Abstract: In one embodiment the instant invention generally pertains to a method for producing glucose for fermentation. The method comprises first treating a biomass with acid and heat under conditions sufficient to produce a composition mixture comprising cellulose suitable for enzymatic hydrolysis. Next, at least a portion of the cellulose of step (a) is enzymatically hydrolyzed under conditions sufficient to form a composition comprising glucose. The glucose is then fermented. Advantageously, one or more reaction conditions are more efficient because they are selected by first measuring an initial hydrolysis rate of said biomass and then selecting one or more appropriate reaction conditions based upon said initial hydrolysis rate.

Abstract: In one embodiment the instant invention generally pertains to a method for producing glucose for fermentation. The method comprises first treating a biomass comprising a lignocellulosic material with a mixture comprising SO2 and steam at reaction conditions sufficient to produce a composition mixture comprising cellulose suitable for enzymatic hydrolysis. Specifically, the temperature, residence time, and SO2 concentration may be selected by calculating a crystallinity index (CrI) of the biomass and using the calculated crystallinity index as an indicator of enzymatic hydrolysis rate. In this manner cellulose may be enzymatically hydrolyzed glucose for aerobic or anaerobic fermentation.

Abstract: In one embodiment the instant invention generally pertains to a method for producing glucose for fermentation. The method comprises first treating a biomass with acid and heat under conditions sufficient to produce a composition mixture comprising cellulose suitable for enzymatic hydrolysis. Next, at least a portion of the cellulose of step (a) is enzymatically hydrolyzed under conditions sufficient to form a composition comprising glucose. The glucose is then fermented. Advantageously, one or more reaction conditions are more efficient because they are selected by first measuring an initial hydrolysis rate of said biomass and then selecting one or more appropriate reaction conditions based upon said initial hydrolysis rate.

Abstract: An active solder alloy, an electronic device package including the active solder alloy bonding an electronic device to a substrate, and a method of forming high-strength joints by soldering using the solder alloy. The alloy contains up to about 10% by weight of an element or a mixture of elements selected from the group consisting of titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, or tantalum; between about 0.1 and 5% by weight of an element or a mixture of elements selected from the group of the lanthanides (rare earths); between about 0.01 and 1% by weight of gallium up to about 10% by weight of silver; up to about 2% by weight of magnesium; and a remainder consisting of tin, bismuth, indium, cadmium, or a mixture of two or more of these elements. The alloy enables low-temperature (less than about 180° C.) soldering within relatively narrow melting ranges (less than about 10° C.).

Abstract: A portable modular cooler system for beverages which includes one or more bottles containing a freezable coolant refrigerant. The bottles define recesses for receiving the housed beverage containers. An insulated casing extends about the bottle to maintain and contain containers in a cooled condition for an extended period of time. The bottles and casing are inserted into a carrying case for convenience of the user. The case may have exterior pockets specially configured and located for specific sport and recreational activities. The carrying case, bottles and insulative casing may be configured so that the cooler may be comfortably carried by the user in a manner similar to a "fanny pack". In other embodiments, the bottles containing the refrigerant are identical one to the other and are positioned in face-to-face relationship to form a plurality of cooling chambers. The cooler may also be placed in another article for transportation such as within the large side pocket of a golf bag.

Abstract: A process for joining workpieces by active soldering. The process includes cleaning the surfaces of the workpieces to be joined; heating the workpieces to be joined; placing an active, low-temperature solder material on at least one of the surfaces of the workpieces to be joined; mechanically activating the molten solder material, to break oxide films on the solder material, while the solder material contacts the surfaces of the workpieces to be joined; assembling the surfaces of the workpieces to be joined; and applying pressure to the surfaces of the workpieces to be joined both while the solder material is molten and as the solder material cools to a solid.

Abstract: A method for coating the internal cylinder bores of a cast aluminum engine block comprising the steps of casting an engine block of aluminum alloy, thermally spraying a wear-resistant coating onto cylinder walls in the engine block by melting the tip of a rotating iron-based alloy rod with a plasma torch within cylinders in the engine block, and honing the cylinder walls to a chosen size.

Abstract: A panel having two ends and two sides, the panel having a peripheral frame and having at the sides thereof a first surface and a second surface separated by a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance extending from end to end of the panel. The panel has non opposing studs located proximate the first and second surfaces and separated by a predetermined distance. The studs of the first surface are offset or staggered laterally a predetermined distance from the studs proximate the second surface. Insulation having two ends and two sides is located proximate the surfaces extending within the peripheral frame between the first and second surfaces with the studs embedded in the surfaces. The insulation extends to each end of the panel, whereby the panel is rigidified by the lateral staggering of the studs. A joint proximate each end of the panel is supplied for interconnecting adjacent panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an unfired refractory brick for use in reducing conditions at temperatures above 1800.degree. F. The brick comprises a matrix of alumino-silicate clays, alumino-silicate-aggregates and high alumina aggregates. It also has 2 to 20% by weight of finally ground silicon carbide and 2 to 20% by weight of fine carbon particles distributed throughout the matrix. The matrix also includes a water soluble ammonium lignin sulphonate as a chemical binding agent. The brick of the present invention finds particular use in a furnace for kiln baking anodes used in the electrolytic production of aluminum metal.

Abstract: The arch support device is in the form of a removable shoe insert which is a substantially rigid thin unitary member truncated at both ends to fit between the heel and ball of the foot without underlying either one. A central arch portion is supported from a peripheral base means and is cantilevered for positioning above the shoe shank to present a concave support arm in the transverse direction and a convex support arm in the longitudinal direction. The arch support device extends substantially the full breadth of the plantar surface of the foot to be interposed between the midfoot and shoe insole.

Abstract: An article of furniture including a recessed portion for accomodating a removable planter as well as a storage area or areas for receiving a plurality of diverse items.

Abstract: An article of furniture including a recessed portion for accomodating a removable planter as well as a storage area or areas for receiving a plurality of diverse items.

Abstract: An article of furniture including a recessed portion for accomodating a removable planter as well as a storage area or areas for receiving a plurality of diverse items.