Abstract: A highly-oriented acrylic staple fiber prepared by simple extrusion of a PAN/H.sub.2 O melt in a gel crystalline state without spinning is provided. The acrylic fibers according to the present invention are characterized by the following properties: a degree of orientation between 80 and 97% observed by an X-ray diffraction; a length distribution ranging from 5 to 500 mm and a thickness distribution ranging from 5 to 500 .mu.m, a length to thickness ratio ranging from 100 to 100,000 determined by a scanning electromicroscope; a tensile strength of 10 to 70 kg/mm.sup.2 ; an initial tensile modulus of 300 to 1,500 kg/mm.sup.2 ; an elongation of 5 to 20%; and a specific surface area of 1 to 50 m.sup.2 /g.

Abstract: A new, pulp-like, acrylic short fiber having excellent heat- and chemical-resistance is provided. The fiber has a thickness distribution of 0.1 .mu.m to 50 .mu.m, a length distribution of 1 mm to 20 mm, and a thermal transition temperature (Tg) of above 200.degree. C. The fiber is produced by heating a mixture of polyacrylonitrile and water of about 5% to 100% by weight to temperatures above hydration-melting temperature under seal to an amorphous melt; cooling the resulting amorphous melt to temperatures between the melting and the solidifying temperatures of the melt to form a supercooled melt; extruding the resulting supercooled melt to give extrudates; heat-stabilizing the resulting extrudates at temperatures between 180.degree. C. and 300.degree. C. for 1 minute to 4 hours after drying and drawing; and cutting and beating the resulting heat-stabilized extrudates into an appropriate size.

Abstract: A first electrode arrangement and a transport element are movable relative to a support. A working space is disposed between the movable elements for advancing moist material along a processing path. As the moist material advances, electrical current is passed through the material between the first electrode arrangement and a second electrode arrangement adjacent the transport element. An acoustic transducer arrangement disposed adjacent the working space simultaneously subjects the moist material to an acoustic field as the material moves along the processing path. The acoustic field is generated by an array of acoustic transducers spaced along part of the processing path.

Abstract: A first electrode arrangement and a transport element are movable relative to a support. A working space is disposed between the movable elements for advancing moist material along a processing path. As the moist material advances, electrical current is passed through the material between the first electrode arrangement and a second electrode arrangement adjacent the transport element. An acoustic transducer arrangement disposed adjacent the working space simultaneously subjects the moist material to an acoustic field as the material moves along the processing path. The acoustic field is generated by an array of acoustic transducers spaced along part of the processing path.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the in-situ removal of soil contaminants by the concurrent application of a D.C. electrical field and an acoustic field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 1,4-dihydropyridine of the formula(I) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a phenyl group which may be substituted by one or two substituents selected from halogeno, nitro, trifluoromethyl and difluoromethoxy group, or 2,1,3-benzoxadiazole-4-yl group, R.sup.2 represents a lower alkyl or phenyl group, R.sup.3 represents a lower alkyl group and Y represents an oxygen or sulfur atom.The compounds of the formula(I) can be employed for treatment or prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reacting materials to provide a product. In a reactor (20) having an inner column (A) and an adjacent coaxial outer column (B), and having an upper zone (II) and an adjacent lower zone (I), both zones (I,II) are filled with a liquid (C). A gas (4) is fed into the liquid (C) at the lower end of the upper zone (II). The liquid (C) and a part of the gas (4) are circulated generally upward in one column (A or B) and generally downward in the other column (B or A) in the upper zone (II). Particles (15) of a solid substance are provided in a column (A or B) in the lower zone (I). The liquid (C) is circulated between the lower zone (I) and the upper zone (II) in such manner that the liquid (C) contacts and fluidizes the solid particles (15) while confining them to the lower zone (I), while the gas (4) contacts the liquid (C) and is confined to the upper zone (II).

Abstract: A method of reducing the amount of gaseous sulfur compounds released during combustion of sulfur-containing fuel, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a mixture of sulfur containing particulate fuel and a sulfur absorbent, such as calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, lime, limestone, dolomite, or mixtures thereof; (b) exposing the mixture to a reducing atmosphere at a temperature of at least about 1500.degree. F., so as to convert at least a portion of the particulate fuel into a gaseous portion and a solid, char portion; and (c) combusting the char portion, thereby forming an ash containing sulfur fixed therein.