Abstract: A method and system includes at least one interconnect hub, connecting the at least one interconnect hub to a plurality of audio connection devices to form a network of audio connection devices with the interconnect hub at the center of the ring. The audio connection devices are connected to each other through the at least one interconnect hub, and data is synchronously transmitted between at least two of the audio connection devices through the at least one interconnect hub.

Abstract: A method and system includes at least one interconnect hub, connecting the at least one interconnect hub to a plurality of audio connection devices to form a network of audio connection devices with the interconnect hub at the center of the ring. The audio connection devices are connected to each other through the at least one interconnect hub, and data is synchronously transmitted between at least two of the audio connection devices through the at least one interconnect hub.

Abstract: A catastrophic-event survivable video data recording system that may be employed to monitor vehicles or facilities. The recording system may include a video data compression unit operable to provide compressed digital video data in a format recordable by modified commercially available flight data recording instruments. Among other things, the system may be used to monitor vehicles, as well as land-based or sea-based facilities. The system may also be employed as an aid to research into natural and man made phenomena, such as volcanic eruptions, bomb test explosions, etc.

Abstract: A method and system includes at least one interconnect hub, connecting the at least one interconnect hub to a plurality of audio connection devices to form a network of audio connection devices with the interconnect hub at the center of the ring. The audio connection devices are connected to each other through the at least one interconnect hub, and data is synchronously transmitted between at least two of the audio connection devices through the at least one interconnect hub.

Abstract: Broadly, the present invention is directed to a process for the removal of sulfur from an acrylate waste stream. In particular, disclosed is a process for the recovery and reuse of an acid catalyst employed primarily in the reaction of acrylic esters. During the reaction of acrylic acid and an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst, the product acrylate and water are removed from the remaining reaction by-products (heavy ends and oligomers). These by-product heavy end components which include the acid catalyst employed in the reaction process, are directed to an evaporator. The residue stream therefrom is then contacted with water in an extractor. Upon contact with water, a phase separation occurs between the acid catalyst/water mixture and other organic matter. The organic matter is discarded while the acid/water mixture is recycled to the reaction process.

Abstract: A method is provided to improve the quality of recycle of certain residues by modifying the separation of alkanes and alkane-like materials and carbonyl-containing impurities from the recycle during the manufacture of acetic acid by the carbonylation of methanol. The improvement comprises partitioning the residues by the addition of water obtained from aqueous streams containing up to 50 wt. % acetic acid and which have been treated in a catalytic distillation unit to react the acetic acid with methanol to form recyclable methyl acetate and water and wherein the water is separated from the organics by distillation.

Abstract: An actuator for transforming rotary motion into linear motion includes a cylindrical tube (10) that has a rigid helix shaped ribbon (12) journalled within it for rotating movement about a longitudinal axis. A knob (20) is attached to one end of the ribbon and is used to impart a torque to the ribbon. A ribbon follower having first and second legs straddling the surfaces of the ribbon is mounted so that it extends through longitudinally formed slots 28 in the wall of said tube. As the knob is used to turn the ribbon, the ribbon follower moves up and down the length of the ribbon, riding on the exterior surfaces of the ribbon. An inner member (30), such as a control wire, is attached to the ribbon follower so that, as the ribbon is rotated, the inner member is carried by the ribbon follower in a linear path. Preferably, a stabilizing slider (40) overlies the ribbon and has slots cut in its walls through which the ribbon follower extends, the slider serving to control perpendicular motion of the ribbon follower.

Abstract: The present invention is an article holding device for attaching external loads to a packframe. It consists of upper and lower clamp assemblies adapted for attachment to adjacent transverse packframe members. A rod, oriented vertically when the packframe is being worn, is held between the clamp assemblies. At least one, preferably two, strap retainers are mounted on the rod. These will normally have freedom of rotational and vertical movement. A strap or similar load retaining member passes through the slots of the retainers. Arranged thus, a load can be held tightly and securely against the packframe. In the preferred form of use, two of the assemblies are mounted side-by-side so that at least two straps may be placed around the external load.