Abstract: A computerized method and sensor for real-time in-situ measurement of a quality of fibers within a sample containing extraneous material is described herein. The fibers can be cotton, jute, flax, ramie, sisal, hemp, silk, wool, catgut, angora, mohair, alpaca or other natural fiber. The fibers are differentiated from the extraneous material within the sample. One or more positions of the fibers are determined. A multi-spectral reflectance of the fibers at the one or more positions at two or more near infrared wavebands is measured wherein each waveband has a central wavelength and a bandwidth. The two or more central wavelengths are within a range of approximately 1100 nm to 2400 nm, and the bandwidth is within a range of approximately 10 nm to 100 nm. A micronaire level for the fibers is determined based on the measured multi-spectral reflectance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mass-flow sensor that measures the mass flow of conveyed reflective materials, such as cotton, in a stream of air or non-opaque fluid. In particular, the mass-flow sensor of the present invention may be used with a GPS receiver as a cotton yield monitor when mounted on a cotton harvester. It can also be used to measure mass flow of the various cotton component streams in a cotton gin. The mass flow measurements may be made non-intrusively and in real time. The present invention also relates to a method for measuring mass flow using the mass-flow sensor of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sustainable process for treating contaminated fluids that utilizes a cellulose-based medium to adsorb contaminants in contaminated fluids and vapors. First, the cellulose-based material is tightly packed into a column. Contaminated fluid is then passed through the column to provide intimate contact between the contaminated fluid and the cellulose-based material. As the contaminated fluid flows through the column, the cellulose-based material adsorbs the contaminants (both organic and inorganic contaminants) due to the adsorptive properties of the cellulose-based material. The column is operated until the attenuation capacity of the cellulose-based material within the column is reached (i.e., when contaminants are found in the effluent). The cellulose-based material is then removed and composted and a new cellulose-based material is packed into the column. Composting is used to reduce the volume of the spent cellulose-based material and degrade and concentrate the contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mass-flow sensor that measures the mass flow of conveyed reflective materials, such as cotton, in a stream of air or non-opaque fluid. In particular, the mass-flow sensor of the present invention may be used with a GPS receiver as a cotton yield monitor when mounted on a cotton harvester. It can also be used to measure mass flow of the various cotton component streams in a cotton gin. The mass flow measurements may be made non-intrusively and in real time. The present invention also relates to a method for measuring mass flow using the mass-flow sensor of the present invention.