Abstract: An improved and highly productive method of continuously producing ethanol from lignocellulosic substrates is provided. The method involves providing a suitable microbial system within a reaction vessel and adding fermentable substrate to the reactor to form a reaction mixture. The fermentation reaction is allowed to proceed while a quiescent state is maintained within the reactor. During the fermentation, soluble substrate is differentially retained relative to the feed slurry and reaction biocatalysts are retained and internally recycled within the system. Further, while fermenting substrate is retained within the system, it forms a stratified zone within the reactor such that the concentration of actively fermenting substrate is highest at upper portions of the reaction zone and is lowest, near zero, at a lower portion of the reaction zone. Insoluble, fully reacted substrate may be withdrawn from a region near the bottom of the reactor.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 3, 1991
Date of Patent:
November 2, 1993
Assignee:
Trustees of Dartmouth College
Inventors:
Lee R. Lynd, David A. Hogsett, Gisbert Spieles
Abstract: A method of distillation employing a heat pump (which may be driven by a compressor) using a vapor stream from within the distillation system as a heat source and a liquid stream from within the distillation system as a heat sink. The selection of heat-source vapors and heat-sink liquid is such that at least one is withdrawn from the phase-contracting region of the distillation system. The return of streams withdrawn from the phase-contacting region of the distillation system to the distillation system is such that at least one of the streams is returned at a temperature different from that of the point from which it was withdrawn, and all withdrawn streams are returned in manner such that a stream removed as vapor is returned at a point with a temperature at most that at the point it was withdrawn, and a stream removed as liquid is returned at a point with a temperature at least that at which it was withdrawn.
Abstract: A 155 kDa phagocyte-specific antigen which is expressed on human monocytes, monocyte-derived macrophages and peritoneal macrophages, but is not expressed on human granulocytes, lymphocytes and platelets is described.
Abstract: A method of distillation employing a heat pump (which may be driven by a compressor) using a vapor stream from within the distillation system as a heat source and a liquid stream from within the distillation system as a heat sink. The selection of heat-source vapors and heat-sink liquid is such that at least one is withdrawn from the phase-contacting region of the distillation system. The return of streams withdrawn from the phase-contacting region of the distillation system to the distillation system is such that at least one of the streams is returned at a temperature different from that of the point from which it was withdrawn, and all withdrawn streams are returned in manner such that a stream removed as vapor is returned at a point with a temperature at most that at the point it was withdrawn, and a stream removed as liquid is returned at a point with a temperature at least that at which it was withdrawn.
Abstract: A protein antigen related to the dihydro-pyridine-sensitive calcium channel is expressed at high levels by small cell carcinoma of the lung and neuroblastomas. The antigen serves as a marker which can be exploited for diagnosis and therapy of these tumors. Methods of diagnosis and therapy of small cell carcinoma of the lung and neuroblastomas employing monoclonal antibodies which are specific for the dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channel are also described.
Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies specific for the high affinity (72 K.D.) F.sub.c receptor on human monocytes are diclosed. The monoclonal antibodies do not block normal IgG binding to the receptor.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 1, 1987
Date of Patent:
September 4, 1990
Assignee:
Trustees of Dartmouth College
Inventors:
Michael W. Fanger, Paul M. Guyre, Clark L. Anderson
Abstract: A ground probing radar is described for detecting radar reflections from underground objects. The radar is of the pulse compression type. A transmitter generates a biphGovernment SupportThe U.S. Government has rights to this invention pursuant to Contract No. 536115 (DACA 89-81-K-0004) awarded by U.S. the Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory.
Abstract: Reduction of cortisol levels in depressed hypercortisolemic patients can alleviate depression. Cortisol levels can be reduced in these patients with drugs such as ketoconazole which block cortisol synthesis.
Abstract: An apparatus to visually and instantaneously indicate the pressure at the mouthpiece of a respiratory apparatus. The apparatus comprises a rigid tube with an aperture formed in the tube wall. Over the tube and covering the aperture is a flexible membrane which will deflect when the internal pressure differs from the external pressure. Mounted in communication with the flexible membrane is a pointer mechanism which provides a visual indication of the magnitude of the deflection of the flexible membrane.
Abstract: The use of pectins (or pectin-like materials) as an additive to clay to provide clay compositions of enhanced plasticity and stability is disclosed.
Abstract: A reference display system that receives information from an imaging system (e.g., a CT scanner or the like), that extracts or derives three-dimensional anatomical and/or pathological information about a part of a body (e.g., the brain or other organ) of a patient. The information is digitized in the imaging system and is introduced to a computer that is programmed to reformat the digitized information to provide as output electric signal representative of the digitized information. An optical display system (e.g., a cathode ray tube, CRT, and related circuitry) is connected to receive the output of the computer and is operable to present the reformatted information at a determined plane during an operative procedure. An operating microscope is freely located in the operative location relative to the patient during the operative procedure, the focal plane of the microscope establishing the determined plane.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 18, 1986
Date of Patent:
January 26, 1988
Assignee:
Trustees of Dartmouth College
Inventors:
David W. Roberts, John W. Strohbehn, John F. Hatch
Abstract: A method of distillation employing a heat pump (which may be driven by a compressor) using a vapor stream from within the distillation system as a heat source and a liquid stream from within the distillation system as a heat sink. The selection of heat-source vapors and heat-sink liquid is such that at least one is withdrawm from the phase-contacting region of the distillation system. The return of streams withdrawm from the phase-contacting region of the distillation system to the distillation system is such that at least one of the streams is returned at a temperature different from that of the point from which it was withdrawn, and all withdrawn streams are returned in manner such that a stream removed as vapor is returned at a point with a temperature at most that at the point it was withdrawn, and a stream removed as liquid is returned at a point with a temperature at least that at which it was withdrawn.
Abstract: A process for hydrolysis of biomass wherein the biomass is mixed with a small amount of an aqueous acid to produce a wet meal. A non-aqueous carrier fluid is used to form a slurry of the biomass, and the temperature and pressure are established at appropriate levels to effect hydrolysis of the biomass to decomposition products that include sugar for a time period that is sufficient for the hydrolysis to occur.
Abstract: A three-dimensional model-making system that employs a cutting wire under tension and acting in a reciprocating mode to shape an easily-machinable material. The machine has three servo-driven axes including an x and y axis and a rotational axis.
Abstract: A digital min-max thermometer that periodically records temperature and the corresponding time of that temperature and rates minimum and maximum values of temperature for a predetermined time interval (e.g., a 24-hour period). The minimum and maximum values can then be displayed on demand. The apparatus disclosed includes, as well, degree-day information and frost alarm capabilities.
Abstract: A digital min-max thermometer that periodically records temperature and the corresponding time of that temperature and rates minimum and maximum values of temperature for a predetermined time interval (e.g., a 24-hour period). The minimum and maximum values can then be displayed on demand. The apparatus disclosed includes, as well, degree-day information and frost alarm capabilities.
Abstract: Processes for treating cellulosic substances prior to hydrolysis which lead to shortening hydrolysis time and to increasing sugar yield. As exemplary, an aqueous slurry of the cellulosic substance is acidified and heated to and maintained at a temperature to produce a change in the cellulosic structure; the heating period is controlled so that there is little glucose formation. The pretreated cellulose may be subsequently hydrolyzed by acid or enzyme.