Abstract: A lock and release mechanism includes a primary ring with a first surface and a second surface, each surface including a plurality of channels of varying depths. A secondary ring has first and second surfaces, the first surface including a plurality of channels of varying depths. The channels of the secondary ring are aligned with a portion of an opposing channel of the primary ring. Arranged between the primary and secondary rings are a plurality of low friction elements partially arranged within a channel of the primary ring and partially arranged within an opposing channel of the secondary ring. In order to lock and release the mechanism, the primary ring translates relative to the secondary ring such that the bearing balls move within each channel from a first depth to a second depth greater than the first depth.

Abstract: A lock and release mechanism includes a primary ring with a first surface and a second surface, each surface including a plurality of channels of varying depths. A secondary ring has first and second surfaces, the first surface including a plurality of channels of varying depths. The channels of the secondary ring are aligned with a portion of an opposing channel of the primary ring. Arranged between the primary and secondary rings are a plurality of low friction elements partially arranged within a channel of the primary ring and partially arranged within an opposing channel of the secondary ring. In order to lock and release the mechanism, the primary ring translates relative to the secondary ring such that the bearing balls move within each channel from a first depth to a second depth greater than the first depth.

Abstract: A layered double hydroxide (LDH) includes at least one intermediate layer, and MII surrounded by OH−, with replacement of the bivalent metal ions by MIII producing an excess of positive charge, balanced by anions An− in the intermediate layer, wherein MII dennotes a divalent metal ion or 2 LI, MIII dennotes a trivalent metal ion. The LDH can be used in mixtures and preparations such as auxiliary materials, additives, seeds, seedlings, or propagation materials. Also it is possible to use the LDH in a method of nitrate removal in purification of water.

Abstract: Minerals that reversibly fix ions, in particular NO3—, i.e. that can exchange one anion for another anion can be used as fertilizers and soil conditioners, as well as for the purification and treatment of water, particularly for the elimination of nitrate. The minerals used are preferably natural or synthetic mixed value metal-metal-hydroxyl salts, e.g. layered double hydroxides (LDHs) that contain exchangeable fixed anions in the intermediary layers. A method for producing anion-exchanging minerals, particularly suitable LDHs, and their use as fertilizers and soil conditioners and for the purification and treatment of water.