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US4560527A
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US
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Method of making agglomerated cellulosic particles using a substantially horizontal rotating drum
Assignee: Kadant Fibergen Inc
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Filing: 1984-04-24
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Granted: 1985-12-24
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Expires: 2004-04-24
Abstract
Abstract A method of making agglomerated cellulosic particles, particularly useful as a cat litter, comprises agglomerating a moist blend of fibers, aggregates of fibers, and/or fiber-sized pieces of a fibrous cellulosic material in a substantially horizontal rotating drum to form agglomerated particles; compacting surfaces of the particles; and drying the particles.
Inventors
- 👤 Elwood W. Harke
- 👤 Robert C. Sokolowski
- 👤 Russell L. Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 13:50
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01K; A01K1/00; A01K1/015; A01K1/0152; A01K1/0155; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S162/00; Y10S162/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
A method for making cellulosic particles comprising: (a) agglomerating a moist blend of fibers, aggregates of fibers, and/or fiber-sized pieces of a fibrous cellulosic material in a substantially horizontal rotating drum to form individual agglomerated particles; (b) compacting the surface of the agglomerated particles to form a densified skin substantially free of protruding fibrils; and (c) drying the agglomerated particles.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
60 words
A method for making cellulosic particles comprising: (a) agglomerating a moist blend of fibers, aggregates of fibers, and/or fiber-sized pieces of a fibrous cellulosic material in a substantially horizontal rotating drum to form individual agglomerated particles; (b) compacting the surface of the agglomerated particles to form a densified skin substantially free of protruding fibrils; and (c) drying the agglomerated particles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the surfaces of the agglomerated particles are compacted by bouncing and rolling the agglomerated particles in a fluidized bed dryer provided with upwardly flowing air.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the surfaces of the agglomerated particles are compacted by rolling the particles in a second substantially horizontal rotating drum.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the surface-compacted agglomerated particles are formed into platelets prior to being dried.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
95 words
A method for making cellulosic particles comprising: (a) agglomerating a moist blend of fibers, aggregates of fibers, and/or fiber-sized pieces of a fibrous cellulosic material in a substantially horizontal rotating drum to form individual agglomerated particles, said moist blend having from about 75 to about 85 weight percent moisture; (b) compacting the surface of the agglomerated particles; (c)partially drying the surface-compacted particles to from about 30 to about 50 weight percent moisture; (d) forming the partially-dried particles into platelets; and (e) drying the particles to a moisture content of about 10 weight percent or less.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
95 words
A method for making cellulosic particles comprising: (a) agglomerating a moist blend of fibers, aggregates of fibers, and/or fiber-sized pieces of a fibrous cellulosic material in a substantially horizontal rotating drum to form individual agglomerated particles, said moist blend having from about 75 to about 85 weight percent moisture; (b) compacting the surface of the agglomerated particles; (c)partially drying the surface-compacted particles to from about 30 to about 50 weight percent moisture; (d) forming the partially-dried particles into platelets; and (e) drying the particles to a moisture content of about 10 weight percent or less.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the surfaces of the agglomerated particles are compacted in a second substantially horizontal rotating drum.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 6 wherein the surface-compacted particles are partially dried in a fluidized bed dryer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The process of claim 7 wherein the partially dried particles are deposited on a moving belt and flattened in a nip between the moving belt and a press roll.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 8 wherein the flattened particles are dried in a fluidized bed dryer to a moisture content of about 5 weight percent.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of claim 9 wherein the fibrous cellulosic material is selected from the group consisting of wastepaper, paper mill sludge, and combinations thereof.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-12-23 | 1989-06-24 | 1989-12-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-12-23 | 1993-06-24 | 1993-12-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-12-23 | 1997-06-24 | 1997-12-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |