Inorganic Material Patents (Class 71/31)
  • Patent number: 12144353
    Abstract: A system for applying CO2 gas to improve Cannabis production. A multi-stage system is disclosed including upstream, midstream, and downstream stages or subsystems. The upstream subsystem receives and stores gas, particularly CO2 gas. The midstream subsystem is communicatively connected to the upstream subsystem and to the downstream subsystem. It monitors the environment of the downstream subsystem, determines when and how to apply gas to plants growing in the downstream system, acquires gas stored in the upstream subsystem, and distributes it to the downstream system. It also has various monitoring, command and control, management, and reporting features. The downstream subsystem includes one or more plant growth areas or plots, gas distribution means, such as gas conduits, tubes or lines from the midstream subsystem, and the high efficiency, adjustable gas applicator, and various sensing and monitoring devices communicatively connected to the midstream subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: The Agricultural Gas Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Stewart E Erickson
  • Patent number: 12049432
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, there is provided herein a granule comprising polyhalite and phosphate rock, in a ratio of between 30:70 to 70:30, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Inventor: Khalil Abu-Rabeah
  • Patent number: 11414357
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water dispersible granular composition comprising of 0.1% to 70% by weight of boron salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof, 1% to 90% by weight of elemental sulphur and 1% to 30% by weight of dispersing agent, with granules in a size range of 0.1-2.5 mm and particles in the range of 0.1-20 microns. The invention further relates to liquid suspension composition comprising 0.1% to 55% by weight of boron salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof, 1% to 65% by weight of elemental sulphur, at least one structuring agent and at least one surfactant, where the composition has particle size range of 0.1-20 microns. The invention further relates to a process of preparing the crop nutrition and fortification composition and to a method of treating the plants, seeds, crops, plant propagation material, locus, parts thereof or the soil with the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventors: Arun Vitthal Sawant, Thankapan Vadakekuttu
  • Patent number: 10947166
    Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a method for producing fertilizer particles comprising an alternative source of boron. It is found that certain colemanite and ulexite powders can be supplied to a fertilizer melt shortly before granulation essentially without dissolving into the melt. Accordingly, the fertilizer particles produced from the melt may contain negligible amounts or non-detectable levels of sodium borates or boric acid. Furthermore, the fertilizer particles can be homogeneous which is desirable for boron supplying fertilizers. It is also found that the fertilizer particles can supply boron to plants at a rate comparable to borax pentahydrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: YARA INTERNATIONAL ASA
    Inventors: Riccardo Mulato, Amund Myrstad
  • Patent number: 10053392
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to consortia of bacteria strains and composition comprising one or more bacterial strains disclosed herein. These consortia of isolated bacteria cultures and compositions comprising said cultures, having greater activity than would be observed for the individual bacteria cultures and compositions. A composition of the disclosure may advantageously be used for enhancing the availability of soil phosphorus and other macronutrients and/or micronutrients to plants, and thereby enhancing their growth and yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Matthew D. Wallenstein, Colin W. Bell
  • Patent number: 9873638
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to pelletized synthetic gypsum and methods and systems for producing pelletized synthetic gypsum. Synthetic gypsum is combined with a binder composition and pelletized to a desired size. The binder composition may include lignosulfonate. Additives may be included in the pellets such as various plant nutrients and micro-nutrients. An additive may include elemental sulfur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: SUL4R-PLUS, LLC
    Inventors: Terrell Dallas Ginn, Danny Lynn Gray
  • Patent number: 9868675
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to consortia of bacteria strains and composition comprising one or more bacterial strains disclosed herein. These consortia of isolated bacteria cultures and compositions comprising said cultures, having greater activity than would be observed for the individual bacteria cultures and compositions. A composition of the disclosure may advantageously be used for enhancing the availability of soil phosphorus and other macronutrients and/or micronutrients to plants, and thereby enhancing their growth and yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Matthew D. Wallenstein, Colin W. Bell
  • Patent number: 9499450
    Abstract: A method for electrostatically adhering an agricultural input powder to an agronomic carrier is described. A dry nutrient powder is electrostatically charged in a charging chamber which has a grounded metal component such that the electrostatically charged powder moves towards the metal component. The agronomic carrier is then passed by the charged powder such that the charged powder adheres to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Compass Minerals Manitoba, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael McIlrath
  • Patent number: 9409827
    Abstract: A fertilizer composition is provided that includes boron and sulfur. The fertilizer composition can be a controlled release fertilizer that includes elemental sulfur, an anhydrous boron-containing compound, and a swelling material. The fertilizer composition can be produced by mixing molten elemental sulfur with the anhydrous boron-containing compound and cooling the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Tiger-Sul Products (Canada) Co.
    Inventors: Drew P. Taylor, Richard J. Valagene, Guy Wesley Haun
  • Patent number: 9359267
    Abstract: The present invention provides for novel biochar compositions and a method for producing a new substrate for growing plants using the biochar and a method for growing plants using the biochar composition substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Mississippi State University
    Inventors: Fei Yu, Phillip H. Steele, Mengmeng Gu, Yan Zhao
  • Patent number: 9149456
    Abstract: An animal feed additive composition comprises an effective amount of a laidlomycin, a carrier, magnesium sulfate, and silicon dioxide. Other embodiments include methods of making the animal feed additive compositions, and the use of a laidlomycin in the manufacture of an animal feed additive for increasing the efficiency of feed utilization and rate of weight gain in domestic animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Zoetis Services LLC
    Inventors: Steven Holmes, Janice Cacace
  • Patent number: 9096443
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the polyol-type synthesis of nanoparticulate magnetite starting from mixtures of Fe0 and Fe1III in the presence of a mineral acid. The magnetite particles obtainable from the process have uniform size characteristics and have even presented higher SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) values than those of magnetosomes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Colorobbia Italia S.P.A.
    Inventors: Marco Bitossi, Giovanni Baldi, Franco Innocenti
  • Patent number: 9034069
    Abstract: An engineered topsoil for use in soil reclamation and a method of producing the same are disclosed that seek to replicate undisturbed native reference topsoil from near the site in need of land reclamation. The engineered topsoil is formed from a base amount of subsoil and amendment comprised of an effective amount of surrogate humin material sufficient to replicate the estimated humin organic carbon content of the native reference topsoil, and an effective amount of plant residue material sufficient to replicate the estimated non-humin organic carbon content of the native reference topsoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventor: Julie Linda Roy
  • Patent number: 8986418
    Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventors: John C Miller, Deborah L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8986417
    Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventors: John C Miller, Deborah L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8979969
    Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventors: John C Miller, Deborah L Miller
  • Publication number: 20150033812
    Abstract: Methods and systems for converting a biomass and biogenic wastes to hydrogen with integrated carbon dioxide capture and storage are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: mixing at least one of a dry solid or liquid or liquid hydroxide and catalysts with a biomass to form a biomass mixture; heating the biomass mixture until the hydroxide and the biomass react to produce hydrogen, carbonate, biochar, and potentially fertilizer; calcining the carbonate or performing double replacement reactions of the carbonate to produce sequestration-ready carbon dioxide and a hydroxide; storing the carbon dioxide produced; transferring the hydrogen produced to a fuel cell; and generating electricity with the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Ah-Hyung Alissa Park, Thomas E. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8946120
    Abstract: A method for preparing a boron fertilizer, including: (1) heating boric acid to a temperature of 180-200° C., maintaining the temperature for 20-30 min for dehydration of the boric acid to yield pyroboric acid; and (2) cooling down the pyroboric acid to a temperature of 40-60° C., crushing, and screening to yield a powdered, weakly acidic, high-content boron fertilizer. The method is energy-saving, environmentally friendly, and low in cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Wuhan Fishery Agricultural Science and Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lin Gan
  • Patent number: 8932383
    Abstract: A composition comprising at least one nutrient element, wherein the at least one nutrient element possesses a relative energy-state value greater than the relative energy-state value of the at least one nutrient element in a preexisting state, the composition being effective, perhaps because of the greater energy-state value, to improve the ability of a soil, when combined with the composition, to support plant growth better than the soil, when not combined with the composition. Also a composition comprising at least one nutrient element, wherein the composition possesses an energy spectrum more positive than the energy spectrum of the composition in a preexisting state, the composition being effective, perhaps because of the more positive energy spectrum, to improve the ability of a soil, when combined with the composition, to support plant growth better than the soil, when not combined with the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Jianmin Zhang
  • Patent number: 8911525
    Abstract: An engineered soilless plant cultivation medium for potting applications includes specific balanced amounts of nutrient additives. Major nutrient cations (Ca, Mg, K, Na, H) are balanced according to optimal base saturation percentage ranges. Nutrient levels, namely, the amount of major nutrient cations, major nutrient anions and minor nutrients satisfy desired ranges for both standard Mehlich III soil extraction tests and saturated paste tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Nano Growth Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Ward
  • Publication number: 20140345347
    Abstract: A fertilizer composition is provided that includes boron and sulfur. The fertilizer composition can be a controlled release fertilizer that includes elemental sulfur, an anhydrous boron-containing compound, and a swelling material. The fertilizer composition can be produced by mixing molten elemental sulfur with the anhydrous boron-containing compound and cooling the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Tiger-Sul Products (Canada) Co.
    Inventors: Drew P. Taylor, Richard J. Valagene, Guy Wesley Haun
  • Patent number: 8888887
    Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer material comprising a particulate plant nutrient surrounded by a coating of a mixture including an isocyanate and a polyol, and further comprising a modified wax that may include a polyhydroxyl compound in which the wax and/or the polyhydroxyl compound are cross-linked with a sulfur or oxygen or a peroxide cross-linking moiety. In certain embodiments, the wax and polyhydroxyl compound are cross-linked at unsaturated sites in the wax or polyhydroxyl compound using heat, UV or ionizing radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Agrium Advanced Technologies (U.S.) Inc.
    Inventors: Garrard Lee Hargrove, Sriramakrishna Maruvada, Robert Scott Wilson, Nick Peter Wynnyk, Baozhong Xing
  • Patent number: 8877244
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stabilized pesticidal composition comprising at least one granular substrate material containing at least one metal chelate of 2-(2?-nitro-4?-methylsulphonylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione, a method of producing a stabilized granular pesticidal composition which comprises incorporating a metal chelate of 2-(2?-nitro-4?-methylsulphonylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione in to or on to a granular substrate material; and a method of killing or controlling weeds or unwanted vegetation (without damaging beneficial plants and or seeds) which comprises applying a herbicidally effective amount of the stabilized granular pesticide composition of the invention to the foliage, tissue or locus of the weeds or unwanted vegetation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Syngenta Crop Protection LLC
    Inventors: John R. James, Andrew Pearson, Johnny D. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8870996
    Abstract: The invention provides inter alia a mineral complex comprising about 40 wt. % to about 60 wt. % SiO2, about 6 wt. % to about 16 wt. % Fe2O3, about 4 wt. % to about 12 wt. %. CaO, about 2 wt. % to about 8 wt. % MgO, wherein at least 85% of the mineral complex has a particle size of about 10 to about 6000 mesh, related compositions and methods for their use, including for growth medium augmentation and remediation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Justin Cannock
  • Patent number: 8858673
    Abstract: Fertilizers may include one or more additives that render the fertilizer more resistant to further processing such as thermal processing and/or aqueous-based processing that may otherwise be employed in the attempt to produce explosive materials from the fertilizer. The one or more additives may include materials that increase the chances of detection by providing a visual or olfactory indication of further processing. The one or more additives may include materials that make further processing more difficult or dangerous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: James Kweeder
  • Patent number: 8858672
    Abstract: Fertilizers may include one or more additives that render the fertilizer more resistant to further processing such as thermal processing and/or aqueous-based processing that may otherwise be employed in the attempt to produce explosive materials from the fertilizer. The one or more additives may include materials that increase the chances of detection by providing a visual or olfactory indication of further processing. The one or more additives may include materials that make further processing more difficult or dangerous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: James Kweeder
  • Publication number: 20140260467
    Abstract: A method of producing a granulated and compacted fertilizer having incorporated micronutrients in which the granulated primary nutrient and micronutrients are mixed at smaller particle sizes before being compacted into a larger, easier to handle particle sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Lawrence Alan Peacock, Dan M. Froehlich
  • Publication number: 20140248676
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for generating steam and recovering salts during a lignocellulosic conversion process. The process comprises de-salting a still bottoms stream; incinerating a stream comprising lignin and the de-salted still bottoms stream in an incinerator; and utilizing the heat generated from said incinerating to produce steam. Further provided is a process that comprises feeding a concentrated still bottoms stream to a crystallizer and forming insoluble solids therein comprising salts. Furthermore, the invention relates to a process for recovering salts from a lignocellulosic conversion process, which process comprises the addition of solvent to a still bottoms stream to precipitate salts therefrom. Also provided is a still bottoms composition, a fertilizer product and a composition for incineration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: IOGEN ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Griffin, Ziyad Rahme, Patricia Dawn MacLean, Brian Foody
  • Patent number: 8822379
    Abstract: A seed composition comprising a seed and a first component comprising an agriculturally acceptable complex mixture of dissolved organic material characterized by natural organic matter that is partially humified and methods of seed treating. A method comprising contacting a seed with a first component comprising an agriculturally acceptable complex mixture of dissolved organic material characterized by natural organic matter that is partially humified, where the first component enhances at least one of germination, emergence, root development, seedling vigor, seedling growth, mortality resistance, chlorophyll production, cold resistance, water log resistance, and nutrient uptake compared to similar seed not contacted with the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: FBSciences Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian B. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 8821818
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning carbon oxides, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides, from stack gas, from combustion of coal, combustion of natural gas or propane, or from a cement kiln by reaction using calcium zeolite and sodium zeolite catalysts. The method also includes cleaning the catalytic beds with nitrogen to remove the collected reactants and recover a fertilizer product and the catalysts for reusable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Three D Stack, LLC
    Inventor: James Gary Davidson
  • Patent number: 8814976
    Abstract: A water dispersible pellet and method of producing same comprising: micronized elemental sulphur with 80% of particles less than 30 microns, a binder component in the amount ranging from 0.95% to 95% by weight; a surfactant in the amount ranging from 0.05% to 10% by weight; a soluble salt present in the amount ranging from 0.05% to 95% by weight; bentonite clay in the amount ranging from 0.05% to 95% by weight. The pellet having a mean particle domain size and a mean crushing strength, all in a form such that within a few minutes of contact with water the pellet disperses into particles with more than 10% of said particles passing through a 50 mesh (US Standard Size) screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Sulvaris Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Pedersen
  • Patent number: 8801827
    Abstract: A fertilizer composition is provided that includes boron and sulfur. The fertilizer composition can be a controlled release fertilizer that includes elemental sulfur, an anhydrous boron-containing compound, and a swelling material. The fertilizer composition can be produced by mixing molten elemental sulfur with the anhydrous boron-containing compound and cooling the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Tiger-Sul Products (Canada) Co.
    Inventors: Drew P. Taylor, Richard J. Valagene, Guy Wesley Haun
  • Patent number: 8795406
    Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer material comprising a particulate plant nutrient surrounded by a coating including a mixture of a cross-linked polyol and an isocyanate, and optionally a wax, is described. In some embodiments, the cross-linked polyol can be cross-linked with sulfur, oxygen, and/or a peroxide cross-linking moiety. In one embodiment the cross-linked polyol is castor oil cross-linked with sulfur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Agrium Advanced Technologies (U.S.) Inc.
    Inventors: Srirakrishna Maruvada, Nick Peter Wynnyk, Baozhong Xing
  • Patent number: 8790437
    Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer material comprising a particulate plant nutrient surrounded by a coating which is the reaction product of a mixture including a cross-linked polyol, an isocyanate and a wax is described. The cross-linked polyol is a reaction product of a polyhydroxyl compound, such as glycerol, and a triglyceride and the monoglyceride and/or diglyceride products are cross-linked with sulfur, oxygen and/or a peroxide cross-linking moiety, or are directly cross-linked at unsaturated sites in the monoglycerides and/or diglycerides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Agrium Advanced Technologies (U.S.) Inc.
    Inventors: Romem Avdala, Leslie L. Carstens, Garrard Lee Hargrove, Sriramakrishna Maruvada, Baozhong Xing
  • Patent number: 8758472
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for producing electric power and fertiliser. The method comprises the steps of: (a) combusting biomass to produce energy for the generation of electric power and an exhaust gas; (b) producing a liquor from compounds extracted from the exhaust gas; and (c) producing a fertiliser by composting organic materials in the presence of the liquor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Ecosystems Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Charles William Douglas Blandy
  • Patent number: 8758474
    Abstract: A urea fertilizer having reduced ammonia volatilization upon application to soil including a central particle having an outer surface and comprising ammonia volatilization inhibiting compounds containing one or more of boron and iodine, and a coating of urea on the outer surface of the central particle, and further a process of making the fertilizer including the steps of: granulating ammonia volatilization inhibiting compounds containing one or more of boron and iodine, with a binder to produce volatilization inhibitor particles; screening the inhibitor particles to a preselected particle size; spraying melted urea onto the surface of the inhibitor particles to produce a coating on the inhibitor particles; granulating the coated inhibitor particles with sprayed melted urea to produce granules of urea coated central volatilization particles; and cooling the granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: NFT Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Taylor Pursell, Arthur R. Shirley, Jr., Keith D. Cochran, Joseph M. Miller, Timothy G. Holt, Gregory S. Peeden
  • Publication number: 20140170245
    Abstract: Provided is an inorganic composite compound having reduced oxygen and a high reducing ability, which includes elements having a positive atomic valence of a plant-derived component and a sulfur compound. The compound provides a therapeutic treatment effect and a pharmacological effect and is useful to suppress the influence of active oxygen (oxidization) and cannot be produced by a synthetic chemical technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Eiki Nakayama, Masahiro Sugawara
  • Patent number: 8747797
    Abstract: The invention provides for methods, devices, and systems for pyrolyzing biomass. A pyrolysis unit can be used for the pyrolysis of biomass to form gas, liquid, and solid products. The biomass materials can be selected such that an enhanced biochar is formed after pyrolysis. The biomass can be pyrolyzed under specified conditions such that a selected biochar core is formed. The pyrolysis process can form a stable biochar core that is inert and/or resistant to degradation. The biochar or biochar core can be functionalized to form a functionalized biochar or functionalized biochar core. Functionalization can include post-pyrolysis treatments such as supplementation with microbes or physical transformations including annealing and/or activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Full Circle Biochar, Inc.
    Inventors: David Shearer, John Gaunt, George Vernon Cordner Peacocke
  • Patent number: 8741022
    Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer composition and methods to produce the controlled release fertilizer composition are described. The controlled release fertilizer composition comprises a water soluble fertilizer core that is coated with a polymeric layer, intermediate layer, and a sulfur layer. If desired, the sulfur layer can be coated with an outer water-insoluble layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Agrium Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Michael Ogle, Johnny Duran Sims
  • Patent number: 8741021
    Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer composition and methods to produce the controlled release fertilizer composition are described. The controlled release fertilizer composition comprises a water soluble fertilizer core that is coated with a polymeric layer, intermediate layer, and a sulfur layer. If desired, the sulfur layer can be coated with an outer water-insoluble layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Agrium Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Michael Ogle, Johnny Duran Sims
  • Patent number: 8734559
    Abstract: An environment is moderated in an area where animal wastes are collected in a fluid containing compartment. Animal wastes are collected in a fluid containing compartment. The animal wastes are of the type that generate or provide in or above the fluid containing compartment at least one waste selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, mercaptans and organic acids. A combination is provided of i) a polymer capable of absorbing at least ten times its weight in water (preferably a superpolymer) and ii) a combination of salts that react to liberate I2. At least one waste is flocculated with liberated I2 (and any cations from the reactive salts) to form a flocculent that has reduced odor and reduced microbial content. The flocculent may be used as a fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Biolargo Life Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Code
  • Patent number: 8734560
    Abstract: The present intention relates to an agricultural blend and a method of forming an agricultural blend. The agricultural blend includes a sulfate source and calcium silicate or a by-product of slag, the slag being selected from the group consisting of steel slag, stainless steel slag, alloy steel slag, carbon steel slag, and phosphate slag. The method includes blending a sulfate source and calcium silicate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Harsco Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen R. Miranda, Douglas W. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 8721758
    Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: John C. Miller, Deborah L. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140112999
    Abstract: Dissolved oxygen may be generated by adding a peroxide to a fluid stream and then catalytically decomposing the peroxide to generate oxygen. As the peroxide is catalytically decomposed, the oxygen may solubilize in a surrounding fluid so as to provide dissolved oxygen. In some examples, the amount of peroxide added to the fluid stream is controlled such that substantially all of the hydrogen peroxide added to the fluid stream catalytically decomposes and yet the dissolved oxygen concentration of the fluid stream does not exceed a dissolved oxygen saturation limit for the fluid stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: WATER STAR, INC.
    Inventor: Water Star, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140109639
    Abstract: A fertilizer composition is provided that includes boron and sulfur. The fertilizer composition can be a controlled release fertilizer that includes elemental sulfur, an anhydrous boron-containing compound, and a swelling material. The fertilizer composition can be produced by mixing molten elemental sulfur with the anhydrous boron-containing compound and cooling the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: TIGER-SUL PRODUCTS (CANADA) CO.
    Inventors: Drew P. TAYLOR, Richard J. VALAGENE, Guy Wesley HAUN
  • Patent number: 8690983
    Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous introduction of concentrated raw materials into a high-dilution irrigation-water environment whereby the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution and reaction exotherms. A system wherein raw materials are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm reactor efficiently implements the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: John C. Miller, Deborah L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8690984
    Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous introduction of concentrated raw materials into a high-dilution irrigation-water environment whereby the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution and reaction exotherms. A system wherein raw materials are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm reactor efficiently implements the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: John C. Miller, Deborah L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8679219
    Abstract: A process for preparing an elemental sulphur-containing fertilizer is disclosed. The process uses a dispersion mill, wherein a rotor turns within a slotted stator, to wet mill elemental sulphur in a liquid (preferably an aqueous liquid), thereby providing a dispersion of milled elemental sulphur in the liquid. The dispersion is combined with further components to provide a mixture of elemental sulphur and further components, and the mixture is granulated in a granulator unit to provide granulated elemental sulphur-containing fertilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Rafael Alberto Garcia Martinez, Klaas J Hutter
  • Patent number: 8652231
    Abstract: Novel metal complexes useful in the area of agriculture, notably as agents for treating metal deficiency. The novel metal complexes comprise at least one metal selected from the metal trace elements essential for the development of plants, at least one first ligand selected from the lignosulfonates, and derivatives thereof, and at least one second ligand selected from the multidentate organic ligands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Timac Argo International
    Inventors: Marta Fuentes, Roberto Baigorri, Eva Bacaicoa, Jose Maria Garcia-Mina, Jean-Claude Yvin
  • Patent number: 8628598
    Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous in situ manufacture of one or more fertilizers within the irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. Co-reactant raw materials, namely sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, potassium hydroxide, urea, ammonium hydroxide, ammonia, calcium nitrate and/or magnesium nitrate, are intermixed with each other and with the stream of the flowing irrigation water. The stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution and reaction exotherms. A system wherein raw materials are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm reactor efficiently implements the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventors: John C. Miller, Deborah L. Miller