Abstract: Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, novel systems, methods and equipment for conveying and/or cooling treated biomass are described.

Abstract: A method and device to elevate retainers on a suture thread to a desired angle such that the retainers can retain the desired elevation. The retainers can be elevated using an apparatus having at least one roller and at least one bending bar, wherein the bending bar contacts the retainers adjacent to the at least one roller to apply a force to the retainers. The retainers can also be elevated using a tube-shaped apparatus. A suture can be made up of an inner core and a coating that upon a stimuli increases the protrusion of the retainers away from the suture core. A coating can be inserted into the cut associated with the retainer and repulsive or expansive forces result in a pushing out of the cut and distending of the retainers away from the suture core.

Abstract: A method for mixing a chemical into a process liquid including: injecting the chemical into the process liquid flowing through a flow pipe; forming reaction products by a reaction involving the chemical occurring in the process flow; applying an electric field or magnetic field to a region of the flow pipe adjacent to the reaction occurring in the process flow, and suppressing the precipitation of the chemical or the reaction products on the surfaces of the pipe due to the electric or magnetic field.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Methods of producing cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials for use in papermaking include treating a cellulosic or lignocellulosic dry feedstock having a first average molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation such that the average molecular weight of the feedstock is reduced to a predetermined level. A method of producing an irradiated paper product includes treating a paper product including a first carbohydrate-containing material having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation so as to provide an irradiated paper product with a second carbohydrate-containing material having a second molecular weight higher than the first molecular weight. Pulp and paper products are produced.

Abstract: Methods are provided for changing a molecular structure of a biomass feedstock. The methods include a screw extrusion process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a wet or moist lignocellulosic material at a moisture content which is in a range from above the Xfsp value of the material down to about 0.1 kg water/kg dry below the Xfsp value, where Xfsp is the fibre saturation point value, with rapid warming of the wet or moist lignocellulosic material to a level that natural polymers in the lignocellulosic material soften, which changes the microstructure and results in improved properties of the lignocellulosic material.

Abstract: A method for production of calcium carbonate in a target suspension of a fibrous web forming process of a fibrous web machine, wherein the calcium carbonate is produced in a reactor, the method includes: injecting a chemical including carbon dioxide or lime milk through an injection mixer to the target suspension flowing through the reactor; allowing the chemical including to react while in the target suspension to form calcium carbonate crystals, and inhibiting precipitation of the chemical or a reaction product of the chemical on a surface of or in the reactor by application of an electric or magnetic field to or proximate to the surface along a region of the surface adjacent to the reaction involving the chemical.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Methods of producing cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials for use in papermaking include treating a cellulosic or lignocellulosic dry feedstock having a first average molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation such that the average molecular weight of the feedstock is reduced to a predetermined level. A method of producing an irradiated paper product includes treating a paper product including a first carbohydrate-containing material having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation so as to provide an irradiated paper product with a second carbohydrate-containing material having a second molecular weight higher than the first molecular weight. Pulp and paper products are produced.

Abstract: A sheet formation section of a paper machine includes a sensor that measures a first characteristic of a sheet of paper being formed. The sensor may measure a characteristic such as streaking, rises, depressions, or smoothness. The sheet formation section also includes an apparatus that applies a magnetic field to the sheet of paper being formed. The machine also includes a controller that causes the apparatus to apply the magnetic field in response to a signal from the sensor representative of the first characteristic. The magnetic field transforms a second characteristic of the sheet of paper. The apparatus may transform a characteristic such as water content or fiber orientation.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for improving the sizing of paper using PAE. Proper sizing of paper requires that a sizing agent adequately disperse so as to evenly distribute on the paper. Proper sizing also requires that the agent not cause runnability or chemical problems with other materials or equipment used in the papermaking process. PAE displays unexpected attributes that allow it to disperse sizing agents. Best of all it is not subject to the same overdose effect of typical emulsifiers such as cationic starch. As a result PAE is an excellent option for use in sizing paper.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of sized and/or wet-strength papers, paperboards or cardboards, wherein an aqueous radiation-curable dispersion containing water and at least one polymer, characterized in that the polymer contains cationic groups, is mixed with suspended wood pulp and/or chemical pulp and this mixture is sieved, pressed, thermally dried and then radiation-cured, characterized in that the dispersion is employed in amounts, based on its non-aqueous content in relation to the solid content of the wood pulp and/or chemical pulp, of from 0.001 to 10 wt. %, the papers, paperboards and cardboards produced by this process, and compositions comprising suspended wood pulp and/or chemical pulp and an aqueous radiation-curable dispersion containing at least one polymer, characterized in that the polymer contains cationic groups.

Abstract: Irradiated lignocellulosic or cellulosic materials are provided which contain carboxylic acid groups and/or other functional groups not present in a naturally occurring cellulosic or lignocellulosic material from which the irradiated material was obtained.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for moulding an article from pulp material, in which the article is moulded on the surface of a mould tool, the article is pressed and the pressed article is dried, using heated gas or superheated steam that is passed through the pressed article or using microwaves, in which the pressed article is retained on a tool during the drying. The tool may be the mould tool or a different tool.

Abstract: The process of making crosslinked cellulose pulp fiber comprising plasma treating a sheet of cellulose pulp fiber before the sheet is impregnated with a crosslinking formulation which comprises a crosslinking agent and a catalyst, then defiberizing the treated cellulose pulp sheet to form treated defiberized cellulose pulp, then heating and curing the treated defiberized cellulose pulp to form intrafiber crosslinked cellulose pulp fibers.

Abstract: Irradiated lignocellulosic or cellulosic materials are provided which contain carboxylic acid groups and/or other functional groups not present in a naturally occurring cellulosic or lignocellulosic material from which the irradiated material was obtained.

Abstract: A method for preparing aramid insulating paper, includes the operations of: providing aramid pulp slurry and aramid short fiber slurry at respective desired concentrations; blending, beating and fluffing the aramid pulp slurry and the aramid short fiber slurry in a given ratio to afford a paper pulp at a desired concentration; transiting the paper pulp to a papermaking machine fitted with a head box to form and make wet paper sheets; pressing to dewater the wet paper sheets and drying the dewatered paper sheets; and calendering the dried paper sheets at a high temperature to obtain the aramid insulating paper, wherein in operation iii), at least one ultrasonic generator is mounted on the head box to apply directional ultrasonic waves to the paper pulp flowing through the heat box. The aramid insulating paper prepared according to the method of the invention has enhanced strength, smoothness and uniformity.

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 are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce an intermediate or product, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: A method for mixing a chemical into a process liquid including: injecting the chemical into the process liquid flowing through a flow pipe; forming reaction products by a reaction involving the chemical occurring in the process flow; applying an electric field or magnetic field to a region of the flow pipe adjacent to the reaction occurring in the process flow, and suppressing the precipitation of the chemical or the reaction products on the surfaces of the pipe due to the electric or magnetic field.

Abstract: Methods of marking paper products and marked paper products are provided. Some methods include irradiating the paper product to alter the functionalization of the paper.

Abstract: Irradiated lignocellulosic or cellulosic materials are provided which contain carboxylic acid groups and/or other functional groups not present in a naturally occurring cellulosic or lignocellulosic material from which the irradiated material was obtained.

Abstract: Methods of treating wood and wood products include irradiating untreated wood having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation to cause an increase in the molecular weight of a cellulosic component of the wood to a second, relatively higher molecular weight.

Abstract: Irradiated lignocellulosic or cellulosic materials are provided which contain carboxylic acid groups and/or other functional groups not present in a naturally occurring cellulosic or lignocellulosic material from which the irradiated material was obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in the wet end of a web forming process. In the method, at least one electrode pair (102, 103) is placed in the wet end. The electrode pair (102, 103) is supplied with a current/voltage from a power source (100), so that an electric field is set up between the electrode pair (102, 103), causing the material particles in the pulp suspension in the wet end to be electrically charged in a desired manner and to move in a desired manner in the pulp suspension in the wet end. The current/voltage of the power source (100) is controlled by means of a measuring and control unit (101) so as to cause the material particles in the pulp suspension to be electrically charged and to move in a desired manner, thus allowing the retention, formation and orientation of the material particles in the pulp suspension to be substantially improved.

Abstract: A wrapping paper inspection apparatus includes a nozzle arranged in a wrapping-paper discharge path, in which wrapping paper is wound and continuously discharged, for wetting one side of the wrapping paper with a liquid; an image pickup section for irradiating light to the wrapping paper wetted with the liquid by the nozzle, detecting light transmitted through or reflected from the wrapping paper, and generating an image signal; and a wrapping paper inspection section for determining defects in wrapping paper portions applied or affixed with a low flame spread material, from the image signal generated by the image pickup section, to thereby inspect such defects easily and reliably. This inspection apparatus can be mounted to a tobacco wrapping machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved smudge free sanitary sheet made of waste paper and a process of preparing the same through processing the surplus newsprint and more precisely processing used/recycled paper. The sanitary sheets are prepared by the process steps of collecting pre-consumer overprint or post consumer read newspapers; grading the collected waste newspaper; drying and sterilizing the graded newspaper by applying ultraviolet, infrared and/or gamma rays; trimming and cutting the dried sterilized sheets in appropriate sizes; applying on at least one of the sides of the waste newspaper an aqueous coating comprising of a mixture of resin such as bleached shellac, a dye, a germicide such as Benzaikonium Chloride (BC) and/or PCMX (Chloroxylenol), a safe colour, a known deodorant and optionally cosmetic chemicals such as emollient and a foaming agent such as a detergent.

Abstract: Methods of treating wood and wood products include irradiating untreated wood having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation to cause an increase in the molecular weight of a cellulosic component of the wood to a second, relatively higher molecular weight.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Abstract: An aramid paper made from aramid fibrid and short fiber and formed into a paper shape has two sides and a surface and includes a thermal bonding face located in at least one of the sides of the aramid paper, the thermal bonding face having such a property as to be directly thermally bondable with another sheet of aramid paper of the same material or a polyester film at a thermal bonding temperature ranging from 90° C. to 200° C. when a plasma treatment is applied to the surface of the aramid paper. The plasma treatment has an intensity ranging from 30 W·min/m2 to 1500 W·min/m2, and the thermal bonding face has a composition ratio (O/C) of the number of oxygen atoms (O) to the number of carbon atoms (C) ranging between 150% and 230% of a theoretical value of an atom number ratio.

Abstract: Irradiated lignocellulosic or cellulosic materials are provided which contain carboxylic acid groups and/or other functional groups not present in a naturally occurring cellulosic or lignocellulosic material from which the irradiated material was obtained.

Abstract: Methods of producing cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials for use in papermaking include treating a cellulosic or lignocellulosic dry feedstock having a first average molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation such that the average molecular weight of the feedstock is reduced to a predetermined level. A method of producing an irradiated paper product includes treating a paper product including a first carbohydrate-containing material having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation so as to provide an irradiated paper product with a second carbohydrate-containing material having a second molecular weight higher than the first molecular weight. Pulp and paper products are produced.

Abstract: This invention relates to biomimetic electro-active paper actuators which are ultra lightweight, have a large deformation feature, are operated with low power consumption, are remotely driven by microwaves, and have suitable response speed, which are comprised of paper wherein micro fibrils of cellulose are arranged in a predetermined direction, electrodes which are deposited on both sides of the paper, a film rectenna which receives an electric field from outside and converts it into direct power, and a PAD logic circuit (power allocation & distribution) which receives a signal of direct power and converts/controls it into power force.

Abstract: Optical radiation sources functioning on different optical bands radiate on different optical bands and focus optical radiation on a region in a web surface as pulses in such a manner that illumination areas of the pulses overlap on the plane of the web. At most one optical radiation band is focused on the web from the direction of the normal. The spatial intensity distribution of at least one optical band differs from the uniform distribution and the intensity distributions of at least two different optical bands differ from one another in a predetermined manner. A camera forms still images of the web surface region on each optical radiation band. An image-processing unit determines the surface topography of the web on the basis of the images. In addition, a controller may control the paper manufacturing process on the basis of the determined surface topography.

Abstract: Methods of treating wood and wood products include irradiating untreated wood having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation to cause an increase in the molecular weight of a cellulosic component of the wood to a second, relatively higher molecular weight.

Abstract: Methods of producing cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials for use in papermaking include treating a cellulosic or lignocellulosic dry feedstock having a first average molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation such that the average molecular weight of the feedstock is reduced to a predetermined level. A method of producing an irradiated paper product includes treating a paper product including a first carbohydrate-containing material having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation so as to provide an irradiated paper product with a second carbohydrate-containing material having a second molecular weight higher than the first molecular weight. Pulp and paper products are produced.

Abstract: A low-temperature plasma treatment is applied to a surface of an aramid paper so as to allow the surface to have a compositional atomic ratio X (O/C) of the number of oxygen atoms (O) to the number of carbon atoms (C) ranging from 110% to 220% of a theoretical atomic ratio. The treatment is performed at an intensity ranging from 120 to 1500 W·min/m2 with a low-temperature plasma treatment apparatus of internal electrode system. The aramid paper is superposed with a nonhydrolyzable resin film and the resulting article is pressurized to give an aramid-resin film laminate. The laminate is inexpensive, has both superior electrical properties and high mechanical strength, excels in elasticity, and is useful as an insulation material.

Abstract: Increasingly higher requirements are imposed on the quality and the speed of the production process during the manufacture of nonwovens. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a process belt for improved nonwoven manufacture. This object is achieved with a process belt for nonwoven or paper manufacture which comprises a device for electrical charging of the process belt. Such a device makes it possible to influence the deposition of nonwoven material on the belt and also to optimally configure the contact between belt and nonwoven material during nonwoven manufacture. In particular, during the transfer of nonwoven material from one belt to another or another installation part, the electrostatic charge assists by repulsion and attraction reactions between nonwoven material and belt.

Abstract: Methods of producing cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials for use in papermaking include treating a cellulosic or lignocellulosic dry feedstock having a first average molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation such that the average molecular weight of the feedstock is reduced to a predetermined level. A method of producing an irradiated paper product includes treating a paper product including a first carbohydrate-containing material having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation, and controlling the dose of ionizing radiation so as to provide an irradiated paper product with a second carbohydrate-containing material having a second molecular weight higher than the first molecular weight. Pulp and paper products are produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preventing or delaying bacterial sporulation in the broke system of a board or paper machine by lowering the content of transition metals in the broke to a level unfavorable for sporulation. Preferably bacterial cells present in the broke system of the board or paper machine are not substantially killed by the procedure used for lowering the content of the transition metals. The invention further relates to a method for producing packaging board or packaging paper having a low bacterial spore content.

Abstract: Irradiated lignocellulosic or cellulosic materials are provided which contain carboxylic acid groups and/or other functional groups not present in a naturally occurring cellulosic or lignocellulosic material from which the irradiated material was obtained

Abstract: A sheet formation section of a paper machine includes a sensor that measures a first characteristic of a sheet of paper being formed. The sensor may measure a characteristic such as streaking, rises, depressions, or smoothness. The sheet formation section also includes an apparatus that applies a magnetic field to the sheet of paper being formed. The machine also includes a controller that causes the apparatus to apply the magnetic field in response to a signal from the sensor representative of the first characteristic. The magnetic field transforms a second characteristic of the sheet of paper. The apparatus may transform a characteristic such as water content or fiber orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a machine for making a fibre product. The invention also relates to a shaped body produced by the inventive method. According to the invention, a fibre product is formed on a first tool. The formed fibre product is then sandwiched between the first tool and a second tool and the surface of the second tool is heated to at least 220° C. to evaporate water from the fibre product. The tools are permeable to air and water When the fibre product has been dewatered to a dry solids content of at least 70%, the fibre product is subjected to microwave heating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in the wet end of a web forming process. In the method, at least one electrode pair (102, 103) is placed in the wet end. The electrode pair (102, 103) is supplied with a current/voltage from a power source (100), so that an electric field is set up between the electrode pair (102, 103), causing the material particles in the pulp suspension in the wet end to be electrically charged in a desired manner and to move in a desired manner in the pulp suspension in the wet end. The current/voltage of the power source (100) is controlled by means of a measuring and control unit (101) so as to cause the material particles in the pulp suspension to be electrically charged and to move in a desired manner, thus allowing the retention, formation and orientation of the material particles in the pulp suspension to be substantially improved.

Abstract: Cigarettes and cigarette components such as tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper, and methods for making cigarette components are provided that comprise nanostructured fibrils. The nanostructured fibrils, which can be formed and deposited in situ on tobacco cut filler and/or cigarette paper by laser vaporization controlled condensation or chemical reaction, are capable of acting as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Cigarettes are provided that comprise tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper, wherein nanostructured fibrils are deposited on, or incorporated in, at least one of the tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper.