Abstract: A method of preparing a polyester/polyolefin hot-melt adhesive for use in a solar cell bus bar is disclosed, in which 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid and ethylene glycol are first sequentially subjected in a predetermined ratio to esterification and polycondensation in the presence of a certain amount of a titanium-based catalyst to result in a polyethylene naphthalate (PNT) with a weight-average molecular weight of 16,000˜20,000. The PNT is then melt-blended with a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in the presence of a compatibilizer to produce the hot-melt adhesive that can be shaped into films having a high light transmittance, good mechanical properties, high heat and yellowing resistance and thus particularly suitable for use in solar cell bus bars.

Abstract: The disclosure provides techniques for adjusting in-store media according to customer preferences. A customer's presence or purchase is detected at an establishment, and a system at the establishment retrieves information on media preferences of the customer. A media backend then matches the customer preferences to media items (music tracks, images, videos, etc.), and the matching media items are played, displayed, or broadcast at the establishment. If multiple customers are present at the establishment or make orders, the media backend may order media items that match the customers' preferences in first-served order, or based on a ranking of the customers relative to each other or on the content of the media items themselves.

Abstract: Techniques for securely managing user-specific benefits. An authentication server receives a request for a user-identification code from a computing device. The authentication server generates the user-identification code. The authentication server also generates an expiration date associated with the user-identification code. The authentication server transmits the user-identification code and the expiration date to the computing device. The authentication server also validates the user-identification code received from a code scanning system.

Abstract: A chain of establishments provides an online ordering system that allows a customer to order virtual items or services from an online menu. When an order is placed, the customer receives an order code that may then be verified at one of many establishment locations at one of many times to initiate order fulfillment. When the order code is verified at a particular restaurant, a point-of-service (POS) system maps the virtual items associated with the order to actual, in-stock items or services that are available at the particular establishment. The order may then be fulfilled and provided to the customer. One advantage of the disclosed technique is that the customer may pickup the order from any desired establishment location, and is not required to select a particular location when the order is placed. Consequently, the customer is provided with streamlined and flexible order placement and fulfillment experience.

Abstract: Computer-implemented method for transforming a user's raw data into suggested actions to improve business function. In the preferred embodiment, the method is applicable particularly to online social media data and the effect the user's marketing has on it. The user selects a desired topic and goals from displayed lists. The system determines story questions having quantifiable answers needed to understand how to meet the goals. The system identifies data types necessary to answer each story question and which data sources have the necessary data types. Using user-provided logon credentials, the system accesses, copies and stores necessary data and uses it to compute answers to story questions. The system identifies actions from a predetermined set of actions that the user could take to meet his goals. The system presents results in a story form using sentences and graphics, which are more easily comprehended than a tables and dashboards.

Abstract: A method of preparing a polyester/polyolefin hot-melt adhesive for use in a solar cell bus bar is disclosed, in which 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid and ethylene glycol are first sequentially subjected in a predetermined ratio to esterification and polycondensation in the presence of a certain amount of a titanium-based catalyst to result in a polyethylene naphthalate (PNT) with a weight-average molecular weight of 16,000˜20,000. The PNT is then melt-blended with a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in the presence of a compatibilizer to produce the hot-melt adhesive that can be shaped into films having a high light transmittance, good mechanical properties, high heat and yellowing resistance and thus particularly suitable for use in solar cell bus bars.

Abstract: A high-temperature, heat-resistant fill material is disclosed. The high-temperature, heat-resistant fill material includes an alumina refractory waste material having one or more of a used alumina-magnesium-carbon material, a used high-alumina material and a used fused-grain alumina material is disclosed. A method for method for manufacturing a material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high-temperature, heat-resistant fill material is disclosed. The high-temperature, heat-resistant fill material includes an alumina refractory waste material having one or more of a used alumina-magnesium-carbon material, a used high-alumina material and a used fused-grain alumina material is disclosed. A method for method for manufacturing a material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high-temperature, heat-resistant fill material is disclosed. The high-temperature, heat-resistant fill material includes an alumina refractory waste material having one or more of a used alumina-magnesium-carbon material, a used high-alumina material and a used fused-grain alumina material is disclosed. A method for method for manufacturing a material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heat cell is described including a lower panel which is placed on a roof and which is configured to form an open-side conduit. A heat-reflective layer is disposed adjacent the lower panel to direct heat upwardly, and a heat-generating mechanism is disposed in the conduit to provide heat to the cell. The heat-generating mechanism is sized to fit tightly inside the conduit. An upper panel snaps-on and attaches to the lower panel and encloses the heat-reflective layer and heat-generating mechanism.

Abstract: A sprue bushing with an integral casing construction which as improved heat transfer characteristics and a method of making the same are described. A cylindrical bushing body having a first, preselected uniform diameter has a cavity formed therein which axially extends within the bushing body for a predetermined length. A bushing inner core which is integral with the bushing casing is formed in the cavity and extends between the two ends of the bushing body. One or more heating elements in the form of coil heaters may be inserted into the bushing body cavity and a thermally conductive material is deposited into the cavity to fill the remainder of the cavity. When filled, the bushing body is heated to melt the thermally conductive material around the heating element(s) to form a unified heater assembly in the annular cavity. A melt runner passage is then drilled through the inner core.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for charging metal chips into a molten bath of the metal from which the chips are formed, comprising a compacting extruder and a delivery conduit which is resistant to the mass of molten metal and which is pivotable to dip into the molten metal bath when chips are being charged thereinto and out of contact with the bath when charging is to be discontinued, are disclosed. The chips are forced through the delivery conduit in the form of a compacted or densified mass preferably having a density between about 30 and 60 percent of the density of the solid metal and preferably between about 55 and 80 pounds per cubic foot. Feed is continued while the delivery conduit is in the molten metal bath and until it is removed therefrom to prevent entry of molten metal into the delivery conduit. The method is preferably conducted on a continuous basis and various sensors with appropriate wiring may be employed for safety and for making the method substantially automatic in operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for intermittently applying a fluid coating substance such as a workpiece or a substrate on an object such as a workpiece or a substrate. The apparatus is provided with a storage chamber to which is provided the fluid coating substance under pressure. The storage chamber has an inner rigid side provided with an orifice nozzle through which the coating substance is discharged for application. The coating substance is discharged intermittently in discrete quantitites, of minute volume if desired. The discharge is effected under control of a rotatably driven discoidal rotor in the form of a ceramic discoid disposed interiorly of the storage chamber. The discoidal rotor is provided with a through opening in the form of a cross sectional passageway extending between opposite sides thereof. The discoidal rotor has one of its sides bearing on the side of the storage chamber and as it rotates the passageway therein is intermittently aligned with and in communication with the orifice of the storage chamber.

Abstract: A method of sealing a joint between two adjacent members comprises the steps of forming a gap between the members to be sealed and then introducing a bead of resilient solid material into the gap. The bead is subsequently treated to render it temporarily plastic or fluid so as to cause it to adhere to the facing edges of the members. This treatment can best be effected using a hot air blower. The bottom of the bead may be provided with a non-adhesive strip to prevent adhesion to the bottom of the gap, or the process may be performed in such a way that the bottom portion of the bead is not fused so that it does not adhere to the bottom of the gap.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing dried and cleaned metal chips by entraining metal chips in a gas, introducing the gas into a cyclone separator having a wall heated to fluid-vaporizing temperature by combustion effected in a surrounding chamber, purging fluid from said chips, exhausting hot gases and exiting dried metal chips from said separator, conducting hot gaseous products of combustion from the combustion chamber to a continuous centrifuge, extracting extractable fluid from starting metal chips, which may be previously uncleaned and/or unwashed, in the centrifuge, entraining the chips in the hot gaseous products of combustion introduced into the centrifuge, and conducting the gaseous products with entrained chips from the continuous centrifuge to the cyclone separator, thereby providing an essentially closed system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing dry metal chips by entraining fluid-containing metal chips in a gas, introducing the gas into a cyclone separator having an internal wall heated to fluid-vaporizing temperature by combustion in a surrounding chamber, purging and vaporizing fluid from said chips, exhausting hot gases and exiting dried metal chips from said separator, conducting hot gaseous products of combustion from the combustion chamber to a continuous centrifuge, extracting extractable fluid from starting metal chips in the centrifuge, entraining the chips in the hot gaseous products of combustion introduced into the centrifuge, and conducting the gaseous products with entrained chips from the continuous centrifuge to the cyclone separator, thereby providing an essentially closed system. The combustion chamber may be a part of an afterburner furnace and hot gases entraining vaporized oil exhausted from the cyclone separator may be recycled and employed as fuel for the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A process for the introduction of metal chips, especially scrap metal chips, into a molten mass of the metal of which said chips are formed, wherein the essentially dry chips are first compacted and placed into strip form, and then introduced into the molten metal bath in such strip form in an essentially continuous manner, is disclosed. A cleaning flux is also advantageously incorporated with the chips, into the compacted and strip form thereof, and then into the bath. The metal chips, after compacting and placing into strip form, are introduced directly into the molten metal bath through the skin of metal oxide existing on its surface and caused to become a part of the metal pool beneath the surface thereof without essential disturbance of the metal oxide skin except at the point of introduction.