Composting device

#Composting devices are known to implement a composting cycle for biologically and chemically decomposing refuse, such as organic food waste, into compost for use as a fertilizer and soil amendment. The composting cycle may be implemented in a composting bin by providing water, heat and aeration to the refuse, and may require a period of time for completion. Composting devices usually require a large floor space and/or a large volume for installation. Further, some composting devices may be a batch type device, therefore may not be effective in producing compost in a continuous way.

#The invention relates to a device for transforming refuse into compost. The device includes a cabinet and a hopper at an upper portion of the cabinet. The hopper has an opening though the cabinet that is configured to receive refuse. A first reducing mechanism is disposed in the hopper to operably reduce the refuse to smaller components and a transfer mechanism is disposed in a conduit extending upwardly from the hopper to an outlet in the upper portion of the cabinet. A first heating element is operably coupled to the hopper. A motor beneath the hopper and the transfer mechanism is operably connected to the first reducing mechanism and to the transfer mechanism to operate the first reducing mechanism and the transfer mechanism. First and second heating elements are operably coupled to the hopper and a container, respectively. The container having a second reducing mechanism in the container is removably mounted within the cabinet adjacent the motor and beneath the outlet to receive processed refuse from the outlet. A second heating element is operably coupled to the container. The container is accessible from outside the cabinet.

#In the drawings:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device in the form of a composting device for transforming refuse into compost according to a first embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the composing device of FIG. 1, where side walls are removed for illustrating the components of the composting device.

#The drawings show one embodiment of the invention; it will be understood that other forms and configurations of devices can also encompass the invention. FIG. 1, for example, illustrates a perspective view of a device 10 in the form of a composter for transforming refuse into compost according to a first embodiment of the invention. The composting device 10 may include a cabinet 12 having a front wall 14 spaced from a back wall 16, and a pair of side walls 18 extending between the front and back walls 14, 16.

#A top wall 20 may enclose the cabinet 12 at the top of the front wall 14, back wall 16, and the pair of side walls 18. The top wall 20 may include a cover 22 pivotally mounted to a portion of the top wall 20 for movement between open or closed positions, and to enable access to other components of the cabinet 12. In other embodiments, the cover 20 is slidably mounted or removably mounted to a top portion of the top wall 20. The top wall 20, as well as the remainder of the cabinet 12, may be formed of a rigid and durable material such as steel, a metal alloy, or a hardened polymer composite material.

#A controller (not shown) may be located within the device 10, and may be operably coupled with a user interface 21 for receiving user-selected inputs and communicating information to the user. The user interface 21 may be provided on a portion of the top wall 20 for communicating with the user. The user interface 21 may include operational controls such as dials, lights, switches, and displays enabling the user to input commands to the controller and receive information about a cycle of operation.