Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydropower electric generator, in accordance with some embodiments. Accordingly, the hydropower electric generator may include a closed conduit. Further, the closed conduit may include a reservoir, two downward flow pipes, two horizontal pipes, and two upward flow pipes. Further, the downward flow pipes may include turbines configured to intercept the downward flow of the water and generate rotational force. Further, the upward flow pipe may include an airlift assembly configured to receive compressed air into the upward flow pipe. Further, the hydropower electric generator may include an air pump configured to generate the compressed air based on electrical energy. Further, the hydropower electric generator may include an energy storage device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a vehicle hood assembly that is operative to raise the rearward and frontward portions of a vehicle hood. The system includes an actuator selectively extendable to raise the rearward portion of a vehicle hood from a first position to a higher second position. A striker of novel design enables the frontward portion of the hood to rise as the rearward portion rises when the striker is engaged with a latch member. The latch member may be disengaged from the striker without extending the actuator, enabling the hood to reach a third position ideal for vehicle service and thus allowing a nonreversible-type actuator to be employed. A method of elevating the vehicle hood with respect to the vehicle body is also provided.

Abstract: A hood elevation system for a vehicle includes an actuator configured to selectively move at least a portion of a vehicle hood between an elevated and a retracted position. The hood elevation system also includes a self-locking mechanism configured to allow movement of the hood between the elevated and retracted positions initiated by the actuator, but to resist retraction of the hood as a result of certain loads applied to the hood. The self-locking mechanism thus enables repeated elevation and retraction of the hood. In a preferred embodiment, the self-locking mechanism is configured to deform, thereby absorbing energy from an impact to the hood.

Abstract: An axial positioner capable of yielding to absorb energy under compression or tension loads. The positioner includes an outer tube having first and second ends, a threaded actuator rod extending between the first and second ends and a drive to rotate the actuator rod. A threaded member threadably engaging the actuator rod moves axially between the ends of the outer tube as the actuator rod rotates. The member includes a radial flange extending toward the outer tube. A radially extending load ring spaced axially from the flange is connected to a plurality of axially extending force transmitting elements. A spring positioned between the flange and a load ring expands radially outward against the outer tube when compressed between the flange and the load ring. Loading of the spring against the tube absorbs energy of axial motion of the flange under excessive loads transmitted by the force transmitting elements to the load ring.

Abstract: Methods and systems for replicating derivatives strategies and for trading derivatives strategies in a demand-based trading market are described. In one embodiment, a set of contingent claims are created to replicate a derivatives strategy. One or more parameters of a contingent claim in the replication set may be determined as a function of one or more parameters of a derivatives strategy and an outcome of the event. An investment amount for a contingent claim in the replication set may be determined as a function of one or more parameters of the contingent claim and a total amount invested in a demand-based auction. In other embodiments, derivatives strategies and/or financial products are enabled to be traded in a demand-based auction and are offered to customers and/or traded in the auction.

Abstract: A composite tooling part having excellent dimensional stability, which may be prepared at low cost employs a one-component epoxy resin system having a catalyst which is the reaction product of an aromatic dicyanate and an imidazole. Reinforcing materials are incorporated in the matrix, and the resulting prepreg is allowed to cure at low temperature, down to about room temperature, until the free standing state is obtained. Thereafter, if elevated temperature performance is necessary, the product can be post-cured at elevated temperatures, without the need for a high temperature master.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon conversion catalysts contain at least one Group VIB metal component, at least one Group VIII metal component, and a phosphorus component on a porous refractory oxide and have a narrow pore size distribution including at least about 75 percent of the total pore volume in pores of diameter from about 70 to about 130 angstroms. The catalyst is useful for promoting a number of hydrocarbon conversion reactions, particularly those involving hydrogenative desulfurization.

Abstract: A boron-containing heterocyclic compound prepared by reacting a primary amine or ammonia with an alkylene oxide or epoxide and then reacting concurrently or subsequently this reaction intermediate with a boric acid. This boron-containing heterocyclic compound may further be reacted with a metal, metaloid or other metal compound and even further contain sulfur, such as a sulfide group.The boron-containing heterocyclic compound provides extreme pressure anti-wear properties when provided in a lubricating composition. The lubricating composition may also comprise anti-oxidants, copper corrosion inhibitors, and lead corrosion inhibitors. The anti-wear properties of a lubricating composition can be enhanced using the borates of the present invention in conjuction with a copper compound.

Abstract: Boron and/or metal-boron derivatives having extreme pressure anti-wear and friction reducing properties and lubricating compositions containing the same are disclosed. The lubricating compositions comprise a major amount of a lubricating oil and a minor amount of an extreme pressure, anti-wear and friction reducing additive comprising a boramid or metal containing boramid compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reaction products derived from boric acid, primary amines, alkene oxides or epoxides and first row transition metals or Group IVA metals, their manufacture and use. These products are used as extreme pressure, anti-wear and friction reducing additives for lubricating oils.

Abstract: A boron-containing heterocyclic compound prepared by reacting a primary amine or ammonia with an alkylene oxide or epoxide and then reacting concurrently or subsequently this reaction intermediate with a boric acid. This boron-containing heterocyclic compound may further be reacted with a metal, metaloid or other metal compound and even further contain sulfur, such as a sulfide group.The boron-containing heterocyclic compound provides extreme pressure anti-wear properties when provided in a lubricating composition. The lubricating composition may also comprise anti-oxidants, copper corrosion inhibitors, and lead corrosion inhibitors. The anti-wear properties of a lubricating composition can be enhanced using the borates of the present invention in conjunction with a copper compound.

Abstract: A boron-containing heterocyclic compound prepared by reacting a primary amine or ammonia with an alkylene oxide or epoxide and then reacting concurrently or subsequently this reaction intermediate with a boric acid. This boron-containing heterocyclic compound may further be reacted with a metal, metaloid or other metal compound and even further contain sulfur, such as a sulfide group.The boron-containing heterocyclic compound provides extreme pressure anti-wear properties when provided in a lubricating composition. The lubricating composition may also comprise anit-oxidants, copper corrosion inhibitors, and lead corrosion inhibitors. The anti-wear properties of a lubricating composition can be enhanced using the borates of the present invention in conjunction with a copper compound.

Abstract: Boron-containing heterocyclic compounds of the chemical formula: ##STR1## wherein at least one of R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, or R.sub.4 is an aryl, alkylaryl, or arylalkyl radical having from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms have been found useful as extreme pressure, anti-wear and friction-reducing additives for lubricating oils. The boron-containing heterocyclic compounds of the present invention are the reaction product of boric acid with the intermediate reaction product of a primary amine and an aromatic oxide. Metal derivatives of the boron-containing heterocyclic compounds are obtained by chemical reaction with a metal or compound thereof, particularly a first row transition metal or a Group IVA metal, or a compound thereof.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon conversion catalysts contain at least one Group VIB metal component, at least one Group VIII metal component, and a phosphorus component on a porous refractory oxide and have a narrow pore size distribution including at least about 75 percent of the total pore volume in pores of diameter from about 70 to about 130 angstroms. The catalyst is useful for promoting a number of hydrocarbon conversion reactions, particularly those involving hydrogenative desulfurization.

Abstract: Boron and/or metal-boron derivatives having extreme pressure anti-wear and friction reducing properties and lubricating compositions containing the same are disclosed. The lubricating compositions comprise a major amount of a lubricating oil and a minor amount of an extreme pressure, anti-wear and friction reducing additive comprising a boramid or metal containing boramid compound.

Abstract: Reduction of CO and SO.sub.x emissions from regenerators associated with cyclical fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) units used to convert hydrocarbon feedstocks into more valuable products is achieved by introducing particles of bastnaesite into the FCC unit. The bastnaesite particles recycle with the catalyst particles successively through a catalytic cracking reaction zone, a stripping zone, and a regeneration zone. The bastnaesite particles react with SO.sub.x produced in the regeneration zone of the FCC unit, thereby lowering the SO.sub.x content of the flue gas discharged therefrom. In the catalytic cracking and stripping zones of the FCC unit, the bastnaesite particles are at least partially reactivated so that upon returning to the regeneration zone yet more SO.sub.2 is removed. The bastnaesite particles also aid in lowering CO emissions from the FCC regenerator by catalyzing the reaction between CO and oxygen to yield CO.sub.2.

Abstract: Reduction of CO and SO.sub.x emissions from regenerators associated with cyclical fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) units used to convert hydrocarbon feedstocks into more valuable products is achieved by introducing particles of bastnaesite into the FCC unit. The bastnaesite particles recycle with the catalyst particles successively through a catalytic cracking reaction zone, a stripping zone, and a regeneration zone. The bastnaesite particles react with SO.sub.x produced in the regeneration zone of the FCC unit, thereby lowering the SO.sub.x content of the flue gas discharged therefrom. In the catalytic cracking and stripping zones of the FCC unit, the bastnaesite particles are at least partially reactivated so that upon returning to the regeneration zone yet more SO.sub.2 is removed. The bastnaesite particles also aid in lowering CO emissions from the FCC regenerator by catalyzing the reaction between CO and oxygen to yield CO.sub.2.

Abstract: Reduction of CO and SO.sub.x emissions from regenerators associated with cyclical fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) units used to convert hydrocarbon feedstocks into more valuable products is achieved by introducing particles of bastnaesite into the FCC unit. The bastnaesite particles recycle with the catalyst particles successively through a catalytic cracking reaction zone, a stripping zone, and a regeneration zone. The bastnaesite particles react with SO.sub.x produced in the regeneration zone of the FCC unit, thereby lowering the SO.sub.x content of the flue gas discharged therefrom. In the catalytic cracking and stripping zones of the FCC unit, the bastnaesite particles are at least partially reactivated so that upon returning to the regeneration zone yet more SO.sub.2 is removed. The bastnaesite particles also aid in lowering CO emissions from the FCC regenerator by catalyzing the reaction between CO and oxygen to yield CO.sub.2.

Abstract: Catalytic cracking processes are improved by employing cracking catalyst particles containing rare earth components spray impregnated thereon. In comparison to other rare earth-promoted cracking catalysts, the cracking catalysts of the invention exhibit greater activity for oxidizing carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide during the regeneration step of the cracking process wherein coke-containing catalyst particles are reactivated for cracking hydrocarbons by combustion of the coke.

Abstract: A method for decreasing CO and HC emissions in a vehicle exhaust stream during the period of engine warm-up following the start of engine operation, in which the A/F mixture to the engine is pulsed by first using a mixture which is leaner than that otherwise used thus reducing the CO and HC content of the exhaust stream exiting the engine to an amount below that of the CO and HC otherwise present and then using an A/F mixture which is richer than such lean mixture and is substantially that otherwise used thus increasing the amount of CO and HC in the vehicle exhaust stream to substantially the amount otherwise present, passing the pulsed exhaust stream through a catalytic converter adapted to oxidize the CO and HC constituents, and repeating this pulsing continuously through the period of engine warm-up and at a rate sufficient to achieve increased catalytic conversion of CO and HC over that obtained without pulsing, the rate being also sufficiently rapid so as to preclude engine-stall.