Abstract: An adapter which can be plugged into a floppy disk drive of a computer can receive a plurality of user insertable and removable memory modules therein and provide access to the memory modules by the computer for reading and/or writing thereto. The adapter has a frame having an exterior form designed to be insertable into a floppy drive and accommodate the plurality of modules. The frame houses interface circuitry for facilitating the transferring of data between the adapter and a read/write head of a floppy disk drive. The adapter provides a plurality of recesses with contacts for coupling with corresponding contacts of memory modules when inserted therein, providing a path for transferring data to and from the modules. The frame may also accommodate a battery and/or a generator/alternator and associated regulator circuitry 14 (see FIG. 2a) for supplying current to the adapter circuitry and the memory modules.

Abstract: An electrolytic process for the desorption of precious metals such as gold nd silver. The precious metal complexes are loaded on activated carbon particles that are packed into a hollow, cylindrical graphite container and the container is connected as the anode of an electrolytic cell. The electrolyte is a suitable alkaline solution and the cathode can be graphite, antimony or copper. Upon the application of an electric current, the precious metal complexes are desorbed and reduced to precious metals on the cathode.

Abstract: Aluminum nitrate solutions are subjected to hydrolysis at elevated temperature and pressure, with the pressure being kept relatively low by continual bleeding of reactant gases from the reaction vessel. The resultant product is a noncrystalline alumina that may be readily converted to crystalline alumina by roasting.In addition, the discharged reactant gases are employed for leaching of clay to provide aluminum nitrate feed solution.

Abstract: A method for producing substantially pure alumina from kaolin clay by removing in a soluble form impurities which contaminate the alumina while the aluminum is maintained in an insoluble form. This is accomplished by leaching calcined kaolin clay with at least 36 weight percent hydrochloric acid to dissolve the impurities and convert the aluminum to insoluble aluminum chloride and maintaining the hydrochloric acid concentration in the leach liquor at at least 36 weight percent by the injection of hydrochloric acid gas. The insoluble aluminum chloride is then separated from the dissolved impurities and subjected to a second leaching step to solubilize and separate it from the silica gangue. Substantially pure AlCl.sub.3.sup.. 6H.sub.2 O crystals are recovered from solution and converted to alumina by conventional means. In an alternate embodiment, the process may be practiced on uncalcined clay and includes the addition of a source of fluoride ions, such as H.sub.2 SiF.sub.

Abstract: Alumina is recovered from aluminum sulfate leach liquors by treatment of the liquor with HCl gas to the point of incipient crystallization of AlCl.sub.3.6H.sub.2 O, extraction of the resulting solution with a tertiary amine to remove iron, further treatment with HHl gas to precipitate AlCl.sub.3.6H.sub.2 O and roasting of the AlCl.sub.3.6H.sub.2 O to Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: A hydrated metal salt is dehydrated to its anhydrous form by dissolving the metal salt hydrate in an organic solvent; and contacting the solvent solution of metal salt hydrate with a molecular sieve of a pore size sufficient to permit the absorption of water molecules but of a size too small to absorb solvent molecules.

Abstract: Alumina monohydrate is produced by leaching calcined clay and subjecting the leach liquor to pressure hydrolysis wherein the vapor and heat resulting from the pressure hydrolysis are directly utilized for leaching of the calcined clay. The aluminum monohydrate may be roasted to yield alumina.

Abstract: Alumina monohydrate is produced by treating aluminum nitrate solution at a temperature of about 250.degree. to 350.degree. C and a pressure of about 500 to 2500 psig.

Abstract: Iron is removed from concentrated aluminum nitrate solution by solvent extraction with tri-n-butyl phosphate.