Abstract: A method for the isolation of oligomeric 2, 2-difurylpropane (DTHFP) suitable for use on an industrial scale. A method can include using oligomeric 2, 2-difurylpropane, in particular, its use can be as a polar modifier for butadiene and styrene butadiene polymerization so is to produce rubber. Utilizing the material as an alternative to DTHFP in rubber production avoids subsequent leaching of the DTHFP into the environment as the oligomeric 2, 2-difurylpropane (DTHFP) gives rise to much lower levels of leaching.

Abstract: A method of electrical system fault detection and location determination includes measuring a baseline time domain reflectometry (TDR) waveform along a wire path of the electrical system and obtaining an operating TDR waveform along the wire path. The operating TDR waveform is compared to the baseline TDR waveform to derive a difference TDR waveform, and a difference energy is calculated utilizing the difference TDR waveform. The difference energy is monitored over time for peaks in the difference energy and potential electrical system faults are identified via the peaks in the difference energy.

Abstract: A method for the isolation of oligomeric 2, 2-difurylpropane (DTHFP) suitable for use on an industrial scale. A method can include using oligomeric 2, 2-difurylpropane, in particular, its use can be as a polar modifier for butadiene and styrene butadiene polymerisation so is to produce rubber. Utilising the material as an alternative to DTHFP in rubber production avoids subsequent leaching of the DTHFP into the environment as the oligomeric 2, 2-difurylpropane (DTHFP) gives rise to much lower levels of leaching.

Abstract: A hydrogenation catalyst, preferably palladium on a support, preferably alumina or activated charcoal support, is used in the presence of lithium salts, with salts such as the borates being preferred. This provides hydrogenation of precursors to give rise to a stereoselective, such as diastereoselective bias in the product of alkene hydrogenation using the catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst, method of using, and use of a hydrogenation catalyst, preferably palladium on a support, preferably alumina or activated charcoal support. This in the presence of lithium salts, with salts such as the borates being preferred. This provides hydrogenation of precursors to give rise to a stereoselective, such as diastereoselective bias in the product of alkene hydrogenation using the catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst, method of using, and use of a hydrogenation catalyst, preferably palladium on a support, preferably alumina or activated charcoal support. This in the presence of lithium salts, with salts such as the borates being preferred. This provides hydrogenation of precursors to give rise to a stereoselective, such as diastereoselective bias in the product of alkene hydrogenation using the catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst, method of using, and use of a hydrogenation catalyst, preferably palladium on a support, preferably alumina or activated charcoal support. This in the presence of lithium salts, with salts such as the borates being preferred. This provides hydrogenation of precursors to give rise to a stereoselective, such as diastereoselective bias in the product of alkene hydrogenation using the catalyst.

Abstract: A method of electrical system fault detection and location determination includes measuring a baseline time domain reflectometry (TDR) waveform along a wire path of the electrical system and obtaining an operating TDR waveform along the wire path. The operating TDR waveform is compared to the baseline TDR waveform to derive a difference TDR waveform, and a difference energy is calculated utilizing the difference TDR waveform. The difference energy is monitored over time for peaks in the difference energy and potential electrical system faults are identified via the peaks in the difference energy.

Abstract: A process for optimizing maintenance work schedules for at least one engine includes the steps of retrieving at least one set of data for an engine from a computer readable storage medium; selecting at least one scheduling parameter for the engine; selecting a set of maintenance rules for the engine; selecting at least one maintenance work decision; selecting at least one objective for the engine; optimizing the at least one objective to generate at least one optimal maintenance work decision; and generating at least one optimal maintenance work schedule for the engine.

Abstract: An elevator includes a car follower associated with each of a pair of guide rails, and carrying electromagnets which are spaced from electromagnets on an elevator car. The electromagnets on the car and car follower create a repulsive force tending to center the car between the car follower electromagnets associated with the two guide rails. Preferably, the car follower electromagnets are interconnected into a single car follower such that they move together.

Abstract: A process for optimizing maintenance work schedules for at least one engine includes the steps of retrieving at least one set of data for an engine from a computer readable storage medium; selecting at least one scheduling parameter for the engine; selecting a set of maintenance rules for the engine; selecting at least one maintenance work decision; selecting at least one objective for the engine; optimizing the at least one objective to generate at least one optimal maintenance work decision; and generating at least one optimal maintenance work schedule for the engine.

Abstract: The optimization algorithm described herein combines stochastic programming and intelligent enumeration schemes that exploit the problem structure to avoid evaluating solutions that on their face are known to be non-optimal. The optimization algorithm finds the module workscope decisions and LLP replacement decisions that minimize expected future maintenance cost per engine flight cycle. The optimization algorithm considers the enormous number of possible solutions, and determines the best one.

Abstract: An elevator includes a car follower (22) associated with each of a pair of guide rails (25), and carrying electromagnets (24) which are spaced from electromagnets (26) on an elevator car (28). The electromagnets on the car and car follower create a repulsive force tending to center the car between the car follower electromagnets associated with the two guide rails. Preferably, the car follower electromagnets are interconnected into a single car follower such that they move together.

Abstract: A method of representing unscheduled events in a service plan includes retrieving unscheduled service event information relevant to a subject assembly and generating a service plan for the assembly that is responsive to the unscheduled service event information. A system for representing unscheduled service events in a service plan includes a computer system having means for retrieving unscheduled event information relevant to a subject assembly and means for generating a service plan for the assembly that is responsive to the unscheduled event information.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a power harvesting subsystem, a control subsystem, a sensor subsystem and a communication subsystem. Electromechanical systems generate and dissipate multiple forms of waste energy as a by-product of system operation. Waste energy in the system may lead to destructive side effects which adversely affect the life of system elements. The sensor system is powered above a predetermined level and communicates the sensed information to a remote processor for system diagnosis.

Abstract: A structural integrity monitoring system includes a piezoelectric sensor that is adapted to be secured to or embedded within an item of interest. A resistive element is placed in series with the piezoelectric sensor. An output from the series combination of the resistive element and the sensor is conditioned and then transmitted wirelessly to a remote location. An interface located at the remote location receives the transmitted signal, determines the content of the signal and provides an output indicative of the structural integrity of the item of interest.

Abstract: A structural integrity monitoring system includes a piezoelectric sensor that is adapted to be secured to or embedded within an item of interest. A resistive element is placed in series with the piezoelectric sensor. An output from the series combination of the resistive element and the sensor is conditioned and then transmitted wirelessly to a remote location. An interface located at the remote location receives the transmitted signal, determines the content of the signal and provides an output indicative of the structural integrity of the item of interest.