Abstract: A tilt bed for a multi-utility vehicle that is movable from a flat conveying positon to a tilted dump position. The tilt bed has a lift handle construction that combines a molded thermoplastic portion integral with the tilt bed body and a handle bracket that provides reinforcement in the appropriate location to provide a sturdy handle for ease of lifting. The bracket has at least a yoke shape underlying the bed body and is co-extensive with a neighboring edge of the bed body to provide a comfortable lift area. The bracket is rigidly attached to the bed body, and may also have a more robust shape such as a closed loop. For added stiffness and strength, the bracket may also be rigidly connected to the bed frame.

Abstract: A tail gate for a vehicle cargo bed includes a tail gate body having an interior surface disposed towards the vehicle cargo bed and an exterior surface disposed outwards from the vehicle cargo bed; and a heat shield secured to the exterior surface of the tail gate body. At least a portion of the tail gate body is constructed from a first material having a first melting temperature and the heat shield is constructed from a second material having a second melting temperature. The second melting temperature is greater than the first melting temperature.

Abstract: A tilt bed for a multi-utility vehicle that is movable from a flat conveying positon to a tilted dump position. The tilt bed has a lift handle construction that combines a molded thermoplastic portion integral with the tilt bed body and a handle bracket that provides reinforcement in the appropriate location to provide a sturdy handle for ease of lifting. The bracket has at least a yoke shape underlying the bed body and is co-extensive with a neighboring edge of the bed body to provide a comfortable lift area. The bracket is rigidly attached to the bed body, and may also have a more robust shape such as a closed loop. For added stiffness and strength, the bracket may also be rigidly connected to the bed frame.

Abstract: A tail gate for a vehicle cargo bed includes a tail gate body having an interior surface disposed towards the vehicle cargo bed and an exterior surface disposed outwards from the vehicle cargo bed; and a heat shield secured to the exterior surface of the tail gate body. At least a portion of the tail gate body is constructed from a first material having a first melting temperature and the heat shield is constructed from a second material having a second melting temperature. The second melting temperature is greater than the first melting temperature.

Abstract: Methods and systems for pretreating lignocellulosic biomass are disclosed. An acid solution between 1% to 1.6% sulfuric acid is applied to the biomass. The biomass is subjected to an elevated temperature to cause the production of xylose, glucose, and furfural. Adjustments to temperature, acid concentration, and time can generate at least 80% or 90% of theoretical xylose, 45% or 50% of the theoretical glucose, and less than 4000 ppm of furfural in the xylose liquor. A portion of the resulting xylose liquor may be separated from the glucan solids. The xylose liquor, still highly acidic, can be recycled to reduce subsequent acid loading requirements. Makeup acid solution is added to the xylose liquor and subsequent biomass to ensure a proper solids to liquids ratio. The biomass is again treated to higher temperatures to yield sugars. The process may be repeated for each subsequent cycle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for pretreating lignocellulosic biomass are disclosed. An acid solution between 1% to 1.6% sulfuric acid is applied to the biomass. The biomass is subjected to an elevated temperature to cause the production of xylose, glucose, and furfural. Adjustments to temperature, acid concentration, and time can generate at least 80% or 90% of theoretical xylose, 45% or 50% of the theoretical glucose, and less than 4000 ppm of furfural in the xylose liquor. A portion of the resulting xylose liquor may be separated from the glucan solids. The xylose liquor, still highly acidic, can be recycled to reduce subsequent acid loading requirements. Makeup acid solution is added to the xylose liquor and subsequent biomass to ensure a proper solids to liquids ratio. The biomass is again treated to higher temperatures to yield sugars. The process may be repeated for each subsequent cycle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for pretreating lignocellulosic biomass are disclosed. An acid solution between 1% to 1.6% sulfuric acid is applied to the biomass. The biomass is subjected to an elevated temperature to cause the production of xylose, glucose, and furfural. Adjustments to temperature, acid concentration, and time can generate at least 80% or 90% of theoretical xylose, 45% or 50% of the theoretical glucose, and less than 4000 ppm of furfural in the xylose liquor. A portion of the resulting xylose liquor may be separated from the glucan solids. The xylose liquor, still highly acidic, can be recycled to reduce subsequent acid loading requirements. Makeup acid solution is added to the xylose liquor and subsequent biomass to ensure a proper solids to liquids ratio. The biomass is again treated to higher temperatures to yield sugars. The process may be repeated for each subsequent cycle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for pretreating lignocellulosic biomass are disclosed. An acid solution between 1% to 1.6% sulfuric acid is applied to the biomass. The biomass is subjected to an elevated temperature to cause the production of xylose, glucose, and furfural. Adjustments to temperature, acid concentration, and time can generate at least 80% or 90% of theoretical xylose, 45% or 50% of the theoretical glucose, and less than 4000 ppm of furfural in the xylose liquor. A portion of the resulting xylose liquor may be separated from the glucan solids. The xylose liquor, still highly acidic, can be recycled to reduce subsequent acid loading requirements. Makeup acid solution is added to the xylose liquor and subsequent biomass to ensure a proper solids to liquids ratio. The biomass is again treated to higher temperatures to yield sugars. The process may be repeated for each subsequent cycle.