Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to chemical engineering, and, more specifically, to an improved method and apparatus for recovering lignin from biomass, including using organic solvents, such as methanol, to explosively separate lignin from cellulosic materials, and the harvesting of all of the resulting products. Additionally, the present technology relates to improved uses for the harvested products, including composite board and resin binder systems.

Abstract: A portable insulated cooler having a seat and a hinged mount that secures a set of wheels to the cooler provides easy cooled transport of food and beverages, along with a cooling agent such as ice. The hinged mount secures an axle, to which the wheels are mounted, underneath the cooler in a first position for transport, and is releasable so that in a second position, the wheels rest alongside the cooler, permitting the bottom of the cooler to completely rest on the ground. A seat is rotatably affixed to the top of the cooler, providing a long-term and movable sitting location, and may be releasable from the top of the cooler for easy stowage and transport. A bottom portion of a swivel mounting the seat to the cooler may be formed on the top of the cooler as a raised circular projection with an undercut reducing the cooler height.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining the charge of a battery are disclosed. Embodiments include determining the charge in batteries that exhibit mass diffusion during charging or discharging, such as by evaluating the response of the battery to vibration. Alternate embodiments include evaluating the amplitude response of the battery and the phase shift response of the battery. Still other embodiment include evaluating the H11 response of the battery to vibration. Further embodiment include vibrating the battery, for example, with a chirp frequency that may be in the acoustic range. Still further embodiments include performing a Fourier analysis of the battery response to vibration.