Abstract: A system including an apparatus is presented for treatment of biomass that allows successful biomass treatment at a high solids dry weight of biomass in the biomass mixture. The design of the system provides extensive distribution of a reactant by spreading the reactant over the biomass as the reactant is introduced through an injection lance, while the biomass is rotated using baffles. The apparatus system to provide extensive assimilation of the reactant into biomass using baffles to lift and drop the biomass, as well as attrition media which fall onto the biomass, to enhance the treatment process.

Abstract: A method for treating biomass was developed that uses an apparatus which moves a biomass and dilute aqueous ammonia mixture through reaction chambers without compaction. The apparatus moves the biomass using a non-compressing piston. The resulting treated biomass is saccharified to produce fermentable sugars.

Abstract: A system including an apparatus is presented for treatment of biomass that allows successful biomass treatment at a high solids dry weight of biomass in the biomass mixture. The design of the system provides extensive distribution of a reactant by spreading the reactant over the biomass as the reactant is introduced through an injection lance, while the biomass is rotated using baffles. The apparatus system to provide extensive assimilation of the reactant into biomass using baffles to lift and drop the biomass, as well as attrition media which fall onto the biomass, to enhance the treatment process.

Abstract: A method for treating biomass was developed that uses an apparatus which moves a biomass and dilute aqueous ammonia mixture through reaction chambers without compaction. The apparatus moves the biomass using a non-compressing piston. The resulting treated biomass is saccharified to produce fermentable sugars.

Abstract: An apparatus was developed for treatment of biomass in which reactants are added to biomass and the biomass mixture is moved through the apparatus without compacting under force of a non-compacting piston. Treatment systems used in this reactor result in effectively treated biomass that is particularly suitable for subsequent saccharification to produce fermentable sugars.

Abstract: A cleat for fixing an elongate article, such as a cable (1) to a support structure, such as a wall (2), has a flexible strap (3) with rigid end parts (4,5). Each end part (4,5) has a through bore (12,13) and the end parts are clamped to each other and are fixed to the wall, with the strap looped around the cable, by using a clamping bolt or screw (15). One of the end parts (4) has an upwardly extending slot (14) which opens at the top surface and communicates with the side of the bore (13) so that this end part (4) can be moved sideways into and out of engagement with the bolt or screw (15) when the end parts (4,5) are not clamped together, thereby to facilitate mounting and removal of the cleat, as well as clamping of a cable.

Abstract: A chemical agent detector having a pair of vapor/aerosol chemical agent dctor cells mounted with a lithium battery in a detection cell module. A liquid agent detector having a hinged plate is attached to an electronic system which includes a signal processor that energizes a plurality of warning LED's and a horn in response to energization of selected agent detectors. An air pump is mounted on the housing for the electronics to force air across the detection cells. The detection cell module is connected to the housing for the electronics. A battery compartment is connected to the detection cell module and includes means for permitting an external power source to be connected thereto.

Abstract: A clamp for securing at least one cable to a support comprises a channel member having an apertured base and limbs shaped at their free ends for engagement with the support, and a sub-assembly comprising a screw a saddle captive on the end of the screw remote from the screw head and positioned inside the channel member, and a nut threaded on the shank of the screw between the screw head and the saddle, the aperture in the base of the channel being large enough to permit passage of the head of the screw but not so large as to permit passage of the nut.

Abstract: A device for securing at least one cable to a support (not shown) and/or for securing together two or more cables comprising a base member having two inclined surfaces on which one or two of the cables can rest; a bar which is spaced from the base member between the inclined surfaces and extends lengthwise of the cable or cables and which is secured to the base member; a strap which can be passed around the bar and the cable or cables at least once; and tensioning means which can tension the strap when positioned around the bar and the cable or cables, to secure the cable or cables together and/or to secure the cable or cables to the base member.

Abstract: A screw fixing comprising a screw (9) having a nut (1) threaded on it, the screw head and the nut each having a bearing surface facing the other, and a channel (5) having at the free ends of the limbs of the channel inturned flanges (6) directed towards the base (8) of the channel, the flanges defining a slot (10) which is open at both ends, at least one of the flanges having teeth (7) in its free edge directed towards the base of the channel and the bearing surface that engages it having parallel ribs (4) that interlock with the teeth to prevent the screw and nut sliding longitudinally in the channel.

Abstract: A method of shaping metal in the form of a parallel-sided elongate sheet to make from it a formed profile that is of uniform cross-section except that at least one longitudinal edge is worked to generate a repeating pattern along its length, comprising cold working the metal sheet successively (a) by rolling to increase the width of the sheet, (b) with one or more than one knurling wheel that generates the repeating pattern in the longitudinal edge or edges of the metal sheet and at the same time reduces the width of the metal sheet to substantially its original value, and (c) by roll-forming (b) to the said profile, which may for example be a channel of substantially U-shaped cross-section.