Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of processing lignocellulosic feedstock that include grinding lignocellulosic feedstock to provide ground lignocellulosic feedstock; and compressing at least a portion of the ground lignocellulosic feedstock to form at least one discrete unit. In some embodiments, a plurality of discrete units have a bulk density in the range from 4 pounds per cubic foot to 25 pounds per cubic foot. The present disclosure also includes related systems.

Abstract: A material removal method for removing net wrap or twine from the outer surface of a bale of material. The method comprises the steps of cutting the net wrap or twine material along a length of the bale, placing a first spear (62, 162) of a material wind-up system (60, 160) between the bale and the material, rotating the material wind-up system to wind the net wrap or twine material around the first (62, 162) and a second spear (64, 164) and stripping the material from the first and second spears.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of processing lignocellulosic feedstock that include grinding lignocellulosic feedstock to provide ground lignocellulosic feedstock; and compressing at least a portion of the ground lignocellulosic feedstock to form at least one discrete unit. In some embodiments, a plurality of discrete units have a bulk density in the range from 4 pounds per cubic foot to 25 pounds per cubic foot. The present disclosure also includes related systems.

Abstract: A method of removing a wrapping material from the outer surface of a bale of material including the steps of moving the bale of material to a cutting station, cutting wrapping material along a length of the bale, moving a plurality of rollers into contact with the wrapping material, rotating the rollers relative to the wrapping material until first and second ends of the wrapping material are free to move relative to an outer surface of the bale, placing a first spear of a material wind-up system between the outer surface of the bale and the wrapping material, rotating the material wind-up system to wind the wrapping material around first and second spears, positioning the first and second spears in a generally horizontal plane, and stripping the wrapping material from the first and second spears with a fin that extends downwardly from a carriage of a material removal system and between the first and second spears of the material wind-up station by sliding the carriage toward a distal end of the first and sec

Abstract: A core sampling system for removing sample cores of material from biomass bales, which includes a base member, a supporting member extending from and moveable relative to the base member, and a rotatable corer extending from the supporting member. The rotatable corer includes a first elongated tube at least partially surrounding a second elongated tube and a distal tip extending from a distal end of the second elongated tube. The system also includes a transport tube in communication with an inner area of the second elongated tube.

Abstract: A material removal method for removing net wrap or twine from the outer surface of a bale of material. The method comprises the steps of cutting the net wrap or twine material along a length of the bale, placing a first spear (62, 162) of a material wind-up system (60, 160) between the bale and the material, rotating the material wind-up system to wind the net wrap or twine material around the first (62, 162) and a second spear (64, 164) and stripping the material from the first and second spears.

Abstract: The invention is a contact die for dispensing of flowable material on a substrate. The contact die includes at least one die block including a first internal passage. A die lip portion is disposed on the die block having a lateral dimension. A first plurality of orifices is disposed through the die lip portion proximate to each other and in communication with the internal passage to dispense flowable material as a single strip on the substrate. A first edge is disposed on one lateral side of the first plurality of orifices to direct the flowable material.

Abstract: The invention is a contact die for dispensing of flowable material on a substrate. The contact die includes at least one die block including a first internal passage. A die lip portion is disposed on the die block having a lateral dimension. A first plurality of orifices is disposed through the die lip portion proximate to each other and in communication with the internal passage to dispense flowable material as a single strip on the substrate. A first edge is disposed on one lateral side of the first plurality of orifices to direct the flowable material.

Abstract: The invention is a contact die for dispensing of flowable material on a substrate. The contact die includes at least one die block including a first internal passage. A die lip portion is disposed on the die block having a lateral dimension. A first plurality of orifices is disposed through the die lip portion proximate to each other and in communication with the internal passage to dispense flowable material as a single strip on the substrate. A first edge is disposed on one lateral side of the first plurality of orifices to direct the flowable material.