From Animal Matter Patents (Class 71/15)
  • Patent number: 6409789
    Abstract: A resource transformation and regeneration process for creating beneficial organic nutrient-rich products from raw organic biosolid waste material is provided. The process comprises initially mixing the raw organic biosolid waste material to a substantially uniform size, oxidizing and transforming the raw organic biosolid waste material, secondarily mixing the oxidized and transformed organic biosolid waste material, and drying the oxidized and regenerated organic biomeal material, producing a beneficial nutrient-rich product for plants and animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: R. Gene Gilbert
  • Patent number: 6402801
    Abstract: A method is described for treating animal manures and other organic wastes to destroy pathogens, reduce noxious odors, and immobilize water-soluble pollutants, thereby producing a pasteurized, granular product useful as a soil amendment. In a described implementation, the solids content of the organic waste is raised to a predetermined level to create air-filled pore space, and the pH is raised sufficiently to liberate endogenous gaseous ammonia in the air-filled pores for a predetermined time. The level of gaseous ammonia is sufficient to significantly destroy pathogens in the manure. In addition, alkaline material and/or iron salts are added to the organic waste to render certain water-soluble pollutants insoluble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: N-Viro International Corp.
    Inventors: Ervin Louis Faulmann, Terry J. Logan
  • Patent number: 6387272
    Abstract: A process for utilizing the material of ammonium-containing effluent which contains further soluble constituents and, possible additional solids, comprising: a) optionally separating off the solids, b) concentrating the substantially solids-free ammonium-containing effluent to give an aqueous concentrate having an increased content of ammonium and additional soluble constituents, with simultaneous recovery of substantially ammonium-free pure water, c) precipitating ammonium as magnesium ammonium phosphate from the ammonium-containing aqueous concentrate, and d) separating off precipitated magnesium ammonium phosphate with recovery of substantially ammonium-free residual concentrate which at least partially contains the additional soluble constituents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Hirth, Rainer Schweppe, Kai Höhn
  • Patent number: 6372007
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to organic compost used to treat soil. The compost serves as a source of plant nutrients, improves soil structure, encourages the growth of beneficial microorganisms and can be used as a vehicle in the formulation of other soil treatment compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Antonio Munoz
  • Publication number: 20020035858
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved, cost-effective means of transforming sludge or other waste from vertebrates into fertilizer comprising the steps of 1) mixing a composition containing calcium oxide (CaO) and magnesium oxide (MgO) with sludge or other waste products from vertebrates, 2) allowing the mixture to reach a temperature of about 70° C., then 3) allowing the mixture to remain at a minimum temperature of about 70° C. for a minimum 30 minutes. At the end of this time, most of the material is sufficiently dewatered and can then be bagged to be sold as an organic fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Chris A. Forsha
  • Patent number: 6350608
    Abstract: A process is provided for the biological digestion of animal carcasses. First, the carcass is cut into smaller pieces with equipment that masticates, grinds or comminutes in the presence of water to create a solid-liquid mixture. The next steps include treating the solid-liquid mixture with a special blend or combination of bacteria that have been specifically cultured to digest the carcass; the mixture is subsequently aerated to form a stabilized biomass. The stabilized biomass is aerated in an open basin to further digest and liquefy the carcass, water, bacteria mixture. From the open basin, the primarily liquid waste stream is passed to a clarifying tank where the suspended solids are precipitated as sludge, thus clarifying the liquid. Sludge is removed from the clarifying chamber and the clarified liquid is either discharged or recirculated for further use in this novel process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: AJT & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfredo J. Teran, Richard G. Wood, W. Todd Willoughby
  • Patent number: 6325836
    Abstract: Mechanically strong, water-disintegrable agglomerates for use as a soil conditioner produced from cement kiln dust and other particulate calcium sources containing CaO or Ca(OH)2 and other calcium-containing compounds having the potential to be hydrated and a process for forming such agglomerates are disclosed. The process comprises combining the particulate calcium source and a water-soluble binder to produce agglomerates which are then subjected to controlled drying such that the dried agglomerates having a size ranging from −7 to +8 Tyler Standard Sieve Series exhibit an average green crush strength of at least about 2 pounds (about 0.9 kg).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Magic Green Corporation
    Inventors: Greg Wommack, Carl Holley, Eugene Greskovich
  • Patent number: 6302936
    Abstract: A process for making an artificial soil includes first combining the volume percentages of the following substances: 5-95% materials suitable for use as a blending base; 5-95% cellulose; 0.5-50% bio-solids; 0.1-10% calcium; 0.1-5% charcoal; and 0.5-4% ammonium nitrate or sulfate. The above substances are ground until a homogeneous mixture is obtained, after which the artificial soil can be either blended in place or manufactured at one location and transported to another location for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Paul Thomas Adam
  • Patent number: 6299774
    Abstract: A process to recover energy, reduce pollution potential, and add value to organic waste such as animal manure is described. The process involves the anaerobic digestion of feedstocks, such as animal manure, at low to high temperatures in batch, semi-continuous or continuous reactors. The process makes use of existing handling and storage equipment at the farm and requires minimal supervision and skill by the operator. The system is not affected by high concentrations of volatile acids and ammonia or nitrogen. The productivity of the anaerobic digester system, in terms of methane a gas production and quality, is exceptionally high. The anaerobic digester requires only a singe reaction vessel. Consequently, the process is low cost and does not interfere with regular farm operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventors: Jack L. Ainsworth, Dan Atwood, Tom Rideout
  • Patent number: 6273927
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing the fertilizer made from organic wastes such as food wastes, human excrements, animal excrements, slaugterhouse waste, henhouse waste, fish and shellfish wastes, vegetable wastes and agricultural wastes. Various wastes are mixed and crushed into certain sizes, processes for adjusting the water content, put into the treating tank and digested by mixing a calcined lime. The present invention utilizes a dolomite or mixture of calcined lime and dolomite to provide the first treatment material. This first treatment material is mixed with the supplement material such as charcoal, saw dust, loess, zoelite, chaff, or shell powder to give compost fertilizer. It is also mixed with agricultural products such a watermelons or melons which ferment to provide a special fertilizer for the agricultural product. The treatment material can be added to water and mixed with mugwort, medicinal herb, zeolite, loess, and then extracted to provide a liquid fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Dae Youn Yang
  • Patent number: 6264714
    Abstract: A method of treating and fertilizing a lawn comprising separate applications of corn gluten, 100% poultry manure organic lawn/plant fertilizer and milky spore organic soil conditioner in controlled amounts at specific times over a three year period, the times being early spring, late spring/early summer, mid to late summer and late fall or about 50 to 60 days apart commencing in early spring while forsythia is blooming but before lilacs bloom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Pure Barnyard Company LLC
    Inventor: Timothy J. Gillette
  • Patent number: 6248148
    Abstract: A method is described for disinfecting and deodorizing animal manures and other organic wastes to produce a pasteurized, granular product for use as a soil amendment. The solids content of the animal manure is raised to a predetermined level to create air-filled pore space, and the pH is raised sufficient to liberate endogenous gaseous ammonia in the air-filled pores for a predetermined time. The level of gaseous ammonia is sufficient to significantly destroy pathogens in the manure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: N-Viro International Corporation
    Inventors: Ervin Louis Faulmann, Terry J. Logan
  • Patent number: 6245121
    Abstract: Provided is a process for the treatment of aqueous effluents containing organic and inorganic matter and having a solids content of at most 12% by weight to provide a purified liquid phase and a solid organic fertilizer or organic soil improver. The process includes subjecting the effluent to one or more primary liquid/solid separation steps to obtain a liquid medium containing no more than 3% by weight of dry matter and having a turbidity of at most 300 NTU and a collection of concentrates containing in total 15% by weight dry matter. The liquid medium is subjected to ultra filtration or micro filtration to obtain an ultra filtrate or a micro filtrate containing at most 1% by weight dry matter and having a turbidity of at most 100 NTU. The ultra filtrate or micro filtrate is subjected to a reverse osmosis operation to obtain a concentrate and a permeate. The permeate constitutes a purified aqueous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Rhodia Chimie
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Lamy, Jean-Pierre Communal
  • Patent number: 6224646
    Abstract: A waste treatment system is herein described. A microbial additive containing a mixture of enzymes and bacteria designed to produce anoxic degradation of the waste is added to the waste composed of liquid waste containing solid content and the waste is shredded and mixed, thereby resulting in waste having a more homogeneous texture. The waste is then heated while shredding and mixing continues. The heating process eliminates pathogens. The result is that a combination of anoxic and anaerobic microbial activity within the waste is promoted while the organic portion of the solid content is largely dissolved into liquids, gases and biomass. Following heating, shredding and mixing, the treated waste separates into waste liquid and waste solid as the unsolubilized solids precipitate out of solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Manitoba Ltd.
    Inventors: Claudio Arato, Martin Hildebrand
  • Patent number: 6206945
    Abstract: High-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer is produced from animal wastes by mixing the waste with water and soft-burned dolomite, recovering ammonia that is liberated with an aqueous acidic medium, neutralizing the mixture, combining the ammonium salt recovered earlier with the mixture, the adding guano-forming bacteria to the mixture, and allowing the mixture to ferment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventors: Charles Arthur Weiss, Jr., Philip Garcin Malone
  • Patent number: 6197081
    Abstract: A method for treating infectious organic waste material such as dewatered sewage sludge, mixed organic wastes and animal waste. The method includes mixing the infectious organic waste material with a comminuted organic fibrous material to provide a reaction mixture. An oxidizing agent is an optional additive. The reaction mixture is heated in a hyperbaric reactor vessel at an elevated pressure and temperature for a time sufficient to create saturated steam and to produce a substantially denatured product containing inactivated pathogenic agents. The denatured product is dehydrated to produce a free-flowing solid product that may be used in various agricultural, industrial or commercial applications. Odor is controlled so that malodorous compounds are not released to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Erick Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6174472
    Abstract: The instant process forms a pellet comprised of at least sixty percent composted sewer sludge, up to forty percent cellulosic plant material and up to fifteen percent nutrient materials and chemicals for soil enhancement and plant nutrition that provides a combination of both long and short term beneficiation of soil and herbage and has no pathogenic microbes above regulatory ranges. The composted sewer sludge comprises primary sewer sludge admixed with cellulosic plant material that is thermally treated at temperatures between 140 and 180 degrees F. during composting to destroy mesophyllic pathogenic microbes and the viability of reproducible botanicals including seeds, but leave most thermophilic soil enhancing microbes in a viable state. Additional fibrous cellulosic material and chemicals are admixed with the composted sewer sludge and the mixture pelletized in a thermal process that raises pellet temperature to between 140 to 180 degrees F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventors: Ernest W. Johnson, Derek D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6159263
    Abstract: An improved process for enhancing the plant nutrient value of relatively low analysis organic waste material (e.g., sewage sludge) involves treating the waste material with an acid and base in a pipe-cross reactor. The process more particularly involves mixing the waste material with water to form a slurry (or initially taking the waste material as a slurry); pumping the slurry to a pipe-cross reactor for reaction with a base, acid, and water to form a melt; spraying the melt onto a recycling bed of fines in a granulator, and flashing off the water contained in the melt as steam; rolling the melt onto recycled fine particles in a granulator to form granulated particles; and drying these granulated particles to form an enhanced plant nutrient value composition (e.g., a fertilizer or soil conditioner having a greater "NPK" value than the original relatively low analysis organic waste material).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Unity, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. Greer, Gary L. Dahms
  • Patent number: 6149694
    Abstract: A fuel product derived from waste products and processes for using and forming the products are provided. Broadly, the fuel product comprises a self-sustaining body formed from a homogenous mixture including solid components derived from livestock waste (e.g., swine manure) and a second waste product different from the livestock waste (e.g., sawdust or paper). The mixture has a moisture content of from about 10-40% by weight and the formed body has a bulk density of from about 20-40 lbs/ft.sup.3. The mixture or formed body is heated to a temperature of at least about 800.degree. F. in order to produce at least about 5000 BTUs of energy per pound of mixture or body heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Northwest Missouri State University
    Inventors: John C. Redden, Jr., Robert E. Bush, Jason W. Helton, James H. Teaney
  • Patent number: 6123747
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing barnyard manure using sewage and night-soil sludge for use in farmlands and flower gardens so as to prevent secondary contamination of the environment quickly, at a low cost, and with high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Hyundai Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Wook Kim, Jae Kyung Jo, No Hyuk Kwak, Jae Gun Bae, Chung Hwan Oh, Youn Gun Chin, Yong Sik Lee
  • Patent number: 6083738
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process of decontaminating, by composting under specific conditions, soil and/or sediments containing toxic contaminants of PCB. The process is carried out by converting the contaminants into harmless materials. The process includes the step of affecting a solid compost mixture during composting with a redox potential below negative 200 mV (millivolts). Further, the process includes several steps which are repeated until complete degradation is achieved. Other processes for degrading compounds such as chlordane, dieldrin, toxaphene, aldrin, endrin, and heptachlorepoxide as well as polychlorinated benzenes are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Zeneca, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy P. Moser, Neil C. C. Gray, David J. Gannon
  • Patent number: 6080222
    Abstract: An organic liquid source of nutrition for plants includes a liquid mixture made from animal-derived raw materials decomposed naturally through the autolysis of cells, separated by addition of hydrochloric acid into a first liquid consisting primarily of fatty acids to which alcohol is added, and a second liquid consisting primarily of soluble protein to which surfactant is added, and a sugar-containing liquid mixed and agitated with these liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Hidekatsu Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 6048377
    Abstract: A soil top dressing resulting from the method of taking a quantity of sand comprised of a plurality of sand particles; coating the sand particles with a liquid plasticizer material comprised of a mixture of water and at least one from the group of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, silicon rubber latex or glycerol, adding a quantity of clay comprised of a plurality of clay particles, along with a quantity of the plasticizer material to the coated sand particles; adding a quantity of kelp to coat said sand coated particles; and coating the kelp with calamovilla longifolia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: True Pitch, Inc.
    Inventor: Boris Kviesitis
  • Patent number: 6039782
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing granulated organic matters wherein a precipitated fraction obtaied in a settling tank from a methane fermentation fluid having been treated aerobically in an aeration tank is added to a fermentation waste fluid. According to the present invention, there is provided a process for producing physically stable granulated organic matters with reduced increase of stickiness occurring at the time of manufacturing granulated organic matters from fermentation waste fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Sota, Tomoo Okiura, Masaki Azuma
  • Patent number: 6033899
    Abstract: A process of decontaminating soil containing pentachlorophenol (PCP) contaminant comprising admixing an organic nutrient material into soil in an amount of about 10% to 95% by weight of the soil mixture. The soil mixture forms a compost mixture. Composting the compost mixture at a temperature in the range of 20 to 65 degrees celsius. The water content of the compost mixture is maintained in a range of 40% to 100% water holding capacity (WHC). The redox potential level during the composting is below negative 200 mV to achieve partial degradation of the PCP contaminant. After composting, the compost mixture is oxygenated to raise the redox potential to positive 100 mV to further degrade the contaminant; and the steps are repeated until the PCP contaminant is present in an amount less than 140 ppm per ton of soil. The organic nutrient material comprises agricultural waste and municipal waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Zenca, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy P. Moser, Neil C. C. Gray
  • Patent number: 6027543
    Abstract: A method for removing a heavy metal from sludge, including the step of putting the sludge into contact with a treating liquid to dissolve the heavy metal contained in the sludge into the treating liquid. The treating liquid is formed of either A or B, where (A) is an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid, and (B) is an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid containing at least one of B1 and B2, where (B1) is at least one acid other than phosphoric acid, and (B2) is at least one oxidant. The concentration of the phosphoric acid in the treating liquid is 3% by weight or more. Alternatively, the sludge is put into contact with the treating liquid at a temperature of 40.degree. C. or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Shiro Yoshizaki
    Inventors: Shiro Yoshizaki, Tahei Tomida
  • Patent number: 6010551
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for accelerated biodegradation of organic matter. The apparatus includes an enclosure for receiving a stack of organic matter and at least one fan connected to a series of aeration ducts for directing a gas containing oxygen through the stack. After passing through the stack the gas is collected and passed through a scrubber and a heat exchanger that cools the gas. A portion of the gas is exchanged with a portion of a replacement gas and then the gas is recirculated through the stack in a substantially closed loop system. The temperature, oxygen content, and flow rate of the gas are controlled to provide a sustained accelerated rate of biodegradation in the stack. In addition, the stack is periodically agitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Ideachip Oy
    Inventor: Markku Jonninen
  • Patent number: 6001146
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the continuous treatment of putrescent waste in which the waste is eaten by fly larvae. The device comprises a conveyor belt, a means to distribute the waste, a means for depositing fly larvae or fly larvae eggs onto the waste, a means for removing fly larvae from the waste and from the conveyor belt, and a means for removing the waste from the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Paul A. Olivier
  • Patent number: 5998199
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process of decontaminating, by composting under specific conditions, soil and/or sediments containing toxic contaminants of TNT, HMX and RDX. The process is carried out by converting the contaminants into harmless materials. The process includes the step of affecting a solid compost mixture during composting with a redox potential below negative 200 mV (millivolts). Further, the process includes several steps which are repeated until complete degradation is achieved. Other processes for degrading compounds such as chlordane, dieldrin, toxaphene, aldrin, endrin, and heptachlorepoxide as well as polychlorinated benzenes are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Zeneca Inc
    Inventors: Guy P. Moser, Neil C. C. Gray
  • Patent number: 5993503
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dephosphorizing manure, in particular pig manure, comprising of causing phosphate to dissolve, which phosphate is present at least partially in the form of phytate in the manure, separating the manure into a solid and a liquid fraction and removing the phosphate from the liquid fraction of the manure.Causing phosphate to dissolve can be achieved in different ways, for instance by storing the manure for a predetermined period of time under conditioned circumstances, or by sustaining a continuous movement of the manure at a temperature of at least 15.degree. C., preferably between 20 and 40.degree. C., to allow free escape therefrom of formed gases, or by the presence of means for complexing divalent ions, or by the enzymatic decomposition of phytate present in the manure. The phosphate is preferably removed from the liquid fraction by causing struvite to be precipitated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Ceres Milieu Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrik Kruidhof
  • Patent number: 5984993
    Abstract: A method and composition are provided for controlling odor from waste products. The composition comprises a combination of chlorite salt and nitrate salt. The method includes the step of contacting the waste products or their surrounding airspace with the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Vulcan Materials Company
    Inventors: Eric L. Mainz, David B. Griffith
  • Patent number: 5984992
    Abstract: An improved process for enhancing the plant nutrient value of relatively low analysis organic waste material (e.g. sewage sludge) involves treating the waste material with an acid and base in a pipe-cross reactor. The process more particularly involves mixing the waste material with water to form a slurry (or initially taking the waste material as a slurry); pumping the slurry to a pipe-cross reactor for reaction with a base, acid, and water to form a melt; spraying the melt onto a recycling bed of fines in a granulator, and flashing off the water contained in the melt as steam; rolling the melt onto recycled fine particles in a granulator to form granulated particles; and drying these granulated particles to form an enhanced plant nutrient value composition (e.g. a fertilizer or soil conditioner having a greater "NPK" value than the original relatively low analysis organic waste material).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Unity, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. Greer, Gary L. Dahms
  • Patent number: 5911543
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling erosion and creating a growth medium capable of supporting plant life. The method comprises the steps of analyzing a site, determining the amount and type of a mulch to be applied to the site, determining the desired conditions of the site and the length of time for placing animals on the site and applying mulch and animals to the site to produce conditions suitable for generation of the growth medium such as soil. The present invention further relates to an automated site reclamation control system which utilizes a control system processor to control the amount of feed and water supplied to the feed and water troughs, as well as the location of the troughs thus controlling the location and movement of the animals on the reclamation site thereby optimizing the creation of the growth medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: BHP Copper Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Higgins, Jesse D. Mitchell, Todd R. Breen, Andrew A. Brodkey
  • Patent number: 5902744
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process of decontaminating, by composting under specific conditions, soil and/or sediments containing certain toxic cyclical organic compound contaminants by converting these contaminants into harmless materials. The compounds include chlordane, dieldrin, toxaphene, aldrin, endrin, and heptachlorepoxide. The process includes the step of affecting a solid compost mixture during composting with a redox potential below negative 200 mV (millivolts). Further, the process includes several steps which are repeated until an amount of contaminant is degraded to less than 140 ppm (part per million) per ton of soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Stauffer Management Company
    Inventors: Neil Cameron Croall Gray, Guy Peter Moser, Lovi Eva Moser
  • Patent number: 5885319
    Abstract: System and method for processing an effluvia gas containing NO.sub.X and sulfur dioxide to produce an enriched fertilizer. The gas is brought into contact with a host liquid and calcium oxide to convert the NO.sub.X to calcium nitrate and the sulfur dioxide to calcium sulfate, and the liquid containing the calcium nitrate and the sulfur dioxide is then passed through a bed of horse manure media so that the calcium nitrate and the sulfur dioxide accumulate in and thereby enrich the media for use as fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: R. Edward Burton
  • Patent number: 5876479
    Abstract: Manufacturing procedures and compositions for soil enhancers and the like are disclosed. A solution is formed from adding humate to water under constant agitation. Sodium Bicarbonate is added to the solution, resulting in a reaction allowing silica to precipitate out of the solution. The resulting solution is about 12% humic acid. Additional water is added to the solution along with a series of crude protein sources, including fish protein, blood extract, and feather meal. Following the addition of each protein source to the humic acid solution, citric acid is added to increase the protein solubility. Sarsaponins (Yucca extract) is then added to stabilize microbial activity. Additional water is added to the resulting mix, followed by the addition of sugar beet waste lime (calcium carbonate). The calcium carbonate brings the mixture to a pH of about the range of 6.8 to 7.2, which has been found to be encouraging for microbial activity. Seaweed is then added to the mix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Joel Hedgpeth, IV
  • Patent number: 5785730
    Abstract: A fertilizer comprising a dewatered solid agricultural nutrient is disclosed. A method for preparing this fertilizer is provided including the steps of providing a raw agricultural waste to be treated, adding to the raw agricultural waste an effective amount of a composition comprising a quaternized amino methylated polyacrylamide polymer for separating the raw agricultural waste into a mixture having a separate clarified liquid portion and a separate dewatered nutrient solids portion, wherein the separated dewatered nutrient solids portion is a fertilizer, mixing the composition with the raw agricultural waste to facilitate the separation of the raw agricultural waste into the mixture, and subjecting the mixture to at least one mechanical separation means for segregating the separated clarified liquid portion from the fertilizer. An aqueous system comprising water, raw agricultural waste and a composition comprising a quaternized amino methylated polyacrylamide polymer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Calgon Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph P. Miknevich, Denis E. Hassick
  • Patent number: 5776350
    Abstract: A method for separating raw agricultural waste into a liquid portion and a nutrient enriched solids portion is disclosed. This method includes providing raw agricultural waste to be treated, adding to the raw agricultural waste an effective amount of a composition comprising a quaternized amino methylated polyacrylamide polymer for separating the raw agricultural waste into a mixture having a liquid portion and a nutrient solids portion, mixing the composition with the raw agricultural waste to facilitate the separation, and subjecting the mixture to at least one mechanical separation means for segregating the separated liquid portion from the separated nutrient solids portion. A method for transforming raw agricultural waste into a clarified liquid portion and a dewatered nutrient enriched solids portion is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Calgon Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph P. Miknevich, Denis E. Hassick
  • Patent number: 5772722
    Abstract: An odor reducing blend and a method for reducing odor of manure. The odor reducing blend contains an effective amount of acidulated soybean soapstock and an effective amount of an emulsifier. The method includes providing an odor reducing effective amount of a odor reducing blend. The method also includes mixing the odor reducing blend with manure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Cenex/Land O'Lakes Agronomy Company
    Inventors: Joe V. Gednalske, Robert W. Herzfeld, William G. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5772721
    Abstract: A substantially odorless and sterilized fertilizer in pellet form is produced by combining a dry organic waste material and a dry binder material, then combining the resulting dry mixture with steam, water and/or further organic waste in the form of sludge. The resulting material is provided to an extruder for a more thorough, dispersive mixing, a pressure increase to at least 100 psi, and heating above the glass transition temperature of the binder, and more preferably to at least about 125.degree. C. to substantially sterilize the material mass. The extruded material is forced through a die and released to an ambient environment, rapidly reducing pressure of the material and thereby lysing spores and microorganisms surviving conditions within the extruder. The emerging material is segmented and dried, or segmented and tumbled to form pellets, then dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Massoud Kazemzadeh
  • Patent number: 5766301
    Abstract: The corrector comprises a mixture of trace elements, in hydrated sulfate form, optionally containing carbonates and including iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc, with the following typical analysis: Magnesium 3.5-6%; iron 12-19%; Manganese 1-1.5%; zinc 0.2-0.3% and organic matter 0-45%.The process comprises mixing 50-66% of the by-product of manufacture of titanium bioxide via sulfate, 5-10% alkaline earth carbonate or magnesite and, optionally, 10-45% organic matter, grinding the mixture, granulating it and drying it, cooling it and screening it.The corrector is used in agriculture to prevent and control ferric chlorosis, to favor physiological processes of harvests in which iron takes part and to avoid deficiencies of manganese and zinc in farmland.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignees: Tioxide Europe, S.A., Industrias Quimicas Gombau y Martin, S.L.
    Inventors: Luis Marijuan de Santiago, Generoso Martin Blesa
  • Patent number: 5759224
    Abstract: The invention relates to a devive and a method for the continuous treatment of putrescent waste in which the waste is eaten by fly larvae. The device comprises:a conveyor belt;a means to distribute the waste;a means for depositing fly larvae eggs onto the waste;a means for removing fly larvae from the waste and from the conveyor belt;a means for removing the waste from the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventor: Paul A. Olivier
  • Patent number: 5755852
    Abstract: The invention relates to a nutrient rich humus material produced by a process wherein solids in an aqueous slurry of animal excrement are settled or precipitated in a solids ecoreactor, the slurry may be treated before and/or after settlement in the ecoreactor by passing to a bioreactor wherein soluble phosphorus may be precipitated with metallic salts, the slurry is aerobically and anaerobically treated to form an active biomass that actively bioconverts remaining soluble phosphorus, nitrogen and organics, and the aqueous slurry containing bioconverted phosphorus is recycled to said solids ecoreactor and/or discharged, and at least a portion of slurry is bioconverted and recovered as a beneficial humus material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Bion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jere Northrop
  • Patent number: 5741344
    Abstract: A process for the conversion of organic agricultural waste into a soil amendment uses earthworms. The organic material is rent into small pieces, placed in a rick with 60% or more moisture. Earthworms are added to the rick for the consumption of the decomposing organic material. Succeeding ricks are added as the material is being consumed until the resulting castings can be most efficiently separated from the earthworms and remaining organic material. Storage as silage of the organic agricultural material may be employed between harvesting and addition of the earthworms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: Robert K. Warkentin
  • Patent number: 5741346
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural fertilizer prepared from animal waste, rock fines, and optionally other ingredients to improve its performance. The process for preparing this fertilizer is within the scope of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Vulcan Materials Company
    Inventor: Alexander S. Glover
  • Patent number: 5730772
    Abstract: A method of preparing a dried fertilizer composition from poultry manure, minimizing decomposition and degradation of organic nitrogen, to achieve a total nitrogen content of about 3 to about 7 percent by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Creekwood Farms Incorporated
    Inventor: David E. Staples
  • Patent number: 5707417
    Abstract: Garbage resulting from the preparation, cooking and dispensing of food and containing water-insoluble organic components is treated first heated in the presence of water at a temperature of 100.degree.-400.degree. C. and a pressure higher than the saturated water vapor pressure to convert at least part of the water-insoluble components into water-soluble organic components and to obtain a mixture containing the water-soluble components dissolved in the water. The mixture is then subjected to methane fermentation to convert the water-soluble organic components into methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Director-General of Agency of Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Shinya Yokoyama, Tomoko Ogi, Shigeki Sawayama, Tomoaki Minowa, Seiichi Inoue
  • Patent number: 5695301
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling erosion and creating a growth medium capable of supporting plant life. The method comprises the steps of analyzing a site, determining the amount and type of a mulch to be applied to the site, determining the desired conditions of the site and the length of time for placing animals on the site and applying mulch and animals to the site to produce conditions suitable for generation of a growth medium such as soil. The present invention further relates to an automated site reclamation control system which utilizes a control system processor to control the amount of feed and water supplied to the feed and water troughs, as well as the location of the troughs thus controlling the location and movement of the animals on the reclamation site thereby optimizing the creation of the growth medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: BHP Copper, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Higgins, Jesse D. Mitchell, Todd R. Breen, Andrew A. Brodkey
  • Patent number: 5660612
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process of decontaminating soil and/or sediments containing DDT type contaminants by converting these contaminants into harmless materials thereby decontaminating the soil to whatever extent desired, either partial decontamiation or complete remediation. The process comprises treating solid and/or sediment which contains populations of viable anaerobic and aerobic microbes capable of transforming DDT type contaminants into harmless materials and being viable under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Zeneca Corp.
    Inventors: Roger L. Bernier, Neil C. C. Gray, Lori E. Moser
  • Patent number: 5660613
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process of decontaminating soil and/or sediments containing DDT type contaminants by converting these contaminants into harmless materials thereby decontaminating the soil to whatever extent desired, either partial decontamination or complete remediation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Zeneca Corp.
    Inventors: Roger L. Bernier, Neil C. C. Gray, Ann L. Gray