Abstract: Process for fabricating a catalyzed ion transport membrane (ITM). In one embodiment, an uncatalyzed ITM is (a) contacted with a non-reducing gaseous stream while heating to a temperature and for a time period sufficient to provide an ITM possessing anion mobility; (b) contacted with a reducing gaseous stream for a time period sufficient to provide an ITM having anion mobility and essentially constant oxygen stoichiometry; (c) cooled while contacting the ITM with the reducing gaseous stream to provide an ITM having essentially constant oxygen stoichiometry and no anion mobility; and (d) treated by applying catalyst to at least one of (1) a porous mixed conducting multicomponent metallic oxide (MCMO) layer contiguous with a first side of a dense layer of MCMO and (2) a second side of the dense MCMO layer. In another embodiment, these steps are carried out in the alternative order of (a), (d), (b), and (c).

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing coverings such as leather hides and fabrics are provided. A system can include a worktable having a surface on which a covering is placeable. An imaging device can be positionable relative to the worktable. The imaging device can be configured to obtain an image of the covering on the surface of the worktable. A projector can be positionable relative to worktable. The projector can be configured to project an image onto the surface of the worktable and the covering on the surface of the worktable. A controller can be in communication with the imaging device and projector. The controller can be configured to correct images taken by the imaging device. The controller can also be configured to correct the images projected onto the surface of the worktable and the covering thereon. The controller can be configured to permit the showing of virtual markings on the covering placed on the surface of the worktable through an image projected thereon by the projector.

Abstract: A process and system are described for the processing of gas associated with crude oil production, i.e. associated gas. A separation complex is used to separate produced fluids produced from a hydrocarbon reservoir into crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas, water, and natural gas. At least a portion of the natural gas is converted into synthesis gas in a synthesis gas generator. A combination of a synthesis gas conversion catalysts and hydroconversion catalysts are used in a synthesis gas reactor to convert the synthesis gas into a liquid effluent stream containing liquefied petroleum gas and a synthetic crude oil. The liquefied petroleum gas and synthetic crude oil from the synthesis gas reactor is sent to the separation complex. Liquefied petroleum gas is separated both from the synthetic crude oil and a natural crude oil obtained from the produced fluids.

Abstract: This invention allows motorcycle owner to easily change the rake and height of motorcycle while maintaining stock aesthetic appearance not being offered in market today, and the ability to service fork tube hydraulic oil without incurring costly mechanical fees. The upper tree assembly with spherical bearing is connected by a center stem internal of the frame neck bearing housing. The lower tree assembly with spherical bearing and interchangeable degree rake pucks are connected to said center stem. Tube extensions inserted into motorcycle owners stock factory fork tubes and attached to said upper tree and lower tree allows height adjustments. A removable screw in the top of tube extensions inserted into a hollow bore through the center of tube extension allows motorcycle owner to service fork tube hydraulic oil.

Abstract: Organosilicon-functional phase transfer catalysts (PTCs) and methods for transferring immiscible molecules into a silicon-functional phase employing an organosilicon-functional PTC are provided.

Abstract: A retail rating system for use in connection with gambling activities is disclosed. Points or credits are accumulated for commercial activity and made available for gambling activity. A management system and/or player tracking cards are employed to track accumulation of points and commercial activity.

Abstract: A retail rating system for use in connection with gambling activities is disclosed. Points or credits are accumulated for commercial activity and made available for gambling activity. A management system and/or player tracking cards are employed to track accumulation of points and commercial activity.

Abstract: Technologies and concepts are described herein for authoring a database query through the modification of a view of the data to be returned by the query. A user interface is provided for authoring a database query through the modification of a view of the data to be returned by the query that includes a view showing the results of a database query. A user interface is also provided for modifying the view to define the results of the query. As the view is modified, a query definition is generated which, when executed against the database, will return the results of the database query shown in the view. When the desired results are shown in the view, the query definition can be saved and run against the database to perform the database query.

Abstract: A fixed bed membrane reactor is disclosed. The reactor has a housing including an inlet for receiving reactants and an outlet for discharging retentate streams of reaction products. The inlet and outlet are in fluid communication with a reaction zone in which the reactants may passe downstream from the inlet to the outlet with the reactants reacting to produce reaction products including water. The reactor further includes a membrane assembly disposed in fluid communication with the reaction zone. The membrane assembly includes at least one porous support with a water permselective membrane affixed thereto. The membrane allows water produced in the reaction zone to be selectively removed from the reaction zone as a permeate stream while allowing retentate reaction products to remain in the reaction zone and be discharged as a retentate stream.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for converting syngas to Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) hydrocarbon products. A synthesis gas including carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas is provided to a F-T reactor. Also, acetylene is supplied to the F-T reactor. The ratio of the volume of acetylene to the volume of synthesis gas is at least 0.01. The synthesis gas and acetylene are reacted under suitable reaction conditions and in the presence of a catalyst to produce F-T hydrocarbon products. The F-T hydrocarbon products are then recovered from the reactor. The synthesis gas and acetylene may be provided in a combined feed stream or introduced separately into the reactor. The acetylene enhanced syngas conversion in a F-T reactor results in the synthesis of F-T products which have a tighter distribution of intermediate length carbon products than do F-T products synthesized according to conventional methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the measurement of the depth of a contaminant, e.g. snow, found on a roadway or runway from a moving vehicle by measuring the distance between where a beam of light hits the upper surface of the contaminant and where the beam of light should have hit the roadway or runway based on the position of the light source. To eliminate the effects of pitch and roll on the measurements a second light source provides a reference spot, whereby the contaminant depth calculations can be performed independent of the distance between the roadway or runway and the light sources. A video recording device, such as a digital camera, is used to capture images of the spots, whereby the distances can be measured by adding the number of pixels between the spots in the images.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for thermal conditioning equipment. In a preferred embodiment, an equipment enclosure comprises a body, a wall, a fluid port, and a fixture. The body defines an outer plenum and an inner chamber in the latter of which the fixture retains the equipment. The wall, which is between the outer plenum and the inner chamber, isolates the thermally conditioned first fluid from a second fluid in the inner chamber. Since the wall is thermally conductive it allows heat to be transferred between the outer plenum and the inner chamber. The fluid port is in communication with the outer plenum to allow the thermally conditioned first fluid to flow into the outer plenum. Baffle plates are also provided to distribute flow of the second fluid to the equipment.

Abstract: An ultrasonic generator comprising an input module for receiving a power signal. An output module for outputting an ultrasonic signal is also included in the generator. A motherboard is coupled to both the input module and the output module. The motherboard includes a digital controller adapted to control the input module and the output module.

Abstract: A traffic control device specially adapted to replace lines of slow-burning flares now commonly used to direct vehicular traffic around a crime or accident scene. The device includes two spools of ribbons that mount a series of fluorescent, reflective and illuminated markers. The ribbons can be quickly unrolled and laid out on the pavement separately or end-to-end. The ribbons have laterally bendable segments that allow definition of horizontally arcuated traffic patterns. The illuminated markers are fired in repetitive sequential pattern pointing toward the direction of traffic. The spools are mounted on a holding caddy and incorporate a power source and an electronic lighting control unit for the illuminated markers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the hydrogenation of an unsaturated polymer comprising hydrogenation of an unsaturated polymer in a reaction mixture comprising hydrazine, an oxidizing agent and a catalyst and the reduction or elimination of residual free hydrazine from the hydrogenated polymer, whereby the residual free hydrazine is reduced or eliminated from the reaction mixture by contacting it with an adsorbent and/or absorbent which is a solid material which has the ability to absorb and/or absorb hydrazine. The absorbent and/or absorbent is chosen from activated carbon, carbon black, silicates, chalk, talcum or transition metal containing solids.

Abstract: A method for improving the accessibility of a computer display begins with a fully laid out display containing one or more disjoint active regions and produces a (possibly hierarchical) set of active regions which are at least as accessible as the original regions and which are used as the basis of a display. If a visual display is desired, the resulting fully laid out display appears identical to the original; however, the task of positioning focus through movement requires less precise control than in the original. This is accomplished by intelligently analyzing and managing the active regions which comprise the interface. The active regions with which the process starts are disjoint and each is associated with one or more event handlers. The actions associated with the region is triggered by transferring focus to the region and causing one or more events for which handlers are present.

Abstract: The esterification of a carboxylic or polycarboxylic acid, such as terephthalic acid, with ethylene oxide is conducted in the presence of a supercritical or near critical fluid with an esterification catalyst to form a monoester such as 2-hydroxyethylterephthalate (MHET). The monoester can be easily removed from the involatile terephthalic acid/catalyst bed by continuous extraction with supercritical fluid before subsequent reaction to the diester occurs. The esterification catalyst, such as quaternary ammonium salts, are at least substantially insoluble in the supercritical fluid and capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. The process is highly selective to formation of monoesters, and economical. The process can be modified for production of bis-esters or higher esters. The monoesters are polymerizable and can be used as monomers in the production of polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: This invention relates to aqueous cleaning formulations useful in the cleaning of textile fabrics such as carpets and upholstery. The cleaning formulations comprise a) detergent, b) fluorochemical soil-resist agent, c) stain-resist agent, and d) a stable aqueous dispersion of inorganic particulate matter selected from the group consisting of clay, colloidal silica, colloidal alumina, titanium dioxide, and mixtures thereof. The detergent, the fluorochemical soil-resist agent, the stain-resist agent and the inorganic particulate matter each have a flash point that is at least 100.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ink jet cartridge assembly, including a cartridge body and a print head. The cartridge body includes a die cavity and at least one groove disposed in communication with the die cavity and with an ambient environment. The print head is disposed at least partially within the die cavity. An adhesive is disposed within the die cavity between the body and the print head for bonding the print head to the body. The at least one groove defines a vent to the ambient atmosphere for a gas which may be produced during curing of the adhesive.