Abstract: Engineered, modified, or mutated Bacillus strains that produce keratinases or serine proteases (KerS) that biologically degrade keratin-containing materials, such as feathers; compositions containing these Bacillus strains or the keratinases they produce, and methods for biologically degrading keratin-containing materials using these strains or keratinases.

Abstract: An asphalt processing system is formed from a heating chamber, a transfer system and an induction heating system. A plurality of paddles, conveyor flights, or conveyor belts having a U-shaped blade move the asphalt through the system while concurrently mixing the material to ensure consistent temperatures through the asphalt cement. The asphalt is heating using one or more induction heating systems to quickly heat the asphalt to between 300° F. and 350° F. The system can include a convection system designed to collect air from the heating chamber, further heat it, and recirculate the air to enhance the asphalt heating. A water condenser can be employed to remove moisture during air recirculation, reducing moisture content in the asphalt cement. The asphalt cement is optionally then modified by addition of one or more rejuvenation oils. This system is particularly useful for recycled asphalt pavement, but can be used for all asphalt products.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods of preparing and/or modifying a working area of interest that results in a level surface layer. In preferred embodiments, a three-dimensional (3-D) paver is utilized to deposit a compressible paving material, wherein, prior to being compacted mechanically, the pavement has a thickness that varies in accordance with the topography of the subgrade surface. Advantageously, paving methods comprising 3-D printing technology provided herein offer a more effective, economical, and versatile solution in preparing level road surface layers than existing paving machines.

Abstract: An asphalt processing system is formed from a heating chamber, a transfer system and an induction heating system. A plurality of paddles, conveyor flights, or conveyor belts having a U-shaped blade move the asphalt through the system while concurrently mixing the material to ensure consistent temperatures through the asphalt cement. The asphalt is heating using one or more induction heating systems to quickly heat the asphalt to between 300° F. and 350° F. The system can include a convection system designed to collect air from the heating chamber, further heat it, and recirculate the air to enhance the asphalt heating. A water condenser can be employed to remove moisture during air recirculation, reducing moisture content in the asphalt cement. The asphalt cement is optionally then modified by addition of one or more rejuvenation oils. This system is particularly useful for recycled asphalt pavement, but can be used for all asphalt products.

Abstract: A system and method for recycling used asphalt material through convection heating and gentle tumbling recycles used asphalt material, such as reclaimed asphalt pavement, by uniformly and gradually applying radiant and convectional heating towards the used asphalt material. A radiant heating coil generates a controlled amount of radiant heat, at about 325 degrees, and up to 750 degrees Fahrenheit. At least one blower works to blow the radiant heat to the used asphalt material as convectional heat. An agitating conveyor simultaneously carries the used asphalt material while it is being heated. The agitating conveyor has a radiant heated conveyor floor that comprises depressions that work to agitate the used asphalt material. The uniform heating of the used asphalt material inhibits moisture from surging from the used asphalt material and maintains integrity of the subsequently formed rejuvenated asphalt. A rejuvenating chamber mixes the used asphalt material with a rejuvenating composition.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods of preparing and/or modifying a working area of interest that results in a level surface layer. In preferred embodiments, a three-dimensional (3-D) paver is utilized to deposit a compressible paving material, wherein, prior to being compacted mechanically, the pavement has a thickness that varies in accordance with the topography of the subgrade surface. Advantageously, paving methods comprising 3-D printing technology provided herein offer a more effective, economical, and versatile solution in preparing level road surface layers than existing paving machines.

Abstract: Methods are provided for generating, building, updating, and searching a custom database of biological sequences. Methods for differentiating between M. tuberculosis and M. bovis and detecting pyrazinamide (PZA) resistance are also provided.