Abstract: An improved process and catalyst are provided for making an FDCA diester monomer product with improved productivity compared to an autocatalyzed esterification but with comparable or at least not greatly diminished color properties compared to the FDCA diester monomer product that would be produced autocatalytically, wherein a heterogeneous tin (II) catalyst is employed to make an esterification product comprising a diester of FDCA with an alcohol, the catalyst being in either a bulk, unsupported form or in the form of a supported tin (II) catalyst, in particular, using a hygroscopic support such as a gamma alumina, a zeolite or a silica, or using a carbon support.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques that selectively recover Re from reductive amination catalysts. In particular, the present invention allows Re to be recovered selectively relative to Ni, Co, and/or Cu, and particularly Ni, that are often present on reductive amination catalysts. The present invention uses a combination of oxidation and extraction techniques to selectively recover Re relative to Ni, Co, and/or Cu. Advantageously, the recovery is selective even when using aqueous solutions for extraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides techniques that selectively recover Re from reductive amination catalysts. In particular, the present invention allows Re to be recovered selectively relative to Ni, Co, and/or Cu, and particularly Ni, that are often present on reductive amination catalysts. The present invention uses a combination of oxidation and extraction techniques to selectively recover Re relative to Ni, Co, and/or Cu. Advantageously, the recovery is selective even when using aqueous solutions for extraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods that are used to decolorize compositions containing one or more amines in the presence of one or more weak acids. Significantly, the weak acids, particularly organic acids such as glacial acetic acid, when used in combination with a heat treatment produce dramatically less by-products than do the stronger mineral acids, making heat treatments and subsequent separation techniques more effective while producing less waste. In some modes of practice, the weak acids do not need to be neutralized, eliminating neutralizing steps and waste streams associated with neutralization. Low color products can be obtained easily at very high yield as a consequence.

Abstract: Hybrid strategies generally involve treating biodegradable substrates with preservative compositions having at least two phases in which the metal biocide is distributed among at least the two phases and via equilibrium reactions moves between the two phases. Both phases are caused to contact the substrate in a manner so that the phases are in contact with each other during at least a portion of the treatment. In illustrative embodiments, the first phase is a liquid phase comprising complexed metal biocide dissolved in a liquid carrier, while the second phase comprises particles comprising the metal biocide, often precipitated and/or colloidal particles. The strategies and related compositions, processes, and treatments are hybrid in the sense that the strategies include both heterogeneous (insoluble) and homogeneous metal biocide constituents. Unlike heterogeneous strategies, hybrid strategies are less sensitive to particle size constraints and may use biocide particles with a wider range of particle sizes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods that are used to decolorize compositions containing one or more amines in the presence of one or more weak acids. Significantly, the weak acids, particularly organic acids such as glacial acetic acid, when used in combination with a heat treatment produce dramatically less by-products than do the stronger mineral acids, making heat treatments and subsequent separation techniques more effective while producing less waste. In some modes of practice, the weak acids do not need to be neutralized, eliminating neutralizing steps and waste streams associated with neutralization. Low color products can be obtained easily at very high yield as a consequence.

Abstract: Provided are rigid contact lenses having high oxygen permeability and methods to make the same. The rigid contact lenses comprise a polyacetylene. Also provided are methods of making rigid high oxygen permeability contact lenses.

Abstract: A method of transalkoxylation of nucleophilic compounds in which an alkoxylated and a nucleophilic compound are combined in a suitable vessel and reacted in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst under conditions capable of transferring at least one hydroxyalkyl group from the alkoxylated compound to the nucleophilic compound. The method is especially useful in the transalkoxylation of alkanolamines to transfer a hydroxyalkyl group from an alkanolamine having a greater number of hydroxyalkyl groups to an alkanolamine having a lesser number of hydroxyalkyl groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to post-treatment compositions and methods useful for modifying the distribution of metal biocide(s) in biodegradable substrates such as wood, other cellulosic products, starch-based products, and the like that are vulnerable to decay due to insects, fungi, microbes, and the like. The compositions include complexing agents of moderate strength that are able to facilitate mobilization and redistribution of metal biocide(s) in substrates without undue leaching. The compositions can be used, for example, to redistribute the metal biocide(s) into depleted regions of a substrate by redistribution of metal biocide from other regions of the substrate. Post-treatment compositions that include additional metal biocide can also replenish these regions with the freshly supplied, additional biocide. Thus, the depleted regions can be restored by redistribution and/or replenishment mechanisms. Service life of substrates in the field benefits by these post-treatments as a consequence.

Abstract: Strategies that dramatically reduce leaching of water-soluble metal-containing biocides from treated biodegradable products. Aqueous, preservative compositions of the present invention incorporate one or more water-soluble metal species having biocidal activity and one or more agents that increase the leaching resistance of these metal species when impregnated into biodegradable products. Using one or more of these agents allows usage rates of the biocide impregnants to be dramatically lowered at the time of impregnation of the products. Because less of the metal biocide leaches in the presence of these agent(s), less biocide has to be added in order to meet desired loading goals. Generally, an agent of the present invention that reduces leaching of metal biocides is water soluble, is substantially nonionic in aqueous media, has a molecular weight greater than about 100, and has a vapor pressure less than that of water at standard temperature.

Abstract: A wood preservative composition resulting from admixing components comprising: at least one preservative metal; a quaternary ammonium compound; at least 2 amine compounds; a pH reducing agent, and water, wherein the pH of the composition is from about 7.1 to less than 8.5. Surprisingly, this combination of materials results in a stable solution that can contain a moldicide yet have a commercially acceptable shelf life.

Abstract: A method of transalkoxylation of nucleophilic compounds in which an alkoxylated and a nucleophilic compound are combined in a suitable vessel and reacted in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst under conditions capable of transferring at least one hydroxyalkyl group from the alkoxylated compound to the nucleophilic compound. The method is especially useful in the transalkoxylation of alkanolamines to transfer a hydroxyalkyl group from an alkanolamine having a greater number of hydroxyalkyl groups to an alkanolamine having a lesser number of hydroxyalkyl groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to post-treatment compositions and methods useful for modifying the distribution of metal biocide(s) in biodegradable substrates such as wood, other cellulosic products, starch-based products, and the like that are vulnerable to decay due to insects, fungi, microbes, and the like. The compositions include complexing agents of moderate strength that are able to facilitate mobilization and redistribution of metal biocide(s) in substrates without undue leaching. The compositions can be used, for example, to redistribute the metal biocide(s) into depleted regions of a substrate by redistribution of metal biocide from other regions of the substrate. Post-treatment compositions that include additional metal biocide can also replenish these regions with the freshly supplied, additional biocide. Thus, the depleted regions can be restored by redistribution and/or replenishment mechanisms. Service life of substrates in the field benefits by these post-treatments as a consequence.

Abstract: Hybrid strategies generally involve treating biodegradable substrates with preservative compositions having at least two phases in which the metal biocide is distributed among at least the two phases and via equilibrium reactions moves between the two phases. Both phases are caused to contact the substrate in a manner so that the phases are in contact with each other during at least a portion of the treatment. In illustrative embodiments, the first phase is a liquid phase comprising complexed metal biocide dissolved in a liquid carrier, while the second phase comprises particles comprising the metal biocide, often precipitated and/or colloidal particles. The strategies and related compositions, processes, and treatments are hybrid in the sense that the strategies include both heterogeneous (insoluble) and homogeneous metal biocide constituents. Unlike heterogeneous strategies, hybrid strategies are less sensitive to particle size constraints and may use biocide particles with a wider range of particle sizes.

Abstract: A fence system for quickly establishing an outfield fence and possibly a back stop for a ball game uses a series of bases with a post receivable within each base. A section of tarp extends between adjacent posts such that clips are attached to each corner of the tarp and two clips at an end of the tarp are attached to a post. The clips are received within slots at the top and bottom of each post with the top capped to prevent clip discharge. Bulbous ends of the clip prevent lateral discharge of the clip from the slot. Alternately, a single section of tarp is removably attachable to each end post via cooperating hook and loop material with the tarp passing through slots on interior posts. An end brace may be used to stabilize end posts of the fence as well as to act as a visual aid for determining what constitutes a foul ball.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical device such as a soft or rigid contact lens, intra ocular lens (IOL), ocular insert, or spectacle lens that improves visual acuity by reducing chromatic aberration. Chromatic aberration is reduced by filtering or blocking ultraviolet and high energy blue/violet light below about 455 nm and red and infrared light above about 655 nm. This is accomplished by including in the polymer formulations blue/violet absorbing colorants and ultraviolet light absorbers to filter or block light below about 455 nm; and red absorbing colorants and infrared absorbers to filter or block light above about 655 nm. When these materials are used for wavefront designed lenses, vision better than 20/20 is attainable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light-absorbing contact lens and process for preparing same. A contact lens is tinted with colorants which provide desired spectral transmittance characteristics over the tinted portion of the lens. The contact lens provides transmittance of incident radiation having a wavelength from 500 to 700 nm which is variable and wavelength-dependent. The lens of this invention also preferably filters out ultraviolet and blue light (wavelengths from 200 to about 500 nm). Various transmittance patterns for wavelengths from 500 to 700 nm are obtainable by appropriate choice of colorant combinations; the transmittance curve in this region and the colorants to achieve the desired transmittance characteristics are chosen to fill particular needs of a wearer as for example limiting transmittance of visible light in high intensity light environments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light-absorbing contact lens and process for preparing same. A contact lens is tinted with colorants which provide desired spectral transmittance characteristics over the tinted portion of the lens. The contact lens provides transmittance of incident radiation having a wavelength from 500 to 700 nm which is variable and wavelength-dependent. The lens of this invention also preferably filters out ultraviolet and blue light (wavelengths from 200 to about 500 nm). Various transmittance patterns for wavelengths from 500 to 700 nm are obtainable by appropriate choice of colorant combinations; the transmittance curve in this region and the colorants to achieve the desired transmittance characteristics are chosen to fill particular needs of a wearer as for example limiting transmittance of visible light in high intensity light environments.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for identifying each of a predetermined plurality of liquid containers, some of which are stoppered and others of which are open-mouthed and for extracting liquid therefrom. The apparatus comprises an upper arm and a lower arm and a sensor responsive to relative motion therebetween, relative motion between the arms causing a container identity signal representative to be generated. A single needle is used to penetrate stoppers when present and extract liquid from the container.

Abstract: A method, especially applicable on a continuous basis to commercial process streams, for treating unwanted by-products and/or impurities contained in those streams. The method comprises the reaction in situ of such by-products or impurities with a reagent, preferably selected for its reactivity under ambient conditions of the process stream, to produce one or more materials which may then be separated from the process by economical means. The treated stream may be recycled to the process for further processing. While the method is not limited as to the process to which it is applied nor to the reagent or reagents used, in one convenient embodiment, formaldehyde in aqueous solution is reacted with an alkali metal sulfite or bisulfite to produce the corresponding salt, which may then be separated essentially completely by, e.g., distillation or membrane separation, etc., or its concentration in the process may be controlled by, e.g., continuous removal of a purge stream, etc.