Abstract: This invention is a process modification to enable maximization of benzene production from intermediate refinery streams and virgin condensate or other streams having benzene precursors. The modified process or a unique sequence of refinery units also concentrates benzene and xylene precursors if so desired. This concentrated precursor stream is processed by a specific low severity, high yield naphtha reformer. The modified process results in maximizing benzene or xylene volume and reducing overall operating costs especially for refineries producing aromatics and high quality gasoline simultaneously and producing additional benzene from toluene.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit on a semiconductor wafer is provided. The semiconductor wafer has complete die and partial die areas thereon. Functional circuit patterns are formed in a plurality of the complete die areas. The thermal absorption properties of the semiconductor wafer are tuned by forming differing patterns in a plurality of the partial die areas.

Abstract: A process for the production of catalyst coated membranes, especially catalyst coated membranes for use in fuel cells, that includes applying followed by drying of an electrocatalyst coating composition, a polymeric disopersion and a second electrocatalyst coating composition onto the surface of a temporary substrate, followed by separation of the temporary substrate.

Abstract: This invention monetizes bitumen reserves utilizing proven refining processes to ultimately produce, primarily, high quality refined oil products. At the same time, a unique operating sequence and mode of operation produces precursors, the primary building blocks, for the petrochemical, fertilizer and energy co-products markets. Essentially, in producing refined oil products, the feedstock requirements of associated industries are satisfied in such a manner that the integration of these entities produces a higher rate of return for the combined entity than the sum of each of the individual entities. Furthermore, the process is tailored with broad functionality as to be able to “dial for profit” dependent upon the agreed upon business for the integrated facility specific to a certain geographical area.

Abstract: An electronic ballast system controls one or more ballasts of HID or fluorescent lamps, which are controlled in an “on/off” manner by a ultra low power controller that is isolated for a primary power circuit or derives its very low switch power from the ballast itself. The on/off control provides a near lossless control system. This system may be applied to electronic ballast for operates at fractional power levels corresponding to different lighting intensities and with conventional occupancy sensors. The system may also be applied to other electronically compatible end-use devices and applications.

Abstract: The disclosed roller switch has a roller, a flag arm, and a photoelectric detector. The roller is connected to the flag arm and vertical movement of the roller causes the flag arm to move. The movement of the flag arm causes the photoelectric detector to send a signal. The signal may be used to measure the length of a material passing under the roller. The inventive roller switch has a pair of flag arms, and the roller is mounted on a shaft extending between the pair of flag arms. By providing a pair of flag arms connected by the roller, the roller switch is more robust and durable. The roller switch is also capable of pivoting across a conveyor belt.

Abstract: A semiconductor device formed on a semiconductor substrate having an active region and a method of making the same is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a dielectric layer interposed between a gate electrode and the semiconductor substrate. Further, the semiconductor device includes graded dielectric constant spacers formed on sidewalls of the dielectric layer, sidewalls of the gate electrode and portions of an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate. The dielectric constant of the graded dielectric constant spacers decreases in a direction away from the sidewalls of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: The invention provides chain extenders made from epoxy-functional (meth)acrylic monomers and styrenic and/or (meth)acrylic monomers. The invention further provides polymeric compositions made from the chain extenders and plastic articles made from the compositions. Finally, the invention provides methods of using the chain extenders to improve the properties of virgin, recycled, and reprocessed condensation polymers.

Abstract: Methods for modulating apoptosis by administering a phosphatidic acid compound are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermal reactions performed at rapid transient temperatures, and a furnace (1) able to perform such reactions. The method and the furnace may suitably be applied to perform reactions between reactants where significant losses normally occur at certain transient temperatures or temperature ranges. One practical application of the present invention relates to a carbothermic method for producing Refractory Hard Metal powders, such as borides, nitrides and carbides, and a furnace designed for the performance of the method. In accordance with this method Refractory Hard Metal powders, such as boride powders can be produced with reduced loss of reactants such as C and B2O3. This can be achieved by rapid heating of the mixture containing the reactants in a critical temperature range.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel compounds which are useful in the modulation of endogenous growth hormone levels in a mammal. The invention further relates to novel intermediates for use in the synthesis of said compounds, as well as novel processes employed in these syntheses. Also included are methods of treating a mammal which include the administration of said compounds.

Abstract: A method for the production of catalyst coated membranes, especially catalyst coated membranes for use in fuel cells, includes raised relief printing a catalyst coating composition (11) onto the surface of an ion exchange membrane (16) to form at least one electrode layer.

Abstract: A collapsible mechanism for molding the bead of a tire includes a series of sectors configured for radial and diagonal movement to selectively apply a continuous, uniform surface for molding and shaping the bead. The sectors collapse into a retracted, release position to allow for placement of the tire within and removal of the tire from the mold.

Abstract: A mercury capsule for use in a fluorescent lamp comprises a shell defining a chamber and a bore extending through the shell. A body of mercury is disposed in the chamber. A plug is disposed in the bore to seal the bore. The plug exhibits a melting point reached in manufacture of the fluorescent lamp, to melt from the bore to open an exit passageway for the mercury. A method for making the capsule is provided.

Abstract: A device and method for making a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) structure having a leaky, thermally conductive material (LTCIM) layer disposed between a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor layer.

Abstract: An electronic ballast system controls one or more ballasts of HID or fluorescent lamps, which are controlled in an “on/off” manner by a ultra low power controller that is isolated for a primary power circuit or derives its very low switch power from the ballast itself. The on/off control provides a near lossless control system. This system may be applied to electronic ballast for operates at fractional power levels corresponding to different lighting intensities and with conventional occupancy sensors. The system may also be applied to other electronically compatible end-use devices and applications.

Abstract: An inlet bleed heater for flowing heated air to the inlet of a compressor is fabricated wholly at a factory site. The heater interconnects a manifold which receives extraction air from the compressor to down tubes in the inlet air duct to supply heated extraction air to the ambient inlet air via piping with bellows. The bellows accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the manifold and the down tubes. The pipe and bellows lie within the height envelope of the bleed heater, facilitating transportation of the heater on its side within overall height and width limitations permitted for road travel.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for a volatilizable material has a first member (14) that is substantially cup-shaped with a given diameter (X) and with a given depth (Z) and having a first peripheral flange (16) having a first diameter (D). A second member (18) has a second peripheral flange (20) with a second diameter (D2) greater than the given diameter (X). The first peripheral flange (16) and the second peripheral flange (20) are in intimate contact thereby defining a volatilizable material chamber (22) between the bottom (24) of the second member (18) and the bottom (26) of the first cup-shaped member (14). A volatilizable material (12) such as liquid mercury is placed in the chamber; and a hermetic seal (28) is formed between the first and second flanges. When installed in a fluorescent lamp the volatilizable material is released by heating the dispenser with RF current. The material is released when the vapor pressure within the dispenser reaches about 20 atmospheres.

Abstract: A metal stock bending device comprises a main body arranged to be secured to a suitable support structure and a handle assembly mounted to the main body on a shaft having a substantially vertical axis arranged such that the handle rotates on the shaft about the axis. The body is arranged to support an interchangeable die on the shaft. The handle is arranged to support an interchangeable shaper die having an axis parallel to the shaft axis positioned on the handle such that the shaper die is arranged to follow a path of a circle about the shaft axis. A block assembly arranged to support a metal stock to the die. Movement of the shaper die about the die on the shaft engages the metal stock supported by the block assembly such that the rotation of the handle forces the stock to take the shape of the die.

Abstract: An inlet bleed heater for flowing heated air to the inlet of a compressor is fabricated wholly at a factory site. The heater interconnects a manifold which receives extraction air from the compressor to down tubes in the inlet air duct to supply heated extraction air to the ambient inlet air via piping with bellows. The bellows accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the manifold and the down tubes. The pipe and bellows lie within the height envelope of the bleed heater, facilitating transportation of the heater on its side within overall height and width limitations permitted for road travel.