Abstract: A process for preparing cyclic dehydration products from sugar alcohols is described. The process involve using a mixed-acid catalyst reaction mixture containing a reducing acid, having a pKa of about 1.0-1.5, and at least a strong Brønsted acid or a Lewis acid, having a pKa?0, or both acids in a solution to dehydrate and ring close said sugar alcohol. Synergistically, the mixed-acid catalysis can produce greater amounts of the desired product at similar levels of compositional accountability than either of the component acid catalysts acting alone.

Abstract: A compaction device for use with an automated fiber placement machine includes multiple compaction rollers mounted for independent displacement on a supporting frame. The attitude of the compaction rollers change relative to each other when fiber tows are laid up at an angle over an edge of a tool in order to maintain compaction pressure on the tows and thereby reduce non-compacted areas of the tows.

Abstract: A heat sink for a directional recessed lighting fixture, comprises a wedge-shaped rotatable inner heat sink 110 configured to fit within a hollow interior of an outer heat sink 130. The inner heat sink has an opening 120, for transmission of light from a light source 125 it houses. The inner heat sink includes a gimbal shaft 115 pivotally mounted to an inside wall 132 of the outer heat sink. The inner heat sink has a vertical surface 112 formed on one side, which is close to inside wall 132, when rotated in one direction (FIG. 1A) to direct light in a first direction. The inner heat sink has an angularly offset surface 114 formed on an opposite side, which is close to the inside wall, when rotated in an opposite direction (FIG. 1B) to direct light in a second direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making HMF or a derivative of HMF by dehydrating one or more hexose sugars in a reduced oxygen environment. In another, related aspect, a method for improving the stability and resistance to degradation of an HMF product involves adding one or more antioxidants to the HMF product.

Abstract: Reduced color epoxidized fatty acid esters are provided which may be used as primary plasticizers for PVC, in replacement of phthalate plasticizers. The reduced color epoxidized fatty acid esters are prepared from natural fats or oils by transesterification and interesterification processes, whereby through the use of borohydride, materials having Pt—Co colors according to ASTM D1209 on the order of 50 and lower are possible.

Abstract: An interactive container creation method, apparatus and system. The method includes creating a list, deploying the list to at least one device, calibrating and identifying touch areas, identifying at least one of an asset and a shape to be defined as a touch area, identifying the x,y axis of each point for a predetermined number of points for each of the at least one of asset or shape, and creating a touch area based of the identified x,y axis.

Abstract: A recessed light fixture can include a movably adjustable light source and a thermal management system that includes a movable first heat sink, and a second heat sink. The first heat sink is thermally coupled to the adjustable light source, and is connected to move with the adjustable light source. The first heat sink includes a plurality of spaced apart first thermally conductive elements, such as fins. The second heat sink includes a plurality of spaced apart second thermally conductive elements, such as fins, which are interlaced between the first thermally conductive elements of the first heat sink. The interlaced thermally conductive elements increase surface area and heat transfer pathway(s) between the two heat sinks, while reducing physical contact, and thus friction, therebetween when movably adjusting the light source.

Abstract: A process is described for the acid-catalyzed dehydration of a sugar alcohol, wherein the catalyst comprises a water-tolerant Lewis acid. In particular embodiments, the catalyst comprises a homogeneous water-tolerant Lewis acid, especially a homogeneous Lewis acid selected from the group consisting of bismuth (III) triflate, gallium (III) triflate, scandium (III) triflate, aluminum triflate, tin (II) triflate and indium (III) triflate. Such catalysts are effective for dehydrating both of sorbitol and the 1,4-sorbitan dehydration precursor of isosorbide, and bismuth (III) triflate particularly is beneficial for dehydrating mannitol to isomannide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making HMF or a derivative of HMF by dehydrating one or more hexose sugars in a reduced oxygen environment. In another, related aspect, a method for improving the stability and resistance to degradation of an HMF product involves adding one or more antioxidants to the HMF product.

Abstract: A recessed lighting optical holder for a recessed lighting fixture, comprises a retainer 100 having a generally annular shape, including a resilient snap projection 105 formed on an inner circumference and resilient beam 130 supported at both ends on an outer circumference. The beam slides into engagement with a heat sink extension 122 on a bottom portion of a circular heat sink 110, when a top surface of the retainer is positioned against a bottom portion of the heat sink and the retainer is rotated with respect to the heat sink, to lock the retainer to the heat sink. An optic 120 has a generally conical shape, with a bottom portion surrounded by circular lip 125 that snaps into holding engagement with the snap of the retainer, to positively retain the optic. The holder is relatively simple to manufacture and is conveniently accessible for installation and occasional maintenance or replacement.

Abstract: A process for preparing cyclic dehydration products from sugar alcohols is described. The process involve using a mixed-acid catalyst reaction mixture containing a reducing acid, having a pKa of about 1.0-1.5, and at least a strong Brønsted acid or a Lewis acid, having a pKa?0, or both acids in a solution to dehydrate and ring close said sugar alcohol. Synergistically, the mixed-acid catalysis can produce greater amounts of the desired product at similar levels of compositional accountability than either of the component acid catalysts acting alone.

Abstract: A method and system for creating permanent lesions in an area of target tissue, such as tissue at or proximate a junction between a pulmonary vein and the left atrium. The method may generally include positioning a medical device in contact with a pulmonary vein ostium, ablating the tissue, and recording a plurality of temperature measurements from one or more of three temperature sensors. The device may include an occlusion element in communication with a coolant source, a first sensor located distal of the occlusion element, a second sensor located proximal of the occlusion element, and a third sensor located in the occlusion element. One or more temperature measurements may be compared with each other to assess occlusion of the pulmonary vein, and/or may be compared with a set of reference temperatures to predict a real-time temperature within the target tissue.

Abstract: A method for acid-catalyzed acylation of an isohexide is described. The method can enable direct alcohol acylation with carboxylic acids. In particular, the method involves reacting an isohexide and an excess of carboxylic acid, in the presence of a water-tolerant Lewis acid catalyst. Water-tolerant Lewis acid catalysts can furnish relatively high diester yields (e.g., ?55%-60%) at lower catalyst loads. This feature, among others, is highly desirable for cost savings, and can improve process economics.

Abstract: A lighting mount assembly and method are disclosed to mount a recessed light fixture in an opening in a wall. The lighting mount assembly includes a mounting frame, and at least two adjustable brackets which are movable relative to the mounting frame. The mounting frame and the brackets cooperate to clamp a portion of the wall from opposing sides. Each of the brackets also includes a resilient member, such as a leg spring, which can be engaged to and disengaged from a portion of a light fixture, such as a groove, to hold or release the recessed light fixture in the wall opening.

Abstract: A motion detection and interpretation system comprising a camera plus an infrared transmitter/receiver paired with a single reflective surface that records image data from two vantage points. The camera is connected to a computer and a display screen. The system creates a virtual touch screen for interaction with the display screen. The components of the system can be protected behind a transparent barrier while the virtual touch screen is provided for user interaction thus preventing user interference with, deterring vandalism and theft of, and prolonging the usable life of the equipment. In addition to finite hand movements detected by the virtual touch screen, the system can also simultaneously perform facial recognition and body movement recognition. The system is capable of interpreting multi-touch inputs. All recognitions are defined in the computer to carry out preprogrammed responses.

Abstract: Video clips are generated from a sequence of video data for delivery and playback on demand. Each clip (101, 102, 103) is identified by an event marker (1) and a pre/post event ratio (PPER). The pre/post event ratio determines the relative duration of the clip before and after the element defined by the event marker. In response to a request for video clip data, identified with reference to the event marker (1), the discrete elements (1, 2, 3, 12) of video data making up each clip are allocated to a sequence starting with the element associated with the event marker (1) and following in an order (2, 3, 4, etc) determined by the pre/post event ratio. This allows clips having different durations but having the same PPER to be transmitted to different receivers dependant on channel capacity or reliability.

Abstract: A Grill including one or more of: (a) Dispenser; (b) Fire Access Door; (c) Cooking Grid Elevator; (d) Ceramic Heat Deflector; (e) Secondary Cooking Grid; and (f) Ceramic Flange as possible components. The Dispenser may include a port opening in the side of the grill sealed by a cap. A Dispenser is adapted for insertion into the port opening and includes a supply shaft. The Dispenser may include a follower rod adapted to advance wood chips or other cooking or smoking mater along the supply shaft. The Fire Access Door is a moving portion of the grids that is hinged via a pivot rod. The Cooking Grid Elevator serves as a raiser bracket that elevates the grids from the surface position of the fire ring. The Ceramic Heat Deflector may also be placed atop the fire ring. The Secondary Cooking Grid may be placed atop the primary cooking grids of the grill thus creating additional grid surface area. The Ceramic Flange, a feature provided by the grill's molding, is located at the top of the grill's ceramic base portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making HMF or a derivative of HMF by dehydrating one or more hexose sugars in a reduced oxygen environment. In another, related aspect, a method for improving the stability and resistance to degradation of an HMF product involves adding one or more antioxidants to the HMF product.

Abstract: A compaction device for use with an automated fiber placement machine includes multiple compaction rollers mounted for independent displacement on a supporting frame. The attitude of the compaction rollers change relative to each other when fiber tows are laid up at an angle over an edge of a tool in order to maintain compaction pressure on the tows and thereby reduce non-compacted areas of the tows.

Abstract: A method and system for creating permanent lesions in an area of target tissue, such as tissue at or proximate a junction between a pulmonary vein and the left atrium. The method may generally include positioning a medical device in contact with a pulmonary vein ostium, ablating the tissue, and recording a plurality of temperature measurements from one or more of three temperature sensors. The device may include an occlusion element in communication with a coolant source, a first sensor located distal of the occlusion element, a second sensor located proximal of the occlusion element, and a third sensor located in the occlusion element. One or more temperature measurements may be compared with each other to assess occlusion of the pulmonary vein, and/or may be compared with a set of reference temperatures to predict a real-time temperature within the target tissue.