Abstract: The system and method described herein provide for the higher production rate fractionation of biomass for the purpose of selectively separating specific volatile components, which may subsequently be used in the production of a renewable liquid fuel, such as gasoline. Increased production rates of processing of biomass or other feedstock is achieved through the use of sealed reaction chambers, which may be transferred in a sealed configuration between stations in a multi-station processing system. Also, the present invention considers the use of piston assemblies for the dual functions of controlling fluid intake and exhaust (in combination with valves) and for providing a more robust and more cost effective sealing mechanism. The present invention may also achieve improved uniformity of biomass processing through the introduction of a mechanical agitator designed to mix the biomass during processing.

Abstract: The system and method described herein provide for the higher production rate fractionation of biomass for the purpose of selectively separating specific volatile components, which may subsequently be used in the production of a renewable liquid fuel, such as gasoline. Increased production rates of processing of biomass or other feedstock is achieved through the use of sealed reaction chambers, which may be transferred in a sealed configuration between stations in a multi-station processing system. Also, the present invention considers the use of piston assemblies for the dual functions of controlling fluid intake and exhaust (in combination with valves) and for providing a more robust and more cost effective sealing mechanism. The present invention may also achieve improved uniformity of biomass processing through the introduction of a mechanical agitator designed to mix the biomass during processing.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating transactions in a distribution network. An analysis tool may be accessed through a computer network by consumers, producers and/or distribution intermediaries. In response to an inquiry, the analysis tool may present a solution sets may to a consumer, producer, and/or distribution intermediary for optimizing interaction with the network, e.g. minimizing cost or maximizing revenue in business transactions over the network.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting a bulk solid biomass fuel. The biomass transport system comprises a remote storage bin (RSB), a biomass transfer system, and a vacuum source. The RSB contains a quantity of fuel and a controllable dispensing valve configured to dispense a controlled rate of the fuel into a first pipe. The vacuum source provides a stream of air through a second pipe. The biomass transfer system comprises a register and a hod. The register is coupled to a support surface, a first opening be fluidly coupled to the first pipe, and a second opening fluidly coupled to the second pipe.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring bulk solid biomass fuels from a hopper to an end-user storage bin. The system may comprise at least one intermediate bulk container (IBC) configured to contain a quantity of the fuel and a mobile transfer system for transferring the fuel from the IBC to an end-user storage container. The mobile transfer system may comprise a hopper configured to be coupled to the IBC and configured to receive the bulk solid biomass fuel from the IBC; a delivery hose configured to be coupled to the hopper and the end-user storage container, wherein the delivery hose is configured to receive the bulk solid biomass fuel from the intermediate bulk container; and a blower coupled to the delivery hose, the blower configured to transfer the bulk solid biomass fuel between the intermediate bulk container and the end-user storage container.

Abstract: A system for transferring bulk solid biomass fuel includes a bin defining a cavity sized and shaped for receiving a quantity of biomass, a trolley configured to engage and travel along a track defining, the track configured to be horizontally mountable to a portion of the bin, a hose having a body coupled to the trolley, at least a portion of the hose configured to be in motion with the trolley, and a means of driving the trolley along the track. A method of transferring bulk solid biomass fuel from a bin, whereby a trolley coupled to a hose is driven along a track, the track being mounted within the bin, conveying the biomass material through the hose, and discharging the material out of the bin and into a receptacle.

Abstract: A system and method for aggregating delivery of goods or services may be implemented using an aggregate delivery coordination system accessed through a computer network by users interested in participating in pooling activities. The coordination system receives inputs from users interested in participating and presents pooling activity information to the users in response to the user inputs. The coordination system also coordinates pooling activities between respective groups of the users to establish pooling activity delivery options aggregating delivery of goods or services for the respective groups. The coordination system further notifies the groups of users of completed pooling activities and the delivery options established for those groups.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating transactions in a distribution network. An analysis tool may be accessed through a computer network by consumers, producers and/or distribution intermediaries. In response to an inquiry, the analysis tool may present a solution sets may to a consumer, producer, and/or distribution intermediary for optimizing interaction with the network, e.g. minimizing cost or maximizing revenue in business transactions over the network.