Abstract: Methods of manufacturing fuels are provided. These methods use often difficult to process lignocellulosic materials, for example crop residues and grasses. The methods can be readily practiced on a commercial scale in an economically viable manner, in some cases using as feedstocks materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste.

Abstract: A system for delivering air to an aqueous liquid for aerobic fermentation of the aqueous liquid includes a vessel having a length to diameter ratio of less than 2:1, an aeration system including at least one sparge tube having a pore size of less than 5 microns and a porosity of greater than 50 percent in fluid communication with an interior of the vessel, at least one blower configured to deliver air at a pressure of less than 15 psig to the at least one sparge tube, and a heat exchanger in fluid communication between the at least one blower and the at least one sparge tube that cools the air to below 100° F. (37.8° C.) prior to entering the at least one sparge tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an RFID transponder, suitable for use in a wristband, which has a non-uniform loop that provides a staple RF environment between the wrist and the transponder; a tuning capacitor for minimizing the overall transponder link; a single transmission line for fine tunings; and an asymmetric location of the RFID IC and capacitor for accommodating needs for specified “keep out” areas for packaging.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and improving the treatment of biomass are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mixtures comprising a polypeptide or a plurality of polypeptides having biomass-degrading activity that is solubilized from an inclusion body, and retaining biomass-degrading activity, and methods for producing and using the same. The invention described herein provides methods for increasing the yield of recombinant protein with biomass-degrading activity that can be isolated from host cells.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, equipment, systems and methods are described that can be used to treat feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, in a vault in which hazardous gases are removed, destroyed and/or converted. The treatments are efficient and can reduce the recalcitrance of the lignocellulosic material so that it is easier to produce an intermediate or product, e.g., sugars, alcohols, sugar alcohols and energy, from the lignocellulosic material.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for processing biomass materials that are disposed in one or more structures or carriers, e.g., a bag, a shell, a net, a membrane, a mesh or any combination of these. Containing the material in this manner allows it to be readily added or removed at any point and in any sequence during processing.

Abstract: According to various aspects and embodiments, a system and method for aerobic fermentation of an aqueous sugar solution is provided. The system includes a vessel, at least one air diffuser in fluid communication with an interior of the vessel, and at least one blower that is configured to deliver air to the at least one air diffuser.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising, receiving, by a computer system comprising a processor and a tangible, non-transitory memory, particle parameters, creating, by the computer system, particle elements in accordance with the particle parameters, and building, by the computer system, a pattern using the particle elements.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) or other materials are processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, systems and methods are described that can be used to treat feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, in a vault in which the walls and optionally the ceiling include discrete units. Such vaults are re-configurable.

Abstract: Methods are provided for enhancing oxidative molecular weight reduction in a hydrocarbon-containing material. For example, some methods include (a) providing a first hydrocarbon-containing material comprising a first hydrocarbon, said first hydrocarbon-containing material having been exposed to irradiation from a beam of particles, the beam of particles imparting one or more functional groups to said first hydrocarbon containing material; and (b) oxidizing the first hydrocarbon-containing material with one or more oxidants in the presence of one or more compounds comprising one or more naturally-occurring, non-radioactive group 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 or 11 elements, the one or more elements participating in a Fenton-type reaction while oxidizing, to produce a second hydrocarbon-containing material comprising a second hydrocarbon, the second hydrocarbon having a molecular weight lower than that of the first hydrocarbon, the functional groups enhancing the effectiveness of the oxidizing reaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and improving the treatment of biomass are described.

Abstract: A turbocharger includes ported shroud compressor housing disposed about compressor wheel having air inlet passage extending axially along and circumferentially about a longitudinal axis, volute base portion operably adjacent to compressor wheel, contour that encircles and complementarily matches compressor wheel, inducer including ring and plurality of extending members, inlet section extending from volute base portion, and recirculation cavity formed in volute base portion and inlet section with recirculation slot and inlet slot for reentry of airflow into inlet section. The ring has inner wall surface defining first section extending axially along longitudinal axis proximate to compressor wheel, second section extending from first section radially away from longitudinal axis, and third section extending from second section radially away from and along longitudinal axis and distal to compressor wheel.

Abstract: A turbocharger includes ported shroud compressor housing disposed about a compressor wheel, having an air inlet passage extending axially along and circumferentially about a longitudinal axis, volute base portion operably adjacent to compressor wheel, contour that encircles and complementarily matches compressor wheel, inducer including ring and plurality of extending members, inlet section extending from volute base portion, and recirculation cavity formed in volute base portion and inlet section with a recirculation slot and inlet slot for reentry of airflow into inlet section. The ring has an inner wall surface defining a first section extending axially along the longitudinal axis and proximate to the compressor wheel, second section extending from first section radially away from longitudinal axis, and third section extending from second section along longitudinal axis and distal to the compressor wheel.

Abstract: Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can convert feedstock materials to a sugar solution, which can then be fermented to produce ethanol. Biomass feedstock is saccharified in a vessel by operation of a jet mixer, the vessel also containing a liquid medium and a saccharifying agent.

Abstract: Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can convert feedstock materials to a sugar solution, which can then be fermented to produce ethanol. Biomass feedstock is saccharified in a vessel by operation of a jet mixer, the vessel also containing a fluid medium and a saccharifying agent.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, systems and methods are described that can be used to treat feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, in a vault in which the equipment is protected from radiation and hazardous gases by equipment enclosures. The equipment enclosures may be purged with gas.

Abstract: Materials (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, systems equipment, and methods are described that can be used to treat feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, where the feedstock is enclosed in a web.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, equipment, systems and methods are described that can be used to treat feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, in a vault in which hazardous gases are removed, destroyed and/or converted. The treatments are efficient and can reduce the recalcitrance of the lignocellulosic material so that it is easier to produce an intermediate or product, e.g., sugars, alcohols, sugar alcohols and energy, from the lignocellulosic material.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for processing biomass materials that are disposed in one or more structures or carriers, e.g., a bag, a shell, a net, a membrane, a mesh or any combination of these. Containing the material in this manner allows it to be readily added or removed at any point and in any sequence during processing.