US4643111A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Resource recovery utility
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1985-08-21
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Granted: 1987-02-17
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Expires: 2005-08-21
Abstract
Abstract A resource recovery utility is provided comprising a landfill having a continuous wall surrounding the perimeter thereof and a containment structure extending completely over the landfill affixed to the continuous wall. Refuse can be introduced into the landfill and compacted therein and at least a portion of the compacted refuse can be removed therefrom. Methane generated by anaerobic bacterial digestion of organic materials contained in the refuse can be removed and recovered.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert L. Jones
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 23:26
CPC Classifications
B; B09; B09B; B09B3/00; B09B3/30; B09B3/32; B09B1/00; B09B3/60; B09B3/65; C; C12; C12M; C12M21/00; C12M21/04; C12M33/00; C12M33/16; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E50/00; Y02E50/30; Y02W; Y02W30/00; Y02W30/20; Y02W30/30; Y10; Y10S; Y10S210/00; Y10S210/901
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
A resource recovery utility comprising: (i) a landfill; (ii) a continuous wall surrounding the perimeter of said landfill; (iii) a containment structure extending completely over said landfill and affixed to said continuous wall; (iv) means for introducing refuse into said landfill; (v) means for compacting said refuse; (vi) means for removing and recovering methane generated by anaerobic bacterial digestion of organic materials contained in said refuse; and (vii) means for removing at least a portion of the compacted refuse from said landfill.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
82 words
A resource recovery utility comprising: (i) a landfill; (ii) a continuous wall surrounding the perimeter of said landfill; (iii) a containment structure extending completely over said landfill and affixed to said continuous wall; (iv) means for introducing refuse into said landfill; (v) means for compacting said refuse; (vi) means for removing and recovering methane generated by anaerobic bacterial digestion of organic materials contained in said refuse; and (vii) means for removing at least a portion of the compacted refuse from said landfill.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
A resource recovery utility defined in claim 1 wherein the means for introducing refuse into the landfill is a conveyor belt extending through an aperature in the continuous wall thereby providing a means of ingress for refuse deposited thereon to the landfill.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A resource recovery utility as defined in claim 1 wherein the compacted refuse removed from the landfill is transferred to an encapsulating plant wherein the compacted refuse is encapsulated in a stable material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A resource recovery utility as defined in claim 1 wherein the landfill is stabilized on pilings.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A resource recovery utility as defined in claim 1 wherein the containment structure is formed from a geofabric.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A resource recovery utility as defined in claim 1 wherein the containment structure is a light weight roof system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
A resource recovery utility as defined in claim 1 wherein the methane gas and/or steam recovered from the resource recovery utility is/are used as a source of energy to operate the resource recovery utility.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
A resource recovery utility as defined in claim 1 wherein a vapor collection zone is formed in the volume defined above the landfill and between the continuous wall and the containment structure affixed thereto.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
51 words
A resource recovery utility as defined in claim 8 wherein a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide is withdrawn from the vapor collection zone through a vent line in the containment structure by pumping means and passed via a transfer line to a separation plant wherein high purity methane is recovered.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
A resource recovery utility as defined in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the compacted refuse is removed from the landfill by an auger or conveyor located beneath the surface of the compacted refuse and extending through the continuous wall.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The resource recovery utility as defined in claim 10 wherein the compacted refuse removed from the landfill is fed to a combustion chamber and oxidized to generate steam.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
36 words
A resource recovery utility as defined in claim 1 wherein the vertical height of the continuous wall can be increased by stacking one or more additional continuous wall structures on top of the initial continuous wall.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
A resource recovery utility as defined in claim 12 wherein each of the continuous walls is formed from a plurality of panels, each having a tongue and groove structure on the opposed horizontal and vertical sides thereof.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
A resource recovery utility as defined in claim 1 wherein the means for compacting the refuse is a landfill compactor.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
39 words
A resource recovery utility as defined in claim 14 additionally containing a control station adjacent the continuous wall, said continuous wall having a window therein permitting an operator in said control station to have visual access to the landfill.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
A resource recovery utility as defined in claim 15 wherein the landfill compactor is operated by said operator by remote control.
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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) | 1990-02-16 | 1990-08-18 | 1991-02-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-02-16 | 1994-08-18 | 1995-02-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-02-16 | 1998-08-18 | 1999-02-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |