Abstract: In one aspect, a method is provided for increasing germination vigor of conifer somatic embryos produced in vitro. The method comprises (a) singulating a plurality of individual immature conifer somatic embryos from a first culture of embryos after a first incubation period in a first development media; and (b) contacting the plurality of singulated immature conifer somatic embryos with a second development media for a second incubation period.

Abstract: Meltblown lyocell fibers incorporating polyolefinic hydrophobic polymers are disclosed. The polymer is distributed fairly uniformly within the fiber and exists as approximately one to two micron diameter domains. The fibers have a high hemicellulose level, show reduced water retention values and have varying diameters depending on processing conditions. The fibers have a brightness of at least 60.

Abstract: A process and material therefrom is described where a material comprised of a continuous orientable polymer matrix with one or more discontinuous or continuous second phases is stretched in the solid state using more than one device to apply force to the unoriented material to form a material that consists of a continuous oriented polymer matrix with one or more other phases. At least one of the phases releases from the oriented polymer matrix forming voids during the orientation process, thereby reducing the density to less than that of the original unoriented mixture. One or more of the phases may stay bonded to the continuous oriented polymer phase, acting as a reinforcing agent and forming no voids. Methods for forming such a material allowing for the control of the final shape and affecting the final density independent of the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at using LiDAR data to identify attributes of vegetation. In this regard, a method is provided that identifies the location of individual items of vegetation from raw LiDAR data. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a coordinate position represented in the LiDAR data that generated a return signal. Then, a determination is made regarding whether the selected coordinate position is inside a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation. If the selected coordinate position is not within a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation, the method determines that the selected coordinate position is associated with a new item of vegetation. In this instance, a digital representation of the new item of vegetation is generated.

Abstract: A method for making a fibrous blend of crosslinked mixed polymer composite fibers in which an aqueous solution comprising a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer and first cellulose fibers in water is treated with a first crosslinking agent to provide a gel; the gel mixed with a water-miscible solvent to provide mixed polymer fibers; second cellulose fibers are added to the crosslinked mixed polymer composite fibers; and these fibers may be treated with a second crosslinking agent to provide crosslinked composite fibers. The second crosslinking treatment may be before or after the addition of the second cellulose fibers.

Abstract: A method for making crosslinked fibers containing cellulose fibers in which an aqueous solution comprising a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer in water is treated with a first crosslinking agent to provide a gel; the gel mixed with a water-miscible solvent to provide mixed polymer fibers; cellulose fibers are added to the mixed polymer fibers; and these fibers are treated with a second crosslinking agent to provide crosslinked fibers.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at estimating the value of an attribute at a specified geographic location. In one embodiment, a method is provided that estimates the elevation at a principal point using LiDAR data that was collected from spatially related secondary points. More specifically, the method includes identifying secondary points where sample attribute data was obtained that are within a predetermined distance to the principal point where the attribute is being estimated. A secondary point may be selected and allocated a masking zone and a determination made regarding whether one or more distant secondary points are within the area of the masking zone. In this regard, more distant secondary points that are inside a masking zone may be assigned less relevance when estimating the value of the attribute.

Abstract: An acetylated softwood lignin fiber having a diameter of 5 to 100 microns.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at using LiDAR data to identify attributes of vegetation. In this regard, a method is provided that allocates points to individual items of vegetation from raw LiDAR data. In one embodiment, the method includes selecting a coordinate position represented in the LiDAR data that generated a return signal. Then, a determination is made regarding whether the selected coordinate position is inside a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation. If the selected coordinate position is not within a geographic area allocated to a previously identified item of vegetation, the method determines that the selected coordinate position is associated with a new item of vegetation. In this instance, a digital representation of the new item of vegetation is generated.

Abstract: A method of making a carbon fiber from softwood alkaline black liquor lignin by acetylating the lignin to provide a meltable and drawable lignin.

Abstract: A mixed polymer composite fiber, comprising second cellulose fiber and a crosslinked mixed polymer composite fiber comprising carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer, and first cellulose fiber.

Abstract: A mixed polymer fiber, comprising a crosslinked polymer fiber comprising carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer, and cellulose fiber.

Abstract: A low-cost and efficient process produces self-aligned vias in dielectric polymer films that provides electrical connection between a top conductor and a bottom conductor. The process is achieved by printing conductive posts on the first patterned conductive layer, followed by the deposition of an unpatterned layer dielectric, followed by the deposition of a second patterned conductive layer. The vias are formed during the flash annealing of the post after the dielectric is deposited, but before the second conductive layer is deposited. In this process, the post material is annealed with a flash of light, resulting in a release of energy which removes the dielectric on the top of the post.

Abstract: A paperboard structure having a three layer product side construction of a gas barrier layer comprising a blend of at least one of aliphatic nylon, aromatic nylon, or a blend of nylons with polyethylene terephthalate, a tie layer and a low density polyethylene layer.

Abstract: A warp stable wood product and methods for detecting the same are provided. The wood product may be sorted based on its morphology, microstructure, macrostructure, and/or chemical composition properties being substantially symmetric relative to at least one or more cross-sectional centroids of the wood product, thereby imparting warp stability.

Abstract: A sealer applicator (20) for a fiberboard container assembler is provided. The sealer applicator (20) includes a housing (30) defining a first guide surface (32, 34, or 36) and a plurality of applicator assemblies (50) disposed within the housing (30). The sealer applicator (20) also includes at least one trigger (60) in communication with the plurality of applicator assemblies (50), the at least one trigger (60) adapted to reciprocate the plurality of applicator assemblies (50) between an ON state, wherein each of the applicator assemblies (50) apply a closure material to the container (24), and an OFF state when the least one trigger (60) is actuated.

Abstract: A process is described for manufacturing a paperboard from a high consistency slurry containing high levels of crosslinked cellulosic fibers by dispersing the fibers in a screen with a rotor in the screen and then passing the fibers through the screen basket with a hole diameter of at least 2 mm and forming the cellulosic fibers on a foraminous support. Another slurry of regular cellulosic fibers is deposited on at least one side of the first slurry during the formation process. The formed web is dewatered and dried.

Abstract: Methods are provided for using light reflection patterns to determine various properties of fibrous materials, such as wood. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for determining a dive angle for grain. Further, the present invention relates to methods for using information in T2 plots, combined with knowledge of the microstructure of a wood sample surface, to find pith location and/or ring curvature.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a process of dissolving cellulose in an ionic liquid, regenerating the fibers and forming a nonwoven web. In particular it is directed to fibers produced from cellulose dissolved in ionic solvents and extruded by the meltblowing process. Bonded nonwoven webs can be obtained in the process.

Abstract: The present invention includes a blank and container formed from cellulose-based materials configured to form an octagonal shaped display and/or shipping container. The container includes a multiple sidewall thickness throughout a majority of the various sidewalls to add to stacking strength and stability of the container. Also in certain embodiments, the container includes top panels closing off the top portion of the container. Additionally in another embodiment, the container does not have any top panels at all. Likewise, the container may have solid sidewalls, or the container may have viewing and access cutouts formed in the sidewalls.