Abstract: A process for the making of metallic product with biocidal properties is disclosed, and first comprises anodizing a product having at least one metallic surface (e.g. aluminum, steel) using a controlled current density to form pores on the surfaces with controlled spatial density and depth. The process also comprises contacting the anodized metallic surfaces with a first biocidal solution before sealing the pores. Preferably, the metallic surfaces can be contacted again with the first biocidal solution after the sealing step. A method for reactivating biocidal properties of the metallic products is also disclosed, and comprises contacting again the biocidal product with a second biocidal solution. Preferably, the second solution is less concentrated than the first solution for safety sake. The invention provides a simpler, quicker, cheaper and improved process for treating or reactivating the metallic surfaces in order to obtain a metallic product having superior and enduring biocidal properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and system to scan a microchip implanted in an animal and to retrieve the information stored within the microchip implants. The device is further configured to fetch from one or more databases to identify information associated with 5 the microchip implants. The device to scan the microchip implant is configured to scan at multiple frequencies and to detect the presence of the microchip. Once detected, the information is read from the microchip using the identified frequency of communication.

Abstract: A dust collector for filtering dust suspended in air, comprising: a vacuum unit for drawing the air; a cyclone body defining a cyclone body peripheral wall delimiting a plenum, a cyclone air inlet provided in the cyclone body peripheral wall for admitting the air, a cyclone body vacuum inlet in fluid communication with the vacuum unit for drawing the air from the plenum and a cyclone body dust outlet provided at the bottom of the plenum for evacuating the dust from the cyclone body; and baffles extending in the plenum from the cyclone body peripheral wall.

Abstract: A dust collector for filtering dust suspended in air, comprising: a vacuum unit for drawing the air; a cyclone body defining a cyclone body peripheral wall delimiting a plenum, a cyclone air inlet provided in the cyclone body peripheral wall for admitting the air, a cyclone body vacuum inlet in fluid communication with the vacuum unit for drawing the air from the plenum and a cyclone body dust outlet provided at the bottom of the plenum for evacuating the dust from the cyclone body; and baffles extending in the plenum from the cyclone body peripheral wall.

Abstract: A process for producing at least one acetate from acetic acid and at least one alcohol by employing multiple cycles of reacting acetic acid to produce a reaction product including at least one acetate, unreacted acetic acid, unreacted alcohol, and water, followed by drying the reaction product to remove water therefrom. Such process provides for improved yields of acetate.

Abstract: A dust collector for filtering dust suspended in air, comprising: a vacuum unit for drawing the air; a cyclone body defining a cyclone body peripheral wall delimiting a plenum, a cyclone air inlet provided in the cyclone body peripheral wall for admitting the air, a cyclone body vacuum inlet in fluid communication with the vacuum unit for drawing the air from the plenum and a cyclone body dust outlet provided at the bottom of the plenum for evacuating the dust from the cyclone body; and baffles extending in the plenum from the cyclone body peripheral wall.

Abstract: The process can include obtaining a rectangular aluminum panel size; obtaining a cast aluminum ingot having a length and width housing said aluminum panel size; sawing the annealed aluminum ingot along its length and across its width, thereby yielding a plurality of aluminum panels having said aluminum panel size and a given plate thickness; and cutting the plates across the thickness of the aluminum panels.

Abstract: A process for converting methanol to ethanol which comprises reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product comprising at least 25 mole % methyl acetate and, in some instances, acetic acid. The acetic acid then is reacted with at least one alcohol to produce at least one acetate selected from methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate. The at least one acetate (if produced) and the methyl acetate produced as a result of reacting methanol and carbon monoxide then are hydrogenated to produce ethanol. Syngas may be produced from biomass to produce all or a portion of the methanol, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide requirements for the process.

Abstract: A process for converting methanol to ethanol which comprises reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product comprising at least 25 mole % methyl acetate and, in some instances, acetic acid. The acetic acid then is reacted with at least one alcohol to produce at least one acetate selected from methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate. The at least one acetate (if produced) and the methyl acetate produced as a result of reacting methanol and carbon monoxide then are hydrogenated to produce ethanol. Syngas may be produced from biomass to produce all or a portion of the methanol, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide requirements for the process.

Abstract: A process for producing at least one acetate from acetic acid and at least one alcohol by employing multiple cycles of reacting acetic acid to produce a reaction product including at least one acetate, unreacted acetic acid, unreacted alcohol, and water, followed by drying the reaction product to remove water therefrom. Such process provides for improved yields of acetate.

Abstract: A process for converting methanol to ethanol which comprises reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product comprising at least 25 mole % methyl acetate and, in some instances, acetic acid. The acetic acid then is reacted with at least one alcohol to produce at least one acetate selected from methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate. The at least one acetate (if produced) and the methyl acetate produced as a result of reacting methanol and carbon monoxide then are hydrogenated to produce ethanol. Syngas may be produced from biomass to produce all or a portion of the methanol, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide requirements for the process.

Abstract: A process for converting methanol to ethanol which comprises reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product comprising at least 25 mole % methyl acetate and, in some instances, acetic acid. The acetic acid then is reacted with at least one alcohol to produce at least one acetate selected from methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate. The at least one acetate (if produced) and the methyl acetate produced as a result of reacting methanol and carbon monoxide then are hydrogenated to produce ethanol. Syngas may be produced from biomass to produce all or a portion of the methanol, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide requirements for the process.

Abstract: The process can include obtaining a rectangular aluminium panel size; obtaining a cast aluminium ingot having a length and width housing said aluminium panel size; sawing the annealed aluminium ingot along its length and across its width, thereby yielding a plurality of aluminium panels having said aluminium panel size and a given plate thickness; and cutting the plates across the thickness of the aluminium panels.

Abstract: A process for converting wet cellulosic biomass to at least one sugar, such as glucose. The process comprises treating the wet cellulosic biomass with a strong acid at a temperature no greater than 40° C., wherein the acid is present in an amount of at least 10 moles per mole of monomeric sugar present in the wet cellulosic biomass. The acid then is neutralized partially, and the cellulose is hydrolyzed to the at least one sugar at a temperature of at least 60° C. Such process provides improved yields of sugar from cellulose.

Abstract: A process for converting methanol to ethanol which comprises reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product comprising at least 25 mole % methyl acetate and, in some instances, acetic acid. The acetic acid then is reacted with at least one alcohol to produce at least one acetate selected from methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate. The at least one acetate (if produced) and the methyl acetate produced as a result of reacting methanol and carbon monoxide then are hydrogenated to produce ethanol. Syngas may be produced from biomass to produce all or a portion of the methanol, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide requirements for the process.

Abstract: A process for converting methanol to ethanol which comprises reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product comprising at least 25 mole % methyl acetate and, in some instances, acetic acid. The acetic acid then is reacted with at least one alcohol to produce at least one acetate selected from methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate. The at least one acetate (if produced) and the methyl acetate produced as a result of reacting methanol and carbon monoxide then are hydrogenated to produce ethanol. Syngas may be produced from biomass to produce all or a portion of the methanol, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide requirements for the process.

Abstract: A conveyor is disclosed which serves for transporting bales of hay or the like material in a curve. It is made up of a frame, having a bale-receiving and a bale-discharging end; of an endless link chain extending between the frame ends and following the conveyor curve, and of an upright shoulder plate, mounted on the frame between its ends. This plate follows the chain on the chain side facing inwardly of the curve and is provided, on one face, with a plastic chain support for carrying the chain. This chain support is formed with a pair of parallel grooves longitudinally extending between the frame ends. Each groove has an opening on the side of the support facing away from the shoulder plate. These grooves are configured and spaced from one another for slidably supporting the chain strands between the frame ends. The strands are fitted into the grooves and protrude partly out through their openings.

Abstract: A comb for use by a hairdresser during hair cutting. It has a combing portion and a handle portion which projects from one end of the combing portion, bends back toward the combing portion at a predetermined distance therefrom and includes a gripping part of predetermined length, suitable to be finger-gripped against the palm of a hand of the hairdresser with the combing portion located generally above the back of the hand.