Including Solid Or Liquid Transport Means Into Or Out Of A Compostor Patents (Class 435/290.4)
  • Publication number: 20100071429
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the conditioning of organic residuals occurring, for example, in biogas systems, wherein a digestate materializes from the organic residuals as an intermediate product during biogas regeneration in a fermenter, the digestate being subjected to mechanical conditioning comprising at least one concentration step. Subsequent to the mechanical conditioning, a first part of the liquid digestate passes through an evaporation process for the production of a top dressing, and a second part of the concentrated digestate passes through a drying process for the production of base dressing, wherein a mass flow of the top dressing concentrate is fed to the partial flow of the base dressing production such that the base dressing is enriched upgraded. Due to this enrichment, the digestate can either be gasified for energy generation, or utilized as an organic agricultural fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Reinhart Von Nordenskjöld
  • Patent number: 7682813
    Abstract: An organic solid waste digester for producing methane from solid waste, the digester comprising a reactor vessel for holding solid waste, a sprinkler system for distributing water, bacteria, and nutrients over and through the solid waste, and a drainage system for capturing leachate that is then recirculated through the sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Arrowhead Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Zohrab A. Samani, Adrian T. Hanson, Maritza Macias-Corral
  • Patent number: 7682821
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing said organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Algenol Biofuels Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: R. Paul Woods, Edward Legere, Benjamin Moll, Carlos Unamunzaga, Eulalia Mantecon
  • Publication number: 20100015689
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of composting and treating food waste by using wood chips and an apparatus therefor. The method and apparatus for the composting and treatment of food waste in accordance with the present invention can recycle food waste as an organic compost by using wood chips in an eco-friendly manner and convert effluents generated from said food waste into an effluent satisfying water quality suitable for discharging by a combined biological and chemical process. Therefore, the present invention can be effectively used for recycling and treating food waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Wan Cheol Park, Tae Hyung Kim, Mi Ae Lee
  • Patent number: 7642090
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the generation of compost are provided. In one embodiment, the system for generating compost comprises a positively aerated floor, a semi gas and liquid impermeable compost cover sized to cover a compost biomass pile placed on the positively aerated floor, and a suction system positioned under or substantially close to the compost cover and generally near a top of the compost biomass pile, wherein the floor comprises a plurality of channels connected to at least one gas flow pipe installed below or above grade, wherein gas drawn by suction system at the top of the biomass compost pile maintains a negative pressure across the compost cover, thereby generating suction between the compost cover and the top of the compost biomass pile, and wherein the compost cover directs substantially all of the gas flow towards the suction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Engineered Compost Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Timothy O'Neill, Christopher J. Hibbard, Charles A. Krauter
  • Publication number: 20090305379
    Abstract: A manure mixture within an anaerobic digestion tank stratifies to form a liquid effluent layer and a sludge layer. Liquid effluent from the liquid effluent layer is withdrawn from the tank through a height adjustable valve. The height adjustable valve is adapted to automatically adjust the position of its intake end within the liquid effluent layer in response to the level of the sludge layer detected by a sludge meter located within the tank. Liquid effluent withdrawn from the tank is passed through a heat exchange system including at least one heat exchanger. Heat from the heat exchanger is transferred to the liquid effluent to produce heated liquid effluent. The heated liquid effluent is reintroduced back into the digestion tank such that the temperature of the manure mixture within the tank is maintained within a suitable temperature range for anaerobic digestion of the manure mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew W. Johnson, Dennis J. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090305390
    Abstract: A method is provided for processing waste and producing methane, in which a chamber is filled with waste, in which it undergoes anaerobic degradation. According to the method, a large chamber and a small chamber are filled respectively with slightly organic waste and highly organic waste, and a liquid fraction generated by the degradation of the waste in the large chamber is introduced into the small chamber. Also provided is an apparatus adapted to implement such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Veolia Proprete
    Inventors: Jesus CACHO, Olivier CAUDART, Thomas LAGIER, Pascal PESLERBE, Vassilia VIGNERON
  • Publication number: 20090305377
    Abstract: A method for the continuous liquefying of organic solids in a fermenter, wherein an outwardly directed flow of solids is produced in a dammed-up liquid, the solids are added in the lower region of the fermenter and the solid fermentation residues are essentially collected and removed below the level of the dammed-up liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Jan Mumme, Bernd Linke, Rainer Toelle
  • Patent number: 7625749
    Abstract: A garden composter has a longitudinally extending cylindrical drum which is mounted to a support frame and can be rotated relative to the support frame about an axis of rotation of the drum. The drum has at least two load openings formed in a cylindrical wall portion between two end wall portions and removable closure caps for selectively closing the load openings. At least one partition divides the drum into a number of chambers disposed side by side along the longitudinal axis. Each chamber communicates with a respective load opening. The partition has a fixed portion coupled to the drum and a relatively movable portion. Each portion has at least one flow control partition opening and the movable portion can be moved so that its associated flow control partition opening may be selectively brought into and out of registration with corresponding flow control partition openings in the fixed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Sun-Mar Corporation
    Inventor: Henric Sundberg
  • Publication number: 20090199608
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for composting large amounts waste material comprising a predominant amount of compostable organic material, such as Source Separated Organic (SSO) material. The method comprises mixing the waste material with a bulking agent such as tree bark, removing larger inorganic material then compositing the remainder using compositing bacteria and forced air to promote composting. During its initial composting stages when the majority of noxious gasses, fumes and odours are generated the composting is carried out in an enclosed area and the gases removed and treated using a bio-filter. Once the compostable organic material has been adequately decomposed the bulking agent is removed along with any residual inorganic material and the composting process completed. In particular embodiment the bulking agent is recycled. There is also disclosed a method and device for mixing the waste material with the bulking agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: CONPOREC INC
    Inventors: Carl Genois, Rolf Arneberg, Denis Potvin, Bernad Caron, Jose Scorsone
  • Publication number: 20090191613
    Abstract: The device and method invented provides a unique means to extract and multiply, by the millions, beneficial aerobic microbes found in compost and vermicompost to be applied to soil and plants in liquid form. This liquid has been named compost tea colloquially. Compared to many compost tea making devices being sold, the invented device is truly simple and can be dismantled and cleaned in under twenty minutes. Most of the parts are not glued and can be pulled apart. The device and method uses air pumps alone to actually circulate the water and can be used with or without a mesh extractor. This is achieved by the insertion of an air diffuser into the piping used, which infuses the water with oxygen while circulating the water, into either, an extractor containing compost or a body of water containing compost. Concurrently additional diffusers infuse the body of water with oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy James Wilson
  • Patent number: 7550292
    Abstract: A mobile, modular multi-chamber composting system for the composting of organic material includes a composting unit having a pair of adjacent composting chambers enclosed by sidewalls, a roof, and closure panels, with the chambers delimited by a separation panel, and the first chamber having a uni-directional tilting floor and the second chamber having a bi-directional tilting floor so that organic material can be placed in the first chamber and transferred to the second chamber to facilitate decomposition of the material. Hydraulic mechanisms are interconnected to each floor to facilitate the tilting of the floor and the transference of the material, and the second chamber can transfer the material back to the first chamber or expel the material from the unit or transfer the material to another adjoined composting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: Roger Teixeira
  • Publication number: 20090145188
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for shortening the time needed to convert mixed pulp into unlimited use and relatively odor-free compost down from several weeks to several days, and for producing the compost without the need for a large or remote outdoor area. In addition, the process may be modified so as to improve the quality of the compost so that it is made more suitable for particular soil applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Emmanuel G. Moya
  • Patent number: 7494803
    Abstract: An apparatus for bio-composting domestic waste from residential dwellings, comprised of a tank, a multi-chambered liner and a separator. Domestic waste influent enters one end of a sluice, which has ribs on its surface directing the influent onto the upper section of an inclined sieve. The inclined sieve is angled downward and is permeable. The influent waste flows down the inclined sieve, and free water drops downward through the sieve while separated waste solids slide off the lower edge of the inclined sieve. The multi-chambered liner is set inside the tank under its lid. The multi-chambered liner is partitioned into a first chamber running the length of the liner on one half its wide, which the other half its width is subdivided into a series of smaller sub-chambers running the length of the liner. The chambers are separated by permeable partitions. The walls of the liner are permeable, as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Danny R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080311640
    Abstract: Described herein are methods for producing chemical products by anaerobically fermenting a particular biomass using anaerobic bacteria. Such chemical products include hydrogen and other gases, acetic acid and other volatile organic acids, solvents, solids, and salts of volatile organic acids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Marion E. Cox, Jeremy N. McDonald, Laura M. Nondorf, Steven M. Cox
  • Patent number: 7449330
    Abstract: A bioreactor apparatus for processing waste, comprising a cylindrical pressure vessel having an inlet end and an exit end, an internally rotating main shaft having spaced apart ends, and a plurality of paddles and agitator bars attached to and extending radially from the shaft. At least some of the plurality of paddles and/or agitator bars extend radially outward from the shaft and form a helical spiral pattern when viewed from either of the spaced apart ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Bouldin Corporation
    Inventor: Floyd E. Bouldin
  • Patent number: 7445927
    Abstract: A 10,000 gallon sequencing batch reactor tank for the on-site bio-degradation of oily sludge. Bacteria already present in and adapted to oily sludge degrade the hydrocarbons found in oily sludge within two weeks from 20,000 ppm to less than 100 ppm. A degradation cycle requires 5 days. After five days a recirculation pump and aeration system are turned off and solids are allowed to settle to the bottom of the tank. An ultrafiltration unit connected to the tank requires approximately 16 hours to process the contents of the reactor tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Gerardo F. Maga, Frederick E. Goetz
  • Publication number: 20080254534
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the composting of biogenic materials, wherein material introduced at the top of a container as in FIG. 2b reaches a storage chamber (2) arranged below a reactor chamber (1) passing therethrough only by gravity with air introduction. Slide surfaces are provided which brake the downward material flow. Slide vanes (4), for example, can be used as slide surfaces and also other slide devices such as tubes, funnels, spheres and particular container shapes. The compost can be easily removed from the storage container by means of a shovel, or similar without the weight of the heap affecting the shovel. The otherwise necessary shifting of the heap in order to reach the mature compost on the floor is thus avoided. The heap is also vertically aerated over the whole surface thereof from bottom towards the top, the composting organisms are continually optimally supplied with air and optimal conversion rates of fresh biowaste to compost achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Reinhard Schmidl
  • Publication number: 20080216535
    Abstract: The invention concerns a novel method for purifying air and gasses, consisting of an optimized air ventilation slab, with its air ventilation pipes, air ventilation pipettes and air diffusion plugs; optionally a complementary cellular material enabling the material to be supported providing biofiltration, purification or treatment of air, and optionally a device for diffusing liquids and/or bacteria and/or enzymes, allowing the biofilter to act as the equivalent of a gas scrubbing tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: ACES ENVIRONMENT
    Inventor: Philippe J. Thurot
  • Patent number: 7422894
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in a vermiculture plant, the apparatus including a treatment receptacle having a treatment Apparatus for use in a vermiculture plant which includes a treatment receptacle having a treatment chamber therein and a base upon which material within the treatment chamber is disposed. The receptacle is arranged so that when in use there is a space below the base. The apparatus further includes a harvester operable to extract material from the treatment chamber through the base and a collecting assembly including a flexible belt operatively connected to a rotatable drum so that it can be wound onto or drawn from the rotatable member. The belt is arranged so that it can adopt a collecting position when at least partially unwound from the rotatable member wherein it is positioned below the treatment chamber and harvester so that harvested material can be collected upon it and is operable so that when wound onto the rotatable member material thereon can be transferred to a discharge zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Vermitech Limited
    Inventors: Simon James Tratt, Graham Shaun Ankers
  • Publication number: 20080153080
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for growing genetically enhanced aquatic photoautotrophic organisms in a stable culture, causing said organisms to produce ethanol, and then separating, collecting, and removing the ethanol in situ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: ALGENOL BIOFUELS LIMITED
    Inventors: R. Paul Woods, Edward Legere, Benjamin Moll, Carlos Unamunzaga, Eulalia Mantecon
  • Patent number: 7390651
    Abstract: A serum-free C3A clonal cell line and methods for generating the same are provided. The C3A cell line has a reduced doubling time in serum-free medium compared to a corresponding C3A cell line from which it is derived. Methods using the cells of the serum-free C3A clonal cell line for the production, expression and recovery of harvestable polypeptides, screening compounds for metabolic activity, studying enteric disease and for use in a bio-artificial liver device are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Vital Therapies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Triglia, Anthony Purchio
  • Publication number: 20080124791
    Abstract: A device and method for collecting organic waste is disclosed. The invention comprises a biodegradable bag that hangs inside a rigid container covered by a perforated lid. A filter lines the inside of the lid which rests on the rim of the rigid container. The biodegradable bag is secured onto an annular flange by means of a retaining band. The flange, together with the biodegradable bag, sits on the shoulder on the inside of the rigid container so that the biodegradable bag hangs from the flange leaving a cavity inside the rigid container between the biodegradable bag and the walls of the rigid container. The flange has a handle to pull the biodegradable bag out. The biodegradable bag aids in composting of the organic waste as it is permeable to both air and water and provides the largest possible surface area of any waste container to aerate the organic waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Paul A. Bucci
  • Publication number: 20080085548
    Abstract: The invention provides a transporting arrangement for transporting biomass (22), in particular biomass from energy crops, in a fermenter (2) for generating biogas, it being possible for large-scale fermenters (2) to be operated continuously, in accordance with the principle of the methanation of solid matter, by means of this transporting arrangement. The transporting arrangement (20) comprises a plurality of transporting cushions (24-i) which are arranged one beside the other and have liquid pumped into them, and discharged again, one after the other. This generates a wave movement which transports the biomass (22) through the fermenter (2) from a loading region (10) to an unloading region (14). The invention also specifies a large-scale fermenter having such a transporting arrangement (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Applicant: Bekon Energy Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Lutz
  • Publication number: 20080070294
    Abstract: A mobile, modular multi-chamber composting system for the composting of organic material includes a composting unit having a pair of adjacent composting chambers enclosed by sidewalls, a roof, and closure panels, with the chambers delimited by a separation panel, and the first chamber having a uni-directional tilting floor and the second chamber having a bi-directional tilting floor so that organic material can be placed in the first chamber and transferred to the second chamber to facilitate decomposition of the material. Hydraulic mechanisms are interconnected to each floor to facilitate the tilting of the floor and the transference of the material, and the second chamber can transfer the material back to the first chamber or expel the material from the unit or transfer the material to another adjoined composting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventor: Roger Teixeira
  • Publication number: 20080050806
    Abstract: An aerobic waste treatment system, such as a composting system, comprising a movable push wall (20). The movable push wall (20) is preferably part of a container (10). In use of the aerobic waste treatment system, waste is heaped against the movable push wall (20) to build a waste heap (60). The waste is coverable with a removable flexible enclosure. The removable flexible enclosure is preferably a liquid-tight but gas-permeable cover (70). A deployment apparatus (30) for covering or uncovering the waste heap (60) with the removable flexible enclosure can facilitate the handling of the removable flexible enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: COMP-ANY GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Binding, Jan Gressmann
  • Patent number: 7329425
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for naturally recycling poultry carcasses for use as a nutritional supplement, the apparatus generally consists of four modules: an enzymatic digest medium mixing assembly that self adjusts for pH; a mobile grinding assembly mounted on a truck trailer; a digesting and emulsifying assembly which includes a heated tank and separator; and a drying system. Carcasses are loaded into the grinder, and the ground carcasses are pumped into a storage tank with the enzymatic digest medium to produce a protein soluble mixture. The particle size of this mixture is then further reduced, and transported to a centralized and stationary processing plant for digesting and emulsifying. The remaining emulsified proteins are then dried. The resulting pellet-like pieces are uniformly sized for packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Naturally Recycled Proteins, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Scott Darling, Don Scott Darling
  • Publication number: 20080032395
    Abstract: A device for producing compost and heat from composting, comprises a container for creating, containing, and transferring the compost and the heat. The container comprises a hatch for transferring feedstock into the container and for transferring the compost out of the container, and also comprises conduit bearing a heat-transfer medium, such as water, for transferring the heat out of the compost. The device also comprises wheels for supporting the container in a position to facilitate use of the hatch and for rotating the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen Goodman
  • Patent number: 7241615
    Abstract: This invention relates to systems, apparatus and methods of operating a wet combustion engine and apparatus therefore, capable of biologically burning fuels within a wet combustion chamber within a bioproactor system, including but not limited to, organic carbon containing materials especially biological, hazardous or toxic waste contaminants, in an environmentally sensitive manner. An integrated computer control system that, proactively and pre-emptively, uses feedback from bio-sensors, to monitor, record and control applicable components of the bio-system, to optimize, replenish, and sustain exponential growth of selected life-forms, including but not limited to microbes such as bacteria. In the intake cycle, a suitably prepared fuel mixture is metered into the wet combustion diffusion separation membrane chamber located within the life-support chamber of the bioproactor. In the combustion cycle, diffusion and combustion rates are monitored and timed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas W. St. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7226778
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for naturally recycling poultry carcasses for use as a nutritional supplement, the apparatus generally consists of four modules: an enzymatic digest medium mixing assembly that self adjusts for pH; a mobile grinding assembly mounted on a truck trailer; a digesting and emulsifying assembly which includes a heated tank and separator; and a drying system. Carcasses are loaded into the grinder, and the ground carcasses are pumped into a storage tank with the enzymatic digest medium to produce a protein soluble mixture. The particle size of this mixture is then further reduced, and transported to a centralized and stationary processing plant for digesting and emulsifying. The remaining emulsified proteins are then dried. The resulting pellet-like pieces are uniformly sized for packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Naturally Recycled Proteins , LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Scott Darling, Don Scott Darling
  • Patent number: 7179642
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for anaerobic digestion of high-solids waste are provided. The methods may include and the apparatuses may be used for moving the solid waste in a corkscrew-like fashion through a closed container. The method may further include moving the high-solids waste into contact with a heating device to facilitate the corkscrew-like movement. Other methods and apparatuses may use at least one of a partition and a conduit from which liquid or gas is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: GHD, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen W. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 7160713
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for biologically oxidizing organic matter. Finely powdered organic matter is suplied into the top end of an upright, high reaction vessel (1). The vessel (1) has been filled up substantially completely by small balls, on the surfaces of which the matter to be oxidized is present in thin layers. By means of a conveyor (6) outside the vessel, the balls are transferred uppwards, whereby the balls in the reaction vessel (1) flow downwrds. Oxidizing air is blown uppwrds against the flow of balls, whereby in the upper section of the vessel, drying takes place in the first instance and then is formed an oxidizing zone automatically by microbial activity in a section, wherein the best oxidizing conditions are prevailing. Exhaust air is cleaned by means of ionic cleaners (14) and singlet oxygen generators (27) and oxidized matter is recovered from the bottom end of the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Hannu L. Suominen
  • Patent number: 7150987
    Abstract: An organic waste processing method and device makes a mass disposal and 24 hours continuous processing possible, and can largely cut down facility and processing costs. It uses a number of roughly cut-end inverted cone shaped processing tanks 3, 3A, 3B, and 3C aligned serially, a motor 17 installed on the bottom of each processing tank, a rotating shaft 19 that rotates by motor 17 drive set up passing through the top and bottom parts inside each processing tank, and stirring blades 21, attached on rotating shaft 19, that mix aerobic microorganism 1 and organic waste 2 to put in more than capacity amount of organic waste 2 into the upstream processing tank 3, have a part of organic waste 2 transport from outlet 14 at upper peripheral wall of processing tank 3 to inlet 9 at the top of processing tank 3A placed adjacently and downstream, by centrifugal force of stirring blades 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Japan Life Center, Inc.
    Inventor: Yasuichi Ueda
  • Patent number: 7138271
    Abstract: A continuous composter for continuously processing organic waste material from a generally heterogeneous state into a generally homogenous state. The composter includes a container rotatably mounted on a support frame about its longitudinal axis that defines an inner chamber containing an amount of the heterogeneous waste material for continuous circulation therein. An agitator located within the inner chamber is rotatably mounted on fixed end walls about its own longitudinal axis that is offset relative to the container axis. The agitator is located to selectively receive the circulated waste material from the rotating container, to separate the heterogeneous waste material into the homogenous waste material, and to aerate the homogenous waste material by projecting it within the chamber. Both the container and the agitator rotates in a same direction at a relatively slow and fast rotational speed respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: 9087-7374 Quebec Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Pratte
  • Patent number: 7078229
    Abstract: This invention provides a waste-processing system capable of processing high-solids wastes such as manure. This invention provides a compact U-shaped digester that allows for recycling of activated sludge to improve the efficiency of the process. Efficiency is also improved through a sludge heating design that creates a current in the digester and efficiently heats the sludge. A composter is provided to further process the sludge through aerobic digestion to create usable fertilizer. Finally, one embodiment provides a turbine that is fueled by biological gases from the digester to generate heat and electricity to be used by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: GHD, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen W. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 7052902
    Abstract: A continuously operational biological reactor for the aerobic processing of animal waste into chemically free fertilizer includes an inner drum and an outer drum coaxially mounted on a horizontal center shaft with the inner annular surface of each drum including conveyor threads with the angularity of the conveyor threads being opposite each other so that the animal waste material can be conveyed down the inner drum and then back up the outer drum for processing into chemically free fertilizer. The biological reactor will include a hopper for receiving the material, a dewatering unit for material compression and preheater, and a mixer for introducing air and microbes to facilitate the processing. The center shaft includes instrumentation passageways for monitoring and control of the process and air flow passageways for diluting and discharging volatile substances such as methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Russell Holt Miller
  • Patent number: 6982167
    Abstract: The present invention describes all apparatus for making a foliar spray from a liquid and a particulate matter. The apparatus consists of a non-porous liquid receptacle, a basket for holding the particulate matter, intake means for transporting air from a blower to a manifold means for aerating the liquid and the particulate matter, and a blower for supplying the air. The liquid receptacle is typically a substantially horizontal, rectangular tank having a flat bottom and the manifold means includes a selected number of diffuser arms, the number of diffuser arms selected to cover a substantial portion of the area of the bottom surface of the liquid receptacle and is selectively proportionate to the volume of the receptacle. The manifold means may be easily removed from the liquid receptacle by means of a quick-disconnect coupler for ease of cleaning the liquid receptacle once the foliar liquid is removed from the liquid receptacle via outlet means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventors: George E. Hahn, Carole Eddington, James Eddington
  • Patent number: 6921661
    Abstract: A composting device for composting organic matter, includes a hollow container having a bottom end, a top end and at least one sidewall extending therebetween. The top end includes a charge opening therein for adding organic matter. The container also includes a discharge opening for proximal the bottom end for removing compost matter. A removable top cover for cooperating with the top end of the hollow container, covers the charge opening. The top cover is removable to expose the charge opening and includes connection means. An ornament including a corresponding complementary connection means, the complementary connection means cooperating with the connection means of the top cover, for mounting the ornament on the top cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Ideas That Grow Inc.
    Inventors: Jayne Nagy, Kathy Rayburn, James Kirby Rayburn, Richard Paul Morawietz
  • Patent number: 6887692
    Abstract: A method for hydrogen production from biodegradable feedstocks in which a feedstock having at least one biodegradable solid is introduced into a first stage anaerobic bioreactor operating at thermophilic conditions to form a liquid effluent which includes fatty acids. The liquid effluent is transferred through a plurality of hollow semipermeable fibers disposed in a second stage anaerobic bioreactor having a light transmitting wall, which hollow semipermeable fibers have an outer surface coated with a biofilm of photosynthetic bacteria, which photosynthetic bacteria, using the nutrients in the hollow fibers and the incoming light, generates hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventor: James Robert Paterek
  • Publication number: 20040265993
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for naturally recycling poultry carcasses for use as a nutritional supplement, the apparatus generally consists of four modules: an enzymatic digest medium mixing assembly that self adjusts for pH; a mobile grinding assembly mounted on a truck trailer; a digesting and emulsifying assembly which includes a heated tank and separator; and a drying system. Carcasses are loaded into the grinder, and the ground carcasses are pumped into a storage tank with the enzymatic digest medium to produce a protein soluble mixture. The particle size of this mixture is then further reduced, and transported to a centralized and stationary processing plant for digesting and emulsifying. The remaining emulsified proteins are then dried. The resulting pellet-like pieces are uniformly sized for packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Jonathan Scott Darling, Don Scott Darling
  • Publication number: 20040224399
    Abstract: A recycle soil manufacturing apparatus is provided enabling paper/wood chips of finely cut paper and wooden materials to be efficiently changed to soil. A fermenter (1) comprises a paper/wood chip feeder (2) and a fermenter body (10). The paper/wood chip feeder (2) comprises a paper/wood chip supply port (3), a leaf mold supply port (4) and a helical conveyor (5). The fermenter body (10) comprises a helical conveyor (11) transferring paper/wood chips and leaf mold, heaters (14), water sprayers (15), opening/closing type ceiling portions (16) and ventilating fans (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventor: Matsuro Bundo
  • Publication number: 20040172996
    Abstract: An apparatus of continuous type for producing matured compost-like material comprises: a vertical vessel 1 which is provided at an upper side thereof with an inlet 2 for organic waste and provided at a lower side thereof with an outlet 3 for the material treated with heat; heating panel(s) 4 for heating the material which is disposed within the vessel 1 in multi-stage form or spiral form; and moving means for moving the material within the vessel 1 from the inlet 2 toward the outlet 3. The material within the vessel 1 is heated and dried and is further treated with heat at temperature of 100-200° C., thereby continuously producing compost-like material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: KURITA WATER INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventor: Kensuke Matsui
  • Publication number: 20040172878
    Abstract: The method according to the invention concerns an anaerobic conversion of biomass into biogas in separated processes of hydrolysis and methane fermentation of biomass by means of methane mesophile, thermophile and psychrophile bacteria, contained in returned reflux. Cleaned biogas undergoes decomposition into methane and carbon dioxide. From part of methane and biogas standard gas fuel is produced, used for the engine of a current generating unit and a thermoregenerative cell generating electrical energy and heat. The system according to the invention consists of a system of preparation of biomass (1) connected to a hydrolyser (2) and then to a series system of fermentation tanks and a composter (1), which co-operates with a system of returning and enriching reflux (4). A tank for raw biogas (5) is connected to a system for cleaning biogas (6) and then to a tank for cleaned biogas (7) connected to a system of biogas decomposition (8) and a gas mixer (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Adam Krylowicz, Kazimierz Chrzanowski, Janusz Usidus
  • Patent number: 6783975
    Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for efficient composting of organic matter using a low-cost composting structure and high efficiency methods. A composting container incorporates rigid insulated panels to form an insulated composting container of a generally cylindrical shape with polygonal cross-section. The insulated panels provide high thermal efficiency at low cost to help maintain composting temperatures. A rigid frame supports the panels and allows the container to be rotated. An internal manifold or plenum supplies air while the container is stationary or rotating. Rotation in various embodiments is effected by motor driven rollers bearing on external hoops integrated to the container support frame. In preferred methods, the container is rotated at rates slower than one revolution per minute as air is introduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Harry N. Windle
  • Patent number: 6780637
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system of system for efficiently bio-converting putrescent wastes to a more usable form. The present “domestic” unit does not utilize a motor nor does in contend any moving parts. Instead, the domestic unit generally comprises a generally rounded container with two small ramps on the inside of the container. The two ramps begin at the bottom of the container and spiral up to the top of the container, where they adjoin a discharge pipe. In operation, the putrescent waste is deposited into the domestic unit container. Mature larvae have only one avenue of escape from the putrescent waste, up the ramps and into discharge pipe and onto collection tubes where the larvae are collected and processed. When the container fills up with larval residue, the larvae are removed from the container, the container is emptied of residue, and the larvae are put back into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Paul A. Olivier
  • Publication number: 20040147013
    Abstract: A continuous composter for continuously processing organic waste material from a generally heterogeneous state into a generally homogenous state. The composter includes a container rotatably mounted on a support frame about its longitudinal axis that defines an inner chamber containing an amount of the heterogeneous waste material for continuous circulation therein. An agitator located within the inner chamber is rotatably mounted on fixed end walls about its own longitudinal axis that is offset relative to the container axis. The agitator is located to selectively receive the circulated waste material from the rotating container, to separate the heterogeneous waste material into the homogenous waste material, and to aerate the homogenous waste material by projecting it within the chamber. Both the container and the agitator rotates in a same direction at a relatively slow and fast rotational speed respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Pratte
  • Patent number: 6758880
    Abstract: A method of disposing materials such as pet waste. First, an assembly is provided that has a container; a fitting for accepting and retaining a garden hose; a pressure nozzle for receiving water from the fitting and expressing the water under pressure; and a nozzle-retaining apparatus oriented so that the water expressed is directed into the container at an angle adapted to produce a churning motion within the container. Biodegradable material is placed into the container and the insertive coupler of a standard garden hose is attached into the fitting. Finally the faucet is turned on to cause water to flow through the hose and out the nozzle, thereby watering and stirring and fragmenting the biodegradable material while the operator remains at a distance far enough away from the container to avoid the unpleasant odor that is emitted from the container by virtue of the watering and stirring and fragmenting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Steven E. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20040123637
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for composting organic material, in which method organic material is transported to a bioreactor (1) where it is mixed and where material for regulating the oxygen content and bacteria and/or enzymes for agitation of composting process are added to it, and where organic material may compost, after which the composted material is removed outside the bioreactor to be stabilized. The invention also relates to a device for composting organic material, which device includes a bioreactor (1) with at least one filling and emptying opening (12, 13, 17) in order to fill and empty the bioreactor, and a transporting device (2) mixing the material inside the bioreactor (1) in order to transport the organic material to be composted and to mix it inside the bioreactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Claus Rostrom
  • Publication number: 20040087011
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for anaerobic digestion of high-solids waste are provided. The methods may include and the apparatuses may be used for moving the solid waste in a corkscrew-like fashion through a closed container. The method may further include moving the high-solids waste into contact with a heating device to facilitate the corkscrew-like movement. Other methods and apparatuses may use at least one of a partition and a conduit from which liquid or gas is discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: GHD, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen W. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 6727090
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing compost tea wherein compost material is passed through a separator housing in such a manner so that microorganisms on the compost material is washed from the compost material and is delivered to a separator tank positioned below the separator housing. The wash water from the separator tank is recirculated through the apparatus until the desired concentration of microorganisms has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis R. Hronek