Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of a poly(arylether sulfone) polymer comprising reacting in a solvent mixture comprising a polar aprotic solvent and in the presence of an alkali metal carbonate, a monomer mixture which contains: at least one 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol selected from the group consisting of isosorbide (1), isomannide (2) and isoidide (3); at least one dihaloaryl compound of formula (S): X—Ar1—SO2—[Ar2—(T-Ar3)n—SO2]m—Ar4—X wherein n and m, equal to or different from each other, are independently zero or an integer of 1 to 5; X and X?, equal to or different from each other, are halogens selected from F, Cl, Br, I; each of Ar1, Ar2, Ar3 and Ar4 equal to or different from each other and at each occurrence, is an aromatic moiety, T is a bond or a divalent group optionally comprising one or more than one heteroatom; optionally, at least one dihydroxyl compound different from the diol (AA); optionally, at least one dihaloaryl compound different from the dihalo (BB); and optionally, at least one hydroxyl

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of a poly(arylether sulfone)polymer comprising reacting in a solvent mixture comprising a polar aprotic solvent and in the presence of an alkali metal carbonate, a monomer mixture which contains: at least one 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol selected from the group consisting of isosorbide (1), isomannide (2) and isoidide (3); at least one dihaloaryl compound of formula (S): X—Ar1—SO2—[Ar2—(T-Ar3)n—SO2]m—Ar4—X??formula (S) wherein n and m, equal to or different from each other, are independently zero or an integer of 1 to 5; X and X?, equal to or different from each other, are halogens selected from F, Cl, Br, I; each of Ar1, Ar2, Ar3 and Ar4 equal to or different from each other and at each occurrence, is an aromatic moiety, T is a bond or a divalent group optionally comprising one or more than one heteroatom; optionally, at least one dihydroxyl compound different from the diol (AA); optionally, at least one dihaloaryl compound different from the dihalo (BB); and optionally, at leas

Abstract: 2-substituted benzimidazoles and methods of preparing the same are disclosed. The compositions may include a compound or salt thereof, an acid, and a polar aprotic solvent. The compositions may be used to inhibit corrosion of a metal surface in contact with an aqueous system, and provide enhanced protection against corrosion of metals in the aqueous system.

Abstract: An apparatus, comprising a first platform comprising a first working surface having a first non-planar portion; and a second platform comprising a second working surface having a second non-planar portion, wherein: the second working surface is opposite the first working surface, a distance between the first working surface and the second working surface is adjustable, the first non-planar portion comprises a first curved portion, and the second non-planar portion comprises a second curved portion opposite the first curved portion.

Abstract: An apparatus, comprising a first platform comprising a first working surface having a first non-planar portion; and a second platform comprising a second working surface having a second non-planar portion, wherein: the second working surface is opposite the first working surface, a distance between the first working surface and the second working surface is adjustable, the first non-planar portion comprises a first curved portion, and the second non-planar portion comprises a second curved portion opposite the first curved portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optoelectronic sensor used with light curtains for monitoring a sensing field. The optoelectronic sensor includes at least one optical unit having at least one radiation emitting element and at least one radiation receiving element and a control unit for processing an output signal generated by said radiation receiving element and for generating a defined sensor signal based on the output signal. The optical unit has a diagnostic unit including a monitoring unit operable to monitor at least one parameter indicative of an operational status of the optical unit. The diagnostic unit includes a processing unit operable to generate a communication signal indicative of said operational status, and the diagnostic unit is arranged in a separately housed, detachable plug-in module. The processing unit comprises a wireless communication interface for wirelessly receiving and transmitting communication signals.

Abstract: Improved sparge compositions for reverse froth flotation separation and uses thereof, and improved methods of reverse froth flotation are described. Described are sparge compositions comprising collectors and beneficiating agents, the collectors comprising sulfonated fatty acids and/or salts thereof, and the beneficiating agents comprising a hydroxy fatty acid composition. The sparge compositions are suitably used in the reverse froth flotation to separate phosphate beneficiary from ores comprising phosphate and dolomite, calcite, silicate, and/or other gangues. The disclosed compositions and methods exhibit improved separation of phosphate from such ores.

Abstract: A housing for an industrial sensor comprises integral U-shaped pockets configured to engage with attachment features of a complementary mounting bracket. The bracket comprises an overhang feature on a second end and a snap feature on an opposing first end. The housing can be mounted to the bracket by inserting a mounting boss formed within one of the U-shaped pockets underneath the overhang feature of the bracket, and pressing the housing against the bracket to cause the snap feature to engage with another mounting boss formed in the other U-shaped pocket. These mounting features allow the housing to be mounted easily and quickly without the use for additional tools. The housing can also be quickly removed from the bracket by pressing an extended tab near the snap feature to facilitate disengagement of the housing from the bracket.

Abstract: A housing for an industrial sensor comprises integral U-shaped pockets configured to engage with attachment features of a complementary mounting bracket. The bracket comprises an overhang feature on a second end and a snap feature on an opposing first end. The housing can be mounted to the bracket by inserting a mounting boss formed within one of the U-shaped pockets underneath the overhang feature of the bracket, and pressing the housing against the bracket to cause the snap feature to engage with another mounting boss formed in the other U-shaped pocket. These mounting features allow the housing to be mounted easily and quickly without the use for additional tools. The housing can also be quickly removed from the bracket by pressing an extended tab near the snap feature to facilitate disengagement of the housing from the bracket.

Abstract: The invention provides conjugate-based antifungal or antibacterial prodrugs formed by coupling at least one antifungal agent or antibacterial agent with at least one linker and/or carrier. The prodrugs are of formula: (i) (AFA)m-X-(L)n; (ii) [(AFA)m?-X]p-L; (iii) AFA-[X-(L)n?]q; or (iv) (AFA)m?-X, wherein: AFA is an antifungal agent or an antibacterial agent; L is a carrier; X is a linker; m ranges from 1 to 10; n ranges from 2 to 10; m? is 1 to 10; p is 1 to 10; n? is 1 to 10; and q is 1 to 10, provided that q? and n are not both 1; and m? is 1 to 10. The invention also provides nonaparticles comprising the conjugate-based prodrugs. Additionally, the invention also provides non-conjugated antifungal and antibacterial agents in the form of nanoparticles.

Abstract: A system for monetizing deployment of building management software configured to operate an HVAC device includes one or more processors coupled to non-transitory memory. The one or more processors are configured to create a service task for a field technician including information identifying the building management software to be installed on an end device. The one or more processors are further configured to generate a unique product key and attach the unique product key to the service task, transmit the service task to a field technician platform configured to be accessed by the field technician, validate bound data received from the field technician platform, the bound data comprising end device fingerprint information and the unique product key. The one or more processors are further configured to generate a license file configured to complete installation of the building management software.

Abstract: The invention provides conjugate-based antifungal or antibacterial prodrugs formed by coupling at least one anti-fungal agent or antibacterial agent with at least one linker and/or carrier. The prodrugs are of formula: (i) (AFA)m-X-(L)n; (ii) [(AFA)m?-X]p-L; (iii) AFA-[X-(L)n?]q; or (iv) (AFA)m?-X, wherein: AFA is an antifungal agent or an antibacterial agent; L is a carrier; X is a linker; m ranges from 1 to 10; n ranges from 2 to 10; m? is 1 to 10; p is 1 to 10; n? is 1 to 10; and q is 1 to 10, provided that q? and n are not both 1; and m? is 1 to 10. The invention also provides nanoparticles comprising the conjugate-based prodrugs. Additionally, the invention also provides non-conjugated antifungal and antibacterial agents in the form of nanoparticles.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein relate to data processing, in particular with regard to a rule-based data processing engine. Such a rule-based data processing engine is employed in various embodiments to apply rules to customer data to generate offers of systems and programs, such as credit card and customer loyalty offerings, that achieve desired goals of an offering entity. One embodiment includes identifying at least one program for which an individual qualifies based upon data of the individual in view of respective program qualification criteria. This method further includes determining, for each identified program, at least one variable parameter of the respective program based on a respective parameter rule. This method then transmits, via a network, representations of each of the identified programs with respective determined parameters for presentation within a user interface.

Abstract: A time-stamping layer is provided for time-stamping of events detected in an industrial safety system. The technique implemented by the time-stamping layer uses autonomous device counters and simple arithmetic to label detected events (e.g., safety switching events) with accurate time-stamps without the need to synchronize clocks of the individual safety input devices and safety relay on the safety circuit. In some embodiments, the time-stamping technique is implemented in a single-wire safety system architecture that yields reliable safety device monitoring without the need for dual redundant signal channels.

Abstract: A laser-weldable composition and method using the same, said composition comprising at least one amorphous polyamide made from the polycondensation of at least an acyclic aliphatic diamine comprising at least 10 carbon atoms and/or at least an acyclic aliphatic diacid comprising at least 10 carbon atoms, and at least a phthalic acid selected from the group consisting of terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid, at least one flat glass fiber; and at least one organic dye which absorbs radiation at a wavelength from 800 to 1400 nm.

Abstract: A single-wire safety system is provided that yields reliable safety device monitoring without the need for dual redundant signal channels. The safety system comprises a safety relay acting as a communications master device and one or more safety devices connected in series with the safety relay via a single-wire communication circuit. A smart tap device is used to interface safety devices that are not compliant with the single-wire protocol to the single-wire channel. The safety device or smart tap device farthest from the safety relay on the safety circuit modulates a safety signal with a recognizable pulse pattern that traverses the single-wire safety circuit to the safety relay via the intermediate safety devices or smart taps. The safety relay maintains safety mode as long as the pulse pattern is received and recognized. The architecture allows bi-directional communication of initialization, configuration, and diagnostic messages over the single-wire safety channel.

Abstract: A single-wire safety system architecture is provided that yields reliable safety device monitoring without the need for dual redundant signal channels. The safety system comprises a safety relay acting as a communications master device and one or more compatible safety devices connected in series with the safety relay via a single-wire communication circuit. The safety device farthest from the safety relay on the safety circuit modulates a safety signal with a recognizable pulse pattern that traverses the single-wire safety circuit to the safety relay via the intermediate safety devices. The safety relay maintains safety mode as long as the pulse pattern is received and recognized. The architecture allows bi-directional communication of initialization, configuration, and diagnostic messages over the single-wire safety channel, and can also allow safety devices to insert prognostic data into the safety signal in order to convey health information while the system is in normal operation mode.

Abstract: A single-wire safety system architecture is provided that yields reliable safety device monitoring without the need for dual redundant signal channels. The safety system comprises a safety relay acting as a communications master device and one or more compatible safety input devices connected in series with the safety relay via a single-wire communication circuit. The safety input device farthest from the safety relay on the safety circuit modulates a safety signal with a recognizable pulse pattern that traverses the single-wire safety circuit to the safety relay via the intermediate safety devices. The safety relay maintains safety mode as long as the pulse pattern is received and recognized. In addition to conveying the safety signal, the architecture allows bi-directional communication of initialization, configuration, and diagnostic messages over the single-wire safety channel.

Abstract: A modular connector system allows a user to configure physical and functional aspects of a sensor or electrical connector assembly to suit the requirements of a particular installation or application. A header module houses an electrical component, such as a photo sensor, a proximity switch, a safety sensor, etc. A variety of field modules and adapter modules are provided that can be selectively added to the header module to accommodate a wide range of applications. These field and adaptor modules can include power modules, communication modules, or other types of signal processing modules. The housings and electronics of the header, field, and adapter modules are designed such that the field and adapter modules can be rotated relative to the header module to suit physical environment of the connector's location.