Abstract: Catalytic chemical conversion of carbon dioxide gas combined with a hydrocarbon gas, comprising natural gas, methane, ethane, propane, butane or pentane, over a transition metal oxide, produces organic solvent products. The process converts oxidized carbon compounds to valued organic products and can reduce or eliminate the carbon footprint of industrial electric power generation industry. Catalytic processes are taught for chemical conversion of oxides of carbon, principally carbon dioxide (formed by combustion of hydrocarbons), to solvent compounds comprising acetone, butanol, pentane and related organic products. The catalysts are transition metal oxides, selected from the group comprising manganese, iron and cobalt or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The malleable ceramics taught in this application are formed from silica or silicon dioxide and transition metal compounds comprising titanium dioxide, iron (II) oxide, manganese (II) oxide, cobalt (II) oxide (MO) or salts thereof in a process of sintering or melting together in a suitable crucible within a specific mol ratio. The selected M/Si mol ratio comprises 1.6/1.0 to 1.9/1.0. These materials sinter above 1,100° C., where sintered parts exhibit densities near 3 grams/cubic centimeter and melt at higher temperatures. Thus, these materials form in a temperature range comprising 1,100° C. to 1,800° C. Malleable ceramic materials prepared as described herein deform when struck firmly with a hammer and do not fracture. Repeated striking increases the deformation or denting just like a piece of low alloy steel.

Abstract: Pure silicon is a brittle insulator and, with addition of doping elements, performs as a semiconductor. It has found widespread use in computer integrated circuits as well as other semiconducting devices used in communication, electrical switching and power control. Silicon has also been used in solar collectors as active photovoltaic devices. The present application discloses formation and use of certain silicon alloys that take advantage of silicon's relatively low density near 2.33 grams per cubic centimeter and high melting temperature of 1,410° C. Alloys prepared with two to six percent boron, beryllium or mixtures thereof are strong and tough. Silicon steel containing near 2 percent alloying boron is hard while silicon alloys containing near 6 percent boron are tough and more flexible.

Abstract: A final mile delivery system is disclosed and provides for delivering a package to a customer within a final mile. The system is configured to send information relating to a location of a delivery truck to a customer associated with a package on the delivery truck and send an authorization code to the customer that associates the customer with the package on the delivery truck. The customer may than go to the delivery truck where the package is released to the customer at an alternate delivery location that is not an original package destination in response to the operator of the delivery truck acknowledging the authorization code in possession of the customer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for alert management in instrumentation are disclosed. An example method includes generating a set of alerts within a process control instrument, processing the set of alerts to compare the set of alerts to known combinations of alerts, determining if one of the known combinations of alerts matches the set of alerts based on the comparison of the set of alerts to the known combinations of alerts, and identifying a recommended action instruction based on the determination.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for alert management in instrumentation are disclosed. An example method includes generating a set of alerts within a process control instrument, processing the set of alerts to compare the set of alerts to known combinations of alerts, determining if one of the known combinations of alerts matches the set of alerts based on the comparison of the set of alerts to the known combinations of alerts, and identifying a recommended action instruction based on the determination.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to expose enclosure labels are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first enclosure having a first characteristic, a first label indicative of the first characteristic and fixed to an outer surface of the first enclosure, and a second enclosure to couple to the first enclosure. The second enclosure is to cover the first label when the second enclosure is coupled to the first enclosure. The first and second enclosures have a second characteristic when the second enclosure is coupled to the first enclosure. The example apparatus also include a second label indicative of the second characteristic and fixed to an outer surface of the second enclosure. The second label is to be exposed when the second enclosure is coupled to the first enclosure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to expose enclosure labels are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first enclosure having a first characteristic, a first label indicative of the first characteristic and fixed to an outer surface of the first enclosure, and a second enclosure to couple to the first enclosure. The second enclosure is to cover the first label when the second enclosure is coupled to the first enclosure. The first and second enclosures have a second characteristic when the second enclosure is coupled to the first enclosure. The example apparatus also include a second label indicative of the second characteristic and fixed to an outer surface of the second enclosure. The second label is to be exposed when the second enclosure is coupled to the first enclosure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for bypassing a positioner in an active control loop are described. An example actuator assembly includes a pneumatic actuator and a transfer station. The transfer station includes a body defining flow paths that enable fluid to flow between a supply pressure, a valve positioner, and the pneumatic actuator and between the supply pressure and the pneumatic actuator to bypass the valve positioner without disrupting a process loop including the valve positioner. The transfer station also includes a plurality of fluid flow control devices to control the fluid flow through the flow paths.

Abstract: A combination of interlocking primary, top, and bottom interlocking panels (or slats) and slat wall pegs, where the primary panels each have two horizontal spaced-apart slots positioned such that the spacing between slots on a panel and slots across a panel boundary is the same. The interlocking features conceal fasteners that are used proximate the interlock, providing an improved appearance. The top panels attach by spring clips for manual installation and removal. The bottom panels fasten to the wall. Attachment flanges on primary and bottom panels have a groove for fastener alignment. The pegs have resilient arcuate bases with a top flange for engaging a flange channel in the top of a slot and a bottom flange for engaging a floor and back wall of a lower slot. Pegs may be slotted for ease of storage.

Abstract: Sugars comprising the monosaccharides glucose and fructose, and the disaccharides sucrose and mannose are catalytically converted to ethanol in a sulfate fortified acid medium in the presence of transition metal compounds possessing a degree of symmetry. This is not a fermentation process but is a catalytic chemical process where conversion efficiency is improved by saturating the acidic reaction mixture with inorganic sulfate salts to reduce competitive reactions. Ethanol formed during the reaction is removed by distillation facilitating a continuous process.

Abstract: Cabinets adapted for non-level garage floors and out-of-plumb garage walls with leveling controls operated from inside each cabinet. The cabinets have in common that they are attachable to a garage wall and each has at least one adjustment panel forming a part of the back of the cabinet. Each adjustment panel has a hand screw for extending behind the cabinet to engage the wall to provide back-to-front leveling and to prevent installation of fasteners, such as screws, from pulling the cabinet closer to the wall during installation. Each adjustment panel also has horizontal slots in a staggered arrangement in two horizontal rows for receiving fasteners. Floor-standing cabinets have feet that are adjustable from inside the cabinet. Wall-hanging cabinets have a top bracket that provides side-to-side leveling form inside. Floor-standing cabinets are modular and stackable, using an included adapter and door-handle coupler to enable stacked cabinet doors to open as one.

Abstract: A catalytic process is taught for non-oxidative alkylation of organic compounds, comprising alcohols, alkanes, glycols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, thiols or phosphines, by alkyl groups produced from alcohols or glycols, forming products comprising ethers and other higher molecular weight alkylated compounds. The process is conducted at a reflux temperature below 200° C. in the presence of an acid, alkali or neutral salt dehydrating agent comprising sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid or their salts, lime or anhydrous calcium sulfate in the absence of zero valent metals and air. Specifically, this catalytic process converts ethanol to ethyl butyl ethers, ethyl hexyl ethers and dibutyl ethers or oxygenated gasoline as well as amines comprising n-butyl amine plus butanol to dibutyl amine and butyl hexyl amines at ambient pressure.

Abstract: An imaging device is configured to translate text in an imaging job (e.g., a print job) from one language to another. The imaging job is received from an input device and can be processed upon receipt or stored on the imaging device for later processing. A variable data language translation module distinguishes textual data from graphical data within the imaging job and performs language translation only on the textual data. Performing language translation at the imaging device rather than at the input device permits the shared use of the language translation module between multiple users who already share the imaging device and reduces the need for language translation imaging software on individual personal computers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for bypassing a positioner in an active control loop are described. An example actuator assembly includes a pneumatic actuator and a transfer station. The transfer station includes a body defining flow paths that enable fluid to flow between a supply pressure, a valve positioner, and the pneumatic actuator and between the supply pressure and the pneumatic actuator to bypass the valve positioner without disrupting a process loop including the valve positioner. The transfer station also includes a plurality of fluid flow control devices to control the fluid flow through the flow paths.

Abstract: An in-line flush valve, comprising a t-shaped hollow body having a central flow passageway, at least three spaced-apart hollow ends in flow communication with the central flow passageway, wherein a first hollow end and a second hollow end share a common radial axis, are disposed in opposing relation, and define a pass-through conduit, wherein a radial axis of a third hollow end is substantially perpendicular with respect to the common axis of the first hollow end and the second hollow end, wherein the pass-through conduit is disposed between and in flow communication with an inlet of a pump and a fluid source, and wherein the third hollow end is adapted to receive fluid to flush said pump.

Abstract: A collapsible and adjustable electronics support with a releasably lockable rotatable base having a link with adjustable drag hinges connecting the releasably lockable rotatable base to a receiver for a polygonal support adapter. One or two tools for adjusting the drag hinges are included with first and second releasably snap-fit covers for respective first and second link sides of the link. The covers also cover the adjustable device in the drag hinge ends. The releasably lockable rotatable base is a four-part base with an adhesive part, a flexible and resilient panel supporting an axle, a first rigid panel rotationally fixed relative to the flexible and resilient panel, and a second rigid panel that rotates relative to the first rigid panel. The low profile in a collapsed configuration avoids rubbing the environmental surface to which it is attached. Wire management guides are provided on the receiver.

Abstract: Renewable resources comprising bagasse, corn stover, wood sawdust and switch grass are subject to direct catalytic conversion or bio-fermentation processes producing ethanol and organic by products leaving complex lignin compounds as waste for disposal. Chemical conversion of lignin compounds to aromatic lignin acids followed by reductive hydrogenation to cresol and substituted creosol compounds prepares these natural resources for chemical conversion to a form of gasoline and valued industrial compounds. The process disclosed herein is also applicable to organic carboxylic acid compounds such as natural oils producing valued liquid hydrocarbon fuels.

Abstract: Sugars comprising the monosaccharides glucose and fructose, and the disaccharides sucrose and lactose are catalytically converted to polyethers in a sulfate fortified acid medium in the presence of transition metal compounds possessing a degree of symmetry. The conversion efficiency of this catalytic chemical process is improved by saturating the acidic reaction mixture with inorganic sulfate salts to reduce competitive reactions. Polyethers formed during the reaction are removed by filtration facilitating a continuous process.