Abstract: The present invention provides a system and methodology for quantification of insurance risks from a variety of catastrophic events in one or more geographic locations. A probability distribution for a given catastrophic event is developed. A potential claim distribution of the given event is developed. A geographic distribution of an insurance company's issued policies related to the event is developed. Probabilistic models are built and stochastic simulations carried out to quantify the company's insurance risk due to the catastrophic event. The assessment may be in the form of expected insurance payout, a stated risk level and/or net income impact. Decisions can then be made, based on the invention results, to adjust the related policy premiums or to purchase third-party reinsurance protection against the catastrophic event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process by which a carboxylic acid/diol mixture is obtained from a carboxylic acid/solvent slurry without isolation of a substantially dry carboxylic acid solid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process by which a terephthalic acid/ethylene glycol mixture is obtained from a terephthalic acid/solvent slurry without isolation of a substantially dry terephthalic acid solid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of hydrogenating a polyester oligomer containing terephthalic acid residues wherein terephthalic acid residues are converted to residues of 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of polyesters containing 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid residues by first hydrogenating a polyester oligomer containing terephthalic acid residues and then reacting the resulting oligomer with one or more polyester-forming reactants to produce a higher molecular weight polyester.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to colorless toner compositions for overcoating a print having an ink jet ink image printed thereon. The colorless toner can comprise: a toner resin and at least two additives independently selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet absorbers, free radical inhibitors, thermal stabilizers, and combinations thereof, wherein the ratio of toner resin to total additive is from 1:1 to 99:1 by weight. The colorless toner can also be comprised of a charge control agent and/or a low-melt wax.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process to produce a purified carboxylic acid slurry. The process comprises removing impurities from a crystallized product in a solid liquid displacement zone to form the purified carboxylic acid slurry. The purified carboxylic acid slurry is further cooled in a cooling zone and subsequently filtered and dried in a filtration and drying zone. The process produces purified carboxylic acid product having good color and low impurity levels without the use of purification steps like hydrogenation or filtrate purge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process to produce a purified carboxylic acid slurry. The process comprises removing impurities from a crystallized product in a solid liquid displacement zone to form the purified carboxylic acid slurry. The process produces purified carboxylic acid slurry having good color and low impurity levels without the use of purification steps like hydrogenation or an impurity removal process.

Abstract: A method for backup a wireless area network is disclosed. The wireless area network has a main connecting device and a backup connection device. The settings of the main connecting device and parameters inputted by the system manager and stored in the main connecting device are backup in the backup connection device. The backup settings and parameters of the backup connection device is adjustable to be the same as or different from those the main connecting device. The method comprises the steps of a system diagnostic and testing procedure, a system parameter modification procedure, a system sleep and awake procedure, and a system alert procedure. Thereby, the settings and parameters of a wireless area network can be backup for avoiding the wireless area network to shutdown. Thereby, the wireless area network is used safely.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to colorless toner compositions for overcoating a print having an ink jet ink image printed thereon. The colorless toner can comprise: a toner resin and at least two additives independently selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet absorbers, free radical inhibitors, thermal stabilizers, and combinations thereof, wherein the ratio of toner resin to total additive is from 1:1 to 99:1 by weight. The colorless toner can also be comprised of a charge control agent and/or a low-melt wax.

Abstract: A wireless network access facility includes one or more IEEE frequency devices, one or more multi-function actuating devices, and a processor device which includes a control device coupled to the IEEE frequency devices for determining a single or a multi-frequency mode, and a transmitting device coupled to the control device for checking identifications of users. An organizing device may be used for selectively operating various modes. A frequency control device may be used for converting frequencies and for transmitting with different frequencies.

Abstract: In this invention, a process is provided by which a carboxylic acid/diol mixture suitable as starting material for a polyester production is obtained from a decolorized carboxylic acid solution without isolation of a substantially dry carboxylic acid solid. More specifically, in this invention, a process is provided by which a terephthalic acid/ethylene glycol mixture suitable as starting material for a polyester production is obtained from a decolorized terephthalic acid solution without isolation of a substantially dry terephthalic acid solid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the recovery of crystalline terephthalic acid containing less than about 150 ppmw p-toluic acid by subjecting a solution of terephthalic acid containing minor amounts of p-toluic acid to crystallization in a crystallization zone comprising a plurality of series-connected crystallizers wherein the solution is subjected to rate-controlled evaporative cooling by sequential reduction in pressure and temperature to cause crystallization of terephthalic acid, wherein the pressure of the solution at the end of the crystallization zone is about ambient pressure or less. Solvent which is evaporated from the crystallizers is collected and condensed and the condensed solvent is returned to the crystallization zone at a point subsequent to the crystallizer from which it was obtained.

Abstract: A method for preventing an interference of a remote device by close-by remote devices includes a number of channels disposed in the remote device, and detecting and determining which of the channels have been used by the close-by remote devices, and which of the channels are unused. The remote device may then select either of the unused channels as a working channel, for preventing the signals or the beacons emitted by the unused working channel of the remote device from being interfered by those emitted from the close-by remote devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of hydrogenating a polyester oligomer containing terephthalic acid residues wherein terephthalic acid residues are converted to residues of 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of polyesters containing 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid residues by first hydrogenating a polyester oligomer containing terephthalic acid residues and then reacting the resulting oligomer with one or more polyester-forming reactants to produce a higher molecular weight polyester.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to colorless toner compositions for overcoating a print having an ink jet ink image printed thereon. The colorless toner can comprise: a toner resin and at least two additives independently selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet absorbers, free radical inhibitors, thermal stabilizers, and combinations thereof, wherein the ratio of toner resin to total additive is from 1:1 to 99:1 by weight. The colorless toner can also be comprised of a charge control agent and/or a low-melt wax.

Abstract: A novel gate structure and a method of forming the same for a self-aligned contact on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes forming a gate oxide layer on the semiconductor substrate. Then a first conductive layer is formed on the gate oxide layer. Next, a second conductive layer, preferably a refractory metal silicide (e.g. WSix), is formed overlying the first conductive layer. A capping layer is formed overlying the second conductive layer. Then the capping layer is etched to form a patterned capping layer having a lower outside corner. An upper portion of the second conductive layer is selectively dry etched laterally to form a lateral recess under the capping layer to increase etch margin. A lower portion of the second conductive layer is then etched anisotropically down to the first conductive layer along a sidewall approximately vertically aligned with the lower outside corner of the patterned capping layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for the continuous production of aromatic carboxylic acids by the liquid-phase oxidation of an alkyl aromatic compound with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of oxidation catalyst which results in reduced wastewater generation, reduced condensing capacity requirements, and, optionally, increased power recovery, and. The process effectively utilizes the heat of reaction in the process of removing excess water generated from the reaction and minimizes the loss of solvent used as the carrier for the reaction catalyst by removing reactor off-gas directly into a water removal column for distillation. A portion of the overhead aqueous vapors are removed from the top of the water removal column as a vapor distillate, with the remaining overhead aqueous vapors being condensed then subsequently refluxed to the fractionating zone of the water removal column.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the recovery of crystalline terephthalic acid containing less than about 150 ppmw p-toluic acid by subjecting a solution of terephthalic acid containing minor amounts of p-toluic acid to crystallization in a crystallization zone comprising a plurality of series-connected crystallizers wherein the solution is subjected to rate-controlled evaporative cooling by sequential reduction in pressure and temperature to cause crystallization of terephthalic acid, wherein the pressure of the solution at the end of the crystallization zone is about ambient pressure or less. Solvent which is evaporated from the crystallizers is collected and condensed and the condensed solvent is returned to the crystallization zone at a point subsequent to the crystallizer from which it was obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for the continuous production of aromatic carboxylic acids by the liquid-phase oxidation of an alkyl aromatic compound with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of oxidation catalyst which results in reduced wastewater generation, reduced condensing capacity requirements, and, optionally, increased power recovery, and. The process effectively utilizes the heat of reaction in the process of removing excess water generated from the reaction and minimizes the loss of solvent used as the carrier for the reaction catalyst by removing reactor off-gas directly into a water removal column for distillation. A portion of the overhead aqueous vapors are removed from the top of the water removal column as a vapor distillate, with the remaining overhead aqueous vapors being condensed then subsequently refluxed to the fractionating zone of the water removal column.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of terephthalic acid by a plurality of process steps including the catalyst oxidation of a dialkylbenzene compound, a second oxidation, a hydrogenation of the product of the second oxidation, and crystallization of the hydrogenation terephthalic acid using a plurality of series-connected crystallizers.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to colorless toner compositions for overcoating a print having an ink jet ink image printed thereon. The colorless toner can comprise: a toner resin and at least two additives independently selected from the group consisting of ultraviolet absorbers, free radical inhibitors, thermal stabilizers, and combinations thereof, wherein the ratio of toner resin to total additive is from 1:1 to 99:1 by weight. The colorless toner can also be comprised of a charge control agent and/or a low-melt wax.