Abstract: A fuel management system for a biomass furnace features a common drive motor operatively coupled to both a fuel delivery conveyor, which is arranged to support and displace fuel during combustion in a combustion chamber of the furnace, and an ash removal conveyor which is arranged to transfer ash generated by the combustion out of the combustion chamber. The system also features ducting which extends around the fuel delivery conveyor to convey airflow generated by a blower for subsequent discharge both below and above the fuel during combustion. Furthermore, the system features a housing which operably supports at least the fuel delivery conveyor and which is arranged to be removably insertible into the combustion chamber of the furnace.

Abstract: A scrubber for treating exhaust gas generated by combustion of biomass comprises a plurality of chambers each configured to apply a scrubbing medium to the exhaust gas for removing solid particles from the exhaust gas. A first chamber includes at least one nozzle configured to dispense scrubbing liquid in a sheet oriented transversely to a path of flow of exhaust through the first chamber. A second chamber defines a reservoir for containing a bath of scrubbing liquid and further includes a baffle configured to deflect the exhaust gas into the bath. A third chamber is arranged to support a sheet of solid filter medium spanning across the chamber.

Abstract: A scrubber for treating exhaust gas generated by combustion of biomass comprises a plurality of chambers each configured to apply a scrubbing medium to the exhaust gas for removing solid particles from the exhaust gas. A first chamber includes at least one nozzle configured to dispense scrubbing liquid in a sheet oriented transversely to a path of flow of exhaust through the first chamber. A second chamber defines a reservoir for containing a bath of scrubbing liquid and further includes a baffle configured to deflect the exhaust gas into the bath. A third chamber is arranged to support a sheet of solid filter medium spanning across the chamber.

Abstract: A fuel management system for a biomass furnace features a common drive motor operatively coupled to both a fuel delivery conveyor, which is arranged to support and displace fuel during combustion in a combustion chamber of the furnace, and an ash removal conveyor which is arranged to transfer ash generated by the combustion out of the combustion chamber. The system also features ducting which extends around the fuel delivery conveyor to convey airflow generated by a blower for subsequent discharge both below and above the fuel during combustion. Furthermore, the system features a housing which operably supports at least the fuel delivery conveyor and which is arranged to be removably insertible into the combustion chamber of the furnace.

Abstract: A low speed low power shredder for biomass material a single drum or two spaced rotary drums supported in a housing having a cylindrical wall with a plurality of outward shear members spaced longitudinally and radially of the cylindrical wall so as to pass a cooperating element in a shearing action. The shear members form ends of a support plate extending diametrically through the wall so as to provide structural support. In the two drum system, a top grate member is mounted in the feed throat and a bottom grate member is provided underneath the plane of closest approach. Each of these grate members provide shearing actions with the shear members. Additionally, a composting machine is arranged to be fed by a shredder, and thus includes an input conveyor supported at a position coaxial with a rotary vessel of the composter and a tubular support member which defines one location at which the rotary vessel is supported in its rotation about its axis.

Abstract: An integrated elevator bin system for efficiently loading and distributing a particulate material within a storage bin. The integrated elevator bin system generally includes a storage bin having an elevator assembly positioned therein for aiding with the even distribution of particulate material being loaded into the bin. The elevator assembly, which vertically extends from a lower portion of the storage bin, includes an internal conveyor having a track and plurality of paddles for transferring the material up the elevator assembly. The upper and lower sections of the elevator assembly include louvered openings for selectively distributing the particulate material into the interior of the bin as the material is conveyed up the elevator assembly.

Abstract: A biomass gasification system for efficiently extracting heat energy from biomass material. The biomass gasification system includes a primary combustion chamber, a rotating grate within the primary combustion chamber for supporting the biomass during gasification, a feeder unit in communication with the primary combustion chamber for delivering biomass, a secondary combustion chamber fluidly connected to the primary combustion chamber, an oxygen mixer positioned between the primary combustion chamber and the secondary combustion chamber, a heat exchanger and an exhaust stack.

Abstract: A mass transportation system for efficiently transporting a plurality of passengers along a predetermined path from a loading station to an unloading station. The transportation system generally includes a support structure, a track positioned above ground level via the support structure, and a carrier vehicle operable along the track. A first control module operable by a passenger is located outside the carrier vehicle upon a loading station for signaling the carrier vehicle to stop along the track at the loading station and a second control module operable by the passenger is located inside the carrier vehicle for signaling the carrier vehicle to stop along the track at an unloading station.

Abstract: A storage bin support system for providing a leg structure to better support the storage bin and allow for easier access underneath. The storage bin support system generally includes a bin for holding the particulate material, wherein the bin includes a roof, sidewalls, and a base, and wherein the roof includes an inlet for filling the bin and wherein the base includes an outlet for emptying the bin, and a supporting framework for supporting the bin above a ground surface in an upright position, wherein supporting framework includes an outer framework and an inner framework interconnecting the outer framework with the base. The outer framework is spaced along an outer perimeter of the bin and the inner framework includes a plurality of upper angled supports comprising an upper end and optionally a plurality of lower angled supports comprising a lower end.

Abstract: A rotary sheet metal cutter for cutting sheet metal in various curvatures. The rotary cutter generally includes a base, a first cutting assembly supported by the base and including a first drive assembly and a first circular blade, a second cutting assembly supported by the base and including a second drive assembly and a second circular blade cooperating with the first circular blade. The first circular blade is driven in a first rotational direction and the second circular blade is driven in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The first circular blade and the second circular blade each include an overlapping portion along a feed path for cutting a piece of sheet metal engaging the overlapping portions of the first circular blade and the second circular blade. Another circular blade aligned with the first circular blade may also be used.

Abstract: A mass transportation system for efficiently transporting a plurality of passengers along a predetermined path from a loading station to an unloading station. The transportation system generally includes a support structure, a track positioned above ground level via the support structure, and a carrier vehicle operable along the track. A first control module operable by a passenger is located outside the carrier vehicle upon a loading station for signaling the carrier vehicle to stop along the track at the loading station and a second control module operable by the passenger is located inside the carrier vehicle for signaling the carrier vehicle to stop along the track at an unloading station.

Abstract: A retractable load support system for effectively lifting a load in a controlled manner. The retractable load support system includes a frame, a gerotor attached to a main shaft within said frame, a first spool attached to the gerotor, a biasing device connected to the first spool applying a biasing force to the first spool and an elongated member attached to the first spool. The main shaft is rotatably supported within the frame by a one way bearing allowing the main shaft to rotate when the elongated member is drawn downwardly to reduce the resistance of the gerotor. The main shaft is supported substantially stationary within the frame by the one way bearing preventing the main shaft from rotating when the elongated member is drawn upwardly onto the first spool thereby lifting the load in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A biomass shredder system for providing a consistent flow of fuel to a furnace or feed application. The biomass shredder system includes a conveyer unit to carry a straw bale, a separator unit attached to the conveyer unit, wherein the separator unit includes a plurality of separator members and a shredding unit slidably attached to the separator unit. The shredding unit includes a plurality of blades positioned in-between each of the plurality of separator members, wherein the plurality of blades shred the straw bale.

Abstract: A vending system for efficiently providing a mechanized structure to vend containers. The vending system generally includes an enclosure including at least one door, wherein an inside of the enclosure is accessed via manipulating the door. A conveyor assembly is positioned within the enclosure, wherein the conveyor assembly includes a plurality of compartments to secure a plurality of containers. A drive assembly is mechanically attached between the door and the conveyor assembly, wherein the drive assembly selectively moves the conveyor assembly along a traveling path upon manipulating the at least one door to allow a customer to access a full container within the enclosure.

Abstract: A retractable load support system for effectively lifting a load in a controlled manner. The retractable load support system includes a frame, a gerotor attached to a main shaft within said frame, a first spool attached to the gerotor, a biasing device connected to the first spool applying a biasing force to the first spool and an elongated member attached to the first spool. The main shaft is rotatably supported within the frame by a one way bearing allowing the main shaft to rotate when the elongated member is drawn downwardly to reduce the resistance of the gerotor. The main shaft is supported substantially stationary within the frame by the one way bearing preventing the main shaft from rotating when the elongated member is drawn upwardly onto the first spool thereby lifting the load in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A retractable load support system for effectively lifting a load in a controlled manner. The retractable load support system includes a frame, a gerotor attached to a main shaft within said frame, a first spool attached to the gerotor, a biasing device connected to the first spool applying a biasing force to the first spool and an elongated member attached to the first spool. The main shaft is rotatably supported within the frame by a one way bearing allowing the main shaft to rotate when the elongated member is drawn downwardly to reduce the resistance of the gerotor. The main shaft is supported substantially stationary within the frame by the one way bearing preventing the main shaft from rotating when the elongated member is drawn upwardly onto the first spool thereby lifting the load in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A retractable load support system for effectively lifting a load in a controlled manner. The retractable load support system includes a frame, a gerotor attached to a main shaft within said frame, a first spool attached to the gerotor, a biasing device connected to the first spool applying a biasing force to the first spool and an elongated member attached to the first spool. The main shaft is rotatably supported within the frame by a one way bearing allowing the main shaft to rotate when the elongated member is drawn downwardly to reduce the resistance of the gerotor. The main shaft is supported substantially stationary within the frame by the one way bearing preventing the main shaft from rotating when the elongated member is drawn upwardly onto the first spool thereby lifting the load in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A rug display system for efficiently displaying rugs. The rug display system includes a frame having a plurality of vertical members, a plurality of support members extending between the vertical members, a plurality of elongated members movably positioned upon the vertical members, and at least one first motor connected to the elongated members for moving the elongated members for lifting one of the support member. The plurality of support members are selectively engageable with the elongated members to lift an upper support member upwardly. The support members each support at least one rug to be displayed. A plurality of belts are movably positioned upon the vertical members along with at least one second motor connected to the belts for lowering the raised support members.

Abstract: A biomass gasification system for efficiently extracting heat energy from biomass material. The biomass gasification system includes a primary combustion chamber, a rotating grate within the primary combustion chamber for supporting the biomass during gasification, a feeder unit in communication with the primary combustion chamber for delivering biomass, a secondary combustion chamber fluidly connected to the primary combustion chamber, an oxygen mixer positioned between the primary combustion chamber and the secondary combustion chamber, a heat exchanger and an exhaust stack.

Abstract: An overhead storage system for efficiently and conveniently stowing items such as bicycles at ceiling level. The overhead storage system includes a motor connected to a spool unit, a frame supporting the motor and attachable to a ceiling, an extended member extending from the frame, a pulley attached to a distal portion of the extended member, a first cable and a second cable attached to the spool unit with the second cable extending through the pulley, and a support member attached to the distal portions of the first cable and the second cable. The support member is comprised of an elongated structure capable of supporting one or more items such as but not limited to bicycles. A control unit controls the operation of the motor and is in communication with a controller operated by a user for raising and lowering the support member.