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).

Abstract: The scaffold clamp of the present invention comprises a body portion, two pivotting latches attached on opposite sides of said body, two recessed sockets with each socket having a slot opening therein, and two fasteners with each fastener associated with one of said slots and passing therethrough. Each fastener includes a shank which slides through said recess with the shank having a captured wedge member on one side of the associated slot and a bolt head oversized relative to the slot and on an opposite side thereof. The fastener is captured on the body portion with the bolt head on one side of said slot and said wedge on the opposite side of said slot. The body portion includes on opposite sides thereof support recesses which cooperate with the associated latch to form a generally circular scaffold support engaging recess. The latch and wedge cooperate with the body portion to adjust the size of said circular engaging recess by movement of the wedge relative to the body portion.

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: 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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of coloring seed, seed-dressing materials, or seed-dressing material formulations with solid pigment preparations containing (a) at least one organic or inorganic pigment and (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyether polyols, reaction products of alkylene oxides with alkylatable compounds, or oxalkylated phenols, wherein the solid pigment preparations have a water content of less than 10% by weight, based on the pigment preparation, and a mean weight average particle size of 20 to 2000 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid pigment composition comprising a) at least one pigment, b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of b0) a phenol-styrene-polyglycol ether or an ionically modified phenol-styrene-polyglycol ether, b1) a condensation product prepared from b1A) sulphonated aromatics b1B) aldehydes and/or ketones and b1C) optionally one or more compounds selected from the group of unsulphonated aromatics, urea and urea derivatives, and b2) phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid and derivatives thereof, and c) at least one organic thickener.

Abstract: The invention relates to pigment preparations comprising a metal complex of a mono-, di-, tri-, or tetraanion of an azo compound that in its free acid form conforms to formula (I) or a tautomeric form thereof wherein R and R′ are independently OH, NH2, NH—CN, acylamino, or arylamino, and R1 and R1′ are independently —OH or —NH2, with a metal selected from the group consisting of Na, K, Ca, Sr, Ba, Zn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Mn, La, Li, Cs, Mg, Cd, Co, Al, Cr, Sn, and Pb, wherein the metal complex hosts at least one guest compound.