Abstract: A process for revegatating land includes the steps of performing a soil analysis, creating seed-bearing pellets according to soil needs, and disbursing the seed-bearing pellets over the land to be revegatated. Such seed-bearing pellets are created by mixing nutrients and ground organic material. The mixture is saturated with steam and pressed through a die and cut into individual pellets. Seeds are adhered onto each pellet, and activated charcoal may be fixed to the outer surface of the pellet to neutralize herbicide applied to the land to be revegatated. A process for creating fuel pellets is also provided which includes grinding and mixing waste wood products, and adding oil to the mixture. This mixture is injected with steam and pressed through a die. The pressed mixture is then cut into cloverleaf configured pellets.

Abstract: A fire starter consists of a ring-shaped mass of combustible of wax and wood. It consists of a series of inverted frusto-conical sections connected together by a series of inverted triangular connecting sections and a having a substantially central aperture, and having spacers for supporting the mass of material above a supporting surface, e.g. the floor of a fireplace. During the process for manufacturing the fire starter, the wax and wood mixture is subject to high pressure of 700 psi to 800 psi resulting in the formation of veneer layer of wax on the outer surfaces of the fire starter. During combustion of the fire starter, a venturi effect is created by a flow of air to the aperture, providing a relatively high, intense flame. The fire starter burns for a period of time, e.g, 8-12 minutes, and the intensity of the flame generated is capable of igniting conventional fireplace logs without the use of kindling.

Abstract: An artificial firelog and firestarter chip producing apparatus comprising a cutting assembly, a compression conveyor auger assembly and a die. The apparatus converts standard waxed corrugated cardboard boxes into artificial firelogs by first slicing cardboard sheets into cardboard strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments in the cutting assembly. The cardboard segments are compressed and in the compression conveyor auger assembly and extruded in the die to form generally circular, longitudinally-shaped sections of a firelog. Firestarter chips are fabricated by the cutting assembly, which slices cardboard sheets in conjunction with paper sheets into cardboard and paper strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments and the paper strips into paper mix.

Abstract: A briquette, and method of making it, for use in gas-fired barbecue grills. The briquette features three desirable characteristics: (1) relative permanency or durability, i.e. it is useable a number of times without physical disintegration or shedding of ash; (2) the desirable heat absorption and radiation characteristics of lava rock; and (3) the ability to impart flavor to the grilled food. Broadly described, the briquette includes from about 60 percent to about 95 percent by weight lava rock fines such as scoria or basalt fines, from about 5 percent to about 15 percent by weight calcium aluminate and/or Portland cement, less than 5 percent by weight starch; and—before drying in manufacture—from about 0.2 percent to about 8 percent by weight water. Ideally, the briquette also includes up to about 10 percent by weight wood particles such as hickory or mesquite shavings. A method for making the inventive briquette is disclosed.

Abstract: An artificial firelog and firestarter chip producing apparatus comprising a cutting assembly, a compression conveyor auger assembly and a die. The apparatus converts standard waxed corrugated cardboard boxes into artificial firelogs by first slicing cardboard sheets into cardboard strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments in the cutting assembly. The cardboard segments are compressed and in the compression conveyor auger assembly and extruded in the die to form generally circular, longitudinally-shaped sections of a firelog. Firestarter chips are fabricated by the cutting assembly, which slices cardboard sheets in conjunction with paper sheets into cardboard and paper strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments and the paper strips into paper mix.

Abstract: A particulate waste wood fuel comprising wood particles comprising less than 20% water by weight and having a particle size distribution suitable for combustion of the particulate wood fuel in a particulate fossil fuel suspension furnace. A method for making the particulate wood fuel includes shredding of waste wood and drying the shredded waste wood to obtain the desired particle size distribution and water content. A method for producing energy comprises injecting the particulate wood fuel into the combustion chamber of a particulate fuel suspension furnace separately from a particulate fossil fuel which is also injected into the combustion chamber. The particulate fossil fuel and particulate wood fuel are combusted in the combustion chamber in a gas flow through the combustion chamber to form a flame in the gas flow. The wood particles are substantially completely combusted within the combustion chamber while suspended in the gas flow and are not combusted at the furnace wall.

Abstract: A method and machine for making a new and improved compressed wood fuel pellet. The method comprising the steps of severing a wafer of tree trunk or branch, punching or splitting a small portion along the grain in the wafer, confining each portion across the grain, and then compressing each portion along the grain to form a compressed wood fuel pellet of contiguous wood having a specific gravity of about 1.2-1.4 with a very high efficiency process and machine.

Abstract: A solid burnable fuel composition which contains a major proportion of spent dried coffee grounds is described. The fuel composition includes at least 50% dried spent coffee grounds and a combustible wax which are mixed together and compressed into a suitable shape for combustion. The fuel composition may further include a small amount, 10% or less, of a coking agent useful to control burn rate and to prevent cracking of compressed fuel during combustion. Small amounts of cellulosic material may also be incorporated to improve the structural properties of the composition. Due to its superior heat and flame production, dried spent coffee grounds are an excellent fuel source for processed fuel products such as fire-logs and fuel pellets. The advantage is a hotter, cleaner burn which produces less soot and smoke, releases fewer harmful pollutants and provides a brighter flame over a longer period of time.

Abstract: A igniter for logs in a fireplace has a body of combustible material, such as wood, with two major surfaces. A plurality of grooves extend in one major surface thereby forming a plurality of ribs in the body. The grooves and ribs near the center of the body may be narrower than the grooves and ribs remote from the center. A slot extends in the other major surface transverse to the first direction wherein the slot communicates with plurality of grooves to form air passages through the body. A pair of blocks, placed on opposite sides of the slot, support the body above the fireplace hearth. By starting combustion beneath the slot in the body, a source of fire is provided that is concentrated initially into a relatively small area which gradually increases as the body is consumed.

Abstract: An igniter for logs in a fireplace has a body of combustible material, such as wood, with two major surfaces. A plurality of grooves extend in one major surface thereby forming a plurality of ribs in the body. The grooves and ribs near the center of the body may be narrower than the grooves and ribs remote from the center. The middle section of each groove tapers toward an opening in the other major surface to form air passages through the body. The tapering of the middle sections of the groove forms relatively thin edges which ignite easily. A pair of blocks, placed on opposite sides of the slot, support the body above the fireplace hearth. By starting combustion beneath the middle openings in the grooves, a source of fire is provided that is concentrated initially into a relatively small region which gradually increases as the body is consumed.

Abstract: A barbecue smoker device for placing in a barbecue grill for generating flavoring smoke when heated, the barbecue smoker device including a leakproof noncombustible body having an inner cavity, an opening positioned to connect to the inner cavity to thereby provide access to the inner cavity, presoaked wood chips positioned within the inner cavity to thereby generate smoke when the barbecue smoker device is placed in the barbecue grill, a lid positioned on the opening to thereby hermetically seal the presoaked wood chips within the inner cavity, and an associated method.

Abstract: A fuel pellet and a method of manufacturing a fuel pellet capable of burning in either a stoker or pulver furnace, comprising from about 0 to about 80% by weight of cellulosic material, from about 1% to about 50% by weight of densified thermoplastic material, and from about 0 to about 50% by weight of coal. The cellulosic material, densified thermoplastic material and coal are ground from about 80 Mesh to about 200 Mesh, and then blended into a mixture wherein the contents are evenly distributed throughout. Following the blending process, the mixture is forced through a pelletizer. As the pellets are removed from the pelletizer they are immediately cooled so that the densified thermoplastic particles do not melt. The resulting fuel pellets produce from about 10,000 BTU per pound to about 16,000 BTU per pound and leave an ash deposit of about 0 to about 6% by weight, and a sulfur dioxide output of about 0 to about 3% by weight.

Abstract: A burnable article such as a fire log or a barbecue briquette is formed of a top fire-igniting layer, a middle fire-catching layer, and a body layer. The fire-igniting layer has a composition, in weight percent, of from about 47 to about 67 percent carbonized wood, from about 22 to about 34 percent barium nitrate, from about 3 to about 11 percent sodium nitrate, from about 3 to about 11 percent starch, from about 0.25 to about 0.65 percent zeolite, and from about 0.25 to about 0.65 percent potassium alum, the total of the constituents of the fire-igniting layer being 100 percent. The fire-catching layer has a composition, in weight percent, of from about 57 to about 67 percent carbonized wood, from about 18 to about 28 percent barium nitrate, from about 3 to about 11 percent sodium nitrate, from about 4 to about 12 percent starch, from about 0.15 to about 0.35 percent zeolite, and from about 0.15 to about 0.35 percent potassium alum, the total of the constituents of the fire-catching layer being 100 percent.

Abstract: A waste-derived fuel is prepared to have a particular chemical composition, including ash content, ash composition and fuel value, and physical properties as required by a particular fuel user or burning process. The fuel is prepared by collecting different waste materials, chemically analyzing each waste material, and then blending and mixing together several different waste materials in appropriate proportions to provide the desired chemical composition and fuel value. The fuel is prepared to have a homogenous, uniform, and constant composition over time. The fuel is suited for use by itself or mixed with conventional fuels to be burned as a primary fuel in the main burner of a cement kiln and pre-calciner. In that case, the fuel is preferably formulated to provide an ash composition that approximates the composition of normal cement raw material mix. The fuel can provide increased amounts of particular elements or compounds as required by the fuel user.

Abstract: Solid combustible agent for disaggregating soot and tarry deposits in chimney flues, said agent comprising an aggregate of cellulosic particulate material, chemical and/or catalytic soot disaggregating agent and binder. This agent is preferably used alone, i.e. in the substantial absence of an already ignited fire, when combusted to treat the flue.

Abstract: The artificial firelogs of this invention provide a natural visual and audible sensation so that the artificial firelogs have both a soothing flickering flame and a crackling or popping sound normally observed only with natural wood logs. The crackling additive can be mustard seeds, sesame seeds and synthetic hollow spheres.

Abstract: In order to provide a block (1) of solid fuel material which has good burning time, good flame form and a clean flame, the block (1) is comprised of a mixture of solid particulate, cellulosic, organic combustible material, and stearic or palmitic acid together with, optionally, one or more fatty acids or esters. The mixture has a density of from 0.94 to 1.01 gm/cc. The block (1) has a slit (2) extending longitudinally of the block. The slot (2) communicates with a space (3). Combustible gases collect in the space (3) and form a flame at the mouth of the slit (2).

Abstract: A portable fuel element made from stacked sheets of cardboard impregnated and held together with paraffin wax. In a preferred embodiment, each portable fuel element contains at least one match that is protected from moisture by the paraffin wax and cardboard. The embodiment is made from a stack of five sheets of paraffin wax impregnated recycled cardboard. The stack, which is about 3/4 inch high, is perforated into 21/2 inch squares. Rectangular blocks that measure 3/4 inch high, 21/2 inches wide, and 5 inches long are broken out along the perforations, leaving a perforation in the middle of each block which separates each rectangular block into two 21/2 inch square, 3/4 inch thick blocks attached at the perforation. A wick is placed into each half of each block and two matches are inserted inside the rectangular block along the line formed by the perforation. The rectangular block is then dipped into paraffin wax to get a wax coating.

Abstract: A combustible article consists of agglomerated wood chips and polyethylene/polypropylene material partially coated with paraffin. The polyethylene/polypropylene material acts as a fuel as well as a binder; the paraffin is provided to facilitate lighting. The composite fire log is produced by combining wood and polyethylene/polypropylene chips or shavings in a mixer; mixing to produce a substantially uniform aggregate and heating to a temperature below the melting point of the polyethylene/polypropylene material; pressing the hot mixture in a press to form a briquette or fire log of predetermined shape; and dipping the bottom of the resulting log in molten paraffin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pelletized fuel composition comprising coal fines in an amount of from 60% to 80% by weight, paper making sludge in an amount of from 10% to 30% by weight, and a shredded polymeric material in an amount of from 0.5% to 15% by weight. Surprisingly and unexpectantly, a high percentage of correctly sized pellets having a desired degree of hardness and structural integrity result without the necessity of a binder, the use of very high pressures or drying the completed pellets by heating at elevated temperatures. A method of manufacturing the fuel composition involving pelletizing at a pressure of from about 1,000 psig to about 4,000 psig is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel pellet and a method of manufacturing a fuel pellet capable of burning in either a stoker or pulver furnace, comprising from about 0 to about 80% by weight of cellulosic material, from about 20% to about 50% by weight of densified thermoplastic material, and from about 0 to about 50% by weight of coal. The cellulosic material, densified thermoplastic material and coal are ground from about 80 Mesh to about 200 Mesh, and then blended into a mixture wherein the contents are evenly distributed throughout. Following the blending process, the mixture is forced through a pelletizer. As the pellets are removed from the pelletizer they are immediately cooled so that the densified thermoplastic particles do not melt. The resulting fuel pellets produce from about 10,000 BTU per pound to about 16,000 BTU per pound and leave an ash deposit from about 0 to about 6% by weight, and a sulfur dioxide output from about 0 to about 3% by weight.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing charcoal and intermediate char-containing articles from paper and/or paperboard comprises forming an aqueous pulp of cellulose fibers from the paper or paperboard and blending the aqueous pulp with comminuted char in a dry or slurried state. The resulting mixture may be shaped into any desired form, such, for example, as briquettes, by forcing the mixture into a perforated die or porous mold to form substantially rigid articles. The formed product is dried in a kiln.

Abstract: A cellulosic composition 42 is provided which may be used as a charcoal briquette replacement, germination medium, oil and animal excretion absorbent, or as a source of nourishment.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for time production of fuel pellets or briquettes from sewage sludge solids and municipal solid waste with minimal drying requirements. In one of its more specific aspects, this invention relates to a solid pelleted or briquetted fuel product consisting essentially of sewage sludge solids, waste paper and/or refuse derived fuel, and crushed coal, and to its method of preparation. In still another of its specific aspects, this invention relates to a method for the production of fuel gases from sewage sludge solids and cellulosic wastes.

Abstract: A solid fuel containing a recycled residue from anaerobic fermentation or anaerobic digestion of an organic material. The solid fuel can also contain a volatile solid fossil fuel. The residue is preferably derived from an anaerobic digestion process of municipal solid waste, raw sewage sludge, biomass feedstock, industrial waste, agricultural waste or mixtures thereof. The volatile solid fossil fuel preferably contains a coal constituent of lignite, anthracite coal, meta-anthracite coal, bituminous coal and/or sub-bituminous coal. Regardless of whether the solid fuel contains only recycled residue or recycled residue bound with a volatile solid fossil fuel, the solid fuel can be formed into pellets or energy cubes.

Abstract: Briquettes capable of sustained emission of aromatic volatiles during cooking of food over a heated bed of briquettes comprise a bonded combustible or non-combustible matrix containing within the matrix at least one pellet of combustible aromatic material. The briquettes are preferably conventional charcoal briquettes containing a plurality of pellets of compressed bonded wood. The wood is preferably a flavoring wood such as hickory. The invention also encompasses a method of imparting flavor to food comprising cooking food over a heated bed of the briquettes of the invention.

Abstract: A method of treating and using waste products and to products produced thereby is described. The method comprises agitating the sewage sludge mixture and waste products with a co-agent to bind the mixture in a mixing chamber (1) having paddles (2). The mixture is fed via a controlled feed (3) to a worm pump (4) leading to the base of cyclone (5) where it is broken down into a coarse particles using air from a blower fan (6). The coarse particled mixture is passed to a cyclone dryer/disinfector (7) for sterilisation by steam from an injector (8). The treated sludge mixture may be fed via a hopper (9) to an auger press (10) from which it is extruded and passed for radiation and sterilisation in a microwave oven (12) and then cut into bricketts. Alternatively, the treated sludge mixture can be passed to hopper (16) via a controlled feed (17) to plank molds (19). The moulds pass under a press (20) to form bio-degradable planks (21) for building shuttering.

Abstract: A pelletized fuel is disclosed, made with cellulosic fiber and thermoplastic resin. Preferred embodiments of the pelletized fuel are adapted to be fed in admixture with coal, into conventional coal fired furnaces using conventional coal handling equipment. The preferred pelletized fuel has appropriate mass density and bulk density, and is shaped such that it maintains a generally uniform admixture with the coal during conventional handling, and, upon combustion, produces heat similar to that of coal, thereby minimizing the process adaptations required to convert a furnace from using a conventional coal fuel supply, to a fuel supply comprising a mixture of coal and the pelletized fuel. The invention comprehends methods of making the pelletized fuel, and methods of firing a furnace using the pelletized fuel.

Abstract: An improved fuel block of compressed combustible particles and a binder has a controlled burn rate preferably for use adjacent citrus fruit trees to prevent frost damage. The fuel block preferably has a cylindrical body and is formed with a longitudinally extending series of individual spaced depressions in the side surface of the body. The side surface of the fuel body is tightly wrapped with a combustible paper which forms air pockets with the side surface of the spaced depressions. These air pockets in combination with the paper, provide a series of alternating fast and slow burn layers which enable the body to burn in progressive layers instead of burning the entire body at the same time. An outer protective plastic wrapper protects the fuel body and wrapper paper from the weather until ready for use. A central hole is formed through the fuel body to assist in the initial lighting of the top surface of the body.

Abstract: The invention discloses fuel nuggets with high heat value which is virtually dust-free, and a method of making the same. The nuggets are preferably made of scrap particleboard made of wood particles bonded together by a urea/formaldehyde adhesive. The scrap is hogged and shaped into roughly spherical nuggets of a preselected size suited for automated furnaces. The nuggets are then coated with an aqueous urea solution and then oven-dried to achieve a preselected moisture content.

Abstract: A combusible member includes a first material having a density less than one (1) and constituting a plastic material in cross-linked or linear form and having properties of being converted to a non-toxic gaseous form when subjected to heat. Preferably, the first material constitutes a polyethylene such as is obtained from discarded containers for consumible products. The polyethylene may have a percentage by weight in the range of approximately sixty percent (66%) to seventy six percent (76%) in the combustible member. The combustible material also includes a combustible member having properties of being oxidized when subjected to heat. Preferably the combustible material may constitute a wood product in particulate or pulp form. The combustible material may have a percentage by weight in the range of approximately twenty percent (20%) to thirty six percent (36%) in the combustible member. A binder having a melt index less than two thousand (2000) is also included in the combustible member.

Abstract: Barbecue flavoring blocks and a process for making barbecue flavoring block made from pieces of wood suitable to flavor food bound together with gelatin, preferably containing a flavoring ingredient. The flavoring blocks are pasturized.

Abstract: Wood from broad-leaved and/or coniferous woody plants, particularly bushwood or waste wood or wood obtained in wood-growing plantations, is processed in that wood in a green state is chopped to form wood chips and is mixed with accompanying or additional fermentable green plant material, which has also been comminuted. The resulting mixture is compacted to form a compacted body of plant material in a space which is airtightly enclosed at least on the sides and at the bottom. The compacted body is fermented in said space to generate heat of fermentation, which is used to dry the compacted body so that water vapor and gases are evolved, which are permitted to escape. The fermentable green plant material may consist of the bark and leaves of broad-leaved woody plants, of the leaves of leaved plants, of grass, or of mixtures of said materials.

Abstract: A smoke generating cartridge for use in barbecues or other food cooking or smoking enclosures is disclosed. The cartridge comprises a tightly packed cylinder of wood particles wrapped in paper such that a self-sustaining smoldering combustion is provided when the cartridge is ignited. The invention further discloses a holder for mounting the cartridge to provide the smoke to a barbecue enclosure.

Abstract: The disclosed briquets comprise solid carrier means and a seasoning liquid impregnated into the carrier means; with the carrier means being both wet in appearance and to the touch and forming between 70-90% of the weight of the briquets and the seasoning liquid forming between 10-30% of the weight of the briquets. The carrier means are dried and absorbant, and may be 1-3 inch blocks of hard wood (oak) or crushed shells of fruitwood nuts including pecans, black walnuts, pistachios, almonds, and/or chestnuts. The seasoning liquid is noncombustible and includes: wine, soy sauce, molasses, whiskey, liquid smoke, real lemon extract, vinegar, and/or water; and bay leaves, onion powder, garlic powder, and/or Jamacian all spice. The liquid and solid components of the seasoning liquid are blended together in a ratio by weight of between 0.1-3% solid to 99.9-97% liquid materials.

Abstract: Pyrolyzate oil is made amendable to hydrotreatment without substantial coking problems by means of pre-treatment with hydrogen at temperatures in the range of 250.degree. to 300.degree. C.

Abstract: New product consisting of wood which is torrefied between 250.degree. and 280.degree. C. in a non oxidizing atmosphere, in the form of sticks of uniform length: 15 mm for example and having a diameter comprised between 5 and 20 mm, which are not disbarked. The preparation of the method comprised the obtention by culture of rectilinear ligneous rejections, the cutting, drying and torrefaction thereof preferably in a vertical reactor (101) where the material to be torrefied (115) is traversed by a gas stream circulating at high speed.