Abstract: In the field of biomass extraction, there is a need for effective removal of solvent from spent biomass material.

Abstract: An apparatus (10′) for extracting biomass includes an extractor (11), evaporator (12), compressor (13) and condenser (14) connected in series by pipework (17) to define a closed loop extraction circuit. A transfer line (18) selectively supplies hot solvent vapor from the outlet side of the compressor (13) to the interior of the extractor (11), where the solvent vapor heats the biomass. This causes stripping of solvent from the biomass. The transfer line (18) includes control elements (19,20) for controlling the flow of solvent vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting biomass includes a closed loop circuit having an extraction vessel (11), an evaporator (12), a compressor (13), a condenser (14) and (optionally) a storage reservoir (15) operatively connected in series. A pumped recirculation loop (20) recirculates a portion of the output of the extraction vessel (11) for further contact with biomass. One or more modifiable resistances to flow (12;23) control the flow of solvent around the recirculation loop (20) and the main closed loop.

Abstract: In a closed-loop biomass extraction apparatus (10), strategies for purifying HFC solvents used therein include:

Abstract: There is provided an essentially non-aqueous homogeneous liquid herbicide composition comprising: a) a lipophilic solvent soluble complex comprising the reaction product of: i) not in excess of about 35% by weight of one or more lipophobic herbicides having an acidic moiety; and ii) not in excess of about 99% by weight of one or more tertiary dimethylamines of the structure (CH3)2N—R wherein R contains an alkyl group of at least 8 carbon atoms and may contain other chemical moieties and wherein is at least one mole equivalent of such amine to each mole of lipophobic herbicide; b) not in excess of about 60% by weight of one or more essentially non-aqueous polar solvents having low volatility; c) not in excess of about 90% by weight of one or more additional solvents selected from the group consisting of low to medium HLB surfactants; and d) not in excess of about 99% by weight of one or more lipophilic carriers.

Abstract: A self-extinguishing candle and method of making the candle are described. The self-extinguishing candle comprises a candle body formed of a candle base material and a flame retardant. The flame retardant is capable of extinguishing the candle flame or, alternatively, of controlling the candle flame.

Abstract: A telecommunications call center includes a controller (301), graphical user interface (302), a database (304), and a query engine (306). The controller (301) stores call information in the database (304), such as call length, duration, party, time, and the like. The graphical user interface (302) subsequently allows a user to enter query fields for a query of the database. The query engine (306) reads the entries, generates a Structured Query Language (SQL) query, and returns results via the graphical user interface.

Abstract: A method of reducing residual solvent levels in extracted biomass that is contaminated with HFC solvent includes sparging the biomass extract with a solvent stripping gas such as air or Nitrogen.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for reducing residual solvent levels in extracted biomass that is contaminated with HFC solvent that includes sparging the biomass extract with a solvent stripping gas such as air or nitrogen are disclosed. Apparatus for carrying out the method include a vessel (12;25) containing extract (26) and a source of the gas. The source may be in the form of a moveable, hollow wand (27) having a sparging gas outlet; or a fixed gas inlet (30) for bubbling the gas through the extract (26).

Abstract: A plant growth promoter composition is provided comprising: (a) not in excess of 20% by weight of one or more gibberellins; and (b) an essentially non-aqueous solvent system comprising: (i) 30 to 99% by weight of one or more lipophilic solvents; (ii) at least an equivalent molar amount to the gibberellins of one or more lipophilic alkaline coupling agents which enable the gibberellins to form a lipophilic solvent soluble complex; (iii) 1 to 50% by weight of one or more emulsifiers which blend with the lipophilic solvent(s) to form a homogeneous product and enable dispersion of the composition into water for application; and (iv) optionally, not in excess of 15% by weight of one or more viscosity reducing co-solvents.

Abstract: An apparatus (10′) for extracting biomass includes an extractor (11), evaporator (12), compressor (13) and condenser (14) connected in series by pipework (17) to define a closed loop extraction circuit. A transfer line (18) selectively supplies hot solvent vapor from the outlet side of the compressor (13) to the interior of the extractor (11), where the solvent vapor heats the biomass. This causes stripping of solvent from the biomass. The transfer line (18) includes control elements (19,20) for controlling the flow of solvent vapor.

Abstract: A closed loop apparatus (10) for extracting biomass includes an evaporator (42) and a condenser (43) directly connected to one another, without an intermediate compressor. An optional pump (14) moves liquid solvent between the evaporator (42) and compressor (43) and provides a hydrostatic head for the closed loop circuit.

Abstract: A condenser (20) includes within its shell (22) a reservoir (22b) for condensed solvent used in biomass extraction. The reservoir (22b) supplies liquid solvent (23) to an extraction vessel (11) via an inverted lute (30). The height of the uppermost part (35) of the lute (30) determines the level of liquid (28) in the reservoir. In an embodiment the height of the uppermost part (35) is adjustable, to control the liquid level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an interactive catalog includes presenting a portion of a database. The method includes presenting a first tier of selectable graphics images. Each selectable graphics image in the first tier of selectable graphics images represents a first collection of data structures corresponding thereto. The method also includes presenting a second tier of selectable graphics images, in response to a selecting of a selectable graphics image of the first tier to produce a first tier selected graphics image. Each selectable graphics image in the second tier of selectable graphics images represents a second collection of data structures. Each data structure in the second tier also belongs to the first collection of data structures corresponding to the first tier selected graphics image.

Abstract: An embossed pile fabric having a foreground and background with the foreground having a depth in the order of 1.5/2.0 to 100 times that of the background. The foreground can be formed by an engraving roll having portions that are either mill engraved or acid etched, and the background is formed by the engraving roll having portions formed with a router engraved technique.

Abstract: An azeotrope-like composition comprising: (A) 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and (B) n-pentane: also described is a heat transfer device comprising the azeotrope-like composition.

Abstract: A non-azeotropic refrigerant is described comprising (A) carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2), (B) pentafluoroethane (R-125), (C) 1,1,1-trifluoroethane (R-143a) and (D) chlorodifluoromethane (R-22).

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for exchanging telephone call information between two computers, one of which is coupled to a computerized branch exchange (CBX) which services a plurality of telephone agents, the other of which contains telephone call statistics relating to the CBX. Business value records, each including information which relates a telephone agent to a business value datum such as a sales value from a telephone call, are generated in the first computer and transmitted to the second computer for storage into a database. Similarly, account code records, each including information which relates a telephone agent to an account code indicating the nature of a particular telephone call, are generated in the first computer and transmitted to the second computer. Call segment records, each including information relating to a particular telephone call segment, are also generated in the first computer and transmitted to the second computer.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for scheduling data collection sessions between a collection computer and one or more computerized branch exchanges (CBXs). Telephone statistics data collected from the CBXs is stored into a database in the collection computer and accumulated according to fixed time intervals and one or more previously created organizational hierarchies. A report generation system and method is also provided for selectively retrieving stored data and formatting it into a report with features including time zone adjustment, time offsets, data element calculations, and "where" conditions, all in a manner which does not require the user to understand the underlying database organization or any programming languages.

Abstract: An embossing roll for embossing pile fabric having foreground portions that are either mill engraved or acid etched, and background portions formed with a router engraved technique. The foreground portions of the embossing roll have a depth in the order of 1.5/2.0 to 100 times that of the background portions.