Abstract: A line launcher includes a launcher body extending along a longitudinal axis between a rear end and a front end. The line launcher further includes a handle, a trigger, and a removable battery. The line launcher further includes a compressed gas charge assembly. The line launcher further includes an elongated barrel coupled to the body at the front end. The line launcher further includes a throwline assembly, the throwline assembly including a projectile and a throwline, the projectile insertable into and ejectable from the elongated barrel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for efficient graphics processing including ray tracing. For example, one embodiment of a graphics processor comprises: execution hardware logic to execute graphics commands and render images; an interface to couple functional units of the execution hardware logic to a tiled resource; and a tiled resource manager to manage access by the functional units to the tiled resource, a functional unit of the execution hardware logic to generate a request with a hash identifier (ID) to request access to a portion of the tiled resource, wherein the tiled resource manager is to determine whether a portion of the tiled resource identified by the hash ID exists, and if not, to allocate a new portion of the tiled resource and associate the new portion with the hash ID.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for efficient graphics processing including ray tracing. For example, one embodiment of a graphics processor comprises: execution hardware logic to execute graphics commands and render images; an interface to couple functional units of the execution hardware logic to a tiled resource; and a tiled resource manager to manage access by the functional units to the tiled resource, a functional unit of the execution hardware logic to generate a request with a hash identifier (ID) to request access to a portion of the tiled resource, wherein the tiled resource manager is to determine whether a portion of the tiled resource identified by the hash ID exists, and if not, to allocate a new portion of the tiled resource and associate the new portion with the hash ID.

Abstract: An apparatus allows for posterior lumbar interbody fusion to be performed with a stable construct to achieve arthrodesis. A fastener is adapted for connecting the superior vertebra to the inferior vertebra. A receiver for positioning between the superior and inferior vertebrae includes a passage for receiving the fastener. The receiver comprises a first surface for positioning adjacent the first vertebrae and a second surface for positioning adjacent to the inferior vertebrae, and the passage extends at an angle relative to the first and second surfaces. Related tools and methods are also described.

Abstract: A process for the selective production of vinyl ester by the reaction of a carboxylic acid with acetylene with a homogeneous catalyst is disclosed and claimed. In one aspect, esters of neoacids are provided.

Abstract: A process for the selective production of vinyl ester by the reaction of a carboxylic acid with acetylene with a homogeneous catalyst is disclosed and claimed. In one aspect, esters of neoacids are provided.

Abstract: A process for the selective production of vinyl ester by the reaction of a carboxylic acid with acetylene with a homogeneous catalyst is disclosed and claimed. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, reaction of benzoic acid and acetylene in the presence of Group VIII metal complex catalyst at a temperature of about 50 to 180° C. results in quantitative yields of vinyl benzoate.

Abstract: A process for the selective production of vinyl ester by the reaction of a carboxylic acid with acetylene with a homogeneous catalyst is disclosed and claimed. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, reaction of benzoic acid and acetylene in the presence of Group VIII metal complex catalyst at a temperature of about 50 to 180° C. results in quantitative yields of vinyl benzoate.

Abstract: Font/script association techniques are described. In an implementation, a client includes one or more modules to determine which of a plurality of scripts are to be used to display characters and one or more fonts are located that correspond to the determined script. Representations are output of the located one or more fonts in a user interface that are selectable to cause the characters to be displayed using a selected one of the fonts.

Abstract: A thermal mass flow controller having a thermal mass flow meter with an orthogonal thermal mass flow sensor includes a base defining a primary fluid flow path therein for carrying a flow of fluid to be metered. A pressure dropping bypass is positioned in the primary fluid flow path. A flow measuring portion of a thermal mass flow sensor is oriented substantially transversely or orthogonally with respect to and is in communication with the primary fluid flow path. The flow measuring portion includes a portion of an electrical bridge for determining a temperature of the sensor and produces a mass flow rate signal in response thereto. A valve is connected to an outlet of the primary flow path to control the flow of fluid in response to the mass flow rate signal.

Abstract: A mass flow controller and purifier has a canister arranged at right angles to a flow path through the mass flow controller. The canister holds a contaminant scavenging material which a gas stream contacts as it flows to remove a contaminant such as water. A purified process gas stream is fed through a bypass of a mass flow meter. A portion of the gas is supplied to a mass flow sensor which generates a signal indicative of a rate of mass flow. The mass flow signal is amplified and the amplified mass flow signal is linearized in a linearizer. The linearized mass flow signal is fed to a comparator which compares the linearized mass flow signal with an error signal and provides an output signal indicative of a mass rate of flow through the mass flow meter. A valve is connected to the mass flow meter and is controlled by the mass flow meter signal to meter the gas.

Abstract: A process for the polymerization of ethylene and/or one or more alpha-olefins comprising contacting ethylene, and/or the alpha-olefin(s) with a catalyst comprising a first component which is a bis(cyclopentadienyl) Group IVA metal compound containing a substituent capable of reacting with a cation, and a second component which is a compound having a bulky anion containing one or more boron atoms and which is substantially non-coordinating under the reaction conditions and a cation, in which process additional first component is added.

Abstract: A liquid flow controller for metering a flow of liquid has an inlet to receive the liquid. The inlet feeds the liquid to a high resistance liquid flow path across which a pressure drop arises. A pressure sensor measures the liquid flow induced pressure drop and generates pressure drop signal which is fed to an electronic circuit. A temperature sensor is connected to the high resistance liquid flow path and generates a temperature signal which is also fed to the electronic circuit. The circuit energizes a viscosity-normalized liquid flow signal, which is compared to a set point signal to generate an error signal. A valve connected downstream of the high resistance liquid flow path to control the flow of liquid is driven by the error signal and thereby controls the flow of liquid.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of olefins of the general formula (CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2).sub.p --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 in which formula R is a hydrocarbyl group and p is an integer of at least 1, comprising reacting ethene with at least one additional alpha olefin of the general formula R--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 under oligomerization conditions in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a first component which is a bis(cyclopentadienyl) Group IVA metal compound containing a substituent which is attached to the metal and which is capable of reacting with a cation, and a second component which is a compound having a bulky anion containing a plurality of boron atoms and which is substantially non-coordinating under the reaction conditions and a cation, and recovering an oligomeric product comprising linear olefins of the general formula R--(CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2).sub.p --CH.dbd.CH.sub.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an alkyl methacrylate, which process comprises:a) selectively removing propadiene from a C.sub.3 -mixture comprising a mixture of propyne and propadiene that has been obtained from an ethene cracker, a catalytic cracker or an LPG-dehydrogenation process, to provide a propyne feed in which the ratio of propyne to propadiene is at least about 6:1, ndb) contacting the propyene feed with carbon monoxide and an alkanol in the presence of a carboxylation catalyst.

Abstract: The invention is a process for reducing catalyst residues from a Group VIII metal compound-containing polymer of CO, ethylene and optionally at least one olefinically unsaturated hydrocarbon. The process comprises contacting the polymer with an effective amount of a bidentate phsophine ligand having the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 represent hydrocarbon groups which may contain polar or non-polar substituents and R represents a bivalent organic bridging group containing at least two carbon atoms in the bridge, recovering a Group VIII metal compound-containing organic liquid, contacting said Group VIII metal compound-containing liquid with an effective oxidant for the Group VII metal and recycling the resulting oxidized Group VIII metal compound to a process for preparing polymers of carbon monoxide and ethylene.

Abstract: A linear alternating polymer of carbon monoxide and at least one ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon having enhanced purity is produced by contacting the polymer, subsequent to polymerization but prior to recovery from the polymerization mixture, with a complexing agent for palladium.

Abstract: The invention is a process for preparing a linear alternating polymer which process comprises contacting ethylene and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst, at a total pressure within the range of 100 to about 250 bar and an ethylene/carbon monoxide partial pressure ratio from about 0.75 to about 3, wherein the catalyst comprise (1) a Group VIII metal compound of palladium, cobalt or nickel, (2) an anion of a non-hydrohalogenic acid with a pKa less than 6 and (3) a bidentate phosphorus, arsenic or antimony ligand.

Abstract: The invention is a process for reducing catalyst residues from a Group VIII metal compound-containing polymer of CO, ethylene and optionally at least one of olefinically unsaturated hydrocarbon. The process comprises contacting the polymer with an effective amount of a bidentate phosphine ligand having the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 represent hydrocarbon groups which may contain polar or non-polar substituents and R represents a bivalent organic bridging group containing at least two carbon atoms in the bridge.

Abstract: Polymers of relatively high bulk density are produced at a satisfactory rate by polymerization carried out as a gas phase polymerization, in which the monomers are contacted with the catalyst composition in the substantial absence of a liquid non-polymerizable diluent. Comparison of polymerization in liquid phase and in gas phase polymerization shows that when for both polymerizations the temperature is lowered to achieve the same increase in molecular weight, the gas phase polymerization shows a considerably smaller loss of reaction rate and bulk density. It has further been found that when polymers of the same molecular weights are prepared in both gas phase and liquid phase polymerizations, the rate at which the polymers are produced is higher in the case of the gas phase polymerizations, and, in addition, the gas phase prepared polymers have higher bulk densities.