Abstract: Credit card applications typically involve the help of a third party to input the necessary data required by a credit card issuing agency. Using the present invention, a customer at a fuel dispenser can complete a credit card application and have it approved or denied in a quick and easy transaction, without the need of assistance from a third party. All required data at the fuel dispenser is entered through a user interface which includes card swipe inputs and numeric inputs through a numeric key pad. The customer does not make any alphabetical inputs on a typical keyboard because fuel dispensers do not have keyboards.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing rough cut lumber to convert the rough cut lumber into trimmed to length and dimensionally trimmed to form a standard piece of dimensioned lumber. The process and apparatus includes the formation of a plurality of columns of lumber pieces in addition to a one column operation mode. The lumber pieces in each of the columns are graded, indexed, measured for a trim to length, trimmed to length and then sorted by grade and trimmed length.

Abstract: A portable oxygen supply unit for breathable air with an enhanced oxygen content has a tilt valve in a mounting cup on a pressurized container containing medical or aviators oxygen. A hollow housing is sealed to the mounting cup. The hollow housing is flowably connected to a mouthpiece and to an inlet for ambient air. A user can open the tilt valve with an actuator that is slidable in the hollow housing. When the valve is open, the pressurized oxygen flows into the hollow housing. As the user inhales through the mouthpiece the oxygen released from the container is diluted with ambient air drawn through the inlet for efficient use of the oxygen dispensed from the container.

Abstract: A urethane based polymer composition is provided that exhibits superior shielding properties during and after exposure to high level radiation. The composite is formed by mixing a liquid isocyanate monomer, preferably 4,4?-diisocyanate monomer with a liquid phenolic resin, preferably phenol formaldehyde resin, and a phosphate ester flame retardant. An optional pyridine catalyst may be added to shorten the cure time. The resulting composition cures at room temperature and can be utilized in several manners, including spraying or pouring the composition prior to curing over radioactive material to prevent leakage of radiation. The uncured composite can be sprayed on the walls of a room or container to prevent leakage of radiation and can also be used to contain radiation prior to demolition. The uncured composite can also be molded into bricks or panels for use in construction.

Abstract: The present invention provides method of fabricating components having internal teeth and rolling machine thereof, enabling large deformation at main rolling step omitting broaching step and step using gear shaper. A container having toughness against internal pressure as high as that of cold forging is provided instead of gripping mechanism of a cylindrical material. A cylindrical material is inserted into the rotatably driven container in aligned manner. A rotatably driving rolling tool is acted on the inner side to press the cylindrical material and distance between tool rotational shaft and container rotational axis is sequentially changed to successively grow tooth profile. A component having internal teeth filling the container is obtained by enlarging outer diameter by spreading. It is desirable to provide in advance the same number of concave grooves as that of internal teeth to be formed, at equal intervals on an inner circumferential face of the cylindrical material.

Abstract: A method for the catalytic conversion of codeine, morphine or analogs thereof into hydrocodone, hydromorphone or analogs thereof utilizing a transition metal complex of a tertiary phosphine halide as catalyst.

Abstract: A process for preparing (+)-p-mentha-2,8-diene-1-ol comprising reacting (+)-limonene oxide with at least one amine in the presence of at least one Lewis acid to form amine adduct intermediates. The amine adduct is then oxidized to form an N-oxide that is pyrolized to form (+)-p-mentha-2,8-diene-1-ol.

Abstract: A thermoforming apparatus and method are provided. An identification tag such as a radio frequency identification tag is provided for molding into or attaching to a thermoformed article during the thermoforming process. The tag may be attached to the article by mechanical interlocking and/or a heat sensitive adhesive. The identification tag is applied to the article while the article is being formed in the thermoforming mold.

Abstract: A method for the catalytic conversion of codeine, morphine or analogs thereof into hydrocodone, hydromorphone or analogs thereof utilizing a transition metal catalyst of the formula [M(PR3R4R5)nXm]p; wherein R1 is H, alkyl, aryl or acyl; M is a Group VIII transition metal; R3, R4 and R5 are selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkoxyl, phenoxyl and combinations thereof; X is a halide or an anion; n is 1, 2, 3 or 4; m is 1 or 2; and p is at least 1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the outcome of head injury trauma by monitoring cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characteristics, preferably by monitoring the pH of CSF. The apparatus includes a catheter with a wall section adapted to permit CSF to flow therein, and a sensor located within the catheter such that the CSF is permitted to flow adjacent the tip of the sensor.

Abstract: A method for the selective reduction of an aromatic compound. The present invention provides a method for pre-venting the reduction of at least one halogen substituted aromatic ring of an aromatic compound, while allowing the reduction of at least one functional group on the aromatic compound. In the present invention at least one hydroxyl group is placed on the at least one halogen substituted aromatic ring to be protected from reduction. The aromatic compound is then reacted with at least one alkali metal in at least one nitrogen containing base and at least one alcohol at a ratio of the alcohol to the nitrogen containing base at which the aromatic ring with the hydroxyl group is protected from reduction, while the desired functional group is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to novel water treatment compositions. More particularly, the invention relates to solid water treatment compositions in the form of a water soluble tablet containing at least one halogen source and at least a pH compensating source in a layered tablet in which each of layer is configured to be simultaneously exposed to the water being treated and wherein one layer comprises the halogen source and another layer comprises a pH compensating source. Methods for controlling water biofouling and disinfecting water systems, particularly swimming pools and spas, are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for predicting species invasions. Native species occurrence information and native environmental information are received. At least one ecological niche model is formulated based on the native species occurrence information and the native environmental information. Target environmental information corresponding to an alternative geography is received. The ecological niche model is projected onto the alternative geography to predict characteristics of an invasion of the species.