Abstract: Compounds according to formula (I) wherein Z is S, SO, or SO2, may be prepared by a process that includes charging to a reactor hydrogen sulfide and an alkyl glycidyl ether according to formula (III), in the presence of a base. The compounds may also be prepared by contacting an alkoxychlorohydrin according to formula (II) with a sulfide source.

Abstract: N,N-Dialkylpolyhydroxyalkylamines may be made by the reductive alkylation of an N-alkylpolyhydroxyalkylamine with an aldehyde or ketone, or with an equivalent compound, in the presence of a transition metal catalyst and hydrogen. The reaction is performed in a reaction solvent that contains at least 30 wt % of an organic solvent. The use of a sufficiently high proportion of an appropriate organic solvent in the reaction mixture reduces the amount of water present in the reaction mixture, and provides rapid reaction rates and high yields of the desired product. The N,N-dialkylpolyhydroxyalkylamines may be used in a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: A method for preparing stretchable bonded nonwoven fabrics which involves forming a substantially nonbonded nonwoven web of multiple-component continuous filaments or staple fibers which are capable of developing three-dimensional spiral crimp, activating the spiral crimp by heating substantially nonbonded web under free shrinkage conditions during which the nonwoven remains substantially nonbonded, followed by bonding the crimped nonwoven web using an array of discrete mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds. Nonwoven fabrics prepared according to the method of the current invention have an improved combination of stretch-recovery properties, textile hand and drape compared to multiple-component nonwoven fabrics known in the art.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus and method incorporates at least one and preferably as many as four components that are configured to improve debris removal capabilities as compared to prior art apparatuses. The apparatus and method impart cyclonic motion to pumped fluid, in a manner that tends to separate entrained solids and other impurities, and further that helps draw solid impurities away from the pump barrel. In a preferred embodiment, a cyclonic effect first occurs in a seat plug having a funnel-shaped accumulator region leading to an interior passage therethrough, and at least one off-center opening extending from the interior passage to the exterior of the plug. In one embodiment, that effect is continued at a plunger adapter that has a plurality of inward-angled rings, and that also features off-center openings through which debris may pass to the interior of the plunger adapter.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for preparing stretchable multiple-component bonded composite sheets which involves bonding a fibrous layer of spirally-crimpable multiple-component continuous filaments or staple fibers to one or more non-spirally-crimpable layers using an array of intermittent mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds, and heating the bonded composite to activate the spiral crimp of the fibers in the spirally-crimpable layer. Multi-layer nonwoven fabrics prepared according to the method of the current invention have an improved combination of strength, aesthetics, stretch-recovery properties, and textile hand and drape compared to multiple-component nonwoven fabrics known in the art.

Abstract: Surfactant compositions containing compounds according to structure (I), and methods of making them, are disclosed. The compounds provide reduced dynamic and equilibrium surface tension, good solubility, moderate foaming, and good cleaning performance. The methods for making them involve reaction of N-(polyhydroxyalkyl)-alkylamines with dinitriles, dialdehydes, or acetals or hemiacetals of dialdehydes in the presence of hydrogen and a transition metal catalyst. In structure (I), x is an integer from about 1 to 12, R1 and R2 are independently C3-C30 linear alkyl, cyclic alkyl, branched alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl, alkoxyalkyl, and dialkylaminoalkyl; and R3 and R4 are independently hydrogen or a pyranosyl group such as ?-D-glucopyranosyl, ?-D-glucopyranosyl, or ?-D-galactopyranosyl.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a powered running board on an automotive vehicle, such as a sport utility vehicle, utilizes the memory function of the vehicle to store therein established operating positions for the running board. The user or occupant of the vehicle can manually position the powered running board to a convenient operating position within a range of available operating positions on the vehicle. By storing the selected position of the running board in the memory function of the vehicle, the control mechanism can return to that same operating height each time the occupant seeks to use the running board for entry or exit of the vehicle. The control mechanism is operable with different configurations of running boards and with different power devices for effecting the movement of the running board.

Abstract: A method for converting amino ether alcohols to amino ether amines by amination in the vapor phase with a catalyst comprising copper and zinc. The catalyst may also comprise an alkali, alkaline earth, or lanthanide element as a promoter.

Abstract: A debris evacuation apparatus and method evacuates debris in a pumping system that forms between the plunger exterior and barrel interior. The apparatus has at least one seal and one groove located south of the seal, with the seal blocking northward travel of debris and directing it to the groove. Ports within the groove permit debris to enter the debris evacuation apparatus. Interior to the debris evacuation apparatus, the entering debris will become mixed with pumped fluid, and will be drawn out of the pumping system with the pumped fluid. The pumped fluid passing through the debris evacuation apparatus will be caused to rotate by a screw-in insert located at a south portion of the debris evacuation apparatus, utilizing a plurality of angled veins surrounding a closed center section located at a north end of the screw-in insert.

Abstract: A method for protecting pump components by coating moving components with an amorphous carbon material. Components that preferably receive such coating include the plunger, barrel, traveling valve ball and seat, and standing valve ball and seat. Other components may also be coated. The coating thickness is preferably in the range of between about 0.0002? and 0.030?. In one embodiment, at least two coating layers are applied, with the coating layers having different colored appearances so as to facilitate inspection for wearing away of the coating material.

Abstract: A method for protecting pump components by coating moving components with an amorphous carbon material. Components that preferably receive such coating include the plunger, barrel, travelling valve ball and seat, and standing valve ball and seat. Other components may also be coated. The coating thickness is preferably in the range of between about 0.0002? and 0.0008?.

Abstract: A debris evacuation apparatus and method evacuates debris in a pumping system that forms between the plunger exterior and barrel interior. The apparatus has at least one seal and one groove located south of the seal, with the seal blocking northward travel of debris and directing it to the groove. Ports within the groove permit debris to enter the debris evacuation apparatus. Interior to the debris evacuation apparatus, the entering debris will become mixed with pumped fluid, and will be drawn out of the pumping system with the pumped fluid. The pumped fluid passing through the debris evacuation apparatus will be caused to rotate by an interior section located at a south portion of the debris evacuation apparatus, utilizing a plurality of angled veins surrounding a closed center section located at a north end of the interior section.

Abstract: A shock absorbing apparatus and method includes a shaft travelling north and south within a tube. The tube is positioned south of a sucker rod. The shaft has a piston head coupled at a south end thereof, which piston head is received in an area of reduced diameter with the shaft. North pores and south pores permit the movement of fluid into and out of the interior of the tube, in response to the northward/southward movement of the piston head. Fluid entering through the pores provides a shock absorbing effect on both the upstroke and the downstroke. The shock absorbing effect on the upstroke can be rapidly eliminated and an upward shock force generated, through the shearing of a shear pin that maintains a bushing in position on the shaft, restricting northward travel of the piston head.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist an operator in loading a bicycle onto a substantially vertical bicycle rack attached to an automotive vehicle, includes a base that attaches to the upper portion of the bicycle rack, and a substantially U-shaped hook, having one end that pivots at its base end and having another end that engages the inner rim portion of bicycle wheel when the bicycle is lifted into the proximity of the upper portion of the bicycle rack. The present apparatus and method of loading of a bicycle assists an operator in loading a bicycle by fully supporting the weight of the bicycle while the operator positions and secures the bicycle to the bicycle rack for transport.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multipurpose activity frame for a vehicle articulating roof rack system including a vehicle articulating roof rack system having a selectively removable portion operable between a stowed roof mounted position and a slideably and pivotally repositionable back end mounted position, a stationary top portion received by the selectively removable portion of the articulating roof rack system, and a rotatable bottom portion operable between a stowed vertical position and an open horizontal position received by the stationary top portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convertible ladder and load platform including a vehicle articulating roof rack system having a selectively removable portion operable between a stowed roof mounted position and a slideably and pivotally repositionable back end mounted position, a stationary bottom portion received by the selectively removable portion of the articulating roof rack system, a removable top portion received by the stationary bottom portion, a frame received by the stationary bottom portion, and a plurality of rotatable steps operable between a vertically oriented ladder position and a horizontally oriented load platform position received by the frame.

Abstract: An apparatus to assist an operator in loading a bicycle onto a substantially vertical bicycle rack attached to an automotive vehicle, includes a base that attaches to the upper portion of the bicycle rack, and a substantially U-shaped hook, having one end that pivots at its base end and having another end that engages the inner rim portion of bicycle wheel when the bicycle is lifted into the proximity of the upper portion of the bicycle rack. The present apparatus and method of loading of a bicycle assists an operator in loading a bicycle by fully supporting the weight of the bicycle while the operator positions and secures the bicycle to the bicycle rack for transport.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for preparing stretchable multiple-component bonded composite sheets which involves bonding a fibrous layer of spirally-crimpable multiple-component continuous filaments or staple fibers to one or more non-spirally-crimpable layers using an array of intermittent mechanical, chemical, or thermal bonds, and heating the bonded composite to activate the spiral crimp of the fibers in the spirally-crimpable layer. Multi-layer nonwoven fabrics prepared according to the method of the current invention have an improved combination of strength, aesthetics, stretch-recovery properties, and textile hand and drape compared to multiple-component nonwoven fabrics known in the art.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention described and claimed herein is disclosed as a vapor-containing element for adding to the ductwork, or the inside walls of the AIS ductwork, which element preferably is shaped to conform to the shape of said ductwork, with the material forming the walls of the element. The open inside of the cylindrical component would allow air to pass through the element unobstructed, with little pressure drop.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convertible ladder and load platform including a vehicle articulating roof rack system having a selectively removable portion operable between a stowed roof mounted position and a slideably and pivotally repositionable back end mounted position, a stationary bottom portion received by the selectively removable portion of the articulating roof rack system, a removable top portion received by the stationary bottom portion, a frame received by the stationary bottom portion, and a plurality of rotatable steps operable between a vertically oriented ladder position and a horizontally oriented load platform position received by the frame.