Abstract: The present invention provides methods of using a novel sulfonated resin catalyst, showing improved performance. The catalyst has reduced or partial functionalization, throughout the sulfonated region of the polymer, leading to reduced by-product formation and other desirable features. This catalyst has particular usefulness in reactions or processes sensitive to high acidity, e.g., esterification-transesterification.

Abstract: A three-dimensional preform, composite components formed with the preform, and processes for producing the preform and composite materials. The three-dimensional preform includes first and second sets of tows containing filaments. Each tow of the first set has a predetermined polygonal cross-sectional shape and is embedded within a temporary matrix. The preform is fabricated from the first and second sets of tows, in which the second set of tows are transverse to the first set of tows, adjacent tows of the second set are spaced apart to define interstitial regions therebetween, and the polygonal cross-sectional shapes of the first set of tows are substantially congruent to the cross-sectional shapes of the interstitial regions so as to substantially fill the interstitial regions.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to retaining customers for a wireless-service provider (“carrier”). A ratio is calculated based on a number of incoming calls received by a mobile device and a number of outgoing calls originating from the mobile device. The ratio is also based on locations of callers that originated the incoming calls. The ratio is compared to an influencer threshold. When the ratio is greater than the influencer threshold, then a subscriber associated with the mobile device is indicated to be an influencer that potentially affects decisions of other subscribers regarding whether to cancel or maintain their subscriptions with the wireless service. An incentive is provided to the influencer to increase the likelihood that the influencer will retain a subscription with the wireless service, thereby increasing the likelihood that other subscribers who might be influenced by the influencer will retain their respective subscriptions.

Abstract: An oxygen delivery system is provided that employs a reservoir for holding oxygen or an oxygen and medicine mixture while the patient is not inhaling. The reservoir generally prevents waste and reduces cost and helps prevent the patient from re-inhaling the previously exhaled gases.

Abstract: Water soluble or water dispersible terpolymers are employed in high pressure steam generating systems to control deposit formation and contaminant transport in the aqueous medium in such systems. The terpolymer may comprise repeat units formed from acrylic acid, allylalkoxylated ethers, and allylhydroxylated alkyl ether.

Abstract: The invention relates to derivatives of formula (I), wherein the substituents are as defined in the specification; to processes for the preparation of such derivatives; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such derivatives; such derivatives as a medicament; such derivatives for the treatment of a disorder or a disease mediated by the ghrelin receptor.

Abstract: The invention relates to derivatives of formula (I), wherein the substituents are as defined in the specification; to processes for the preparation of such derivatives; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such derivatives; such derivatives as a medicament; such derivatives for the treatment of a disorder or a disease mediated by the ghrelin receptor.

Abstract: A painting tool allows a consumer to paint around trim or an adjoining wall or surface without preparation tape or other time consuming methods prior to the actual paint application. The painting tool includes a guide guard that is activated into a working position by a switch on its handle. With the guide guard in place, the user can trim close to adjoining surfaces without getting paint on them. This is typically referred to as “cutting in”. There may be a calculated gap between the guide shield and the end of the working paint roller cover that works with the natural flow of the paint to cut in close to the unpainted surface.

Abstract: A drop cloth includes: a sheet of material having a length that is greater than its width; and a series of panels, each panel being connected to the sheet in series along the length of the sheet. The length may be substantially greater than the width. The panels are generally identical to one another and are equally spaced along the length of the sheet such that the spacing is sufficient for the sheet to be folded in-between adjacent panels such that the panes are stacked, the spacing between adjacent panels being about twice the thickness of each panel. The drop cloth can be used for protection against drips and spills when painting along a wall of a room.

Abstract: The present invention provides a macroporous copolymer having large pores, typically in the range of 5,000-200,000 ? and a typical breaking weight of at least 175 g/bead. The macroporous copolymers can be made using an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) techniques. These macroporous copolymers may also form macroporous resins. The present invention also provides methods of using the macroporous copolymers and resins.

Abstract: An exchange blade knife includes a replaceable blade, a blade holder and a blade lock. The replaceable blade includes an opening adjacent to its base edge. The blade holder includes a blade recess for receiving the replaceable blade and a boss corresponding to the opening in the blade which projects from the surface of the blade recess. The boss has a low portion that is no thicker than the replaceable blade and a raised portion that extends above the surface of the replaceable blade. The blade lock pivots on the blade holder between an opened position for receiving the replaceable blade and a closed position for retaining the replaceable blade. The blade lock also includes an opening for receiving the boss of the blade holder.

Abstract: An optical article comprising a primary mark disposed on the optical article and a secondary mark disposed on the optical article in close proximity to the primary mark. The primary mark comprises a first optical-state change material and the secondary mark comprises a second optical-state change material. The optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an activated state when a localized authorized activation method is used that selectively activates the primary mark. The optical article is transformed from a pre-activated state to an deactivated state when a non-localized unauthorized activation method is used that activates the secondary mark along with the primary mark resulting in the second optical-state change material undergoing a reverse color change when compared to the first optical-state change material. An optical article with a single mark including multiple color change optical-state change material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drop cloth includes: a sheet of material having a length substantially greater than its width; and a series of panels, each panel being connected to sheet along the length of the sheet. The panels are generally identical to one another and are equally spaced along the length of the sheet such that, when the drop cloth is applied to a staircase, a first panel of a pair of adjacent panels covers a horizontal section of the stairs and the other panel of the pair of adjacent panels covers a vertical section of the stairs, with a fabric area extending between the pair of adjacent panels and over a nose of a stair. The drop cloth can be used for protection against drips and spills when painting along a staircase. The drop cloth also can be used when painting along a wall of a room.

Abstract: The invention relates to derivatives of formula (I), wherein the substituents are as defined in the specification; to processes for the preparation of such derivatives; pharmaceutical compositions comprising such derivatives; such derivatives as a medicament; such derivatives for the treatment of a disorder or a disease mediated by the ghrelin receptor.

Abstract: An embodiment of the current invention is directed to retaining customers for a wireless-service provider (“carrier”). A plurality of users who are influencers are identified from a group of wireless-service subscribers, wherein an influencer is a user who is likely to affect decisions of other users regarding whether to cancel or maintain their subscriptions with a particular carrier based on whether the influencer cancels or maintains his or her subscription. A list of influencers is thereby created. An incentive to provide the list of identified influencers is determined. The incentive increases the likelihood that the set of influencers will retain their respective subscriptions, thereby increasing the likelihood that other subscribers who might be influenced will also retain their respective subscriptions.

Abstract: A nasal cannula is provided that employs a left tube and a right tube wherein at least a portion thereof is made of a resilient and compliant material that elongates in response to a tensile load applied thereto. The contemplated tubing material will continue to supply a predetermined amount of oxygen to the patient if elongated, i.e., the elongated tube will not substantially constrict air flow.

Abstract: A luer connector is provided having a first member that includes an end face with a reflective material that does not cover the entire end face wherein the first member is selectively rotatable to align the reflective portion with sensors of the medical instrument. The first member is adapted to freely rotate within a second member that is used to connect the first member to the medical instrument.

Abstract: Methods for repairing barrier coatings involving providing a component having a barrier coating including at least one damaged portion, removing the damaged portion of the barrier coating leaving a void, applying a replacement tape cast barrier coating to the void of the component, and sintering the component having the replacement tape cast barrier coating layer.

Abstract: A nasal cannula is provided that employs a left tube and a right tube wherein at least a portion thereof is made of a resilient and compliant material that elongates in response to a tensile load applied thereto. The contemplated tubing material will continue to supply a predetermined amount of oxygen to the patient if elongated, i.e., the elongated tube will not substantially constrict air flow.