US4238337A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methane gas producer using biological decomposition of waste matter
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1979-02-09
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Granted: 1980-12-09
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Expires: 1999-02-09
Abstract
Abstract A container for holding organic waste matter while it is being decomposed biologically to produce methane gas and other products. The container also houses one or more paddlewheels which stir the waste matter and assist in maintaining it at constant, elevated temperature. Temperature control means include a temperature sensor, heating pipes, and two external heat exchangers for stabilizing the temperature of the waste material. In addition, a two-way valve (controlled by the temperature sensor) switches liquid in the heating pipes from one heat exchanger to the other to maintain the predetermined operating temperature.
Inventors
- 👤 Melville F. Peters
- 👤 Walter T. Peters
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:31
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F3/00; C02F3/28; C12; C12M; C12M21/00; C12M21/04; C12M27/00; C12M27/02; C12M41/00; C12M41/12; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E50/00; Y02E50/30; Y02W; Y02W10/00; Y02W10/30; Y02W10/33; Y02W10/37
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
Apparatus for the production of methane gas by biological decomposition of waste matter comprising; a. a container for holding waste material, b. an elongated shaft rotatably mounted within the container said shaft enclosed in an elongated electrically conductive cylinder and provided with magnets which are rotated with the shaft within the cylinder to generate electric eddy currents in the cylinder thereby providing a first heat source within the container to warm the waste material, c. paddle means coupled to the shaft within the container and in contact with the waste matter, d. at least one external heat source to raise the temperature of the waste matter within the container, e. a power source coupled to the shaft to rotate the said shaft and paddle wheels said paddle wheels providing a second heat source within the container, f. means to control the temperature of the waste matter within the container, g. means to introduce waste matter into the container, and, h. outlet means to remove the methane gas and excess heat from the container.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
173 words
Apparatus for the production of methane gas by biological decomposition of waste matter comprising; a. a container for holding waste material, b. an elongated shaft rotatably mounted within the container said shaft enclosed in an elongated electrically conductive cylinder and provided with magnets which are rotated with the shaft within the cylinder to generate electric eddy currents in the cylinder thereby providing a first heat source within the container to warm the waste material, c. paddle means coupled to the shaft within the container and in contact with the waste matter, d. at least one external heat source to raise the temperature of the waste matter within the container, e. a power source coupled to the shaft to rotate the said shaft and paddle wheels said paddle wheels providing a second heat source within the container, f. means to control the temperature of the waste matter within the container, g. means to introduce waste matter into the container, and, h. outlet means to remove the methane gas and excess heat from the container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the power source for the second heat source is a wind driven screw mounted on the shaft outside the container.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the cylinder is made of a material of high electrical permeability.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 3 in which the paddle means is freely mounted upon the cylinder and is driven by the rotating magnets attached to the shaft.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-12-09 | 1984-06-09 | 1984-12-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-12-09 | 1988-06-09 | 1988-12-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-12-09 | 1992-06-09 | 1992-12-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |