Temperature monitoring apparatus and method in a composting system through which organic matter is moved to effect composting

A method of monitoring temperature in a mass of organic matter moved through a composting vessel, including the steps of;

• surrounding at least one elongated probe with a mass of organic matter to be composted;
• moving the mass of organic matter through the composting vessel in the same direction as that in which the elongated probe extends;
• and
• measuring the temperature of the interior of the mass of organic matter at a plurality of locations along the probe.

A composting apparatus for accelerated aerobic decomposition of organic matter, the apparatus comprising:

• a composting vessel through which the organic matter is moved to effect composting;
• at least one elongated probe extending from a first end of said vessel toward a second end of said vessel such that, when said vessel is filled with organic matter, said probe is supported by the moving organic matter;
• means for aerating the organic matter as it moves through said composting vessel;
• and
• a plurality of temperature measuring devices mounted along the probe.

A composting apparatus for accelerated aerobic decomposition of organic matter, the apparatus comprising:

• a composting vessel;
• a ram for moving the organic matter from a first end of said vessel toward a second end thereof;
• at least one elongated probe extending from said first end of said vessel toward said second end of said vessel such that, when said vessel is filled with organic matter, said probe is supported by the moving organic matter;
• means for aerating the organic matter as it moves through said composting vessel;
• a plurality of temperature measuring devices mounted along the probe;
• and
• means mounted on the ram for accommodating movement of the ram relative to the probe.

A composting apparatus for accelerated aerobic decomposition of organic matter, the apparatus comprising:

• a vessel having a chamber defined therein;
• an inlet to said chamber of said vessel and an outlet from said chamber of said vessel, said chamber having a lengthwise axis;
• a ram connected with said vessel, said ram being movable with respect to said vessel for compacting and moving organic matter deposited in said chamber from said inlet toward said outlet in the direction of the lengthwise axis;
• a temperature probe mounted in said vessel and extending through said chamber in a direction substantially parallel to said lengthwise axis such that, when said vessel is filled with organic matter, said probe is supported by the moving organic matter
• a plurality of temperature measuring devices mounted along said probe;
• means for aerating the organic matter as it moves through the composting vessel;
• and
• means for regulating the temperature in said chamber, said temperature regulating means being coupled with said probe.