Abstract: Methods and systems for malting a granular material. Systems in accordance with various embodiments include a first tank, a second tank positioned below the first tank, and a transfer device operably positioned between the first tank and the second tank. The transfer device includes a plurality of pipes for transferring material from the first tank to the second tank.

Abstract: A reactor system includes a flexible bag having an interior surface bounding a compartment. An elongated tubular connector is disposed within the compartment of the flexible bag, the tubular connector having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the tubular connector being coupled with the flexible bag. An impeller is disposed within the compartment of the flexible bag and is secured to the tubular connector. A drive shaft is removably received within the tubular connector such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the impeller.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention concerns a method comprising: a. mashing particulate, starch-containing and optionally malted raw materials with water; b. heating the mash and enzymatically hydrolysing the starch; c. passing the heat-treated mash across a first sieve for separation into a fermentable mash extract and wet spent grain; d. transferring the wet spent grain, optionally after said wet spent grain has been subjected to a washing and sieving operation, to a first press and pressing said wet spent grain to obtain dewatered spent grain and additional fermentable mash extract. The present method offers the advantages of (i) being very robust, (ii) enabling the production of high gravity mash extracts (iii) consuming very little electricity and (iv) achieving high extraction yields. The invention also provides an apparatus for carrying out the aforementioned method.

Abstract: A probe assembly includes a tubular sleeve having a passage extending between a first end and an opposing second end. The tubular sleeve is movable between an extended position wherein the first end and the opposing second end are spaced apart and a collapsed position wherein the first end and the opposing second end are moved closer together. A connector is secured to the second end of the tubular sleeve, the connector having an opening extending therethrough that communicates with the passage of the tubular sleeve, a sealing layer removably covering the opening of the connector. An elongated probe has a first end and an opposing second end, the second end of the probe being positioned within the passage of the tubular sleeve, the second end of the probe being configured to pass through the opening of the connector when the sealing layer is removed therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for producing humanly edible food from Jatropha curcas L. (JCL) or a similar plant or an algae comprises an air-tight tank (200) for containing a mixture of water, a fermenting press cake (125) of JCL seeds, yeast and other ingredients (289), including amylase and a fungus, a container for mash (290) produced during fermentation, a still (300) with a distillation column (355) for separating ethanol (360) from water, a container for ethanol (365), a source of water (215), and combustible sources (261, 296, 335) for providing heat to a plurality of burners (260, 288, 320). Ethanol produced during fermentation extracts toxic phorbol esters from the mash. After fermentation, the water and ethanol are removed from the tank and moved to the still. The mash is moved to a container (286) where it is heated to decompose toxic lectins therein, rendering the mash edible by humans and other animals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated, rapid composting are disclosed. An air-tight housing prevents odors from leaking out. The housing is thermally insulated to enable the compost to achieve sufficient temperatures for rapid composting. A chambered system, generally including an optional hopper, a reactor, and a cure tray, physically shields odorous material from the external environment. A mixing wand mechanically mixes and/or breaks up the compost material and enhances air flow therethrough. A drip tray segregates liquid byproducts from the solid compost material. An air pump draws in air, while a carbon filter may absorb odors before returning the air to the external environment. A motor provides mixing, and facilitates opening and closing of the two trap doors separating the chambers. An electronic controller automates the composting process while allowing certain settings to be adjusted.

Abstract: A tube port includes a tubular first stem having an interior surface and an exterior surface extending between a first end and a longitudinally spaced apart second end. The interior surface bounds a passage that longitudinally extends through the first stem. The tube port also includes a flange encircling and radially outwardly projecting from the first end of the first stem. The flange and the first stem are integrally formed as a unitary member comprised of a flexible elastomeric material having a durometer on a Shore A scale with a value of less than 90.

Abstract: A probe assembly includes a tubular sleeve having a passage extending between a first end and an opposing second end. The tubular sleeve is movable between an extended position wherein the first end and the opposing second end are spaced apart and a collapsed position wherein the first end and the opposing second end are moved closer together. A connector is secured to the second end of the tubular sleeve, the connector having an opening extending therethrough that communicates with the passage of the tubular sleeve, a sealing layer removably covering the opening of the connector. An elongated probe has a first end and an opposing second end, the second end of the probe being positioned within the passage of the tubular sleeve, the second end of the probe being configured to pass through the opening of the connector when the sealing layer is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A tube port includes a tubular first stem having an interior surface and an exterior surface extending between a first end and a longitudinally spaced apart second end. The interior surface bounds a passage that longitudinally extends through the first stem. The tube port also includes a flange encircling and radially outwardly projecting from the first end of the first stem. The flange and the first stem are integrally formed as a unitary member comprised of a flexible elastomeric material having a durometer on a Shore A scale with a value of less than 90.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and a process for treating biomass bearing material including municipal solid waste (MSW). The apparatus includes a reaction vessel held at an angle and configured for rotation and steam injection, with helically arranged internal flights, a self-aligning door closure, and a swing-away door assembly. It also includes a novel structure for shredding biomass bearing material attached to the edges of the flights. This structure is a number of projecting tooth like points and paddles.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention concerns a method comprising: a. mashing particulate, starch-containing and optionally malted raw materials with water; b. heating the mash and enzymatically hydrolysing the starch; c. passing the heat-treated mash across a first sieve for separation into a fermentable mash extract and wet spent grain; d. transferring the wet spent grain, optionally after said wet spent grain has been subjected to a washing and sieving operation, to a first press and pressing said wet spent grain to obtain dewatered spent grain and additional fermentable mash extract. The present method offers the advantages of (i) being very robust, (ii) enabling the production of high gravity mash extracts (iii) consuming very little electricity and (iv) achieving high extraction yields. The invention also provides an apparatus for carrying out the aforementioned method.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of producing a mash extract, said method comprising: a. mashing particulate, starch-containing and optionally malted raw materials with a recirculated aqueous stream; b. heating the mash and enzymatically hydrolysing the starch; c. transferring the heat-treated mash into a first separator for separation into mash extract and spent grain; d. transferring the spent grain into a first mixing vessel and mixing it with sparging water; e. transferring the mixture of spent grain and sparging water into a second separator to remove spent grain; f. recirculating an aqueous stream from the second separator to the mashing step, wherein the gravity of the fermentable mash extract obtained from the first separator is maintained at above 15° P. The present method offers the advantage that it is highly efficient in terms of energy consumption and extraction yields.

Abstract: The invention discloses a treatment apparatus for the excrement and a bio-toilet using the treatment apparatus. The treatment apparatus includes a tank, a reactor basin in the tank for containing the raw material and the excrement and having at least two parallel, concave parts having curved profile in the bottom part of the tank, a temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the basin at a predetermined range; and at least two mixing devices which match with the at least two concave parts, each of them can rotate around a rotation shaft, the helical blade stirrer secured to the rotation shaft by a plurality of spokes. The bio-toilet is waterless, and thus a large quantity of water can be saved and the pollution of the environment due to the drainage of sewage can be avoided. Furthermore, treated by the treatment apparatus of the present invention, the microorganisms and the organic materials are combined and converted into stable loosen soil and the organic components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stirred-tank reactor system and methods of preparing such systems. The present invention further encompasses the use of the stirred-tank reactor system as a disposable bioreactor and in kits with disposable elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vessel for cell culture and methods for its use. The vessel of the present invention comprises a collapsible bag with an inner surface, an outer surface and a top periphery and a headplate having a circumferential edge wherein the top periphery of the bag is sealed to the edge of the headplate. The present invention also relates to an impeller for use with the vessel and a method for culturing cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vessel for cell culture and methods for its use. The vessel of the present invention comprises a collapsible bag with an inner surface, an outer surface and a top periphery and a headplate having a circumferential edge wherein the top periphery of the bag is sealed to the edge of the headplate. The present invention also relates to an impeller for use with the vessel and a method for culturing cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for purifying and concentrating charge-bearing first molecules 9, such as proteins, nucleic acids and the like, comprising the following steps: a) preparation of a solution containing the first molecules 9, b) contacting the solution with an electrode 2 which is directly provided with a coating of second molecules 4 having affinity for the first molecules 9, and c) connecting the electrode 2 to a means 11 for generating an electric field to bring about a movement of the first molecules 9 in the solution directed relative to the electrode 2.

Abstract: An automated nucleic acid compaction device for analyzing and compacting a nucleic acid complex into unimolecular nucleic acid particles. Broadly, the device includes a container support and agitation system; a measuring and testing system; and a dispensing system; all controlled by a control system. The control system controls the support and agitation system and the dispensing system based either on a predetermined formulation or by analysis of feedback data provided by the measuring and testing system. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a real-time measuring and mixing instrument operating in a closed loop system. The preferred embodiment also comprises a monitoring system including a submersible probe which is positioned in the batch solution to provide data to a controller. Once a desired level of nucleic acid compaction is reached, as detected by the monitoring system, the controller stops the dispensing and mixing agitating systems.