Guano, Stable Manure, Etc. Patents (Class 71/21)
  • Publication number: 20110154874
    Abstract: A mixture for the treatment of urea-containing fertilizers comprises a) at least one (thio)phosphoric acid triamide of the general formula (I) R1R2N—P(X)(NH2)2 and/or (thio)phosphoric acid diamide of the general formula (II) R1O—P(X)(NH2)2, X denoting oxygen or sulfur, R1 and R2 independently from each other being hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted 2-nitrophenyl, C1-10-alkyl, C3-10-cycloalkyl, C3-10-heterocycloalkyl, C6-10-aryl, C6-10-heteroaryl or diaminocarbonyl, where R1 and R2 together with the nitrogen atom connecting them can also form a 5 or 6-membered saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic group, which optionally may also comprise one or two additional heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur, as component A, and b) at least one compound comprising an amino group having a boiling point of more than 100° C. as component B.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: FERTIVA GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Thomas Rahn, Gerd Buehler, Alexander Wissemeier, Wolfgang Weigelt
  • 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: 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: 20110113841
    Abstract: This invention discloses systems and methods for conversion of manure to novel fertilizer and/or soil builder products useful as input for organic farming operations. 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. The dryer vessel receives the manure for contact with the turbine exhaust gases to convert the manure to a dry material, which is passed to the processing unit where it is formed into granules, pellets or other desired form for the final dry fertilizer product. The method comprises drying, heating and converting the manure to form novel self binding fertilizer and soil builder type products for organic farming and other uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: EarthRenew, Inc.
    Inventors: Christianne Carin, Brian N. Gorbell, Alvin W. Fedkenheuer, John S. Jonasson, Alexander Starosud
  • Patent number: 7927491
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Highmark Renewables Research Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Mike Kotelko, Tevor Jason Nickel, Bern Kotelko, Brett Kotelko, Xiaomei Li
  • 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: 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7867947
    Abstract: Method of making blends of fertilizer granules and highly absorbent cellulosic granules carrying one or more pesticidal or other active ingredients that resist the formation of actives dust or segregation of the granules and that ensure even and efficient application of both the fertilizer and the active ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Kadant Grantek Inc.
    Inventors: Milenko Devic, Paul A. Dongieux, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100319423
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for producing a product based on faecals produced by animals, characterized in that faecals from mammals are wholly or partially dissolved using an oxidizing acid, solid acid-insoluble components are separated, if necessary, and the liquid component is neutralized with a base. Moreover, the invention relates to a plant for producing a product, the plant comprising a faecal reactor for receiving animal faecals, wherein the reactor is provided with means for supplying an oxidizing acid, possibly a separator unit for separating solid, acid-insoluble components, and a neutralizing reactor for neutralizing the part of the faecals dissolved by means of the oxidizing acid, wherein the neutralizing reactor is provided with means for supplying a base. The invention provides a substantially odourless product for use as fertilizer for a crop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Jes Thomsen, Kurt Schrøder, Dennis Wowern Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20100307210
    Abstract: A vertical manure converter and related process of using activated carbon in an activated carbon/organic material mixture to process organic waste. Inducing air, preferably compressed, into a chamber of the converter in combination with reusing activated carbon can result in a continuous process. The temperature can be controlled by regulating the air into the chamber. The vertical manure converter takes organic waste and uses heat to accelerate the composting process wherein final products can be purified water and ash fertilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Frank Rosenbaum, James Sheppard, Kurt Keiffer, Jason Simon, Michael McCrackin
  • 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20100206029
    Abstract: A method of odor control comprising applying a urea formaldehyde polymer additive to manure in an amount sufficient to reduce or eliminate odor, wherein the polymer optionally contains NBPT and/or DCD, where the polymer can be a dry solid, or it can be suspended in a liquid and applied to unmanipulated liquid or solid manure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Allen R. Sutton, Martin Case, Timothy J. Healey
  • Patent number: 7691170
    Abstract: A process and a device for treating and upgrading raw manure. The method and the device comprise steps which consist in promoting agglomeration of solid constituents of the manure and precipitating the agglomerated particles by using a sedimentation agent. More particularly, the sedimentation agent used is based on natural stone and/or industrial derivative dusts. Sedimentation of the agglomerated particles enables the solid phase and the liquid phase to be separately treated, leading eventually to the production of a solid fertilizer, a liquid fertilizer and water corresponding to environmental standards and capable of being released into the environment or simply recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Carriere R. Poudrette Inc.
    Inventors: Florian Poudrette, Alexandre Poudrette, Gaetan Gauthier, Danielle Bégin, legal representative
  • 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: 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: 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: 7604742
    Abstract: A process for conversion of organic wastes into biofertilizers such as soil conditioning agents of fertilizer grade, culture grade and soil grade is provided. Also provided is a process for conversion of organic wastes into material for converting waste water into reusable water. The invention provides methods for conversion of organic solid wastes to biofertilizers and reusable water in the presence of a geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata culure to produce a variety of valuable soil conditioning products and reusable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
    Inventors: Hariharan S. Shankar, Biplab R. Pattanaik, Uday S. Bhawalkar
  • Publication number: 20090227462
    Abstract: Method of exposing agricultural substrates (plant matter 10, animal matter 12) to agrochemicals (A); method of decreasing or preventing sub-surface geological matter (20, 22) contamination resulting from exposing agricultural substrates to agrochemicals; composition [(A)/(T)] 30 used therein; article-of-manufacture including the composition. Includes exposing agricultural substrates to composition including combination (mixture) of an agrochemical and at least one transforming agent capable of decreasing or eliminating concentration of the agrochemical which contacts sub-surface geological matter (at temporally varying times, and at spatially varying depths). Before entering sub-surface geological matter, transforming agent exhibits inactivity for decreasing agrochemical concentration, and inactivity for affecting or/and interfering with agrochemical functionality with respect to agricultural substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: Yeda Research And Development Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian Berkowitz, Ishai Dror
  • Patent number: 7582467
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing organic material, the method employing at least two reactors and including the steps of combining carbon dioxide or carbon-dioxide containing gas and ammonia or ammonia-containing material in a first reactor to form a buffer compound/buffer compounds, then feeding the buffer compound or buffer compounds formed in the first reactor into a second reactor, and performing bioconversion on organic material in the second reactor. In that case, the carbon dioxide of the mixed carbon dioxide gas reacts with the ammonia, forming a buffer compound, such as ammonium bicarbonate and/or ammonium carbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Preseco Oy
    Inventor: Jussi Järventie
  • Publication number: 20090193863
    Abstract: A process for extraction and recovery of phosphorus from solid animal wastes such as for example, poultry litter waste, includes the steps of phosphorus extraction, phosphorus recovery, and phosphorus recovery enhancement. The process can be performed in batch or continuous mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Ariel A. Szogi, Matias B. Vanotti, Patrick G. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20090188290
    Abstract: Biotic fertilizers are described that build soil nutrients by accelerating the growth of topsoil microorganisms Biotic fertilizers are primarily aimed at increasing populations of cyanobacteria, formally known as blue-green algae, and like organisms that have the ability to engage in photosynthesis reand to engage in the extraction of nitrogen from the atmosphere. Methods of biotic fertilizer manufacture are presented that utilize animal waste product as well as desirable compositions obtained thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: John MARLER
  • Patent number: 7563302
    Abstract: An improved system for processing a liquid manure and producing organic fertilizer includes equipment for separating various components of the liquid manure having different nitrogen to phosphorous ratios and then mixing these components so as to produce an organic fertilizer with a predetermined nitrogen to phosphorus ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Vermont Organics Reclamation Inc
    Inventor: Timothy Camisa
  • Patent number: 7510590
    Abstract: A process to obtain a humic extract that concentrates features of liquid extracts from mineral and organic sources is provided by first elaborating a humic extract from a first organic source by using an extracting alkaline solution and by utilizing residual alkalinity to partially extract active ingredients from a second mineral source. A product useful to improve cultivation soils and to physiologically activate plants is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Biotecnologia Organica, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Alejandro Anaya-Olvera
  • Publication number: 20090031616
    Abstract: Methods for converting waste litter into a product slate by pyrolysis are described. Waste litter is entrained in a non-reactive gas and delivered to a fluid reactor bed maintained at a temperature sufficient to cause pyrolysis of the poultry litter. The reactor bed consists of a fluidizing medium, such as sand, which is fluidized by the non-reactive gas. Upon pyrolysis of the poultry litter, products such producer gas, biooil, and char are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Foster A. AGBLEVOR
  • Publication number: 20090013743
    Abstract: A water-dispersible particle for delivery of fertilizer to a plant is disclosed. After delivery wetting of the particles causes particle dispersion so as to prevent secondary pick up to the particles. Methods for making and using the water-dispersible particle are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: The Andersons, Inc
    Inventors: James R. Lynch, Timothy D. Birthisel, Chris S. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7452398
    Abstract: The primary object of the invention is to provide a method of producing novel phosphate and potash (PK) containing compound fertilizers in the form of powders showing good handle-ability by which method the phosphate components contained in an incinerated ash residue of chicken droppings is improved in solubility and thus rendered effective or available and, at the same time, the free CaO-derived alkali is neutralized, as well as such novel phosphate and potash(PK) containing compound fertilizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Murakashi Lime Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruo Urano, Yuya Sato
  • Patent number: 7442224
    Abstract: Fertilizer compositions for plant production are described, comprised of decontaminated manure and Bacillus spores, preferably a humic acid derived from lignite and, optionally, one or more of N compounds, P compounds, K compounds, and combinations of two or more of these compounds. Preferred compositions are those wherein the ingredients are blended into an admixture resulting in a granular product. Other preferred compositions are those blended into an admixture resulting in a powdered product. Preferably, the ingredients are formed into hardened prills or pellets. Processes for production and use are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Microbes, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph S. Porubcan
  • Publication number: 20080209968
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating wastewater containing suspended solids comprising adding to the wastewater a treating substance in an amount sufficient to enhance at least one of (a) the settling rate of the solids, (b) the bulk density of the solids and (c) the filterability of the solids, said treating substance being selected from the group consisting of (i) bauxite refinery residue known as red mud, and (ii) red mud that has been at least partially reacted with calcium and/or magnesium ions so as to have a reaction pH, when mixed with five times its weight of water, of less than 10.5. In addition, the invention relates to processes for reducing the concentration of dissolved phosphorus-containing species in wastewater, for decreasing the odour of a material having an odour due to the presence of one or more sulphur-containing substances and for decreasing the propensity to develop odours and a composting process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: NAUVEAU TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS LTD.
    Inventors: Daniel Maxwell Drew, Alfred Norman Ducksbury, Darryl K. Josey
  • Patent number: 7410589
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating manure such that odor from the manure is significantly reduced or eliminated and producing therefrom recyclable water, value-added biosolids and ammonia. Specifically, the manure is combined with lime at high pH. The material is mixed under negative pressure and the basic conditions cause ammonia to be evolved from the manure which is then drawn off and recovered. A coagulating agent is then added which further promotes floc formation within the manure. Following further mixing, flocs are separated from the liquid portion. A struvite-promoting chemical and a coagulant are then added to the liquid portion which causes further floc formation, and the flocs are again separated from the substantially clear liquid. It is of note that as a result of this process, the solids are highly hydrophobic and dry very quickly. It is of further note that solids isolated from either step can be combined and sold, for example, as fertilizer, as discussed below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Gurunathan Lakshman
  • Patent number: 7371328
    Abstract: An animal treatment method comprises flushing the animal waste from a barn to a holding tank where the waste is mixed with an alkaline solution to kill pathogens. After neutralization, the solution is separated into solids and liquids. The liquid is treated and recycled as flushing water to clean the barns and/or drinking water for the animals. The solids are separated into digested and undigested feed. The digested feed is further processed for use as a fertilizer and the undigested feed is processed for use as animal feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Recovery Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan E. Hokanson, Christopher S. Williams, Derek Williams
  • Publication number: 20080098782
    Abstract: A novel phosphatic/potash compound fertilizer and a method of producing the same are provided for improving the solubility of phosphate components contained in an incinerated ash residue of chicken droppings for efficient utilization of the ash residue, with the alkalis of the lime component origin being neutralized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Teruo Urano, Yuya Sato
  • Patent number: 7135116
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating a wastewater comprising an ammonium ion species and a phosphorus ion species. The process comprises the steps of: (i) treating the effluent in a first stage of the process to convert the phosphorus to a phosphorus-containing salt; (ii) treating the wastewater in a second stage of the process to convert the ammonium ion species to gaseous ammonia; (iii) removing the struvite and/or other phosphorous containing salts from the effluent; and (iv) removing the gaseous ammonia from the wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Kenneth Haggerty
  • Patent number: 7132004
    Abstract: An assembly adapted to facilitate the disposing and treating of a biodegradable material that produces an unpleasant odor when it is watered and stirred and fragmented. The assembly includes a container and a fitting for accepting and retaining the insertive coupler of a standard garden hose. In addition, a pressure nozzle is in fluid communication with the fitting for receiving water from the fitting and expressing the water under pressure. Finally, a nozzle-retaining apparatus is oriented so that the water expressed from the nozzle is directed into the container at an angle adapted to produce a stirring motion within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Steven E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7044994
    Abstract: Fertilizer compositions for plant production are described, comprised of decontaminated manure and Bacillus spores, preferably a humic acid derived from lignite and, optionally, one or more of N compounds, P compounds, K compounds, and combinations of two or more of these compounds. Preferred compositions are those wherein the ingredients are blended into an admixture resulting in a granular product. Other preferred compositions are those blended into an admixture resulting in a powdered product. Preferably, the ingredients are formed into hardened prills or pellets. Processes for production and use are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Microbes, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph S. Porubcan
  • Patent number: 7014768
    Abstract: A process for removal and recovery of nutrients and recycling of water from digested manure or other organic wastes. A first step involves separating waste from an anaerobic digester into digested liquids, digested solids, and biogas. A second step involves precipitating solids from the digested liquids. A third step involves stripping ammonia from the digested liquids. A fourth step involves injecting an exhaust stream of carbon dioxide drawn from the co-generator into the digested liquids to reduce the pH and raise the temperature of the digested liquid. A fifth step involves recycling the digested liquids back to the anaerobic digester for use in diluting in coming solid wastes. A sixth step involves passing the excess ammonia stripped from the digested liquid through the digested solids to recover nitrogen through aborption with the resultant digested solids being usable as a biofertilizer with a high nitrogen content. A seventh step involves capturing the biogas for use in a co-generation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Alberta Research Council Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaomei Li, Le Zeng, Earl August Jenson
  • Patent number: 6916426
    Abstract: A method of treating an animal waste slurry so as to efficiently extract nutrients, and which can be performed in a zero-discharge system, comprises flocculating the slurry, processing, e.g. filtering, the flocculated slurry to separate liquid from solid material, drying the solid material, processing the liquid to extract ammonium, phosphorous and potassium from the slurry, all within 24 hours, and preferably on average within 12 hours, of production of the waste material by animals. Since the urates of potassium and ammonium in the slurry take a few hours to break down, they remain in crystalline form and therefore a larger portion of the total amount of potassium and ammonium in the slurry can be extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: ATD Waste Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Van Slyke, Hubert Timmenga, Steve Helle, Paul Watkinson, Xiaotao Bi
  • Patent number: 6890438
    Abstract: A process for conversion of organic wastes into biofertilizers such as soil conditioning agents of fertilizer grade, culture grade and soil grade is provided. Also provided is a process for conversion of organic wastes into material for converting waste water into reusable water. The invention provides methods for conversion of organic solid wastes to biofertilizers and reusable water in the presence of a geophagus earthworm Pheretima elongata culure to produce a variety of valuable soil conditioning products and reusable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
    Inventors: Hariharan S. Shankar, Biplab R. Pattanaik, Uday S. Bhawalkar
  • Patent number: 6878179
    Abstract: Fertilizer compositions for plant production are described, comprised of decontaminated manure and Bacillus spores, preferably a humic acid derived from lignite and, optionally, one or more of N compounds, P compounds, K compounds, and combinations of two or more of these compounds. Preferred compositions are those wherein the ingredients are blended into an admixture resulting in a granular product. Other preferred compositions are those blended into an admixture resulting in a powdered product. Preferably, the ingredients are formed into hardened prills or pellets. Processes for production and use are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Microbes, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph S. Porubcan
  • Patent number: 6863826
    Abstract: Animal waste such as fecal material from swine, chicken, turkey, and cattle is converted into useful forms such as fertilizer, other types of soil builders, and even nutrient feed additives. Devices, systems, and methods are provided that allow economical conversion and in many instances, alleviate the production and release of undesirable gases such as sulfide and ammonia. In one embodiment, undesirable anaerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria are killed at a greater rate than desirable soil compatible aerobic bacteria. The use of low temperature killing diminishes off gassing commonly associated with other techniques, and the use of gas trapping additives such as zeolites provides enhanced soil building qualities such as slow release of nitrogen and slow release of moisture to soil. The methods allow convenient adjustment of composition, allowing conversion of waste into tailored designer fertilizer suited for particular soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Richard G. Sheets
  • Patent number: 6824691
    Abstract: Process for treating liquid manure, comprising the introduction of homogenized liquid manure into a tank, into which are introduced some polymers/copolymers that bring about an interchange to produce the flocculation of colloidal substances and solids in suspension, which are then separated off with the aid of filters. The flocculation is carried out by feeding the liquid manure in at a constant flow rate and introducing the reagent at the same time in the form of a tertiary or quaternary polymer/copolymer, stirring the mixture for a time of between 5 and 15 minutes and then eliminating the suspended solids by flotation, involving the coalescence of the colloidal particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Jesus Martinez Almela
  • Patent number: 6811701
    Abstract: An apparatus for the fixed-film anaerobic digestion of flushed livestock manure includes an enclosed digester tank (fixed or flexible roof), internal media for biofilm development, a biogas collection and flare system, various pumps, and hydraulic control systems. The preferred media has substantially vertically-oriented, uninterrupted channels to promote enhanced bacterial attachment and biofilm development. The immobilization of microbial biomass within the reactor as a biofilm allows effective treatment of the wastewater at ambient and higher temperatures, as well as reasonable hydraulic retention times. The composition and concentration of bacterial groups in the biofilm developed on the media in the fixed-film digester result in a significantly enhanced anaerobic degradation process. This novel fixed-film digester design expands the potential application of anaerobic digestion to dilute livestock waste with significant levels of suspended solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Ann C. Wilkie
  • Publication number: 20040168492
    Abstract: The present invention provides biological fertilizer compositions that comprise yeast cells and poultry manure. The yeast cells of the invention have an enhanced ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose phosphorus minerals and compounds, decompose potassium minerals and compounds, decompose complex carbon compounds, overproduce growth factors, overproduce ATP, decompose undesirable chemicals, suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms, or reduce undesirable odor. The biological fertilizer composition of the invention can replace mineral fertilizers in supplying nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to crop plants. Methods of manufacturing biological fertilizer compositions, and methods of uses are also encompassed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: Ultra Biotech Limited
    Inventor: Ling Yuk Cheung
  • Patent number: 6776816
    Abstract: Magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite), suitable for use as a slow-release fertilizer for example, is produced by mixing animal manure with a pre-specified amount of a magnesium-rich compound. A pre-specified amount of an enzyme, such as an urease or uricase, is added to the resultant mixture. The temperature and pH of this mixture are maintained within a pre-specified range to facilitate precipitation of the magnesium ammonium phosphate. Optionally, the enzyme-supplemented mixture may be inoculated with a pre-specified amount of bacteria, such as Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus globisporus, or Bacillus fusiformis, or a species of Bacillus identified as Bacillus sp. SB1. This bacteria-supplemented mixture is then allowed to incubate for about 14 days to form struvite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: David B. Ringelberg, Charles A. Weiss, Jr., Philip G. Malone
  • Patent number: 6758880
    Abstract: A method of disposing materials such as pet waste. First, an assembly is provided that has a container; a fitting for accepting and retaining a garden hose; a pressure nozzle for receiving water from the fitting and expressing the water under pressure; and a nozzle-retaining apparatus oriented so that the water expressed is directed into the container at an angle adapted to produce a churning motion within the container. Biodegradable material is placed into the container and the insertive coupler of a standard garden hose is attached into the fitting. Finally the faucet is turned on to cause water to flow through the hose and out the nozzle, thereby watering and stirring and fragmenting the biodegradable material while the operator remains at a distance far enough away from the container to avoid the unpleasant odor that is emitted from the container by virtue of the watering and stirring and fragmenting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Steven E. Rhodes
  • Publication number: 20040089042
    Abstract: A potting soil and topsoil supplementing composition that provides an all-natural combination blended to enhance performance of agricultural, home, and garden soils. The composition uses a specified mixture of compost, sandy loam, Perlite, and diatomaceous earth containing desired quantities of diatomaceous earth, phosphate, magnesium, potassium, and nitrogen. The potting soil amendment also has desired quantities of calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, copper, and zinc proportioned in relation to the necessities of the specific soil and combined in proportions to provide good plant nutrition, moisture retention, moisture drainage, and infection and insect resistant properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: Magic 100 Power Soil, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6692642
    Abstract: A process is provided for full treatment of animal manure and other organic slurries containing suspended solids, and dissolved organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus, without the need for anaerobic digestion or anaerobic stabilization lagoons. The process includes: centrifugal decanting, flocculation, dissolved air flotation thickening, centrate heating, acidification in fluidized bed reactor, biological removal of phosphorus, nitrogen and dissolved organic matter in microfiltration membrane bioreactor and disinfection with ultraviolet radiation. The process separates liquids from solids, converts solids into organo-mineral fertilizer pellets, and treats the liquid to dischargeable standards. Land application for effluent disposal is not required because the treatment removes all nutrients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: International Waste Management Systems
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Josse, John William Sutherlin