Abstract: A method of removing organic carbon and other contaminants from a water stream. The method comprises screening large solids from the stream. Pre-oxidation chemicals may then be added. A coagulant is fed into the stream. An activated carbon, preferably formed from lignite, is added by pumping a highly concentrated activated carbon slurry into the stream. The stream, including the activated carbon and coagulant, next flows into a clarifier, where the coagulant will flocculate and enmesh the activated carbon. The activated carbon adsorbs organic carbon and other contaminants, including bacteria, pharmacological agents, and hydrocarbons, as the stream flows through the clarifier. Eventually, the flocculate will agglomerate and settle out in the clarifier, where it, the enmeshed carbon, and the contaminants they contain may be removed. The stream's organic carbon content exiting the clarifier will be much reduced. Accordingly, less primary oxidizing agent will be needed to treat any remaining organic carbon.

Abstract: A polyvinyl halide compound has thermal conductivity and includes polyvinyl halide resin, natural or synthetic graphite of flake or spheroid form, and at least 0.5 weight percent of epoxidized vegetable oil. Selection of types and amounts of graphite and epoxidized vegetable oil provide thermal conductivity while other desirable properties of the compound are suitably maintained. The compound can be used for making any end use article that needs flame retardance and good thermal management and is especially useful as a thermally conductive material to replace die cast or extruded aluminum heat sinks in industrial applications, such as LED lighting fixtures.

Abstract: A flame retardant, flexible polyvinyl chloride mixture includes a trio of plasticizers and molybdate-based smoke suppressant for use in wire and cable articles.

Abstract: A polyvinyl halide compound, alone or alloyed with thermoplastic polyurethane, is used as a flexible layer for over-molding a rigid polymer substrate. Selection of types and amounts of calcium carbonate for the overmolding layer improves peel strength to achieve cohesive failure of the flexible overmolding layer rather than adhesive failure of the interface between the flexible overmolding layer and the rigid polymer substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) compounds. One aspect relates to a flame retardant poly(vinyl chloride) compound, comprising a mixture of poly(vinyl chloride); and a plasticizer comprising polymeric plasticizer, and/or alkyl aryl fire retardant plasticizer, wherein the mixture has a Limiting Oxygen Index of greater than 50% according to ASTM D2863; an Elongation at Break of at least 10% according to ASTM D638 (Type IV); and a Modulus of Elasticity of less than about 15,000 psi according to ASTM 638 (Type IV).

Abstract: A flame retardant, flexible polyvinyl chloride mixture includes a trio of plasticizers and molybdate-based smoke suppressant for use in wire and cable articles.

Abstract: A method of removing organic carbon and other contaminants from a water stream. The method comprises screening large solids from the stream. Pre-oxidation chemicals may then be added. A coagulant is fed into the stream. An activated carbon, preferably formed from lignite, is added by pumping a highly concentrated activated carbon slurry into the stream. The stream, including the activated carbon and coagulant, next flows into a clarifier, where the coagulant will flocculate and enmesh the activated carbon. The activated carbon adsorbs organic carbon and other contaminants, including bacteria, pharmacological agents, and hydrocarbons, as the stream flows through the clarifier. Eventually, the flocculate will agglomerate and settle out in the clarifier, where it, the enmeshed carbon, and the contaminants they contain may be removed. The stream's organic carbon content exiting the clarifier will be much reduced. Accordingly, less primary oxidizing agent will be needed to treat any remaining organic carbon.

Abstract: This invention relates to plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) compounds formulated to provide sufficient flexibility and flame retardance to be suitable for building and construction polymeric articles. One aspect of the present invention is a flame retardant poly(vinyl chloride) compound, comprising a mixture of: poly(vinyl chloride); a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of polymeric plasticizer, alkyl aryl fire retardant plasticizer, and combinations thereof; and optionally functional additives, wherein the mixture has i) a Limiting Oxygen Index of greater than 50% according to ASTM D2863; ii) an Elongation at Break of at least 10% according to ASTM D638 (Type IV); and iii) a Modulus of Elasticity of less than about 15,000 psi according to ASTM 638 (Type IV).

Abstract: A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which includes a cylindrically shaped body having a predetermined density and predetermined diameter, the body including a plurality of projections of a predetermined shape. One or more of the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination with the predetermined shape of the projections optimize mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human body.

Abstract: A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which includes a cylindrically shaped body having a predetermined density and predetermined diameter, the body including a plurality of projections of a predetermined shape. One or more of the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination with the predetermined shape of the projections optimize mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human body.

Abstract: A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which includes a cylindrically shaped body having a predetermined density and predetermined diameter, the body including a plurality of projections of a predetermined shape. One or more of the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination with the predetermined shape of the projections optimize mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human body.

Abstract: A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which includes a cylindrically shaped body having a predetermined density and predetermined diameter, the body including a plurality of projections of a predetermined shape. One or more of the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination with the predetermined shape of the projections optimize mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human body.

Abstract: A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device including a cylindrically shaped core, and an overlay about the core including a plurality of shaped projections configured to enhance mobilization of soft tissue and optimize body core strength and balance training.

Abstract: A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device which includes a cylindrically shaped body having a predetermined density and predetermined diameter, the body including a plurality of projections of a predetermined shape. One or more of the predetermined density and the predetermined diameter in combination with the predetermined shape of the projections optimize mobilization of soft tissue structures of the human body.

Abstract: A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device comprising a cylindrically shaped body having a predetermined density and predetermined diameter including a plurality of projections of a predetermined shape. One or more of the predetermined density, the predetermined diameter, and predetermined shape are configured to enhance mobilization of one or more small soft tissue structures of the human body.

Abstract: A therapeutic, fitness, and sports enhancement device including a cylindrically shaped body having a plurality of shaped projections configured to enhance mobilization of soft tissue and optimize body core strength and balance training.

Abstract: Magnetic activated carbon and the removal of contaminants from a fluid stream using the magnetic activated carbon is described. The magnetic activated carbon is preferably magnetic powdered activated carbon and may contain titania. The magnetic activated carbon may be used to remove contaminants such as mercury from fluid streams including flue gases from a combustion plant.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a useful life of financial instruments, such as financial assets and liabilities. A dynamic calculation of a first retention rate is performed for each of several financial assets; a steady-state calculation of a second retention rate is performed for the financial assets; and the first and second retention rates are combined to determine a predicted useful life of the combined financial assets. Optionally, one of several variables affecting at least one of the retention rates is selected. A sensitivity of financial asset variables to other financial asset variables is determined. Scenarios are forecast, extrapolated from the retention rate. The financial assets may include deposits and/or financial instruments. Outliers in the financial assets may be checked, in one variation of the invention. Exogenous variables may be included in at least one of the calculations.

Abstract: Methods and systems for rapid and efficient development of content-rich customized e-learning programs. In some embodiments, the subject matter expert is presented with a variety of predetermined page types for potential use in teaching a topic. Based upon the page type selected, a storyboard template is provided defining points of a multimedia presentation, the template having guidance for the subject matter expert to fill in information related to the page type. The information can comprise text indicating what is to be displayed, what is to be spoken in a voiceover, and/or what action is to take place on screen. Based upon the content filled into the storyboard by the expert, multimedia animation templates that mirror the storyboard are then filled in and generated for use in an electronic learning format. The templates can be flash movies and can include graphics, animation, voiceovers, videos, interactive mouseover effects, and other rich content.

Abstract: The present invention includes a software system for developing a values-based, behavior-driven human resources system for at least one organization that includes a plurality of personnel. The software system includes a first software program that is operable to receive at least one input and generate at least one values-based, behavior-driven business factor based on the at least one input and a first sub-program operable to receive the at least one values-based, behavior-driven business factor and generate at least one output based on said at least one business factor and communicate the at least one output to the personnel.