Aerobic Patents (Class 71/9)
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Publication number: 20080098779Abstract: A method and apparatus for compositing putrescible waste material, the apparatus including a stationary elongated compositing chamber which is mounted to be generally horizontal in orientation or slightly inclined from an inlet end to an outlet end and includes at least one rotatable shaft therein with paddles or tines that extend therefrom in a generally helical pattern. Rotation of the shaft causes the composting material to move along the chamber. Air is injected into the compositing chamber and accumulates in a headspace above the compositing material where it is measured for flow rate, gas content and temperature and eventually removed from near an inlet end of the chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2007Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Julian Mark Watson, Murray Edwin Taylor, Gillian Helen Worth, Peter William Robinson
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Publication number: 20070238166Abstract: An Intermodal container, also known as an ISO Ocean Freight Container is suitable for the dual purposes of bio-containment and also Intermodal shipping. Provision is made for the introduction of water, oxygen or other liquids or gasses to be treated into the container, for exit of liquids or gasses generated or converted in the container, and for the monitoring of biological processes occurring within the container, all in a liquid impervious container. Improved air ducts and flow paths are provided, while the effects of shrinkage and channeling are reduced, through a strategically placed and relative percentage of openings through the floor. Further improvements in air distribution are achieved by an elimination or substantial reduction in percentage of opening through the floor in areas immediately adjacent to the container side walls. The flooring incorporates a self-cleaning hole design which increases in diameter with increasing distance from the container contents.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2007Publication date: October 11, 2007Inventor: James J. McNelly
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Patent number: 7250287Abstract: This method facilitates the cost effective treatment of liquid, hazardous, and solid waste in a landfill or composting site or any other containment facility. The ability to distribute the oxygen to the waste, facilitate aerobic degradation, and remove the spent waste are the focal points of the process. This invention can digest any size landfill or treat any size green waste pile. Waste moisture content is increased, eliminating fires and the aerobic degradation halts the production of harmful greenhouse gases and odors. Liquid is oxygen-supplemented and added to the waste to maintain aerobic degradation. Temperature increases with the availability of the dissolved and released oxygen. The bacteria break down the solids and liquid waste. The digested material is available for release, cover or agricultural uses. Facility space is recovered, odors are minimized, and environmental risk is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Inventor: Richard Lee Aho
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Patent number: 7211429Abstract: An organic waste material treatment process comprising subjecting the organic waste material to conditions under which anaerobic digestion occurs followed by conditions under which aerobic composting occurs. Preferably, the organic waste material is pre-conditioned before anaerobic digestion by subjecting the organic waste material to aerobic composting conditions to facilitate a rise in temperature of the organic waste material. The treatment process is conducted in a single vessel, wherein air and water are evenly distributed to the contents of the vessel. A plurality of vessels may be interconnected, such that water may be extracted from one vessel, whose contents have undergone anaerobic digestion, then recirculated to an interconnected vessel to facilitate conditions for anaerobic digestion of the contents of the interconnected vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Organic Resource Technologies LimitedInventor: Tomasz Rudas
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Patent number: 7160713Abstract: Method and apparatus for biologically oxidizing organic matter. Finely powdered organic matter is suplied into the top end of an upright, high reaction vessel (1). The vessel (1) has been filled up substantially completely by small balls, on the surfaces of which the matter to be oxidized is present in thin layers. By means of a conveyor (6) outside the vessel, the balls are transferred uppwards, whereby the balls in the reaction vessel (1) flow downwrds. Oxidizing air is blown uppwrds against the flow of balls, whereby in the upper section of the vessel, drying takes place in the first instance and then is formed an oxidizing zone automatically by microbial activity in a section, wherein the best oxidizing conditions are prevailing. Exhaust air is cleaned by means of ionic cleaners (14) and singlet oxygen generators (27) and oxidized matter is recovered from the bottom end of the reaction vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventor: Hannu L. Suominen
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Patent number: 7150987Abstract: An organic waste processing method and device makes a mass disposal and 24 hours continuous processing possible, and can largely cut down facility and processing costs. It uses a number of roughly cut-end inverted cone shaped processing tanks 3, 3A, 3B, and 3C aligned serially, a motor 17 installed on the bottom of each processing tank, a rotating shaft 19 that rotates by motor 17 drive set up passing through the top and bottom parts inside each processing tank, and stirring blades 21, attached on rotating shaft 19, that mix aerobic microorganism 1 and organic waste 2 to put in more than capacity amount of organic waste 2 into the upstream processing tank 3, have a part of organic waste 2 transport from outlet 14 at upper peripheral wall of processing tank 3 to inlet 9 at the top of processing tank 3A placed adjacently and downstream, by centrifugal force of stirring blades 21.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Japan Life Center, Inc.Inventor: Yasuichi Ueda
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Patent number: 7101481Abstract: A system and method for continuous decomposition of organic material to produce biogas and compost in which successive reactor zones in a primary reactor are used in turn to receive organic material which is decomposed in situ anaerobically followed by aerobic decomposition and excavation of raw compost from the same reactor zone where it is received into the organic treatment facility. Organic rich liquor recovered during anaerobic decomposition is further decomposed in a secondary reactor from which spent liquor is returned to the primary reactor while biogas harnessed from both the primary and secondary reactors is treated, and optionally used to fuel the operation of the organic treatment facility or for sale as fuel or electricity.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: BioPower Energy, Inc.Inventors: Brian Joseph Forrestal, Nigel Gareth Hugh Guilford, Ronald James Poland
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Patent number: 7093551Abstract: A freshwater supply system that stores fresh water transported by transport ships in storage devices and takes out the fresh water from the freshwater storage devices at need to use the same. The system comprises management device that puts management information together and sends and receives various information of countries for demand of the fresh water, analysis information of the fresh water, and various information of transportation device for transportation of the fresh water to the countries. Magnitudes of movements, prices, origins of movement, and destinations of movement of the fresh water are decided from the information from the management device.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Norihide Saho, Hisashi Isogami, Takashi Mizumori, Akira Mochizuki, Yoichi Imamura
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Patent number: 7091036Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for composting organic material, in which method organic material is transported to a bioreactor (1) where it is mixed and where material for regulating the oxygen content and bacteria and/or enzymes for agitation of composting process are added to it, and where organic material may compost, after which the composted material is removed outside the bioreactor to be stabilized. The invention also relates to a device for composting organic material, which device includes a bioreactor (1) with at least one filling and emptying opening (12, 13, 17) in order to fill and empty the bioreactor, and a transporting device (2) mixing the material inside the bioreactor (1) in order to transport the organic material to be composted and a mix it inside the bioreactor.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Inventor: Claus Roström
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Patent number: 7081147Abstract: A composting box includes a main unit and one or two detachable side panels. In a preferred embodiment, the main unit includes two spaced apart main walls attached at diagonally opposite corners with connecting and spacing members. Each of the detachable side panels is adapted to attach to a side of the main unit. After detaching the side panels, the main unit can be separated from a compost pile. The compost pile is then easily re-transferred back into the main unit, and the side panel(s) reattached. This method provides an inexpensive, labor-saving way to maintain and periodically aerate compost piles.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2004Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Inventor: Philip John Giesy
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Patent number: 7045063Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated system for treatment of biodegradable waste, including sewage sludge, forestry waste, food waste, agricultural waste, municipal waste, and the like. The integrated system comprises an anaerobic reactor, at least one aerobic reactor, a filtration device, and a desalinization device.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Ruihong H. Zhang, Jane H. Turnbull
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Patent number: 6908495Abstract: The present invention is directed to a substantially odorless biological treatment process for solid and liquid organic wastes. The present invention also provides for a novel nutrient rich humus material produced from the biological treatment process. The bioconversion process of the present invention results from low oxygen concentrations and high quantities of microorganisms in a diverse microbial community.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Bion Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jere Northrop, James W. Morris
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Patent number: 6776816Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: David B. Ringelberg, Charles A. Weiss, Jr., Philip G. Malone
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Publication number: 20040142461Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for efficient composting of organic matter using a low-cost composting structure and high efficiency methods. A composting container incorporates rigid insulated panels to form an insulated composting container of a generally cylindrical shape with polygonal cross-section. The insulated panels provide high thermal efficiency at low cost to help maintain composting temperatures. A rigid frame supports the panels and allows the container to be rotated. An internal manifold or plenum supplies air while the container is stationary or rotating. Rotation in various embodiments is effected by motor driven rollers bearing on external hoops integrated to the container support frame. In preferred methods, the container is rotated at rates slower than one revolution per minute as air is introduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventor: Harry N. Windle
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Patent number: 6727090Abstract: An apparatus for producing compost tea wherein compost material is passed through a separator housing in such a manner so that microorganisms on the compost material is washed from the compost material and is delivered to a separator tank positioned below the separator housing. The wash water from the separator tank is recirculated through the apparatus until the desired concentration of microorganisms has been achieved.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Inventor: Dennis R. Hronek
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Patent number: 6716618Abstract: A system and process for remediating an “asbestos containing material” (ACM), or a “regulated” asbestos containing material (RACM), with a vermicultural process, or “vermiprocess.” Worms are employed to convert the ACM into a material with an acceptable, deminimus level of asbestos fibers, or further to a non-detectable level of asbestos. The process includes placing an asbestos containing material into a worm bin and mixing the asbestos containing material with an effective quantity of a worm adjuvant, optionally employing organic material and mixing in a homogenizer. The worm bin may be a single bin or alternatively an array of staged worm bins. The worms are introduced into the ACM to form an asbestos containing vermicompost. The preferred worm species employed the species Esenia hortensis, or “hortensis,” and Esenia fetida, commonly referred to as “red wigglers,” or “red worms.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Good Earth Solutions, LLCInventors: Jonathan Craig, G. Daniel Thomas
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Publication number: 20040048363Abstract: A composting system and method incorporating a vertical insulated composting tower with one or more compartments. The base of each compartment being fitted with a plenum and grate through which air is self induced and output is regularly removed. The method of composting biodegradable waste material utilises a plug flow principle including inducing low air flow rates through a compost pile using column energy. The method utilises high temperature pyro/thermopylic micro-organism activity in the compost pile and retaining pile energy above stoichometric levels by controlling the induced air flow. Evolved gas extraction is utilised in the compost pile and constant biofilm is maintained by combined cycle anaerobic/aerobic operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Applicant: WILLSON BROWN ASSOCIATES LIMITEDInventors: Paul Brown, Graham Fairlie Willson
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Patent number: 6699708Abstract: A process for treating a mixture of substances containing structured constituents and organic matter, and a device for carrying out this process are disclosed. In accordance with the invention, the mixture of substances is subjected to pulse-type or periodical application of force, so that the formation of flow channels for a leaching fluid or process air in a bulk material may be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventors: Patrick Muller, Christian Widmer
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Publication number: 20040016274Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventor: Thomasz Rudas
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Patent number: 6664100Abstract: A method for converting organic solid waste into humic products and the corresponding apparatus, in which a preliminary aerobic fermentation of the organic solid waste is performed, followed by a second aerobic fermentation of the organic waste in the presence of specific microorganisms in order to provide a basic precursor on which the selective metabolization occurs of specific bacterial strains to provide the humic product.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Inventor: Riccardo Reverso
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Patent number: 6655530Abstract: The household waste treatment requires neither incineration nor disposal in landfills. Two processing sub-systems, first one for combustibles and the other or second one for incombustibles, cooperate with each other as a single system for recycling the waste. The first sub-system deals with combustible waste to yields products for fertilizing and/or conditioning soil. In the process, what are inappropriate to the production of the soil fertilizing and/or conditioning products are sent to the second sub-system, which deals with incombustible waste. This sub-system sorts the incombustible waste materials into various kinds of recyclable products. Combustibles among the incombustible waste materials are sent to the first sub-system.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Koichi Nakamura, Yoshihiko Watanabe, Kazufumi Watabe
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Patent number: 6648940Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing compost, characterized in that when the compost is produced by inoculating aerobic composting seed bacteria to an organic waste material, the process comprises: supplying oxygen while the waste material is stirred, and supplying water so that the water content of the waste material is 60±5%, and to a process for producing compost, characterized in that when the compost is produced by inoculating aerobic composting seed bacteria to an organic waste material, the process comprises, after begining of the fermentation, adding sugars to the waste material in a divisional manner before a main fermentation is transferred to the amine/ammonium metabolic system. Further, according to the present invention, an apparatus for producing compost is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Sapporo Breweries LimitedInventors: Shinji Yagihashi, Toshio Kurihara, Shinji Yamashita, Fujio Kobayashi, Yasukazu Nakakita
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Patent number: 6649405Abstract: A compost tea system uses a water-holding tank for containing process water. Compost is immersed into the water in the tank in baskets defining a filter media. Air is pumped into membrane disk diffuser modules in the tank and the liquid is sparged with fine bubbles to thoroughly agitate the liquid, extract nutrients and microorganisms from the compost, and to ensure a high concentration of dissolved oxygen in the liquid. The high level of oxygen selects for desired aerobic organisms to produce a rich compost tea. The finished tea is drained out of the tank and the tank and its components are easily cleaned and sanitized.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Growing Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Michael Alms, Jeffrey Hilty, Gregory Van Hoesen
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Publication number: 20030200780Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing compost, characterized in that when the compost is produced by inoculating aerobic composting seed bacteria to an organic waste material, the process comprises: supplying oxygen while the waste material is stirred, and supplying water so that the water content of the waste material is 60±5%, and to a process for producing compost, characterized in that when the compost is produced by inoculating aerobic composting seed bacteria to an organic waste material, the process comprises, after begining of the fermentation, adding sugars to the waste material in a divisional manner before a main fermentation is transferred to the amine/ammonium metabolic system. Further, according to the present invention, an apparatus for producing compost is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Applicant: Sapporo Breweries LimitedInventors: Shinji Yagihashi, Toshio Kurihara, Shinji Yamashita, Fujio Kobayashi, Yasukazu Nakakita
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Patent number: 6638757Abstract: A process is provided for the biological digestion of animal carcasses. First, the carcass is cut into smaller pieces with equipment that masticates, grinds or comminutes in the presence of water to create a solid-liquid mixture. The next steps include treating the solid-liquid mixture with a special blend or combination of bacteria that have been specifically cultured to digest the carcass; the mixture is subsequently aerated to form a stabilized biomass. The stabilized biomass is aerated in an open basin to further digest and liquefy the carcass, water, bacteria mixture. From the open basin, the primarily liquid waste stream is passed to a clarifying tank where the suspended solids are precipitated as sludge, thus clarifying the liquid. Sludge is removed from the clarifying chamber and the clarified liquid is either discharged or recirculated for further use in this novel process.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: Agrimond, L.L.C.Inventors: Alfredo J. Teran, W. Todd Willoughby, Richard G. Wood
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Publication number: 20030157702Abstract: A U-shaped flexible tray for a compost bin having a rear wall, a front wall and a floor. The ends of the front and rear walls are releasably attached to upstanding mounting posts. Organic material is deposited into the bin and aerated, thereby forming compost. A tarp cover protects the compost from wind and rain. A forced air system beneath the bin forces air through the organic matter to promote composting. The composted product is unloaded by a bin emptying device having an upper roller that draws the rear wall forward, and a lower roller that draws the front wall forward, thereby shifting the weight of the compost. As the rollers tighten, the flexible tray is transformed from a U-shaped bin into a vertical wall, thereby moving the compost out of the bin. The flexible tray is then manually restored to its original mounting posts and the U-shape restored. The bin emptying device may advance on tracks to the next designated bin to resume emptying operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2003Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventor: Archie Bard
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Patent number: 6596050Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure and an apparatus for microbiological treatment of waste containing harmful substances. According to the invention, the waste is loaded into a waste treatment reactor (2), which comprises a bottom (1a), a cover (1b) and walls (1c, 1d). Organic matter is added to the waste and the properties of the waste material and the conditions are adjusted so as to make them favorable for bacterial activity. The waste is treated in the reactor substantially without agitation, and a sufficient amount of oxygen, moisture and/or nutrients is added into the waste material. The reactor of the invention comprises at least a cover 91b0 openable from above and/or openable wall (1c, 1d) to allow waste material to be loaded into the reactor.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Merinonita OyInventors: Heikki Rihtamo, Hannu Laukkanen
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Publication number: 20030113908Abstract: The improved compost tea producing apparatus and methods of the present invention are directed to aeration means which substantially increases the count of beneficial organisms in liquid compost tea compositions. Such aeration apparatus of the present invention includes an air blower having an air provision capacity of at least approximately 350-500 ft/min. An air conduit is connected to the output port of the air blower, with such conduit having a generally vertical portion and such vertical portion having an effluent opening. An air diffuser tube is attached to the effluent opening of the vertical portion of the air conduit, with such air diffuser tube having a plurality of air bubbling apparatus as disposed along the length thereof for transmitting air into a volume of liquid compost tea.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Leon R. Hussey, Bill W. Gebhardt
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Publication number: 20030079511Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing compost, characterized in that when the compost is produced by inoculating aerobic composting seed bacteria to an organic waste material, the process comprises: supplying oxygen while the waste material is stirred, and supplying water so that the water content of the waste material is 60±5%, and to a process for producing compost, characterized in that when the compost is produced by inoculating aerobic composting seed bacteria to an organic waste material, the process comprises, after begining of the fermentation, adding sugars to the waste material in a divisional manner before a main fermentation is transferred to the amine/ammonium metabolic system. Further, according to the present invention, an apparatus for producing compost is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Applicant: SAPPORO BREWERIES LIMITEDInventors: Shinji Yagihashi, Toshio Kurihara, Shinji Yamashita, Fujio Kobayashi, Yasukazu Nakakita
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Publication number: 20030082796Abstract: A composting system and method incorporating a vertical insulated composting tower with one or more compartments. The base of each compartment being fitted with a plenum and grate through which air is self induced and output is regularly removed. The method of composting biodegradable waste material utilises a plug flow principle including inducing low air flow rates through a compost pile using column energy. The method utlises high temperature pyro/thermopylic micro-organism activity in the compost pile and retaining pile energy above levels by controlling the induced air flow. Evolved gas extraction is utilised in the compost pile and constant biofilm is maintained by combined cycle anaerobic/aerobic operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2000Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: PAUL BROWN, GRAHAM FAIRLIE WILLSON
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Publication number: 20030059931Abstract: Composting apparatuses and composting methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a composting apparatus includes a housing and a plurality of composting drawers in the housing. The plurality of composting drawers is in a stacked relationship when in the housing, and each drawer includes a bottom region having a plurality of apertures. A plurality of receiving structures is in the housing, and the receiving structures are respectively disposed under the plurality of composting drawers to receive composted material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: Biosystem SolutionsInventor: Brian Gitt
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Patent number: 6531311Abstract: A method for continuously processing organic material, which comprises the steps of: jointly disposing at least three fermenting tanks in series with each having at least one stirring apparatus and at least one temperature detector (Step 1); supplying a predetermined amount of processing material into the first fermenting tank (Step 2); detecting temperature in each of the fermenting tanks and controlling amount of half fermented material to be transferred from a fermenting tank positioned at upper stream to a fermenting tank positioned at lower stream such that the temperature in each of the fermenting tanks maintains at temperature of “the final phase of fermentation heat rising period” or “constant temperature period” (Step 3); and discharging composted organic material from the last fermenting tank properly when the processing material has been composted (Step 4).Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Inventor: Yasuichi Ueda
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Patent number: 6524848Abstract: A recirculating composting apparatus cycles air and waste gases through a composting vessel, into a curing bin which contains previously composted material. Within the curing bin, ammonia and other noxious gases are adsorbed and converted into valuable fertilizer. The gases released from the curing bin may pass into another curing bin and then be recirculated back into the composting vessel, or may alternatively be released into the environment or passed through a biofilter. In preferred embodiments, like containers may be used for each curing phase and also the composting phase. The use of similar or compatible containers allows an entire vessel to be converted from a composting vessel into a curing bin simply by disconnection at one location and reconnection at a different location, without having to disturb the contents within the vessel or incur the undesired associated labor.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Inventor: James J. McNelly
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Publication number: 20020164781Abstract: A compost tea system uses a water-holding tank for containing process water. Compost is immersed into the water in the tank in baskets defining a filter media. Air is pumped into membrane disk diffuser modules in the tank and the liquid is sparged with fine bubbles to thoroughly agitate the liquid, extract nutrients and microorganisms from the compost, and to ensure a high concentration of dissolved oxygen in the liquid. The high level of oxygen selects for desired aerobic organisms to produce a rich compost tea. The finished tea is drained out of the tank and the tank and its components are easily cleaned and sanitized.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2001Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventors: Michael Alms, Jeffrey Hilty, Gregory Van Hoesen
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Patent number: 6439164Abstract: A composting structure and process is described for a livestock operation. The structure handles manure and treats it over a continuous 25 to 30 day process to produce compost therefrom. The structure includes a elongate walled area into which manure is piled, aerated and mixed while it is moved toward an output end. The structure is sized to handle 25 to 30 days worth of manure from the livestock operation which it services. The aeration is provided by an in-floor system of tubes arranged in zones so that the amount of air injected in the various zones can be selected.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Pure Lean Hogs Inc.Inventor: Robert W. Notenbomer
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Publication number: 20020108414Abstract: A recirculating composting apparatus cycles air and waste gases through a composting vessel, into a curing bin which contains previously composted material. Within the curing bin, ammonia and other noxious gases are adsorbed and converted into valuable fertilizer. The gases released from the curing bin may pass into another curing bin and then be recirculated back into the composting vessel, or may alternatively be released into the environment or passed through a biofilter. In preferred embodiments, like containers may be used for each curing phase and also the composting phase. The use of similar or compatible containers allows an entire vessel to be converted from a composting vessel into a curing bin simply by disconnection at one location and reconnection at a different location, without having to disturb the contents within the vessel or incur the undesired associated labor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2001Publication date: August 15, 2002Inventor: James J. McNelly
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Patent number: 6399359Abstract: A composting system having an area for containing a mass of compostable material, and a weatherproof cover. The cover can be conformable to the mass of compostable material and protects the material from environmental factors. The cover defines a composting environment in which environmental conditions may be controlled during the composting process.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Inventor: Harrie Hofstede
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Patent number: 6391620Abstract: Initially, putrescent waste is deposited on a surface of a disposal volume which is partially composed of putrescent waste. A living system bio-converts at least a portion of the putrescent waste in the disposal volume, transforming the putrescent waste into waste residue. While bio-conversion is occurring on a portion of the putrescent waste in the disposal volume, waste residue is excavated from the disposal volume below the surface of the disposal volume. Because the excavation takes place below the surface area, the bio-conversion process is not affected by excavating the waste residue. A device for continuous bio-conversion of putrescent waste comprises a disposal track having lateral side walls and floor for containing the disposal volume. An excavation gap is associated with at least one of the lateral side walls for excavating waste material from the disposal volume. The excavation gap is positioned substantially below the living system so waste can be excavated simultaneously with bio-conversion.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Inventor: Paul A. Olivier
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Patent number: 6383803Abstract: A portable and reconfigurable composting apparatus for controlling the airflow to and from a plurality of aerated static composting piles. The composting apparatus includes an air blower having an air intake and an air output. A suction manifold is attached in fluid communication with the air intake of the blower. A discharge manifold is attached in fluid communication with the air output of the blower. A plurality of pile manifolds are connected to the suction manifold and the discharge manifold by a manifold crossover. The manifold crossover includes a pair of dampers which allow the composting apparatus operator to independently select positive or negative air pressure for application to each pile manifold. Each pile manifold is operatively associated with an aerated static compost pile, by means of a series of flexible air lances attached in fluid communication with a pile manifold.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: CH2M Hill, Inc.Inventors: Jan Allen, Chuck Kemper
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Patent number: 6350608Abstract: A process is provided for the biological digestion of animal carcasses. First, the carcass is cut into smaller pieces with equipment that masticates, grinds or comminutes in the presence of water to create a solid-liquid mixture. The next steps include treating the solid-liquid mixture with a special blend or combination of bacteria that have been specifically cultured to digest the carcass; the mixture is subsequently aerated to form a stabilized biomass. The stabilized biomass is aerated in an open basin to further digest and liquefy the carcass, water, bacteria mixture. From the open basin, the primarily liquid waste stream is passed to a clarifying tank where the suspended solids are precipitated as sludge, thus clarifying the liquid. Sludge is removed from the clarifying chamber and the clarified liquid is either discharged or recirculated for further use in this novel process.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1999Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: AJT & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Alfredo J. Teran, Richard G. Wood, W. Todd Willoughby
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Patent number: 6342085Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for composting animal manure. Specifically it is a method that composts chicken manure which at the same time reduces the odor produced by the manure and kills undesirable insects which have a tendency to live in manure piles. The method includes gathering the manure together in long rows. Turning manure on a periodic basis with a horizontal augur so that substantially the portion of the manure pile that was on the outside is buried in the inside. Assuring that the temperature in the manure pile reaches between 90 and 150 degrees so that the life cycle of insects which live in the pile is disrupted. Intermittently adding an absorbent material such as sawdust to absorb the odor and enhance the composting effect.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1999Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Inventors: Craig R. Giroux, Wilfred E. Giroux
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Patent number: 6337203Abstract: Raw waste is first composted into a bioreactor to produce a crude compost. At the outlet of the bioreactor, the crude compost is separated from the non-compostable waste fraction. Then, the separated crude compost is conveyed to a compost maturation area where the crude compost is recycled. The composting process is conducted in at least one closed building area maintained at a negative pressure for aspirating and directing odorous substances to a biofilter. This biofilter extracts the odorous substances whereby the process can carried out in urban areas without affecting the air quality and accordingly without disturbing the neighbourhood. Also, the composting process can be run with a number of employees as small as three, to produce high quality compost substantially free of pathogenic microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1998Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Groupe Conporec, Inc.Inventor: Gilles Beaulieu
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Patent number: 6279748Abstract: The household waste treatment requires neither incineration nor disposal in landfills. Two processing sub-systems, first one for combustibles and the other or second one for incombustibles, cooperate with each other as a single system for recycling the waste. The first sub-system deals with combustible waste to yield products for fertilizing and/or conditioning soil. In the process, what are inappropriate to the production of the soil fertilizing and/or conditioning products are sent to the second sub-system, which deals with incombustible waste. This sub-system sorts the incombustible waste materials into various kinds of recyclable products. Combustibles among the incombustible waste materials are sent to the first sub-system.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Koichi Nakamura, Yoshihiko Watanabe, Kazufumi Watabe
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Patent number: 6281001Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for composting organic material and maintaining composting conditions within preselected limits. Composting according to the method can occur within a sealable container. Adjusting the composition of the organic material to within preselected limits converts the organic material to a compostable mixture. The composition is adjusted by amending the organic material and by mixing the amended organic material with a bulking agent and an inoculant. Incubating forms a composting mixture from the compostable mixture. The method includes the steps of monitoring and adjusting conditions of the composting mixture to maintain the conditions within preselected limits. The conditions of the composting mixture are adjusted by aerating the composting mixture or remixing the composting mixture. The remixed composting mixture is incubated to yield composted organic material.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1998Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: James J. McNelly
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Patent number: 6254654Abstract: A soil improver composition produced by digesting a mixture comprising leguminous plant material, igneous rock powder of particle size less than 350 microns, a biodegradable surfactant and water with composting microbes to produce said soil improver composition.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Inventor: Dirk Van Barneveld
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Patent number: 6245121Abstract: Provided is a process for the treatment of aqueous effluents containing organic and inorganic matter and having a solids content of at most 12% by weight to provide a purified liquid phase and a solid organic fertilizer or organic soil improver. The process includes subjecting the effluent to one or more primary liquid/solid separation steps to obtain a liquid medium containing no more than 3% by weight of dry matter and having a turbidity of at most 300 NTU and a collection of concentrates containing in total 15% by weight dry matter. The liquid medium is subjected to ultra filtration or micro filtration to obtain an ultra filtrate or a micro filtrate containing at most 1% by weight dry matter and having a turbidity of at most 100 NTU. The ultra filtrate or micro filtrate is subjected to a reverse osmosis operation to obtain a concentrate and a permeate. The permeate constitutes a purified aqueous phase.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1998Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Rhodia ChimieInventors: Pierre-Yves Lamy, Jean-Pierre Communal
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Patent number: 6231631Abstract: Compost of the present invention has a weight ratio (C/N) of carbon (C) to nitrogen (N) of 9.5 or less on completion of a compost treatment. Further, a method of the present invention for producing the compost comprises the steps of providing a compost material having the weight ratio (C/N) of carbon (C) to nitrogen (N) of 10.5 or less, and carrying out the compost treatment of the compost material by maintaining water content thereof substantially at 30-60%. Thus, the present invention provides the compost excellent in fertilizing activity and the production method thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1998Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: NKK CorporationInventor: Kazuyoshi Suzuki
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Patent number: 6224646Abstract: A waste treatment system is herein described. A microbial additive containing a mixture of enzymes and bacteria designed to produce anoxic degradation of the waste is added to the waste composed of liquid waste containing solid content and the waste is shredded and mixed, thereby resulting in waste having a more homogeneous texture. The waste is then heated while shredding and mixing continues. The heating process eliminates pathogens. The result is that a combination of anoxic and anaerobic microbial activity within the waste is promoted while the organic portion of the solid content is largely dissolved into liquids, gases and biomass. Following heating, shredding and mixing, the treated waste separates into waste liquid and waste solid as the unsolubilized solids precipitate out of solution.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Manitoba Ltd.Inventors: Claudio Arato, Martin Hildebrand
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Patent number: 6217628Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing compost, characterized in that when the compost is produced by inoculating aerobic composting seed bacteria to an organic waste material, the process comprises: supplying oxygen while the waste material is stirred, and supplying water so that the water content of the waste material is 60±5%, and to a process for producing compost, characterized in that when the compost is produced by inoculating aerobic composting seed bacteria to an organic waste material, the process comprises, after begining of the fermentation, adding sugars to the waste material in a divisional manner before a main fermentation is transferred to the amine/ammonium metabolic system. Further, according to the present invention, an apparatus for producing compost is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Sapporo Breweries LimitedInventors: Shinji Yagihashi, Toshio Kurihara, Shinji Yamashita, Fujio Kobayashi, Yasukazu Nakakita
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Patent number: 6200475Abstract: A method of converting organic waste to a useful end product by aerobic thermophilic fermentation process within a short period of time, includes the steps of mixing the organic waste that naturally contains microorganisms with the porous material as a fermentation medium in a mixing digester to form a waste mixture, providing an external heat source to transfer heat into the waste mixture of the organic waste and the porous material, maintaining the waste mixture at a thermophilic temperature to create microbial symbiosis and mutualism reaction to proliferate and grow beneficial thermophilic microorganisms between the porous material and microorganisms that naturally present in the organic waste and allowing whereby the microbial reaction to accelerate the organic waste fermentation and decomposition speed and decompose the organic waste into the usefil end product within a short period of time.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Inventor: Shen-Yuan Chen