Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system may detect an occurrence of a trigger event in connection with a first insurance agent of a plurality of insurance agents. For example, the system might detect that a person has added a friend on Facebook, changed his or her status, or that he or she is currently visiting a local coffee shop. Responsive to said detection, some embodiments may automatically post information to at least one social network server in connection with the first insurance agent. For example, an offer to meet at a particular location and/or a discount or other benefit associated with an insurance product might be posted or otherwise provided via one or more social networks.

Abstract: A power system is disclosed. The power system may have an engine with a desired operating speed range, and a generator mechanically driven by the engine to produce electrical power directed to an external load. The power system may also have a power storage device associated with at least one of the engine and the generator, and a controller in communication with the engine and the power storage device. The controller may be configured to determine a speed of the engine deviating from the desired operating range, and to activate the power storage device to absorb or supplement at least a portion of the electrical power directed to the external load based on the determination.

Abstract: A process for making a useful cleaning product from an alkoxylate of a secondary alcohol which comprises: (a) partially sulfating a secondary alcohol alkoxylate with sulfur trioxide in a falling film sulfation reactor at a molar ratio of sulfur trioxide to secondary alcohol alkoxylate of less than 0.9 to produce a mixture comprising a sulfuric acid ester of the secondary alcohol alkoxylate and secondary alcohol alkoxylate which may comprise at least 50 percent by weight of the sulfuric acid ester of the secondary alcohol alkoxylate, (b) combining the mixture with a neutralizing agent in an amount sufficient to neutralize the sulfuric acid ester, and (c) optionally adding water to yield a useful cleaning product.

Abstract: A power system is disclosed. The power system may have an engine with a desired operating speed range, and a generator mechanically driven by the engine to produce electrical power directed to an external load. The power system may also have a power storage device associated with at least one of the engine and the generator, and a controller in communication with the engine and the power storage device. The controller may be configured to determine a speed of the engine deviating from the desired operating range, and to activate the power storage device to absorb or supplement at least a portion of the electrical power directed to the external load based on the determination.

Abstract: An implant delivery system and method comprises an implant, for example, a stent, and a delivery catheter. The stent has a scaffold with a coating or a shell that retains the scaffold in a collapsed configuration. The coating or shell is made of a material that dissolves or biodegrades upon exposure to a dissolution or biodegradation media. The stent is used with an implant delivery system which has a catheter with a catheter, wherein the stent is mounted on the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft is configured to be withdrawn through the patient's vessel when the scaffold is in its expanded configuration. Advantageously, the implant is thereby prevented from changing length during implant delivery and implant deployment.

Abstract: Surface-modified nanoparticles of boehmite, and methods for preparing the same. Aluminum oxyhydroxide nanoparticles are surface modified by reaction with selected amounts of organic acids. In particular, the nanoparticle surface is modified by reactions with two or more different carboxylic acids, at least one of which is an organic carboxylic acid. The product is a surface modified boehmite nanoparticle that has an inorganic aluminum oxyhydroxide core, or part aluminum oxyhydroxide core and a surface-bonded organic shell. Organic carboxylic acids of this invention contain at least one carboxylic acid group and one carbon-hydrogen bond. One embodiment of this invention provides boehmite nanoparticles that have been surface modified with two or more acids one of which additional carries at least one reactive functional group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new class of surface modified particles and to a multi-step surface modification process for the preparation of the same. The multi-step surface functionalization process involves two or more reactions to produce particles that are compatible with various host systems and/or to provide the particles with particular chemical reactivities. The initial step comprises the attachment of a small organic compound to the surface of the inorganic particle. The subsequent steps attach additional compounds to the previously attached organic compounds through organic linking groups.

Abstract: A new class of surface modified particles and a multi-step Michael-type addition surface modification process for the preparation of the same is provided. The multi-step Michael-type addition surface modification process involves two or more reactions to compatibilize particles with various host systems and/or to provide the particles with particular chemical reactivities. The initial step comprises the attachment of a small organic compound to the surface of the inorganic particle. The subsequent steps attach additional compounds to the previously attached organic compounds through reactive organic linking groups. Specifically, these reactive groups are activated carbon—carbon pi bonds and carbon and non-carbon nucleophiles that react via Michael or Michael-type additions.