Abstract: The present invention relates to development of stationary phases and preparation of extraction columns having substantially improved capacity (i.e., amount of material purified per single chromatographic run) for lab scale to industrial scale extraction chromatographic separation, from small scale to industrial scale, of rare earth elements (REEs) and the platinum group metals (PGMs). More specifically the invention relates to preparation of stationary phases and extraction columns for extraction of REEs or PGMs as a group from containing matrices of typical REE or PGM feedstock and separation and purification of individual REEs or PGMs from each other.

Abstract: A portable ionization unit for attachment to an overhead airflow nozzle is disclosed. The ionization unit includes a housing. A rechargeable self-contained ionizer is positioned inside the housing. The housing is attachable to the overhead airflow nozzle. Once the ionization unit is attached to the overhead airflow nozzle, a dome of bipolar ionized air is created above the seated passenger.

Abstract: This invention relates to a matrix particle, comprising: (i) a matrix material, wherein said matrix material is capable of fully or partially altering its physical/chemical characteristics; (ii) at least one susceptor component, wherein said at least one susceptor component is embedded in said matrix material; and (iii) at least one releasable ingredient, wherein said at least one releasable ingredient is capable of impacting a chemical reaction is embedded in said matrix material; wherein said at least one susceptor component is capable of thermal activation through radiofrequency or microwave radiation. This invention also relates to remote thermal activation or heating of such susceptor component within the matrix material such that a releasable ingredient in proximity to the susceptor component is activated or released from, or in proximity to, the matrix to perform its function, for example in conducting chemical reactions such as polymerizations.

Abstract: A submersible fishing apparatus that contains one or more cavities along the fascia of its body, each said cavity comprising a temporary individual housing for bait or fish-attracting material (including such bait as ‘stink bait’), so that a fisherman may easily apply and refresh the bait/attractant between uses, thus allowing a fisherman to easily attract fish with minor effort. The apparatus includes jigs, lures, weights, sinkers, etc.

Abstract: A submersible fishing apparatus that contains one or more cavities along the fascia of its body, each said cavity comprising a temporary individual housing for bait or fish-attracting material (including such bait as ‘stink bait’), so that a fisherman may easily apply and refresh the bait/attractant between uses, thus allowing a fisherman to easily attract fish with minor effort. The apparatus includes jigs, lures, weights, sinkers, etc.

Abstract: A food display system for display food items on a table includes a cart having a tray storage recess in either side thereof, a bin storage area in a top side thereof, and a bin holder storage recess in a rear side thereof. A plurality of nestable trays are each storable in the at least one tray storage recess of each side of the cart. A plurality of bins are each storable in the bin storage area of the top of the cart. A plurality of nestable bin holders are each adapted for displaying at least one of the bins while resting on one of the tables. In a deployed configuration, the cart is positioned in front of the table, and each of the bin holders is placed on the table and each holding at least one of the bins which display the food items.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the identification, recruitment, enrollment, and scoring of influential members of social groups are provided. One or more consumer events is monitored and analyzed by an event server. Data from these consumer events is then passed through standard and custom event models. Using these event models, a holistic social networking score is computed for each consumer using a set of standard and custom scoring rules. The holistic score may be used to compare individual consumers within a target market group and create a consumer marketing panel with a high degree of social networking value. The consumer marketing panels may then be segmented and used in various marketing campaigns. Value assessments for consumers may be validated and refined continuously or periodically using participation data from a series of artificial or actual marketing campaign events.

Abstract: A utility knife includes a body having a groove adapted to receive a blade. The groove has a plurality of tabs defined on at least a first side. The utility knife also includes a slide assembly device positioned in the body for sliding movement with respect to the body. The slide assembly device includes a housing with a first engaging member having a first protrusion and a second engaging member having a second protrusion releasably engaged with the tabs. The slide assembly device also includes a rocker attached to the housing that is operatively connected to at least one of the engaging members. The rocker is operable for disengaging the first protrusion or second protrusion with respect to the tabs. Disengaging one of the first and second protrusions by the rocker allows sliding movement of the slide assembly device with respect to the body.