Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for the production of tertiary butyl esters by the reaction of a ketene and tertiary butyl alcohol containing a finite concentration of water. The process may be carried out in an absorber reactor with continuous recovery and purification of products by distillation. This process provides high-purity tertiary butyl acetate without the production of unwanted by-products found in many strong acid catalyzed processes.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in a fencing game. The apparatus contains optical electronics disposed in an internal space. The optical electronics operate to emit light, detect optical signals and provide electrical signals corresponding to detected optical signals. A transmitter is provided for transmitting the electrical signals to a first location for displaying a number of touches obtained by a user of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a blade attached to the handle having a base portion coupled to the optical electronics, a translucent tip portion, and a conduit between the base portion and the translucent tip, for conveying light between the translucent tip portion and the optical electronics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for the production of tertiary butyl esters by the reaction of a ketene and tertiary butyl alcohol containing a finite concentration of water. The process may be carried out in an absorber reactor with continuous recovery and purification of products by distillation. This process provides high-purity tertiary butyl acetate without the production of unwanted by-products found in many strong acid catalyzed processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for the production of 3,4-diacetoxy-1-butene (DAcB) by the reaction of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (EpB) with acetic anhydride (Ac.sub.2 O) in the presence of potassium acetate (KOAc) wherein the KOAc is formed in situ by contacting EpB, acetic anhydride and a potassium salt selected from potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium hydroxide or a mixture of any two or more thereof at elevated temperatures.