Abstract: A device for automatically releasing cremated ashes, including a chamber for containing cremated ashes; and a release mechanism configured to selectively release cremated ashes contained in the chamber to the external environment. The release mechanism includes an annular outer member, and an inner member at least partially radially inward of the outer member. The outer member includes an outlet from the chamber. The release mechanism is configured to translate the inner member and the outer member relative to each other along a common longitudinal axis from a first relative position, in which release of cremated ashes in the chamber through the outlet is inhibited, to a second relative position, in which release of cremated ashes in the chamber through the outlet is enabled. In the first relative position, the inner member is in contact with the outer member so as to cover the outlet. In the second relative position, the inner member is spaced from the outer member.

Abstract: A device for automatically releasing cremated ashes, including a chamber for containing cremated ashes; and a release mechanism configured to selectively release cremated ashes contained in the chamber to the external environment. The release mechanism includes an annular outer member, and an inner member at least partially radially inward of the outer member. The outer member includes an outlet from the chamber. The release mechanism is configured to translate the inner member and the outer member relative to each other along a common longitudinal axis from a first relative position, in which release of cremated ashes in the chamber through the outlet is inhibited, to a second relative position, in which release of cremated ashes in the chamber through the outlet is enabled. In the first relative position, the inner member is in contact with the outer member so as to cover the outlet. In the second relative position, the inner member is spaced from the outer member.

Abstract: A method for producing a partially hydrolysed lignocellulosic material is provided including treating a lignocellulosic material with an acid and/or an alkali and then a polyol. Also provided are methods of producing a fermentable sugar, or a fermentable sugar and a fermentation product from said partially hydrolysed lignocellulosic material. A partially hydrolysed lignocellulosic material, a fermentable sugar, and fermentation product produced by such methods are also provided. Also provided is an apparatus for producing a partially hydrolysed lignocellulosic material, such as by the aforementioned method.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an improved camming stem system including a head member, a plurality of cam lobes, a connection system, and a retraction system. The cam lobes may be selectively rotatable between an extended state and a retracted state with respect to at least one axle of the head member. The connection system may create an elongated, substantially rigid region by intercoupling the head member with a loop. The connection system includes a cord continuously wrapped around the head member and loop. The continuous configuration of the cord around both the head member and the loop creates the necessary minimum tensile strength for operation of the camming system. The cord may be wrapped around a rivet or one or more axles of the head member. Independent regions of the cord may be spliced together to form the continuous configuration.

Abstract: A method for producing a modified cellulosic material is provided including treating a lignocellulosic material with an acid and/or an alkali and then a polyol. Also provided are methods of producing a paper-based product and a cellulose derivative from said modified cellulosic material. A modified cellulosic material, a paper-based product and a cellulose derivative produced by such methods are also provided. Also provided is an apparatus for producing a modified cellulosic material, such as by the aforementioned method.

Abstract: A method for producing a partially hydrolysed lignocellulosic material is provided including treating a lignocellulosic material with an acid and/or an alkali and then a polyol. Also provided are methods of producing a fermentable sugar, or a fermentable sugar and a fermentation product from said partially hydrolysed lignocellulosic material. A partially hydrolysed lignocellulosic material, a fermentable sugar, and fermentation product produced by such methods are also provided. Also provided is an apparatus for producing a partially hydrolysed lignocellulosic material, such as by the aforementioned method.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an improved camming stem system including a head member, a plurality of cam lobes, a connection system, and a retraction system. The cam lobes may be selectively rotatable between an extended state and a retracted state with respect to at least one axle of the head member. The connection system may create an elongated, substantially rigid region by intercoupling the head member with a loop. The connection system includes a cord continuously wrapped around the head member and loop. The continuous configuration of the cord around both the head member and the loop creates the necessary minimum tensile strength for operation of the camming system. The cord may be wrapped around a rivet or one or more axles of the head member. Independent regions of the cord may be spliced together to form the continuous configuration.