Abstract: Volcanic ash, which becomes airborne during a volcanic eruption, can be deposited more than a thousand miles from the eruption site. Currently, many volcanic ash deposits are virtually unused. The method and product of the present invention converts this unused volcanic ash material, as well as furnace expanded volcanic ash, or the ash expanded and crushed, into a relatively dust free product with numerous new end applications.

Abstract: Perlite, a volcanic glass, is used in a variety of horticultural, construction and industrial applications. In order to be put to such uses, mined perlite ore is crushed and screened to size and then expanded by being passed through a flame at high temperature. During the expansion phase, up to 50% of the perlite may be unintentionally fractured, resulting in very fine perlite material with little or no commercial application. The method and product of the present invention converts waste perlite material, which is of such a size and quality that it is of no value to a manufacturer and is difficult to dispose of, into a relatively dust free product with numerous end applications, some of which are new uses for perlite.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the restoration of fire-burned or otherwise denuded areas by use of airborne delivered seed and mineral containing pellets. Seed is agglomerated along with minerals and other desirable components into a pellet that is easily and inexpensively produced that is dropped from any number of airborne platforms onto the area in need of re-vegetation. The product and method of the present invention provide safe, inexpensive and efficient means for restoring denuded areas.

Abstract: Perlite, a volcanic glass, is used in a variety of horticultural, construction and industrial applications. In order to be put to such uses, mined perlite ore is crushed and screened to size and then expanded by being passed through a flame at high temperature. During the expansion phase, up to 50% of the perlite may be unintentionally fractured, resulting in very fine perlite material with little or no commercial application. The method and product of the present invention converts saleable expanded perlite, as well as fine perlite material (which is of such a size and quality that it is of no value to a manufacturer and is difficult to dispose of) into a relatively dust free product with numerous end applications, some of which are new uses for perlite.