Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method, system and apparatus for setting a clotting time for a blood sample contained in a container in a laboratory device or test system, which includes setting a clotting start time for the blood sample, setting a clotting wait time to allow for the blood sample to clot, and on positive determination of the completion of the clotting wait time, automatically providing the blood sample for further processing in the laboratory.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds of formula:[M(II).sub.1-x M*(III).sub.x (OH).sub.2+x ].mH.sub.2 O (I)in which M(II) represents a divalent cation chosen from the group consisting of nickel, zinc, cobalt, magnesium or the mixture of two or more of the abovementioned metals; M(III) represents a trivalent cation, such as aluminum, gallium, iron or chromium, with the exception of the compound of formula (I) in which M(II) is magnesium and M(III) is aluminum, x is between 0.20 and 0.33 and m.ltoreq.1; in the preparation of .beta.-hydroxycarbonyl and/or .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carbonyl compounds.

Abstract: The aldolization is characterized by the use of a solid basic catalyst which has the following general formula?(Mg.sup.2+).sub.1-x (Al.sup.3+).sub.x (OH.sup.-).sub.2 !.sup.+x ?(OH.sup.-).sub.x (H.sub.2 O).sub.n !.sup.-x (II)wherein 0.20.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.33 and n has a value of less than 1. This catalyst has a defined crystal structure similar to that of hydrotalcite or, alternatively, of meixnerite. Also disclosed are processes for the preparation of the catalyst.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a catalyst which is particualrly active and selective in the oxidative conversion of methane into higher hydrocarbons and especially into C.sub.2.sup.+ hydrocarbons.In the process, an aqueous phase containing in solution cations of at least one metal of the lanthanide group and cations of at least one alkaline-earth metal, is brought into contact with a sufficient quantity of a source of carbonate ions or hydroxide ions to form a coprecipitate of carbonates and/or of hydroxycarbonates of the metals, the pH of the resulting reaction medium is brought to a value higher than 8, a coprecipitate is separated from the reaction medium, subjected to a washing operation, then to a drying operation and the washed and dried coprecipitate is subjected to calcination.

Abstract: There are provided clays of laminated structure bridged by metallic oxides selected from oxides of aluminum and zirconium and containing from 10 to 50% and preferably from 20 to 40% of an oxide of the metal of the group of the lanthanides, preferably of cerium. The presence of cerium improves the thermal resistance during a dry calcination or even under humid air. The clays can be used as catalysts during the conversion of hydrocarbons.