Abstract: The present invention is a bacteria and nutrient delivery composition containing bran. The subject composition is preferably made in the form of a tablet that is structurally stable without being excessively hard. The tablets preferably have a configuration that reduces the likelihood of premature shearing in tableting presses or jamming in feeder devices for biomass generators. Methods of manufacturing the bacterial delivery composition in a structurally stable form that maintains bacterial viability are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a bacteria and nutrient delivery composition containing bran. The subject composition is preferably made in the form of a tablet that is structurally stable without being excessively hard. The tablets preferably have a configuration that reduces the likelihood of premature shearing in tableting presses or jamming in feeder devices for biomass generators. Methods of manufacturing the bacterial delivery composition in a structurally stable form that maintains bacterial viability are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a bacteria and nutrient delivery composition containing bran. The subject composition is preferably made in the form of a tablet that is structurally stable without being excessively hard. The tablets preferably have a configuration that reduces the likelihood of premature shearing in tableting presses or jamming in feeder devices for biomass generators. Methods of manufacturing the bacterial delivery composition in a structurally stable form that maintains bacterial viability are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a bacteria and nutrient delivery composition containing bran. The subject composition is preferably made in the form of a tablet that is structurally stable without being excessively hard. The tablets preferably have a configuration that reduces the likelihood of premature shearing in tableting presses or jamming in feeder devices for biomass generators. Methods of manufacturing the bacterial delivery composition in a structurally stable form that maintains bacterial viability are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for feeding a particulate starter material comprising nutrient and bacteria to a mixing tank, for solubilizing the starter material inside the mixing tank, for promoting growth of the bacteria and for discharging an aqueous slurry comprising the bacteria from the mixing tank. The apparatus preferably has a gravity-flow feeder and discharge port, does not require a pump, and comprises disposable parts.

Abstract: A portable, light-activated, mist sprayer system comprising direct current power supply, an ambient light sensor, electronic circuitry that evaluates an electrical signal received from the light sensor to determine whether a “dusk” or “dawn” light condition exists; a container of treating fluid at a desired concentration; a motor and pump that are activated at the appropriate time as determined by the sensed light condition; at least one sprayer nozzle that will dispense a mist containing the treating fluid whenever the pump is operating; and a timer that turns off the pump after a preset interval to terminate the spraying cycle. A preferred utility for the system of the invention is spraying dilute solutions of insecticide or insect repellent during the periods of significant insect activity that typically occur around dusk and dawn. An RF receiving unit is also disclosed for optional activation using a remote transmitter.

Abstract: A biomass generator useful for continuously growing and withdrawing bacteria to be used in a desired beneficial application, the generator having a bacteria growth chamber; water and nutrient inlet ports; upper and lower outlet ports; a recirculating pump withdrawing and reintroducing fluid to establish a vortex in the growth chamber while controlling foaming and pump cavitation; a low pressure air inlet line discharging air inside the growth chamber above the vortex; a fluid discharge line receiving bacteria-containing fluid from the upper outlet port of the growth chamber; a flush line discharging wash water into the fluid discharge line; and an electrical controller cooperating with solenoid-operated valves and a feeder mechanism to periodically introduce water and nutrients into the chamber, thereby simultaneously causing bacteria-containing fluid to be discharged from the growth chamber through the upper outlet port. A method for growing bacteria using the subject apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for feeding a particulate starter material comprising nutrient and bacteria to a mixing tank, for solubilizing the starter material inside the mixing tank, for promoting growth of the bacteria and for discharging an aqueous slurry comprising the bacteria from the mixing tank. The apparatus preferably has a gravity-flow feeder and discharge port, does not require a pump, and comprises disposable parts.

Abstract: A biomass generator useful for continuously growing and withdrawing bacteria to be used in a desired beneficial application, the generator having a bacteria growth chamber; water and nutrient inlet ports; upper and lower outlet ports; a recirculating pump withdrawing and reintroducing fluid to establish a vortex in the growth chamber while controlling foaming and pump cavitation; a low pressure air inlet line discharging air inside the growth chamber above the vortex; a fluid discharge line receiving bacteria-containing fluid from the upper outlet port of the growth chamber; a flush line discharging wash water into the fluid discharge line; and an electrical controller cooperating with solenoid-operated valves and a feeder mechanism to periodically introduce water and nutrients into the chamber, thereby simultaneously causing bacteria-containing fluid to be discharged from the growth chamber through the upper outlet port. A method for growing bacteria using the subject apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A biomass generator useful for continuously growing and withdrawing bacteria to be used in a desired beneficial application, the generator having a bacteria growth chamber; water and nutrient inlet ports; upper and lower outlet ports; a recirculating pump withdrawing and reintroducing fluid to establish a vortex in the growth chamber while controlling foaming and pump cavitation; a low pressure air inlet line discharging air inside the growth chamber above the vortex; a fluid discharge line receiving bacteria-containing fluid from the upper outlet port of the growth chamber; a flush line discharging wash water into the fluid discharge line; and an electrical controller cooperating with solenoid-operated valves and a feeder mechanism to periodically introduce water and nutrients into the chamber, thereby simultaneously causing bacteria-containing fluid to be discharged from the growth chamber through the upper outlet port. A method for growing bacteria using the subject apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic mist-sprayer system comprising a control unit having electronic circuitry adapted to activate the sprayer for a predetermined interval in response to a sensed ambient light condition of desired intensity and duration. The system desirably further includes an electrical power supply and a plurality of spaced-apart sprayer heads. A preferred utility for the system of the invention is spraying dilute solutions of insecticide or insect repellent during the periods of significant insect activity that typically occur around dusk and dawn. Manual overrides and a remote receiving unit are also disclosed for use of the system at times other than dusk and dawn.

Abstract: A biomass generator useful for continuously growing and withdrawing bacteria to be used in a desired beneficial application, the generator having a bacteria growth chamber; water and nutrient inlet ports; upper and lower outlet ports; a recirculating pump withdrawing and reintroducing fluid to establish a vortex in the growth chamber while controlling foaming and pump cavitation; a low pressure air inlet line discharging air inside the growth chamber above the vortex; a fluid discharge line receiving bacteria-containing fluid from the upper outlet port of the growth chamber; a flush line discharging wash water into the fluid discharge line; and an electrical controller cooperating with solenoid-operated valves and a feeder mechanism to periodically introduce water and nutrients into the chamber, thereby simultaneously causing bacteria-containing fluid to be discharged from the growth chamber through the upper outlet port. A method for growing bacteria using the subject apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control agent delivery system useful for dispersing a pesticide, herbicide, fungicide or other biocide around a target or target area that is not directly accessible or that is hazardous to the user. The system includes a separable, two-part projectile containing a control agent disposed in a powder, liquid or gel dispersal medium, together with a gas-propelled, projectile launching device. A method of use of the subject system that causes the projectile to perform differently, depending upon the manner of launch, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control agent delivery system useful for dispersing a pesticide, herbicide, fungicide or other biocide around a target or target area that is not directly accessible or that is hazardous to the user. The system includes a separable, two-part projectile containing a control agent disposed in a powder, liquid or gel dispersal medium, together with a gas-propelled, projectile launching device. A method of use of the subject system that causes the projectile to perform differently, depending upon the manner of launch, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-dispersing particulate composition, in the form of pellets, prills, flakes or granules, containing particles with a first functional component that is a glassy solid with small, dispersed pockets of pressurized gas and, in the same or different particles, a second functional component that is a special-use material having at least one additional utility. Special use materials include, for example, a deicer, a fertilizer, a drain cleaner, an insecticide, a carpet cleaner, and a powdered laundry detergent. Dissolution of the glassy material liberates pressurized gas, causing repositioning of the special-use material.

Abstract: An automated system and method is provided for cultivating bacteria in a fluid medium and thereafter selectively discharging the fluid medium, wherein an initial supply of the selected strain or strains of bacteria is combined with nutrients and water in a biogenerator in the presence of air to promote mixing and bacterial cultivation. The system and method utilize a vortex created by recirculation of the fluid medium to achieve aeration and mixing without substantial foaming. The system and method are particularly useful for supplying bacteria to control grease accumulation in restaurant grease traps. The system and method use a biogeneration chamber which has a cylindrical sidewall and surface on the inner side. Further, the chamber has a top and a conical bottom. The top has inlet ports and a vent port. There is also a outlet port in the conical bottom.