Abstract: A writing instrument organizer (10) which holds at least one writing instrument such as a pen or marker (42) and retains the lid (40) within the organizer (12) when the marker (42) is withdrawn. At least one hole (18) is located in a front plate (12) which is held parallel at a distance from a back plate (14) by end caps (16). The lid retention hole (18) in the front plate (12) is sized so that a standard marker or pen lid (42) cannot slip through when a marker (40) is pulled away from the organizer (10). The end plates (16) connect the back plate (14) to the front plate (12) and ensure the marker lid (42) is properly seated in the lid retention hole (18) in front plate (12).

Abstract: Novel mixtures of long-chain (C10-C20) olefins are functionalized by conversion to aldehydes using an OXO process, or to sulfates, sulfonates, sulfones, sulfides, or sulfoxides by direct sulfonation. The aldehydes may then be hydrogenated to form alcohols, or aminated to form amines or amides. The olefins starting mixture may be acquired as a byproduct of the tetramerization of ethylene in the presence of certain chromium-containing tetramerization catalysts. The functionalized mixtures, and derivatives prepared therefrom such as alkoxylates prepared from the alcohols, may be useful as surfactants that may offer improved performance in many applications, while their preparation based on a byproduct mixture reduces their cost and also reduces waste-handling issues for this non-targeted stream.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions are described comprising mid-range alkoxylate surfactants or blends of alkoxylate surfactants, and their use as cleaners for triglycerides and cross-linked triglycerides, formula stabilization agents, agents for ultra-concentrated cleaning formulations, pre-wash spotters, detergents, agricultural adjuvants, hard surface cleaning, and emulsifiers.

Abstract: Novel mixtures of long-chain (C10-C20) olefins are functionalized by conversion to aldehydes using an OXO process, or to sulfates, sulfonates, sulfones, sulfides, or sulfoxides by direct sulfonation. The aldehydes may then be hydrogenated to form alcohols, or aminated to form amines or amides. The olefins starting mixture may be acquired as a byproduct of the tetramerization of ethylene in the presence of certain chromium-containing tetramerization catalysts. The functionalized mixtures, and derivatives prepared therefrom such as alkoxylates prepared from the alcohols, may be useful as surfactants that may offer improved performance in many applications, while their preparation based on a byproduct mixture reduces their cost and also reduces waste-handling issues for this non-targeted stream.

Abstract: Polyalkylene glycol compositions having reduced low molecular weight oligomers are disclosed. Some compositions, particularly polyethylene glycol compositions, have a number average molecular weight range from about 3000 to about 10,000 g/mol and have a total oligomer concentration of less than about 400 ppm of all oligomers having a molecular weight of less than or equal to 812 g/mol and a total oligomer concentration of less than about 50 ppm of all oligomers having a molecular weight of less than or equal to 240 g/mol. Other polyalkylene compositions, particularly polyethylene glycol compositions, are characterized by a total oligomer concentration of less than about 90 ppm of all oligomers having a molecular weight less than or equal to 460 g/mol and are obtained without further processing to remove oligomers having a molecular weight of less than about 460 g/mol. Methods for making such compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of processing kaolin to produce two distinct grades of kaolin in a simultaneous manner. The methods involve processing kaolin by degritting a kaolin crude; subjecting the degritted kaolin crude to flotation to provide a kaolin having reduced titania content; ozonating the kaolin having reduced titania content; centrifuging the kaolin to provide a coarse stream and fine stream; refining the coarse stream into a coarse engineered kaolin pigment; and refining the fine stream into a fine glossing kaolin pigment. Also disclosed are systems for the automated processing of kaolin to produce two distinct grades of kaolin with real time feedback.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted ladder rack (10), bent in such a way as to allow secure stowage yet easy removal of a ladder. Fixed mounting clamps (22) are welded on the underside of rack (10). The fixed clamps (22) and lower clamps (20) are drilled (18) to allow the bolts (14) to pass through. The bolts (14) are then secured with nuts (16). Tightening of these nuts compresses lower clamps (20) into the bottom of a standard vehicle luggage rack. This secures the ladder rack (10) in place atop the vehicle. A set of two racks (10) is required to securely hold a ladder on the vehicle, one mounted on the forward luggage rack and one on the rear.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, apparatus for ion-assisted magnetron deposition takes a form that includes a magnetron, a deposition substrate displaced from the magnetron, and an ion source also displaced from the magnetron and located so that the ion beam from the ion source is directed at the deposition substrate. The ion source is operated without an electron-emitting cathode-neutralizer, the electron current for this function being provided by electrons from the magnetron. In one specific embodiment, the ion source is operated so that the potential of the deposition substrate is maintained close to that of a common ground for the magnetron and the ion source. In another embodiment, the ion source is of the Hall-current type and the discharge current of the ion source is approximately equal in magnitude to the current of the magnetron discharge.