Abstract: This invention provides for flow and batch synthesis processes for the production of Lamivudine and Emtricitabine, including flow and batch synthesis processes wherein at least of the synthesis steps are conducted in a solvent free environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the manufacture of optically pure (S)-6-chloro-(cyclopropylethynyl)-1,4-dihydro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-3,1-benzoxazin-2-one. Specifically, this invention relates to a flow synthesis method for the manufacture of (S)-6-chloro-(cyclopropylethynyl)-1,4-dihydro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-3,1-benzoxazin-2-one.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the manufacture of optically pure (S)-6-chloro-(cyclopropylethynyl)-1,4-dihydro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-3,1-benzoxazin-2-one. Specifically, this invention relates to a flow synthesis method for the manufacture of (S)-6-chloro-(cyclopropylethynyl)-1,4-dihydro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-2H-3,1-benzoxazin-2-one.

Abstract: The invention provides a direct solvent free method for the selective synthesis of trialkoxysilanes having the formula SiH(OR)3, the method comprises providing a mixture of metallic silicon and copper based catalyst in a packed bed reactor, wherein neither the metallic silicon nor the silicon-catalyst mixture is subjected to any washing step. Claim 1 relates to a direct solvent free method for the selective synthesis of trialkoxysilanes having the formula SiH(OR)3, wherein each R is a C1-C4 alkyl, the method comprising the steps of: providing a mixture of metallic silicon and copper based catalyst in a packed bed reactor; heating the mixture at an activation temperature of about 180° C.-about 250° C.; introducing C1-C4 alcohol to the reactor at a reaction temperature of about 180° C.-less than about 250° C.

Abstract: A method for upgrading coal fines by separating out at least some mineral components is provided. The method comprises the treatment of optionally graded coal fines with microalgae in aqueous medium to form a slurry under conditions that permit adsorption of microalgae onto particles of coal fines. The slurry is treated to separate a first fraction that is rich in coal fines together with adsorbed microalgae thereon from a second fraction that has more mineral components in it than does the first fraction and processing the first fraction to recover upgraded coal fines therefrom. Contacting is preferably carried out in a manner aimed at loading the coal fines generally evenly with microalgae adsorbed thereon in an amount of from 5 to 15% by weight of coal fines. Separation may be carried out by sedimentation, cyclone separation or flotation.

Abstract: A method of processing a carbonaceous material in the form of carbonaceous fines is provided in which the carbonaceous material is treated with micro-algae to adsorb the micro-algae onto the carbonaceous material followed by heating in a heat activating step. Such heating is effected to a temperature within the range of from that at which water starts evaporating to a temperature at which volatile components of the carbonaceous material start to volatilize. The heating is continued for a duration selected to allow chemical interaction between the micro-algae and the carbonaceous material so as to alter the chemical structure of the carbonaceous material. The carbonaceous material microalgae are preferably in the form of substantially intact cells that are still in a photosynthetically active state. Dry carbonaceous materials may be mixed with micro-algae slurry in water, or micro-algae may be added to carbonaceous material already present in water.

Abstract: A racking system and components are provided in which multiple storage positions are provided for individual storage boxes and automated guided vehicles are present to carry out automated placement, relocation and retrieval of boxes from storage positions in which they are located. The racking system has horizontally extending storage layers in each of which multiple storage positions are located and alternating vertically juxtaposed transfer layers in which automated guided vehicles are movable in at least two directions that are at right angles to each other to place, relocate and retrieve boxes to and from storage positions by vertical movement of the boxes into and out of storage positions in storage layers located above or below a transfer layer. The storage positions have associated with them storage guides for guiding boxes into and out of the storage positions and support arrangements for supporting the boxes in their storage positions.

Abstract: This invention provides for flow and batch synthesis processes for the production of Lamivudine and Emtricitabine, including flow and batch synthesis processes wherein at least of the synthesis steps are conducted in a solvent free environment.

Abstract: The invention provides a direct solvent free method for the selective synthesis of trialkoxysilanes having the formula SiH(OR)3, the method comprises providing a mixture of metallic silicon and copper based catalyst in a packed bed reactor, wherein neither the metallic silicon nor the silicon-catalyst mixture is subjected to any washing step. Claim 1 relates to a direct solvent free method for the selective synthesis of trialkoxysilanes having the formula SiH(OR)3, wherein each R is a C1-C4 alkyl, the method comprising the steps of: providing a mixture of metallic silicon and copper based catalyst in a packed bed reactor; heating the mixture at an activation temperature of about 180° C.-about 250° C.; introducing C1-C4 alcohol to the reactor at a reaction temperature of about 180° C.-less than about 250° C.

Abstract: A method of processing a carbonaceous material in the form of carbonaceous fines is provided in which the carbonaceous material is treated with micro-algae to adsorb the micro-algae onto the carbonaceous material followed by heating in a heat activating step. Such heating is effected to a temperature within the range of from that at which water starts evaporating to a temperature at which volatile components of the carbonaceous material start to volatilize. The heating is continued for a duration selected to allow chemical interaction between the micro-algae and the carbonaceous material so as to alter the chemical structure of the carbonaceous material. The carbonaceous material microalgae are preferably in the form of substantially intact cells that are still in a photosynthetically active state. Dry carbonaceous materials may be mixed with micro-algae slurry in water, or micro-algae may be added to carbonaceous material already present in water.

Abstract: A method for upgrading coal fines by separating out at least some mineral components is provided. The method comprises the treatment of optionally graded coal fines with micro-algae in aqueous medium to form a slurry under conditions that permit adsorption of micro-algae onto particles of coal fines. The slurry is treated to separate a first fraction that is rich in coal fines together with adsorbed micro-algae thereon from a second fraction that has more mineral components in it than does the first fraction and processing the first fraction to recover upgraded coal fines therefrom. Contacting is preferably carried out in a manner aimed at loading the coal fines generally evenly with microalgae adsorbed thereon in an amount of from 5 to 15% by weight of coal fines. Separation may be carried out by sedimentation, cyclone separation or flotation.

Abstract: A method is provided for the treatment of water containing micro-algae wherein the water is contacted with carbonaceous fines to adsorb micro-algae onto particles of the carbonaceous fines. The carbonaceous fines may be coal or charcoal fines or mixtures thereof. The carbonaceous fines may be pre-treated to remove any unsuitable or valuable materials therefrom; or to produce suitable size ranges of particles for one or more purposes selected from facilitating adsorption; handling of the carbonaceous fines both before and after adsorption of the micro-algae; and separation of the carbonaceous fines with adsorbed micro-algae thereon. The method may target the beneficiation of carbonaceous fines and the carbonaceous fines together with the adsorbed microalgae thereon may be subjected to an agglomeration process for the production of agglomerates such as briquettes or pellets. The method may target the upgrading of a polluted water system in a commercial water treatment process.

Abstract: A circuit structure (200) for suppressing single event transients (SETs) or glitches in digital electronic circuits is provided. The circuit structure includes a first input (100) which receives an output of a digital electronic circuit (A), a second input (100?) which receives a redundant or duplicated output of the digital electronic circuit (A?), and two sub-circuits (102, 106) that each receive the inputs and have one output. One of the sub-circuits is insensitive to a change in the value of one of its inputs when the inputs are in a first logic state and the other sub-circuit is insensitive to a change in the value of one of the inputs when the inputs are in a second, inverted logic state. The sub-circuit outputs are input into a two-input multiplexer (202) which has its output (204) connected to its selection port (SEL), and the sub-circuits are arranged so that the sub-circuit which is insensitive to a change in the value of one of its inputs is selected whenever the output of the multiplexer changes.

Abstract: A circuit structure (200) for suppressing single event transients (SETs) or glitches in digital electronic circuits is provided. The circuit structure includes a first input (100) which receives an output of a digital electronic circuit (A), a second input (100?) which receives a redundant or duplicated output of the digital electronic circuit (A?), and two sub-circuits (102, 106) that each receive the inputs and have one output. One of the sub-circuits is insensitive to a change in the value of one of its inputs when the inputs are in a first logic state and the other sub-circuit is insensitive to a change in the value of one of the inputs when the inputs are in a second, inverted logic state. The sub-circuit outputs are input into a two-input multiplexer (202) which has its output (204) connected to its selection port (SEL), and the sub-circuits are arranged so that the sub-circuit which is insensitive to a change in the value of one of its inputs is selected whenever the output of the multiplexer changes.

Abstract: A method is provided for the treatment of water containing micro-algae wherein the water is contacted with carbonaceous fines to adsorb micro-algae onto particles of the carbonaceous fines. The carbonaceous fines may be coal or charcoal fines or mixtures thereof. The carbonaceous fines may be pre-treated to remove any unsuitable or valuable materials therefrom; or to produce suitable size ranges of particles for one or more purposes selected from facilitating adsorption; handling of the carbonaceous fines both before and after adsorption of the micro-algae; and separation of the carbonaceous fines with adsorbed micro-algae thereon. The method may target the beneficiation of carbonaceous fines and the carbonaceous fines together with the adsorbed microalgae thereon may be subjected to an agglomeration process for the production of agglomerates such as briquettes or pellets. The method may target the upgrading of a polluted water system in a commercial water treatment process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a friction welding apparatus, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a modular friction welding apparatus suitable for in-situ reparation of blind holes in pipes. The friction welding apparatus includes a frame assembly, a spindle assembly for holding a friction welding consumable; and a drive assembly for driving a spindle of the spindle assembly. The spindle assembly and the drive assembly are releasably securable to the frame assembly so as to form a modular friction welding apparatus, and the frame assembly is furthermore removable securable to an object to be welded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a functionalized nano size transition metal oxide or sulfide particle comprising the steps of (a) providing a ternary solvent system comprising a polar solvent, a non-polar solvent and an intermediate solvent allowing miscibility of all three components; (b) providing a mixture of a transition metal salt and a ternary solvent; (c) providing a mixture of a suitable source of oxide or sulfide and the ternary solvent; (d) providing a mixture of a non-polar end capping agent and the non-polar solvent; (e) mixing the mixtures; and (f) recovering the resultant functionalized nano size transition metal oxide or sulfide particle. The invention further relates to non-polar end capped nano sized transition metal oxide or sulfide particle so produced and the use of such particles.