Patents Assigned to The Andersons, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11332414
    Abstract: A particle is provided that includes 5 wt % to 90 wt % of agricultural biomass, combustion residues, biosolids, or a combination thereof. A binder intermixed with the agricultural biomass, combustion residues, biosolids, or a combination thereof retains the mixture in the form of a particle. The resultant particle creates a use for existing waste streams while also improving soil quality. A process of stabilizing agricultural biomass, combustion residues, biosolids, or a combination thereof particles is also provided that includes combining agricultural biomass, combustion residues, biosolids, or a combination thereof with mineral and/or synthetic chemical fragments having a bulk density of greater than about 40 pounds per cubic foot and a sizing of about 100% passing through a 30 mesh screen and about 50% or more passing through a 200 mesh screen. By adding binder, a particle is formed that is deodorized and/or stabilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: THE ANDERSONS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles W. Anderson, Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Patent number: 11185050
    Abstract: A clumping litter is provided that includes a hydrophilic light weight material, a clumping agent, and a mineral particulate combined to form pellets sized to from 4 to 40 US mesh in diameter. A clumping litter is also provided in which the hydrophilic light weight material is wood flour, the mineral particulate is dolomite or limestone is also provided that also includes sodium bicarbonate, a clumping agent, and solubilized citric acid combined to form the pellets. A clumping litter is also provided in which the hydrophilic light weight material is a paper pulp and powdered clay that are combined with mineral particulate combined to form the pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: THE ANDERSONS, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph Schumski
  • Patent number: 10051834
    Abstract: A cementitious clumping material is provided and in particular to an animal litter formed therefrom. The cementitious clumping material includes a mixture of particulate, cement, and a cellulosic material. The cementitious clumping material in some embodiments contains a dust control agent, a polyol, or combinations thereof. The cementitious clumping material is pourable into a litter box and agglomerates into a clump upon contact with urine or other liquid forming a clump having a percentage of maximal strength greater than 95% upon clump formation, and having a clump strength of greater than greater than 250 kg/cm2. The clump is further capable of removal with a perforated scoop after as little as one minute of formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Schumski, Norman A. Peiffer
  • Patent number: 10029954
    Abstract: A liquid fertilizer adjuvant composition is provided that includes a fertilizer, a pH buffering agent, a surfactant, and one or more color indicator that produce a first color change that indicates when an pre-selected first level of field treatment has been achieved. The composition is provided as a single solution. A second color change occurs when a pre-selected second, higher level of field treatment is required. The color change indicative of a pre-selected pH, water hardness, or a combination of both. The composition is particular well suited for inclusion of a urea fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Fanning
  • Patent number: 9850179
    Abstract: A granularized sulfonated humate powder material is provided that includes a sulfonated cationic humate composed of at least one of humic acid, fulvic acid, or a combination thereof in the form of granules of from 0.1 to 6 millimeters in size. The humate powder material is water soluble with limited dusting and the ability to form a concentrated solution for application. A process of formulating the sulfonated potassium humate powder in granular form includes a lignin or lignosulfonate being metered into a powder of sulfonated potassium humate to allow for granulation without a solubilizing the powder by matching a lignin particle size to a particle sizing of said powder. The lignin or lignosulfonate and the powder are mixed into the granular form with a granule size of 0.1 to 6 millimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: John Uliveto, Chris Taylor, Eric Dearth
  • Patent number: 9624139
    Abstract: A water-dispersible particle is provided that has a crystalline matrix formed of a potassium salt, a phosphate salt, of a combination thereof. Embedded in the matrix are at least 100 insoluble granules of at least one macronutrient or micronutrient. The granules, and the matrix present in a form such that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces in a time period of up to 1 hour. A process of forming a fertilizer particle includes the granulation of a quantity of insoluble material to a size where the majority by weight is between 0.02 and 3 millimeters to from granules. The granules are agglomerated into the fertilizer particle containing at least 100 of the granules with a solution of a potassium salt, a phosphate salt, of a combination thereof through solvent removal to form the crystalline matrix in which the granules are embedded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: THE ANDERSONS, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Schumski, James R Lynch
  • Patent number: 9573854
    Abstract: A dry, flowable fertilizer is provided that includes multiple dry, flowable biosolids pellets. Each of the pellets has a pellet surface. Potassium salt grains are adhered to the pellet surfaces and a dust control agent coating is applied to retain the grains on the pellet surfaces. The resultant dry, flowable fertilizer has higher potassium loadings to the potassium salt grains than previous biosolids based fertilizers. A process of forming a fertilizer is also provided that includes tumbling dry, flowable biosolids pellets with powdered potassium salt grains to form a mixture. An aqueous spray is added to adhere the salt grains to the pellet surfaces. With the application of a dust control agent, the salt grains are retained. Potassium levels in NPK units of from 1 to 15 are routinely achieved with greater than 90 elemental % of the potassium is from the surface decorating potassium salt grains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignees: The Andersons, Inc., Synagro Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Culp, Joseph David Hodges, Kenneth L. Wetherington, Terry Lee Wiseman
  • Patent number: 9398757
    Abstract: A puck formed from compressed paper strips is provided that has utility as an animal entertainment device and nest building material. The paper strips include at least one ply of fibrous material, and may be treated with adjuvants illustratively including flavorants, fragrances, dyes, and odor suppressants. The unfolding and deconstruction of the puck into constituent paper strips by an animal provides the animal with a degree of mental stimulation and nest construction for thermal regulation, and it is noted that animal food consumption and health are generally improved by alleviating behaviors associated with cage confinement. The pre-measured quantum of material in an inventive puck affords a benefit to the caregiver in that the product is simply placed in the cage without resort to measuring and thereby saving time and precluding spillage of separated materials. The puck is particularly beneficial to rodents and especially mice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerel G. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 9115307
    Abstract: A soil adherent pellet is detailed that includes a soluble calcium ion source, a magnesium ion source, or both present in an amount ranging from 15% to 99.9% by weight of a total dry weight of the pellet and a binder present in an amount ranging from 85% to 0.1% by weight of the total dry weight of the pellet. The pellet having a mean pellet domain size and a pellet surface. The soil adherent pellet is well suited for flocculating clay within the soil and delivery of an active ingredient with reduced runoff compared to prior art broadcast particles. A soil adherent pellet is also provided having a soluble calcium and/or magnesium ion source that is polycrystalline and carries therewith an active ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Birthisel, Joseph Schalk, Joseph Schanski
  • Patent number: 9061950
    Abstract: A water-dispersible particle for delivery of fertilizer to a plant is disclosed. After delivery wetting of the particles causes particle dispersion so as to prevent secondary pick up to the particles. Methods for making and using the water-dispersible particle are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: THE ANDERSONS, INC.
    Inventors: James R. Lynch, Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Patent number: 8969250
    Abstract: A process for treating foliage by retaining an active agent in contact with the foliage is provided that includes the application of a biologically active ingredient carrier granule. The granule includes a mineral component, a cellulosic component, and a binder flowing upon wetting intermixed with the mineral component and the cellulosic components. A biologically active ingredient is added to the granule to treat the foliage. The foliage in either a dry or pre-wetted state. The contact of the granule with water causes the granule to flow to form a coherent film bound by the binder on the foliage with the active agent retained in the film in contact with the foliage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Birthisel, Joe Schumski, IV
  • Publication number: 20140106970
    Abstract: A dry, flowable fertilizer is provided that includes multiple dry, flowable biosolids pellets. Each of the pellets has a pellet surface. Potassium salt grains are adhered to the pellet surfaces and a dust control agent coating is applied to retain the grains on the pellet surfaces. The resultant dry, flowable fertilizer has higher potassium loadings to the potassium salt grains than previous biosolids based fertilizers. A process of forming a fertilizer is also provided that includes tumbling dry, flowable biosolids pellets with powdered potassium salt grains to form a mixture. An aqueous spray is added to adhere the salt grains to the pellet surfaces. With the application of a dust control agent, the salt grains are retained. Potassium levels in NPK units of from 1 to 15 are routinely achieved with greater than 90 elemental % of the potassium is from the surface decorating potassium salt grains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicants: The Andersons, Inc., Synagro Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Culp, Joseph David Hodges, Kenneth L. Wetherington, Terry Lee Wiseman
  • Publication number: 20140000525
    Abstract: A clumping agent composition is provided that includes a pre-gelled starch divided to a starch size with at least 70% by weight of said starch being ?200 mesh. An polyoxygenated moiety is present and includes at least one of borax, bicarbonate, or aluminate. The starch and the polyoxygenated moiety combined to form the clumping agent composition with a rapid build of viscosity when wet. A litter is formed when the clumping agent composition is present from 1 to 10 total weight percent decorating the surface of a particulate. Divided carboxymethylcellulose is included in some embodiments along with the starch and the oxygenated moiety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Schumski, Frank Butwin
  • Patent number: 8617285
    Abstract: A dry, flowable fertilizer is provided that includes multiple dry, flowable biosolids pellets. Each of the pellets has a pellet surface. Potassium salt grains are adhered to the pellet surfaces and a dust control agent coating is applied to retain the grains on the pellet surfaces. The resultant dry, flowable fertilizer has higher potassium loadings to the potassium salt grains than previous biosolids based fertilizers. A process of forming a fertilizer is also provided that includes tumbling dry, flowable biosolids pellets with powdered potassium salt grains to form a mixture. An aqueous spray is added to adhere the salt grains to the pellet surfaces. With the application of a dust control agent, the salt grains are retained. Potassium levels in NPK units of from 1 to 15 are routinely achieved with greater than 90 elemental % of the potassium is from the surface decorating potassium salt grains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignees: Synagro Technologies, Inc., The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Culp, Joseph David Hodges, Kenneth L. Wetherington, Jr., Terry Lee Wiseman
  • Patent number: 8609145
    Abstract: A water-dispersible particle is provided that includes struvite in an amount ranging from 5% to 99.9% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle. A binder component is present in an amount from 1% to 95% by weight. The struvite and the binder component on that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. A process for making a water-dispersible particle includes mechanical aggregation of a struvite into a pellet. A binder component is present in the particle in an amount ranging from 1% to 95% by weight. The struvite and the binder component are present in a form such that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. The particle is then dried and ready to be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Anderson, Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Patent number: 8591928
    Abstract: A pesticide granule is provided that includes a base carrier particle. A liquid pesticide coating is applied to the particle surface. The coating may contain adjuvants. The coating has sufficient tack to adhere a second powdered pesticide to the carrier particle. The usage of tackifying agents to render the particle surface tacky enough to adhere powdered pesticide is reduced or eliminated. The powdered pesticide is sized to a mean diameter of less than 10% of the carrier diameter to promote adhesion. The synergistic rapid acting pesticide delivery associated with the granule results in the usage of less pesticide to control a given pest with reduced environmental impact. Bifenthrin is a representative of the liquid pesticide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Birthisel, James R. Lynch, Matthew G. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8574631
    Abstract: Water-dispersible particles are provided that disperse into more than 100 pieces upon contact with water. Particles include from 5% to 99.9% of a nitrogen-containing ingredient bioavailable to a targeted desirable organism and 1% to 95% of a bentonite binder component. Additionally provided is a process for making a water-dispersible particle, the process including the steps of mechanically aggregating particle components into a pellet. Particle components include a bioavailable nitrogen-containing ingredient and a binder, the components being such that a product particle is dispersed into more than 100 pieces upon contact with water. In a further step of a process for making a water-dispersible particle, the pellet is dried to form a particle. Following administration of a described particle, water is allowed to contact the particle, dispersing it into pieces and thereby delivering a nutrient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Anderson, Kenneth Tornberg, Timothy D. Birthisel, James R. Lynch
  • Patent number: 8568774
    Abstract: A homogeneous gas-evolving composition is provided that includes an acid, a gas-evolving acid neutralizing agent, and at least one of an inorganic carbonate, inorganic bicarbonate, alkaline peroxide, or alkaline azide. A water-soluble desiccant is homogeneously intermixed with the acid and the gas-evolving acid neutralizing agent. The desiccant is present in an amount able to absorb ambient moisture equivalent to at least 0.01 total weight percent of the composition before gas evolution of more than 50% of the theoretical gas evolution available from the composition. To confer storage stability, the acid, the gas-evolving acid neutralizing agent, and water-soluble desiccant cumulatively have a water content of less than 1 total weight percent water. Through appropriate selection of a desiccant or inclusion of a surfactant foaming agent, the composition foams upon drenching with water. The composition is particularly well suited for consistent usage of glyphosate herbicide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Lynch, Timothy D. Birthisel, Jeffrey J. Fesko
  • Publication number: 20130259582
    Abstract: A soil adherent pellet is detailed that includes a soluble calcium ion source, a magnesium ion source, or both present in an amount ranging from 15% to 99.9% by weight of a total dry weight of the pellet and a binder present in an amount ranging from 85% to 0.1% by weight of the total dry weight of the pellet. The pellet having a mean pellet domain size and a pellet surface. The soil adherent pellet is well suited for flocculating clay within the soil and delivery of an active ingredient with reduced runoff compared to prior art broadcast particles. A soil adherent pellet is also provided having a soluble calcium and/or magnesium ion source that is polycrystalline and carries therewith an active ingredient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Birthisel, Joseph Schalk, Joseph Schanski
  • Patent number: D700756
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman A. Peiffer