH of a high alkaline treated sludge, e.g., often above pH 12, to a physiological pH of between 7 and 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: N-Viro Energy Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Patent number: 5135664
    Abstract: A method for treating wastewater sludge which comprises the steps of further treating the sludges after they have been mixed with alkaline materials and are still in a wet condition with carbon dioxide containing gases wherein the carbon dioxide is a significant constituent for a time sufficient to reduce the pH below 10 and to prevent the emission of the ammonia nitrogen. Preferably heat is added to the mixture to accelerate the reaction and facilitate drying. The product is useful as an agricultural product. In a preferred process, the amount of alkaline materials being sufficient to raise the pH of the mixture to 12 or above and to heat the mixture by an exothermic reaction to a range of about 52.degree. C. to about 62.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Assignee: N-Viro Energy Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Patent number: 4902431
    Abstract: A method of decontaminating wastewater sludge to a level that meets or exceeds USEPA Process to Further Reduce Pathogens standards, wherein lime or kiln dust and/or other alkaline materials are mixed with wastewater sludge in sufficient quantity to raise the pH of the mixture to 12 and above for a predetermined time and drying the resulting mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: N-Viro Energy Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: John P. Nicholson, Jeffrey C. Burnham