AU2021100215A4 - Kitchen Waste Convert into an Organic Material Device - Google Patents

Abstract

Our invention "Kitchen Waste Convert into an Organic Material Device" is a biological toilet and an organic material recycling method in which human liquid and solid waste (i.e., excrement) and cellulosic material and, optionally, kitchen waste (i.e., food and paper scraps and the like kitchen garbage) are deposited into a receptacle and carried by pressure differential into a recycling or composting container. The invention also includes a environmental factors, including moisture, air, warmth and certain bacteria and worms (such as Eisenia Foeteda, the red worm) and other wormlike organisms, the organic material is composted or digested and reacted upon to produce a pleasant smelling, uniform, well granulated substantially neutral, active, compost-like plant nutritional material available for easy distribution. The invention is 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. The invention also provide 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 useful end product within a short period of time. 19 14 10B 90 2 8 17 FIG. 2 is a partial isometric view of the composting tank portion of subject invention system located remotely from toilet (i.e., in a garage, shop, etc.).

Description

10B

90

2 8

17

FIG. 2 is a partial isometric view of the composting tank portion of subject invention system located remotely from toilet (i.e., in a garage, shop, etc.).

Kitchen Waste Convert into an Organic Material Device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Our invention kitchen waste convert into an organic material device relates to a method of converting organic waste to use full end product by aerobic thermophilic fermentation process within a short period of time by using porous material, which may contain cultivated thermophilic microorganisms, as a fermentation medium, and external heat to achieve thermophilic temperature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the increased populations serviced by waste water treatment plants, the discharges from these plants, i.e, sludge, smelly gases, waste water, etc. have a negative effect on the environment. Also, the prohibitive cost of such central systems are of growing concern, bothinruraland urban areas.

Various alternatives are being proposed and made available to the presently generally used water toilet and the central collecting system. Chemical toilets, oil flush toilets, vacuum assisted water toilets, while being water savers, are still extensions of the sewer systems because they eventually have to be emptied into sewers or septic tanks.

Septic tanks aerobic or anaerobic are family sized treatment plants which may or may not clean up the discharge effluent water, and still require pumping to unload periodically with discharge into sewer systems.

The costs of publicly financed treatment facilities sewer and water in the United States can be as much as $5,000 per house served and more, depending on the remoteness of the plant, lot size, and topography.

The advantage of a public system is the absence of individual responsibility for waste disposal. But faced with the taxes and bonded indebtedness required to finance these public sewer and water systems, environmentally concerned citizens are prepared as never before to accept the challenge of controlling his own environment in a zero discharge household by recycling organic waste as plant nutrient, humus and food. Given the proper equipment the homeowner should be able to solve his own waste problems without creating a nuisance and at the same time using the nutritional potential of the processed waste to grow food.

The need for such equipment is obvious. Improper methods like burial of kitchen waste which is dug up by dogs, raccoons, etc. are not involved. Years of addiction to intensive cultivation, growing and harvesting by means of chemical fertilizers have left our rural and urban land in an urgent state of humus and nutrient deficiency. Composting and biological toilets attempt to provide the proper equipment. The "holding tank" type equipment has a long decomposing cycle not conducive to efficient recycling, but it requires a little looking after. It does not usually require adding of carbonaceous material for composting. This equipment is usually a tank upon which you sit to use, requiring the tank to be located below the floor level. It depends on an up-draft with an insulated vent through the roof to prevent odors in the bathroom. Flies and other bugs can be a problem. If composting is done, the carbonaceous material--leaves, sawdust, to be added must be stored near the equipment, or alternatively stack odors are objectionable when composting is not done. An alternative to the large volume holding tank type composting toilet is the electric heat coil assisted biological toilet, requiring the decomposing to occur directly beneath the seat in the bathroom. Urine is evaporated up the stack and decomposing is accelerated by the heating process. Composting presents problems in this unit because of its energy use and limited size.

Prior art consists among other things of the art of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,663,970; 3,808,609; 3,372,018; and 2,750,269, with the various art of reference therein.

Also note as generally related to the subject matter herein are U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,831,340; 3,716,371; 415,246; 3,345,152; 3,837,810; 3,853,480; 2,878,112; 3,248,175; 3,916,456; 3,136,608; 3,175,887; 3,840,907; 2,527,214; 3,499,420; 2,867,055; 4,108,625; 4,040,810; 4,032,318; 2,241,734 and 3,761,237.

Previously in toilets and human waste disposals of this type, the material was either directly supported on heated elements which caused dehydration and/or sterilization, and, therefore, prevented effective fermentation, as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,916,456; or only the liquid portion of the waste material is warmed and this is recirculated with the more solid elements, as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,808,609, thus allowing for liquid phase fermentation. In still other prior art, the method of using ball or semi-ball type valves to allow a vacuum or pressure differential to transport the fecal and liquid matter to a container are disclosed in patents, such as U.S. Pat. No. 3,553,970 and the art of reference therein, and a prior art patent, U.S. Pat. No. 3,457,567, by the inventor, who disclosed the invention shown in the numbered application. In all of these patents there is a method shown which in effect transports the organic material from a temporary repository or container to another less temporary container that is a storing and collecting repository or container wherein further operations must be separately performed on the effluent material.

PRIOR ART SEARCH

US2527214A *1948-09-011950-10-24Graves Forrest Glenn Compost tank US3499420A*1968-05-031970-03-10Charles W Atwell Bedding composition and packaging for worms US3916456A*1971-04-161975-11-04Inventor Ab Ope Container for the mouldering of organic waste US4108625A *1975-11-261978-08-22Okada Seimen Yugen Kaisha Method of, and apparatus for producing fertilizer by utilizing earthworms

Large quantities of organic waste are produced from families and processing plants in the city and urban area every day. Animal wastes are the largest source of both nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. It accounts for about more than half of total nitrogen loading and two-third of total phosphorous loading to the issue. As the production of livestock and poultry largely concentrated in certain regions and states, the air and water pollution problems have come along from the generation of manure. The most common methods include disposing organic waste to sanitary landfill and processing in composting facilities. Due to the limited landfill spaces and the public resistance to new landfill, an alternative solution of waste problem becomes an urgent issue nowadays.

In fact, all organic wastes contain ambient nutrients for agriculture and animal feed industry. Composting manure and food residuals can reduce the biological activity and moisture. The organic matter in compost improves soil nutrient-holding and water retaining capabilities which reduce fertilizer requirements and erosion while enhancing soil tilled. It also reduces odor and fly problem. While there are many benefits for composting, there is no promise to solve all manure and waste management problems. A composting operation takes time and money to manage and maintain. It will take extra land and mature time, usually from 3 weeks to 2 months. Compost windrows and storage facilities for raw materials will occupy large land and building space. With larger operations, composting becomes a very capital- and labor-intensive task. The most serious problem that can be developed with composting is run-off and odor pollution. If the compost pile contains too much nitrogen, ammonia odor becomes intolerable to neighbors. The excessive runoff and leachate are other potential pollution problems.

It is well known by using thermophilic microorganisms naturally present in the waste to dispose organic waste material. Pathogen and other contaminants in waste material are destroyed as the temperature raised up to 80 C. This method increases safety usage of the end products. Several technologies have taught the using of thermophilic fermentation method to process organic wastes. For example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,810,903 (1998), 5,702,499 (1997), 4,292,328 (1981), 4,132,638 (1979), 3,864,247 (1975), 3,838,198 (1974), 3,745,113 (1973), 3,462,275 (1969).

Some other technologies introduce the using of porous material to immobilize and proliferate microorganisms for wastewater treatment or other applications. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,863,789 (1999), 5,595,893 (1997), 5,240,611 (1993), 5,185,255 (1993), ,180,495 (1993). U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,903, issued to Branconnier et al, suggests a process for thermophilic aerobic fermentation organic waste. The fermentation process utilizes thermophilic microorganisms initiated over a period of time from 2 to 6 days. Then, the process that completely converts the organic waste to end products requires about 24 to 48 hours. This whole procedure requires complicated operation and equipment.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,499, issued to Timmenga, discloses a waste conversion by liquid thermophilic aerobic digestion. This method needs to carefully monitor and control the thermophilic digestion process for the determination of the length of the process. The 'end point'varies greatly with quality of the material processed and must be identified for each batch. U.S. Pat. No. 4,292,328, issued to Coulthard et al, teaches a thermophilic aerobic digestion process for producing animal nutrients and other digested products. This method introduces air into the agitated mixture to bring temperature to at least 55 C. without using external heat and cause thermophilic microbial digestion of waste material. The complete process needs at least 4 days to complete.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,132,638, issued to Carlsson, suggests an aerobic thermophilic degradation with enzyme addition. Enzyme is added to promote degradation prior to preheated material. The degradation treatment takes 10 days to complete. The treatment has three critical factors needed to take care before process: particle size, dry matter, and pH must be satisfied.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,864,247, issued to Fuchs, discloses a biological decomposition of organic material by thermophilic microorganisms. This method does not use heat addition for thermophilic microbial activity. The process time needs 5 days. U.S. Pat. 3,838,198, issued to Bellamy et al, introduces a conditioning raw waste input for digestion by thermophilic aerobic microorganisms. This method preheats material between 75 C. to 850 C. for a period of about 1 to 2 days. It does not mention the length of process time.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,745,113, issued to Fuchs et al, suggests a biological decomposition of organic material. This treatment brings heat to at least 42° C. by thermophilic microbial activity without external heat addition. It takes 6 to 10 days to process. U.S. Pat. No. 3,462,275, issued to Bellamy, teaches a waste conversion process and product. The treatment utilizes a liquid medium with a thermophilic microorganism to convert waste.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,789, issued to Komatsu et al, discloses a microorganism-holding carrier and method for remediation of soil employing the carrier. This application uses hydrophilic polymer for holding microorganisms to manifest a biological action of microorganisms to remedy soil. U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,893, issued to Pometto, III et al, suggests an immobilizing of microorganisms on a support made of synthetic polymer and plant material. This method uses synthetic polymer to immobilize microorganism to form a biofilm reaction for use in continuous formation in waste treatment system to remove contaminants and to reduce biochemical oxygen demand levels.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,611, issued to Burton, discloses an organic waste recycling system and method. This method utilizes porous material to treat liquid-borne organic waste.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,255, issued to Endo et al, suggests a cell culture method which uses porous material to proliferate microorganisms. U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,495, issued to Thier et al, suggests a water purification process which uses porous material populated by one or more microorganisms to purify water.

A common disadvantage of the above mentioned conventional arts is either the procedure is too complicated or needs more than 3 days to finish a complete process cycle or for water treatment purpose. Although every patent presents a thermophilic method to process organic waste or uses porous material to carry microorganisms, none of them are designed to use porous material, which may contain cultivated thermophilic microorganisms, as a fermentation medium to decompose waste matters within 24 hours. Neither of these inventions offers an easy and simple operation procedure and low capital investment on equipment.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

1. The objective of the invention is to provide a method of converting organic waste by thermophilic fermentation which is an innovative and improved method to decompose organic waste and produce useful end products at the same time. It substantially reduces the processing time to less than 12 hours. Since the fermentation is processed in thermophilic temperature, the end product is pathogen and weeds free. 2. The other objective of the invention is to provide a method of converting organic waste by thermophilic fermentation, which is an on-site waste solution to treat the organic waste within one day. The present invention prevents second pollution from using truck to move wastes to another site. It also reduces the burden of landfill and waste handling expenses. 3. The other objective of the invention is to provide a method of converting organic waste by thermophilic fermentation, which requires an affordable low capital investment on equipment. Farms can produce methane by themselves and use the methane to supply heat. 4. The other objective of the invention is to provide a method of converting organic waste by thermophilic fermentation to form useful end product that contains ambient nutrients and protein. 5. The other objective of the invention is to provide a symbiosis and mutualism reaction to proliferate and grow beneficial microorganisms and control pathogen in the soil. This improves soil structure and nutrients that helps roots to grow. When it is used as animal feed supplements, the fermented product contains protein and other nutrients that improve animal digestion rate and then growth in better quality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The organic material recycling method of the present invention comprises initially filling a holding tank or container from about 1/10 to about 1/2 full with cellulosic material or with a mixture of cellulosic material and top soil, the cellulosic material being any readily available cellulosic material, in varying stages of decay, including deciduous leaves, sawdust, waste paper, cornstalks, hay, rice hulls, palm fronds, tree bark, peat moss or the like. The manner in which the tank is filled with the initial charge and the relative amounts of cellulosic material and top soil are not critical; however, it has been found that the use of a volume ratio of cellulosic material to topsoil ranging from about 6:1 to 1:1 is desirable.

In a preferred embodiment, the tank may be filled approximately 1/3 full with a layered mixture comprising a first layer of shredded leave and peat moss (in a 6:1 to 1:1 volume ratio), a second layer of peat moss and topsoil (in a 1:2 to 2:1 volume ratio), and a third layer of shredded leaves. This initial charge of cellulosic material or cellulosic material and topsoil will provide a source of nitrogen consuming bacteria which will break down any urine subsequently deposited into the tank. The nitrogen consuming bacteria which inherently will be present in decomposing cellulosic material and which will multiply rapidly under the conditions existing in the tank, also will aid in the decomposition of the cellulosic material and prevent the formation of ammonia gas.

After the initial charge of cellulosic material or cellulosic material and top soil is deposited in the holding tank, a charge of worms, such as Eisenia Foeteda or the like, is added. Depending upon the size of the holding tank, the number of worms added may vary over wide limits. However, since the worms will grow and multiply in the tank, the number of worms added is not critical. Thus, for a vertically oriented, generally cylindrical holding tank having a diameter of about 3 feet and a height of about 6 feet, the number of worms added to the initial charge may be as low as about 20-30, and as high as about 50,000 or more. Normally, however, a charge of about 2,000 to about 5,000 worms would be added to a tank of this size. Preferably the lower numbers should be added initially because worms must avoid the initial high temperature of composting. When sufficient material has passed through this stage the 2,000 to 5,000 worms can be added.

After initially charging the holding tank with cellulosic material and worms, the tank would be sealed and connected to a toilet or hopper such that any material deposited in the hopper could be transferred by suitable pressure differential means onto the top of the material in the holding tank.

The subsequent loading of the holding tank would be due to the transfer of human waste and, optionally, kitchen garbage from the hopper, and to periodic additions of cellulosic material directly into the tank. The periodic addition of cellulosic material into the holding tank is desirable so as to ensure an environment which is favorable for the worms' growth and reproduction cycles, and for the development of the desired soil-like composted product. The amount of cellulosic material which is added for this purpose may vary over relatively wide limits, but generally speaking, the volume of cellulosic material added during each periodic addition should be from about 1/2 to about 3 times the volume of the solid wastes transferred from the hopper between such periodic additions of cellulosic material, with generally equal volumes being preferred. Visual monitoring may be provided by an observation post in the side of the tank to assure the complete covering of the excrement pile with cellulosic material.

The material in the holding tank is consumed by the worms and bacteria, and is converted, from the bottom of the tank upward, into a non-odiferous soil-like composted mass containing worms, worm castings, and worm capsules. This composted mass is removed periodically from the bottom of the holding tank.

The length of time required for material deposited in the upper portions of the tank to be consumed, composted, and withdrawn from the bottom of the tank may vary over considerable limits depending, in part, on the size of the tank, the ratio and absolute amounts of cellulosic material and human wastes being treated, the number of worms in the tank, etc. However, material deposited near the top of the tank normally is fully composted in a period of from about 6 to about 15 months.

As should be apparent from the foregoing, the present method generally is performed on a continuous or at least semi-continuous basis. Accordingly, a large portion of the castings, worms, capsules, and undigested organic matter is left in the tank after unloading as a "seed" bed and to insure the continued growth of the worms and their cultures, so that they can, along with the nitrogen consuming bacteria, complete the process of digesting newly added organic material and turning it from a smelly mess into a pleasant smelling and pleasant appearing granular compost or soil-like material. Generally speaking, when periodic removals of composted material are made, the "seed" bed left in the tank should occupy no less than about 1/3 of the volume of the tank, with "seed" beds ranging from about 1/3 to 9/10 of the tank volume being preferred.

It is a significant feature of this invention that there is practically no extra liquid needed or used, as is usually used for flushing excrement into any retaining or septic tank. Thus, the organic material being composted is placed in a situation or environment in which it is warm, (500 to 100 F., preferably 75 to 90 F.) and moist (30% to 100% humidity, preferably about 80%), but not too wet. The combination of air, urine, fecal matter, cellulosic material, organic waste (i.e., kitchen garbage) and this warm and moist condition with a high percentage of solids is the ideal situation for the growth and development of the brandling and similar type worms so that they can continually change, by their digestive processes, the smelly coliform, bacteria-laden material deposited into the tank into a non-odiferous, nearly neutral, stable compost matter.

A number of advantages are accomplished in accordance with the present recycling waste disposal method and apparatus, as follows:

1. Composting with cellulosic materials is used to obtain the richest end product, and prevent loss of nitrogen by the formation of ammonia, often associated with the toilets in which composting is not done;

2. Aerobic decay occurs without forced ventilation and without heating or mechanical agitation because the tank is well drained and ventilated;

3. A vacuum delivery system from toilet to the holding tank provides a positive automatic seal between the process tank and the toilet to eliminate bathroom odors. The process tank can be as remote as needed, preferably in an area where carbonaceous material and garbage and table scraps can easily be added and where "compost tea" (i.e. liquid drainage) and humus can easily be withdrawn. It can be located at a shed, workshop or garage nearby;

4. The vacuum delivery provides an initial dispersion and aeration of the excrement unobtainable in other systems. This immediate contact with air is equivalent to over a year's exposure in a holding tank type composter.

5. Worms are used in the tank, to aerate the mass rather than have to depend on mechanical agitation. The worms accelerate the decomposing cycle time to such an extent that the volume of the tank required to handle volume is greatly reduced, approximately three times less than that which would be required of waste matter if the holding tank were used without worms. The worms, when ingesting and excreting their daily volume of material (generally equal to their own weight), increase by many times the surface area of that which they eat. The population of the nitrogen consuming bacteria in the tank is directly proportional to the surface area on which they feed. Thus stabilization is rapidly accelerated as evidenced by the MPN (most probable number) of fecal coli tests of the end product usually ranging from zero to 1 organism program--many times safer than that obtained with other systems. The worms by their digesting of the waste material improve the nutrient properties of the compost remaining in the tank by means of converting it into worm castings. Castings are reported to be two or three times as rich in available nutrients as the material which the worms consume;

6. The vacuum system employed eliminates the expensive through the roof stack;

7. Air circulation is limited in the tank to that which is sufficient to maintain the biological decay without lowering the temperature. The tank is insulated to retain compost action heat in order to maintain a high level of activity in all seasons;

8. The odors associated with using water toilets common to the unvented bathroom are eliminated;

9. The odors and "bugs in the house" problems associated with other compost toilets are completely eliminated by the vacuum and ball valve automatic seal.

10. By utilizing continuous drainage of the process tank, an environment is provided in which the earthworms have sufficient moisture. The small amount of water sprayed into the bowl to clean the bowl of the toilet turns out to be approximately just sufficient for what the worms require and also sufficient to maintain proper aerobic conditions in which to multiply. The end result is the formation of a nutrient-rich humus, which is periodically withdrawn from the bottom of the tank, to use as fertilizer.

Worm egg capsules and worms also are in the humus which can assure an increase in worm soil population in the garden area to which it is applied. The nutrient-rich odorless compost tea (drainage) can be sprinkled on composting cellulosic material in bins to produce heat and humus. The resulting saturated cellulosic material can then be fed to the worm in an outdoor pit to increase the amount of fertilizer obtained. As much as 3 tons of fertilizer can be produced each year in this manner with one toilet and four users.

11. The tank charging means utilizes a central delivery of both human waste, kitchen waste, and cellulosic material in order that a balance activity and layering of said waste can occur. This layering is beneficial to the composting process; and

12. Aside from the above advantages, a benefit which results is that the homeowner can discover that even his residual cellulosic trash now, with the messy organic garbage, is completely recyclable, by the simple expedient of separation of metals, glass, plastics from paper and cellulosic materials. All of this material is recyclable.

Accordingly, in order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides a method of converting organic waste to useful end product by aerobic thermophilic fermentation process within a short period of time by using porous material, which may contain cultivated thermophilic microorganisms, as a fermentation medium and external heat to achieve thermophilic temperature. The reader will see that the processing method of this invention can decompose organic waste into animal feed supplements or organic fertilizer within a short period of time and create sustainable environment. In addition, a distinctive feature of the present invention is to use porous material as a fermentation medium to create microbial symbiosis and mutualism reaction with microorganisms that naturally present in the organic waste. The microbial symbiosis and mutualism reaction proliferates and grows beneficial thermophilic microorganisms on the porous bed inside the porous material, and then accelerates organic waste fermentation and decomposition speed so as to decomposes organic waste into the useful end product within a short period of time.

Substantially, the present invention has several additional advantages as follows.

(a) Provide a sustainable environment solution.

(b) Merely require a short period of time to decompose organic waste, within 12 hours at most.

(c) Provide an on-site in-vessel waste solution with small land requirement.

(d) Provide a method to process larger volume than traditional in-vessel method.

(e) Provide a low capital investment to handle organic waste management.

(f) Provide an easy turnkey operation with less labor involved to handle organic waste management.

(g) Provide a processing method to prevent excessive nutrient run-off pollution and leachate problem.

(h) Produce a pathogen and weeds free end product.

(i) The end product is organic fertilizer or animal feed supplements with comfortable smell, so as to provide a farmer saves fertilizer or animal feeds expenses and earns extra income by selling organic fertilizer or animal feed supplements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAM

FIG. 1 is an isometric view with a partial cut-away showing toilet of subject invention with the standard personal seat not shown. FIG. 2 is a partial isometric view of the composting tank portion of subject invention system located remotely from toilet (i.e., in a garage, shop, etc.). FIG. 3 is an isometric view showing a modification of toilet in FIG. 1, showing a mechanical valve closer. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a method of converting organic waste by thermophilic fermentation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a mixing apparatus with blenders driven by a motor and with burner beneath the apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a rotary tank with blenders inside to mix the material and with burner beneath the rotary tank according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

To use the toilet 30, a wall or hopper switch 1 is turned on causing shaded pole gear motor 2 to rotate shaft 3 a quarter turn to cause the ball holding valve 4 to be rotated to the full open position. The rotation of shaft 3 is stopped at 1/4 turn by shoulder on cam lobe 5 striking stop 6. Motor 2 continues to be energized applying torque to shaft 3 and holding valve 4 in an open position. At approximately 3/8 of a turn cam 5 actuates switch 7 which turns on vacuum motor 8 shown in FIG. 2 and located in holding or composting tank 24. The toilet is now ready to be used 5 seconds after turning on switch. A vacuum is created in tank 24 shown in FIG. 2.

This vacuum "sucks" closed the upper and lower screened flap vent valves 9a and 9b (FIG. 2), causing all of the vacuum "suction" to be applied to the conduit pipe 10 from the toilet. Thus the air flow continues while the user uses the toilet 30. The air is DE moisturized by passing through sponge filter 11. All fecal matter, wipe paper, urine, etc. is transported out the end 26 of the conduit pipe 10 directly to the top center of the holding tank where it is deflected against non-stick Teflon plate 12 and deposited in the center of the tank by gravity. After use, the hopper 31 of the toilet 30 is sprayed (at 33) with an ordinary garden type sprayer 32 filled with water (not shown) kept handy to the toilet. Normally one or two ounces of water is sufficient to clean the hopper.

After spraying the hopper switch 1 is turned off, reenergizing motor 2. Ball valve 4 and motor shaft 3 are returned to the 1/4 turn closed position by wind spring 13. At 1/3 turn cam 5 turns off switch 7 shutting off the vacuum motor. The closed ball valve provides a positive air, (bug and odor) seal until the toilet is used again, at which time the vacuum retains odor and flies if any are in the tank.

In the upper right corner of the tank, (FIG. 3, Section A-A), air from either the vacuum motor 8 when the toilet is in use, or from the normal convection when air vent flap valve 9a when the toilet is not in use, is exhausted through outlet 14 to a flexible vent hose (not shown) through the wall to the outside atmosphere.

Removable top 15 with attached deflector 12 can be opened when shredded leaves, etc. or garbage or other cellulosic material is placed in the tank periodically (3 or 4 times per week), according to usage. Consequently, a piling and layering of all materials occurs in the tank which aids in composting. In one embodiment, the tank is initially filled to start the operation with approximately 1/3 of a tank full of a mixture comprising shredded leaves and peat moss topped with a mixture of peat moss and topsoil and this is covered with a layer of leaves. Approximately 3,000 worms are added into the topsoil peat moss mixture. Then the tank lid is bolted on and vacuum tubes are connected.

This initial charge of cellulosic material and topsoil inherently provides the nitrogen consuming bacteria necessary to break down the urine to utilize the nitrogen while also decomposing the shredded leaves. This prevents the formation of ammonia gas.

The subsequently loaded layered materials 27, 28 and 29 due to toilet usage and garbage and cellulosic material additions is consumed by the worms and bacteria, which proceed from the bottom, as the pile height increases in the tank.

A porous membrane 16 defining a pressure resistive grille retains all solids and allows liquid drainage by gravity to fill tote buckets 17 and 18 sequentially (filling of bucket 18 not shown), thus preventing any buildup of liquid in the tank which would consequently create an undesirable anaerobic condition. The membrane 16 may comprise a porous rigid foam plastic material, or stainless steel mesh.

Drainage quantity may vary, but for a family of 4 approximately 5 to 8 gallons per week of drainage is removed. This drainage, which is highly nutritious for plants, is an odorless dark colored liquid which can be sprinkled directly between plant rows in the garden, on mulch, over other composting material, or on lawns, if diluted. Up to 4 five-gallon tote buckets may be placed beneath the tank 24 and connected with overflow tubes for convenience.

When the toilet 30 is not in use as adequate circulation of air to aid decomposing enters the tank bottom through access opening 19, then through lower screened flap valve 9b and up vertical vent 20 to the top of the tank. The air then circulates through screened upper flap vent 9a and to outlet 14. If the tank is inside a house, a flexible hose can be attached to outlet and can be run through an outside wall in a known manner. In winter, by attaching an insulated skirt 25 under tank 24, the drainage tote buckets may be kept from freezing.

The exterior of both the tank and the lid are insulated, for example, with polyurethane. The inside surface of the tank can be rigid material such as fiberglass or molded plastic or bent sheet metal coated with fiberglass. The tank is supported above the floor on legs 21.

As the tank begins to fill small quantities of the odorless peat moss-like composted material can be withdrawn periodically from the bottom maintaining the tank at least about 1/3 to about 1/2 full at all times. To unload the tank, hatch 22 is opened and composted material is shoveled out through opening 23 until porous membrane 16 is exposed. The membrane may be removed and backwashed with a garden hose and returned to service. A stop place (not shown) is inserted in opening 23 to improve vacuum in the tank.

In FIG. 3 the Bio-Recycler foot operated valve modification operates as follows:

The user depresses foot pedal 39 which pivots arm 40 about shaft 41 and raises toothed rack guide 42 which rotates gear 34, a quarter turn to the full open position of the ball valve 4. Guide 42 also deflects switch arm 35 of switch 7 which turns on vacuum motor 8 (FIG. 2) as described above.

Catch 36 holds the pedal down during use. After use by pressing the front end of pedal 39 with one's toe, the pedal rotates slightly about pedal shaft 37 and catch 36 releases the pedal. Spring 38 then returns pedal 30 to the starting position. Vacuum switch arm 35 of switch 7 turns off vacuum motor 8 and ball valve 4 is closed by means of return spring 13.

Referring to FIG. 4, a method of converting organic waste by aerobic thermophilic fermentation process according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, which comprises the following steps.

(1) Provide a predetermined amount of porous material.

(2) Mix an organic waste with the porous material, which may contain the cultivated thermophilic microorganisms, as a fermentation medium in a mixing digester to form a waste mixture.

(3) Heat the waste mixture to a thermophilic temperature between 45 C. and 1000 C. by providing an external heat source to transfer heat into the waste mixture.

(4) Maintain the thermophilic temperature between 45° C. and 1000 C. for microbial symbiosis and mutualism reaction to continuously proliferate and grow beneficial thermophilic microorganisms between the porous material and microorganisms naturally presented in the organic waste.

(5) Allow the microbial symbiosis and mutualism reaction to accelerate the speed of a fermentation and decomposition of organic waste until the organic waste is converted into a useful end product within a predetermined period of time.

In step (1), the porous material can be, but not limited to, charcoal, coal, oyster shell, clam shell, sea shell, egg shell, rice husk, corn husk, starch, bone, wood, feather, glass, ceramic, gypsum, porcelain, clay, diatomaceous earth, minerals, polymer, metal or a combination thereof.

Moreover, in step (1), the total weight of the porous material to be mixed with the organic waste is 1% to 10% (preferably 5%) of the weight of the organic waste to be converted. Besides, the thermophilic microorganisms are selected from the group comprising microorganisms culture of thermophilic Actinomycetes, thermophilic Pseudomonad ales, thermophilic Eubacteiales, and thermophilic fungi.

In step (2), the present invention is specifically suitable for converting organic waste including animal manure, animal fecal matters, animal carcass, food wastes, food processing waste, green waste, and kitchen waste.

After step (2) and before step (3), the present invention can further comprise an additional step of adding water into the waste mixture to maintain a 60% to 70% moisture level.

In step (4), the waste mixture is agitated with heat in an aerobic condition and the odor produced during fermentation is sucked into a deodorizer before emitting to the atmosphere. Moreover, under the thermophilic temperature, between 45 C. and 100 C., the microbial symbiosis and mutualism reaction is conducted between the porous material that contains the cultivated thermophilic microorganism as the fermentation medium and microorganisms that naturally present in the organic waste, and that the microbial symbiosis and mutualism reaction proliferates and grows beneficial thermophilic microorganisms on the porous bed inside the porous material.

In step (5), the end product will be discharged when a moisture content thereof drops to about 30%.

Referring to FIG. 5, the method of converting organic waste by aerobic thermophilic fermentation process can be processed within a mixing apparatus 1 as the mixing digester. The mixing apparatus 1 comprises a plurality of blenders 11 which is driven by a motor for mixing the organic waste that naturally contains microorganisms, such as animal manure, carcass, and kitchen waste, received in batch with the porous material as fermentation medium, which may contain the thermophilic microorganisms, to form a waste mixture.

A heat source 2 such as a burner 21 is installed beneath the mixing apparatus 1 to transfer heat to the waste mixture in the mixing apparatus 1. A receiving hole 14 is provided on a topside cover 13 of mixing apparatus 1. At least four wheels 10 are connected to a bottom 15 of mixing apparatus 1 for easy to move around. A discharge hole 16, which is provided at a comer of the bottom 15, can be closed by a discharge door 17. A conveyor or cart 18 is positioned adjacent to the discharge hole 16 to receive finished end products.

The mixing apparatus 1 further comprises an air pump 19 to suck hot fume through a pipe25which is extended from a heat fume cover24of the burner21. The air pump 19 injects the hot fume into the mixing apparatus 1 for the purpose of supply hot air for aerobic fermentation, recover and recycle heat and reduce the surrounding room temperature.

The heat source 2, i.e. the burner 21, further comprises an inflow tube 22 for supplying heat to the waste mixture inside the mixing apparatus 1 and a temperature control device 23 for controlling the gas inflow so as to maintain the waste mixture inside the mixing apparatus 1 at a thermophilic temperature between 45° C. and 100° C.

The mixing apparatus 1 also comprises a deodorizer 3 connected to an outside wall of the mixing apparatus 1 for removing the odor of the gas produced during the process before emitting to the atmosphere, and a sucking fan 31 for sucking the processing odor through an air outflow pipe 30 into the deodorizer 3. Then, the clean air emits through an air outflow pipe 32 into the atmosphere.

Referring to FIG. 3, the method of converting organic waste by aerobic thermophilic fermentation process can also be processed within a rotary tank 1 a according to another embodiment of the mixing digester. The rotary tank la also comprises a plurality of blenders 11 a therein and a rolling motor 12 a for rolling the rotary tank 1 a. A receiving hole 14 a is located on a topside of the rotary tank 1 a and a topside cover 13 a is connected to the receiving hole 14 a for covering the receiving hole 14 a of the rotary tank 1 a.

A discharge hole 16 a with a discharge door 17 a is provided at an opposite bottom 15 a side of the receiving hole 14 a. A heat source 2 a, for example a burner 21 a, is installed underneath the bottom 15 a to transfer heat to the waste mixture in the rotary tank 1 a. A conveyor or cart 18 a is positioned closed to the discharge hole 16 a to receive the end products.

The rotary tank la further comprises an air pump 19 a for sucking hot fume through a pipe 25 extended from a heat fume cover 24 a of the burner 21 a. The air pump 19 a injects the hot fume into the rotary tank 1 a for the purpose of supply hot air for aerobic fermentation, recover and recycle heat and reduce the surrounding room temperature.

The heat source 2 a, for example the burner 21 a, also comprises an inflow tube 22 a and supplies heat to the waste mixture inside the rotary tank 1 a and a temperature control device 23 a for controlling the gas inflow and the thermophilic temperature between 45 C. and 1000 C.

A deodorizer 3 a is connected to an outside wall of the rotary tank 1 which has a sucking fan 31 a adapted to suck the processing odor through an air outflow pipe 30 a into the deodorizer 3 a. Then, the clean air emits through an air outflow pipe 32 a into atmosphere.

According to the present invention, in order to start the process by means of the mixing apparatus 1 or the rotary tank 1 a as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 respectively, the porous material that contains cultivated thermophilic microorganisms is introduced into and mixed with the organic waste material to form the waste mixture in the mixing apparatus 1 or the rotary tank 1 a through the receiving hole 14 or 14 a, wherein the total weight of the porous material to be mixed with the organic waste is approximately 5% of the weight of the organic waste to be converted. If necessary, water can be added to the waste mixture to maintain at 60% to 70% moisture level at the starting point. The burner 21 or 21 a transfer's heat into the waste mixture. The flow and temperature control device 23 or 23 a maintains the thermophilic temperature of the waste mixture between 450 C. and 1000 C. The waste mixture is agitated with heat in an aerobic condition.

The thermophilic temperature brings microbial symbiosis and mutualism reaction between porous material that contains the cultivated thermophilic microorganism as the fermentation medium and microorganisms that naturally present in the organic waste. The microbial symbiosis and mutualism reaction proliferates and grows beneficial thermophilic microorganisms on the porous bed inside the porous material, and then accelerates organic waste decomposition speed so as to decompose the organic waste into useful end product within a short period of time. The odor during fermentation is sucked into the deodorizer 3 or 3 a through the sucking fan 31 or 31 a. As moisture content drops to about 30%, the end product is discharged. The end products are discharged through the discharged hole 16 or 16 a to the conveyor or cart 18 or 18 a to pile up or bag for market.

Preferably, the structure of porous material is open porosity with high surface area to volume ratio. The thermophilic microorganism cultivates on the porous bed inside the porous material.

As mentioned above, the process is preferably to adjust the moisture level between 60% to 70% at the starting point. The process operates over wide range of pH level without the addition of pH adjusting agents.

The mixing digester can be all kinds of aerobic mixing during processing. It can be a mixing apparatus, rotary tank, and mixing bay. The mixing apparatus may be a mixing container with and without blenders and the rotary tank can selectively comprise immobilized and rotated blenders. A mixing bay may comprise a building structure with turner consisting of open roof and enclosed roof and open wall and enclosed wall.

Furthermore, it is possible to operate process batch, semi-continuous, and continuous basis. As each mixing digester connects to each other with conveyer, the single batch process becomes semi-continuous or continuous basis. As rotary tank has enough length, correct RPM, and flow angel, the process is continuous basis.

Moreover, the external heat source includes all kind of energy sources, like natural gas, propane, methane, electricity, steam, or solar energy. The mixture temperature prefers to maintain between 450 C. and 1000 C. to conduct microbial symbiosis and mutualism reaction between the porous material that contains the cultivated thermophilic microorganism as the fermentation medium and the microorganisms that naturally present in the organic waste. The microbial symbiosis and mutualism reaction proliferates and grows beneficial thermophilic microorganisms on the porous bed inside the porous material, and then accelerates organic waste decomposition speed so as to decompose the organic waste into useful end product within a short period of time.

The deodorizer 3, 3 a contains water pump, damp wood slice, activated charcoal or coal to deodorize odor before emitting to atmosphere.

In view of above, the end product is pathogen and weeds free since the process is under thermophilic temperature. The end products from organic waste are typically dry, granular, powdery and contain different nutrients and protein. Besides using as fertilizer, it is suitable for feeding to animal as part of animal's nutrient diet.

In order to further illustrate the features of the present invention, an experimental example is introduced thereafter. The process is performed with about 15 cubic yard chicken manure, 10 chicken carcass, 20 pounds of fish waste, and 20 pounds' vegetable wastes. All of the organic wastes are mixed with the porous material, about 5% by solid weight, which contains cultivated thermophilic microorganisms inside of mixing apparatus. A gas infrared burner is installed underneath the mixing digester to transfer heat into the waste mixture.

The waste mixture moisture level maintains around 60% to 70% when started. The blenders mix the mixture during processing to maintain aerobic condition. The mixture temperature arrives to a thermophilic temperature at 45 C. to 500 C. one hour later after started. Two hours later, the thermophilic temperature rises to 70° C. Some feathers are taken off from the chicken body; some carcasses have already divided into pieces. The decomposition rate is roughly about 10% to 15%. Four hours later, the thermophilic temperature arrives to 90° C. All vegetables and fishes are decomposed. The chicken carcass has already been decomposed around 50% to 60%. The nuisance odor smell of chicken manure has disappeared. Six hours later, decomposition finished. There are only very few bones left over. The decomposition rate is about 99%.

The end product has medium powder size with light brown color and comfortable smell. The end product is a very good organic fertilizer that contains a N-P-K of 2.3-0.6-4.0 and a C/N ratio of 11.

It is to be understood that the above described embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention and that minor variations may be made therein which will not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (4)

WE CLAIM

1. Our invention "Kitchen Waste Convert into an Organic Material Device" is a biological toilet and an organic material recycling method in which human liquid and solid waste (i.e., excrement) and cellulosic material and, optionally, kitchen waste (i.e., food and paper scraps and the like kitchen garbage) are deposited into a receptacle and carried by pressure differential into a recycling or composting container. The invention also includes a environmental factors, including moisture, air, warmth and certain bacteria and worms (such as Eisenia Foeteda, the red worm) and other wormlike organisms, the organic material is composted or digested and reacted upon to produce a pleasant smelling, uniform, well granulated substantially neutral, active, compost-like plant nutritional material available for easy distribution. The invention is 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. The invention also provide 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 useful end product within a short period of time.

2. According to claims# the invention is to a biological toilet and an organic material recycling method in which human liquid and solid waste (i.e., excrement) and cellulosic material and, optionally, kitchen waste (i.e., food and paper scraps and the like kitchen garbage) are deposited into a receptacle and carried by pressure differential into a recycling or composting container.

3. According to claim,2# the invention is to a environmental factor, including moisture, air, warmth and certain bacteria and worms (such as Eisenia Foeteda, the red worm) and other wormlike organisms, the organic material is composted or digested and reacted upon to produce a pleasant smelling, uniform, well granulated substantially neutral, active, compost-like plant nutritional material available for easy distribution.

4. According to claiml,2,3# the invention is to 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? 5. According to claim,2,4# the invention is to a 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 useful end product within a short period of time.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view with a partial cut-away showing toilet of subject invention with the standard personal seat not shown.

FIG. 2 is a partial isometric view of the composting tank portion of subject invention system located remotely from toilet (i.e., in a garage, shop, etc.).

FIG. 3 is an isometric view showing a modification of toilet in FIG. 1, showing a mechanical valve closer.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a method of converting organic waste by thermophilic fermentation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a mixing apparatus with blenders driven by a motor and with burner beneath the apparatus according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a rotary tank with blenders inside to mix the material and with burner beneath the rotary tank according to the above preferred embodiment of the present invention.