Abstract: A fluid valve has a valve body with a valve seat for receiving a valve disc to close the valve. The valve seat is iron or steel. The valve disc is made of zirconium and has a zirconium oxide layer on disc surface which seats against the valve seat when the valve is closed. The valve has remained in a corrosive service for over six months where the original iron valves not having an oxide coated zirconium disc only lasted a few days.

Abstract: Liquid and vapor are mixed and heated in a novel heat exchanger which comprises a shell, vertical heat exchange tubes, means for injecting vapor into the base of the shell, means for injecting liquid into a stream of the vapor and means to remove a stream of liquid droplets in vapor from an upper position of the shell.

Abstract: This invention provides a means for control of Salmonella on meat-producing carcasses, e.g. poultry, during processing, comprising contacting the carcass with an acidic solution of an anionic sulfate or sulfonate surfactant.

Abstract: This invention relates to the treatment of carbon-containing materials. In one aspect this invention relates to the treatment of carbon-containing materials, such as coal, coke and hydrocarbons to produce oxides of carbon therefrom. In still another aspect, this invention relates to a process for the production of high purity synthesis gas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, from carbon-containing materials. More specifically, this invention relates to inorganic metal-oxygen containing materials useful as the oxidant, oxygen carrier and supplier, and heat transfer agent for the endothermic oxidative gasification of carbon-containing materials.

Abstract: Carbon-containing materials are gasified to produce high purity carbon monoxide in a three zone unified system (oxidizer, reducer and gasifier) using a metal oxide as the oxygen and heat source for the gasification with carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide contacts the metal oxide prior to the gasification to release the oxygen and convert the carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide as the gasification medium.

Abstract: Carbon-containing materials are gasified to produce synthesis gas, a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, in a three zone unified system (oxidizer, reducer and gasifier) using a metal oxide as the oxygen and heat source for the gasification with steam and carbon dioxide. Synthesis gas contacts the metal oxide prior to the gasification to release the oxygen and convert the synthesis gas to steam and carbon dioxide as the gasification medium.

Abstract: An expansion joint for interconnecting pipes or hoses which includes a floating sleeve and a pair of pipe or hose fittings slidably mounted on the sleeve. The fittings are provided with seals to coact with the sleeve and wipers to coact with the sleeve together with stop means for restricting the relative movement between the fittings and the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymeric material comprising a polyester prepared by initiating a reaction between a poly-terminal epoxide, a mono-terminal epoxide and a cyclic diacid anhydride in the presence of a catalytically effective quaternary salt, heating to a point at which the reaction becomes a self-sustaining exothermic reaction and controlling the reaction such that the temperature of the mixture is not reduced until after the exothermic reaction has begun to subside and an inert filler material.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of a foamed polyester which comprises initiating a reaction between a poly-terminal epoxide, a mono-terminal epoxide and a cyclic diacid anhydride in the presence of a catalytically effective quaternary salt and a blowing agent, heating to a point at which the reaction becomes a self-sustaining exothermic reaction and controlling the reaction such that the temperature of the mixture is not reduced until after the exothermic reaction has begun to subside.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of a polyester having an acid number which is not greater than 65 which comprises reacting an acid anhydride with a monoterminal epoxide in such a way that a self-sustaining reaction is initiated within 200 seconds of the reactants being mixed together and said reaction results in the attainment of a maximum temperature in excess of 200.degree. C within 200 seconds of initiation.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of a polyester which comprises initiating a reaction between a polyterminal epoxide being the reaction product of one mole bisphenol A and two moles of epichlorohydrin, a mono-terminal epoxide and a cyclic diacid anhydride in the presence of a catalytically effective quaternary salt heating to a point at which the reaction becomes a self-sustaining exothermic reaction and controlling the reaction such that the temperature of the mixture is not reduced until after the exothermic reaction has begun to subside.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of a polyester having an acid number which is not greater than 65 which comprises reacting an acid anhydride with a monoterminal epoxide in the presence of a solvent for the polyester in such a way that a self-sustaining reaction is initiated within 200 seconds of the reactants being mixed together and said reaction results in the attainment of a maximum peak temperature within 200 seconds of initiation.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of a polyester which comprises initiating a reaction between a poly-terminal epoxide, a mono-terminal epoxide and a cyclic diacid anhydride in the presence of a catalytically effective quaternary salt heating to a point at which the reaction becomes a self-sustaining exothermic reaction and controlling the reaction such that the temperature of the mixture is not reduced until after the exothermic reaction has begun to subside.

Abstract: Bitumen filled polyester foams are provided through a process which comprises forming a solution of a bitumen having a softening point of at least about 80.degree. C. and a cyclic diacid anhydride at a temperature above the softening point of a bitumen, the bitumen solution is then mixed with a monoterminal epoxide and a polyterminal epoxide in the presence of a blowing agent resulting in the initiation of an exothermic reaction. The process for producing bitumen filled polyester foams through the in situ polymerization of polyesters in a solution of bitumen and the foams produced by the process constitute the invention.