Abstract: A .beta.'SiAlON produced from initial reactant materials comprising Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and carbon that produces a .beta.'SiAlON material having a strength greater than about 50 ksi at approximately 1000.degree. C. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the .beta.'SiAlON material has a strength greater than about 50 ksi at approximately 1200.degree. C. In a second embodiment of the present invention is a low-cost process for producing unsintered high purity alpha silicon nitride structured SiAlON by carbothermic reaction from initial reactant materials comprising Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiO.sub.2 and carbon.

Abstract: A non-clouding, shelf-stable tea concentrate is prepared by lowering the pH of a freshly-prepared concentrate (8 to 24% soluble solids) to between 2.9 and 3.5, chilling the concentrate to between 30.degree. and 45.degree. F., clarifying the concentrate to remove precipitate, and then elevating the pH of the clarified concentrate to between about 3.9 and 4.3. Preferably the freshly prepared concentrate is prepared by using water which is at least 99% deionized.

Abstract: A countertop, iced-tea brewing and dispensing apparatus includes means for heating a stream of water that thereafter passes through a bed of tea leaves at a ratio which will produce a beverage concentrate. The concentrate is collected in a reservoir where it is kept at between 120.degree. and 140.degree. F. The heated concentrate is combined with cold water at a ratio of at least four parts water per part concentrate and dispensed into a drinking vessel.

Abstract: An inert electrode connection is disclosed wherein a layer of inert electrode material is bonded to a layer of conductive material by providing at least one intermediate layer of material therebetween comprising a predetermined ratio of inert material to conductive material. In a preferred embodiment, the connection is formed by placing in a die a layer of powdered inert material, at least one layer of a mixture of powdered inert material and conductive material, and a layer of powdered conductive material. The connection is then formed by pressing the material at 15,000-20,000 psi to form a powder compact and then densifying the powder compact in an inert or reducing atmosphere at a temperature of 1200.degree.-1500.degree. C.

Abstract: Dressing products which are bacteriologically-stable at room temperature and which possess a pH of at least 4.2 are prepared utilizing a relatively low level of acetic acid in combination with soluble buffering salts such as sodium acetate and/or sodium citrate. The acetic acid level of the dressing product wil be from about 0.2% to 4.0% by weight of the aqueous phase contained in the composition and the buffer salt level will be from about 0.4% to 3.0% by weight of the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A quick-dissolving, sucrose and acid-containing drink mix is prepared by binding particles of a water-soluble carbonate onto the surface of sucrose granules such that the CO.sub.2 -generation which occurs when the mix is dissolved in water promotes rapid dissolution of the sucrose. The level of CO.sub.2 -generator is insufficient to produce a carbonated beverage and desirably an antifoam agent is included in the mix.