Abstract: A method of making a rheology modified aqueous composition, particularly useful for drilling, milling and mining applications, is disclosed. The method includes admixing, with a clay and water, a material or materials whose constituents substantially conform to the proportions of the empirical formula M?mM?n(OH)(2m+3n+qa+br)(Aq)a(Br)b.xH2O, where M? is a divalent metal cation, M? is a trivalent metal cation, A and B are anions, and a, b, m, n, q, r, and x are defined herein. Calcined hydrotalcite and hydrotalcite-like materials are particularly preferred as starting materials. Optionally, an aluminum oxide, a nitrogen-containing compound, or both may be added. The resulting composition is preferably an elastic solid exhibiting stress-dependent fluidity, desirable temperature resistance, lubricity, inhibition of reactivity, relatively low cost, and pressure resistance. A dry composition and method of making are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rheology modified aqueous fluid composition comprising clay, water, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide hydroxide, sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate, and calcium oxide or calcium hydroxide. The magnesium oxide and aluminum oxide hydroxide are prepared by a specific thermal treatment protocol involving heating of appropriate precursors within a specified temperature range. The pH of the composition is at least about 10. The composition is prepared by admixing the components and, optionally, sodium oxide or sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment as necessary. A substantially dry rheology modification agent comprising the enumerated components, not including the water, is also included. The resulting composition preferably exhibits shear-thinning capability including very rapid thinning upon application of shear forces and also rapid viscosification upon removal of such forces.

Abstract: A clamping assembly comprising two shoes, each shoe having a base from which depend spaced-apart ears, the ears cooperating with the base to form tapered recesses, each shoe further having a flange on the opposite side of the base from the ears, each flange having an aperture therethrough for receipt of a bolt, the two shoes being able to be cooperatively positioned such that the flanges are proximate to one another and tightening of a nut on the bolt decreases the space between the flanges, each shoe being formed from a single piece of metal. In one embodiment the flange of the clamping assembly further includes a hold-down edge, the axis of which is transverse to the axis of the bolt when the shoes are cooperatively positioned with the flanges proximate to one another but not necessarily in contact with one another. In another embodiment the clamping assembly firther comprises a utility article mounted to one shoe.

Abstract: A method of making a rheology modified aqueous composition, particularly useful for drilling, milling and mining applications, is disclosed. The method includes admixing, with a clay and water, a material or materials whose constituents substantially conform to the proportions of the empirical formula M′mM″n(OH)(2m+3n+qa+br)(Aq)a(Br)b.

Abstract: A novel microporous isocyanate-based xerogel composition is disclosed. The composition can be prepared by a method comprising (1) (1) admixing (a) a polyisocyanate component, (b) a substantially unreactive solvent, and, optionally, (c) a polymerization catalyst, water, an active-hydrogen compound or a mixture thereof, provided that (c) is included wherein (b) does not also function to catalyze polymerization; under reaction conditions sufficient to form a gel; and (2) removing the solvent under non-supercritical conditions sufficient to form a microporous xerogel composition. The compositions can be readily evacuated for use in thermal insulative applications such as vacuum panels, for uses such as appliance insulation, which show superior K-factor values when compared with, for example, conventional rigid polyurethane open-cell foams as used in similar applications.

Abstract: A composition comprising a crystalline aluminumphosphate material having a three-dimensional microporous crystal framework structure whose chemical composition expressed in terms of mole ratios of oxides isAl.sub.2 O.sub.3 : 1.0.+-.0.2 P.sub.2 O.sub.5 ;and which is further defined as having an x-ray powder diffraction pattern characterized by d spacings at less than about 40 degrees two-theta as measured using copper K-alpha radiation that are substantially as shown in the Table and a metal in an amount of up to about 25 percent by weight is disclosed. The composition can be prepared by impregnating the crystalline aluminumphosphate material with the metal in an amount of up to about 25 percent by weight. The resultant heterocatalyst system can be used to shape-selectively hydrogenate an unsaturated organic compound, such as, for example an olefin, aldehyde or ketone.

Abstract: Crystalline aluminumphosphate compositions having three-dimensional microporous crystal framework structures whose chemical composition expressed in terms of mole ratios is Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 :1.0.+-.P.sub.2 O.sub.5 are disclosed. These compositions have an X-ray diffraction pattern characterized by d spacings at less than about 40 degrees two-theta as measured using copper K-alpha radiation that are substantially as shown in Table 1. The compositions can further comprise a structure-directing agent. Preparation is by admixing an aluminum source, a phosphorus source and 10-100 moles of water per mole of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 to form a precursor mixture, admixing the precursor mixture with the structure-directing agent to form a reaction mixture, and reacting the reaction mixture under conditions such that an aluminumphosphate composition of the given X-ray diffraction pattern is formed.

Abstract: In a method of preparing a poly-urethane and/or -urea foam from a formulation including (a) a polyisocyanate, (b) an isocyanate-reactive component, and (c) a visible emissions producing component, wherein (a), (b) and (e) are reacted under reaction conditions sufficient to form a poly-urethane and/or -urea foam and the foam is then cooled, whereby visible emissions are emitted during cooling, an improvement comprising including in the formulation a visible emissions reducing agent, such that the amount of the visible emissions is reduced as compared with the amount emitted by a foam prepared from a formulation which does not contain the visible emissions reducing agent but which is otherwise substantially similar. Foams prepared therefrom exhibit reduction in visible emissions during the cure period, which is particularly evident when the foams are mechanically cooled. They also exhibit generally good physical properties.