Abstract: A deodorizing material for breeding or keeping animals and a process for producing the same are described. The material comprises a formed article of a pulp and/or polyolefin base material, wherein said formed article has a cation exchange group. The material is produced by graft polymerization of a reactive monomer having a cation exchange group to a formed article of a pulp and/or polyolefin base material. The material efficiently adsorbs bad smells of animals' excretions through chemical bonding.

Abstract: A method for treating poultry litter which inhibits ammonia volatilization and reduces soluble phophorus levels in the litter. The method comprises the addition of alum to litter in an amount sufficient to maintain the litter pH at values low enough to inhibit ammonia volatilization. The addition of alum, iron or calcium compounds to litter also effectively precipitates soluble phosphorus in litter, thereby reducing the amount of soluble phosphorus runoff from fields receiving litter.

Abstract: A method for conditioning sludge is disclosed which includes adding a treatment material to the sludge, the treatment material including pieces of cellulose with a hydrophobic agent applied thereto. A method for conditioning sludge is disclosed which includes adding a treatment material to the sludge, and the treatment material including pieces of cellulose with wax applied thereto, the pieces of cellulose ranging in size between one-eighth inch and seven-sixteenths inch in a largest dimension and having about 0.5% to about 3% wax by weight, and at least ninety percent of surface area of the pieces of cellulose covered with wax.

Abstract: An absorbent material based on dried vegetable pulp, in which the dried vegetable pulp results from the extraction of a vegetable material with water and constitutes at least 50% of the material. The absorbent material is useful for treating organic waste, and is in particular proposed as pet litter material.

Abstract: Granular absorbent material for a pet animal, each grain thereof comprising a core formed from absorbent material, a liquid-impermeable partition sheet parting the core into upper and lower halves and a liquid-permeable sheet covering the core.

Abstract: An absorbent material useful as an animal litter contains generally a wood product and clay particles. Specifically, the wood product in the preferred embodiment is wood particles from Western Red Cedar trees, which are nontoxic and nonaromatic. The clay particles are crystalline clay particles comprising calcium montmorillonite, sodium bentonite, attapulgite, and calcium bentonite. The material has the properties of being nontoxic, nonallergenic, nonaromatic, natural, and deodorant. The material further has the properties of enhancing clumping and coating solid material.

Abstract: A dustless cat litter including a wetting additive to agglomerate dust to litter ingredients and promote hydration. Exemplary wetting additives are water soluble, anionic, nonionic, amphoteric or synthetic surfactants, surfactant mixtures, soaps or synthetic detergents which are applied to the litter ingredients to bind dust and fines contained in the mixtures. A masking fragrance, neutralizer or attractant may be admixed with the surfactant. Exemplary hydrating cat litter or additive mixtures, which solidify upon contact with liquids to encapsulate pet waste matter, include a granulated base material (e.g. whole or coarse ground agricultural grains, pulse crops, clay granules or mixtures thereof), a gluten containing material (e.g. semolina or ground wheat) and may include sodium bicarbonate and/or a carrier bound fragrance. A quantity of surfactant on the order of 1/2 to 7 oz. per 10 pounds litter containing 5% to 10% fines is applied to the ingredients during blending of the mixture.

Abstract: An animal excrement treatment material comprising granulated materials mainly containing residues after extract liquid has been extracted from roasted coffee beans, wherein the granulated materials are formed into grains having a grain diameter of 0.1 mm or greater, and wherein at least the surface of the granulated materials are pigmented by pigmenting substances so that the granulated materials are pigmented in a color other than the original color of the residues from extracted coffee beans. This animal excrement treatment material has good absorbency and water retention of urine discharged from animals and makes it possible to mass excrements by wrapping the same so as to facilitate removal or burning of the excrements.

Abstract: The method of making a macroemulsion composition for controlling odors and including droplets of water-immiscible, odor counteracting material dispersed as the discontinuous phase of the macroemulsion in a water soluble binder, which constitutes the continuous phase of the macroemulsion. Upon deposition of the composition onto an appropriate substrate, such as pet litter, and after evaporation of the water within the binder solution, the water soluble binder solidifies on the substrate. In so doing, the solidified water soluble binder substantially encloses the droplets of the odor counteracting material. The water soluble binder easily dissolves upon contact with water in pet excreta, thereby releasing the odor counteracting material in an amount appropriate to counteract the offensive odors at the offensive area where such counteraction is needed most.

Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle for colorimetric assay which expands upon contact with biological fluids. This expansion allows easy visualization of color changes associated with colorimetric assays, particularly when the vehicle is distributed as particles within animal litters.

Abstract: A grain cereal having a high level enzyme content is mixed with a bran having a high level incubating enzyme content to produce, when mixed with the grain cereal, synergistic, non-pathogenic enzymes that are capable of causing vigorous breeding of enzymes that starve out harmful bacteria in horse manure and urine and also accelerates decomposition of albumin to suppress and eliminate unpleasant odor. Also in the product and process, kelp is added for increasing the vigorous breeding of the enzyme and also a finely reduced germinated cereal of high level enzyme content is added to further increase the breeding of the enzymes. The product and process include a powdered ingredient of diatomaceous earth which serves as an insecticide, a desiccant, and extends the shelf life of the product.

Abstract: Methods are described for treating sludge, e.g. biological and/or chemical sludge, with processed cellulose material combined with another material, e.g. a surface active agent, a detergent, a surfactant, a polymer and/or an organic polymer.Cellulose flakes and methods for making them are disclosed; in one aspect the flakes are useful as animal litter or bedding; in one aspect such used flakes are re-pelletized for use as litter, food or fertilizer. Methods for absorbing, removing, and for cleaning up a first liquid floating on or in a second liquid are disclosed, the method employing absorbent pellets which, in preferred embodiments, have a particular size, density, and configuration. A pellet and a method for making the pellet are disclosed for cleaning up a first liquid floating on or in a second liquid; and a method for making pellets for absorbing a combustible material to produce fuel pellets. A method for producing fuel pellets is disclosed.

Abstract: A degradable, reusable, partially synthetic and partially non-synthetic bedding material for animals includes a plurality of flexible monofilaments formed from a blend of a thermoplastic polymer and starch. An effective amount of at least one transition metal salt may also be added to enhance ultraviolet and/or thermal degradation. The partially synthetic animal bedding has an appearance, texture and sound very similar to that of natural straw, but can be cleaned and reused repeatedly. The partially synthetic straw-like material is inert as far as digestibility and is degradable when exposed to sunlight and dry heat, and is biodegradable and compostable thereby providing for relatively easy disposal.

Abstract: An improved animal litter preparation is provided for attracting a household domesticated animal and for absorbing liquids and liquid-containing waste released by the attracted animal. The litter preparation comprises a plurality of preformed and nontoxic liquid absorbing masses of solid matter each comprised of an absorbent substance, at least one releaser pheromone compound which is a biological attractant for the animal, and at least one blending agent.

Abstract: A composition and method of absorbing animal dross. Discrete particles of a composition comprising a combination of bentonite clays, particularly about 1% to about 50% by weight sodium bentonite, and about 50% to abut 99% by weight Fuller's Earth, or calcium bentonite, absorbs animal dross and related liquids, and simultaneously agglomerate into a sufficiently large and stable mass when contacted with the animal dross, and, unexpectedly, the agglomerates readily disperse in water so that the agglomerates can be disposed of in water, such as by being flushed down a toilet, or disposed of through other household plumbing lines without clogging the plumbing lines. The agglomerates can be physically separated and removed from unwetted particles of the composition. Removing the wetted and agglomerated composition particles from the remaining unwetted composition reduces or eliminates offensive odors produced by dross-soaked particles.

Abstract: A hydrating cat litter which solidifies upon contact with liquids to encapsulate pet waste matter. The litter comprises a mixture of a granulated, organic base material, which is susceptible to decomposition, a gluten containing material, such as ground wheat, and may include a fragrance carrier. In a preferred mixture, the base comprises a quantity of coarse ground agricultural grains, pulse crops or agricultural by-products or mixtures thereof, which support in suspension a quantity of semolina.

Abstract: There is disclosed an animal litter composition and a package for the composition. The composition constitutes decorticated flax straw which as been screened to particle sizes between about 10 and 22 U.S. Screen Mesh. The litter further includes a virucidal composition and a fragrance. The virucidal composition includes from about 0.05 to about 5 percent by weight based on the dry weight of the decorticated flax straw of a preferably anionic surfactant, and at least about 2 percent, based on the dry weight of the decorticated flax straw of at least one acid selected from a group consisting of citric, malic, and mixtures of the acids.The animal litter package constitutes a bag formed from a web of film, nonwoven/film laminates, film/paper laminate or wax/paper laminate in which the animal litter is contained prior to use. The bag can then be opened to serve as a litter box liner. Once the litter has been used, the edges of the bag can be regathered to form a bag for disposal of the litter.

Abstract: The invention provides a waterproof litter receptacle for use in disposal of animal waste products. The litter receptacle contains a mixture of non-smectitic, hydrophilic shale aggregate. The mixture of non-smectitic hydrophilic shale has a fraction of coarse material with a size less than about 5 mesh (4000 microns). The mixture has the property of agglomerating into a clump upon contact with urine. The agglomerated clump of shale and urine is removable with a perforated scoop. A substantially dust-free distribution of shale of greater than 50 mesh (300 microns) is capable of clumping without additives. Optionally, the shale may contain up to 10 weight percent clumping agent selected from the group of water absorbent polymers, corn starch, gelatin, gluten and dried plants of the Plantago family. In addition 5 to 25 wt % ammonia absorbing zeolite may be added for odor control.

Abstract: A mattress or bed for pets is stuffed with material treated with white cedar oil. Preferably the stuffing comprises cedar shavings and conveniently a washable, removable outer cover is provided over an inner mattress. The cedar oil is environmentally safe, reduces pet odor and acts as an insect and pest repellent.

Abstract: A composition and method of absorbing animal dross. In one embodiment, the composition comprises discrete particles (about 50 microns to about 3350 microns, preferably about 600 microns to about 3350 microns in size) of a non-compacted water-swellable bentonite clay that effectively absorbs animal dross and simultaneously agglomerates into a sufficiently large and stable mass, thereby permitting physical separation of the soiled and wetted water-swellable bentonite clay particles from discrete particles of the unsoiled and unwetted water-swellable bentonite clay even after partial drying of about 1 to about 24 hours at room temperature, without substantial sticking to animal paws and fur.

Abstract: A macroemulsion composition for controlling odors and including droplets of water-immiscible, odor counteracting material dispersed as the discontinuous phase of the macroemulsion in a water soluble binder, which constitutes the continuous phase of the macroemulsion. Upon deposition of the composition onto an appropriate substrate, such as pet litter, and after evaporation of the water within the binder solution, the water soluble binder solidifies on the substrate. In so doing, the solidified water soluble binder substantially encloses the droplets of the odor counteracting material. The water soluble binder easily dissolves upon contact with water in pet excreta, thereby releasing the odor counteracting material in an amount appropriate to counteract the offensive odors at the offensive area where such counteraction is needed most.

Abstract: Clumping animal litter compositions comprising particulate attapulgite clay having a moisture content in the range of from about 10 to 23 percent free moisture and a particle size distribution of from about 8 to about 40 mesh, preferably about 10 to 30 mesh. Method of production includes selection of an attapulgite clay having an API yield value of at least 80 barrels per ton and, preferably, kneading and extruding the clay, milling and heating the clay to a temperature not exceeding about 250.degree. F. to reduce the moisture content to about 10 to 23 percent, and screening the product to a mesh size of about 8 to 40 mesh.

Abstract: An absorbent material includes a mixture of poplar wood and peat in the volume ratio range 1:0.01 to 1:100, the material being formed to be dispensable for absorbing liquids and other substances. Cedar may also be included in the material. The material is produced by grinding poplar chips into a sawdust-like poplar material, drying the poplar material to remove moisture therefrom and mixing the poplar material with a quantity of peat to form the absorbent material. The resulting material is then pelletized to form pellets of the absorbent material whereby the material may be more easily dispensed.

Abstract: A litter composition is disclosed and includes a particulate liquid absorbent material and a particulate odor control agent that is dry blended with the absorbent material. The odor control agent comprises a mixture of a fragrance oil that has been spray dried onto a starch carrier and a sodium bisulfite complex having volatile fragrance components. The odor control agent is present in an amount ranging between 0.025% to 0.1% by weight of the total litter composition.

Abstract: A pH-indicating material capable of undergoing a clearly visually detectable color transition at a desired pH, e.g., at a pH at or below about 5.6 and/or at a pH at or above about 7.6. When the pH-indicating material is wetted on its surface with liquid animal dross, particularly animal urine, such as cat urine, the pH-indicating material will undergo a clearly visible color transition at a urine-problematic pH, e.g., acidic or alkaline. The pH-indicating material is maintained on an inert carrier, separate from the cat litter material itself, so that the cat litter material does not chemically interfere with the urine pH-induced color transition provided by the dye(s) in the coating material, and so that the color transition is an exclusive result of the pH of the contacting animal urine, without pH interference from the litter material.

Abstract: An improvement in the use of clumping, scoopable litter to sorb and remove the urine deposited in litter receptacles by utilizing as the litter a natural product which has been modified to render it cohesive when wetted with urine. The modified natural product has excellent cohesion, is biodegradable, and is completely non-dusting. The modified natural product is a farinaceous material having a bulk density in the range from about 500 kg/m.sup.3 to about 900 kg/m.sup.3, a reducing sugar content from about 0.5% to about 4.0%, and a cold water solubles content from about 40% to about 90%. The preferred particle size of the modified natural product is such that at least 75% of the particles thereof are from about 250 microns to about 2000 microns.

Abstract: Peanut hulls are processed into dust free granules suitable for use as chemical carriers and moisture absorbent materials, including cat litter, by being pulverized to a powder. Deodorizer, scent and mold inhibitor powders are added to the peanut hulls powder. The powders are compacted into compacted masses which are then crumbled into granules. The powder is then compacted into compact masses that are divided into granules and screened.

Abstract: A hydrating additive and improved cat litter including same which solidifies upon contact with liquids to encapsulate pet waste matter. The litter comprises a mixture of granulated clay particles, finely ground wheat based particulates and a fragrance carrier. In a preferred mixture, quantities of semolina are included with a moisture released masking fragrance consisting substantially of an attractant oil which is impregnated into ground, corn cob.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for the manufacture of animal litter using filler materials and additional materials that react with liquid. These filler materials are obtained from a fraction of domestic, industrial and other similar waste and/or paper slurry. The fraction obtained from the waste is pulverized and mixed with the additional materials, the mixture is adjusted to a specific moisture content, subsequently granulated, and the resulting granules with a predetermined particle size are separated.The animal litter manufactured according to the invention ensures a high degree of odor retention, has high absorbing power and a low apparent density.

Abstract: An artificial litter for pets is prepared by kneading grains of tapioca and corn obtained from refined tapioca powder and corn in a humidified grain cracking machine, or expander. The kneaded tapioca and corn is then expelled under pressure through a nozzle and allowed to expand under reduced pressure and then cut to form tapioca-corn pellets. The pellets are subsequently coated or filled with zeolite powder and/or powdered additives.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of manufacturing a lightweight particulate cementitious composition particularly adapted to the sorption of liquids comprising adding to a foamed cement slurry a particle forming agent, and aging the treated foamed slurry for a period of time sufficient for the particles to form and harden for subsequent handling. The bulk density, particle size distribution, and concentration of the agent are selected such that the cementitious composition has the desired density and such that at least 65% of the particles obtained after aging have the desired particle size.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid composition for deodorizing animal wastes by contact therewith. The composition comprises an aqueous dispersion which contains an ammonia-controlling-effective amount of pine oil and a dispersion aid. The dispersion aid is selected from anionic, nonionic, cationic, amphoteric surfactants, and mixtures of these surfactants.

Abstract: A cat litter box includes a tray on which the litter is deposited with the tray being inset within a base having inwardly converging bottom walls defining a sump for the collection of liquid waste. A valve is carried by the bottom walls and has a control rod extending outwardly through a base skirt to receive a handle. The litter is of a nonabsorbent type having a smooth exterior surface to facilitate cleaning. The base supports the tray both for cleaning when in place on the rim of a toilet bowl and when on a floor surface.

Abstract: The invention provides, in one embodiment, an odor controlling animal litter comprising:a) adsorbent or absorbent particles; andb) an ammonia-controlling-effective amount of i) pine oil and ii) boric acid applied onto the particles. The litter can also include further adjuncts, such as fragrances, other antimicrobial additives, and the like.

Abstract: A particulate material having liquid-responsive, adhesive material mixed with sorbent material in particulate form to be wet. After being wet, the adhesive material dries and causes particles that have been wet to adhere together in clumps that can easily be separated from the particles that have not been wet.

Abstract: A porous granular ceramic material has a granule size of from 1 to 5 mm, a bulk density of from 200 to 700 g/l, preferably 350 to 550 g/l, a porosity of from 50 to 80% v/v, preferably from 65 to 80% v/v, and a liquid absorbency of from 20 to 200%, preferably from 40 to 150%, of water based on the weight of the granular material. The material may be made by calcining a mixture of a clay and a particulate combustible material. The material is suitable for use as animal litter or as an industrial absorbent for liquids.

Abstract: Animal litters having deodorizing properties are made from particulate moisture absorbent material and aluminum salts.

Abstract: A vessel for containing pet waste and litter material is formed of recycled paper for absorbing liquids and preventing odor. The vessel preferably has essentially vertical side members, having upper edges, and an essentially horizontal bottom member, interconnected in a sealing relationship. The upper edges of the side members preferably tilt out from the interior of the vessel. A horizontal lip preferably projects from the upper edges of the side members, outside the vessel. A cover member is optionally provided, which is joined to the side member upper edges to cover and seal the vessel. The cover member preferably has a middle area, defined by perforations or surface scoring, which can be torn out along the perforations or surface scoring to expose the interior of the vessel so that the remaining portion of the cover member forms an inwardly projecting, horizontal lip for retaining the litter material. The vessel may be impregnated with an antibacterial agent, a drying agent and a scent.

Abstract: An animal litter and method for making an animal litter, includes combining bacteria with an absorptive material whereby the bacteria decomposes the animal waste which comes in contact with the absorptive material.

Abstract: A clumping biodegradable animal litter and method for manufacturing such litter. The animal litter includes a biodegradable carrier such as granulated peanut shells having a grain flour intermixed therewith and attached thereto with oil. The carrier will absorb liquid applied thereto which will interact with the flour to facilitate the agglomeration of the carrier, flour and liquid into a mass having sufficient cohesive strength to allow physical removal of the agglomerated mass.

Abstract: An improved animal bedding material, particularly suited for use with horses is formed substantially entirely from an aggregation of elongated woodshavings having substantially uniform parameters for improved performance. The length, width, thickness, and curl for each woodshaving forming the agglomerated plurality of such woodshavings is carefully controlled, so that the bedding product is free from sharp edges, fines, and slivers. Ranges for each of the controlled parameters are disclosed.

Abstract: A litter for the accumulation of animal urine, such as a domestic cat litter, having at least one visual indicator chemically bound to the litter base material, and a method for making such litter have been discovered. The litter having the chemical indicator chemically absorbed thereon, rather than merely physically absorbed, permits the litter to be used not only as an effective mechanism by animal owners to determine potential health concerns with their animals; but because the indicator is chemically bound, the same litter may also serve as a useful diagnostic tool in a subsequent visit to a veterinarian. The litter base material must have the ability to exchange ions. Compounds to facilitate agglomeration or clumping of the litter when contacting urine may also be added to the litter base material.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid composition for deodorizing animal wastes by direct application thereto. The composition comprises an aqueous dispersion which contains an ammonia-controlling-effective amount of pine oil and boric acid.

Abstract: A composition and method of absorbing animal dross. In one embodiment, the composition comprises discrete particles (about 50 microns to about 3350 microns, preferably about 600 microns to about 3350 microns in size) of a non-compacted water-swellable bentonite clay that effectively absorbs animal dross and simultaneously agglomerates into a sufficiently large and stable mass, thereby permitting physical separation of the soiled and wetted water-swellable bentonite clay particles from discrete particles of the unsoiled and unwetted water-swellable bentonite clay even after partial drying of about 1 to about 24 hours at room temperature, without substantial sticking to animal paws and fur.

Abstract: A litter material for receiving the excreta of pet animals which are fed at home is disclosed. In contrast to the conventional materials that are not disposable to a flush toilet with water, the inventive litter material is disposable to a flush toilet. The litter material of this invention is prepared from grains, including the steps of heat-cooking for expanding the beans in size and coating thereof with an inorganic material selected from the zeolite series.

Abstract: A method of making an absorbent granulate of paper, with or without additives, includes mechanically comminuting paper into irregular and/or strip-shaped fragments, crumpling and interlacing the fragments with attendant development of internal spaces (cavities) in the interlaced and crumpled fragments, rough pressing the interlaced and crumpled fragments into prepressed formations (e.g., into tubes having a diameter of up to or even in excess of 10 mm), and converting the prepresssed formations into particles, particularly into granules or pellets. The crumpling and interlacing step can include agitating the fragments in one or more streams of a gaseous fluid and/or kneading the fragments.

Abstract: To provide an animal litter from seed hulls such as sunflower hulls, seed hulls having a fatty acid content between 1 percent to 15 percent by weight, at least 40 percent of the fatty acid being unsaturated fatty acid and being between 50 to 95 percent by weight of hulls, is formed as pellets without substantial added binder. The seed hulls serve the function of aiding in pellet forming to avoid the need of substantial added binder as well as aiding in deodorizing. One appropriate additional deodorizing material that may be an added ingredient is alfalfa. The pellets are preferably formed to sizes between 3/64 to 1 inch in diameter but the size is related to the heating and cooling of the pelletizer.

Abstract: An improved animal litter is disclosed containing a regular volatile material fuller's earth clay having a free moisture content of more than 7 percent but less than 25 percent. Furthermore, an improved animal litter is disclosed containing a regular volatile material fuller's earth clay in granular form. The granules are formed by compacting a pulverized regular volatile material fuller's earth clay.

Abstract: A cat litter is provided which is formed from a selective quantity of peat so that the peat absorbs urine such that the release of ammonia is substantially inhibited. A method of producing a cat litter also is provided.

Abstract: The accumulation of gaseous ammonia in areas wherein animals are housed or maintained is controlled by providing to the areas animal litter, bedding, or other absorbent material which contain a low molecular weight, non-volatile organic acid. Acids such as citric, malic, fumaric, phosphoric, tartaric, maleic, malonic, succinic, sorbic and mixtures of these acids are used and especially phosphoric and fumaric. These acids can be used in concentrations of about 0.0001 to 2 wt % of the dry bedding.