Abstract: A process unit, comprising: a) an alkylation reactor; and b) a control system that enables the alkylation reactor to be operated in an alkylate mode and in a distillate mode; wherein the alkylation reactor can switch back and forth from operating in the alkylate mode to the distillate mode.

Abstract: We provide a catalytic process to reduce an organic halide in a hydrocarbon, comprising: a. producing the hydrocarbon comprising the organic halide in a process unit; and b. contacting the hydrocarbon comprising the organic halide with a metal chloride under anhydrous conditions in a halide removal vessel to produce a contacted hydrocarbon having from 50-100 wt % of a total halide in the hydrocarbon removed. We also provide an apparatus for performing this process.

Abstract: Disclosed are hybrid synthesis gas conversion catalysts containing at least one Fischer-Tropsch component and at least one acidic component deposited on a monolith catalyst support for use in synthesis gas conversion processes and methods for preparing the catalysts. Also disclosed are synthesis gas conversion processes in which the hybrid synthesis gas conversion catalysts are contacted with synthesis gas to produce a hydrocarbon product containing at least 50 wt % C5+ hydrocarbons. Also disclosed are synthesis gas conversion processes in which at least one layer of Fischer-Tropsch component deposited onto a monolith support is alternated with at least one layer of acidic component in a fixed bed reactor.

Abstract: Methods for preparing integral synthesis gas conversion catalyst extrudates including an oxide of a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) metal component and a zeolite component are disclosed. The oxide of the FT metal component is precipitated from a solution into crystallites having a particle size between about 2 nm and about 30 nm. The oxide of the FT metal component is combined with a zeolite powder and a binder material, and the combination is extruded to form integral catalyst extrudates. The oxide of the FT metal component in the resulting catalyst is in the form of reduced crystallites located outside the zeolite channels. No appreciable ion exchange of FT metal occurs within the zeolite channels. The acid site density of the integral catalyst extrudate is at least about 80% of the zeolite acid site density.

Abstract: An improved automatic image capture system for an intelligent mobile device having a camera guides a user to position the camera so only a single image needs to be automatically captured. A trapezoidal view finder on a display of the intelligent mobile device may be used to orient the camera with respect to a target document so there is an appropriate pitch and roll angle between the camera and the target document to avoid shadows caused by the camera or user. Further the user is guided to maximize the occupancy of the view finder with the document so that the document is maximized within the view finder. When all requisite conditions are satisfied, the camera automatically captures the image of the document for post-processing.

Abstract: A process unit, comprising: a) an alkylation reactor; and b) a control system that enables the alkylation reactor to be operated in an alkylate mode and in a distillate mode; wherein the alkylation reactor can switch back and forth from operating in the alkylate mode to the distillate mode.

Abstract: A multi-function pedal controller may be used with a musical instrument, such as a keyboard percussion instrument, to allow control of both vibrato and damper functions. The multi-function pedal controller may control damper functions with a first range of motion and vibrato functions with a second range of motion, thereby facilitating intuitive control of both functions by the instrumentalist.

Abstract: Disclosed are hybrid synthesis gas conversion catalysts containing at least one Fischer-Tropsch component and at least one acidic component deposited on a monolith catalyst support for use in synthesis gas conversion processes and methods for preparing the catalysts. Also disclosed are synthesis gas conversion processes in which the hybrid synthesis gas conversion catalysts are contacted with synthesis gas to produce a hydrocarbon product containing at least 50 wt % C5+ hydrocarbons. Also disclosed are synthesis gas conversion processes in which at least one layer of Fischer-Tropsch component deposited onto a monolith support is alternated with at least one layer of acidic component in a fixed bed reactor.

Abstract: A method to make an acidic ionic liquid catalyst comprising: a. mixing aluminum chloride in the presence of a hydrocarbon solvent, and an organic chloride, to make an acid catalyst phase comprising a conjunct polymer; b. adding hydrogen chloride to the acid catalyst phase.

Abstract: A dental tool for use in photo-cured filling processes. The dental tool includes a tool tip formed from a material that allows the transmission of ultraviolet and visible light wavelengths through the tool tip without significant distortion or reflection. The material is also relatively high strength so not to shatter or break during use. The fill material will also not easily adhere to the tool. The material of a preferred embodiment is sapphire. The tool is able to continue to compact and shape the fill material while the composite polymer fill material is undergoing photo-curing. The light beam used for photo-curing is able to safely pass through the tool without the risk of damage to the surrounding tissue from reflection or distortion of the light beam.

Abstract: A process for producing alkylate comprising contacting a first hydrocarbon stream comprising at least one olefin having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms which contains 1,3-butadiene and 1-butene with a hydroisomerization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen under conditions favoring the simultaneous selective hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene to butenes and the isomerization of 1-butene to 2-butene and contacting the resulting stream and a second hydrocarbon stream comprising at least one isoparaffin having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms with an acidic ionic liquid catalyst under alkylation conditions to produce an alkylate is disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable resonator stop may be used in resonators of keyboard percussion instruments. The adjustable resonator stop includes a resonator engaging body having a cavity, a resonator end member being configured to be disposed within the cavity of the resonator engaging body, and a tightening member coupled to at least a portion of the resonator end member. The tightening member is configured to move the resonator end member from a disengaged position, wherein the resonator stop may be freely adjusted within a resonator, to an engaged position, wherein the resonator stop may be securely coupled to an interior surface of the resonator. The adjustable resonator stop may provide the same or better performance characteristics as a permanently installed metal stop including a smooth, metallic, bi-polar vibrating surface with exposure to air on either side, while also providing quick adjustability at little or no cost when compared to other adjustable stops in the industry.

Abstract: An acid catalyst effective for a conversion of a hydrocarbon, comprising: greater than 15 wt % halide-containing conjunct polymer, and a Lewis acid; wherein less than 0.1 wt % solid precipitates from the catalyst when it is held for three hours or longer at 25° C. or below.

Abstract: An acid catalyst effective for a conversion of a hydrocarbon, comprising: greater than 15 wt % halide-containing conjunct polymer, and a Lewis acid; wherein less than 0.1 wt % solid precipitates from the catalyst when it is held for three hours or longer at 25° C. or below.

Abstract: An adjustable resonator stop may be used in resonators of keyboard percussion instruments. The adjustable resonator stop includes a resonator engaging body having a cavity, a resonator end member being configured to be disposed within the cavity of the resonator engaging body, and a tightening member coupled to at least a portion of the resonator end member. The tightening member is configured to move the resonator end member from a disengaged position, wherein the resonator stop may be freely adjusted within a resonator, to an engaged position, wherein the resonator stop may be securely coupled to an interior surface of the resonator. The adjustable resonator stop may provide the same or better performance characteristics as a permanently installed metal stop including a smooth, metallic, bi-polar vibrating surface with exposure to air on either side, while also providing quick adjustability at little or no cost when compared to other adjustable stops in the industry.

Abstract: A method of automatically capturing images with precision uses an intelligent mobile device having a camera loaded with an appropriate image capture application. When a user initializes the application, the camera starts taking images of the object. Each image is qualified to determine whether it is in focus and entirely within the field of view of the camera. Two or more qualified images are captured and stored for subsequent processing. The qualified images are aligned with each other by an appropriate perspective transformation so they each fill a common frame. Averaging of the aligned images reduces noise and a sharpening filter enhances edges, which produces a sharper image. The processed image is then converted into a two-level, black and white image which may be presented to the user for approval prior to submission via wireless or WiFi to a remote location.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is concerned with a treatment where it is desired that an active agent is designed to be released in a pulse at a time point some time after administration of the active agent. The present invention is particularly suited to administering an agent which may be released whilst a subject is sleeping. As well as treating certain conditions by a particular regime, the invention also provides novel formulations for a delayed, followed by a pulsed release of drug.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is concerned with a treatment where it is desired that an active agent is designed to be released in a prolonged manner at a time point some time after administration of the active agent. The present invention is particularly suited to administering an agent which may be released whilst a subject is sleeping, shortly before waking and continues to administer the drug during the early waking hours. As well as treating certain conditions by a particular regime, the invention also provides novel formulations for a delayed, followed by a prolonged release of drug.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is concerned with a treatment where it is desired that an active agent is designed to be released immediately following administration and again at a time point some time after administration of the active agent. The present invention is particularly suited to administering an agent which may be released before sleep and whilst a subject is sleeping. As well as treating certain conditions by a particular regime, the invention also provides novel formulations for an immediate, followed by a delayed release of drug.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring ionic liquids using vibrational spectroscopy may involve contacting an infrared (IR) transmissive medium with the ionic liquid, recording an IR spectrum of the ionic liquid, and quantifying at least one chemical characteristic of the ionic liquid based on the IR spectrum. The IR spectrum may be recorded ex situ or in situ. Methods for controlling ionic liquid catalyzed processes are also disclosed, wherein a condition of the ionic liquid may be determined during such processes based on IR spectral analysis of the ionic liquid.