Organic Material-containing Patents (Class 71/11)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8002870
    Abstract: Soil amendment/foliar nutrient compositions and methods for their manufacture and use are provided. The compositions are aqueous compositions that include a carbon skeleton energy component (CSE); a macronutrient; a vitamin cofactor; a complexing agent; and at least one of exotic micronutrient component and an ionophore component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas T. Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7998235
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of a urea fertilizer with elemental sulphur from sulphur in liquid stage and a liquid urea melt. The surface tension between the two phases of sulphur and urea are influenced in the liquid stage at temperatures above the melting points, by supply of an additive being temperature stable and amphoteric to the liquid sulphur/urea melt to obtain a homogeneous mixed phase, that subsequently is distributed and solidified. The invention also relates to a urea-sulphur fertilizer where the fertilizer comprises urea and elemental sulphur and an additive being temperature stable and amphoteric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Yara International ASA
    Inventors: Sven Kohnke, Uwe Ladwig, Jürgen Maaz, Udo Stark
  • Publication number: 20110162422
    Abstract: An efficient phosphate fertilizer composition is provided, comprising organic material such as lignite treated with ammonia and phosphoric acid in various proportions to derive direct phosphate fertilizer or ammoniated phosphate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Bijam Biosciences Private Limited
    Inventor: Durga Yandapalli Prasad
  • Publication number: 20110160058
    Abstract: This invention relates to high organic matter plant food products for agronomic uses. Also disclosed are combination products comprising the high organic matter plant food products, articles made from and incorporating same and methods of using same in agricultural operations for restoration and/or maintenance of organic matter values and/or nutrient values in soils, particularly certified organic farm soils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: EarthRenew, Inc.
    Inventors: Alvin W. Fedkenheuer, Christianne Carin, Alexander Starosud
  • Patent number: 7964203
    Abstract: Soil amendment compositions and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compositions are aqueous compositions consisting essentially of a carbon-skeleton energy component, a predisposing agent and a vitamin-cofactor component. The subject compositions find use in a variety of soil amendment applications, including: the control of soil born pests and pathogens; the improvement in soil fertility and/or characteristics, e.g. mineral release, water filtration; the neutralization and/or degradation of toxins, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas T. Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7960172
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: AnaeCo Limited
    Inventor: Thomasz Rudas
  • Patent number: 7947105
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for treating organic-containing sludges and converting such sludges to high value fertilizers containing both inorganic and organic fertilizer components, which creates an inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The invention describes methods to create a thixotrophic or paste-like material via the application of mixing energy to the organic sludge followed by an alkaline treatment and a subsequent ammoniation. The invention further describes a method to increase the plant nutrient content in the organic containing product to a level which permits the finished granular fertilizer product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace. Further, the invention reduces odors associated with said organic-containing sludges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Vitag Corp.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Patent number: 7947104
    Abstract: The invention describes a new method for treating sludge, which can result in the production of high nitrogen organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that incorporates municipal sludges or biosolids or organic sludges that can compete with traditional fertilizers such as ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate and urea on the commodity fertilizer marketplace. The method takes advantage of the thixotropic property of dewatered biosolids or organic sludge to create a pumpable paste-like material from the biosolids or organic sludge that is then treated with an oxidizer to reduce odorant effects and an acid. This mix is then interacted with concentrated sulfuric and or phosphoric acids and an ammonia source or alternatively a hot or molten melt or salt of ammonium sulfate/phosphate to form a fertilizer mix. The present invention controls the heat, atmospheric pressure and retention time of the fertilizer mix in the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Vitag Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Burnham, James P. Carr, Gary L. Dahms
  • Publication number: 20110100079
    Abstract: A method for imparting stress tolerance to a plant that can provide the plant with such stress tolerance that enhances growth in an environment where various stresses on the plant occur is provided. The method includes the step of applying a plant stress tolerance imparting composition containing a sugar derivative-type surfactant and water to a plant placed under a stressful cultivation condition that yields a plant stress level of 111 to 200%. In the plant stress tolerance imparting composition, the sugar derivative-type surfactant contains at least one sugar derivative-type surfactant having a structure selected from the group consisting of an ester of a sugar and a fatty acid, an ester of a sugar alcohol and a fatty acid, and an alkylglycoside. The sugar derivative-type surfactant is contained in an amount of 85 to 100 wt % of a total amount of the components other than water contained in the tolerance imparting composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Masatoshi Kamei
  • Patent number: 7931728
    Abstract: A fertilizer granule contains, as a binder, at least one organic polymer. The organic polymer is a hydrosoluble polymer that is at least partially cationic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: SNF S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jacques Brosse, Stephane Delheur, Eric Philibert
  • Patent number: 7927397
    Abstract: A concentrated separator by-product and fish soluble by-product based fertilizer product is created by mixing concentrated separator by-product, a by-product of the de-sugaring of beet molasses, and fish soluble by-product, a by-product of the production of fish meal. The raw mixture of concentrated separator by-product and fish soluble by-product is then heat treated and optionally filtered to remove suspended particular matter. The heat treated mixture of concentrated separator by-product and fish soluble by-product is then cooled to yield the concentrated separator by-product and fish soluble by-product based fertilizer product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: True Organic Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Matthew Evans
  • Patent number: 7906129
    Abstract: Methods of treating a plant exposed to a phytotoxicant are provided. Embodiments of the subject methods include identifying a plant exposed to a phytotoxicant and applying an assimilable carbon-skeleton energy component-comprising composition to the identified plant. Embodiments of the subject compositions may include one or more of a macronutrient component, micronutrient component, vitamin/cofactor component, complexing agent and microbe. Kits for use in practicing the subject invention are also provided. The subject methods find use in a variety of different applications in which a plant is phytotoxic or at least in danger of becoming phytotoxic due to exposure or potential exposure to a phytotoxicant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas T. Yamashita
  • Patent number: 7892311
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of ulvans, in particular extracted from green algae of the genus Ulva or Enteromorpha, or of ulvan-derived oligosaccharides, as elicitors of mechanisms for nitrogen absorption and protein synthesis. It also relates to a fertilizing product containing ulvans and to the use thereof in a plant treatment method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Timac Agro International
    Inventors: Xavier Briand, Stéphanie Cluzet, Bernard Dumas, Marie-Thérése Esquerre-Tugaye, Sylvie Salamagne
  • Patent number: 7887615
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing nitrogen fertilizer from organic waste products in the liquid phase (suspension, emulsion, solution) and for hygienizing the wastes or reducing the emissions by thermal treatment using mineral or organic additions. According to the invention, this is achieved by a method, wherein the waste product is heated at underpressure to temperatures between 40 and 90° C., the escaping gas containing carbon dioxide and ammonia is cooled down and introduced into an aqueous absorption agent, the nitrogen fertilizer formed thereby is discharged and the excess gas not having been absorbed and containing carbon dioxide is pumped back into the discharge container, wherein the underpressure generated at the beginning of the process by a vacuum pump is autogenously maintained by the progress of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Phoenix Beteiligungs GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Spindler, Ute Bauermeister, Thomas Meier, Michael Teske
  • Patent number: 7883885
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Reinhard Schmidl
  • Patent number: 7882646
    Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of high moisture waste materials to dry or low moisture products for recycle or reuse. The equipment systems comprise a gas turbine generator unit (preferred heat source), a dryer vessel and a processing unit, wherein the connection between the gas turbine and the dryer vessel directs substantially all the gas turbine exhaust into the dryer vessel and substantially precludes the introduction of air into the dryer vessel and wherein the processing unit forms the dried material from the dryer vessel into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final product. Optionally, the systems and methods further provide for processing ventilation air from manufacturing facilities to reduce emissions therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: EarthRenew, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian N. Gorbell, Christianne Carin, legal representative, Alvin W. Fedkenheuer, John S. Jonasson, Alexander Starosud
  • Publication number: 20110023565
    Abstract: A method for producing biomass and sequestering greenhouse gas includes providing a greenhouse gas, providing light energy, and growing algae in a growth container with the greenhouse gas and the light energy. The algae can be processed into a biomass feedstock. The biomass feedstock can be converted into a fuel or specialty chemical. At least a portion of the algae can be used as a fertilizer for a biomass growth source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: KiOR Inc.
    Inventors: STEVE YANIK, Robert Bartek
  • Patent number: 7875096
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing an organic fertilizer, and an organic fertilizer containing organic carbon carriers. According to an embodiment of the invention, the organic fertilizer is produced by mixing organic matter with water adding an organic acid or acids such as EDTA, amino acids, fuivic acid or propionic acid, preferably propionic acid (25%); or a base such as KOH or NaOH1 preferably KOH to the mixture; and decomposing organic matter with the acid/s or base in order to extract organic carbon solution having a carbon content of 10 to 20. The invention also relates to an organic fertilizer containing macro or micro nutrientfe and an organic carrier bound to or complexed with an organic carbon carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: International Carbon Technologies AS (PTY) Ltd.
    Inventor: Willem Abraham Van Rooijen
  • Publication number: 20110003693
    Abstract: A biological soil nutrient system that combines beneficial soil fungi and bacteria in a growth promoting nutrient medium, embedded in an inorganic porous ceramic particle for direct delivery during soil aerification to the rhizosphere of adventitious plants, including sports turf, landscape and agricultural applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: PROFILE PRODUCTS L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kevin S. Spittle
  • Patent number: 7851210
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventors: Jonathan Scott Darling, Don Scott Darling
  • Patent number: 7846231
    Abstract: There are provided a method of treating organic waste, which is excellent in the smooth temperature elevation in the early stage of the treatment and satisfactory in temperature-maintenance in a high temperature range, and by which the stable treatment of organic waste is achieved and the evaporation of moisture is promoted, thereby a stable effect of treating organic waste and an increased treatment scale being achieved; an agent for treating organic waste; and microorganisms to be used therein. The method is characterized by the use of a mesophilic bacterium showing its activity at 15 to 50° C. and a thermophilic bacterium showing its activity at 50 to 70° C. in the organic waste. As the mesophilic bacteria, bacteria which have an exothermic action and form spores under a temperature of 50° C. or higher are preferable and Bacillus subtilis is more preferable. Among these bacteria, a C-3102 strain (FERM BP-1096) is especially preferable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Calpis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Miyazaki, Kiyoshi Maruta, Tomohiro Hamaoka
  • Patent number: 7811352
    Abstract: Provided are various embodiments of a fertilizer composition. The fertilizer compositions include one or more compounds having a high nitrogen content, which may be measured by a carbon to nitrogen atom ratio. Also provided are methods for increasing nitrogen content in soil, promoting crop production and fertilizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
    Inventors: Thomas Paul Binder, Philip C. Fass, Steven J. Furcich, John F. Less, Mark G. Matlock, William A. Torello
  • Patent number: 7806957
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a balanced fertilizer from an anaerobic digestion process. The process includes anaerobically digesting a diluted influent mixed slurry in a digestion area and producing an effluent. The process includes separating water from the effluent to produce a liquid effluent, which is used as recycle water and a dewatered solids effluent. The process includes separating toxic compounds from the recycle water via a toxics strip and recovery area. The process includes mixing the detoxified recycle water with an influent solids slurry in a mixing area to provide the diluted influent mixed slurry. The process includes combining the toxic compounds with the dewatered solids effluent to produce a balanced fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Dennis Anthony Burke
  • Publication number: 20100236308
    Abstract: Liquid compost is made automatically and continuously. A rotating carousel, mounted above a tank, receives organic material, and a plurality of nozzles spray fluid onto the carousel, so as to entrain particles of organic material. The fluid and the particles pass through a screen in the carousel, and into the tank. Residual organic material which has not passed through the screen is removed from the carousel by a nozzle oriented to push such material off the carousel. A system of conveyors automatically delivers fresh organic material to the carousel, and removes spent organic material from the carousel. The entire system operates continuously, so that liquid compost, or compost tea, can be made efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin J. Gunn, Garland T. Swanson
  • Patent number: 7789931
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for producing a granular nitrogen fertilizer from an organic material comprising adding a metallic salt to said organic material to form a slurry. Preferably the organic material comprises dewatered biosolids and contains water from a scrubber. Metallic salts that can be used comprise a salt of iron, zinc, or a mixture thereof. Preferred iron salts comprises ferric sulfate or ferric oxide, and preferred zinc salts comprises zinc sulfate or zinc oxide. Preferably, the metallic salt is mixed with an acid such as sulfuric acid to form an acidified metal salt. Slurry pH ranges from approximately 2-2.5. The acidified metal salt is added to the organic material in sufficient quantity to lower viscosity of the slurry such that the resulting fluid does not hinder fluid flow during operation. When the metallic salt comprises acidified ferric sulfate or ferrous sulfate, sufficient iron can be present to produce a fertilizer product with 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Unity Envirotech LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Burnham, Gary L. Dahms
  • Patent number: 7785386
    Abstract: A process for treating an organic matter sludge includes, in a mixing stage, mixing an organic matter sludge and particulate sterilized organic matter, to form an organic matter mixture. This mixture is dried in a drying stage to obtain a homogeneous particulate organic product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Capensis Investments 497 (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventors: Hendrik J. Venter, Carl Nieuwmeijer
  • Patent number: 7776124
    Abstract: Provided are various embodiments of a fertilizer composition. The fertilizer compositions include one or more compounds having a high nitrogen content, which may be measured by a carbon to nitrogen atom ratio. Also provided are methods for increasing nitrogen content in soil, promoting crop production and fertilizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
    Inventors: Thomas Paul Binder, Philip C. Fass, Steven J. Furcich, John F. Less, Mark G. Matlock, William A. Torello
  • Patent number: 7771504
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for the production of organic liquid fertilizer from waste using a two-phase process. The first phase comprises a successive extraction process whereby liquid leachate is drained from one plant or storage container and the process subsequently re-started with new fresh water. The second phase comprises an accelerated bio-leaching process wherein plant material is stored in a solid bed similar to a batch process, and a leachate (e.g., water and bacteria) is re-circulated through the solid bed until the process of hydrolysis and acidification results in dissolution of organic material into the re-circulating leachate. The leachate is thus concentrated without losing the nutrient and is subsequently used as an organic fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Arrowhead Center, Inc.
    Inventor: Zohrab A. Samani
  • Publication number: 20100189511
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a soil treatment composition is provided. In one embodiment, the soil treatment composition includes an acidic material containing at least one organic acid and at least one inorganic acid, and a plurality of substrate particles supporting the acidic material. In another embodiment, the substrate particles are sized to be retained on a 100 mesh sieve. In yet another embodiment, the organic acid includes an oxalic acid, a citric acid, or combinations thereof. In yet another embodiment, the soil treatment composition further includes a soil/plant nutrient material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: PROFILE PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Kevin S. Spittle, Allen B. Olson
  • Patent number: 7753984
    Abstract: This invention relates to a slow and controlled-release polymeric fertilizer with multiple nutrients having the following general formula: wherein n, m and M are defined in the description. The polymeric fertilizer of this invention is an environment-friendly slow and controlled-release fertilizer. Its slow and controlled release action lies in self-degradation and hydrolysis. This invention also relates to the preparing process for the fertilizer and the use method of the fertilizer in agriculture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventors: Yaqing Liu, Guizhe Zhao, Futian Zhu, Xueyi Liu
  • Patent number: 7745208
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Anthony P. Noll
  • Patent number: 7736515
    Abstract: There is provided a method for highly treating distillation waste generated in the process of separating a distilled alcoholic material after alcoholic fermentation of starchy materials. The method includes the steps of adding sodium polyacrylate to the distillation waste from the starchy materials, then adding chitosan to treat the distillation waste, and further adding sodium polyacrylate to the waste. Furthermore, solid-liquid separation is then carried out. A liquid material thus separated is brought into contact with a reverse osmosis membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc., Dia Aqua Solutions Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takamiya, Shoichiro Kajiwara, Koji Hirukawa, Kimihisa Iwashiro
  • Publication number: 20100139345
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for treating organic-containing sludges and converting such sludges to high value fertilizers containing both inorganic and organic fertilizer components, which creates an inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The invention describes methods to create a thixotrophic or paste-like material via the application of mixing energy to the organic sludge followed by an alkaline treatment and a subsequent ammoniation. The invention further describes a method to increase the plant nutrient content in the organic containing product to a level which permits the finished granular fertilizer product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace. Further, the invention reduces odors associated with said organic-containing sludges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. BURNHAM
  • Patent number: 7713416
    Abstract: A process for transforming sludge into NPK type granulated fertilizer in which the energy consume is reduced a 90% thanks to the addition of a special filtration step in which the water content is reduced a 50% and the remaining water is evaporated by the exothermic reaction occurring in the process. Additionally, the process of the present invention includes mechanisms that allow some of the by products generated by some of the reactions, to adsorb crystallization water and reduce the humidity of the mass without using external energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Chemical Biosolids Inc.
    Inventor: José Cabello-Fuentes
  • Publication number: 20100105554
    Abstract: A method of fertilizing plants and/or seeds involves the application of a growth hormone free formulation of fertilizer and sarcosine, either together as a formulation or separately. The sarcosine is used in an effective amount to enhance plant biomass development and fertilizer uptake. The application method and composition can also include the application of a preservative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Louis B. Johnson, Jeffrey L. Peel
  • Patent number: 7695541
    Abstract: A non-acidic, aqueous fertilizer suspension having a pH equal to or greater than 7 includes at least one water-insoluble calcium salt and at least one water-soluble calcium salt. The water-insoluble salt may be calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate tribasic, and calcium phosphate dibasic while the water soluble salt may be calcium acetate, calcium citrate, calcium chloride, calcium gluconate, calcium hydroxide, calcium lactate, calcium lignosulfate, and calcium iodate. The fertilizer suspension may include a multifunctional surfactant/dispersing agent/thickener, a multifunctional chelator/dispersant/stabilizer, a biocide and at least one plant nutrient selected from the group consisting of boron, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. In the fertilizer compositions, the total calcium salts comprise about 2% to about 70% by weight of the composition and the water-insoluble calcium salt comprises at least about 50% by weight of the total of the water-insoluble and water-soluble calcium salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventors: Raymond B. Frizzell, Michael J. Loosemore
  • Patent number: 7694432
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and apparatus for dehumidifying, drying or the like of different materials. The invention is developed primarily for dehumidification of sewage sludge (7), but it may be utilized for many different materials including foodstuffs as crispbread and pasta. The sludge (7) or other material is dehumidified or dried in a chamber (1) by means of thermal radiation. The thermal radiation is given by means of one or more elements (2) for thermal radiation. The thermal radiation is concentrated to one or more distinct wavelength ranges at which water has peaks for absorption of radiation energy. Air is circulated in the chamber (1), to take up moisture evaporated from the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventors: Niclas Eriksson, Lars Svenningsson
  • Publication number: 20100087369
    Abstract: A ‘bioactive’ composition that has one or more oligogalacturonans ((1?4)-?-D-galacturonan) or any other oligosaccharides (oligoguluronans) that may present an ‘egg box’ conformation, this conformation being further stabilized by one or more polycationic saccharide(s), preferably either a chitosan oligosaccharide or a chitosan polysaccharide. A method prepares this composition and it is used, in medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, nutraceutical, food, feed, textile, cosmetic, industrial and/or environmental applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: Faculte Norte-Dame De La Paix
    Inventors: Pierre Van Cutsem, Juan Carlos Pino Cabrera
  • Patent number: 7691169
    Abstract: Soil dispersible and water dispersible granular nutrients for use in fertilizers include granules having a crystallized saccharide and acid binder with carboxylates (sucrates) of a nutrient embedded therein and a method of preparing the nutrient containing granules is provided. A reducible nutrient compound and citric acid is converted to a nutrient carboxylate (sucrate) and chelate by reacting the reducible nutrient and citric acid with a sprayed stream of a stoichiometric excess of reducing saccharides (sugar cane molasses) containing at least 76% by weight solids and glacial acetic acid at a temperature of 160° to 175° F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Paul E. McCoy, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100071429
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the conditioning of organic residuals occurring, for example, in biogas systems, wherein a digestate materializes from the organic residuals as an intermediate product during biogas regeneration in a fermenter, the digestate being subjected to mechanical conditioning comprising at least one concentration step. Subsequent to the mechanical conditioning, a first part of the liquid digestate passes through an evaporation process for the production of a top dressing, and a second part of the concentrated digestate passes through a drying process for the production of base dressing, wherein a mass flow of the top dressing concentrate is fed to the partial flow of the base dressing production such that the base dressing is enriched upgraded. Due to this enrichment, the digestate can either be gasified for energy generation, or utilized as an organic agricultural fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Reinhart Von Nordenskjöld
  • Publication number: 20100064747
    Abstract: An improved process for enhancing the plant nutrient value of relatively low analysis organic waste material (e.g., sewage sludge) involves treating the waste material with an acid and base in a pipe-cross reactor. The process more particularly involves mixing the waste material with water to form a slurry (or initially taking the waste material as a slurry); pumping the slurry to a pipe-cross reactor for reaction with a base, acid, and water to form a melt: spraying the melt onto a recycling bed of fines in a granulator and flashing off the water contained in the melt as steam; rolling the melt onto recycled fine particles in a granulator to form granulated particles; and drying these granulated particles to form an enhanced plant nutrient value composition (e.g., a fertilizer or soil conditioner having a greater “NPK” value than the original relatively low analysis organic waste material).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Gary D. Greer, Gary L. Dahms
  • Patent number: 7678171
    Abstract: A process for preparing fertilizer from fish, and a fertilizer prepared from said process, is disclosed. The fertilizer is for use on soil and plants. The process involves hydrolysis of fish with a phosphorus containing acid, preferably an inorganic phosphorus based acid, under normal ambient conditions. Typically, phosphoric acid is used. The fertilizer prepared from the disclosed process contains 1 to 10% by weight of the phosphorus based acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: HydraLogic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Beckley, Parker Robinson, William Ormsby, Michael Neale
  • Publication number: 20100058821
    Abstract: A transformation process of organic material (2), for the production of a fertiliser substrate, comprising the steps of grinding said organic material (2) and fermenting, in a reaction chamber, said ground organic material (6) and is characterised in that a microwave source (22) is involved in the removal of the bacterial load. The invention moreover comprises a plant for the actuation of the aforesaid process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: TECNOIMPIANTI S.R.L.
    Inventors: Mauro Romano, Michele Romano
  • Patent number: 7674311
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a liquid nitrogen fertilizer from organic wastes and manures, in which nitrogen is extracted as an aqueous ammonia, and further concentrated, and eventually converted to nitrate in a biological reactor. The method may utilize nitrogen rich organic wastes and manures, such as wastewater sludge, slaughter house wastes, broiler layer, and guano, and it is especially suitable for providing a nitrogen fertilizer in organic farming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ben Gurion University of the Negev Research and Development Authority
    Inventors: Amit Gross, Ali Nejidat, Pinchas Fine
  • Patent number: 7662205
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for modifying the process of producing dried biosolids pellets or granules into beneficiated inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The present invention describes a method to beneficiate heat-dried biosolids or sludge pellets or granules as presently manufactured by municipalities or companies from a) dewatered municipal wastewater biosolids or sludges within the municipal wastewater treatment plant heat-dried biosolids production facility or from b) finished dry heat dried biosolids pellets or granules in a separate manufacturing facility from the municipal wastewater treatment plant to produce a fertilizer containing sufficient organic and inorganic plant nutrients to be valuable and saleable into the commercial agricultural industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Vitag Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Patent number: 7662206
    Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for treating organic-containing sludges and converting such sludges to high value fertilizers containing both inorganic and organic fertilizer components, which creates an inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The invention describes methods to create a thixotrophic or paste-like material via the application of mixing energy to the organic sludge followed by an alkaline treatment and a subsequent ammoniation. The invention further describes a method to increase the plant nutrient content in the organic containing product to a level which permits the finished granular fertilizer product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace. Further, the invention reduces odors associated with said organic-containing sludges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Vitag Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Burnham
  • Patent number: 7651852
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for aeration of organic material, wherein the organic material undergoes an aerobic composting 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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: AnaeCo Limited
    Inventor: Tomasz Rudas
  • Patent number: 7637980
    Abstract: The present invention relates to agriculture. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of increasing photosynthesis of a plant and more particularly of crop plants. In addition, the invention relates to a method of increasing photosynthesis and/or yield in crop plants, comprising an exposure thereof to lipo-chitooligosaccharides, and compositions therefor. Further, the invention relates to an agricultural composition for enhancing a plant crop photosynthetic rate and/or growth thereof comprising a photosynthetic rate-promoting amount of at least one lipo chitooligosaccharide (LCO) together with an agriculturally suitable carrier and methods using same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: McGill University
    Inventors: Donald L. Smith, Balakrishnan Prithiviraj, Xiaomin Zhou, Alfred Souleimanov
  • Patent number: RE41789
    Abstract: Concentrated phosphorus fertilizers are disclosed that comprise a buffered composition of an organic acid and salts thereof and a phosphorous-containing acid and salts thereof. The concentrated phosphorus fertilizers can be diluted with water of pH ranging from about 6.5 to about 8.5 at ratios of concentrate to water at about 1:40 to about 1:600 to result in a fertilizer having a pH in the range acceptable for foliar uptake of phosphorus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Carol J. Lovatt