Abstract: A mutant Streptomyces coelicolor, NRRL 15398, produces glucose isomerase constitutively at a level at least as great as the parent does inductively in common growth media. The isomerase can be effectively used to isomerize glucose to fructose in a continuous process using immobilized enzyme.

Abstract: A catalytic composite suitable for use in the continuous and simultaneous conversion of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides contained in hot gases particularly from hot gases from an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The catalytic composite comprises uranium and a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, rhodium, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A support matrix which immobilizes enzymes by ion exchange forces comprises a core support deposited on which is a functionalized polyethylenimine insoluble in water. Such support matrices may be prepared from a virtually limitless variety of core supports since the functionalized polyethylenimines of this invention show excellent adhesive properties even to smooth surfaces. Such support matrices are particularly useful where the enzyme to be immobilized has a rather limited inherent half-life. The functionalized polyethylenimine is a carboxylic acid amide of polyethylenimine, a sulfonic acid amide of polyethylenimine or polyalkylated polyethylenimine.

Abstract: This invention comprises a process for separating a saturated fatty acid from a feed mixture comprising saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, which process comprises contacting the mixture at separation conditions with a molecular sieve comprising a crystalline silica, thereby selectively retaining the saturated fatty acid. The saturated fatty acid is recovered from the molecular sieve by displacement at displacement conditions with a displacement fluid comprising a diluent soluble in the feed mixture and having a polarity index of at least 3.5. Amorphous silica is a preferred binder for the molecular sieve.

Abstract: This invention comprises a process for separating a fatty acid from a mixture comprising a fatty acid and a rosin acid, which process comprises contacting the mixture at separation conditions with a molecular sieve comprising silicalite, thereby selectively retaining the fatty acid. The fatty acid is recovered from the molecular sieve by displacement with a displacement fluid comprising an aqueous solution of a ketone from the group comprising acetone, methyl-ethylketone, or di-ethylketone.

Abstract: A new catalyst for converting hydrocarbons, especially for reforming hydrocarbons, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a hydrocarbon conversion process using the catalyst as well as a method for making the catalyst. The catalyst comprises a platinum group component, a tin component, an indium component and a halogen component with a porous support material, wherein the atomic ratio of indium to platinum group component is more than about 1.14. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the catalyst is utilized in the catalytic reforming of hydrocarbons boiling in the gasoline range to produce a high octane reformate suitable for gasoline blending or a high aromatics content reformate suitable for use as a petrochemical feedstock.

Abstract: This invention comprises a process for separating a fatty acid from a mixture comprising a fatty acid and a rosin acid, which process comprises contacting the mixture at separation conditions with a molecular sieve comprising silicalite in a phosphorus modified alumina matrix, the precursor of the molecular sieve comprising silicalite powder dispersed in an alumina hydrosol commingled with a phosphorus containing compound, the phosphorus to aluminum molar ratio in the molecular sieve being from 1:1 to 1:100. The fatty acid is selectively retained. The fatty acid is recovered from the molecular sieve by displacement with a displacement material comprising an organic acid.

Abstract: This invention comprises a process for separating a fatty acid from a mixture comprising a fatty acid and an unsaponifiable compound, which process comprises contacting the mixture at separation conditions with a molecular sieve comprising a crystalline silica having a silica to alumina mole ratio of at least 12, thereby selectively retaining the fatty acid. The fatty acid is recovered from the molecular sieve by displacement at displacement conditions with a displacement fluid soluble in the feed mixture and having a polarity index of at least 3.5.

Abstract: Substantial improvement in the selectivity of reduction of fatty materials may be obtained using as a catalyst a zerovalent Group VIII metal dispersed in an eggshell distribution on a porous support. When the catalyst is nickel on gamma-alumina it is possible to perform continuous reduction using a fixed catalyst bed with selectivities which equal or exceed that exhibited by conventional nickel catalysts used in a batch process.

Abstract: The preparation of syrups which contain a high glucose or maltose content may be effected in a two-step process. In the first step, a feedstock such as starch which has been pretreated with alpha-amylase to adjust the dextrose equivalent is contacted with an enzyme such as amyloglucosidase or beta-amylase immobilized on a solid support. The contact time is adjusted by correlating the residence time and the liquid hourly space velocity so as to provide a conversion percentage of starch in the range of from about 50% to 85%, thus avoiding the formation of undesired conversion products. The partially hydrolyzed reaction mixture from the enzyme treatment is then passed through an ultrafiltration membrane whereby the permeate comprising the high glucose or maltose content is recovered, while the retentate is recycled for admixture with the partially hydrolyzed reaction mixture or for further treatment with the immobilized enzyme.

Abstract: This invention comprises a process for separating oleic acid from a feed mixture comprising an oleic acid and linoleic acid, which process comprises contacting the mixture at separation conditions with a molecular sieve comprising silicalite, thereby selectively retaining the oleic acid. The oleic acid may be recovered from the molecular sieve by displacement with a displacement fluid. The feed mixture may also contain rosin acids in which case a first molecular sieve comprising silicalite is used to separate the fatty acids from the rosin acids.

Abstract: Aromatic azopolymers can be prepared in generally high yield by oxidatively coupling aromatic diamines using perborate salts. Glacial acetic acid is an effective solvent, and the presence or boric acid in the reaction medium sometimes improves product yield. Polymer yields over 70% generally are observed.

Abstract: Well screen assembly for permitting a plurality of pipe based well screen segments in an extended length production zone to be brought into operation simultaneously uses a ported connector sub to join each pair of screen segments so that the ends of the relatively large diameter perforated pipe base supports are attached to the connector's ends. Each screen also has solid internal pipe members of much smaller diameter which are joined to a central bore in the connector. Annular spaces between the internal pipe members and the pipe base supports communicate through the connector ports and permit flow from both screens to reach the inside of the inner pipe members when downhole perforations are made in only one of the inner pipe members.

Abstract: Improved constructions for mounting seat back tray tables to the frames of vehicle seats permit the tables to be quickly removed and replaced by authorized persons without the use of tools. Small studs on each side of the seat pivotally support apertures in the lower ends of the tray table legs. The legs may be deflected toward each other to release their mounting engagement with the studs but means are provided to prevent such release by unauthorized persons. In one embodiment, release can only be accomplished when the seat back is in its forward "break-over" position. In such position, the legs can be lifted so that a frame-mounted stud having a cylindrical end interrupted by a pair of opposed flats will pass from a small opening in the leg through a slot narrower than the small opening to a larger opening. In a second embodiment, a torsion tube joining the leg ends has a spring-loaded pin and slot connection to one leg so that the leg can be slightly axially retracted along the tube to accomplish release.

Abstract: Plural pipe-based well screen segments can be assembled more quickly and easily and with no chance of damage to the screen jacket by welding a boss ring to the center pipe of each segment intermediate the upper pipe end and the screen jacket and then using a slip to support the boss ring. The slip is designed to be supported by holes normally present in the master bushing of a rotary drilling table or platform and is of sufficient height that the screen sections can be joined without the operator having to bend over. A pair of relatively light weight, hinged cantilevered plates can be easily lifted to provide clearance for the screen jacket to be lowered through the table and are then moved to their horizontal position just before the boss ring portion of the screen is lowered so as to engage them. A vertical bar on the slip acts as a wrench stop to permit the upper end of the pipe to be held stationary as the succeeding segment of screen is threaded to it.

Abstract: Selective continuous hydrogenations of fatty materials are possible over a fixed bed of zerovalent nickel on an alpha-alumina support. The selectivity of such continuous hydrogenations is further enhanced by performing such hydrogenations in an upflow mode. When soybean oil is used and hydrogenation is continued to an IV of about 110, the resulting partially hydrogenated soybean oil is comparable in its solids content to that obtained in a batch hydrogenation using presently conventional commercial catalysts.

Abstract: Legrest assembly for a passenger seat is pivotally mounted to the seat frame with a spring-loaded hydraulic lock mechanism which automatically lifts a leg or foot support panel to its generally horizontal use position when a control button on the armrest is actuated. The panel is pivotally moved to its storage position under the front edge of the seat cushion when the occupant forces it down with pressure from his or her legs against the upward biasing force exerted by its spring while actuating the control button on the armrest. For maximum comfort, the legrest pad is slidable through a range of fore and aft locations in its use position and can also be locked at any angle in its range of pivotal movement. A series of interconnected links cooperate with one another and with the seat frame in such a manner so as to substantially eliminate encroachment into the normal underseat storage area. A resettable mechanism prevents damage to the assembly from excessive downward loads on the suspended legrest pad.

Abstract: A method of continuously hydrogenating fatty materials over a fixed catalyst bed utilizes zerovalent nickel on alpha-alumina. Partial hydrogenation of soybean oil to an IV of about 110 can be successfully performed using alpha-alumina of surface area less than about 5 m.sup.2 /g to afford a product whose SFI is acceptable for end product use.

Abstract: Heat exchanger tubes are cleaned, while the heat exchanger is operated to cool a liquid passing through the tubes, by applying an electric current to a portion of the tubes for brief time periods to heat such tubes to a temperature sufficient to melt or soften deposits therein, while simultaneously continuing to pass liquid therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension seat for a vehicle.The vehicle suspension seat has a back rest guided for vertical movement relative to a base part, a seat rest hinged to the back rest and guided for movement such that the body of the seat occupant swings about an axis through his ankles. An armrest is mounted for movement relative to the back rest and seat rest, so as to minimize movement of the seat occupant's arm relative to a steering wheel, by pivotally supporting the armrest about the instantaneous centers of rotation of the armrest relative to two parts of the seat which move pivotally with respect to each other in response to vertical movement of the back rest.