Abstract: A soluble or crosslinked graft copolymer of lignin-(2-propenamide)-(2-methyl-3-oxo-4-oxyhex-1-ene-6-ol) having a central lignin network and at least one grafted side chain, R, having randomly repeating units of the formula: ##STR1## such that the central lignin network has a molecular weight of about 1,000 to 150,000 and the total number of randomly repeating units in the grafted side chain or chains is in the range of 1 to 300,000, such that the total copolymer molecular weight is in the range of 1,000 to 30,000,000 for use as thickeners for water and aqueous solutions and may be advantageously used in the recovery of oil from subterranean wells, in the preparation of use of drilling fluid compositions, or in plastics and elastomers.

Abstract: A multiple station conveyor having a lift and carry shuttle to advance workpieces. To permit a normal work height for the workpieces when in the stations while providing a relatively long vertical stroke for the shuttle it is raised and lowered by Scott Russell lift mechanisms disposed beside and laterally outside of the shuttle.