Abstract:
A process for the production of acetic acid, which process comprises contacting ethane and/or ethylene with a molecular oxygen-containing gas in a fluid bed reactor in the presence of a microspheroidal fluidised particulate solid oxidation catalyst, wherein at least 90% of said catalyst particles are less than 300 microns.
Abstract:
A fluid flow control system for an electromagnetic pump having an electromagnetic drive (11) and a compressor (6). The control system established a required current in the compressor coils (10) to control the position and movement of the actuator (11), the actuator deflecting a diaphragm within the pump to provide the required flow. The control system includes a command signal generator (1) to create a signal representing the required flow. The signal is applied to a command processor (2) with any feedback signals (13) for example, coil current and/or actuator displacement. The command processor (2) calculates the appropriate drive signal defined by mark-space ratio, repetition rate, and amplitude. The drive signal controls the voltage supplied to the compressor coils (11) resulting in a required coil current to provide the desired flow. A dc power supply is used to avoid problems regarding main power supply and frequency.
Abstract:
The invention comprises devices for mitigating the explosive reaction of a munition when it is subject to an external thermal hazard threat. The devices are based on the use of shape memory alloys. In one arrangement there is device which consists of a connector that is at least in part formed from a shape memory alloy, which typically undergoes large dimensional changes when heated or cooled through a particular transition temperature range. The connector in this invention is designed to form a locking engagement, between two components of a munitions casing at one temperature, but when subjected to external heating through the transition temperature range will deform to allow the connector to disengage and thus release the two joined components, allowing any build up of pressure to be released quickly. Advantageously if the co-operative parts of the connector and components are threaded portions, then the locking engagement will be capable of being dismantled during normal servicing of the munition. The co-operative parts of the connector may be integral with the components to be connected. In another arrangement the device is an annulus and is located around a munitions casing such that upon heating through its transition temperature range will cause the annulus to contract, thereby rupturing the munitions casing, allowing any build up of pressure to be released quickly.
Abstract:
Creating directed circuits including encoding of policy and state information associated with directed circuits that may be established between two network entities on separate protected networks. The policies are maintained and implemented according to security methods that initially belong to network apparatus on either of the two protected networks; however the security methods may be relinquished to trusted third parties.
Abstract:
A method of generating force between a structure and an additional member, particularly for reinforcing an existing structure so that an additional member can share existing load. Pre-cooled or pre-heated shims of shape memory alloy (SMA) are inserted between the additional member and the existing structure, or between different sub-units of the additional member, or between the additional member and shoes fixed for this purpose to the existing structure. On subsequent warming or cooling the SMA shims expand to apply compressive forces to the portions of the structure, additional member or shoe(s) with which they are in contact on their opposite sides. Further compressive, tensile, flexural or torsional forces will be developed within other parts of the structure and additional member as a result of the shim expansion depending on the particular arrangement. Alternatively the SMA may be of a type which expands when warmed above ambient temperature and remains in the expanded state despite cooling back to ambient.
Abstract:
The invention relates to compositions and methods for promoting production gains in animals, and of enhancing the efficacy of therapeutic agents. The gains are achieved through reduction in stress, including through the use of antistress agents. Compositions comprising therapeutic agents such as anthelmintics, and antistress agents are provided.
Abstract:
A radiofrequency (RF) coil design, suitable for detecting time domain electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) responses from spin probes after pulsed excitation using radiofrequency irradiation (60-400 MHz), is configured in an array of numerous surface coils of appropriate diameters connected in a parallel or axial configuration with appropriate spacing between individual surface coils to form a volume type resonator.
Abstract:
In a purge mode, a purge flow path extends from atmosphere through the vent valve, through the evaporative emission space, and through the purge valve to the engine intake system. In a pre-conditioning phase of a leak verification mode, a pre-conditioning flow path extends from atmosphere through the vent valve and the purge valve to the engine intake system without passing through the evaporative emission space. In a test phase of the leak verification mode, a test path extends from the evaporative emission space through the dirty air port, through the canister medium, through the clean air port, and through the purge valve to the engine intake system.
Abstract:
An on-board evaporative emission leak detection system and method that detects leakage from an evaporative emission space of a fuel system of an automotive vehicle. A test includes an initialization, or stabilization, phase during which a differential between pressure in the evaporative emission space and atmospheric pressure is created, and then varied, over time, within a range of differential pressures suitable for performing a leak detection test. This varying of pressure differential alternately increases the created pressure differential above a nominal pressure differential and decreases the created pressure differential below the nominal pressure differential. The leak detection test is then performed.
Abstract:
A collapsible bag which is adapted to have another bag stacked thereon when the collapsible bag is filled with material. The collapsible bag includes a main body, a bottom portion, and a top portion. The main body defines a plurality of vertical sections to provide columnar support for holding the bag upright when the vertical sections are substantially filled with material. The bottom portion depends from the main body and includes at least one bottom seal for closing the bottom portion, wherein the bottom portion defines a substantially planar base. The top portion extends from the main body at an end opposite the bottom portion. The top portion includes a top seal for closing the top portion. The top portion defines an interior space within the bag between the top seal and an imaginary fill line. The top portion also includes a vent between the top seal and the fill line, whereby air within the interior space is vented to the atmosphere in response to downward pressure on the top portion to collapse the bag onto its contents. A substantially planar top surface is formed along the fill line to facilitate stacking the bag.