Aerobic Patents (Class 71/9)
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Patent number: 6171852Abstract: A composting system for decomposing waste material includes a composting bay adapted to receive the waste material. A transport member extends into the composting bay and is adapted to receive the waste material thereon. The transport member is moveable with respect to the bay for transporting waste material along the bay. The composting system further includes a fluid distribution system having at least one fluid injection member adapted to extend into the waste material. The at least one fluid injection member is moveably attachable to the bay such that the at least one fluid injection member is moveable with the waste material along a portion of the bay. The at least one fluid injection member has at least one opening for introducing fluid into the waste material. A method for decomposing waste material is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Inventor: Gary L. Bright
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Patent number: 6168642Abstract: A recycling process for garbage containing a high proportion of paper where printed paper is first separated from the garbage. The garbage is then into pieces and light and heavy components are separated out in a classification tank. The remaining organic mass suspended in water is hydrolyzed and subjected to anaerobic digestion followed by aerobic co-composting. The resulting solid is a high grade fertilizer while biogas produced by the process is converted to electrical energy in a combined cycle installation.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Innoval Management LimitedInventors: George Valkanas, Apostolos G. Vlyssides
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Patent number: 6159262Abstract: A fertilizer composition comprises an organic waste, an anti-bacterial agent, a wetting agent, an odor control agent and water.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1997Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Assignee: Palmrow Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Neil Tumbers
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Patent number: 6123747Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: 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
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Patent number: 6117671Abstract: Solid waste management has been primarily based on collection of solid waste and placing most of it in a landfill. Present invention eliminates a need for large landfills by integrating collection and transportation of solid waste with separation, treatment, processing, recovery, and reuse of solid waste prior to landfill application. Since untreated organic waste is eliminated or significantly reduced from solid waste stream, present invention eliminates a need for daily cover and working front of landfills resulting in elimination of extensive leachate and gas management systems and associated potential groundwater and air pollution problems.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Inventor: G. George Yilmaz
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Patent number: 6112458Abstract: The invention describes a process for the conversion of sewage sludge to humus by a complete filling cycle in a way that in a first cycle a primary polder is filled up to a stated height with sewage sludge. After that, the water content of the liquid sewage sludge in the primary polder is reduced, preferably by drainage, and a seeding with fast-growing plants with fine roots, preferably grass, is carried out. The plants in the primary polder are then subjected to a period of growth that concludes the first cycle. It is possible to use several polders parallel at different stages of the cycle. One cycle takes approximately 12 months.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1999Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Inventor: Joachim Pabsch
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Patent number: 6110727Abstract: A process and an apparatus for carrying out the process for the biological treatment of organic wastes. In order to achieve more effective treatment of the material, in a horizontally oriented reactor, a circulating agitator is disposed which causes circulation of the material with simultaneous advance. The material is leached via spray arms, with simultaneous intense aeration of the material to generate an aerobic biological degradation process.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Christian WidmerInventors: Christian Widmer, Wolfgang Stehle, Artur Wellinger
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Patent number: 6099613Abstract: A composting method and apparatus is shown and described. A volume of organic material to be composted is stacked on a surface to form a pile. A plurality of pipes are provided below the surface on which the pile is formed, each of the pipes having a plurality of holes that are aligned with corresponding holes in the surface. The pipes are connected to a manifold which in turn is coupled to a fan assembly, the fan assembly selectively creating positive and negative air flow through the pile. Air and moisture drawn from the pile flows through a conduit to a biofilter, cool air and fluid being added to the conduit upstream of the biofilter. The conduit passes through a greenhouse, such that heat radiated from the conduit is collected and used by the greenhouse. Moisture collected from the system may be treated and reused, for example, to irrigate the piles.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Cedar Grove Composting, Inc.Inventors: Jan W. Allen, Hans C. Jumelet
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Patent number: 6074451Abstract: A microorganism fertilizer which causes in the soil a phenomenal multiplication of fluorescent Pseudomonas that have a superior effect in preventing the common scab of potato. The microorganism fertilizer is obtained such that medium-temperature and high-temperature Actinomycetes are used as seed bacteria and cultured while being spread/agitated in an organic substance such as livestock manure, etc. in an isolated propagation bed. The thus obtained microorganism fertilizer can be used as a countermeasure against environmental pollution.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1993Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Towakagaku Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuhiro Goda
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Patent number: 6066772Abstract: A process for converting hazard explosives that are contaminating soil into reduced derivatives and thereafter converting the reduced derivatives into humic compounds by admixing the explosives contaminated soil with a natural microorganism source and with an oxidizable carbon source and subjecting the mixture to anaerobic conditions to produce an anaerobic bioremediation product containing reduced concentrations of explosives contaminants and thereafter combining the anaerobic bioremediation product with a compostable material and subjecting the second mixture to aerobic conditions to give an aerobic bioremediation product that is essentially free of explosives contaminants and their reduced derivatives.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignees: Waste Management, Inc., International Technologies CorporationInventors: Gary R. Hater, Douglas E. Jerger, Roger B. Green, Paul W. Barnes, Patrick M. Woodhull
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Patent number: 6056800Abstract: A method for composting organic waste materials utilizing aerobic and anaerobic decomposition processes simultaneously is disclosed. The method of the present invention is carried out by forming a compost pile of organic waste material which will decompose aerobically by microbes indigenous to the waste material. A cavity of predetermined size is formed within the compost heap and filled with alternating layers of organic waste material which will decompose anaerobically followed by a layer of waste material which will decompose aerobically until the cavity is filled. The parameters of the decomposition processes including temperature, water content, aeration, and moisture percolation are monitored to ensure that adequate conditions are met for both decomposition processes to proceed simultaneously. After a predetermined time interval has passed, the organic waste materials deposited within the central cavity of the compost heap are harvested to obtain a nutrient rich, soil additive.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Inventor: William J. Carter, IV
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Patent number: 6041544Abstract: A mushroom spawn comprising a mixture of: (a) at least one proteinaceous ingredient in an amount to provide at least 3.5% nitrogen on a dry weight basis; (b) 2 to 30 wt % based on dry weight of paper pellets (c) 5 to 60 wt % based on dry weight of at least one particulate material, (d) a buffer in an amount effective to provide a pH of about 6 to 7.8, and (e) water; and colonized with mushroom mycelium wherein the (b) paper pellets, (c) particulate material, or both in an amount effective to provide at least 10,000 particles per 100 g of finished product.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Vlasic Farms, Inc.Inventors: David L. Kananen, Jack A. McDaniel
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Patent number: 6039782Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 16, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akio Sota, Tomoo Okiura, Masaki Azuma
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Patent number: 6024513Abstract: The present invention includes a method of decomposing municipal solid waste (MSW) within a landfill by converting the landfill to aerobic degradation in the following manner: (1) injecting air via the landfill leachate collection system (2) injecting air via vertical air injection wells installed within the waste mass; (3) applying leachate to the waste mass using a pressurized drip irrigation system; (4) allowing landfill gases to vent; and (5) adjusting air injection and recirculated leachate to achieve a 40% to 60% moisture level and a temperature between 120.degree. F. and 140.degree. F. in steady state.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1997Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: American Technologies IncInventors: Mark P Hudgins, Bernard J Bessette, John March, Scott T. McComb
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Patent number: 6013177Abstract: A silo and process for decontaminating sewage sludge comprising a vertical silo within which are a plurality of discrete levels, each level having at least one air inlet pipe and at least one air outlet tube, a plurality of monitors for temperature and moisture, a central shaft through which air may travel, and at least one oxygen monitor; loading of herbaceous material in the upper portion of the silo; spraying sewage sludge onto the herbaceous material as it enters the silo to produce an herbaceous material-sewage sludge mixture; monitoring at least one parameter at each of the discrete levels; unloading the mixture from the lower portion of the silo; reloading some portion of the mixture into the upper portion of the silo; and collecting some portion of the mixture for further treatment.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1996Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Inventor: Richard Hook
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Patent number: 6010551Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 5, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Ideachip OyInventor: Markku Jonninen
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Patent number: 6001146Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 6, 1997Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Inventor: Paul A. Olivier
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Patent number: 5994265Abstract: Embodiments of a coating composition and coating method for seeds are described, the coating including molybdenum and a sulfur-containing component and being for improving seed and seedling performance. The preferred molybdenum source is molybdenum trioxide, and the preferred sulfur source is gypsum. After planting, the seed coating provides protection for the seed during dry spells until moisture is received and seed growth is established. During the establishment period for legumes, the invented seed coating serves as a protective coat for the seed under adverse growing conditions, such as temperature and moisture extremes. Within a few days of emergence of legume seedlings, the invented coating stimulates and/or feeds the Rhizobium bacteria that is in place on the seed and speeds up formation of the Rhizobium, which fixes/feeds nitrogen to the plant. The coating and method may also include inoculation with Rhizobium, and, optionally, other nutrients, pesticides, or herbicides and a binder.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventors: Stu Barclay, Mike R. Reed, Bing-Rui Ni
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Patent number: 5984579Abstract: Synthetic soil is created by blending processed or unprocessed incinerator ash, derived from solid waste or other materials, with either compostable materials or compostable materials derived therefrom. The blending of these materials results in residual biotech soil which can be used as a plant-growth medium; as cover material for such things as landfills, disturbed soil areas or mined-land reclamation; and as a medium to treat contaminated water.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1993Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Inventor: Richard J. McClimans
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Patent number: 5961687Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing productivity of a plant by spraying Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM) on a plant. The invention also relates to increasing productivity of a plant under stress by applying Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM) to a plant and subsequently applying an aqueous solution containing methanol to the plant.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignees: University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Salisbury State UniversityInventors: Jagmohan Joshi, Mark A. Holland
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Patent number: 5958756Abstract: A process for digesting solid waste material comprises collecting the waste from a first location in a solids digestion vessel and transporting it to a second location where a fluids digestion vessel is located. At least some of the fluid fraction from the fluids digestion vessel is fed to the solids digestion vessel so that anaerobic digestion of the solid waste occurs in the solids digestion vessel. At least some of the digested solid waste is recovered and the solids digestion vessel is preferably returned to the first location. The invention also provides apparatus for use in the process.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Inventor: Christopher Paul Reynell
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Patent number: 5945332Abstract: Method of continuous treatment and purification of biologically decomposable waste and liquid in a rotatably elongated perforated cylinder longitudinally divided into a dewatering and wet composting unit, a central dewatering unit and a dry composting unit. The perforated cylinder is surrounded by an envelope for collecting liquid wastes which are treated by oxygenated filter units in communication with the envelope structure. The device also includes a hollow perforated shaft within the cylinder for supplying oxygen to the interior of the cylinder and for rotating the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1998Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Inventor: Krister Fors
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Patent number: 5942022Abstract: A composting plant and method for composting organic waste such as household waste separated at the source, sludge, wood chippings, straw, farmyard manure. The plant comprises a sealed compartment with an inlet zone with a device for feeding in the waste which is advanced from a receiving and preprocessing plant through an airtight sluice device; a process zone with one or more devices preferably a texturing agitator (14) suspended in a runner (46) for advancing and aerating of the waste from the inlet zone and through the process zone to an outlet zone with devices (18) for discharging the composted waste from the compartment. The bottom of the process zone which is connected to a ventilating equipment (26, 30, 34) is designed in such a manner that an aeration takes place up through the waste heap preferably via a bottom layer of coarse organic material such as wood chippings.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1996Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignees: Maskinfabriken Samson Tange A/S, Bioplan A/SInventors: Vagn Bislev, Per Thostrup
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Patent number: 5894780Abstract: A composting container for holding and composting farming and stock raising waste material including a barrel, and top and bottom lids openable. The circumference of a lower half portion of the said barrel of the container is tightened by bands. This arrangement helps the container efficiently ferment and decompose a manure inside without tedious works such as providing proper moisture and ventilation, which are regularly required in conventional manure storage outdoors.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Tanaka Sangyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mitsunori Taniguchi
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Patent number: 5888022Abstract: A system and method are provided for treating biodegradable waste material in a landfill by aerobic degradation. Waste material is deposited in the landfill and covered. The moisture content in the landfill is increased from about 40% to about 70% and a source of oxygen is injected into the landfill to drive and maintain primarily aerobic degradation of the waste material. The temperature in the landfill is increased to substantially eliminate pathogens from the waste material. The temperature in the landfill is controlled within a range of about 130.degree. F. to about 150.degree. F. to sustain the primarily aerobic degradation. Any combination of oxygen content, moisture content, and temperature in the landfill is monitored and varied to sustain and maintain the primarily aerobic degradation in the landfill.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Environmental Control Systems, Inc.Inventor: Leon C. Green
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Patent number: 5885319Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 4, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Inventor: R. Edward Burton
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Patent number: 5853590Abstract: A method of treating sludge to provide a stable product for use as a beneficial soil or fertilize for agricultural lands is disclosed which includes the steps of:(a) mixing sludge with at least one alkaline material in an amount sufficient to raise pH of the mixture to a level of at least 12 and to increase percent of solids in the mixture to at least 40% by weight, and such that odorant sludge organics and inorganics are bound to adsorbent particles of the alkaline material,(b) aerating and drying the mixture by agitation and heating to stabilize the mixture and increase the percent solids to at least 50% by weight, and(c) pasteurizing the dried mixture at a temperature at or above 52.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Medical College of OhioInventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
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Patent number: 5853450Abstract: The method of treating wastewater or bioorganic sludges containing odor, animal viruses, pathogenic bacteria, and parasites to produce a bioactive but stabilized product that is useful as a soil substitute or as a fertilizer which can be applied directly to lands which consists essentially of the following steps: mixing said sludge with at least one alkaline material, wherein the amount of added material mixed with said sludge is sufficient to raise the pH of said mixture to pH 12, and raise the conductivity to disinfect and stabilize the sludge, and adding green waste at different process locations so that a biological action occurs converting the greenwaste into a soil-like granular product with improved odor over that of the treated municipal sludge alone or a composted greenwaste alone.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Medical College of OhioInventors: Jeffrey C. Burnham, Frederick H. Kurtz
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Patent number: 5843768Abstract: A container for collecting and storing compostable waste while minimizing offensive odors and the accumulation of insect or other pests near the container by providing specially designed ventilation and drainage. As shown in FIG. 1, the enclosed volume (12) of the bucket-like portion (1) is ventilated by means of a solid ventilation shaft (4) which penetrates the sealable lid (3) and passes air to and from the drainage chamber (7) below the suspended floor (5). Air below the suspended floor (5) circulates through ventilation/drainage holes (6) and the enclosed volume (12) and the contained waste. The circulating air maintains aerobic conditions in the waste thus minimizing offensive odors that would accompany anaerobic conditions. Water is allowed to drain from the waste through the ventilation/drainage holes and collect in the drainage chamber (7) below the suspended floor (5), where it cannot contribute to anaerobic conditions in the waste.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Inventors: Dennis J. Lin, Kent K. Knock
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Patent number: 5830358Abstract: A waste decomposition system, having a container and an air circulation system integrated into the container. The air circulation system has a positive air pressure source; and a negative air pressure source. Also a method for decomposition of liquid and solid organic waste, including the steps of: (a) providing a container for collecting the waste; (b) forcing air through the waste with a positive air pressure source; (c) withdrawing air from the container with a negative air pressure source.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Bio-Sun Systems, Inc.Inventor: Allen E. White
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Patent number: 5810903Abstract: A thermophilic, aerobic fermentation process is disclosed for conversion of a wide variety of organic waste materials to useful end products. The fermentation process is initiated over a period of from about 2 to 6 days by application of external heat to an uninoculated, oxygenated aqueous mixture of the waste material, and thus utilizes thermophilic microorganisms naturally present in the waste material to initiate the fermentation. After initiation of an active fermentation, additional amounts of waste material are added to the fermenting mixture on a continuous or intermittent basis to maintain the fermentation in an active state. Therefore, the process can be conducted on a continuous or semi-continuous basis, requiring about 24 to 48 hours for waste to be completely converted to end product. The process is capable of being operated over a wide pH range and can ferment acidic waste materials without the need for pH adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Inventors: Rene Joseph Branconnier, Daniel Brian Cumming, Robert Lester Jackman
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Patent number: 5766876Abstract: A compost bin for decomposing compostable matter such as food and human waste, comprising a plurality of vertical bin walls which surround a base and define a bin interior which contains the compostable matter. In a preferred embodiment, four vertical bin walls are contemplated, forming a rectangle. A plurality of apertures are formed into the vertical bin walls, and a plurality of hollow ventilation tubes having perforations disposed about the periphery extend through the apertures. A cross-tube connects the hollow ventilation tubes and has a down-turned segment which extends perpendicular to the ground and terminates at an open cross-tube end. A bio-filter bag comprising a porous material and filled with organic material is secured to the open cross-tube end of the cross tube, such that any gases which manage to escape the bin interior through the perforations into the hollow ventilation tubes and down-turned segment of the cross-tube will be effectively filtered.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1997Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Inventors: Raphael Santiago, Paula Hewitt, Rosa Ramirez, Alnardo Rodriguez, Thomas Outerbridge, Melissa Ramos, Tim Rutgers, Maddalena Polletta, Jason Montalvo
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Patent number: 5759224Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Inventor: Paul A. Olivier
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Patent number: 5755852Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 16, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Bion Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Jere Northrop
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Patent number: 5755058Abstract: A method of farming comprises collecting waste material such as manure from animal farming, or effluent from food processing plants or the like in a closed container, stirring and aerating the material within the container and adding yeast and phosphoric acid to increase aerobic bacterial activity while reducing anaerobic bacteria and rendering the material into a pumpable liquid. The material is then spread across the ground by a spreading action by pumping the material through a pipe carried on the reel of a vehicle having a boom of the order of 100 feet in width so that the material is sprayed onto the ground in an even spreading action at a rate of the order of 1000 to 5000 gallons per acre. Simultaneously an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide is sprayed onto the material, preferably immediately before the material.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1994Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Jean-Noel M. GuyotInventors: Jean-Noel M. Guyot, Rene R. Rosset
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Patent number: 5755858Abstract: A topsoil composition comprising an alumina clay, an organic compost and sand effective to nurture and sustain plants. The proportions of the ingredients are chosen to provide good nutrients to plants, good water retention and good water drainage properties, and generally comprise at least 20 percent by volume of each ingredient, and typically comprises about 25 percent by volume of alumina clay, up to 30 percent by volume of compost and about 45 percent by volume of sand.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: General Chemical CorporationInventor: Jack Williams Barnett
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Patent number: 5753003Abstract: A method for biologically remedying polluted soil characterized in that pollutant-degrading microorganisms and an agent which accelerates the formation of aggregated structure of soil are fed to the polluted soil.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: May 19, 1998Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Etsuko Sugawa, Masanori Sakuranaga, Chieko Mihara
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Patent number: 5746802Abstract: In a method for composting organic material, the material to be composted is placed, in disintegrated form, in a container. The material to be composted is introduced into the inner, lower part of an accumulation of disintegrated material which was previously introduced into the container. The material introduced into the container is then degraded biologically in zones which, are moved upwards as additional disintegrated material is being introduced into the container. Finally composted material is withdrawn from the upper part of the accumulation of material. A device for carrying out the method has a container and a material feed unit. The material feed unit has a feed tube with an outlet end which opens centrally in the lower part of the container, a material inlet communicating with the feed tube to receive the material to be composted, and a press for pressing the material in the feed tube toward the outlet end of the feed tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1996Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Inventor: Bertil Hagander
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Patent number: 5741344Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 7, 1995Date of Patent: April 21, 1998Inventor: Robert K. Warkentin
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Patent number: 5738703Abstract: This invention is a method to produce a substitute for peat moss comprising:mixing in a mixer adsorptive cellulosic material with an effective amount of an inoculum containing cellulose degrading microorganism such as lignin cellulose degrading bacteria upon anaerobic fermentation and manure municipal waste or similar waste, manufactured feedstock or a blend of these,transferring said mixture to a chamber,allowing the temperature of said mixture to rise in said chamber until said cellulosic material changes color, thenaerating said mixture to remove water vapor, ammonia and other gases in an exhaust gas and then removing said mixture from said chamber for use as a substitute for peat moss and other uses.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Inventor: William E. Bandurski
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Patent number: 5730772Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 13, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Creekwood Farms IncorporatedInventor: David E. Staples
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Patent number: 5713980Abstract: A method and apparatus for aerating organic material. A flexible composting mat having netting and handles disposed on opposite sides of the netting is provided to retain organic materials. The organic materials are placed on the netting and the mat is closed for an appropriate period of decomposition. The mat is then opened, and the organic materials are rolled by pulling on the handles, thus aerating the organic material.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1992Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Inventor: Gene P. Tierney
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Patent number: 5709729Abstract: There is disclosed a method of treating all types of green organic material including small timber pieces, shrubbery, grass cuttings and other green organic material mixing various size components of such organic material together with fertilizer nutrients allowing the mixture to stand in a naturally formed windrow or windrows of substantially triangular cross section with a predetermined amount of moisture therein monitoring the temperature of the windrow until such time as there is a significant drop in temperature indicating that the chemical reaction has been completed.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1996Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Assignee: Environmental and Resource Technology Holdings Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Howard J. Mitchell
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Patent number: 5707416Abstract: The disclosure explains various methods of recovering byproduct heat from a compost stack while the compost stack is in a bacteria active stage. Several beneficial uses of the recovered heat are explained with specific examples given. Usage of the recovered heat to accelerate a bacteria active stage in a second compost stack provides for uniform degradation of the compostable material contained within the second compost stack. This results from reduction of areas within the compost stack which are at differing periods within the composting cycle. Alternatively, usage of the recovered heat to heat a building is explained. Various shapes of aeration plates are explained with examples given.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Inventor: David A. Sudrabin
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Patent number: 5702499Abstract: A batch process for the conversion of organic solid waste material containing cellulose and lignin through liquid thermophilic aerobic digestion comprises comminuting the organic solid waste material, adjusting the moisture content of the comminuted material to at least 90% parts by weight of water, mixing the comminuted material with a thermophilic aerobic micro-organism, adjusting the pH of the mixture to 5.5-7.5 and supplying heat and oxygen to the mixture to effect thermophilic aerobic digestion of the mixture. The thermophilic aerobic digestion of the mixture is terminated after the mixture has stabilized as a low nitrogen material but prior to digestion of the cellulose and lignin in the mixture, and the stabilized mixture is separated into solid and liquid fractions. The process includes the monitoring of parameters for determining the termination of digestion.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1994Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Sim AssociatesInventor: Hubert J. Timmenga
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Patent number: 5700687Abstract: A compost curing and odor control system in which biofilters are disposed in overlying relation to the compost curing area the floors of both the biofilters and curing area consist of a series of elongated planks of generally trapezoidal cross sectional configuration placed in abutting relation with the longer parallel sides of the trapezoid lying in the plane of the floor and forming between them a narrow slit through which air is passed by means of an underlying air plenum in pneumatic communication.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1996Date of Patent: December 23, 1997Assignee: Bedminster Bioconversion CorporationInventor: Larry J. Finn
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Patent number: 5693528Abstract: A composting unit is disclosed having a ventilation system for closed rotting units. A number of fans, passageways, and valves are designed and arranged in such a way that they ensure flow of conditioned circulating air, as desired, over and/or through and/or around a static or agitated stack of composting material.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1995Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Inventors: Klaus Grabbe, Lothar Schaar, Andreas Deutsch
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Patent number: 5685891Abstract: Methods for improving the bioremediation of soil and other organic material that has been contaminated by hydrocarbon waste are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1995Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Helsinki University Licensing, Ltd.Inventor: Rainer Peltola
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Patent number: 5648264Abstract: Clostridium thermocellum biovar. nov. SK522 (FERM BP-345 g) is a thermophilic cellulose decomposing bacteria, capable of solubilizing lignin and fermenting cellulose excellently. Although its temperature limit for growth is 40.degree.-80.degree. C., it grows best at 65.degree.-72.degree. C.Thermus aquaticus biovar. nov. SK542 (FERM BP-3382) is an absolute aerobic bacteria. It grows at temperature limit of 40.degree.-82.degree. C. in a normal concentration medium, but its best growth is achieved at 72.degree.-76.degree. C. It produces protein decomposing enzymes functional at a temperature of 75.degree.-85.degree. C. and active in a wide pH range of 4.0-11.3, and a yellow pigment of carotenoid groups.Both strains can be mix-cultured. Depending on various purposes, as the mix culture is able to decompose organic materials containing cellulose and/or lignin, it can be used for soil improvement.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1994Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Assignee: Gomei Kaisha Nakamura SangyoInventor: Shigeru Kume
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Patent number: 5645623Abstract: A process for disposal of organic waste containing large quantities of fat or oil. A sample of the waste is decomposed in soil containing ample quantities of nutrients required for decomposition, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus. Resulting test data indicates how much nutrient material is required for decomposition, and how much, and when, nutrient material is released to the soil after decomposition. The waste is then incorporated into soil in a field, and nutrients are applied to induce a rapid decomposition phase in which soil organisms absorb and immobilize the applied nutrients to decompose the waste and a subsequent mineralization phase in which the soil organisms release nutrients to the soil. A crop is appropriately selected and planted to begin absorbing significant quantities of soil available nutrients during the mineralization phase.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1995Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: Organic Resource Management Inc.Inventor: R. Paul Voroney