Abstract: A process for regenerating a silica-supported depleted alkali metal catalyst is described. The level of alkali metal on the depleted catalyst is at least 0.5 mol % and the silica support is a zero-gel. The process comprises the steps of contacting the silica supported depleted alkali metal catalyst with a solution of a salt of the alkali metal in a solvent system that has a polar organic solvent as the majority component. A re-impregnated catalyst prepared by the process of the invention any comprising a silicazero-gel support and a catalytic metal selected from an alkali metal in the range 0.5-5 mol % on the catalyst, wherein the surface area of the silica support is <180 m2/g is also described. The invention is applicable to a process for preparing an ethylenically unsaturated acid or ester comprising contacting an alkanoic acid or ester of the formula R1—CH2—COOR3, with formaldehyde or a suitable source of formaldehyde.

Abstract: A method of producing an ethylenically unsaturated, typically, an ?, ? ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or ester is described. The method comprises the steps of contacting formaldehyde, or a source of formaldehyde, with a carboxylic acid or ester in the presence of a catalyst and optionally in the presence of an alcohol. The catalyst comprises barium phosphate leaf or plate shaped/like crystals, or a source thereof. A catalyst system is also described. The catalyst system comprises a crystalline barium phosphate catalyst and optionally a catalyst support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or ester, preferably an ?, ? ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or ester. The method includes contacting formaldehyde or a suitable source thereof with a carboxylic acid or ester in the presence of a catalyst and optionally in the presence of an alcohol. The catalyst comprises a nitrided metal oxide having at least two types of metal cations, M1 and M2, wherein M1 is selected from the metals of group 2, 3, 4, 13 (called also IIIA) or 14 (called also IVA) of the periodic table and M2 is selected from the metals of groups 5 or 15 (called also VA) of the periodic table. The invention extends to a catalyst system.

Abstract: A signal generating system comprises a signal generator (14) for generating an electrical signal at a predetermined frequency; an impedance matching circuit (16), the electrical signal being supplied from the signal generator (14) via the impedance matching circuit (16) to a reactive load (10) in use; and an impedance matching control system (30) for detecting the electrical signal between the signal generator and the reactive load and for adjusting the impedance matching circuit (16) to achieve a predetermined condition. The impedance matching circuit control system (30) comprises a heterodyne circuit, and the system further comprises a heterodyne frequency generator (48) coupled to the signal generator (14) to generate a second, hetero-dyne frequency from the predetermined frequency from the signal generator. This second, heterodyne frequency is mixed with the detected signal to generate sum and difference signals.

Abstract: A device comprises a rangefinder, memory, display, and processor. The rangefinder can measure a distance between a user and a target on a course. The memory stores data concerning a plurality of clubs including a hitting distance for each of the golf clubs. The processor, which is connected to the rangefinder, memory, and display, is configured to select, based on the measured distance, a recommended golf club and to determine a recommended swing speed for a golfer to hit a golf ball with the recommended golf club. The processor is further configured to cause the display to indicate the recommended golf club and swing speed. The device may alternatively or additionally comprise an inclinometer and calculate an adjusted distance based on tilt and the distance, and select the recommended golf club based on the adjusted distance.

Abstract: A method for shooting a projectile weapon involves determining the inclination of a line of sight from a vantage point to a target and a line-of-sight range to the target, then predicting a trajectory parameter at the line-of-sight range, for a preselected projectile. Using the trajectory parameter, an equivalent horizontal range may then be determined, wherein the equivalent horizontal range is the range at which the trajectory parameter would be expected to occur if the projectile were shot from the vantage point toward a theoretical target located in a horizontal plane intersecting the vantage point. The equivalent horizontal range may be utilized to compensate for ballistic drop when shooting the projectile weapon. The method may be embodied in a handheld laser rangefinder including a memory for storing ballistic data. Systems for automatic hold over adjustment in a weapon aiming device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An interactive menu system and method of operating a menu display are disclosed. User-configurable targeting reticles and rangefinder information display methods are also disclosed. The systems and methods described herein are particularly suited for use with an aimed optical device, such as a laser rangefinder or riflescope, for example.

Abstract: A riflescope includes an objective optic assembly with a bottom surface that defines a scoop. Upon mounting the riflescope, the scoop receives a portion of a firearm. The scoop eliminates interference between the objective optic assembly and the firearm and allows a centerline of the riflescope to be placed in closer proximity to a centerline of the firearm.

Abstract: A reticle of a projectile weapon aiming system such as a riflescope includes a primary aiming mark adapted to be sighted-in at a first selected range and further includes a plurality of secondary aiming marks spaced apart below the primary aiming mark. The secondary aiming marks are positioned to compensate for ballistic drop at preselected incremental ranges beyond the first selected range, for a selected group of ammunition having similar ballistic characteristics. Angles subtended by adjacent aiming marks of the reticle can be adjusted by changing the optical power of the riflescope, to thereby compensate for ballistic characteristics of different ammunition. In some embodiments, the reticle includes a set of windage aiming marks spaced apart along at least one secondary horizontal axis intersecting a selected one of the secondary aiming marks, to facilitate compensation for the effect of crosswinds on the trajectory of the projectile.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and methods for immobilizing a localized region of a compliant body. A device of the invention includes at least two arms, an elbow region between the arms, and a suction arrangement. During use the region of the compliant material to be immobilized is flanked by the arms and a negative pressure is applied through the suction arrangement to immobilize the flanked region. The device of the invention is suited for use in medical applications, for example, coronary bypass graft surgery.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and methods for immobilizing a localized region of a compliant body. A device of the invention includes at least two arms, an elbow region between the arms, and a suction arrangement. During use the region of the compliant material to be immobilized is flanked by the arms and a negative pressure is applied through the suction arrangement to immobilize the flanked region. The device of the invention is suited for use in medical applications, for example, coronary bypass graft surgery.