1. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials consisting of food waste and associated organic packaging materials into nutrient-rich composting material comprising,
means for shredding said input materials, said means configured and powered for rendering said input materials into particle sizes of not larger than four cubic inches,
a horizontal drum with an input end having an axial input port and a discharge end having a relatively larger axial discharge port, said drum divided in length by interior partitions into first, second and third chambers, each said partition having an axial port by which adjacent said chambers are connected, said axial ports being of sequentially larger diameter from said input port to said relatively larger discharge port, said second chamber being significantly longer than said first and third chambers, the diameter of said relatively larger discharge port being less than one half of the diameter of said drum,
an insulated enclosure within which said drum is contained,
means for passing said input materials through said means for shredding and into said first chamber,
means for permitting low pressure outgassing from said drum,
means for measuring temperature in said second chamber,
means for rotating said drum in increments of less than one rotation about its axis, said means for rotating being initiated when said temperature in said second chamber is greater than about 150 degrees Fahrenheit,
means for exchanging air in said drum for outside air,
an operator station, and
a controller, said controller communicating with said means for measuring temperature, said means for rotating said drum, said means for exchanging air, and said operator station.
2. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said means for shredding comprising a multi-toothed rotary shredding mechanism configured to produce shreds about one inch by one inch by three inches in size.
3. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said first and second chambers each further comprising means for tumbling materials in process without contributing to forward advancement of said materials in process towards said discharge end.
4. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 3, said means for tumbling comprising a singular elongate blade attached to the drum wall within each said chamber and oriented parallel to said axis of said drum.
5. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said means for
passing said input materials through said means for shredding and into said first chamber comprising an input hopper connecting to said means for shredding and an auger and chute assembly connecting said means for shredding to said axial input port of said input end of said drum.
6. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 5, said input hopper having a lid and a lid position sensor, said lid position sensor communicating with said controller.
7. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, further comprising a compost container connecting to said discharge port.
8. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said means for permitting low pressure outgassing from said drum comprising a vent located in the vicinity of the discharge end.
9. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said means for measuring temperature in said second chamber comprising a temperature sensor assembly external to said drum configured to bear on the outer wall of said drum at a point rotationally forward of bottom dead center when said drum is not rotating and to rise away from said drum when said drum is rotating.
10. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said means for measuring temperature in said second chamber comprising a temperature sensor assembly installed within said second chamber and communicating to a pickup device external of said drum.
11. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said means for rotating said drum comprising a base frame with drum supports and drum support rollers upon which said drum rests, and a motorized drum drive system comprising a motor and gearbox attached to said base frame and coupled to said drum.
12. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said means for exchanging air in said drum for outside air comprising an exhaust fan and duct, said duct connecting to said drum in the vicinity of said input end.
13. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, further comprising a carbon dioxide sensor located in the proximity of said input end and communicating with said controller.
14. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 1, said operator station comprising a temperature indicator, a switch for engaging said means for shredding, and a switch for engaging said means for rotating.
15. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials consisting of food waste and associated organic packaging materials into nutrient-rich composting material comprising,
a multi-toothed rotary shredder configured for rendering said input materials into particle sizes of about one inch by one inch by three inches in size,
a horizontal drum with an input end having an axial input port and a discharge end having a relatively larger axial discharge port, said drum divided in length by interior partitions into first, second and third chambers, each said partition having an axial port by which adjacent said chambers are connected, said axial ports being of sequentially larger diameter from said input port to said relatively larger discharge port, said second chamber being significantly longer than said first and third chambers, the diameter of said relatively larger discharge port being less than one half of the diameter of said discharge end,
an insulated enclosure within which said drum is contained,
an input hopper vertically connecting to said shredder,
an auger and chute assembly interspersed between said shredder and said axial input port of said input end of said drum,
means for permitting low pressure outgassing from said drum,
means for measuring temperature in said second chamber,
means for rotating said drum in increments of less than one rotation about its axis, said means for rotating comprising a base frame with drum supports and drum support rollers upon which said drum rests, and a motorized drum drive system comprising a motor and gearbox attached to said base frame and coupled to said drum, said means for rotating being initiated when said temperature in said second chamber is greater than about 150 degrees Fahrenheit,
an exhaust fan mounted in a duct, said duct connecting to said drum in the vicinity of said input end,
an operator station, and
a controller, said controller communicating with said means for measuring temperature, said means for rotating said drum, said exhaust fan, and said operator station.
16. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 15, said first and second chambers each further comprising structure for tumbling materials in process during rotation without contributing to forward advancement of said materials in process towards said discharge end.
17. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 15, said input hopper having a lid and a lid position sensor, said lid position sensor communicating with said controller.
18. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 15, said means for measuring temperature in said second chamber comprising a temperature sensor assembly external to said drum configured to bear on the outer wall of said drum at a point rotationally forward of bottom dead center when said drum is not rotating and further configured to rise away from said drum when said drum is rotating.
19. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 15, said means for measuring temperature in said second chamber comprising a temperature sensor assembly installed within said second chamber and communicating to a pickup device external of said drum.
20. An apparatus for in-vessel composting of input materials according to claim 15, said operator station comprising a temperature indicator, a switch for engaging said means for shredding, and a switch for engaging said means for rotating.
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