Abstract: A novel class of flowable biomass feedstock particles with unusually large surface areas that can be manufactured in remarkably uniform sizes using low-energy comminution techniques. The feedstock particles are roughly parallelepiped in shape and characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially with the grain direction and defining a substantially uniform distance along the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L. The particles exhibit a disrupted grain structure with prominent end and surface checks that greatly enhances their skeletal surface area as compared to their envelope surface area. The L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers. The W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers.

Abstract: A novel class of flowable biomass feedstock particles with unusually large surface areas that can be manufactured in remarkably uniform sizes using low-energy comminution techniques. The feedstock particles are roughly parallelepiped in shape and characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially with the grain direction and defining a substantially uniform distance along the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L. The particles exhibit a disrupted grain structure with prominent end and surface checks that greatly enhances their skeletal surface area as compared to their envelope surface area. The L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers. The W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers.

Abstract: A novel class of flowable biomass feedstock particles with unusually large surface areas that can be manufactured in remarkably uniform sizes using low-energy comminution techniques. The feedstock particles are roughly parallelepiped in shape and characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially with the grain direction and defining a substantially uniform distance along the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L. The particles exhibit a disrupted grain structure with prominent end and surface checks that greatly enhances their skeletal surface area as compared to their envelope surface area. The L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers. The W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers.

Abstract: A novel class of flowable biomass feedstock particles with unusually large surface areas that can be manufactured in remarkably uniform sizes using low-energy comminution techniques. The feedstock particles are roughly parallelepiped in shape and characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially with the grain direction and defining a substantially uniform distance along the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L. The particles exhibit a disrupted grain structure with prominent end and surface checks that greatly enhances their skeletal surface area as compared to their envelope surface area. The L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers. The W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to dynamically determining event listeners. A computer system sends a query to a data store to determine which event listeners are configured to listen for an indicated event. The event listeners are registered in the data store without the software module having to explicitly declare its event listeners. The computer system receives from the data store an indication of those event listeners that are configured to listen for the event. The computer system also sends the event to those event listeners indicated by the data store as being registered to receive notification of the event's occurrence.

Abstract: A safety flag includes reflective material, a light source and a controller. The safety flag meets legal requirements when used for extended loads in vehicles in day and night use.

Abstract: A sheathed, annular metal fuel system is described. A metal fuel pin system is described that includes an annular metal nuclear fuel alloy. A sheath may surround the metal nuclear fuel alloy, and a cladding may surround the sheath. A gas plenum may also be present. Mold arrangements and methods of fabrication of the sheathed, annular metal fuel are also described.

Abstract: A baler for making compacted bales of a cellulosic and preferably woody biomass material, the baler comprising: a housing defining a compaction chamber therein, wherein the housing comprises a top wall, an infeed opening defined in the top wall for introducing the material into the compaction chamber, and a hopper system comprising: first and second doors pivotably attached to the housing in opposing array over the infeed opening, wherein each door comprises a pivot having a plurality of fingers extending in planar array therefrom and defining a plurality of recesses disposed therebetween, and wherein the fingers of the first and second doors are staggered such that the fingers of each door are positioned opposite to and receivable by the recesses of the other door, and actuator means for pivoting the doors upwardly to form a chute for directing the material toward the infeed opening, and downwardly to intermesh and preferably interlock the fingers and substantially cover the infeed opening.

Abstract: A baler for making compacted bales of a cellulosic and preferably woody biomass material, the baler comprising: a housing defining a compaction chamber therein, wherein the housing comprises a top wall, an infeed opening defined in the top wall for introducing the material into the compaction chamber, and a hopper system comprising: first and second doors pivotably attached to the housing in opposing array over the infeed opening, wherein each door comprises a pivot having a plurality of fingers extending in planar array therefrom and defining a plurality of recesses disposed therebetween, and wherein the fingers of the first and second doors are staggered such that the fingers of each door are positioned opposite to and receivable by the recesses of the other door, and actuator means for pivoting the doors upwardly to form a chute for directing the material toward the infeed opening, and downwardly to intermesh and preferably interlock the fingers and substantially cover the infeed opening.

Abstract: A biomass baler having a baling chamber adapted to receive tall grass biomass material, a compression system adapted to compact the material into a rectangular bale in the chamber, and an ejection system adapted to move the bale from the chamber, wherein the baling chamber has a front wall consisting of a reciprocating compression platen corresponding in dimensions to the width W and height H of the bale, opposing upper and lower walls corresponding in dimensions to the length L and either of the W and H of the bale, and opposing sidewalls corresponding in dimensions to the L and the other of the W and H of the bale, wherein each chamber wall selected from among the upper wall, the lower wall, and the sidewalls can withstand a minimum distributed force perpendicular to the selected wall of at least (0.22×Pp×Aw) pounds, wherein Pp is the maximum pressure that the compression platen can apply to the material and Aw is the area of the selected wall expressed in square inches.

Abstract: A woody biomass baler having a baling chamber adapted to receive woody biomass material, a compression system adapted to compact the material into a rectangular bale in the chamber, and an ejection system adapted to move the bale from the chamber, wherein the baling chamber has a front wall consisting of a reciprocating compression platen corresponding in dimensions to the width W and height H of the bale, opposing upper and lower walls corresponding in dimensions to the length L and either of the W and H of the bale, and opposing sidewalls corresponding in dimensions to the L and the other of the W and H of the bale, wherein each chamber wall selected from among the upper wall, the lower wall, and each of the sidewalls can withstand a minimum distributed force perpendicular to the selected wall of between (0.11×Pp psi×Aw) pounds and (0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-aligning stencil device for producing a multi-color composite image on a target surface. The self-aligning stencil device includes a central panel and a plurality of stencil panels foldably connected to the central panel. The central panel includes a solid region and a cut-out region. The solid region of the central panel includes a front surface and a back surface, and is defined by an outer border of the central panel and an inner border of the central panel. The cut-out region is vacant space that is defined by the inner border of the central panel. Each stencil panel has its own distinct stencil pattern and is foldably connected to a different corresponding portion of the outer border of the central panel, thereby forming a connection fold between each stencil panel and its corresponding portion of the outer border of the central panel.

Abstract: A robotic mechanism comprising a chassis having a first side and an opposite second side, a first leg member rotatably coupled to the chassis proximate the first side and a second leg member rotatably coupled to the chassis proximate the second side. The first leg member and the second leg member being of generally spiral shape. The first leg member and the second leg member rotating generally about a common axis. The chassis having a center of mass lying below the common axis.

Abstract: A personal vehicle for transporting a user over a surface including an external combustion engine. The vehicle includes a generator for converting the mechanical energy produced by the external combustion engine to electrical energy and an energy storage device for storing power provided by the generator and for providing power to the external combustion engine and the assembly. The personal vehicle includes a controller for controlling a total power load placed on the external combustion engine providing short term regulation of external combustion engine parameters.

Abstract: An automated system for drop-off and pick-up for repair, return or exchange of tangible items including a secure drop-off/pick-up area for the items, a computer and software to manage the data for the system, and a user interface to facilitate automated notification for responsive communication between the user and the service provider to describe service or repair required, provide quotations, request and receive additional information and notify the customer on completion of the service and scheduled maintenance using automated voicemail recording, and/or text messaging through a cellular telephone, email, PDA or iPhone using a web based applet.

Abstract: A break down desk is disclosed to facilitate an efficient storage disassembly and transport in compact shipping containers. The break down desk may be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled without the use of traditional tools and fasteners and with a minimal of assistance. A removable desktop is detachably connected to and across a pair of opposing side panels. The removable desktop includes a primary writing surface at the front, a file/paper stacking surface located behind the primary writing surface, and a pair of detachable side wings. A wire management channel, through which to receive an electrical wire from an electrical apparatus, runs around the desktop between the primary writing surface, the file/stacking surface, and the side wings. A cable routing trough, to guide the cable from an AC power strip received therewithin towards a source of power, is detachably connected between the pair of opposing side panels below the desktop.

Abstract: A decelerator apparatus for mounting at the end of a pneumatic fruit harvesting or delivery tube. The decelerator comprises a housing with a moving decelerator body aligned with a fruit-receiving inlet connected to the pneumatic delivery tube. The decelerator body, for example a padded rotating wheel, moves at a speed slower than the speed at which the fruit is pneumatically delivered into the housing, and further defines a compressive deceleration path that moves the fruit in a compressive but protective fit toward a housing exit, releasing the fruit after the fruit has been decelerated to the speed of the moving body.

Abstract: Various novel roofing brackets and roofing systems are disclosed. A first embodiment can be considered a roofing bracket to be coupled to a vertical post and a horizontal purlin of a roofing system whereby the horizontal purlin is positioned to support roof panels at a requisite pitch. The roofing bracket includes a reference brace and a clip. The reference brace includes a first brace face positioned planarly parallel with the vertical post and a second brace face extending at an angle angle from the first brace face and positioned planarly parallel with the vertical post. The clip includes a first clip face positioned to be fastened generally flush with the horizontal purlin and a second clip face extending at an angle from the first clip face and positioned to be fastened planarly parallel with the vertical post. The second clip face is coupled to the first brace face at a pivot point such that the clip can be rotated a particular angle relative to the reference brace.

Abstract: A suction nozzle holster is provided with a latch mechanism for receiving a universally adjustable strap having a groove system whose individual grooves can engage with a pawl of a lever arm of said latch mechanism. A forward surface of the holster may be provided with a hole into which a suction hose can be forced in order to constrict said hose and, hence, curtail the vacuum conditions in a suction nozzle serviced by that hose.