Abstract: The oxidation of isobutyraldehyde produces isobutyric acid and byproducts, such as isopropyl formate. A process of reducing the isopropyl formate byproduct and other byproducts in the oxidation of isobutyraldehyde is described. The process uses a carbonyl compound, such as acetone, to reduce byproduct levels in the resulting product. Process for use of static mixers in oxidation reactions of aldehydes are also provided.

Abstract: The oxidation of isobutyraldehyde produces isobutyric acid and byproducts, such as isopropyl formate. A process of reducing the isopropyl formate byproduct and other byproducts in the oxidation of isobutyraldehyde is described. The process uses a carbonyl compound, such as acetone, to reduce byproduct levels in the resulting product. Process for use of static mixers in oxidation reactions of aldehydes are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided is a method for making a higher purity alcohol comprising: a) contacting an impure alcohol composition comprising: (i) an alcohol compound; and (ii) from about 50 ppm to about 5 weight percent, based on the weight of the impure alcohol composition, of at least one hydrogenable contaminant having an unsaturated bond, with hydrogen in a hydrogenation reactor and in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to produce a reaction mixture comprising the alcohol compound and a hydrogenated contaminant product wherein at least 10 mole % of the at least one hydrogenable contaminant in the reaction mixture is converted; and b) separating the alcohol compound from at least a portion of the reaction mixture to produce an enriched alcohol composition having a lower concentration of the hydrogenated contaminant product. There is also provided an alcohol composition having less than about 500 ppm of at least one hydrogenable contaminant.

Abstract: A connector is provided for connecting a pneumatic hose having an end to a structural member of an agricultural implement. A tubular grommet extends through a port in the structural member. A flange extends radially from the outer surface from the tubular grommet and is engageable with a first side of the structural member. A locking barb also extends from the outer surface from the tubular grommet adjacent a second end thereof. The locking barb is engageable with a second side of the structural member with the second end of the tubular grommet received within the interior of structural member.

Abstract: A structure such as a toy hauler recreational vehicle includes a bed lift that moves a bed vertically between a lowered position, a raised position, and an upright position. The bed is oriented horizontally and positioned to receive one or more persons to sleep on it in the lowered position. The bed is oriented horizontally and stowed adjacent to a ceiling of the vehicle in the raised position. At least a portion of the bed is oriented vertically and stowed adjacent to a wall of the structure when the bed is in the upright position. The bed lift can include a mounting member that: (a) moves between a first position where the bed is oriented horizontally and a second position where the bed is oriented vertically and/or (b) is vertically offset to allow the bed to be lowered below or adjacent to the bottom of the bed lift.

Abstract: The oxidation of isobutyraldehyde produces isobutyric acid and byproducts, such as isopropyl formate. A process of reducing the isopropyl formate byproduct and other byproducts in the oxidation of isobutyraldehyde is described. The process uses a carbonyl compound, such as acetone, to reduce byproduct levels in the resulting product. Process for use of static mixers in oxidation reactions of aldehydes are also provided.

Abstract: A motorized retractable step apparatus includes one or more steps that move between a retracted position and a deployed position. The step apparatus includes a drive member that spans the length of the step apparatus and rotates to retract or deploy the steps. The step apparatus uses a direct drive configuration to transfer power from an electric motor to the drive member. The step apparatus can also includes a brake coupled to the electric motor and/or extruded aluminum steps. These features simplify construction of the step apparatus and make it more reliable than conventional motorized steps.

Abstract: A motorized retractable step apparatus includes one or more steps that move between a retracted position and a deployed position. The step apparatus includes a drive member that spans the length of the step apparatus and rotates to retract or deploy the steps. The step apparatus uses a direct drive configuration to transfer power from an electric motor to the drive member. The step apparatus can also includes a brake coupled to the electric motor and/or extruded aluminum steps. These features simplify construction of the step apparatus and make it more reliable than conventional motorized steps.

Abstract: A target stand includes a first base member, a second base member spaced apart from the first base member, and a brace member extending between the first base member and the second base member and coupling the first base member and the second base member together. The first base member, the second base member, and the brace member are physically discrete and easily separable components. The target stand is lightweight and easy to assemble/disassemble and transport.

Abstract: A casing string is augmented with one or more variable flow resistance devices or “vibrating tools” to facilitate advancement of the casing and distribution of the cement in the annulus once the casing is properly positioned. The method includes vibrating the casing string while advancing the casing down the wellbore or while the cement is pumped into the annulus, or both. After the cementing operation is completed, the devices may be drilled out to open the casing string for further operations. The casing string assembly may include a vibrating tool at the end in place of a conventional float shoe or float collar. Multiple vibrating tools can be employed in the casing string, and they may be combined with conventional float shoes and collars. Additionally, vibrating tools in the form of plugs can be pumped down and landed inside the casing string.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a dual hopper assembly for use in a credential processing device, a credential processing device that includes a dual hopper assembly, and methods of feeding substrates in a credential processing. One embodiment of the dual hopper assembly comprises an upper hopper configured to support one or more card substrates, a lower hopper configured to support one or more card substrates and an input feed roller. The input feed roller is positioned between the upper and lower hoppers and is movable between a first position, in which the input feed roller engages a bottom substrate supported in the upper hopper, and a second position, in which the input feed roller is displaced from the bottom substrate.

Abstract: Solid nanoparticulate transition metal complexes of Co(II) salen exhibit reversible oxygen absorption in a near stoichiometric manner. In contrast, no measurable oxygen binding was observed with unprocessed Co(II) salen.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a dual hopper assembly (104) for use in a credential processing device (100), a credential processing device (100) that includes a dual hopper assembly (104), and methods of feeding substrates in a credential processing device (100). One embodiment of the dual hopper assembly (104) comprises an upper hopper (106) configured to support one or more card substrates (102), a lower hopper (108) configured to support one or more card substrates and an input feed roller (140). The input feed roller is positioned between the upper and lower hoppers and is movable between a first position (132), in which the input feed roller engages a bottom substrate (102A) supported in the upper hopper, and a second position (134), in which the input feed roller is displaced from the bottom substrate.

Abstract: In accordance with preferred embodiments and applications of the invention, an automated custom configuration system (and method) is provided for facilitating the configuration and customization of desired products, services, or other objects that require users to gather and assimilate disparate relevant information (e.g., knowledge of makes, models, types, features, options, limitations, codes, and prices of the desired product/service (or group of the same) to be configured and customized). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, custom configuration may be facilitated through a parametric drawing engine which provides illustrations of configuration data.

Abstract: Solid nanoparticulate transition metal complexes of Co(II) salen exhibit reversible oxygen absorption in a near stoichiometric manner. In contrast, no measurable oxygen binding was observed with unprocessed Co(II) salen.

Abstract: A suspension system having a stabilizer bar assembly with a stabilizer bar structure, an intermediate bushing and a resilient bushing. The stabilizer bar structure includes a center section to which the intermediate bushing is coupled. The resilient bushing is mounted on the intermediate bushing. The intermediate bushing limits relative axial movement of the resilient bushing in along the center section in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. A method for forming a stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A suspension system having a stabilizer bar assembly with a stabilizer bar structure, an intermediate bushing and a resilient bushing. The stabilizer bar structure includes a center section to which the intermediate bushing is coupled. The resilient bushing is mounted on the intermediate bushing. The intermediate bushing limits relative axial movement of the resilient bushing in along the center section in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. A method for forming a stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a realistic weather forecast visualization. Realistic weather graphics and animations are combined with a few of view of location of interest to allow weather presentation viewers to visualize future forecast weather conditions as the would actually be seen. A forecast weather video presentation may be formed by selecting and combining pre-rendered or pre-recorded video segments based on user selected time period and location parameters and model generated forecast weather data.

Abstract: Described are modified submucosa and other extracellular matrix materials incorporating an amount of bound, exogenous fibronectin. Further described are such materials also having an amount of exogenous heparin bound to the exogenous fibronectin, and also potentially an amount of an exogenous bioactive material, such as a growth factor, bound to the exogenous heparin. Such materials may be used in methods for the treatment of wounds in patients.

Abstract: Nanoparticulate metal complexes, such as those involving ruthenium, iron, cobalt, and nickel salens, are formed using precipitation with compressed antisolvent technology. The nanoparticle morphology may be altered by altering the planarity of molecular structure of the metal complex starting material.