Composting Apparatus Patents (Class 435/290.1)
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Patent number: 8003344Abstract: The present invention provides a microbial hydrogen-producing process, comprising: providing at least one Clostridium microbe and at least one Bacillus microbe; and co-culturing said at least one Clostridium microbe and said at least one Bacillus microbe in a fermentation culture system to produce hydrogen. The present invention also provides a microbial hydrogen-producing system, characterized by that the system comprises at least one Clostridium microbe and at least one Bacillus microbe, and it uses an organic waste medium as the substrate to perform a hydrogen-producing fermentation having high efficiency, high stability, and high reproducibility.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: National Chung Hsing UniversityInventors: Chieh-Chen Huang, Jui-Jen Chang, Cheng-Yu Ho, Wei-En Chen, Jiunn-Jyi Lay, Chia-Hung Chou, Chang-Lung Han
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Patent number: 8002979Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to waste disposal methods and systems. In one embodiment of the present invention, a waste disposal system is positioned under a sink in a building connected to a septic system for disposal of food waste and wastewater. The waste disposal system includes a grinding chamber, a centrifugal-pump chamber, and a straining chamber for separating food waste from wastewater. The straining chamber includes a filtration basket, and an outlet pipe.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Inventor: Michael J. Bryan-Brown
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Publication number: 20110201096Abstract: The invention relates to a method for digesting a biomass comprising, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the biomass with a first solvent for dissolving the cellulose and/or the hemicellulose, (b) contacting the dissolved cellulose and/or hemicellulose with a precipitant for forming a precipitate comprising cellulose and/or hemicellulose and residual lignin, wherein the precipitant is selected from the group consisting of alkanes, ethers, and esters; and (c) contacting the precipitate with a second solvent for removing residual lignin from the precipitate. The invention further relates to an apparatus for performing such a method.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2009Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventor: Friedrich Streffer
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Patent number: 7998729Abstract: Offloading apparatus (30) for a composting cage comprising an enclosure (10), which maybe divided into a plurality of compartments, for receipt of material to be composted is mounted below the enclosure (10) and is capable of travelling there below in order to extract compost from the base of the enclosure. The offloading apparatus (30) comprises an elongate cutter (40) in the form of a motor driven endless chain on which cutting teeth (42) are mounted, and respective winch assemblies (50) mounted adjacent each side of the enclosure (10). Each winch assembly (50) comprises a motor driven winch (54), a pulley (56) mounted to an adjustable tensioning assembly (58) at a spacing from the winch (54), and a winch cable (51) extending from the winch (54) around the pulley (56) and back again to the winch (54).Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: The TEG Group PlcInventors: Robert Lewis, Craig Wright, Alan Heyworth
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Patent number: 7998728Abstract: Multiple Tray Vermicomposter with Thermal Siphon Airflow is a vermiculture composting device that uses earthworms to create compost where worms eat and digest food to excrete compost. It is a multiple tray system with a base and a lid. New compost trays with freshly loaded food and bedding are stacked on top of older trays containing worms and compost to instigate a continuous upward migration of the worms thereby creating continuous compost production. Compost trays have permeable bottoms to allow worms to pass through. Compost production is accelerated from thermal siphon airflow to provide ample airflow to the worms without the requirement of a power source. Light-tight air-permeable connections between trays, lid, and base, also accelerate compost production by keeping the worms completely dark. If worms fall through the bottom compost tray, there exists a ramp to enable the fallen worms to climb back into the bottom compost tray.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Inventors: Ralph Rhoads, George Anderson
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Patent number: 7989200Abstract: A composting apparatus is disclosed which comprises a container (10) formed from a plurality of segments (12a, 12b and 12c). An aerator (20, 521) is located in the container for receiving air from the exterior of the container and distributing the air into the composting mass within the container. The apparatus has a base (501) which includes a leachate chamber (454) for collecting liquid that strains from the composting mass during composting. An anti-compaction member (99, 527) is provided for preventing compost from compacting and blocking the aerator (20, 521), and a plug (570) provides addition or alternative air supply to the container (10).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Global Environment Management (FZC)Inventor: Michael Morrison
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Publication number: 20110177574Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for processing waste (1) containing fermentable raw materials selected from sugars and raw materials such as starch and cellulose capable of being saccharified into fermentable sugars. The method includes a crushing step for forming fine-divided waste (30), a saccharification step for saccharifying with saccharifying enzymes (20) the fine-divided waste (30) to obtain saccharified fine-divided waste (31), a fermentation step for fermenting with an ethanol-producing microorganism (23) said saccharified fine-divided waste (31) to obtain fermented fine-divided waste (32) containing mixture of ethanol and water (25), and a vaporization step for at least partly separating by vaporization said mixture of ethanol and water (25), a dehydrating step for at least partly dehydrating said fermented fine-divided waste (32) to form dry matter (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2009Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Mikko Ahokas, Antti Pasanen, Reetta Niemi-Korpi
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Patent number: 7977088Abstract: A solid waste treatment apparatus and/or comprises a tank comprising an interior volume and an outlet and a liner comprising a floor and a plurality of upstanding exterior walls and at least one upstanding interior wall forming a first chamber and a second chamber in the liner. Each one of the exterior walls comprises a permeable surface. The at least one interior wall comprises an impermeable surface. The apparatus includes a multi-panel sieve disposed in the second chamber. A tank includes a removable lid comprising a window in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber. A separator housing may be disposed on the lid and coextensive to the window, the housing comprising a planar sieve disposed at an angle in the housing and an inlet in fluid communication with the planar sieve.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Inventor: Danny Smith
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Publication number: 20110165638Abstract: Methods and systems for processing organic waste material are provided. These methods and systems include integrating an anaerobic bio-digester and nutrient recovery module with a bio-production facility, which can locally provide feedstock for the bio-production facility, and can locally provide organic material for the anaerobic bio-digester. Methods and systems for integrating an anaerobic bio-digester with a gas cleaner are also provided, which can recover nutrients while cleaning the biogas produced by the anaerobic bio-digester.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2011Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: HIGHMARK RENEWABLES RESEARCH LIMITED PARTNERSHIPInventors: Mike Kotelko, Tevor Jason Nickel, Bern Kotelko, Brett Kotelko, Xiaomei Li
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Patent number: 7972839Abstract: The device and method invented provides a unique means to extract and multiply, by the millions, beneficial aerobic microbes found in compost and vermicompost to be applied to soil and plants in liquid form. Compared to many compost tea making devices being sold, the invented device is truly simple and can be dismantled and cleaned in under twenty minutes. Most of the parts are not glued and can be pulled apart. The device and method uses air pumps alone to actually circulate the water and can be used with or without a mesh extractor. This is achieved by the insertion of an air diffuser into the piping used, which infuses the water with oxygen while circulating the water, into either, an extractor containing compost or a body of water containing compost. Concurrently additional diffusers infuse the body of water with oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2009Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Inventor: Timothy James Wilson
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Publication number: 20110143426Abstract: A process and device used to produce CO2 in an indoor environment is described. The device contains a container that contains a mixture of substrate and fungi. The container has at least one opening to permit the CO2 to enter the plant growth environment and a pump connected to the container to pump out the CO2 through said opening into the plant growth environment The invention further relates to a kit that contains a container, substrate, fungi and a pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventors: Lewis Busby, Zachary Busby, James E. Davidson
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Patent number: 7960165Abstract: Organic waste having a moisture content of about 65% is dried to a level of dryness by applying heat generated by microbial action on the waste organic material to dry that material to usable levels of about 20% moisture. Method of the present invention is more efficient and economical for the drying of waste materials to combustible fuel than conventional drying methods and apparatus. Preblended portions of the organic material are deposited sequentially into a fermentation zone of a chamber and hot exhaust gases generated by the fermentation process are passed through an air-to-air heat exchanger along with cooler ambient intake air which is in its turn heated and turned back on the waste material in the second drying stage.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Inventor: James Wright
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Patent number: 7960172Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for aeration of organic material, wherein the organic material undergoes an aerobic composing process, such that air is caused to evenly penetrate the organic material. The organic material is first sealed in a vessel. Air is then delivered to the contents of the vessel such that an air pressure of from about 1 to about 1000 kPa above atmospheric pressure is maintained in the vessel. A pressure differential initially forms and is then allowed to equilibrate over a period of time, in which time air flows from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure in the organic material thus ensuring that aeration is evenly distributed throughout the organic material.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: AnaeCo LimitedInventor: Thomasz Rudas
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Patent number: 7955839Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for converting organic waste materials from a municipal waste stream to useful products. Organic waste materials having a wide range of compositions such as, for example, yard waste, food waste, paper, and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste are converted into a uniform biomass that is suitable for conversion to useful products, such as fuels. Through the use of a biomixer and a hydropulper, as well as through sorting and screening, the organic waste materials are progressively reduced in size and cleaned of contamination. The resulting uniform biomass is suitable for anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and a residual solid that is suitable for producing a high quality compost.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Recology Inc.Inventors: Chris E. Choate, James H. Lord
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Publication number: 20110126601Abstract: The invention relates to an ecotechnical installation for producing cultivation substrates, soil amendments, and organic fertilizers having properties of anthropogenic terra preta soil as well as a method for producing cultivation substrates, soil amendments, or organic fertilizers having properties of anthropogenic terra preta soil. The invention further relates to the use of said method or installation for utilizing unpolluted organic biomasses, biowaste, dirty water and sewage, mineral substances for generating current and/or heat and/or producing cultivation substrates having properties of anthropogenic terra preta soil. The invention finally relates to a circulation installation allowing a sustainable material flow management in order to utilize unpolluted organic biomasses, biowaste, mineral substances, etc. for generating current and heat and producing industrial water and cultivation substrates, soil amendments, or organic fertilizers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Inventor: Joachim Böttcher
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Publication number: 20110117620Abstract: A process for producing methane from process water and biogenic material such as that occurring in the production of sugar and ethanol, wherein at least one mixing/preliminary tank is supplied with process water and biomass, and optionally with washing and/or fresh water and/or substrate water to produce a mash, the mash is set to a suitable pH value and temperature. The mash is transferred into at least one bioreactor with anaerobic methane bacteria for biogas production, the biogas developed is extracted and the biodegraded fluid is drawn off. A biogas plant for performing this process has at least one mixing or preliminary tank for mash provided with a heat exchanger system, and at least one downstream biogas reactor having bacteria producing biogas. The biogas plant is used for producing biogas and storing waste and process water and by-products from the sugar and ethanol production operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventor: Johann Rietzler
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Patent number: 7931706Abstract: A cement kiln from which its brick lining has been removed, or a rotary dryer for cement production is used as a fermentation treatment apparatus 202 for converting waste matter into compost. The waste matter to be subjected to the fermentation treatment includes city waste contained in garbage bags, and its fermentation treatment is carried out by introducing the waste matter directly into the aforesaid cement kiln or the aforesaid rotary dryer for cement production without tearing the aforesaid garbage bags.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Taiheiyo Cement CorporationInventors: Masayoshi Arai, Tatsuro Watanabe, Akira Saito, Sachio Nakazaki, Toshihisa Maruta, Hiroyuki Takano
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Publication number: 20110065166Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising a reactor that is operatively connected to: (a) a biogas production unit for converting waste to a biogas stream; and (b) an engine that utilizes the biogas stream from the biogas producing unit to produce energy and an engine exhaust.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: BIOGAS & ELECTRICInventor: Michael Matelich
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Patent number: 7892820Abstract: A cylindrical composting drum which is 6?, 8?, or 10? in diameter, extends between 40? and 140? in length. The drum is rotated and internal helical blades move the material from inlet end to a screen separator at an outlet end. Partially arcuate solar reflectors underlie the drums and reflect solar energy onto the outer surface of the drums which have been blackened to enhance energy absorption. The use of the available solar energy accelerates the composting process. A microprocessor controls the addition of moisture and the timing and rate of rotation of the drums.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Inventor: John A Bartone, Sr.
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Publication number: 20110039321Abstract: A process for treatment of sludge made up of saline organic solids or organic waste produced in a saltwater or brackish aquaculture system is described. The process includes use of a modified reactor, operating under anaerobic conditions, which yields methane from the digestion of the saline organic solids. Modification of a traditional reactor to include a packing substrate provides for saline waste digestion not previously known. Additionally provided is a process for producing methane from the digestion of organic solids. Inclusion of and use of modified reactors in aquaculture systems is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2008Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTYInventors: Yossi Tal, Kevin R. Sowers
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Patent number: 7888111Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell culture vessel which is simple in structure and easy to handle, and is capable of preventing damage to the cells when separated, promoting transport of nutrients and excretion of effete matter, and elevating the culturing efficiency improving effect by the structural features. In order to attain the above object, there is provided a cell culture vessel including a culture section provided with a plurality of projections having an equivalent diameter smaller than the cells to be cultured and the culture section side walls enclosing the culture section, wherein the distance between an arbitrary position on the culture section/side wall boundary line and the nearest projection is smaller than the diameter of the cells to be cultured. The effect of the projections in the vessel given to the cultured cells is enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Kosuke Kuwabara, Akihiro Miyauchi, Norihito Kuno
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Patent number: 7883885Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the composting of biogenic materials, wherein material introduced at the top of a container as in FIG. 2b reaches a storage chamber (2) arranged below a reactor chamber (1) passing therethrough only by gravity with air introduction. Slide surfaces are provided which brake the downward material flow. Slide vanes (4), for example, can be used as slide surfaces and also other slide devices such as tubes, funnels, spheres and particular container shapes. The compost can be easily removed from the storage container by means of a shovel, or similar without the weight of the heap affecting the shovel. The otherwise necessary shifting of the heap in order to reach the mature compost on the floor is thus avoided. The heap is also vertically aerated over the whole surface thereof from bottom towards the top, the composting organisms are continually optimally supplied with air and optimal conversion rates of fresh biowaste to compost achieved.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2006Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Inventor: Reinhard Schmidl
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Publication number: 20110020862Abstract: The consumption of organic solids with anaerobic digestion to generate usable gases including methane is made more efficient by maintaining the ideal digestion temperature, which is attained by combining the anaerobic digestion process with a halogen digester which produces heat energy and hydrogen gas. With a given biological feedstock four outputs can be generated (methane, hydrogen, electricity, and heat) in the ratio that makes the most economical sense. The process also provides a significant reduction in volume of output solids. The halogen oxidation process can be used on all the anaerobic digester effluent to extract more energy and oxidize a wet feedstock. If there are solids which are not easily digested with the anaerobic process, these solids can be diverted to the halogen digester to derive more energy from the feedstock. Pathogens common to other anaerobic digester effluents are removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Yves Audebert, Thomas Jahn, Ronald Mosso, Michael Oda
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Publication number: 20110014684Abstract: The invention relates to a method for wastewater treatment utilizing an anaerobic treatment of primary sludge (PS) in a septic tank (5), and a separate treatment of excess sludge (US). The excess sludge (US) is separated from the primary sludge (PS) before the anaerobic treatment, solubilized in a hydrolysis treatment and liquefied, and subjected to a separate anaerobic treatment independently of the primary sludge (PS).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Wolfgang Ewert, Michael Sievers, Hinnerk Bormann
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Publication number: 20110008854Abstract: A method for the generation of electricity includes producing a paste from hydrocarbon waste, delivering the paste to a pyrolysis unit, rendering the paste into a gaseous product stream, allowing the stream to flow through a suitable filter device, extracting energy from the stream, producing electricity, converting water to hydrogen via a water gas shift reaction, allowing the reacted stream to flow to a reciprocating compressor, allowing any remaining stream to pass through compression, cooling, condensing, and storing carbon dioxide in a high pressure tank, allowing any remaining stream to be split, one part being combusted in a gas turbine producing electricity and the other part being recycled to the plasmolysis unit, injecting exhaust gas into a feed stream which flows to a degasification chamber, and allowing carbon dioxide and residual water from a storage tank to be expanded, passed through the heat exchanger and injected into the aquaculture feed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventor: Andrew G. Mitchell
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Publication number: 20110008865Abstract: An integrated system and process for the treatment of organic fractions of municipal solid waste is described herein. The system and the process transform solid waste into fuel and energy. The integrated system and process comprise various different processes for pretreatment, sorting/separating, anaerobic digestion and conversion of biomass and gas to various gasseous, liquid and solid fuels and electricity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: VISIAM, LLCInventor: Olaf Nathan Lee
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Patent number: 7867759Abstract: A mobile, modular multi-chamber composting system for the composting of organic material includes a composting unit having a pair of adjacent composting chambers enclosed by sidewalls, a roof, and closure panels, with the chambers delimited by a separation panel, and the first chamber having a uni-directional tilting floor and the second chamber having a bi-directional tilting floor so that organic material can be placed in the first chamber and transferred to the second chamber to facilitate decomposition of the material. Hydraulic mechanisms are interconnected to each floor to facilitate the tilting of the floor and the transference of the material, and the second chamber can transfer the material back to the first chamber or expel the material from the unit or transfer the material to another adjoined composting unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Inventor: Roger Teixeira
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Patent number: 7851210Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is useful for recycling protein waste and producing fuel from protein waste. Waste is ground by a grinding means and digested by a enzyme digest medium composed of enzymes, preservatives, and inedible egg. The ground proteins are digested with the enzyme in recirculated digest tanks. Fat can be collected from the tank by addition of acid and separation of fat from water with a centrifuge. Alternatively the ground protein and enzyme can be fermented and gas collected from the digest tank in a pressure tank with a compressor. The protein solubles are emulsified, separated from water, and extruded before drying. Either fat or gas can be used to fuel a dryer. The dried proteins are then milled in a hammer mill and screened for uniform size.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Inventors: Jonathan Scott Darling, Don Scott Darling
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Patent number: 7833781Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for composting organic material (1). The inventive installation comprises an assembly of cells (10) in which the organic material (1) is stored for fermentation purposes and a ventilation device (20) which blows or draws air through the organic material (1) that is stored in the aforementioned cells (10), each cell (10) comprising a base slab (11) and partition walls (12). The above-mentioned ventilation device (20) comprises at least one ventilator fan (21), which is equipped with a suction opening (211) and a discharge port (212), and a ventilation duct (22) which connects the suction opening (211) or the discharge port (212) to one or more cells (10). According to the invention, the installation comprises an apron (40) forming the base slabs (11) of the different cells (10), said apron comprising means (41) and reserves (42) which are used to install the partition walls (12) of the cells (10) at different pre-determined positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Aces Environnement DeveloppementInventor: Phillipe Jean Louis Thurot
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Publication number: 20100285556Abstract: The present invention relates to a biogas plant and to a process for the production of biogas from ligneous renewable resources, in particular straw. Means are provided for pre-treating the ligneous renewable resource in order to bring about chemical, thermal and/or mechanical digestion of said resource before it is introduced into a fermenter in which anaerobic bacterial fermentation takes place.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2007Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventor: Michael Feldmann
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Patent number: 7824903Abstract: Systems and methods for the generation of compost are provided. In one embodiment, the system for generating compost comprises a positively aerated floor, a semi gas and liquid impermeable compost cover sized to cover a compost biomass pile placed on the positively aerated floor, and a suction system positioned under or substantially close to the compost cover and generally near a top of the compost biomass pile, wherein the floor comprises a plurality of channels connected to at least one gas flow pipe installed below or above grade, wherein gas drawn by suction system at the top of the biomass compost pile maintains a negative pressure across the compost cover, thereby generating suction between the compost cover and the top of the compost biomass pile, and wherein the compost cover directs substantially all of the gas flow towards the suction system.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Engineered Compost Systems, Inc.Inventors: Frederick Timothy O'Neill, Christopher J. Hibbard, Charles A. Krauter
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Publication number: 20100273251Abstract: The invention is a vermicomposter which is a composting device that uses earthworms or worms to accelerate the composting process. A multiple tray system is used to greatly increase compost production and for convenience of compost harvesting. The invention uses thermal siphon airflow and light-tight air permeable connections between its members to increase compost production. The vermicomposter comprises: a base with collection tray, at least one stacking tray, and a light-tight air-permeable lid. The upper surface of the base forms the collection tray which comprises: a set of sides, a bottom, a set of support ribs with notches, and is open on the top to form a liquid-tight container. Notches are sectioned out of the upper inner corner of each support rib. Each notch defines on the rib: a notch bottom surface, a notch side surface, a side vent distance, and a lower vent distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventors: Ralph Rhoads, George Anderson
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Patent number: 7820429Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for dry fermentation and equipment for carrying out the same. The invention equipment comprises a fermentation tank for dry fermentation which includes a tank body 5 for accommodating materials, a flexible sealing membrane 7 for covering said tank body 5, and a tight fixing means 3 for hermetically covering the tank body 5 with the flexible sealing membrane 7. This invention is characterized in that said tank body 5 is provided with a top opening 2 at its top part and at least one side opening 4 for loading and unloading materials at its side portions.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Chinese Academy of Agricultural EngineeringInventors: Jie Han, Yuhua Zhang, Tong Chen, Xin Xiang
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Publication number: 20100267102Abstract: Food wastes streams may be managed efficiently by co-locating a waste-processing facility including a pulper and an anaerobic bioreactor with a food distribution facility.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: Feed Resource Recovery, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Begin, Shane Eten
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Patent number: 7816127Abstract: A waste treatment apparatus decomposes waste by the microorganisms to perform annihilation treatment. The waste treatment apparatus includes a treatment tank which accommodates the microorganisms together with the waste, and an agitation device arranged to agitate the microorganisms together with the waste. The agitation device includes a plurality of agitating tools arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of a rotation shaft. The agitating tools have paddle arms, respectively, which are disposed so as to be opposed to each other in a diameter direction of the rotation shaft, and blades, respectively, which are disposed at predetermined distances apart from an inner wall of the treatment tank and are inclined with respect to the axis of the paddle arms. The blade on one side is inclined forward in a direction in which the front side thereof with respect to the rotation direction of the paddle arm approaches the rotation shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Koai Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tokumitsu Nomura
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Publication number: 20100255562Abstract: Disclosed are an enhanced apparatus and a method for treating organic sludge, which is constructed so that concentrated sludge is first dewatered with a dewatering device in order to to lower percentage of moisture content of the sludge, which is included in foul water or wastewater sludge such as sewage, food waste, and livestock excretion, etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2008Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventor: Seok-woong Kang
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Publication number: 20100199734Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of stable humus- and nutrient-rich and water-storing soil substrates with properties of anthropogenic soil types (Terra Preta) in which pyrogenic carbon, organic biomass, and/or natural mineral materials are used as initial materials in a fermentation process. The soil produced or treated according to the invention leads to a sustainably high soil yield such that mineral fertilizers are no longer needed for agricultural use. Moreover, the soil is suitable for use as a soil substitute, for use as a soil supplement, for greening developments, for preventing erosion, for improving regional water supplies, for preventing floods, for preventing climate change, for reducing carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere, for waste water cleaning and treatment, for exhaust air cleaning and building air purification, for creating material flow cycles from biogenic waste and/or waste water in order to develop and utilize land use and development systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2007Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventors: Joachim Böttcher, Haiko Pieplow, Alfons-Eduard Krieger
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Publication number: 20100203625Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for processing biomass comprises a chamber, a biomass input device, a fluid input device, and a retrieval device. The chamber is defined by at least a bottom, at least one wall, and a cover supported by the at least one wall. The biomass input device operable to deliver biomass into the chamber to form a biomass pile. The fluid input device is operable to deliver fluid into the chamber to the biomass pile. The retrieval device operable to receive fluid from the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEMInventors: Mark T. Holtzapple, Richard Davison, Cesar Granda, Gary P. Noyes, Edward Darlington, III
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Publication number: 20100186468Abstract: A composting method, and corresponding device, for an organic mass placed in a composting zone, includes the following steps: measuring, with a probe, in at least one measuring point of the composting zone, at least one physic-chemical parameter, and aerating the organic mass. The method is basically characterized in that the probe is inserted in the organic mass, and in that aeration includes a step of sequential blowing, a function of the measuring step. Advantageously, the probe is mobile so that it can cover any point of the composting zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2008Publication date: July 29, 2010Applicant: VEOLIA PROPRETEInventors: Monique Kallassy, Olivier Lemaire, Maelenn Poitrenaud
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Publication number: 20100184176Abstract: A biomass hydrothermal decomposition apparatus includes, a biomass feeder (31) that feeds biomass material (11) under normal pressure to under increased pressure, a hydrothermal decomposition device (42A) that allows the fed biomass material (11) to be gradually moved inside a device main body (42A) from either end thereof in a consolidated condition, and also allows hot compressed water (15) to be fed from an other end of a feed section for the biomass material into the main body (42A), so as to cause the biomass material (11) and the hot compressed water (15) to countercurrently contact with each other and undergo hydrothermal decomposition, and that elutes a lignin component and a hemicellulose component into the hot compressed water, so as to separate the lignin component and the hemicellulose component from the biomass material (11); and a biomass discharger (51) that discharges, from the side where the hot compressed water is fed into the device main body, a biomass solid residue (17) under increased prType: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: July 22, 2010Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Isao Ishida, Seiichi Terakura, Hideo Suzuki, Seiji Kobayashi
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Publication number: 20100173391Abstract: A method and apparatus for the anaerobic digestion of high-solids waste material. The apparatus includes a closed container having a relatively circular outer wall. The closed container has a first passage having an inlet in which the waste material flows in a first direction, a second passage in which the waste material flows in a second direction, and a divider having an end. The divider separates the first passage from the second passage, such that the waste material flows around the end of the divider when flowing from the first passage to the second passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2006Publication date: July 8, 2010Inventor: Stephen W. Dvorak
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Publication number: 20100162779Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for composting organic matter. According to some embodiments, the apparatus may include a reactor adapted to receive organic matter in a reaction chamber of the reactor through a first sealable opening in the reactor. At least one protruding structure protruding inward from an inner surface of said reaction chamber may include a cavity allowing flow of gases into and out of the reaction chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 25, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventor: Itzhak Aviram
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Patent number: 7744671Abstract: Improved systems, methods, apparatus and compositions for generating, extracting and distributing the renewable heat energy produced by microbial decomposition of organic biomass within a contained and controlled environment. This heat energy is preferably transferred and distributed, preferably by the use of heat pipes, to the interior of a greenhouse or other structure to be heated, either directly or via heat exchange apparatus such as hot water heating systems. In one embodiment heat transfer and distribution mechanism customized to the application requirements of a greenhouse heating batch-type process is disclosed, along with a recipe for a readily available biomass material composition. Additional continuous and batch process embodiments of biomass heating systems are also disclosed that extract heat energy from decomposing biomass for heating uses.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Inventor: Joseph P. Ouellette
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Patent number: 7745208Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and a process for treating biomass bearing material including municipal solid waste (MSW). The apparatus includes a reaction vessel held at an angle and configured for rotation and steam injection, with helically arranged internal flights, a self-aligning door closure, and a swing-away door assembly. It also includes a novel structure for shredding biomass bearing material attached to the edges of the flights. This structure is a number of projecting tooth like points and paddles.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Inventor: Anthony P. Noll
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Publication number: 20100151550Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recovering energy from the organic fraction of urban solid waste comprising the following steps: a) the organic fraction is pre treated with mineral acids, preferably sulfuric acid, during which the fraction is heated by an outer thermal jacket with no steam injection or steam explosion, thereby producing a first slurry containing an insoluble solid susceptible to enzymatic attack by cellulases; b) a step comprising enzymatic hydrolysis using cellulases and simultaneous fermentation, using an ethanologenic microorganism, of the first slurry in order to obtain a second slurry containing diluted ethanol; and c) distillation of the second slurry such as to obtain wet ethanol, a recyclable liquid effluent and a solid.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Vicente Signes Nuñez, Mercedes Ballesteros Perdices, Ignacio Ballesteros Perdices, Paloma Manzanares Secades, José Martinez Garcia, Maria José Negro Álvarez, José Miguel Oliva Dominguez, Rafael Castañeda Sánchez, Caterina Coll Lozano
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Publication number: 20100136665Abstract: The invention provides a system and a process for reutilization of used paper diapers which enable effective utilization of used paper diapers through processing and can contribute to CO2 discharge reduction more flexibly as compared with the disposal thereof without processing. A reutilization system (1) provided with a processing apparatus (20) for processing a raw material which comprises used paper diapers (100) and may contain other material at need to form a processed waste (101) having a prescribed moisture content and a volume reduced to a prescribed level and a reutilization apparatus (70) or (90) for burning the processed waste (101) as fuel and recovering thermal energy to attain the reutilization of the used paper diapers (100).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2006Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: SUPER FAITHS INC.Inventors: Yukihiro Kimura, Takeo Furumi, Kyoichi Murata
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Patent number: 7727758Abstract: The present invention relates to an extraction and brewing machine having a tank, a fan assembly, a base aerator, an extractor head, and an extraction assembly. The extraction assembly has a container for being submerged in liquid held within the tank, and an extraction aerator. The container is comprised of a dome and a filter. The dome defines an interior region for vigorous mixing of air, compost and water. The filter can be a mesh bag. The extraction aerator can have openings near the bottom of the bag. The flow of air though the filter causes a current of liquid, air and microorganisms to exit the chamber. The base aerator aerates all the liquid in the tank. The microorganisms in the tea continue to grow and multiply in the tank after extraction from the chamber, and no particles pass the filter that could jam a spray nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Inventor: Robert Posthuma
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Patent number: 7723101Abstract: An aerobic waste treatment system, such as a composting system, comprising a movable push wall (20). The movable push wall (20) is preferably part of a container (10). In use of the aerobic waste treatment system, waste is heaped against the movable push wall (20) to build a waste heap (60). The waste is coverable with a removable flexible enclosure. The removable flexible enclosure is preferably a liquid-tight but gas-permeable cover (70). A deployment apparatus (30) for covering or uncovering the waste heap (60) with the removable flexible enclosure can facilitate the handling of the removable flexible enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: COMP-ANY GmbHInventors: Markus Binding, Jan Gressmann
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Patent number: 7713731Abstract: Systems and methods for the generation of compost are provided. In one embodiment, the system for generating compost comprises an aeration floor having a plurality of gas flow apertures that connect to a network of gas flow channels, and a compost cover constructed of a gas and liquid impermeable fabric that is provided with a plurality of ports that permit the passage of gas and liquid through the compost cover. A compost biomass is placed on the aeration floor and the compost cover is placed over the compost biomass. An air suction manifold, connected to an outlet of the gas flow channels, draws exhaust gases from the compost biomass, through the plurality of gas flow apertures and through the gas flow channels. The exhaust gases are then conveyed to an air distributor and directed to an odor control device for substantially eliminating odors.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Engineered Compost Systems, Inc.Inventor: Frederick Timothy O'Neill
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Patent number: 7713732Abstract: A modular support system for organic filter material, compost material or other material is formed of a multiplicity of polygonal bed platform modules with planar top surfaces, the modules arranged side by side contiguously to form a bed platform which is elevated above a base surface. Perforations are included in at least some of the bed platform modules to allow passage of air, gas or liquid through the elevated support bed platform. The bottom sides of the modules have sockets to receive legs, and special legs are provided at corners where a plurality of adjacent modules meet, to engage with sockets in the undersurface in all of the adjacent nodules. At corners the modules are preferably bolted down to the corner pedestals or legs. The modular support system can support very heavy loads, such as earth-moving equipment used to move and spread filter bed or compost material.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Hallsten CorporationInventor: Jeffrey A. Hallsten