Abstract: The present invention provides a washable marking composition, e.g., a crayon composition, comprising an alkoxylated fatty acid, a fatty alcohol, and a pigment. The marking composition preferably further includes a filler. An example of a preferred alkoxylated fatty acid is ethoxylated stearic acid and an example of a preferred fatty alcohol is stearyl alcohol. The marks made by the composition can be easily washed off surfaces such as fabrics, wallpapers, skin, and painted surfaces. The present invention further provides a method of producing a washable crayon comprising:(a) providing an alkoxylated fatty acid, a fatty alcohol, and a pigment;(b) melt-blending said alkoxylated fatty acid, fatty alcohol, and pigment, to provide a melt-blend; and(c) shaping the melt-blend in the form of a crayon.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for froth flotation separation of the components of a slurry, having particular utility for the beneficiation of coal by the flotation separation of coal particles from impurities associated therewith, such as ash and sulfur. In this arrangement, an improved open flow, spiral nozzle is positioned above a flotation tank having a bath therein, and sprays an input slurry through an aeration zone into the surface of the water. The spraying operation creates a froth on the water surface in which a substantial quantity of particulate matter floats, while other components of the slurry sink into the water bath. A skimming arrangement skims the froth from the water surface as a cleaned or beneficiated product.

Abstract: A process for modifying the surface of oxidized coal, said process comprising subjecting coal having oxidized surfaces to high shear agitation in water followed by desliming the resultant aqueous coal mixture.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for froth flotation separation of the components of a slurry, having particular utility for the beneficiation of coal by the flotation separation of coal particles from impurities associated therewith, such as ash and sulfur. In this arrangement, an improved open flow, spiral nozzle is positioned above a flotation tank having a bath therein, and sprays an input slurry through an aeration zone into the surface of the water. The spraying operation creates a froth on the water surface in which a substantial quantity of particulate matter floats, while other components of the slurry sink into the water bath. A skimming arrangement skims the froth from the water surface as a cleaned or beneficiated product.