Abstract: One feature pertains to an apparatus that includes a segmented collector region, a hollow tower, and one or more turbines. The segmented collector region includes a plurality of sectors each capable of receiving compostable matter that heats air within the sectors as the compostable matter composts. The hollow tower includes a first end and a second end, where the first end of the hollow tower is coupled to the segmented collector region to allow airflows from the heated air in the plurality of sectors to flow from the plurality of sectors to the first end of the tower and then rise up through the hollow tower to the second end of the tower. The one or more turbines are positioned in a path of at least one of the airflows to generate electricity.

Abstract: One feature pertains to an apparatus that includes a segmented collector region, a hollow tower, and one or more turbines. The segmented collector region includes a plurality of sectors each capable of receiving compostable matter that heats air within the sectors as the compostable matter composts. The hollow tower includes a first end and a second end, where the first end of the hollow tower is coupled to the segmented collector region to allow airflows from the heated air in the plurality of sectors to flow from the plurality of sectors to the first end of the tower and then rise up through the hollow tower to the second end of the tower. The one or more turbines are positioned in a path of at least one of the airflows to generate electricity.

Abstract: A system and method for converting heat energy released by compostable matter into electricity through the use of a compost updraft tower. A compost updraft tower comprises a collector region that contains compostable matter, one or more towers that rise up through the collector region, and one or more turbines. The air within the collector region is heated by the energy released during the composting process, and the heated air flows through the collector region toward the open first end of one or more of the towers. The heated air then rises up through one or more of the towers to the open second end of the tower. The heated air flowing through the system drives turbines that generate electricity. In one embodiment the roof of the collector region is transparent to allow solar radiation to penetrate the collector region and heat air within.

Abstract: A system and method for converting heat energy released by compostable matter into electricity through the use of a compost updraft tower. A compost updraft tower comprises a collector region that contains compostable matter, one or more towers that rise up through the collector region, and one or more turbines. The air within the collector region is heated by the energy released during the composting process, and the heated air flows through the collector region toward the open first end of one or more of the towers. The heated air then rises up through one or more of the towers to the open second end of the tower. The heated air flowing through the system drives turbines that generate electricity. In one embodiment the roof of the collector region is transparent to allow solar radiation to penetrate the collector region and heat air within.

Abstract: A method which enables a credit cardholder to make a donation to a cardholder-selected charity any time he makes a purchase using the credit card. The method comprises a credit/charge card which identifies on its magnetic strip, charities to receive a donation, and a bank expedited system which processes the card user's purchase transaction, pays a previously decided amount to the charity or charities and also bills the cardholder. In this system, the donated amounts may be paid by the bank or card issuing organization, or the cardholder may add an amount which he pays to the selected charity. The proposed system may be described as being a bank expedited charity donation, (abbreviated to BAX) approach for credit/charge cardholders.