Abstract: An apparatus and method for routing a transaction to a server based on a requested level of service associated with the transaction. The transaction is preferably packetized and the requested level of service is indicated by a service tag associated therewith as part of the packetized transaction. A load balancer monitors the service level provided by each server in a server pool and generates a server index. The server index at least identifies each server and the corresponding service level. When the transaction is received at the load balancer, the service tag is read to determine the requested level of service. The load balancer selects a server from the server pool using the server index to determine which server is best providing the requested level of service and the transaction is then directed to that server. Alternatively, the load balancer can direct the transaction to a server within a group of servers that best provides the requested level of service.

Abstract: A wood treatment process is disclosed in which in one aspect the wood is impregnated with a waterborne preservative such as CCA at elevated temperature and pressure. The impregnated wood and excess waterborne preservative are separated while the treatment vessel (8) is pressurized, for example by blowing the preservative out of the vessel at the treatment pressure using a pump (10). Kickback may be segregated from the wood once pressure is reduced after the separation of wood and preservative. In another aspect the wood is impregnated with a waterborne preservative and with oil, each of the impregnating steps being performed under pressure and the oil being heated. If the preservative is one such as CCA which is capable of being fixed to the wood the hot oil may enhance this as well as providing water repellency. The oil may be a process oil.

Abstract: A catalyst for production of alkyl tert alkyl ether from sulfur contaminated feedstock includes an ion exchange resin; a palladium first metal phase supported on the resin; and a sulfur inhibiting second metal phase supported on the resin for inhibiting sulfur deactivation of the first metal phase, wherein the first metal phase is present at an atomic ratio to the second metal phase of between about 1:20 to about 1:0.1. A process for producing alkyl tert alkyl ethers includes the steps of providing a liquid olefinic hydrocarbon feedstock containing sulfur and having a total sulfur content of up to about 300 ppm; providing a catalyst as described above; mixing the feedstock with alcohol and hydrogen to obtain a reaction feedstock; and contacting the reaction feedstock with the catalyst under etherification conditions so as to produce alkyl tert alkyl ether.

Abstract: A catalyst for production of alkyl tert alkyl ether from sulfur contaminated feedstock includes an ion exchange resin; a palladium first metal phase supported on the resin; and a sulfur inhibiting second metal phase supported on the resin for inhibiting sulfur deactivation of the first metal phase, wherein the first metal phase is present at an atomic ratio to the second metal phase of between about 1:20 to about 1:0.1. A process for producing alkyl tert alkyl ethers includes the steps of providing a liquid olefinic hydrocarbon feedstock containing sulfur and having a total sulfur content of up to about 300 ppm; providing a catalyst as described above; mixing the feedstock with alcohol and hydrogen to obtain a reaction feedstock; and contacting the reaction feedstock with the catalyst under etherification conditions so as to produce alkyl tert alkyl ether.

Abstract: A structural panel core is disclosed for forming a wall or the like. The wall is formed using the structural panel core by adding an inner cementitious layer adjacent the filler layer and enclosing the interior lattice structure, and an outer cementitious layer adjacent the filler layer and enclosing the exterior lattice structure. The panel core includes an interior lattice structure, an exterior lattice structure, and a substantially continuous filler layer between the lattice structures. A plurality of connecting members each passed through the filler layer and fixedly interconnect the lattice structures, with each of the connecting members being secured at a compound inclination to the lattice structure such that an inclined angle is formed between each connecting member and any plane perpendicular to either interior or exterior lattice structures.