Abstract: A method is provided by which payments for assets are recorded using blockchain transactions, and verified based on immutable logs associated with the transactions.

Abstract: A modular frame is provided for supporting a tarp or cover over the deck of a boat. The modular frame comprises at least two bipod end members and a plurality of elongated tubular members extending therebetween. The bipod end members include telescoping legs and a bipod end joint that supports the tubular members in axial alignment above the deck of the boat. Along the length of the connected tubular members may one or more midspan bipod members for additional support of the axial members. The midspan bipod members include telescoping legs and an upper axial sleeve to receive the elongated members therethrough. The lower ends of the bipod members include pads adapted to prevent scuffing or scratching of an underlying surface. Once the frame is assembled, a tarp or boat cover is supported thereover and along the length of the boat deck.

Abstract: Processes for forming a filter material that includes coating a filter particle with a coating comprising a lignosulfonate, carbonizing the coating, and activating the coating. The filter particles may include a variety of filter particles, including but not limited to fibers, granules, and screens, and be formed from a variety of materials, such as metals, metal alloys, carbon, ceramic, or glass. Also, the lignosulfonate-coated filter particles may include a large amount of mesopore and/or macropore volume when carbonized and activated. One exemplary process for forming a filter material includes diluting ammonium lignosulfonate with water, mixing the solution with milled glass fibers, removing the excess lignosulfonate solution from the fibers, drying the lignosulfonate coated glass fibers at 65° C. for 12 h, carbonizing the coated glass fibers in a furnace ramped to 70° C. with a rate of 7° C.

Abstract: Filters and filter materials for removing microorganisms from a fluid are provided along with processes for using the same. The filters include a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a filter material disposed within the housing, wherein the filter material is formed at least in part from a plurality of filter particles having an activated coating with a lignosulfonate.

Abstract: Processes for forming a filter material are provided. The processes include the steps of coating a filter particle with a lignosulfonate, carbonizing the coating, and activating the coating.

Abstract: Processes for forming a filter material are provided. The processes include the steps of coating a filter particle with a lignosulfonate, carbonizing the coating, and activating the coating.

Abstract: A composition of polyolefin, ester additive, and hyperbranched polymer with improved tensile energy-to-break value compared to polyolefins wihtout the hyperbranched polymer. The concentration of the hyperbranched polymers can be between about 0.1% and about 10% by weight of the polyolefins. The polyolefins have a melt flow index of about 14 g/10 min or greater.

Abstract: A composition of polyolefin, ester additive, and hyperbranched polymer with improved tensile energy-to-break value compared to polyolefins wihtout the hyperbranched polymer. The concentration of the hyperbranched polymers can be between about 0.1% and about 10% by weight of the polyolefins. The polyolefins have a melt flow index of about 14 g/10 min or greater.

Abstract: The bleeding of lignosulfonates from lignosulfonate-treated substrates when contacted under humid conditions is reduced by rendering the lignosulfonates water-insoluble via reacting them with an amine polymer-epichlorohydrin adduct containing at least one quaternary ammonium group under acidic conditions.

Abstract: The bleeding of lignosulfonates from lignosulfonate-treated substrates when contacted under humid conditions is reduced by rendering the lignosulfonates water-insoluble via reacting them with an amine polymer-epichlorohydrin adduct containing at least one quaternary ammonium group under acidic conditions.

Abstract: The bleeding of lignosulfonates from lignosulfonate-treated substrates when contacted under humid conditions is reduced by rendering the lignosulfonates water-insoluble via reacting them with an amine polymer-epichlorohydrin adduct containing at least one quaternary ammonium group under acidic conditions.

Abstract: The bleeding of lignosulfonates from lignosulfonate-treated substrates when contacted under humid conditions is reduced by rendering the lignosulfonates water-insoluble via reacting them with an amine polymer-epichlorohydrin adduct containing at least one quaternary ammonium group under acidic conditions.

Abstract: Filters and filter materials for removing microorganisms from a fluid are provided along with processes for using the same. The filters include a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a filter material disposed within the housing, wherein the filter material is formed at least in part from a plurality of filter particles having an activated coating with a lignosulfonate.

Abstract: Processes for forming a filter material are provided. The processes include the steps of coating a filter particle with a lignosulfonate, carbonizing the coating, and activating the coating.

Abstract: The bleeding of lignosulfonates from lignosulfonate-treated substrates when contacted under humid conditions is reduced by rendering the lignosulfonates water-insoluble via reacting them with an amine polymer-epichlorohydrin adduct containing at least one quaternary ammonium group under acidic conditions.

Abstract: Compositions for enhancing the strength and humidity resistance of lignocellulosic fibrous materials such as paper. The compositions are comprised of at least one lignin derivative and a solvent system whereby the solvent system is comprised of water and at least one organic solvent. Suitable lignin derivatives include but are not limited to lignosulfonate, lignosulfonate/kraft lignin, lignosulfonate/organosolv, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The bleeding of lignosulfonates from lignosulfonate-treated substrates when contacted under humid conditions is reduced by rendering the lignosulfonates water-insoluble via reacting them with an amine polymer-epichlorohydrin adduct containing at least one quaternary ammonium group under acidic conditions.

Abstract: The strength of lignocellulosic materials is improved by treating them with water-soluble strengthening agents containing sulfonic units, and rendering these agents water-insoluble by reacting them with compounds containing epoxide rings and quaternary ammonium groups. Thus, a substantial reduction or elimination of the bleeding of said strengthening agents from the lignocellulosic materials when touched with wet hands or contacted under humid conditions is achieved.

Abstract: The bleeding of lignosulfonates from lignosulfonate-treated substrates when contacted under humid conditions is reduced by rendering the lignosulfonates water-insoluble via reacting them with an amine polymer-epichlorohydrin adduct containing at least one quaternary ammonium group under acidic conditions.

Abstract: The strength of lignocellulosic materials is improved by treating them with water-soluble strengthening agents containing sulfonic units, and rendering these agents water-insoluble by reacting them with compounds containing epoxide rings and quaternary ammonium groups. Thus, a substantial reduction or elimination of the bleeding of said strengthening agents from the lignocellulosic materials when touched with wet hands or contacted under humid conditions is achieved.