Abstract: A method of formless underwater casting of cement is disclosed. The method involves the addition of silicate to water in which a structure bound with Portland cement or high-alumina cement is to be cast. The cementitious mixture as a slurry is then poured into the water to form a structure. The silicate and cementitious mixture can be placed in the water at the same time using concentric nozzle systems.

Abstract: Combinations of silica gel and magnesium silicate have been found to be effective agents to prevent the formation of haze in beer. Said haze, often called chill haze, is prevented by contacting the ruh beer with the combination to remove some or all of the components that react to form the haze. The spent combination is removed from the beer in the usual manner.

Abstract: The components of chill haze in beer can be removed by contacting said beer with a combination of silica hydrogel and partially hydrophobic adsorbent(s) for a time sufficient to complete adsorption of the components and removing said adsorbents from the beer.

Abstract: A self-dressing mounting beam for slicing wafers from ingots of various materials, especially semiconductors, is described. The mounting beam is a composite material comprising an organic polymer, particles of abrasive and hollow microspheres. The ingot is mounted on the beam and sliced using an inside diameter saw. The saw penetrates the mounting beam as well as the ingot, so that the self-dressing feature is realized with each pass of the blade.

Abstract: More perfect, less porous hollow microspheres can be prepared by spray-drying dispersions of alkali metal silicate and "polysalt" that contain certain organic liquids. The organics are water-miscible and have boiling points of 100.degree. C. or more. The solvent is added just prior to spray drying and the resulting product has fewer cracks and/or holes.

Abstract: More perfect, less porous hollow microspheres can be prepared by spray-drying dispersions of film-forming solids that contain certain organic solvents. The organic solvents are water-miscible and have boiling points of 100.degree. C. or more. The solvent is added just prior to spray drying and the resulting product has fewer cracks and/or holes. This improvement is especially beneficial to preparation systems involving alkali metal silicates and "polysalts.

Abstract: Activated or partially activated zeolites can be included in analgesic balms or ointments as improved replacements for rubefacients. Upon hydration, the zeolite becomes warm, thereby helping to relieve pains associated with various musculoskeletal problems. An especially useful composition involves an ointment or balm that contains a combination of functional ingredients. A conventional analgesic such as a salicylate that can be absorbed through the skin supplies one form of relief that generally requires a period of time to become effective. When combined with the zeolite, which begins to hydrate at once, immediate relief is provided through the generated warmth.

Abstract: Hollow fibers are prepared by spray drying a solution of a film-former in a volatile solvent. The viscosity of the solution must be 1.5 to 10 times the viscosity that usually results in spheres or microspheres. The preferred film-forming substance is a combination of sodium silicate and a "polysalt.

Abstract: Crystalline alumino-silicates (zeolites) are multifunctional in dentifrice compositions thereby reducing the number of components required in such formulations. The pH-adjusted zeolites can keep the pH of the dentifrice in the range where caries formation is impossible. The pH-adjusted synthetic or natural zeolites can be prepared or obtained in a particle size range that provides both abrasive cleansing and polishing or lustering of the teeth. The fine particle size and water absorbing capabilities of the zeolite can also provide thickening. Such multifunctional performance allows considerable simplification in the formulation of dentrifice compositions.

Abstract: Amorphous, hydrated magnesium silicate is effective in reducing the concentration of various metal ions in aqueous solutions or effluent streams. Both mono- and multi-valent ions can be treated in this manner thereby providing a method of preventing release of metal ions to the environment. The method is especially efficient in removal of chrome values from effluents generated in chrome tanning operations. Efficient adsorption of the chrome requires that the pH of the effluent-magnesium silicate slurry be adjusted to or maintained at a value between 5.3 and 9.8. The chrome value may be recovered from the magnesium silicate by acidification of the complex.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the preparation of colloidal dispersions of sodium metallo silicates, useful as coagulant aids, are disclosed. The dispersions are prepared by the controlled sequential mixing of separate streams of water, sodium silicate and a metal salt in a mixing block that has no moving parts. The apparatus and process are also useful in the mixing of other reactive solutions and fluids.