Abstract: A method for receiving animal waste from animal confinements or other concentrated animal waste sources and for converting the waste into a usable form is described. The waste contains both liquids and solids. The method includes separating the liquids and solids into separate waste streams, controlling an amount of moisture in the solids waste stream such that the amount of moisture in the solid waste stream is compatible with a selected energy conversion process, and feeding the moisture controlled solid waste into the energy conversion process.

Abstract: A docking system that includes a male member including a first component, a female member including a second component, and a static base including a suspension mechanism is provided. One of the male member and the female member are suspended from the suspension mechanism to allow the one of the male member and the female member to move to correct variations between the female member and the male member to allow coupling the first component and the second component when the female member and the male member are coupled.

Abstract: A method for receiving animal waste from animal confinements or other concentrated animal waste sources and for converting the waste into a usable form is described. The waste contains both liquids and solids. The method includes separating the liquids and solids into separate waste streams, controlling an amount of moisture in the solids waste stream such that the amount of moisture in the solid waste stream is compatible with a selected energy conversion process, and feeding the moisture controlled solid waste into the energy conversion process.

Abstract: A method of automatically sorting and placing parts for inspection is described which includes orienting the parts within a feeder and delivering the oriented parts from the feeder to an escapement. Once the parts are delivered, they are advanced from the escapement, one at a time, down a ramp, and caught by a resilient material. The parts are then transferred ring from the resilient material to a parts fixture and positioned for inspection in the parts fixture within ±0.001 inch in a vertical direction and within 0.002 inches in x and y directions, x and y defining a horizontal plane.

Abstract: An apparatus providing effective control of fluid temperature to achieve temperature control precision of ±0.1° F. at flow rates exceeding five gallons/minute includes a hot and a cold reservoir of process fluid maintained at their desired temperatures by a high-accuracy industrial chiller and an industrial heater, respectively. A control valve mixes fluid from the reservoirs to produce a precisely controlled stream of process fluid delivered to the point of usage. Another flow control valve maintains system flow at a precise value.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing odor from the air exhaust of animal confinement buildings is described. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a plenum housing attached to an existing exhaust fan on an animal confinement building. The plenum housing has an entrance and an exit, and houses a baffle having a roughened surface. Water is delivered to the baffle surface by spray headers which are configured to spray water from a top edge of the baffle. A water curtain is generated by spray nozzles at the plenum housing exit. A trough is configured to collect a water effluent from a bottom edge of the baffle. In use and according to the methods described, an air stream consisting of exhaust air from an animal confinement building is directed toward the water-flooded baffle surface. Odor particles in the air stream impinge on the baffle surface and are adsorbed by the water. The air stream continues to flow past the baffle surface and through the water screen at the plenum housing exit.