Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process for the production of finely divided blowing agent powders.

Abstract: An inspection system for removably mounting to a platform movable in relation to a generally upright mast for inspection of the mast has a mounting support assembly removably fixable to the platform. The mounting support assembly for scanning the mast carries a detector device and collecting mast scanned information. A power supply is carried by one or more of the mounting support assembly or the detector device and is connected to the detector device. A communications device is carried by one or more of the mounting support assembly or the detector device and is connected to the detector device for receiving and relaying the collected mast scanned information.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a supplemental promoter in conjunction with a noble-metal-containing catalyst comprising a carbon support in catalyzing liquid phase oxidation reactions, a process for making of an improved catalyst comprising such a supplemental promoter, and an improved catalyst comprising such a supplemental promoter. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a supplemental promoter (most preferably bismuth or tellurium) is used in conjunction with a noble-metal-containing catalyst comprising a carbon support in a liquid phase oxidation process wherein N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (i.e., “PMIDA”) or a salt thereof is oxidized to form N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (i.e., “glyphosate”) or a salt thereof. The benefits of such a process include increased oxidation of the formaldehyde and formic acid by-products, and, consequently, decreased final concentrations of those by-products as well as other undesirable by-products, most notably N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (i.e., “NMG”).

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved catalyst, comprising a carbon support having a noble metal at its surface, for use in catalyzing liquid phase oxidation reactions, especially in an acidic oxidative environment and in the presence of solvents, reactants, intermediates, or products which solubilize noble metals; a process for the preparation of the improved catalyst; a liquid phase oxidation process using such a catalyst wherein the catalyst exhibits improved resistance to noble metal leaching, particularly in acidic oxidative environments and in the presence of solvents, reactants, intermediates, or products which solubilize noble metals; and a liquid phase oxidation process in which N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (i.e., “PMIDA”) or a salt thereof is oxidized to form N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (i.e., “glyphosate”) or a salt thereof using such a catalyst wherein the oxidation of the formaldehyde and formic acid by-products into carbon dioxide and water is increased.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to improved methods and herbicidal glyphosate compositions for use in controlling the growth of weeds and unwanted vegetation, and particularly for use in controlling weeds in a crop of transgenic glyphosate-tolerant cotton plants by over-the-top, foliar application of a herbicidal glyphosate formulation.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods, systems, and apparatus for measuring a pulse rate. One aspect includes a method for measuring a pulse rate of an individual. The method can include providing at least one sensor adapted to monitor a pulse associated with a user, and further adapted to monitor motion associated with the user. Furthermore, the method can include detecting a pulse associated with a user with the at least one sensor, and detecting motion associated with a user with the at least one sensor. In addition, the method can include generating a signal based at least on the detected pulse associated with the user, and modifying the signal based at least on the motion associated with the user. Moreover, the method can include determining a pulse rate associated with the user based at least on the modified signal.

Abstract: This application relates to a new process for the production of R-phenylacetylcarbinol by an enzymatic process in a liquid two-phase system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process for the production of finely divided blowing agent powders.

Abstract: A removal system for membranes in a membrane filtration system of the type where the membranes (12) are supported on a membrane support rack (13) in a tank or vessel (6) which, in use, contains liquid to be filtered. The tank (6) comprises a selectively operable opening (9) which in an open position allows the removal of the membranes (12) from the tank (6). The membrane support rack (13) is movable relative to the tank (6) to move said membranes (12) through the opening (9), in its open position, to a position outside the tank (6).

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a supplemental promoter in conjunction with a noble-metal-containing catalyst comprising a carbon support in catalyzing liquid phase oxidation reactions. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a supplemental promoter (most preferably bismuth or tellurium) is used in conjunction with a noble-metal-containing catalyst comprising a carbon support in a liquid phase oxidation process wherein N-(phosphonomethyl) iminodiacetic acid (i.e., “PMIDA”) or a salt thereof is oxidized to form N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (i.e., “glyphosate”) or a salt thereof. The benefits of such a process include oxidation of the formaldehyde and formic acid by-products, and, consequently, decreased final concentrations of those by-products as well as other undesirable by-products, most notably N-methyl-N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (i.e., “NMG”).

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel blowing agent preparations, to a process for their preparation, and to their use. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of azodicarbonamide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel blowing agent preparations, to a process for their preparation, and to their use. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of azodicarbonamide.

Abstract: This invention relates to soil conditioner, fertilizer and fungicide compositions. In particular it relates to soil conditioner, fertilizer and fungicide compositions that utilizes by-products from brewing processes, and especially made from malt extract or spent grain liquor. The invention also relates to methods of manufacturing soil conditioners, fertilizer and fungicides.

Abstract: A shoring post suitable for use with ledger frames uses node sleeves which surround the shoring post. Preferably, the node sleeves are an extruded component with a center cavity that closely conforms to the exterior of the shoring post. The node sleeves are secured in a manner to maintain the center of the shoring post unobstructed. In a preferred form, the node sleeves are mechanically fastened to the shoring post.

Abstract: The invention relates to particulate solids comprising more than 90% by weight of natural or synthetic surface-active compounds for which a) the mean particle size of the particulate solid particles is 10 to 3000 ?m, b) the surface-active compounds are solid at room temperature, and c) the surface-active compounds have a melting point of from 25 to 250° C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing volume of feed liquid required in a porous membrane filtration system having a number of porous membranes (6) submersed in a volume of feed liquid to be filtered is provided, the method comprising the step of providing filler elements (9) within said volume of feed liquid to be filtered.

Abstract: Embodiments of a needle insertion system and method are disclosed. One method embodiment includes transmitting a sound beam along an axis to contact a blood vessel; receiving the reflected sound beam from the blood vessel; processing the reflected sound beam to detect the location of the blood vessel; and, responsive to the detection, receiving a needle in a guideway that is oriented parallel to the axis.

Abstract: A shoring post suitable for use with ledger frames uses node sleeves which surround the shoring post. Preferably, the node sleeves are an extruded component with a center cavity that closely conforms to the exterior of the shoring post. The node sleeves are secured in a manner to maintain the center of the shoring post unobstructed. In a preferred form, the node sleeves are mechanically fastened to the shoring post.

Abstract: This application relates to a new process for the production of R-phenylacetylcarbinol by an enzymatic process in a liquid two-phase system.

Abstract: Paint and coating material system comprising a) at least one solids component comprising at least one organic or inorganic white, black or chromatic pigment, organic or inorganic fillers, or mixtures thereof, and b) at least one binder component, characterized in that the components of the system in water, with a specific energy input of less than 150 J/cm3, based on the sum of the volumes of the components and water, produced an aqueous dispersion having a particle size of <60 &mgr;m (determined in accordance with ISO 1524: 1983).