Abstract: A method of producing a synthesis gas which contains hydrogen and carbon dioxide. A hydrocarbon mioxture is pre-reformed to create a first mixture. The first mixture is then reformed in a catalytic ceramic membrane reactor (RCMC) with oxidizing an oxidizing mixture to form a raw synthesis gas. The oxidizing mixture contains oxygen, and the raw synthesis gas contains hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water, and an oxygen depleted mixture. Several of the process streams are also preheated. The oxidizing mixture is brought to a temperature between 871° C. and 1300° C. prior to the formation of the raw synthesis gas.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the products to be inspected are made to travel past the field of vision of a matrix camera (4) which captures successive images when the products are lit alternately in direct lighting mode (32, 32) and in backlighting mode (33) through a translucent conveyor belt (35). With the help of the images obtained under backlighting, a contour inside which is defined a sample zone covering a surface of predetermined shape calculated so as to be intruded fully within the area of said contour is determined for each product. The contrasts discernible in surface analysis on the direct lighting image are then examined, for example to determined a density of blemishes.

Abstract: A process for forming a vitreous layer on a refractory surface, in which a vitrifying agent is projected by means of an apparatus against the surface with an oxygen-containing carrier gas and simultaneously with a combustible gas, the latter generating a combustion flame, characterized in that the vitrifying agent comprises particles of cullet and in that the flame generated provides, at least partially, the heat needed to form the vitreous layer on the surface. The vitreous layer thus formed makes it possible to prevent the build-up, on the refractory walls of high-temperature ovens, of dust or by-products coming from the raw materials and/or their reaction products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber composition usable for constituting a tire tread, said composition being based on at least (i) a reinforcing inorganic filler, (ii) a diene elastomer having a molar ratio of units originating from conjugated dienes which is greater than 30% which is prepared in emulsion and comprises carboxylic acid functions along its chain, and (iii) a bonding agent between said reinforcing inorganic filler and said elastomer which consists of a polysulphurised alkoxysilane.

Abstract: The present invention relates in particular to a preparation process for a copolymer having two blocks usable in a sulphur-cross-linkable rubber composition of reduced hysteresis in the cross-linked state, such a block copolymer in which one of the blocks is constituted of a polyisoprene and the other of a diene elastomer other than a polyisoprene, and this rubber composition for tyre treads.

Abstract: A portable armrest for use with an existing chair, for cushioning the arms of a user from the hard surfaces of the arms of the chair. The portable armrest has a soft, substantially rectangular pad, a rigid base attached to the lower surface of the pad, and a pair of U-shaped brackets attached to the lower surface of the base of the pad. The portable armrest is selectively attached to the arm of the existing chair by positioning the armrest above the upper surface of the arm of the chair and by pressing the armrest vertically downward, in order to engage the brackets with the arm of the chair. In an alternate embodiment, the armrest is additionally provided with a strap assembly for further securing the armrest to the arm of the chair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cross-linkable or cross-linked rubber composition having improved hysteresis properties in the cross-linked state which is useful for constituting a tire tread, to a process for preparation of such a cross-linkable composition, to a tread of this type and to a tire having reduced rolling resistance. The rubber composition according to the invention is based on: an elastomeric matrix comprising at least one diene elastomer which comprises a carboxylic acid function at one or at each of its two chain ends, and a reinforcing filler comprising a reinforcing inorganic filler, wherein said diene elastomer has a molecular weight which is greater than 80,000 g/mol, and it is present in a majority quantity in said elastomeric matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cross-linkable or cross-linked rubber composition having improved hysteresis properties in the cross-linked state which is useful for the manufacture of treads for tires. The rubber composition of the present invention comprises at least one diene elastomer having a molar ratio of units originating from conjugated dienes which is greater than 30% and comprising carboxylic acid functions along its chain, and a reinforcing inorganic filler. The present invention further relates to a process for preparing such a cross-linkable or cross-linked rubber composition as well as to a tire having reduced rolling resistance and a tread for a tire where the tread comprises the rubber composition of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cross-linkable or cross-linked rubber composition having improved hysteresis properties in the cross-linked state which is useful for the manufacture of treads for tires. The rubber composition of the present invention comprises at least one diene elastomer having a molar ratio of units originating from conjugated dienes which is greater than 30% and comprising carboxylic acid functions along its chain, and a reinforcing inorganic filler. The present invention further relates to a process for preparing such a cross-linkable or cross-linked rubber composition as well as to a tire having reduced rolling resistance and a tread for a tire where the tread comprises the rubber composition of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming a vitreous layer on a refractory surface, in which a vitrifying agent is projected by means of an apparatus against the said surface with an oxygen-containing carrier gas and simultaneously with a combustible gas, the latter generating a combustion flame, characterized in that the vitrifying agent comprises particles of cullet and in that the flame generated provides, at least partially, the heat needed to form the vitreous layer on the surface. The vitreous layer thus formed makes it possible to prevent the build-up, on the refractory walls of high-temperature ovens, of dust or by-products coming from the raw materials and/or their reaction products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vulcanizable rubber composition which can be used for the manufacture of tires, a process for the preparation of this composition and a tire, the tread of which comprises such a composition, the latter having improved hysteresis and physical properties in the vulcanized state, while retaining satisfactory processing properties.

Abstract: In an integrated process for the production of synthesis gas, a partial oxidation unit (1) and a steam methane reformer (2) are used to convert natural gas or another fuel to first and second mixtures (11, 12) of at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen, only the first process consuming oxygen. Carbon dioxide (15, 25) derived from the second mixture is sent to the inlet of the first process to reduce the oxygen consumption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vulcanizable rubber composition which can be used for the manufacture of tires, a process for the preparation of this composition and a tire, the tread of which comprises such a composition, the latter having improved hysteresis and physical properties in the vulcanized state, while retaining satisfactory processing properties. A rubber composition according to the invention comprises a reinforcing white filler, and is such that it comprises at least one diene block polymer which is intended to interact with said reinforcing white filler and which comprises on at least one of its chain ends a polysiloxane block which ends in a trialkylsilyl group, said polysiloxane block corresponding to the formula: [—SiR1R2O—]x-SiR3R4R5, in which R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 represent alkyl groups having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and in which x is a natural integer other than zero.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cross-linkable or cross-linked rubber composition having improved hysteresis properties in the cross-linked state which is useful for the manufacture of treads for tires. The rubber composition of the present invention comprises at least one diene elastomer having a molar ratio of units originating from conjugated dienes which is greater than 30% and comprising carboxylic acid functions along its chain, and a reinforcing inorganic filler. The present invention further relates to a process for preparing such a cross-linkable or cross-linked rubber composition as well as to a tire having reduced rolling resistance and a tread for a tire where the tread comprises the rubber composition of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a dilithiated initiator usable in anionic polymerization, a process for the preparation by anionic polymerization of a living diene elastomer which is provided with a carbon-lithium group at each of its chain ends, and a process for the preparation of a copolymer having three blocks starting from said living diene elastomer. The process for the preparation of a dilithiated initiator according to the invention involves of reacting a first reagent, a dialkenyl benzene, and a second reagent, secondary butyllithium, in the presence of a diamine, in an aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon solvent, such that the ratio of the number of moles of first reagent to the number of moles of second reagent is substantially equal to 0.5, so that the initiator obtained is essentially a bi-adduct resulting from the addition of a molecule of secondary butyllithium to each of the two double bonds in the dialkenyl benzene.

Abstract: An apparatus and method implements a first plurality of single-mode optical fibers into which to inject wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical signals. A tapered fiber bundle (TFB) is coupled to the first plurality of single-mode optical fibers, with the TFB including a second plurality of fused single-mode optical fibers correspondingly coupled to the first plurality of single-mode optical fibers at a first end of the TFB. The second plurality of fused single-mode optical fibers are capable to receive the WDM optical signals from the first plurality of single-mode optical fibers at the first end and to provide the WDM optical signals to a free space optical communication path at a second end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vulcanizable rubber composition which can be used for the manufacture of tires. The invention also provides for a tire, the tread of which comprises such a composition. The rubber composition posses improved hysteresis and physical properties in the vulcanized state, while retaining satisfactory processing properties in the non-vulcanized state. The rubber composition comprises a reinforcing white filler and a diene block copolymer which is intended to interact with the white filler, the block copolymer comprising a diene block polymer having on at least one chain end thereof a polyether block having a molecular weight of between 1000 g/mol and 3000 g/mol, the polyether block corresponding to the formula: O—CH2—CH2—O)n—R,  (I) in which n is an integer other than zero and R is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cross-linkable or cross-linked rubber composition having improved hysteresis properties in the cross-linked state which is useful for constituting a tire tread, to a process for preparation of such a cross-linkable composition, to a tread of this type and to a tire having reduced rolling resistance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for cremating human or animal bodies which consists in generating from a wall (10) of the combustion chamber (3), a turbulence in the form of a vertical displacement above the body (2) and in injecting the air required for combustion into this turbulence. Preferably, the turbulence is generated by rotating means (11) directed inside the chamber (3) and equipped with an inlet air duct (17), provided with a closing valve (18) and the air injection is adjusted by actuating the valve.

Abstract: The new cultivar, Sanguisorba menziesii ‘Dali Marble’, characterized by its variegated foliage; exhibiting green centers with white margins and red-purple flower spikes in late summer and fall.