The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 15, 1996
Filed:
May. 26, 1995
Michael Markels, Jr, Mason Neck, VA (US);
Other;
Abstract
The present invention includes a method of landfill mining which comprises the following steps: (1) converting the landfill to aerobic production by injection of moisture and air, and a raw material such as sewage sludge (if required), and venting of depleted air and moisture, thereby increasing the rate of waste decomposition; (2) excavating the landfill to remove material; (3) separating the removed material to substantially isolate at least one segregated material from the residual material; (4) disposing of at least one segregated material; and (5) returning the residual material to the landfill. The segregated materials preferably include decomposed waste and recyclables, and may also include toxic material and hazardous waste. The rate of aerobic production may be controlled as follows: if the temperature in the landfill becomes too high, then additional air and additional water may be injected to cool the landfill; and if the temperature in the landfill becomes too low, then additional raw material such as sewage sludge may be injected to increase the reaction rate.