Abstract: System and method for monitoring a condition, such as directional orientation, of an object, such as a message sign, and generating an alert if the condition deviates from a predetermined minimum level. An apparatus associated with the object includes at least one sensor that provides initial and subsequent condition data. The apparatus transmits data to a remote monitoring station having a computer that can receive and store data. The computer calculates the difference in value between an initial condition data and subsequently obtained condition data, and compares the difference to a predetermined deviation value. If the difference value is greater than the predetermined deviation value the computer generates an alert. The alert may be displayed as an icon on a displayed map. An alert may be sent to a remote operator requesting correction of the condition, such as reorienting a sign face.

Abstract: A copper chromite hydrogenation catalyst of enhanced activity is obtained by an ante-pre-reduction treatment in which a copper chromite catalyst precursor is soaked in a reducing atmosphere at temperatures below a pre-reduction temperature (typically about 140.degree. C.) at which appreciable pre-reduction of the catalyst can be detected. This catalyst is characterized by particles of reduced copper substantially all of which have an average particle size of less than about 300.times.10.sup.-10 m (300.ANG.), which have an average particle size of less than about 100.times.10.sup.-10 m (100.ANG.), and which are substantially uniformly distributed on a chromium-containing support. Typically such catalysts exhibit a copper surface area of about 18.5 m.sup.2 /g as determined by N.sub.2 O decomposition at 20.degree. C., compared to a corresponding copper surface area of 4.5 m.sup.2 /g for a catalyst which has been produced by conventional pre-reduction of the same catalyst precursor.