Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for trimming plants, in particular, buds and flowers, to remove unwanted plant material. A typical application would be to process a plant to leave only trimmed buds and flowers for use in potpourri, fragrant sashes, or as a prelude to further processing of essential oils. The invention enables faster and safer production of plant material than prior plant processing machines. The apparatus employs an original combination of a slotted metal drum and a lawn mower type cutting reel that are rotated in the same direction, but at different speeds, to create a cutting interface that shears the unwanted plant material off and then collect this debris though a novel vacuum manifold into a waste collection device. The cutting interface between the slotted drum and the cutting reel is adjustable to keep the distance between the two between 0.002 and 0.006 inches for a very sharp and clean cut.

Abstract: A process for making nanofibers includes preparing a fluid suspension of fibers, shear refining the fibers to create fibrillated fibers, and subsequently closed channel refining or homogenizing the fibrillated fibers to detach nanofibers from the fibrillated fibers. The shear refining of the fibers in the fluid suspension generates fiber cores having attached nanofibers. The closed channel refining or homogenizing of the fibrillated fibers is initially at a first shear rate and, subsequently, at a second, higher shear rate, to detach nanofibers from fiber cores and to create additional nanofibers from the fiber cores. The fiber suspension may flow continuously from the shear refining to the closed channel refining or homogenizing, and include controlling the rate of flow of the fiber suspension from the shear refining to the closed channel refining or homogenizing.

Abstract: A process of comminution of wood chips (C) having a grain direction to produce a mixture of wood particles (P), wherein the wood chips are characterized by an average length dimension (LC) as measured substantially parallel to the grain, an average width dimension (WC) as measured normal to LC and aligned cross grain, and an average height dimension (HC) as measured normal to WC and LC, and wherein the comminution process comprises the step of feeding the wood chips in a direction of travel substantially randomly to the grain direction through a counter rotating pair of intermeshing arrays of cutting discs (D) arrayed axially perpendicular to the direction of wood chip travel, wherein the cutting discs have a uniform thickness (TD), and wherein at least one of LC, WC, and HC is greater than TD.

Abstract: Provided herein are plants having altered expression of a GAUT polypeptide. Such plants have phenotypes that may include decreased recalcitrance, increased growth, decreased lignin content, or a combination thereof. Also provided herein are methods of making and using such plants.

Abstract: A process for making a fibrillated blend of lyocell and cellulose pulp fibers in which a blend of lyocell and cellulose pulp fibers is provided. The lyocell is from 25% to 75% of the total weight of the blend of lyocell and cellulose pulp fibers. The blend is refined in a high shear field device to provide a blend of fibrillated lyocell and pulp fibers having a diameter of 10 to 500 nanometers and a fiber length of 50 to 500 ?m. The high shear field device can be a homogenizer or colloid mill.

Abstract: Wood chips are fed into a sheath containing two parallel screws that mesh with each other, their respective threads having, at least an upstream series of segments and a downstream series of segments, each of which comprises a drive upstream zone in which the chips are driven downstream and a braking downstream zone through which the chips are forced, the chips thus being driven through the sheath while being braked in the braking zones and while being transformed into fibers. The transit time for which the chips remain in the sheath lies in the range 1.5 s to 80 s, and provision is made for the pressure to be at least substantially equal to 90 bars upstream from the braking zone of the upstream series, so that a temperature lying in the range 120° to 150° C. is reached inside the sheath (10) without supplying external heat.

Abstract: A livestock breeding system including a breeding place enclosed by a fence for breeding livestock; layers of wood chips spread over and stacked up on the surface of the earth in the breeding place; and a feedstuff for breeding the livestock, and in this system, the feedstuff is prepared by mixing wood fine chips containing sawdust and/or wood fibers with large quantities of fermentation tubes.

Abstract: A method is described for generating useful chemical intermediates from biomass using a novel pyrolysis reactor that utilizes the inherent thermal properties of carbon under compression as the biomass is subjected to sequential or concurrent temperature ramps. The ramps are sufficient to volatilize and selectively create different components, while the pressure application aids the selective decomposition of the biomass.

Abstract: A wood chipper comprises a frame, an infeed system, a rotatable cutting system, and at least one feed wheel disposed between the infeed system and the cutting system to feed wood material to the cutting system. The wood chipper also includes a winch comprising a winch line having a first end, and a collar disposed adjacent the first end of the winch line. The wood chipper further includes a detector adapted to detect a first and a second position of the winch line, wherein the detector is adapted to allow operation of the at least one feed wheel and prohibit operation of the winch when the first position of the winch line is detected, and to allow operation of the winch and allow operation of the at least one feed wheel in a predefined manner when the second position is detected.

Abstract: Comminution process of wood veneer to produce wood particles, by feeding wood veneer in a direction of travel substantially normal to grain through a counter rotating pair of intermeshing arrays of cutting discs arrayed axially perpendicular to the direction of veneer travel, wherein the cutting discs have a uniform thickness (Td), to produce wood particles characterized by a length dimension (L) substantially equal to the Td and aligned substantially parallel to grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) substantially equal to the veneer thickness (Tv) and aligned normal to W and L, wherein the W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces with end checking between crosscut fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a comminuting device and method for comminuting material such as green waste, waste wood and/or demolition wood. The comminuting device comprises:—a comminutor (12) for comminuting supplied material; an infeed conveyor (10) operatively connected during use to the comminutor for supplying material to the comminutor;—an outfeed conveyor (14) operatively connected during use to the comminutor; a gripper (40) operatively connected during use to the comminutor for filling the infeed conveyor; and operating means operatively connectable to the comminutor.

Abstract: An estimator (111) is configured to estimate an initial representation of the channel based on the reference signal. A first transformer (112) is configured to transform the initial channel representation into a first domain suitable for suppression of a first type of disturbance. A first suppressor (113) is configured to perform suppression of the first type of disturbance in the first domain for obtaining a first suppressed channel representation. A second transformer (114) is configured to transform the first suppressed channel representation into a second domain suitable for suppression of a second type of disturbance. A second suppressor (115) is configured to perform suppression of the second type of disturbance in the second domain for obtaining a second suppressed channel representation. The first type of disturbance includes one of inter-channel interference and noise, and the second type of disturbance includes the other one of inter-channel interference and noise.

Abstract: A method to produce on a commercial scale, high aspect ratio cellulose nanofilaments (CNF) from natural lignocellulosic fibers comprises a multi-pass high consistency refining (HCR) of chemical or mechanical fibers using combinations of refining intensity and specific energy. The CNF produced represents a mixture of fine filaments with widths in the submicron and lengths from tens of micrometers to few millimeters. The product has a population of free filaments and filaments bound to the fiber core from which they were produced. The proportion of free and bound filaments is governed in large part by total specific energy applied to the pulp in the refiner, and differs from other cellulose fibrillar materials by their higher aspect ratio and the preserved degree of polymerization (DP) of cellulose, and are excellent additives for the reinforcement of paper, tissue, paperboard and the like. They display exceptional strengthening power for never-dried paper webs.

Abstract: A refiner plate for forming accepts from a pulp material includes a first side and a second side spaced a distance from the first side, and a channel extending through the refiner plate and communicating with the first side for directing at least some accepts away from the first side. The refiner plate defines an inner end wall of the channel that physically obstructs the accepts that enter the channel from passing to a pulp feed area.

Abstract: A method for automated destringing and breaking down of baled biomass material using limited manual labor is disclosed. The method includes selecting and moving one bale of biomass material from a stack of bales to an automated destringing station where the string is removed from that bale. The bale is then lined up next in line with previously processed destrung bales and advanced along a continuous process line through a bale chopper that breaks the biomass material down into useful pieces for further processing at the facility. In a preferred embodiment an automated initial quality control evaluation step can be provided with a bale rejection system operated on detected non-conforming bales before they are destrung.

Abstract: Provided is a tea leaves for extraction of a low-caffeine green tea beverage, which is not susceptible to folding or browning during storage, and which enables the extraction of a green tea beverage which can be enjoyed hot or cold. Specifically provided is a tea leaves for extraction of a green tea beverage having a caffeine content with respect to the total mass of the dried leaves that falls within the range of 0.2 to 2.5 mass %, and the relation between the ratio of the mass content of theanine to the entire mass of dried leaves X (%) and the mass ratio of the content of monosaccharides to the fiber content Y satisfies the following condition (1). (1) ?0.007X+0.024?Y??0.011X+0.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus including a grinder assembly for grinding and sharpening the knives in the cutting assembly is disclosed. The cutting apparatus comprises, a mouth defined by a jaw assembly for delivering the material to be cut to a cutting position at the mouth, a cutting drum having at least one knife the, or each, knife having a cutting edge, the cutting drum having drive means therefor and being rotatable about an axis arranged substantially parallel to the mouth such that the cutting edge of the at least one knife is arranged substantially perpendicular to the material to be cut.

Abstract: a waste processing machine for reducing wood waste comprises an accumulator operatively connected to the cutting system so as to power the cutting system upon discharge thereof. The accumulator is adapted to receive, store, and release a charge developed from a charging device operatively connected to the accumulator and one or more systems of the waste processing machine.

Abstract: The invention combines the step of adding chemicals such as alkaline peroxide to an intermediate line after refining, with the step of applying chemicals such as alkaline peroxide as a pre-treatment before primary refining and/or applying chemicals such as alkaline peroxide at the primary refiner. This is implemented in the preferred embodiment, by pre-treating feed material, refining the materials into a pulp in a superatmospheric refiner, and adding chemicals in the post refining blowline.

Abstract: A method has been developed that estimates from the on line measurements of readily available process variables the proportion of the mass of fibre in the refining zone of a chip refiner relative to the mass with a full refining zone. This estimate of the filling factor is used to determine the margin available to load the refiner and the control action needed to avoid abnormal operation.

Abstract: A device for mechanical defibration of wood comprises a defibration surface for processing of wood raw material and loosening of fibers, said defibration surface comprising grinding grits fastened on a metal base surface. The grits (1) fastened on the metal base surface (2) are positioned within a determined distance from each other on the base surface, so that they form a regular defibration surface.

Abstract: A shredder having a sizing chamber and a reducing chamber for sizing and reducing material.

Abstract: A method for preparing an aqueous suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose and inorganic particulate material, the method comprising a step of microfibrillating a fibrous substrate comprising cellulose in an aqueous environment in the presence of an inorganic particulate material.

Abstract: An improved method for making compressed structural fiberboard by extruding agricultural fibrous matter into a compressed structural fiberboard. The improved method includes providing a preselected volume of agricultural fibrous matter and preconditioning the agricultural fibrous matter to have a predetermined moisture level. The agricultural fibrous matter is separated and cleaned, and steam is added until a predetermined level of moisture is reached within the agricultural fibrous matter. Borax is also added to the agricultural fibrous matter to prevent the formation of bacteria. The agricultural fibrous matter is conveyed throughout the process on conveyors having variable drives, wherein the level of the agricultural fibrous matter on the conveyors is sensed such that a signal is provided to adjust the speed of the conveyors in order to provide a predetermined level of agricultural fibrous matter. The agricultural fibrous matter is then extruded to form a compressed structural fiberboard.

Abstract: A refiner plate assembly and method includes an annular arrangement of adapter subplates that mount to a refiner disk of a disk refiner using a conventional mounting technique, such as bolted in a standard pattern associated with the particular disk refiner. The adapter subplate arrangement remains mounted to the disk and provides a universal mounting surface for an annular arrangement of individual removable refiner segments. A steam and/or accept evacuation channel is provided in this assembly via filter passages at a radially intermediate location in one or more refiner segments which communicate with a recess or channel in one or more associated adapter subplates that direct the steam and/or accepts through outlet ports in the outer rim of the adapter subplate(s). Refining efficiency is provided in a universal refiner plate assembly by eliminating steam volume and already refined pulp from outer portions of the refining zone.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing board insulation into granules of loosefill insulation are provided. The apparatus includes an upper unit having inlet and outlet ends. The inlet end is configured to receive board insulation. The upper unit is configured to break the board insulation into small pieces. A lower unit is connected to the upper unit. The lower unit is configured to receive the small pieces of board insulation exiting the upper unit. The lower unit includes a plurality of conditioning mechanisms configured to condition the small pieces thereby resulting in granules of loosefill insulation. The lower unit further includes a distribution mechanism configured to distribute the granules of loosefill insulation into an airstream. A distribution hose is connected to the lower unit and configured to convey the granules from the apparatus to a building insulation cavity. The granules are configured for use as loosefill insulation within the building cavity.

Abstract: Cellulosic biomass is reduced to a micropowder with particles having average diameters below 5-10 micrometers with a significant fraction of the particles have diameters below 1 micrometer. Biomass (e.g., wood, agricultural waste or other plant materials) is first processed into pieces having a maximum diameter of about 10 mm. This is then dried to reduce its water content to no more than about 15% by weight and introduced into a disruptor which reduces the particle size to about 1 mm. Next the biomass is processed with a disc mill where edges of rotating discs travel along a groove pressing and squeezing the biomass, thereby breaking the biomass pieces into smaller and smaller particles. The resulting micropowder is extremely susceptible to enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis into constituent sugars. In addition, the micropowder can be suspended in an air stream and burned directly to provide heat to boilers and similar devices.

Abstract: A wood chipper includes a cutting assembly and a feed wheel for feeding material through an adjustable throat opening adjacent the feed wheel and toward the cutting assembly. A throat sensor measures the size of the throat opening and an electronic control unit (ECU) controls operation of the wood chipper in accordance with the size of the throat opening. The ECU controls forward, reverse and non-rotation of the feed wheel as well as down pressure applied by the feed wheel on feed material moving through the throat opening. The feed wheel down pressure may be constant or vary in any number of ways. One option includes applying down pressure in a pulsating manner.

Abstract: A feed system that is configured to more effectively grab and pull brush and tree materials into a chipper is provided. The system of the present disclosure is configured such that a large, heavy tree trunk can be effectively pulled into the chipper. The system includes a hydraulic pump that applies variable down pressure on a feed roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical or dietary composition containing Mangosteen (Garcinia Mangostana pericarp) and being characterized by high bioavailability. A process for the manufacture of this composition is a further object of the present invention. In particular, the present invention relates to a composition containing Mangosteen extract and oligosaccharides in an amount ranging from 5 to 50 w/w % with respect to the Mangosteen extract or a fermented Mangosteen product and to a process for obtaining thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to continuously feed an object to be treated to a high-pressure reactor which treats the object to be treated containing 10 mass % or more of water under high pressure, while preventing backflow of a high-pressure atmosphere from the high-pressure reactor. This is embodied by making a configuration such that the object to be treated is fed to the high-pressure reactor connected to a discharge port of a screw feeder which is provided with a feed unit for the object to be treated and the discharge port on one end side and the other end side respectively and forms a high-pressure atmosphere pressurized to, for example, 2 MPa or higher, while air-tightness between the high-pressure atmosphere and the one end side of the screw feeder is maintained by a sealing action of an accumulation compressed on the other end side of the screw feeder.

Abstract: A control mechanism for the feed of a brush chipper is disclosed. A lower feed stop bar, located under a feed table, pivots on a pivot axis located below and toward the brush chipper from the control bar of the lower feed stop bar. The center of gravity of the lower feed stop bar, then, tends to pivot the lower feed stop bar away from the feed disengage position. Hence, nuisance trips due to vibration, impact of brush on the table, etc., are reduced.

Abstract: A brush chipper is disclosed having a pivoting and/or reciprocating winch for improving the efficiency of the winch.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for conditioning biomass. The methods generally include flash dessicating the biomass to reduce a particle size of the biomass; mixing the biomass with a liquid carrier; and exposing the biomass and the liquid carrier to a mechanical hydrodynamic cavitation process. The methods can be employed during ethanol production from grain based feedstock.

Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.

Abstract: The invention presents a beating technology of used paper processing apparatus of furniture size, capable of preventing leak or disclosure of confidential information, personal information or any other information securely and capable of holding a high confidentiality, that can be installed not only in a large office, but also in a small shop or general household. In the beating process of the beating unit in the used paper processing apparatus of furniture size, by using at least one grinder having beating action surfaces disposed oppositely across a tiny beating gap, and a pair of beating disks rotating relatively, the beating gap of the beating action surfaces is controlled or adjusted to be narrower gradually from the beginning till the end of the beating process. As a result, a smooth and efficient beating operation is realized from the beginning till the end of the beating process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a chosen, relatively uniform size of particles having a dry-to-the-touch feel and a pleasant odor from chipped slash or other vegetative material is described. When pine sap and/or other liquids are present in the starting materials, the teachings of the present invention permit the generation of particulates into which such substances are substantially uniformly absorbed. The process of the present invention has been successfully applied to chipped, live trees, dried tree materials, branches, needles, pine cones, hay, flowers, grass, berries, and shrubs.

Abstract: A disposal processing system is provided and includes: a disposal section that disposes of a document; a reading section that reads identification information of the document, the identification information being attached to an image on the document; a judging section that makes a judgment whether disposal of the document is permitted on the basis of the identification information; and a controller that controls the disposal section so that the disposal section disposes of the document at least one of: when the judging section makes a judgment that the disposal of the document is permitted; and when the controller acquires information indicating that the disposal of the document is permitted while the judging section makes a judgment that the disposal of the document is prohibited, and so that the disposal section does not dispose of the document when the judging section makes the judgment that the disposal of the document is prohibited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for enhancing a refiner's production rate and/or reducing the specific energy consumption for a freeness target through the use of lubricant(s) or carrier(s)/frictionizer(s), respectively.

Abstract: A refiner steam separation system according to the present invention includes a blowline for transporting a mixture of fiber material from a refiner to an inlet of a steam separator. Waste steam is discharged from the separator through a waste steam outlet. Cleaned fiber material is discharged from the separator through an exit, which prevents a substantial portion of the waste steam from passing through the exit. A relay pipe communicates with the exit and a dryer duct, and transports cleaned fiber material therebetween. A resin input communicates with the relay pipe, and supplies resin therein. The resin is mixed with the cleaned fiber material prior to the cleaned fiber material being dried in the dryer duct. The present invention is also directed to a method of reducing VOC emissions generated during refining cellulosic fibrous material.

Abstract: Fibrous materials, compositions that include fibrous materials, and uses of the fibrous materials and compositions are disclosed. For example, the fibrous materials can be operated on by a microorganism to produce ethanol or a by-product, such as a protein or lignin.

Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymeric particles comprises the steps of i) drying a hydrogel to produce a dried hydrogel, ii) separating incompletely dried polymeric particles from the dried hydrogel, and iii) drying the separated-off incompletely dried polymeric particles, wherein the separated incompletely dried polymeric particles are comminuted before said drying iii).

Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.

Abstract: True zero-clearance cutting on a commercial scale is provided via a cutting area including a sacrifice material that is relatively softer than the cutter. One example is a cutting system which is capable of cutting a material such as, for example, tape or paper, into a fiber or powder. The cutting system includes a cutting blade, typically a rotary cutter, and a sacrificial plate or round bar contacting the cutting blade. The contacting portion has a zero clearance during the cutting operation. A metering mechanism is also provided which is capable of metering the material at a predetermined rate to the cutting blade. A mechanism is also provided for incrementally moving the sacrificial blade towards the cutting blade to ensure that the zero clearance is maintained between the cutting blade and the sacrificial plate, even when the sacrificial plate begins to wear down due to usage.

Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.

Abstract: A refiner plate assembly and method includes an annular arrangement of adapter subplates that mount to a refiner disk of a disk refiner using a conventional mounting technique, such as bolted in a standard pattern associated with the particular disk refiner. The adapter subplate arrangement remains mounted to the disk and provides a universal mounting surface for an annular arrangement of individual removable refiner segments. A steam and/or accept evacuation channel is provided in this assembly via filter passages at a radially intermediate location in one or more refiner segments which communicate with a recess or channel in one or more associated adapter subplates that direct the steam and/or accepts through outlet ports in the outer rim of the adapter subplate(s). Refining efficiency is provided in a universal refiner plate assembly by eliminating steam volume and already refined pulp from outer portions of the refining zone.

Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.

Abstract: The present invention includes a cutting wheel device for grinding materials, the cutting wheel comprising a plurality of discrete plates mounted on an axle and cutting heads positioned between the plates. The cutting heads having a portion extending beyond the periphery of the plate. Secondary cutters are attached to the cutting head to project over an adjacent discrete plate for keeping debris from lodging between adjacent cutting heads.

Abstract: A method for treating extremely small particles of plastic comprises providing a quantity of plastic particles having an average mean particle size ranging from about 0.0005 inch to about 0.05 inch in diameter, heating the plastic particles to a temperature sufficient to cause at least a portion of the plastic particles to adhere to one another, and forming the adhered plastic particles into pellets, said pellets having substantially the same average surface-to-volume ratio as the bulk, un-adhered plastic particles.

Abstract: An improved brush cutter having an upper feed control member with stop, forward, neutral, and reverse positions also has a lower feed stop member with selectable sensitivity. Another aspect of the invention is to predict the feed roller shutoff point according to the rate of engine deceleration. According to another aspect, when the feed rollers stop feeding material into the cutters, to overcome drag on the cutters, a controller stops the feed rollers and then reverses them for a short time, and then reverses the rollers again if the problem is still present. To prevent jamming, a pressure switch senses when oil in a hydraulic motor system for rotating the feed rollers is too high and the controller momentarily reverses the feed rollers and then causes them to go forward, a cycle which can occur several times until the feed rollers are no longer stalled.