Abstract: A system comprises a tube having an inner diameter that is dimensioned to receive an artificial Christmas tree within the tube, the tree having upwardly collapsible branches. The tube is open at a first end and at a second end. An axle may couple to the tube, and a plurality of wheels may couple to the axle. The wheels may be tri-lobe wheels. A securement strap structure is located at the second end and is perpendicular to the second end of the tube to secure the second end of the tube and the base structure of the artificial tree. The system can position the tube at an angle relative to the horizontal to insert the tree within the tube. The system can also position the tube horizontally to extract the tree from the tube.

Abstract: A system comprises a tube having an inner diameter that is dimensioned to receive an artificial Christmas tree within the tube, the tree having upwardly collapsible branches. The tube is open at a first end and at a second end. An axle may couple to the tube, and a plurality of wheels may couple to the axle. The wheels may be tri-lobe wheels. A securement strap structure is located at the second end and is perpendicular to the second end of the tube to secure the second end of the tube and the base structure of the artificial tree. The system can position the tube at an angle relative to the horizontal to insert the tree within the tube. The system can also position the tube horizontally to extract the tree from the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a tube having a first diameter disposed along a first length thereof. The tube may be open at a first end and at a second end. An axle may couple to the tube, and a plurality of wheels may couple to the axle. A securement strap may be located at the lower portion of the tube perpendicular to the second end of the tube to secure the second end of the tube.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing 2-bromoethyl acetate involves reacting ethylene glycol with an aqueous solution of hydrogen bromide and acetic acid in the presence of a solvent such as toluene which forms an azeotrope with water but not with 2-bromoethyl acetate. The resulting reaction mixture is heated under reflux conditions to separate toluene and water therefrom and acetic anhydride or acetic acid is added to convert bromoethanol in the reaction mixture to additional 2-bromoethyl acetate.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing a compound selected from among 2,4,6-triiodo-5-amino-N-alkylisophthalamic acid, salts thereof, esters thereof, 2,4,6-triiodo-5-amino-isophthalamide, 2,4,6-triiodo-5-amino-N-hydroxyalkyl-isophthalamide and 2,4,6-triiodo-5-amino-N,N'-bishydroxyalkyl-isophthalamide. A substrate selected from among 5-amino-N-alkylisophthalamic acid, salts thereof, esters thereof 5-amino-isophthalamide, 5-amino-N-hydroxyalkyl-isophthalamide and 5-amino-N,N'-bishydroxyalkylisophthalamide is reacted with an iodine halide in an aqueous reaction medium.

Abstract: Alpha-arylalkanoic esters are prepared by reacting a trivalent iodine compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein Ar is an aromatic hydrogen and X and Y each represent a group which can be removed as an anion, with a carbonyl compound of the formula ##STR2## where Ar.sup.1 is an aromatic hydrocarbon, R is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, in the presence of an orthocarboxylic ester having the general formula ZC(OR.sup.2).sub.3, wherein R.sup.2 is an alkyl group and Z is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; the reaction being carried out in the presence of sulfuric acid in an amount from about 0.2 to about 0.8 mole per mole of the carbonyl compound.

Abstract: Alpha-arylalkanoic esters are prepared by reacting a trivalent iodine compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein Ar is an aromatic hydrocarbon and X and Y each represents a group which can be removed as an anion, with a carbonyl compound of the formula ##STR2## where Ar.sup.1 is an aromatic hydrocarbon, R is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, in the presence of an orthocarboxylic ester having the general formula ZC(OR.sup.2).sub.3, wherein R.sup.2 is an alkyl group and Z is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; the reaction being carried out in a substantially anhydrous reaction mixture.