Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing ethanol and 2-propanol from syngas, the method comprising: (a) converting syngas into methanol using a methanol-synthesis catalyst; (b) converting methanol into ethylene and propylene using a methanol-to-olefins catalyst; and (c) hydrating ethylene into ethanol and propylene into 2-propanol. As taught herein, the combined yield of the ethanol and the 2-propanol from biomass can be at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In certain embodiments, the yield of ethanol is at least 100 gallons per dry ton biomass. In some embodiments, the yield of 2-propanol is at least 50 gallons per dry ton biomass.

Abstract: The present invention describes a microresonator that can be used as a 1:f variable coupler in a unit cell. It is described how a cascade of unit cells can be used to form a tunable, higher-order RF-filter with reconfigurable passbands. The disclosed filter structure can be utilized for the narrowband channelization of RF signals that have been modulated onto optical carriers. It is also disclosed how to utilize add/drop capabilities of the contemplated microdisks to confer connectivity and cascading in two dimensions. The present invention can conveniently provide a wavelength division multiplexing router, where an array of unit cells as provided herein can form a programmable optical switching matrix, through electronic programming of filter parameters.

Abstract: This invention provides a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, that includes an encapsulated fire-retardant material. In some embodiments, stable polymer spheres are used to encapsulate an effective fire-retardant material. Under normal operating conditions, the fire-retardant material does not contact the electrolyte, cathode, or anode, thus minimizing performance reduction that occurs when fire-retardant materials are in the direct presence of the electrolyte. Under thermal runaway or excessive temperatures, the fire retardant material vaporizes through the melted encapsulating phase, thereby releasing fire-retardant material to minimize or prevent flammability in the battery.

Abstract: This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.

Abstract: This invention features methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In some embodiments, a substoichiometric amount of oxygen is used to enhance the formation of syngas. In various embodiments, both oxygen and steam are added during the conversion of the feed material into syngas. The syngas can be converted to alcohols, such as ethanol, or to other products.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of intercalating a catalyst promoter to form a catalyst composition suitable for converting syngas into alcohols, such as ethanol. Effective conditions for promoter intercalation are provided herein. This invention also provides novel compositions that can be characterized by interplanar spacings of the promoter within the catalyst composition.

Abstract: Methods, process, apparatus, equipment, and systems are disclosed for converting biomass into bio-oil fractions for chemicals, materials, feedstocks and fuels using a low-cost, integrated fast pyrolysis system. The system improves upon prior art by creating stable, bio-oil fractions which have unique properties that make them individually superior to conventional bio-oil. The invention enables water and low-molecular weight compounds to be separated into a final value-added fraction suitable for upgrading or extracting into value-added chemicals, fuels and water. Initial bio-oil fractions from the process are chemically distinct, have low-water content and acidity which reduces processing costs normally associated with conventional bio-oil post-production upgrading since fewer separation steps, milder processing conditions and lower auxiliary inputs are required. Biochar is stabilized so that it can be handled safely.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides methods and apparatus for producing one or more C1-C4 alcohols (such as ethanol) from syngas, while simultaneously removing CO2, thereby providing low CO2 yields. The present invention provides reactors for producing one or more C1-C4 alcohols from syngas, the reactors containing a first composition capable of catalyzing the conversion of syngas to C1-C4 alcohols under reaction conditions and a second composition capable of (a) adsorbing CO2 under the reaction conditions and then (b) releasing at least some of the CO2 under different regeneration conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital communication architecture based upon the concept of time encoding. In one aspect, systems provide time-encoding-based digital communication, the systems comprising a transmitter, a communication channel, and a receiver. In another aspect, methods for digital communication comprise time encoding digital input data and then transmitting the resultant asynchronous pulse signal to a receiver that converts the asynchronous pulse signal back into digital symbols. Methods of providing a digital communication link can include (i) providing digital symbols, (ii) time encoding the digital symbols to generate asynchronous pulse signals, (iii) communicating switching times of the signals to a receiver, and (iv) digitizing in parallel and reconstructing the digital symbols. The methods and systems of the invention can utilize existing chip-scale circuit technologies and can be characterized by link capacities of 50 Gbit/sec, 100 Gbit/sec, 200 Gbit/sec, or higher.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for the chemical conversion of syngas to alcohols. The invention includes catalyst compositions, methods of making the catalyst compositions, and methods of using the catalyst compositions. Certain embodiments teach compositions for catalyzing the conversion of syngas into products comprising at least one C1-C4 alcohol, such as ethanol. These compositions generally include cobalt, molybdenum, and sulfur. Preferred catalyst compositions for converting syngas into alcohols include cobalt associated with sulfide in certain preferred stoichiometries as described and taught herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and apparatus for producing syngas from any carbon-containing feed material. In one aspect, a multi-zone reformer system is provided. A first reaction zone can reduce the presence of refractory tars, while a second reaction zone in communication with the first reaction zone can steam-reform methane and other components from the first reaction zone, to generate high-quality syngas suitable for conversion to liquid fuels, such as ethanol. Other embodiments employ a plurality of reaction zones for added system functionality.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for selectively producing ethanol from syngas. As disclosed herein, syngas derived from cellulosic biomass (or other sources) can be catalytically converted into methanol, which in turn can be catalytically converted into acetic acid or acetates. Finally, the acetic acid or acetates can be reduced to ethanol according to several variations. In some embodiments, yields of ethanol from biomass can exceed 100 gallons per dry ton of biomass.

Abstract: According to the invention disclosed herein, methods and systems are disclosed that proactively and anonymously reach out to potential service providers, through a virtual calling agent, to screen and select one or more service providers for the consumer. Such methods would be time-consuming to conduct manually but are automated efficiently and flexibly as described herein. These methods and systems are not limited to service providers who have pre-registered at any particular web site or directory.

Abstract: The method and apparatus disclosed herein empowers the general population to deliver e-commerce orders from retail stores to buyers. Embodiments of the invention reduce overall fuel usage, creating value for all members of the value chain: reduction in delivery fees for buyer, higher customer satisfaction and purchasing of goods for retailers, and the ability to earn extra income for patrons that deliver the orders. The method and apparatus comprise a database of patrons to perform home or local delivery of e-commerce orders, a database of e-commerce orders from stores, a database of buyers who place the orders, and computer instructions to match acceptable orders with patrons.