Abstract: A knowledge database describes a plurality of triggers, each trigger including a first condition for activating the trigger and a second condition for deactivating the trigger. A controller of the vehicle processes the triggers defined by the knowledge database, including to compare data elements of connected data messages with the conditions of the triggers. The controller augments the connected data messages that occur while the respective trigger is activated with a generated dynamic ID corresponding to the activating of the respective trigger.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an instrument panel, a support structure coupled to the instrument panel, and a retainer. The support structure defines a receiver that extends from a lower end to an upper end that is vehicle-upward of the lower end. The portion of the support structure that defines the receiver includes at least one rib that protrudes into the receiver. The retainer includes a barrel portion having a threaded interior surface that defines a hollow and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface and having at least one wing. The retainer also includes a head portion coupled to the barrel portion. The retainer is operably coupled to the support structure, such that the barrel portion is received within the receiver and the at least one wing of the exterior surface is engaged with the at least one rib to maintain the retainer within the receiver.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an instrument panel, a support structure coupled to the instrument panel, and a retainer. The support structure defines a receiver that extends from a lower end to an upper end that is vehicle-upward of the lower end. The portion of the support structure that defines the receiver includes at least one rib that protrudes into the receiver. The retainer includes a barrel portion having a threaded interior surface that defines a hollow and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface and having at least one wing. The retainer also includes a head portion coupled to the barrel portion. The retainer is operably coupled to the support structure, such that the barrel portion is received within the receiver and the at least one wing of the exterior surface is engaged with the at least one rib to maintain the retainer within the receiver.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for modelling a driveline, the driveline comprising a plurality of components. The method comprising the steps of: a) receiving a parametric description of the driveline; b) creating a thermal model of the driveline from the parametric description; c) calculating a temperature distribution for one or more components of the driveline using the thermal model; d) determining a deflection of one or more components of the driveline caused by the thermal distribution, based on the parametric description and the temperature distribution; and e) calculating a performance metric of the driveline based on the determined deflection of the one or more components.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for modelling a driveline, the driveline comprising a plurality of components. The method comprising the steps of: a) receiving a parametric description of the driveline; b) creating a thermal model of the driveline from the parametric description; c) calculating a temperature distribution for one or more components of the driveline using the thermal model; d) determining a deflection of one or more components of the driveline caused by the thermal distribution, based on the parametric description and the temperature distribution; and e) calculating a performance metric of the driveline based on the determined deflection of the one or more components.

Abstract: A device for interconnecting two tethers. The device comprises a body arranged to secure a first tether thereto and has an aperture therein for receiving a second tether. An arm extends from the body and away from the aperture. In use, the second tether is arranged to form a loop, passed through the aperture and around the arm, thereby allowing the device to interconnect the first and second tethers.

Abstract: A device for interconnecting two tethers. The device comprises a body arranged to secure a first tether thereto and has an aperture therein for receiving a second tether. An arm extends from the body and away from the aperture. In use, the second tether is arranged to form a loop, passed through the aperture and around the arm, thereby allowing the device to interconnect the first and second tethers.

Abstract: A messaging control system is described that is arranged to control the transmission of mobile messages—such as SMS messages—originating from third party content providers to user mobile devices. The messaging control system comprises a database for storing user preference data, a user interface to receive preference data from a user and a rules engine. The rules engine is arranged to receive a transmission request originating from a third party content provider to transmit a mobile message to the mobile device of the user. The rules engine is further arranged to transmit a response to the transmission request based on the outcome of a rules processing step identifying how the mobile message is to be handled.

Abstract: A fluorochemical additive is the reaction product under polymerization conditions of monomers that include: (a) an aromatic polycarboxylic acid as an anhydride, ester, or ester chloride; (b) at least one fluorinated reactant; and (c) at least one aliphatic amine, mercaptan, or alcohol. Optionally, a crosslinking agent can be used. The components of the additive all can be viewed as contributing to the performance of the disclosed additive. The fluorine-containing component is generally insoluble in molten polymers and will tend to migrate to the cooled surface thereof where the fluorinated moieties provide repellency characteristics when used in adequate quantities, generally at least about 30 wt % depending on the fluorinated reactant used to make the additive. The aromatic component appears to facilitate solubility and speed up the orientation process of the additive within the molten polymer.

Abstract: Wastewater streams from semiconductor processing operations are treated to reduce the concentration therein of one or more metal species to a satisfactory level. The disclosed systems and technique utilize complexing ion exchange media to treat the wastewater streams having a significant concentration of oxidizing species.

Abstract: A process is provided herein for the high yield production of high purity glacial methacrylic acid (“HPMAA”) that is substantially pure, specifically 99% pure or greater with a water content of 0.05% or less.

Abstract: System and method for conditioning water. In one embodiment, a softening membrane selectively rejects hardness ions in a supply of water. In another embodiment, the softening membrane is used in conjunction with a purification device configured to remove impurities from a portion of output flow of softened permeate water. In a third embodiment, the softening membrane is used in conjunction with a conditioning agent dosing unit configured to supply at least one conditioning agent to an input flow of water entering the membrane to prevent membrane fouling. In still another embodiment, a water quality monitoring unit is configured to monitor water quality of the output flow of softened permeate water and a portion of concentrate water recycled back through the softening membrane.

Abstract: Acylated citrate esters are made with a polishing step that includes contact with a polishing composition having a fatty acid absorbent to remove residual odor-forming precursors from the resulting acylated ester.

Abstract: A fluorochemical additive is the reaction product under polymerization conditions of monomers that include: (a) an aromatic polycarboxylic acid as an anhydride, ester, or ester chloride; (b) at least one fluorinated reactant; and (c) at least one aliphatic amine, mercaptan, or alcohol. Optionally, a crosslinking agent can be used. The components of the additive all can be viewed as contributing to the performance of the disclosed additive. The fluorine-containing component is generally insoluble in molten polymers and will tend to migrate to the cooled surface thereof where the fluorinated moieties provide repellency characteristics when used in adequate quantities, generally at least about 30 wt % depending on the fluorinated reactant used to make the additive. The aromatic component appears to facilitate solubility and speed up the orientation process of the additive within the molten polymer.

Abstract: A water soluble dispersant extender enhances the effectiveness and stability of hydrophobic compounds applied from aqueous solution. The invention is well suited for fluorochemical compounds applied to a substrate to impart grease and oil resistance. Exemplary substrates include paper, textiles, nonwoven, carpet and the like. The invention is also useful in firefighting foams that employ hydrophobic fluorochemical fire suppressing compounds. The present stabilizer is believed to form an inclusion complex with the hydrophobic compound whereby enhanced dispersion and solubility over the surface of the substrate allows more efficient use of the hydrophobic compound so that either less compound can be used with the same efficacy or greater efficacy is seen with the same level of active ingredient.

Abstract: A method of preparing block copolymers by solid state polymerization is described. A mixture of a partially crystalline polycarbonate having activated terminal aryloxy groups, for example terminal methyl salicyl groups, when heated together with an oligomeric polyester having reactive terminal hydroxy groups under solid state polymerization conditions affords block copolymers. The activated terminal aryloxy groups play a key role in preserving the block lengths of the starting materials. A control sample in which the partially crystalline polycarbonate lacks activated terminal aryloxy groups, for example polycarbonates substituted by phenol, affords a much lower molecular weight, more highly randomized copolymer product. The product block copolymers are useful as “weatherable” plastic materials.

Abstract: Usually, polycarbonate polymerization is limited by the rate at which inhibitory byproducts, such as phenol and salicylate, can be removed from the reaction. To facilitate the removal of volatile reaction byproducts from the reaction as polymerization occurs, the present invention provides a spray mist reactor. The formation of a spray mist polymerization reaction allows for the creation of an enormous surface area for exchange of volatile byproducts. The present invention is applicable to polymerization of polycarbonate and its copolymers starting with monomers or oligomers. The invention may be used to increase throughput and minimize initial investment for a give melt process, especially the fast reacting bis(methylsalicylate) carbonate process.

Abstract: A compression calibration tester comprises as its main parts, a plunger, a base, and a spring. The compression calibration tester provides a known force. This known force is used to calibrate, and ensure proper operation of a seal force testing device. The seal force testing device is used to seal containers. Typically, these containers are used to store parenteral pharmaceutical products. Testing of the residual seal force of the closure is an important step in the package development and production of parenteral pharmaceutical products. This invention is useful for ensuring that a seal force testing device is operating properly.

Abstract: A method and system in accordance with the present invention provides a microprocessor on each blade server for providing interfaces at the plurality of blade servers for simultaneous connection with a local or remote drive. The microprocessor can also configure the blade server to simultaneously connect with a plurality of local and/or remote drives. The microprocessor routes data packets between a management system and its respective blade server, while a management module in the management system manages the simultaneous access of the drive(s) by the plurality of blade servers or the plurality of drives by a blade server. This increases the efficiency of the system.

Abstract: This invention relates to an extrusion method preparing polycarbonates from a solution of an oligomeric polycarbonate. A mixture of bis(methyl salicyl)carbonate (BMSC), BPA and a transesterification catalyst are first equilibrated at moderate temperatures to provide a solution of polycarbonate oligomer in methyl salicylate. The solution is then fed to a devolatilizing extruder, where the polymerization reaction is completed and the methyl salicylate solvent is removed. The solution comprising the oligomeric polycarbonate can also be pre-heated under pressure to a temperature above the boiling point of methyl salicylate and subsequently fed to a devolatilizing extruder equipped for rapid flashing off the solvent. The method provides polycarbonate with greater efficiency than the corresponding process in which unreacted monomers are fed to the extruder. Additionally, the method of the invention does not require the isolation of a precursor polycarbonate comprising ester-substituted phenoxy terminal groups.