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: 20080051290
    Abstract: A vegetation culture active agent delivery medium is provided that includes dense mineral granules, comparatively less dense cellulosic granules, and an active agent in simultaneous contact with the mineral granules and the cellulosic granules, the active agent present from 1×10?5 to 10 total weight percent of the medium. A formulation of an active agent is applied to one type of granule as a mixture thereof. Through control of the relative amounts of mineral and cellulosic granules, a controlled medium density is readily adjusted between 35 and 60 pounds per cubic foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew G. Johnston, James R. Lynch, Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Publication number: 20070280981
    Abstract: A composition is provided that includes an inventive biologically active ingredient carrier granule that adheres to the surface of plants, grasses, and weeds using a moisture-active coating, illustratively including gum Arabic, guar gum, gum karaya, gum tragacanth and locust bean gum. Upon application of the inventive granule onto a plant surface, water from precipitation, irrigation, dew, co-application with the granules from special application equipment, or guttation water from the plant itself, provides sufficient moisture for adherence of the granule to the plant surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Publication number: 20070180877
    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: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventors: Charles W. Anderson, Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Publication number: 20070163317
    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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventors: TIMOTHY D. BIRTHISEL, James R. Lynch, Robin Smith
  • Publication number: 20040009878
    Abstract: A water-dispersible particle for delivery of nitrogen to a plant is disclosed. The water-dispersible particle also delivers an active ingredient such as a plant hormone to a desirable plant or a pesticide or herbicide to an undesirable organism. Methods for making and using the water-dispersible particle are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: James R. Lynch, Timothy D. Birthisel, Chris S. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6613138
    Abstract: A manufactured granular substrate composition suitable for use as a carrier for active chemical agents. The composition includes one or more mineral components having a bulk density greater than about 70 pounds per cubic foot. The composition also contains about one or more light weight additives and one or more water soluble binders. The resulting manufactured granular substrate has a bulk density of less than about 55 pounds per cubic foot with a size guide number of about 75 to about 300.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignees: The National Lime and Stone Co., The Andersons Agriservices, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Welshimer, Nadine C. Dunn, Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Publication number: 20010042494
    Abstract: A manufactured granular substrate composition suitable for use as a carrier for active chemical agents. The composition includes one or more mineral components having a bulk density greater than about 70 pounds per cubic foot. The composition also contains about one or more light weight additives and one or more water soluble binders. The resulting manufactured granular substrate has a bulk density of less than about 55 pounds per cubic foot with a size guide number of about 75 to about 300.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: James W. Welshimer, Nadine C. Dunn, Timothy D. Birthisel
  • Patent number: 6231660
    Abstract: A manufactured granular substrate composition suitable for use as a carrier for active chemical agents. The composition includes about 65 wt % or more of one or more mineral components having a bulk density greater than about 70 pounds per cubic foot. The composition also contains about 5 wt % to about 25 wt % of one or more light weight additives and up to 20 wt % of one or more water soluble binders. The resulting manufactured granular substrate is readily dispersable in water and has a bulk density of less than about 55 pounds per cubic foot with a size guide number of about 100 to about 230.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignees: The National Lime and Stone Co., The Andersons, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Welshimer, David L. Ashworth, Peter V. Cawlfield, Nadine C. Dunn, Gerald L. Gingrich, Karissa L. Fox, Kim W. Venable, Paul Weinstein, Timothy D. Birthisel