Abstract: A method of producing cellulose liquefaction and a cellulose liquefaction module that mixes and circulates cellulose material as a solid, and provides evaporative cooling in the module. The module includes a container having a vertically disposed tube that houses an auger conveyor that mixes and circulates solid cellulose material. Steam ports and activation agent injection ports are disposed within the tube to liquify the cellulose material. A forced air blower pushes air through the liquified cellulose material to provide evaporative cooling before discharge from the container.

Abstract: A method for determining the ingredients that could possibly be in a mixture discharged from a bulk holding bin in the time interval between the times the bin is observed to be completely empty. Ingredient information is stored in a computer data base, and this information is subsequently used to track possible components in any mixture discharged from the holding bin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular ethanol production plant constructed of a number of identically sized modules each having a supporting structure main framework to which the components contained in the modules are attached. The plurality of modules includes a fermentation module, a distillation module, a ground grain module, or a sugar source feedstock module, and an optional heating module. Each of the modules are sized to occupy the same approximate space as a standard sized ocean going shipping container. Also, each of the modules has a central walkway including piping and electrical control boxes that are aligned for each connection to the next adjacent module.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular ethanol production plant constructed of a number of identically sized modules each having a supporting structure main framework to which the components contained in the modules are attached. The plurality of modules includes a fermentation module, a distillation module, a ground grain module, and an optional heating module. Each of the modules are sized to occupy the same approximate space as a standard sized ocean going shipping container. Also, each of the modules has a central walkway including piping and electrical control boxes that are aligned for each connection to the next adjacent module.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of automating the production of ethanol in an economical method yet maximizing the conversion of grains into ethanol in an even greater conversion efficiency with a greatly improved feed value byproduct.

Abstract: A method of weigh batching for batch formulae using a number of ingredients conveyed to a weigh hopper by a number of different conveyers. Free fall weights and conveyor delivery speeds for each of the ingredients and each of the conveyors used to convey each ingredient are stored in a control system memory. The stored information is used to prepare batches of various formulated products optimizing both the weigh up time and the ingredient weight accuracy.

Abstract: A method of weigh batching for batch formulae using a number of ingredients conveyed to a weigh hopper by a number of different conveyers. Free fall weights and conveyor delivery speeds for each of the ingredients and each of the conveyors used to convey each ingredient are stored in a control system memory. The stored information is used to prepare batches of various formulated products optimizing both the weigh up time and the ingredient weight accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular ethanol production plant constructed of a number of identically sized modules each having a supporting structure main framework to which the components contained in the modules are attached. The plurality of modules includes a fermentation module, a distillation module, a ground grain module, and an optional heating module. Each of the modules are sized to occupy the same approximate space as a standard sized ocean going shipping container.

Abstract: A concentric auger feeder with the larger diameter outer auger having a flighting direction opposite that of the small or inner auger installed in the core of the outer auger. The two screw conveyors are connected to a reversible motor drive by a reversing clutch with the inner auger driven by the motor. To convey large amounts of ingredients, the clutch is engaged by a reversal of the driven input and the large screw conveyor conveys the ingredient at a large flow rate. As the desired amount of ingredient is approached, the motor is reversed, the clutch then disengages, and the inner screw conveyor will then convey the final amount of ingredient with a much more accurate cut off weight. This amount of ingredient is accessible to the inner auger because the slots in the tube core of the outer auger allow material to flow into the inner screw conveyor. Both inner and outer screw conveyors convey material to the same outlet point of the hopper.

Abstract: A material conveying system for accurately conveying a specific predetermined amount of a material. The system includes a large primary auger that is rotated to convey the material until the amount of material closely approaches the predetermined amount. A smaller secondary auger, disposed coaxially with the primary auger, is then rotated to convey material until the amount of material conveyed reaches the predetermined amount.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring livestock feed consumption from a bulk feed storage bin. The apparatus is a consumption meter including a data processing unit operably connected in communication with a mechanism for sensing the operation of a feed delivery motor. The method employs the consumption meter that senses the time the motor operates. Based on an estimated feed flow rate initially inputted by the operator, the data processing unit calculates and stores the amount of feed discharged from the storage bin by multiplying the estimated flow rate by the time the motor operates. Other inputted data including the number of animals being fed allows the calculation and storage of other data useful to the livestock producer. At times when the amount of feed in the storage bin is known, a comparison is made between this actual amount and the calculated amount based on the estimated flow rate.

Abstract: A rim liner member attached to and covering the face of a gauge wheel rim adjacent a soil penetrating disk. The liner member has an exterior surface having a high lubricity which minimizes the build up of wet soil on the exterior surface. The entire liner member may be formed of low-friction polyethylene and it may be configured to conform to the face of the gauge wheel rims used by the manufacturers of planter, grain drills, and other soil working implements.

Abstract: A method of automatically suggesting to the producer what ration a group of livestock should be fed currently, based on the amount of each ration originally requested. As a producer prepares to mix feed for a particular group of animals, the controller will automatically suggest, based on the amount of feed consumed what particular ration should currently be mixed. This feature is built into the software of the IBM compatible batch controller. The resulting benefit to the producer is a savings of approximately 2 to 3 dollars per head of livestock--each individual farmer typically feeds 4 to 20 thousand head per year.