Abstract: A portable changing table for providing a table for changing the diaper of an infant. The portable changing table includes a pair of elongate members. Each of the elongate members has a first end and a second end. The elongate members are orientated generally parallel to each other. Each of a pair of leg portions is hingedly coupled to a pair of respective ends of the elongate members such that the leg portions may be selectively moved between a position that abuts the elongate members and a position orientated generally perpendicular to the elongate members. A panel has a pair of lateral edges each being securely attached to one of the elongate members. The lateral edges are attached along their length to the elongate members and generally extend between the first and second ends of the elongate members.

Abstract: Solid carbonaceous fossil fuels such as coal, lignite and peat are treated with an aqueous medium containing a novel catalyst to remove undesirable constituents and produce valuable products. The catalyst is prepared by steps including admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of dissolved water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle-forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. Particles of the fossil fuel, or components thereof, are treated and solubilized in the aqueous catalyst suspension to produce a novel aqueous solution which has highly unusual and unexpected properties. The resultant solution has important applications in agriculture and animal husbandry.

Abstract: The incidence of infectious disease in poultry is reduced and/or antisocial behavior is controlled by providing the poultry with drinking water containing a catalytically effective amount of a unique catalyst. In a preferred variant, the drinking water may also contain lignite which has been pretreated with the catalyst until it is soluble. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. The preparation of the novel catalyst and the water soluble catalyst treated lignite is described in detail hereinafter.

Abstract: Solid carbonaceous fossil fuels such as coal, lignite and peat are treated with an aqueous medium containing a novel catalyst to remove undesirable constituents and produce valuable products. The catalyst is prepared by steps including admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of dissolved water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle-forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. In one variant, particles of a fossil fuel containing metal values are treated with an aqueous medium in the presence of the catalyst, and thereafter the treated particles are separated from the aqueous medium and extracted with an aqueous leach solution in which the metal values are soluble.

Abstract: Cuttings to be rooted are intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst. The cuttings root faster and/or easier, and the new plants produced therefrom are more vigorous and resistant to disease and/or adverse environmental conditions. In a preferred variant, the water may also contain water soluble catalyst treated lignite. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. The preparation of the novel catalyst and the water soluble catalyst treated lignite is described in detail hereinafter.

Abstract: Tissue in warm blooded animals which is damaged and/or infected is treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a novel catalyst or synergist. The treatment is effective in relieving stress and/or shock. In a further variant warm blooded animals having damaged and/or infected tissue are treated with a composition containing a therapeutically effective amount of at least one antibiotic and the catalyst or synergist. Novel therapeutic compositions are provided which contain at least one antibiotic and an effective amount of the catalyst or synergist.

Abstract: Tissue in warm blooded animals which is damaged and/or infected is treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a novel catalyst or synergist. The treatment is effective in relieving stress and/or shock. In a further variant warm blooded animals having damaged and/or infected tissue are treated with a composition containing a therapeutically effective amount of at least one antibiotic and the catalyst or synergist. Novel therapeutic compositions are provided which contain at least one antibiotic and an effective amount of the catalyst or synergist.

Abstract: Bituminous sands are intimately contacted with an aqueous medium containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to separate the bitumin at temperatures below the decomposition point of valuable hydrocarbons contained therein. Usually the temperatures of separation are not higher than 100.degree.C and preferably are about 40.degree.-90.degree.C. The catalyst used in practicing the present invention may be prepared by steps including admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of dissolved water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle-forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst containing micelles.

Abstract: Improved surface active compositions are provided which contain a surface active agent and a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst. The catalyst is prepared by steps including admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of dissolved water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle-forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. The improved surface active compositions are especially useful as laundry detergents, dish washing detergents, and general household and industrial cleansers.