Abstract: A consumer is provided with a first asset in return for a promise to earn an agreed to number of points over an agreed to redemption period. The consumer subsequently earns the points by purchasing one or more second assets. At least one of the second assets is different than the first asset. Each purchase has an associated with point value, at least one of the point values being different than at least one other point value. A trading system includes a first set of websites where a consumer can select and obtain a first asset in return for a promise to earn points by making future purchases of one or more second assets. The consumer can fulfill its obligation to earn the stated number of points by purchasing one or more second assets at a second set of websites. Each of the second assets has an associated point value.

Abstract: A consumer is provided with a first asset in return for a promise to earn an agreed to number of points over an agreed to redemption period. The consumer subsequently earns the points by purchasing one or more second assets. At least one of the second assets is different than the first asset. Each purchase has an associated with point value, at least one of the point values being different than at least one other point value. A trading system includes a first set of websites where a consumer can select and obtain a first asset in return for a promise to earn points by making future purchases of one or more second assets. The consumer can fulfill its obligation to earn the stated number of points by purchasing one or more second assets at a second set of websites. Each of the second assets has an associated point value.

Abstract: A consumer is provided with a first asset in return for a promise to earn an agreed to number of points over an agreed to redemption period. The consumer subsequently earns the points by purchasing one or more second assets. At least one of the second assets is different than the first asset. Each purchase has an associated point value, at least one of the point values being different than at least one other point value. An electronic trading system includes a first set of web sites where a consumer can select a first asset it wants to obtain in return for a promise to earn points by making future purchases of one or more second assets. The number of points which the consumer must earn varies as a function of which of the first assets is selected by the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to radio frequency and microwave connectors, and more particularly to grounding methods for printed wiring board edge-launch connectors. The grounding method comprises conducting tabs secured to a PWB and to an attached connector frame holding coaxial connectors. The conducting tabs thus provide a ground connection between the connector frame and one or more ground conductors on the PWB.

Abstract: A consumer is provided with a first asset in return for a promise to earn an agreed to number of points over an agreed to redemption period. The consumer subsequently earns the points by purchasing one or more second assets. At least one of the second assets is different than the first asset. Each purchase has an associated point value, at least one of the point values being different than at least one other point value. An electronic trading system includes a first set of web sites where a consumer can select a first asset it wants to obtain in return for a promise to earn points by making future purchases of one or more second assets. The number of points which the consumer must earn varies as a function of which of the first assets is selected by the consumer. The consumer can fulfill its obligation to earn the stated number of points by purchasing one or more second assets at a second set of web sites. Each of the second assets has an associated point value.

Abstract: A multi-circuit direct current monitor consists of a plurality of Hall Effect current sensors mounted on a printed circuit board oriented to sense the direct current (DC) flow from power generating devices such as solar arrays, output from the Hall Effect sensors connected to an analog to digital (A/D) converter which in turn is connected to a microprocessor. The multi-circuit direct current monitor continuously monitors instantaneous and average current values for each circuit as well as total instantaneous current and average current for all active circuits. The multi-circuit direct current monitor provides continuous communications via Modbus RTU as well as providing alarm outputs if one or more circuits deviates from the average output by a percentage greater than the user specified threshold for a user-defined period of time to detect failed or underperforming power output devices.

Abstract: A multi-circuit direct current monitor consists of a plurality of Hall Effect current sensors mounted on a printed circuit board oriented to sense the direct current (DC) flow from power generating devices such as solar arrays, output from the Hall Effect sensors connected to an analog to digital (A/D) converter which in turn is connected to a microprocessor. The multi-circuit direct current monitor continuously monitors instantaneous and average current values for each circuit as well as total instantaneous current and average current for all active circuits. The multi-circuit direct current monitor provides continuous communications via Modbus RTU as well as providing alarm outputs if one or more circuits deviates from the average output by a percentage greater than the user specified threshold for a user-defined period of time to detect failed or underperforming power output devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to radio frequency and microwave connectors, and more particularly to grounding methods for printed wiring board edge-launch connectors. The grounding method comprises conducting tabs secured to a PWB and to an attached connector frame holding coaxial connectors. The conducting tabs thus provide a ground connection between the connector frame and one or more ground conductors on the PWB.

Abstract: A multi-circuit direct current monitor consists of a plurality of Hall Effect current sensors mounted on a printed circuit board oriented to sense the direct current (DC) flow from power generating devices such as solar arrays, output from the Hall Effect sensors connected to an analog to digital (A/D) converter which in turn is connected to a microprocessor. The multi-circuit direct current monitor continuously monitors instantaneous and average current values for each circuit as well as total instantaneous current and average current for all active circuits. The multi-circuit direct current monitor provides continuous communications via Modbus RTU as well as providing alarm outputs if one or more circuits deviates from the average output by a percentage greater than the user specified threshold for a user-defined period of time to detect failed or underperforming power output devices.

Abstract: A multi-circuit direct current monitor consists of a plurality of Hall Effect current sensors mounted on a printed circuit board oriented to sense the direct current (DC) flow from power generating devices such as solar arrays, output from the Hall Effect sensors connected to an analog to digital (A/D) converter which in turn is connected to a microprocessor. The multi-circuit direct current monitor continuously monitors instantaneous and average current values for each circuit as well as total instantaneous current and average current for all active circuits. The multi-circuit direct current monitor provides continuous communications via Modbus RTU as well as providing alarm outputs if one or more circuits deviates from the average output by a percentage greater than the user specified threshold for a user-defined period of time to detect failed or underperforming power output devices.

Abstract: A method of re-registering a press job after disturbing the setup having the steps of recalling phase and compensator positions previously stored for the job; positioning compensators (113-116) to their nominal position; re-phasing the press color cylinders for the job; rerouting a web (117) through the press for the job; determining new phase offsets by running the press for a minimum of one revolution; and comparing a distance offset between adjacent print operations, thereby confirming the distance is zero and the press is back in register for the job.

Abstract: A company transfers underperforming assets (UPA's) to a second party in return for a cash and/or asset payment. The company obligates itself to earn a variable number of consumption points for an agreed to consumption period by making future purchases of assets. Each purchase has a known number of consumption points associated therewith. The number of consumption points to be earned varies as a function of a periodically applied interest rate. A computerized, preferably web-based, system is used to carry out the foregoing process.

Abstract: A company with underperforming assets sells these assets to a trading house in exchange for value and a promise to make future purchases from the trading house. The value is provided by a financial institution. A portion of the money received by the trading house from the future purchases is given to the financial institution to pay back the value plus interest. To securitize the promise to make future purchases, the financial institution creates a special purpose entity which, in turn, creates a trust. Investors provide money to the special purpose entity which is used to purchase low risk assets that are placed in the trust. The special purpose entity then makes an agreement with the financial institution that if the company with underperforming assets defaults on its promise to purchase, the financial institution can take money from the trust.

Abstract: A tubesheet protector device is provided for use with a boiler having at least one tube for receiving a fluid extending therethrough. The tubes extend approximately perpendicularly from a tubesheet covering an inlet of the boiler. The tubesheet protector device includes insulating board mounted on the tubesheet having holes therein for receiving ferrules. Each ferrule includes a shank adapted to be received in one of the tubes and a polygon-headed collar coupled with the shank. Both the collar and the shank of the ferrule are wrapped in insulation. The collar has dimensions larger than the outside diameter of the tube, and the collar and the shank both have a common through bore for transporting fluid from outside the boiler to the interior of the tubes extending through the boiler.

Abstract: A sealed observation element for viewing the flow of molten liquid during the operation of a sulfur recovery unit comprises at least one sight glass that is heated and which may be swept with a purge gas supplied through one or more bleed rings to prevent condensation or deposition of materials on the side of the sight glass exposed to the process stream.

Abstract: An aquatic vehicle particularly suited for underwater transport of swimmers and divers comprises the assembly of a cylindrical body having a detachable nosecone and a shrouded propeller. The nosecone supports an externally open ballast receptacle. The propeller shroud is secured to the aft edge extremities of aft end stabilizing and directional alignment fins. Propeller supply water is drawn through aft end apertures through the cylindrical body wall located between the fins and over the electric drive motor housing for motor cooling. Front and canard fins further contribute to the directionality and ease of steering. Electric power is provided by sealed cell lead/acid batteries having a gelatinous electrolyte. Additional battery design features preclude sea water leakage damage and gaseous combustion.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling oxygen flow to a Claus type sulfur recovery unit includes system for measuring the flow(s) of feed gas and combustion air to the unit and an oxygen injection system for supplying supplemental oxygen when the oxygen demand exceeds the oxygen available in the form of combustion air. The control system also measures a unit pressure in the sulfur recovery unit and controls the flow of combustion air to the unit to maintain the unit pressure at or below a preselected level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst, a method for its preparation, and a process for its use in the production of high octane gasoline and/or other valuable liquid hydrocarbon products from carbo-metallic oils contaminated with heavy metals and coke precursors. The catalyst is prepared from a shapable composition containing reticulated carbon black particles which are subsequently removed by burning, as in a catalyst regenerator, to provide large feeder pores in a shaped catalyst structure. The catalyst and process conditions for its use facilitate conversion of the contaminated oils to lighter products at catalytic sites within the catalyst structure which may contain zeolitic materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst, a method for its preparation, and a process for its use in the production of high octane gasoline and/or other valuable liquid hydrocarbon products from carbo-metallic oils contaminated with heavy metals and coke precursors. The catalyst is prepared from a shapable composition containing reticulated carbon black particles which are subsequently removed by burning, as in a catalyst regenerator, to provide large feeder pores in a shaped catalyst structure. The catalyst and process conditions for its use facilitate conversion of the contaminated oils to lighter products at catalytic sites within the catalyst structure which may contain zeolitic materials.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing distance between a pair of indicia on a surface moving relative to the apparatus has an interval detector, a sensor and a scale device. The interval detector can respond to movement of the surface. The detector can produce an interval signal signifying the time elapsing during the passage of an interval on the surface of a predetermined length. The sensor is positioned alongside the surface for sensing the arrival times of the pair of indicia at the sensor. The scale device responds to the interval detector and sensor device for producing a distance signal signifying the ratio of the time difference in arrival of the pair to the interval signal.