Patents Assigned to Darling International Inc.
  • Patent number: 5812060
    Abstract: An automated waste cooking grease recycling tank having a top, a bottom, at least one side wall defining an inside and an outside of the tank with a plurality of openings in the tank. A liquid level sensor is inserted into the inside of the tank through one of the plurality of openings with the liquid level sensor operatively connected for sensing at least first and second different liquid levels inside of the tank. A control panel is positioned outside of the tank, operatively coupled to the level sensor and having first and second indicators thereon responsive to signal the first and second different liquid levels sensed inside of the tank. A fill pump is operatively coupled to the control panel and responsive to the control panel for adding grease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Darling International, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. DeSpain, Scot R. Garrison
  • Patent number: 5609193
    Abstract: An automated container for receiving waste grease is preferably located for convenience, safety and security reasons inside a food establishment where the waste grease is generated. The automated container comprises a tank, first and second liquid level sensors, associated liquid level indicators, a thermostat and an internal heating element. The automated container further includes an inlet and outlet line with quick connect couplings. The outlet line extends through a wall of the food establishment and terminates in a quick connect coupling located outside the food establishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Darling International Inc.
    Inventor: John F. Steckler
  • Patent number: 5492630
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for aeration of waste water in a dissolved air flotation waste water treatment system includes a container for receiving and retaining waste water for settling of heavy particles and flotation of light particles to the surface of the waste water. Waste water is removed from the container and supplied to a free standing tank. Pressure in the tank is maintained at a predetermined level through the injection of compressed air into the tank. Waste water removed from the tank is pumped through a multiple jet configuration wherein air from the tank is entrained in the waste water as the water is injected back into the tank. The aerated water is discharged from the tank back into the container, thereby providing an efficient aeration process. Aerating the water in a free standing tank separate from the container increases clarification quality as a result of reduced disturbance of the particles floated to the surface of the waste water and reduced need for chemical addition to the waste water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Darling International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mel Roshanravan, Michael W. Grosskopf
  • Patent number: 5433846
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for wastewater treatment to minimize solid-waste by-products requiring disposal in a landfill site. The system for carrying out the process utilizes initial screening and dissolved air flotation processes to remove a large portion of the solid-waste matter within the wastewater. The wastewater is then processed by anaerobic and aerobic means to clarify the wastewater to a point where it may be discharged into normal sanitary sewage systems. The solid-waste matter removed during the process is dewatered and composted. The composted matter may be used for land applications such as fertilizing or fill dirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Darling International Inc.
    Inventor: Mel Roshanravan