Guano, Stable Manure, Etc. Patents (Class 71/21)
  • Patent number: 6682578
    Abstract: Integrated waste treatment and fertilizer and feed supplement production methods to be implemented at organic waste source sites, at remote treatment sites, or partially at the organic waste source site and at a remote location, whether in small or large scale operations. The methods are suitable for retrofitting existing organic waste sources and for treating the organic waste generated by a single source or by a plurality of sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Crystal Peak Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Larry P. Sower
  • Publication number: 20030230126
    Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and swine manure. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Ultra Biotech Limited
    Inventor: Link Yuk Cheung
  • Patent number: 6645267
    Abstract: A process for converting composted organic materials produced by optimized composting procedures into plant growing media for agronomic and other uses. The raw organic matter is first processed into compost by optimized standard methods. If desired, the raw organic matter can be of “organic” sources to provide plant growing media certifiable for use for organically grown food crops. The finished compost is screened to remove coarse particles above about 1 cm diameter, which are recycled back to the composting process. The composted material below approximately 1 cm diameter is further screened to separate out the particles below about 1 cm diameter and above 1 mm. This material is further separated into two size ranges: particles between 1 mm and up to 4 mm diameter (medium), and particles between 4 mm and 1 cm diameter (coarse).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Henri Dinel
  • Patent number: 6626974
    Abstract: Laura's blend is an organic compost that is blended with ingredients that will meet EPA approval as organic compost. The blending is done to meet requirements for soil condition so as to protect that land from over application of fertilizer. If the customer wants just a standard blended compost then Laura's Blend will be blended to meet the standard application rates as chemical fertilizers, but will be environment friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Leo Byford
  • Publication number: 20030141245
    Abstract: A method of treating animal waste includes separating the solids by flocculation and dissolved air flow, followed by screening of the solids to separate them from the waste water. The resulting solid portion is used as the basis for manufacturing value-added products including organic fertilizer, liquid fertilizer, soil amendments and soilless media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Lewis M. Fetterman, C. Ray Campbell
  • Patent number: 6569331
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for processing of animal excreta or manure for further use or environmentally friendly disposal introduces a new first stage and ancillary elements for improved processing of manure material. The improvement involves an initial process to rapidly sterilize the material to remove undesirable microorganisms prior to further processing. This new first stage processing results in a refined end product for further use or environmentally friendly disposal. Additionally, ancillary equipment for digesting the initial material input to extract methane gas for use as a fuel in the process is included. Further, a thermal oxidizer to treat extracted gasses created in the new first stage process is used to reduce pathogens, other pollutants and toxic gasses prior to passing the gas to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Rodney Raeyes
  • Patent number: 6569332
    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 gas production and quality, is exceptionally high. The anaerobic digester employs plural pressurizable anaerobic digesters connected in parallel. Consequently, the process is scaleable, low cost and does not interfere with regular farm operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventors: Jack L. Ainsworth, Dan Atwood, Tom Rideout
  • Publication number: 20030070461
    Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing fertilizer nutrients from poultry litter. The method of the invention includes heating and pasteurizing raw material; drying the heated and pasteurized material; reducing the dried material to a powder; and pelleting the powder to granular and homogenized pellets. The poultry litter fertilizer is high in nitrogen and provides a good source of nutrients for many crops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6521129
    Abstract: A process for treating manure using anaerobic digestion includes introducing manure into a mixing vessel containing a digester liquid and agitating and filtering a slurry formed therefrom to remove substantially all water insoluble solids, thereby leaving a liquid containing ammonia and reactive organic materials. The liquid is then heated and ammonia is removed therefrom to produce a substantially ammonia-free liquid containing reactive organic materials, which is cooled and placed in a digester containing anaerobic bacteria to convert the reactive organic materials in the liquid to biogas and to produce a digester liquid. The biogas is withdrawn and utilized to generate electricity, and a small amount of the digester liquid is withdrawn from the digester and recycled back to the mixing vessel. The water insoluble solids and ammonia removed during the process may be converted to ruminant animal feed and concentrated liquid fertilizer, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventors: Ken Stamper, Richard Skinner
  • Patent number: 6517600
    Abstract: A process for converting composted organic material produced by optimized composting procedures into pure organic fertilizer for agronomic and other uses, particularly the expanding organic food market. It is essential that only organic wastes that are compatible with being certified organic are used for the composting step. In the first step, the raw organic matter is processed into compost by optimized standard methods, and is screened to remove all particles approximately 1 cm in size or greater. This coarse material is recycled back into the composting process. In the second step, the material below 1 cm is further screened to separate out the compost fine particles of 1 mm or less. A major proportion of the particles should be below 150 microns. The particles between 1 mm and 1 cm are rejected, and may be used for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Henri Dinel
  • Publication number: 20030005734
    Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and swine manure. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Ling Yuk Cheung
  • Patent number: 6503287
    Abstract: A soil distribution system, and particularly a method of blowing topsoil, using an improved topsoil blend and specialized equipment, onto selected surfaces, including sloped surfaces. The topsoil blend may be placed either via traditional or selected placement means including placement by blowing the mixture into place. The topsoil blend may be blown through a manipulatable distribution line onto the surface, including areas which may be substantially inaccessible. A selected aerobic compost tea may be combined with the soil distribution operations such that the tea is distributed and intermixed with the soil as the soil is blown into place. Greensand may be distributed over the surface prior to blowing the soil in place and the soil is then distributed over the layer of greensand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Hendrikus Schraven
  • Patent number: 6497741
    Abstract: Integrated waste treatment and fertilizer and feed supplement production methods to be implemented at organic waste source sites, at remote treatment sites, or partially at the organic waste source site and at a remote location, whether in small or large scale operations. The methods are suitable for retrofitting existing organic waste sources and for treating the organic waste generated by a single source or by a plurality of sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Crystal Peak Farms
    Inventor: Larry P. Sower
  • Patent number: 6497742
    Abstract: A method of making a landscaping mulch, using as its primary ingredient, spent stable bedding which has its primary ingredient ripe de bois softwood shavings. The result of the method is a mulch, particularly for landscaping applications, having a relatively high pH value, between 6.5 and 7.5, which is also useful for neutralizing the effects of acid rain. The method involves the steps of mixing agricultural manure in the range of 5%-25%, softwood shavings from spent stable bedding in an amount of greater than 60%, and when necessary, to augment carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, other ancillary ingredients in an amount less than 25%; producing a result by the mixing of ingredients, which has a carbon-to-nitrogen range from 100 to 200 parts of carbon to 1 part of nitrogen. Thereafter, the mixed ingredients are used to form piles, which are then over-saturated with water. Thereafter, liquid is percolated through the mixed ingredients, which liquid is expressed from the bottom of the pile by gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Salem Organic Soils, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Lamour, Shawn Goff
  • Publication number: 20020187900
    Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and cattle manure. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Ling Yuk Cheung
  • Publication number: 20020187552
    Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and poultry manure. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Ling Yuk Cheung
  • Publication number: 20020182710
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method is hereby provided for remediating manure-contaminated material. The method of the present invention comprises providing a mass of manure-contaminated material including in situ-formed bacteria and nitrogen-containing materials. The mass of manure-contaminated material is acidified to a pH of not more than about 7.0 without (a) destroying a substantial portion of said active bacteria, and/or (b) without liberating a substantial portion of said nitrogen-containing materials. Then, the acidified manure-contaminated material is particularized, preferably microenfractionated, as hereinafter described. The particularized, acidified manure-contaminated material is treated with at least one chemical amendment, such as with at least one nutrient, to form a treated particularized manure-contaminated material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Terry Dean Horn, Ronald D. Horn, Bradley S. Glaze, Kenneth R. Warner, Roy Calvin Stout
  • Patent number: 6488733
    Abstract: The present invention relates preparation of superior quality vermicompost from the distillation wastes of aromatic crops said method comprises drying of distillation waste for 24 to 72 hours, obtained after the distillation of herbage for 2-3 h. at 20-25lbs of steam pressure, chopping the waste into small pieces, transferring this material into compost pits containing about 7-10 cm layer of partially rotten cowdung and 400-450 earthworms (Perionyx excavatus)/m3, daily watering of the pits to keep the plant material moist and covering them with gunny bags to check the loss of humidity, reloading the pits (20-30 cm layer) with the chopped distilled waste after 30-35 days, restricting watering after complete degradation of the added material, harvesting of the dried material and shade drying the same for 4-5 days, and sieving the harvested compost to remove earthworms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research
    Inventors: Alok Kalra, Sushil Kumar, Neetu Katiyar, Janak Raj Bahl, Ravi Prakash Bansal, Harmesh Singh Chauhan, Arun Prasad, Rakesh Pandey, Om Parkash Dhawan, Alok Krishna, Ramesh Srivastava
  • Publication number: 20020122830
    Abstract: A method of determining an effective method for control of soil pathogens in a soil which includes the step of measuring the pH of the soil, measuring the organic carbon content of the soil, measuring the buffering capacity of the soil, adding a nitrogen containing material and a pH reducing agent to reduce the soil pH below 5.5 when the buffering capacity of the soil is below a predetermined amount, and adding a nitrogen containing material and a pH raising agent to raise the pH above 8.5 when the organic carbon content is less than 1.7% by weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Mario Tenuta, George Lazarovits
  • Patent number: 6425933
    Abstract: Organic fertilizer produced from raw manure, and systems and methods related to the production thereof. A high-velocity air stream is injected into at least one substantially-closed chamber, where it interacts with a supply of raw manure; the raw manure can be bovine or other animal waste products. The high-velocity air stream pulverizes and dries the raw manure, whereby an end product having a moisture content substantially less than the initial moisture content and a live bacteria content substantially equal to the initial live bacteria content of the raw manure is produced. In a preferred embodiment, a cyclonic comminution apparatus is used to pulverize and dry the raw manure; alternatively, a first cyclonic comminution apparatus can be used to substantially pulverize the raw manure and a second cyclonic comminution apparatus can be used to substantially dry the raw manure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventors: Jodie D. McDaniel, Terry Scott Humphry
  • Patent number: 6409788
    Abstract: Integrated waste treatment and fertilizer and feed supplement production methods to be implemented at organic waste source sites, at remote treatment sites, or partially at the organic waste source site and at a remote location, whether in small or large scale operations. The methods are suitable for retrofitting existing organic waste sources and for treating the organic waste generated by a single source or by a plurality of sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Crystal Peak Farms
    Inventor: Larry P. Sower
  • 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: 6398840
    Abstract: A process for treating sludge comprising the addition of sulphuric acid and anhydrous ammonium to the sludge inside a granulator in order to produce an exothermic reaction which generates sufficient heat to evaporate the water contained in the sludge, thus eliminating all the pathogen and non pathogen microorganism, and producing a dry product having a low pH, free of polluting agents and a high commercial value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventors: Pedro Orta-Castro, José Cabello-Fuentes
  • Patent number: 6382133
    Abstract: A method of increasing the feed efficiency of an animal, the method including applying a suppression agent to surfaces of manure that are exposed to atmosphere, the suppression agent including acidulated plant-based soapstock, the manure located proximate the animal, the method also including providing feed to the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Agriliance LLC
    Inventors: Joe V. Gednalske, Robert W. Herzfeld, Mark D. Schoenfeld
  • 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: 6342085
    Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for composting animal manure. Specifically it is a method that composts chicken manure which at the same time reduces the odor produced by the manure and kills undesirable insects which have a tendency to live in manure piles. The method includes gathering the manure together in long rows. Turning manure on a periodic basis with a horizontal augur so that substantially the portion of the manure pile that was on the outside is buried in the inside. Assuring that the temperature in the manure pile reaches between 90 and 150 degrees so that the life cycle of insects which live in the pile is disrupted. Intermittently adding an absorbent material such as sawdust to absorb the odor and enhance the composting effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventors: Craig R. Giroux, Wilfred E. Giroux
  • Patent number: 6312492
    Abstract: A process for treating animal manure, particularly poultry feces, with concentrated sulfuric acid (about 93 to 95% H2SO4). The product of the process can be used for treating agricultural soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Harold W. Wilson
  • 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: 6264715
    Abstract: A method of making a landscaping mulch, using as its primary ingredient, spent stable bedding which has its primary ingredient ripe de bois softwood shavings. The result of the method is a mulch, particularly for landscaping applications, having a relatively high pH value, between 6.5 and 7.5, which is also useful for neutralizing the effects of acid rain. The method involves the steps of mixing agricultural manure in the range of 5%-25%, softwood shavings from spent stable bedding in an amount of greater than 60%, and when necessary, to augment carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, other ancillary ingredients in an amount less than 25%; producing a result by the mixing of ingredients, which has a carbon-to-nitrogen range from 100 to 200 parts of carbon to 1 part of nitrogen. Thereafter, the mixed ingredients are used to form piles, which are then over-saturated with water. Thereafter, liquid is percolated through the mixed ingredients, which liquid is expressed from the bottom of the pile by gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Salem Organic Soils, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Lamour, Shawn Goff
  • Patent number: 6254654
    Abstract: A soil improver composition produced by digesting a mixture comprising leguminous plant material, igneous rock powder of particle size less than 350 microns, a biodegradable surfactant and water with composting microbes to produce said soil improver composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Dirk Van Barneveld
  • 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: 6224771
    Abstract: A method of recycling organic wastes in which organic wastes such as garbage from households, restaurants are recycled and utilized as a pro-ferment for other organic wastes such as feces and urine of domestic animals, pruned branches, bush, and lawn, which are generated at parks, river terraces, roads, and the like to utilize them as compost. In the organic waste recycling method according to the present invention, a pro-ferment, which is obtained by mixing a medium with an organic waste, is mixed with another organic waste to accelerate fermentation of the latter organic waste and produce compost. In the above method, the medium may be composed of dried coffee refuse, one of wheat bran and coconut fiber, and a ferment bacillus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Food Cycle Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromichi Takeshima
  • 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: 6200475
    Abstract: A method of converting organic waste to a useful end product by aerobic thermophilic fermentation process within a short period of time, includes the steps of mixing the organic waste that naturally contains microorganisms with the porous material as a fermentation medium in a mixing digester to form a waste mixture, providing an external heat source to transfer heat into the waste mixture of the organic waste and the porous material, maintaining the waste mixture at a thermophilic temperature to create microbial symbiosis and mutualism reaction to proliferate and grow beneficial thermophilic microorganisms between the porous material and microorganisms that naturally present in the organic waste and allowing whereby the microbial reaction to accelerate the organic waste fermentation and decomposition speed and decompose the organic waste into the usefil end product within a short period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Shen-Yuan Chen
  • Patent number: 6159262
    Abstract: A fertilizer composition comprises an organic waste, an anti-bacterial agent, a wetting agent, an odor control agent and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Palmrow Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Neil Tumbers
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 5951947
    Abstract: A method for preparing fertilizer from animal, human and medical waste utilizing vacuumized microwave pathogen decontamination. The invention contemplates simultaneously heating the waste and reducing the pressure the reaction chamber in which the waste is located. As a result of the invention, the waste is decontaminated at a low temperature and the nutrients are preserved. The decontaminated waste is then mixed with a planting medium such as soil. The method may also include adding a diluting substance, chosen from the group consisting of humate, sawdust and sand, to dilute the nitrogen content of the disinfected waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: A Creative Research and Testing Co
    Inventor: James R. Hunt
  • Patent number: 5928403
    Abstract: Poultry production is improved by treating poultry manure in the growing location with alum in an amount of from about 0.75 to about 1.5 tons of alum per 10000 birds raised, or at least 0.15 to about 0.25 pounds of alum per bird raised. Poultry manure treatment with alum improves weight gain and feed conversion and decreases mortality for birds grown on treated manure as compared with birds grown on untreated manure. The alum-treated manure may also be used as an agricultural fertilizer. When used as agricultural fertilizer in agricultural runoff water studies, plots fertilized with alum-treated manure exhibit decreased concentrations of phosphorus and heavy metals such as arsenic, copper, iron and zinc as compared with plots fertilized with untreated, normal poultry manure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignees: Trustees of University of Arkansas, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: Philip A. Moore, Jr.
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 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