Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing a cellulosic feedstock are disclosed. Embodiments of the method comprise obtaining a cellulosic feedstock having a moisture content of 30 wt % to 60 wt %; passing the cellulosic feedstock through a heated holding tank; withdrawing the cellulosic feedstock from the holding tank; and, subsequently subjecting the cellulosic feedstock to hydrolysis. Embodiments of the apparatus comprise at least one sidewall defining a volume having an upper portion and a lower portion. At least one inlet is provided adjacent the upper portion, and the inlet is in fluid communication with an impregnation chamber provided upstream from the holding tank. At least one outlet is provided adjacent the lower portion, and the outlet is in fluid communication with hydrolysis reactor positioned downstream from the holding tank. At least one conveyor is positioned adjacent the at least one outlet. A heating jacket provided on at least a portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses for improving pool skimmers. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a pool skimmer basket system that includes a skimmer basket, a first tube that is attached to the skimmer basket, and a second tube that is adjacent to and rotatable relative to the first tube. The first tube includes a longitudinal slot that feeds water into the skimmer basket. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the slot increases the velocity of water flowing into the basket and that the system increases the debris-holding capacity and allows one to avoid having to reach through dirty water to remove the skimmer basket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for improving the range of pool skimmers. In some embodiments, the present invention provides at least one track that is attached to the pool sidewall and a second weir that moves along the track. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a deflector that is attached to the pool sidewall, extends from the sidewall and above the skimmer opening, and includes a side opening adjacent for feeding water to the skimmer opening. Without being bound to any particular theory, it is believed that the apparatuses are cheap to manufacture, safe, conserve water and chemical use, and allow for an aesthetically pleasing full pool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a cellulosic feedstock, such as for subsequent ethanol production, are disclosed. The method comprises determining an initial moisture content of the cellulosic feedstock and adding an amount of moisture to the cellulosic feedstock to obtain a predetermined moisture content of the cellulosic feedstock, wherein the cellulosic feedstock may subsequently be subjected to hydrolysis. The apparatus comprises a moisture sensor that provides an initial moisture content reading of the cellulosic feedstock, and a weight sensor providing the weight of the cellulosic feedstock. A processor is configured to determine an amount of moisture to be added to the cellulosic feedstock based on the weight and the initial moisture content of the cellulosic feedstock to obtain treated cellulosic feedstock having a predetermined moisture content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses for improving pool skimmers. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a pool skimmer basket system that includes a skimmer basket, a first tube that is attached to the skimmer basket, and a second tube that is adjacent to and rotatable relative to the first tube. The first tube includes a longitudinal slot that feeds water into the skimmer basket. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the slot increases the velocity of water flowing into the basket and that the system increases the debris-holding capacity and allows one to avoid having to reach through dirty water to remove the skimmer basket.

Abstract: Methods for producing ethanol from cellulosic biomass and, in particular, methods for controlling steam explosion pretreatment operations are disclosed. In some particular embodiments, the total solids content of biomass entering a pretreatment digester is calculated to provide operational data and feedback control.

Abstract: A security system for automatically detecting and signaling the event of a person falling overboard from a vessel into a body of water includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag worn by each passenger onboard a vessel, one or more RFID readers placed surrounding the hull of the vessel, a control unit onboard the vessel wherein the RFID readers are individually connected, and an alarm system. When a person who is wearing the RFID tag falls overboard, he or she would inevitably pass through one or more of the RFID readers placed surrounding the hull of the vessel. One or more RFID readers read the information contained in the RFID tag, and said information is transmitted from the RFID reader to the control unit. The control unit records the time and location of the event, and activates an alarm system for facilitating the rescue of the person.

Abstract: News information is received. It is determined if the news information contains a reference to a company. It is further determined if the news information matches criteria associated with the company. Securities are automatically trade upon determining that said news information contains a reference to the company and determining that said news information matches criteria associated with the company.

Abstract: News information is received. It is determined if the news information contains a reference to a company. It is further determined if the news information matches criteria associated with the company. Securities are automatically trade upon determining that said news information contains a reference to the company and determining that said news information matches criteria associated with the company.

Abstract: News information is received. It is determined if the news information contains a reference to a company. It is further determined if the news information matches criteria associated with the company. Securities are automatically trade upon determining that said news information contains a reference to the company and determining that said news information matches criteria associated with the company.

Abstract: A composite match criteria list having a plurality of match criteria is created. The composite match criteria list is from a plurality of user match criteria lists of a plurality of users, each having one or more user match criteria. A first message is received. It is determined whether the first message comprises one or more terms that match one or more user match criteria of one or more users, based at least in part on the composite match criteria list.

Abstract: A composite match criteria list having one or more match criteria is created. The composite match criteria list is from a plurality of user match criteria lists of a plurality of users, each having a plurality of user match criteria. A message is received. It is determined whether the first message comprises one or more terms that match one or more user match criteria of one or more users, based at least in part on the composite match criteria list.