Abstract:
There are provided herein novel catalytic approaches of producing deoxygenated bio-oil in fast pyrolysis reaction conditions. In one embodiment, HZSM-5 zeolite was modified by loading bimetallic catalyst compounds, resulting in new catalysts including MoAg/HZSM-5 and MoZn/HZSM-5. Both catalysts showed higher reactivity towards methane activation than molybdenum-only loaded catalysts. MoAg/HZSM-5 tended to catalyze dealkylation of alkylated benzenes thus yielded a product with high selectivity towards benzene. A dramatic increase in the yield of aromatic hydrocarbons was noticed when MoZn/HZSM-5 was used for catalysis of switchgrass under methane atmosphere. The final liquid hydrocarbons targeted according to this embodiment are benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, naphthalene (BTEXN).
Abstract:
An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an unmanned flying robotic object that contains a wheeled mechanism that encircles its spherical exoskeleton. This feature allows the flying spherical vehicle to readily transform into a ground maneuverable vehicle. A robotic motor with differential speed capability is used to operate each wheel to provide effective ground maneuverability. There are examples provided herein of wheel configurations suitable for use with an embodiment. One is the straight-(or parallel) wheel design, and another is tilted-wheel design as are illustrated and discussed hereinafter. One embodiment of an unmanned flying robotic object taught herein is foldable.
Abstract:
Compositions comprising glycosyl hydrolase enzymes are provided, as are methods for their use to depolymerize hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin and pectin in biomass in order to produce products such as simple sugars. The enzymes, isolated from Aspergillus nidulans and Phanerochaete chrysosporium, were characterized, and synergistic mixtures of the enzymes were produced and used to generate simple sugars from biomass without the need to pretreat the biomass before digestion. The enzyme blends generally comprise two or more enzymes, which may be from the same fungus or from two different fungi, and are used for efficient and cost effective complete degradation of lignocelluloses. Applications of this technology include biofuel production.
Abstract:
“Black” photoactive materials that comprise synthetic eumelanin polymers are provided, as are methods of making and using the polymers. The synthetic eumelanin polymers are made from the plant oil vanillin, and exhibit defined structural and chemical characteristics (e.g. homogeneity, solubility, etc.) that make them suitable for use in devices that require photoactive materials, such as solar cells.
Abstract:
A hand-planter for singulation planting of cereal, grain, seed and other crops includes a tapered soil engagement component for striking and penetrating a soil surface. With each planter strike to the soil surface, the planter is actuated to meter a granular material product by reciprocating a drum to rotate, thereby exposing a cavity to a material hopper. As the actuation force is released, the reciprocating drum rotates in an opposite direction to its original location and drops the material that has been metered.
Abstract:
This disclosure relates to a system and method for preparing and offering to the marketplace a muscle cut from a carcass for use as a steak. In particular, the Subscapularis muscle may be utilized according to the instant invention as a high-end cut of meat. In an embodiment, a Subscapularis muscle will be processed into a steak via a prescribed series of cuts. The steak will, in some embodiments, be further processed by trimming fat and connective tissue as is taught herein.
Abstract:
There is disclosed herein an embodiment of the invention that comprises a formulation of peanut butter, transglutaminase (TG), and other functional ingredients formulated and manufactured in such a way as to create a product that is capable of being formed into an individually-wrapped slice of a segment (square or other shape) with the appearance and sensory characteristics of traditional peanut butter. Specifically, the functional ingredients may include peanut butter, transglutaminase, mono- and diglycerides, and gum. Vegetable protein concentrate may also be added as well as water, sugar, vegetable fat, and peanut flour.
Abstract:
According to an aspect of the instant invention there is provided a method of medicating or vaccinating cattle via an ear tag, ear ring or other hardware affixed to or buried within the ear of the animal.
Abstract:
This disclosure relates generally to the facile and selective mono-perfluoro and polyfluoroarylation of Meldrum's acid to generate a versatile synthon for highly fluorinated alpha-phenyl acetic acid derivatives which provide straightforward access to fluorinated building blocks. The reaction takes place quickly and all products were isolated without the need for chromatography. An embodiment provides an alternative strategy to access alpha-arylated Meldrum's acids which avoids the need for aryl-Pb(IV) salts or diaryliodonium salts and provides access to the tertiary product which was not previously synthetically accessible. The synthetic versatility and utility of the Meldrum's acid products is demonstrated by subjecting the products to several derivatizations of the Meldrum's acid products as well as photocatalytic hydrodefluorination which provide access to difficult but valuable synthetic targets such as multifluorinated aromatics.