Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new and useful labor saving method of constructing &Lgr;-shaped dam structures to retain silt in farm field intermittent watercourses by utilizing 10″ and 2″ black plastic drainage tile.

Abstract: A method of facilitating data updates between a base processing unit and one or more portable processing units includes receiving an update request signal at the portable processing unit from the base processing unit over a wireless communication channel, the update request signal indicating that a data update between the base processing unit and the portable processing unit is advisable; and issuing an alarm at the portable processing unit that is perceivable by a user of the portable processing unit in response to the update request signal indicating that a data update routine between the base processing unit and the portable processing unit should be initiated by the user.

Abstract: A method of facilitating data updates between a base processing unit and one or more portable processing units includes receiving an update request signal at the portable processing unit from the base processing unit over a wireless communication channel, the update request signal indicating that a data update between the base processing unit and the portable processing unit is advisable; and issuing an alarm at the portable processing unit that is perceivable by a user of the portable processing unit in response to the update request signal indicating that a data update routine between the base processing unit and the portable processing unit should be initiated by the user.

Abstract: A manual dispenser for granular materials includes a hopper operably connected to one end of an elongated tube for material flow communication. The other end of the tube is closed and a material exit opening is provided in the side of the tube near the bottom end. A freely movable closure is disposed to normally close flow communication between the hopper and the tube. A removable cap is provided for the tube. The forceful manual movement of the tube in a vertical plane to a sudden stop effects the movement of the closure to permit material flow communication between the hopper and the tube for a limited time interval after which the closure is returned to its original position by gravity. During such time interval, material from the hopper will flow by gravity into the tube for passage out of the exit opening to be deposited at any selected point or along a linear path by manipulation of the tube.

Abstract: An organic carbonate such as dimethyl carbonate is prepared by reacting an alcohol such as methanol with carbon monoxide and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst system containing Cu(OMe)Cl as catalyst and a cyclic amide as an additive or cosolvent for the catalyst system.

Abstract: An extruder for feeding finely divided solids. And, in combination therewith, means for using gas in various ways to repulverize the finely divided solids. It lends itself to a procedure for continuously charging finely divided solids with water into a high pressure reactor. The high pressure is inherently contained, and the solids are repulverized for use in a reaction.

Abstract: A method of feeding powdered coal to a high pressure reactor which is being used with a fluidized bed/entrained flow coal gasification process. It includes steps of feeding a moist powdered coal to an extruder, and extruding the mixture into a high pressure stream of gas. The extrudate is dispersed into the gas stream, and the stream of extrudate and gas carrier is dried. Then the dry extrudate is separated and fed into the reactor vessel.

Abstract: A process for the hydroisomerization of paraffinic hydrocarbons employing a catalyst composed of a noble metal, alumina and chlorine. The catalyst is prepared by treating a composite of noble metal and alumina with an aluminum compound such as an inorganic or organic salt of aluminum, preferably aluminum nitrate, calcining the treated composite and thereafter contacting the treated composite with a conventional chloride activating agent. By treating and calcining the composite with an aluminum salt, the amount of noble metal retained on the catalyst's surface during chloride activation is maximized enabling high conversions of normal paraffins to isoparaffins to be realized.

Abstract: A process for the hydroisomerization of paraffinic hydrocarbons employing a catalyst composed of a noble metal, alumina and chlorine. The catalyst is prepared by treating a composite of noble metal and alumina with an aluminum compound such as an inorganic or organic salt of aluminum, preferably aluminum nitrate, calcining the treated composite and thereafter contacting the treated composite with a conventional chloride activating agent. By treating and calcining the composite with an aluminum salt, the amount of noble metal retained on the catalyst's surface during chloride activation is maximized enabling high conversions of normal paraffins to isoparaffins to be realized.

Abstract: Pyrolysis naphtha is contacted with a residuum hydrocarbon charge stock under process conditions suitable for delayed coking of said residuum hydrocarbon charge. Unstable olefinic and diolefinic components of said pyrolysis naphtha are reduced in the product naphtha. Such conversion of unstable olefin and diolefin components is accomplished without substantial conversion of aromatic components of said pyrolysis naphtha.

Abstract: A naphtha is treated by heating in the presence of water, hydrogenating, and extracting desired aromatic components.

Abstract: A process is herein disclosed for decreasing olefin and diolefin unsaturation of pyrolysis naphtha (dripolene) without concomitant production of gum, heavy polymers, and/or coke; which process comprises treating pyrolysis naphtha with water at a temperature in the range of 500.degree.-700.degree.F at an elevated pressure in the range of 700-4000 psig for a residence time of from about 12 minutes to about 10 hours under conditions such that a portion of the treating water remains in the liquid phase. Treated naphtha product from said treating step, substantially reduced in olefinic and diolefinic unsaturation and essentially free of gum, heavy polymers and coke, may be hydrotreated with molecular hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst for further reduction of olefinic and diolefinic unsaturation and removal of sulfur compounds.