Abstract: Systems and methods that include providing, e.g., obtaining or preparing, a material that includes a hydrocarbon carried by an inorganic substrate, and exposing the material to a plurality of energetic particles, such as accelerated charged particles, such as electrons or ions.

Abstract: Fibrous materials, compositions that include fibrous materials, and uses of the fibrous materials and compositions are disclosed. For example, the fibrous materials can be operated on by a microorganism to produce ethanol or a by-product, such as a protein or lignin.

Abstract: Methods of making fibrous materials are disclosed that include shearing a fiber source to provide a first fibrous material, and passing the first fibrous material through a first screen. Also, composites are disclosed that includes a fibrous material, a resin and a dye.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling and processing materials are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of producing cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials for use in papermaking include treating a cellulosic or lignocellulosic dry feedstock having a first average molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation such that the average molecular weight of the feedstock is reduced to a predetermined level. A method of producing an irradiated paper product includes treating a paper product including a first carbohydrate-containing material having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation so as to provide an irradiated paper product with a second carbohydrate-containing material having a second molecular weight higher than the first molecular weight. Pulp and paper products are produced.

Abstract: Irradiated lignocellulosic or cellulosic materials are provided which contain carboxylic acid groups and/or other functional groups not present in a naturally occurring cellulosic or lignocellulosic material from which the irradiated material was obtained.

Abstract: Methods of treating wood and wood products include irradiating untreated wood having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation to cause an increase in the molecular weight of a cellulosic component of the wood to a second, relatively higher molecular weight.

Abstract: Cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials, and compositions and composites made therefrom, are disclosed.

Abstract: Fibrous materials, compositions that include fibrous materials, and uses of the fibrous materials and compositions are disclosed. For example, the fibrous materials can be operated on by a microorganism to produce ethanol or a by-product, such as a protein or lignin.

Abstract: Cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials, and compositions and composites made therefrom, are disclosed.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate is provided that exhibits very low substrate resistance while also providing structural integrity and robustness to resist breakage during manufacturing. The invention also provides methods of making these semiconductor substrates. The semiconductor substrate includes a planar surface and a recess extending below the planar surface. Preferred substrates include a plurality of recesses arranged in an array.

Abstract: A holder for retaining an endotracheal tube in a patient's mouth includes a pair of opposed members constructed to define a lumen when positioned adjacent each other, and a latching device constructed to allow the relative position of the opposed members to be adjusted between a first position in which said lumen is sufficiently small to securely hold the endotracheal tube, and a second position in which the lumen is sufficiently large to allow the endotracheal tube to move axially yet sufficiently small to resist radial displacement of the endotracheal tube. In use, the endotracheal tube is inserted through a patient's mouth into the tracheal lumen, the latching device is moved to its second position, the tube holder is slid over the endotracheal tube and its position adjusted axially along the length of the tube, and the latching device is moved to its first position to secure the tube holder firmly in a desired position on the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: Portable folding board games are provided. These games include a pair of elongate board members. A first side of each board member includes (i) a plurality of apertures each constructed to receive a game peg, and (ii) a well constructed to retain a plurality of game pegs when the board is not in use, and an opposite side of each board member includes (i) a first slot, extending across the width of the board member near a first end of the board member, and (ii) a second slot, extending across the width of the board member near the opposite end of the board member. The board game further includes a pair of securing loops, each loop being constructed to be wrapped around the two board members, when the board members are placed with their first sides facing, in a manner so that the loop extends into the first and second slots and is retained therein. Cribbage board systems are also provided.

Abstract: Die attach methods are provided. These methods include (a) providing a supply of die attach adhesive, (b) applying a portion of the die attach adhesive to a transfer member, and (c) contacting the lead frame paddle with the transfer member to print a layer of adhesive onto the lead frame paddle. Integrated circuit (IC) devices are also provided.

Abstract: Snow gun towers are provided for supporting a snow gun above the ground, e.g., above a ski trail. The towers are constructed to be easily rotated between raised and lowered positions, and to maintain the angle of the snow gun with respect to the ground substantially constant during rotation of the tower between its positions. Preferred towers include a compression spring to assist the user in moving the tower between raised and lowered positions.