Patents by Inventor Timothy D. Birthisel

Timothy D. Birthisel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20120108429
    Abstract: A weed control particle is provided that includes a delivery granule having a surface and a core. A dicarboximide herbicide is adhered to the surface, mixed into the core of the granule, or both. A dinitroaniline herbicide is adhered to the surface, mixed into the core of the granule, or both. A process of weed control includes distributing such particles or two separate types of particles that each have one of the two types of herbicides to a plot around a desired plant. The weed control particles are distributed at a density such that said dicarboximide herbicide is present at between 20% and 80% of full rate for the dicarboximide herbicide and the dinitroaniline is present at between 20% and 70% of full rate for the dinitroaniline herbicide to provide weed control around the desired plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Anderson, Timothy D. Birthisel, James R. Lynch, Joe Schalk
  • Patent number: 8163672
    Abstract: A multiple effect plant growth promoting mixture is provided that includes a first plurality of fertilizer granules, each containing a quantity of a bioavailable source of nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. A second plurality of granules, each containing an active agent effective in inhibiting an organism interfering with plant growth are intermixed with the fertilizer granules. The fertilizer granules are substantially devoid of the active agent adhering to the fertilizer granule and the active agent granules are substantially devoid of fertilizer. The potential for cross contamination being associated with granule breakage associated with intermixing and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Publication number: 20110259067
    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: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Lynch, Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Publication number: 20110230353
    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: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Charles W. Anderson, Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Publication number: 20110218102
    Abstract: A water-dispersible particle is provided that includes organic origin potash 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 organic origin potash 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 the potash into a pellet. A binder component is present in the particle in an amount ranging from 1% to 95% by weight. The potash and the binder component are present in a form such that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. The pellet is then dried and ready to be applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Anderson, Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Patent number: 8007559
    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: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Lynch, Timothy D. Birthisel, Chris S. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20110130291
    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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Birthisel, Joe Schumski, IV
  • Publication number: 20110118117
    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: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy D. Birthisel, James R. Lynch, Matthew G. Johnston
  • Patent number: 7867507
    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: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Birthisel, James R. Lynch, Matthew G. Johnston
  • Patent number: 7850758
    Abstract: A particle is provided with simultaneous delivery of a fertilizer and an active agent that when adhered to foliage causes a chemical burn thereto. A hydrophobic coating is provided intermediate between the fertilizer core and the active agent to inhibit moisture absorption by the particle that renders the particle tacky and therefore adherent to target foliage. The active agent granule is adhered to the hydrophobic coating or at least partially embedded therein based on the nature of the formation process. The particle is also provided that includes a second fertilizer layer exterior to the hydrophobic coating with the second fertilizer layer is substantially devoid of water soluble nitrogen compounds. Active agent granules are then adhered to the second fertilizer layer. The resultant particles reduce chemical burning associated with combined fertilizer and active agent usage, especially under dispersant conditions of high temperature and high humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Birthisel, James R. Lynch, Robin Smith
  • Publication number: 20100248966
    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: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: James R. Lynch, Timothy D. Birthisel, Jeffrey J. Fesko
  • Patent number: 7789932
    Abstract: A water-dispersible particle is provided that includes a sulfate or phosphate of potash 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 sulfate or phosphate of potash 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 sulfate or phosphate of potash into a pellet. A binder component is present in the particle in an amount ranging from 1% to 95% by weight. The sulfate or phosphate of potash and the binder component are present in a form such that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. The pellet is then dried and ready to be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Anderson, Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Publication number: 20100084485
    Abstract: A quenched solids applicator includes a solids hopper for containing solids to be applied onto a foliage field or other field surface. A solids exhaust conduit terminates in an exhaust nozzle with a solids power source urging the solids from the hopper into the solids exhaust conduit and out through the exit nozzle. A liquid reservoir contains a liquid such as an aqueous based solution. The liquid exhaust conduit is also provided with a liquid pump metering liquid from the liquid reservoir to the liquid exhaust conduit having a liquid outlet in proximity to the exit nozzle to exhaust a confluent stream of quenched solids on an upward stream trajectory relative to the exit nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Patent number: 7666399
    Abstract: A composition is provided that includes in combination fertilizer particles inclusive of a plant nutrient component and a binder inhibitive of particle disintegration. The fertilizer particles are mixed with and dispersed in concert with bait particles attractive to a pest and inclusive of a pesticide or pest reproduction control agent. The bait particles remain sufficiently devoid of adherent fertilizer particle fragments so as to remain attractive to a target pest. Composition homogeneity is maintained by density matching between the fertilizer particles and bait particles or compensating for differences in density by sizing the lower density particles larger than the higher density particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Birthisel, Mark Weispape, Robin Smith
  • Patent number: 7658948
    Abstract: A foaming granule is provided that includes an acid, a gas-evolving acid neutralizing agent, a surfactant foaming agent, and an active agent that is a plant growth enhancer, pest control agent, de-icer or anti-icer. Upon wetting a granule, the acid and neutralizing agent are brought into contact releasing gas that is trapped in the surfactant to form a foam that disperses the active agent to a greater area and more uniformly than a conventional nonfoaming granule containing a like amount of active agent. Dispersal of granules followed by sufficient time for foaming to occur represents a typical use methodology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Lynch, Timothy D. Birthisel, Jeffrey J. Fesko
  • Publication number: 20090227452
    Abstract: A process for enhancing a soil is provided that includes applying a quantity of a free flowing spent fermented grain particulate by broadcast spreading to soil. The particulate provides a sustained release of nutrients from the fermented grain to the soil. The free flowing spent fermented grain particulate has a degree of pitting and porosity that makes it amenable to impregnation with an active agent as a liquid, a solution, a colloid, or a melt. The particulate being then impregnated with an active agent is amenable to coating with a coating layer to retain the active agent in contact with the particulate. A composition is so provided to perform the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Publication number: 20090181849
    Abstract: The present inventions generally relate to compositions and methods for providing agricultural chemicals comprising active ingredients (A.I.s) combined with a top dressing for application to cultivated areas of turfgrass. Specifically, the compositions are in the form of dry formulations for providing pre-blend concentrates and blends of top dressings comprising active ingredients. Further, the inventions relate to compositions and methods for delivering active ingredients simultaneously with a top dressing composition to golf course turf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: A. Ronald Detweiler, Nancy M. Dykema, Joseph M. Vargas, JR., Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Publication number: 20090013743
    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: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: The Andersons, Inc
    Inventors: James R. Lynch, Timothy D. Birthisel, Chris S. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20080261816
    Abstract: An inventive flowable granular material for adhesion to foliage is provided, which material includes peanut hull fragments as a preferably majority lightweight component, a heavy weight component mixed therewith to improve the flowability of the resultant granular material, and a solvent to aid in the transfer of the foliar active agent to a leaf surface and foliar adhesion. Related particle size distributions and densities are described. Also provided is a process for promoting plant growth comprising: broadcast distributing the inventive flowable granular material to adhere to foliar surfaces; and releasing the foliar active agent onto the foliar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Publication number: 20080216536
    Abstract: A multiple effect plant growth promoting mixture is provided that includes a first plurality of fertilizer granules, each containing a quantity of a bioavailable source of nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. A second plurality of granules, each containing an active agent effective in inhibiting an organism interfering with plant growth are intermixed with the fertilizer granules. The fertilizer granules are substantially devoid of the active agent adhering to the fertilizer granule and the active agent granules are substantially devoid of fertilizer. The potential for cross contamination being associated with granule breakage associated with intermixing and transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Birthisel