Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for converting organic waste materials from a municipal waste stream to useful products. Organic waste materials having a wide range of compositions such as, for example, yard waste, food waste, paper, and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste are converted into a uniform biomass that is suitable for conversion to useful products, such as fuels. Through the use of a biomixer and a hydropulper, as well as through sorting and screening, the organic waste materials are progressively reduced in size and cleaned of contamination. The resulting uniform biomass is suitable for anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and a residual solid that is suitable for producing a high quality compost.

Abstract: Methods for generating a biomass product having a high volatile solid content, biomass products made by the methods, and apparatus for performing the method are provided. An exemplary method fractions an organic waste stream into a residual component and a biomass component, and the biomass component is further processed to reduce the sizes of the particles therein to produce the biomass product. The volatile solid content of the biomass product, in some embodiments, is at least 80% of a total solid content. An exemplary apparatus for generating the biomass product includes a separation drum, such as a Trommel screen, having a screen for passing the biomass component, and a grinder for further processing the biomass component to produce the biomass product.

Abstract: Methods for generating a biomass product having a high volatile solid content, biomass products made by the methods, and apparatus for performing the method are provided. An exemplary method fractions an organic waste stream into a residual component and a biomass component, and the biomass component is further processed to reduce the sizes of the particles therein to produce the biomass product. The volatile solid content of the biomass product, in some embodiments, is at least 80% of a total solid content. An exemplary apparatus for generating the biomass product includes a separation drum, such as a Trommel screen, having a screen for passing the biomass component, and a grinder for further processing the biomass component to produce the biomass product.

Abstract: A multi-stage process and system for treating organic waste materials includes steps of hydrolyzing the materials in an anaerobic vessel, transferring the liquid product of hydrolysis to an anaerobic digester, and further decomposing the waste materials under aerobic conditions to yield a compost product usable as a soil amendment. Biogas produced by digestion of the hydrolysis liquid product may be burned to generate electricity or heat, and the liquid digester product may be recirculated for use as an inoculant to aid hydrolysis of subsequently processed batches of waste materials.

Abstract: A fishing lure of the present invention comprises a weighted head, a hook fixedly connected to the head, a spinner arm extending downwardly from the head, and a spinner blade attached to a distal end of the spinner arm. The hook has a shank portion and a curved butt portion. The shank portion of the hook projects rearwardly from the head generally along a shank axis. The curved butt portion of the hook is at the rearward end of the shank portion, curves upwardly from the shank portion, and terminates in a barb.