f Compositions and methods of making and using the compositions for improving soil and/or plant growth and improved soil, improved plants, and/or improved seeds By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A composition comprising at least one nutrient element, wherein the at least one nutrient element possesses a relative energy-state value greater than the relative energy-state value of the at least one nutrient element in a preexisting state, the composition being effective, perhaps because of the greater energy-state value, to improve the ability of a soil, when combined with the composition, to support plant growth better than the soil, when not combined with the composition. Also a composition comprising at least one nutrient element, wherein the composition possesses an energy spectrum more positive than the energy spectrum of the composition in a preexisting state, the composition being effective, perhaps because of the more positive energy spectrum, to improve the ability of a soil, when combined with the composition, to support plant growth better than the soil, when not combined with the composition. Methods of making and using the same for improving soil, plants, plant growth, seeds, and/or plant products, including quality of plant products, are also disclosed, as well as improved soil, seeds, including quality of seeds, plants, and/or plant products, including quality of plant product. Full Article
f Anti-caking compositions for fertilizers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST The invention relates to novel compositions for preventing caking and crust formation in several types of manures or fertilizers in the form of granular solids. Said compositions comprise at least one phosphoric ester and at least one fatty trialkylamine of formula (III) whereinR1 represents a linear or branched alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group containing between 6 and 24 carbon atoms,R2 represents an alkyl group containing between 1 and 5 carbon atoms,R3 represents a linear or branched alkyl group containing between 1 and 5 carbon atoms, or alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group containing between 6 and 24 carbon atoms. Full Article
f Composition and method for control of plant pathogenic bacteria and endophytic microorganisms using silver phosphite By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST The present disclosure is directed toward a composition and method of treating and preventing infection of pathogenic microorganisms and endopyhtic microorganisms in a plant through the use of phosphite compositions. Full Article
f Recovery of phosphorous from poultry litter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A chemical extractant selected from solutions of K2SO4 and/or Na2SO4 can be used by contacting with untreated broiler litter to selectively and efficiently remove phosphorous from the broiler litter. The broiler litter and extractant solution mixture, after a suitable time, can be separated, such as by filtration. The resulting treated broiler litter is thus significantly lower in P content without being lower by an undesirable amount in more preferred minerals. The treated litter so obtained is suitable for crop soil augmentation. Further, phosphorous can be thereafter precipitated in the form of phytic acid. Since the precipitate is high in mineral content, it can be used for other purposes (e.g., plant food, etc.). Full Article
f Pelletized fertilizer and method for manufacturing the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A method for manufacturing pelletized fertilizer includes the following steps of: mixing a biodegradable material and a water-soluble polymer material to form a first mixture; mixing a polyol, water and a nutrient salt to form a second mixture; mixing the first mixture and the second mixture to form a conglomerating gathered third mixture, and stirring the conglomerating gathered third mixture to form small lumps of the third mixture; spraying probiotic endo spores on the small lumps of the third mixture to form a plurality of fertilizer blocks; heating the fertilizer blocks, and extruding the fertilizer blocks to form a fertilizer strip; and cutting the fertilizer strip to form a plurality of pelletized fertilizer. Full Article
f Method for producing urea fertilizer with low moisture absorption tendencies By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A method for producing urea granules having low moisture absorption capacity, with a urea granulator, having a granule flow inlet side and oppositely a granule flow outlet side, forming an axis alongside which granules from a urea solution and a urea/ammonium salt-stream are formed, whereby the solution and the salt-stream are sprayed as a mixture or separately via a feed system unit via various nozzles into the granulator onto a seed material. In this process the highest amount of the salt-stream is sprayed into the granulator at the granule flow inlet side and the amount of the salt-stream is decreased alongside the axis of the granulator from the granule flow inlet side to the granule flow outlet side. Full Article
f Composite for phosphate and ammonium ion removal By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST The invention employs composites of zeolite and ferric oxide hydroxide for removal of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus wastes from animal environments. Full Article
f Method for preparing boron fertilizer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A method for preparing a boron fertilizer, including: (1) heating boric acid to a temperature of 180-200° C., maintaining the temperature for 20-30 min for dehydration of the boric acid to yield pyroboric acid; and (2) cooling down the pyroboric acid to a temperature of 40-60° C., crushing, and screening to yield a powdered, weakly acidic, high-content boron fertilizer. The method is energy-saving, environmentally friendly, and low in cost. The resulting boron fertilizer is weakly acidic, fast in dissolution rate, and has excellent in compounding performance Full Article
f Reducible fertilizer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST Provided is a high-value added fertilizer using a microorganism or a component of a microorganism and especially a fertilizer capable of promoting the bearing of fruit trees and fruit vegetables. A reducing fertilizer obtained by subjecting a mixture of a microorganism or a component of a microorganism with phosphoric acid component and/or potassium component to a hydrothermal reaction treatment is capable of promoting the growth the roots, especially, the root hairs of fruit trees and also promoting the enlargement of their fruits. In particular, because of the reducing characteristic, the reducing fertilizer of the present invention has an excellent affinity for cells constituting the roots, and enables phosphoric acid component and potassium component, which are useful fertilizer components, to be absorbed effectively. Full Article
f Fertilizer composition By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST The present invention relates to compositions comprising an effective amount of sulphur, an effective amount of zinc sulphate or zinc oxide and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. Full Article
f Dual lock locking system for containers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Feb 2015 08:00:00 EST A locking system is mounted to a door with three rods extending therefrom. The rods have a locked position extending beyond the periphery of the door and an unlocked position not extending beyond the periphery of the door. Three rod receivers are adapted to receive the three rods in the locked position. A handle rotatably engages cam plates which are operatively engaged with the rods whereby rotation of the handle rotates the cam which moves the rod ends from one position to the other. A locking tab extends forwardly from the lower cam plate into a recess and is engaged by a circular lock while the recess prevents movement of the engaged circular lock. A second locking tab extends forwardly from the rod-locking link and a stationary locking tab is aligned thereto. Both locking tabs are engaged by a padlock preventing movement of the rod-locking link. Full Article
f Fertilizer production By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST The present invention provides a fertilizer utilizing the inexpensive waste and by-product materials of biosolids, gypsum, and/or other phosphorus binding agents, such as iron or aluminum chemicals or by-products with elevated levels of iron and aluminum. The combination of biosolids, gypsum and other phosphorus binding agents, such as iron or aluminum chemicals or by-products with elevated levels of iron and aluminum produces a fertilizer that provides for soil nitrogen needs while limiting the availability of phosphorous to minimize environmental pollution. Full Article
f Regenerable removal of sulfur from gaseous or liquid mixtures By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST The present invention relates to a method for removing sulfur from a gaseous or liquid mixture. This method involves contacting the gaseous or liquid mixture with an iron-enriched matrix under conditions effective to remove sulfur from the mixture through adsorption of the sulfur to the matrix. The iron-enriched matrix used in this method is a lignocellulosic material that is enriched with iron. The present invention also relates to a system, composition, and plant fertilizer that contain the iron-enriched matrix. Methods of making the composition and preparing a plant fertilizer are also disclosed. Full Article
f Fertilizer for foliar use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST The invention relates to a potassium sulphate powder wherein about 80 wt % or more of the powder has a particle size of about 0.2 mm or lower, preferably about 0.13 mm or less. The particle size preferably is such, that about 80 wt % or more is about 0.02 mm or higher, more preferably about 0.04 mm or higher. This potassium sulphate powder dissolves easily in water, more in particular, 50 gram of said potassium sulphate powder dissolves in 1 liter of water without stirring within 1 minute, preferably within 30 sec. This potassium sulphate powder is very suitable as foliar fertilizer, in particular for broad acre crops. Further, the invention relates to the use of foliar potassium fertilizer, to enhance the uptake of potassium from the soil. Full Article
f System and method for production of granular ammonium sulfate By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for the production of ammonium sulfate granules including a pipe cross reactor (PCR) configured to contact concentrated sulfuric acid with anhydrous ammonia to produce a PCR product comprising ammonium sulfate; and a granulator fluidly connected to the PCR, whereby PCR product extracted from the PCR can be introduced into the granulator, an inlet for ammonium sulfate seed material, an ammonia sparger configured to spray liquid anhydrous ammonia directly onto a bed of ammonium sulfate granules within the granulator, a granulator vent configured for extraction of a vapor comprising unreacted ammonia from the granulator, and a granulator product outlet configured for extraction of granulator product comprising ammonium sulfate granules from the granulator. A method of producing ammonium sulfate granules is also provided. Full Article
f Method and system for agricultural fertigation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method. Full Article
f Fertilizer composition incorporating fibrous material for enhanced particle integrity By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Fertilizer granules and methods of producing fertilizer granules. The fertilizer granules are formed from a fertilizer composition, such as a phosphate fertilizer, includes a fibrous material for the purpose of increasing the granule strength preventing or reducing attrition or dusting formation during storage, transport, and/or handling of the fertilizer. Dust formation can be reduced fifty percent or more. The base fertilizer composition can include a phosphate fertilizer, such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP) or diammonium phosphate (DAP), and optionally one or more micronutrients or secondary nutrients, such as elemental sulfur. The fibrous material is pulp or paper sludge, for example. Full Article
f Esteramide compounds, methods for preparing same, and uses thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An esteramide compound of the following formula (I): R1OOC-A-CONR2R3 (I) is described, wherein: A is a covalent bond or a methylene group —CH2—;R1 is an optionally substituted, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon group including from 5 to 36 carbon atoms,R2 and R3, either identical or different, are groups selected from a hydrogen atom, and optionally substituted hydrocarbon groups, preferably including from 1 to 36 carbon atoms, andR2 and R3 not being simultaneously hydrogen atoms. Also described, are applications for using the esteramide compound, notably as a solvent. Full Article
f Media for growing plants and the method of manufacture By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present media is to be used with a particulate base having particles of a first maximum diameter for growing plants. The media includes granules which are of biodegradable recycled material and have a diameter relative to the first maximum diameter to penetrate further into the particulate base with each watering. The granules include plant nutrients and are of a material which coagulates after watering and adheres to the particulates of the base. The diameter of the granules may be in the range of 1/16 to ⅛ of an inch. Full Article
f Fertilizing compound for increasing the calcium content of plants and improving the preservation thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a fertilizing compound for application to plants and crops, especially fruits, intended for increasing the amount of calcium and subsequently improving the state of health of the plants and the preservation thereof after harvesting. The compound consists of a combination of components such as calcium nitrate, calcium lignosulfonate, organic acids, menadione sodium bisulphite, amino acids and water. The compound is in the form of a liquid preparation, packed in containers of between 20 and 1000 liters, is water-soluble and is applied by fertigation, spraying or in a localized form by border irrigation. Full Article
f Method and system for agricultural fertigation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method. Full Article
f Method and system for agricultural fertigation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method. Full Article
f Mixture for treating fertilizers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to an aqueous solution of a mixture for treating urea-based fertilizers/fertilizers containing ammonium that contains 1,2,4-triazole and 3-methylpyrazole in the weight ratio 2/1 and at least one polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone and a tenside. Full Article
f Biochar products and method of manufacture thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method for producing biochar particles or pellets which use sulphur and other additives. The method includes producing a mixture with biochar and additives selected from sulphur, lignin, and gluten. The mixture is mixed with water and passed through an extruder to produce an extrudate. The extrudate is then cut into pellets. The pellets are then tumbled/spun with each other and heated to result in mostly spheroidal pellets whose mechanical characteristics allow them to be used with well-known agricultural equipment. The biochar can be produced with sulphur incorporated as an outer coating. To produce this sulphur coated biochar, the method includes feeding a biomass feedstock to a pyrolysis reactor, pyrolyzing the feedstock into biochar particles, size-sorting the biochar particles, and coating the biochar particles with the sulphur coating material. Full Article
f High value organic-enhanced inorganic fertilizers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention is directed to manufacture of fertilizer having commercial levels of nitrogen supplemented with organic substances. The process treats organic matter with acid causing hydrolysis of organic polymers after which the mix is injected with nitrogen. The resultant sterilized and liquefied organic matter is disbursed over recycled material for the production of granules. Because the process allows for the controlled addition of acids and ammonia, desired levels of components can be achieved. The process is scalable, odor controlled and safe thereby allowing for the location of biosolid processing facilities in most any location. Further, the fertilizer of the invention provides a dual nitrogen-release profile when applied to crops. After application to soil, fertilizer of the invention releases an immediate bolus of nitrogen, similar to traditional ammonium sulfate, followed by continued slow release of nitrogen typically over a season. Full Article
f Methods for improving bud break By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods of inducing bud break of deciduous fruit vines, trees, or shrubs following dormancy by the application of bud breaker compositions that do not contain hydrogen cyanamide. Full Article
f Devices for thermally induced transformations controlled by irradiation of functionalized fullerenes By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electromagnetic radiation activated device comprises a property changing material and at least one functionalized fullerene that upon irradiation of the functionalized fullerenes with electromagnetic radiation of one or more frequencies a thermally activated chemical or physical transformation occurs in the property changing material. The thermal activated transformation of the property changing material is triggered by the heating or combustion of the functionalized fullerenes upon their irradiation. The device can include a chemical agent that is embedded in the property changing material and is released when the material is heated by the functionalized fullerenes upon irradiation. Full Article
f Method and device for treatment of liquid materials based on organic waste products By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for the treatment of liquid material based on organic waste products, in particular sludge from sewage disposal plants and the like, wherein the sludge material is added and mixed with chemicals, in particular sulphuric acid, nitric acid, and/or ammonia, during the vaporization and degasification of liquid from the material to increase the solids content thereof. The present invention is characterized, inter alia, in that the material is continuously introduced at the upper part of a vertical mixing vessel (1), in which the material is subject to mixing, after which the material is passed on into a reactor tank (8) for sulphuric acid treatment and at the same time, while sinking through the sulphuric acid treatment reactor tank (8), is exposed to an impact action from a number of rotary processing means (9) disposed in the reactor tank (8), after which the material is passed on into a reactor tank (14) for ammonia treatment and at the same time, while sinking through the ammonia treatment reactor tank (14), is exposed to an impact action from a number of rotary processing means (9) disposed in the reactor tank (14), after which the material is finally passed on into a drier (15) in which the material is dried until a desired solids content is achieved. Full Article
f Granular controlled release agrochemical compositions and process for the preparation thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A granular agrochemical composition is disclosed including a granular core material having a water soluble portion with a first coating layer applied on the surface of the core material and a second coating layer applied on the surface of the first coating layer. The first coating layer includes a wax composition having a biologically active ingredient incorporated therein and the second coating layer includes a polymeric composition. The granular agrochemical composition exhibits a controlled rate of release of the biologically active ingredient therefrom over a period greater than about 30 days from the date of initial exposure of the granular composition to moisture whereby essentially all of the biologically active ingredient incorporated in the wax material of the first coating layer is released from the granular composition before the water soluble portion of the granular core material is released from the granular composition. Full Article
f Use of synergistic microorganisms and nutrients to produce signals that facilitate the germination and plant root colonization of mycorrhizal fungi in phosphorus rich environments By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A composition of matter comprising: a combination of a phytate and a plurality of microorganisms comprising a Trichoderma virens fungus, a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterium, and one or a plurality of mycorrhizae fungi that is placed in the vicinity of a plant root in a manner that allows the microorganisms in the composition of matter to colonize said plant root; and a method for increasing plant yield comprising: placing a combination of a phytate and a plurality of microorganisms comprising a Trichoderma virens fungus, a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterium, and one or a plurality of mycorrhizae fungi in the vicinity of a plant root in a manner that allows the microorganisms in the composition of matter to colonize said plant root. Full Article
f Phosphate fertilizers and methods of using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A water-insoluble phosphate fertilizer, methods of producing, and methods of using the same are provided. The fertilizer may comprise at least one alkaline earth metal selected from calcium and magnesium and optionally at least one nutrient ion selected from the group consisting of potassium, ammonium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, chlorine, iodine, molybdenum or selenium. The fertilizer compounds are preferably water-insoluble, dilute acid-soluble, and free-flowing powders. Full Article
f Composite foliage Si fertilizer for lowering contents of heavy metals and nitrate in vegetable, and preparation method thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is related to the field of environmental protection, more specifically, to a foliage silicon fertilizer and a method for production of the fertilizer, which is a molybdenum-silica compound sol used for reducing heavy metal and nitrates in vegetables. The fertilizer, which is a molybdenum-silica compound sol, comprises 10-25 wt % silica, 0.05-5.5 wt % molybdenum ions. More preferably, the fertilize, which is a rare earth-molybdenum-silica compound sol, comprises 10-25 wt % silica, 0.05-5.5 wt % molybdenum ions and 0.1-7.5 wt % rare earth ions. By the combination of silica with molybdenum in the present invention, it is effective for preventing the absorption/accumulation of nitrates in vegetables. In addition, by the further combination with rare earth element, the prevention ability of the fertilizer from absorbing heavy metal and nitrates into vegetables is even enhanced. With a preparation method with normal pressure and relatively, low temperature, that is, with mild condition, simple process and high operability, large scale production of the present invention may be readily executed. Full Article
f Methods for processing human waste By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods are provided for processing municipal human waste such that the processed material is is greater than 99% free of pathogenic organisms. The processed material can be used as an organic fertilizer or a “Class A” organic fertilizer. The methods include reducing the moisture content of human sludge free of polymeric flocculant to less than about 30% moisture and processing the sludge through an extruder under conditions having a minimum temperature of about 140° C., a residence time of about 30 seconds, and an atmospheric pressure differential of about 40 atmospheres. The methods are economical and have numerous advantages including reduced use of fossil fuel, fast processing time, and production of an odor free organic fertilizer free of many land use restrictions. Full Article
f Engineered topsoil for use in land reclamation and a method of producing the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An engineered topsoil for use in soil reclamation and a method of producing the same are disclosed that seek to replicate undisturbed native reference topsoil from near the site in need of land reclamation. The engineered topsoil is formed from a base amount of subsoil and amendment comprised of an effective amount of surrogate humin material sufficient to replicate the estimated humin organic carbon content of the native reference topsoil, and an effective amount of plant residue material sufficient to replicate the estimated non-humin organic carbon content of the native reference topsoil. Full Article
f Method and system for treatment of biological wastes for preparation of fertilizers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and system for treatment of biological wastes for preparation of fertilizers is provided. The method and system involves mixing a biological waste with a dilute sulfuric acid in a predetermined ratio. The mixture of the biological waste and the dilute sulfuric acid is then filtered to obtain an organic slurry and an acidic liquid. Thereafter, the organic slurry is thermally cracked at an elevated temperature to obtain at least one of an ammonia gas, one or more flue gases, and char and ash. The method and system further involves utilizing the ammonia gas, the char and ash, and the acidic liquid for preparation of the fertilizers. Full Article
f Chelated compositions and methods of making and using the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A composition includes a first chelating agent, a second chelating agent, and a plurality of metal ions. In one embodiment, the second chelating agent includes citric acid and is different than the first chelating agent. A method for forming a composition includes mixing a first chelating agent, a second chelating agent, and a metal salt together to form a mixture and processing the mixture to form at least one of a granulated composition and a powdered composition. In some embodiments, the second chelating agent includes citric acid and is different than the first chelating agent. Full Article
f Compositions of substantially spherical particles and methods of making thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An improved composition comprising substantial spherical UFP particles and an active agent, such as NBPT, and optionally other components is used as an additive for liquid and solid fertilizers, typically containing urea. Methods of making the compositions and their use are also disclosed. Full Article
f Lignin-based multipurpose fertilizers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods for converting waste streams from the wood pulping industry to high-value fertilizers are described. For example, isolated lignin and lignosulphonate or waste streams containing lignin and lignosulphonate can be converted to methylol derivatives and treated with further reagents to produce controlled release fertilizers, hydrogel fertilizers, and soil stabilizers. Full Article
f FILTER FAILURE DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A device is provided, which makes it possible to perform a failure diagnostics for a filter more accurately even in the case of an internal combustion engine which is constructed to be capable of using both of gaseous fuel and liquid fuel. The device of the invention comprises judging means which judges any failure of the filter by comparing the added-up amount of the particulate matter contained in the exhaust gas as detected by a PM amount detecting sensor during a predetermined period and the added-up amount of the particulate matter contained in the exhaust gas as estimated by PM amount estimating means during the predetermined period, wherein the PM amount estimating means estimates the added-up amount of the particulate matter contained in the exhaust gas on the basis of the predetermined parameter and only a fuel injection amount of the liquid fuel out of a fuel injection amount of the gaseous fuel and the fuel injection amount of the liquid fuel. Full Article
f HEAT GENERATION RATE WAVEFORM CALCULATION DEVICE OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND METHOD FOR CALCULATING HEAT GENERATION RATE WAVEFORM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A combustion speed, for example, is estimated or evaluated, with a required accuracy, more simply than the conventional art, while reducing man-hours to produce a heat generation rate waveform of an internal combustion engine. An increase rate of a heat generation rate relative to a change in a crank angle in a heat generation rate increasing period (e.g., a first-half combustion period a) in which the heat generation rate increases after ignition of an air-fuel mixture is defined as a heat generation rate gradient b/a that is one of characteristic values of the heat generation rate waveform. The heat generation rate gradient is estimated based on a fuel density (e.g., fuel density ρfuel@dQpeak at heat generation rate maximum time) at a predetermined time set in advance in the heat generation rate increasing period so as to produce the heat generation rate waveform using the estimated heat generation rate gradient. Full Article
f METHOD FOR DETECTING AND CONTROLLING LOAD WEIGHT OF VEHICLE BY MEANS OF TIRE PRESSURE OF VEHICLE AND DEVICE THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for detecting and controlling a load weight of a vehicle by means of a tire pressure of the vehicle and a device are provided. The method includes the steps of installation setting, detecting the load weight, and controlling an electric switch. The device includes tire pressure detectors installed on rear wheels of the vehicle and connected with a processor which is input with a preset tire pressure value and able to receive the tire pressure detected by the tire pressure detectors. The processor is connected with an electric switch of the vehicle. The processor compares the tire pressure detected by the tire pressure detectors with the preset tire pressure value, and controls the electric switch to turn on/off a power source of the vehicle. The device is capable of detecting and controlling the load weight of the vehicle by detecting a change of the tire pressure. Full Article
f CONTROL OF A TORQUE DEMANDED FROM AN ENGINE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method and a system for control of a torque Tqdemand requested from an engine in a vehicle, wherein the engine provides a dynamic torque Tqfw in response to the torque Tqdemand. Control of the requested torque Tqdemand is performed such that the control provides a desired value Tqfw_req for the dynamic torque and/or a desired derivative Tqfw_req for the dynamic torque. This is achieved by basing the control on at least one current value Tqfw_pres for the dynamic torque, on one or several of the desired value Tqfw_req and the desired derivative Tqfq_req for the dynamic torque, and on a total delay time tdelay_total elapsing from determination of at least one parameter value, to when a change of the dynamic torque Tqfw based on the determined at least one parameter value, has been effected. Full Article
f SYSTEM AND METHOD TO VERIFY INSTALLATION OF ASYMMETRIC PISTON By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In one embodiment, a method may include retrieving, via a processor, a fundamental frequency of a cylinder type from a memory communicatively coupled to the processor, receiving, via the processor, a first signal from a first knock sensor disposed on a cylinder. The cylinder is disposed in an engine. The method may also include deriving whether a number of amplitudes of the first signal at the fundamental frequency and one or more harmonic frequencies exceed an undesired installation threshold value, and identifying an asymmetric piston as having an undesired installation if the undesired installation threshold value exceeds the number of amplitudes of the first signal and the one or more harmonic frequencies. Full Article
f CONTROL APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE DRIVING SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT While a vehicle is traveling in a state where any one of gear positions of a mechanical stepped transmission unit is established, until an estimated input torque that is obtained from the equation of motion for an electrical differential unit changes, a hydraulic pressure of a non-engaged intended hydraulic friction engagement device is increased, and a pack end pressure is learned on the basis of the hydraulic pressure at that time. Therefore, irrespective of feedback control, or the like, over motor generators of the electrical differential unit, it is possible to appropriately learn the pack end pressure, so it is possible to appropriately execute hydraulic control over the hydraulic friction engagement devices, that is, engaging and releasing control, or the like, at the time of shifting, irrespective of individual differences of the portions, aging of friction materials, or the like. Full Article
f SMOOTHED NAVIGATION SOLUTION USING FILTERED RESETS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A navigation system includes at least one inertial sensor configured to detect motion of the system and generate inertial data; at least one aiding device configured to generate aiding device measurement data; at least one processing unit configured to generate an un-smoothed navigation solution inclusive of navigation state variable error resets based on the inertial data and the aiding device measurement data; wherein the at least one processing unit is further configured to sum the state variable error resets into a cumulative sum of the state variable error resets; wherein the at least one processing unit is further configured to high pass filter the cumulative sum of the state variable error resets; and wherein the at least one processing unit is further configured to subtract the high pass filtered cumulative sum of the state variable error resets from the un-smoothed navigation solution to generate a smoothed navigation solution. Full Article
f COMPUTING SYSTEM WITH STRUCTURE VERTICAL-TIER MECHANISM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A computing system includes: a control circuit configured to: determine environment measurements representing conditions measured about a building structure located at a geographic location; generate a map based on the environment measurements for mapping a tier of the building structure along a vertical direction; and a storage circuit, coupled to the control circuit, configured to store the map for representing the building structure. Full Article
f POSITION INFORMATION CORRECTING DEVICE AND POSITION INFORMATION CORRECTING APPLICATION PROGRAM PRODUCT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A position information correcting device includes a reception processing unit receiving position information transmitted from a nearby mobile object, a position correcting unit performing a position correcting process for correcting, based on map data, the position information of the nearby mobile object such that a corrected position of the nearby mobile object is on a running area of a road, a nearby mobile object type acquiring unit acquiring a mobile object type of the nearby mobile object, and a correction performance determining unit determining, based on the mobile object type acquired by the nearby mobile object type acquiring unit, whether the position correcting process needs to be performed to the position information of the nearby mobile object. The position correcting process is performed to the position information of the nearby mobile object only when the correction performance determining unit determines that the position correcting process needs to be performed. Full Article
f PROACTIVE RE-ROUTING OF VEHICLES TO CONTROL TRAFFIC FLOW By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Aspects of the present disclosure include a navigation system and computer-implemented methods for proactively re-routing vehicles to control traffic flow. Consistent with some embodiments, the navigation system seeks to reduce traffic flow along primary navigation routes (e.g., routes with relatively short travel times) by re-routing vehicles to alternative navigation routes (e.g., routes with relatively longer travel times) using incentives. As an example, upon detecting a vehicle traveling along an alternative route instead of a primary route, the navigation system updates a data structure that represents a user account of a vehicle occupant to reflect an increased account balance. Consistent with some embodiments, the amount of value provided to an occupant of a vehicle traveling along an alternative routes may be obtained from user accounts of occupants of other vehicles that are traveling along a primary route. Full Article
f METHOD AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR PERSONALIZED NAVIGATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method and an electronic device for personalized navigation. The electronic device for personalized navigation acquire history data of a user, the history data comprising location information associated with active time of the user; plan a routine active path of the user according to the acquired history data; acquire navigation paths of the user; and classify the navigation paths into the routine active path and a non-routine active path according to the planned routine active path of the user, and provide navigation information to the user according to the classification result. Full Article
f PROACTIVE RE-ROUTING OF VEHICLES USING PASSIVE MONITORING OF OCCUPANT FRUSTRATION LEVEL By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Aspects of the present disclosure include a navigation system and computer-implemented methods for proactively re-routing vehicles based on an analysis of input component data obtained from the navigation-enabled devices. The navigation system scores the input component data to obtain a measure of frustration (e.g., a feeling of being upset or annoyed) of the user of the navigation-enabled device. The navigation system may provide a detour suggestion for display on the navigation-enabled device to persuade the user of the device to direct their vehicle to depart from its current location or route in an effort to remove the vehicle from traffic, and thereby reduce the frustration level of the user. The detour suggestion may include an alternative route to the original destination, or an alternative destination. Full Article