Abstract: A process for converting halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons to halohydrins using a microorganism selected from Rhodococcus species ATCC 55388 and mutants thereof are described.

Abstract: An immunoassay method for one-step detection of specific antibodies which includes incubation of a solid phase support or matrix having a spot of the antigen bound thereto with a sample of the clinical fluid to be tested in the presence of a signal developing reagent, including a detector substance, which is preferably a colloidal metal sol, and a ligand, such as protein A or other antibody binding ligand. A diagnostic field kit containing the test antigens and signal developing reagent is also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for continuously producing halogenated hydrocarbons by: (1) flowing a feed mixture containing CO, H2 and a halogen source into a reaction zone containing a catalyst bed; (2) removing from the reaction zone the resultant reaction product which contains the desired halogenated hydrocarbons; and (3) maintaining the halogen source content in the feed mixture at from about the stoichiometric amount to about twice the stoichiometric amount needed to produce the halogenated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A novel electrochemical cell monitoring apparatus for a caustic-chlorine electrolyzer, which includes a voltmeter, a standard calomel reference electrode, a flexible conduit for cell bath, preferably of multilayer construction, and a conduit support body placed between electrode walls to prevent crimping of the conduit when the walls of the electrolyzer are pressed together or dislocation during operation, and the method of monitoring a selected electrochemical cell which includes connecting an electrode of the selected cell and the standard reference electrode to the voltmeter, providing cell bath from the electrode of the selected cell through the conduit to the liquid junction of the standard reference electrode, operating the electrolyzer and reading the voltage on the voltmeter to compare with a predetermined standard voltage.

Abstract: A two-stage upflow process for coal gasification and an apparatus useful therefor. An oxygen-containing gas and a first increment of a coal-in-water slurry are ignited in a horizontal fired slagging reactor by means of horizontal coaxial juxtaposed burner nozzles mounted in the reactor, thereby converting the oxygen, the coal, and the water into steam and gaseous combustion products. The discharge from the fired reactor is contacted overhead with a second increment of coal-water slurry in a vertical unfired heat-recovery unit connected to the upper end of the reactor. The heat evolved in the reactor is used in the heat recovery unit to convert the second increment of coal-water slurry into more steam, char and synthesis gas. The gas effluent is separated from the solid char, and synthesis gas is passed into a fire-tube boiler to recover heat and the cooled product gas is recovered as the desired fuel-rich product. The solid char is reslurried and recycled to the fired reactor 3 for further combustion.

Abstract: A process for electrochemically coupling anions of organic radicals to form multifunctional compounds having the general formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from --CN, CO.sub.2 Et, --R .sub.4 CH.sub.2 Et, --CO.sub.2 R.sub.4, and --COCH.sub.3 ; R.sub.3 is Br, H, or Et, and R.sub.4 is C.sub.1-12 alkyl; and the novel compounds per se.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved composition and method which inhibit the corrosion of and the formation of scale on metals present in an aqueous system. The composition comprises a water soluble copolymer having moieties derived from acrylic acid and from lower alkyl hydroxy acrylates, and a combination of a manganese compound and an aminoalkylenephosphonic acid derivative or its salts.

Abstract: A method of culturing Lipomyces, such as Lipomyces starkeyi, at pH of 2.5-4.5 and producing extracellular dextranase with co-production of alpha-glucosidase so that the dextranase containing product is essentially free from contamination.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for parboiling rough rice, which process includes: (1) soaking the rough rice; (2) subjecting the soaked rough rice to a first value of microwave energy to partially gelatinize the starch in the rice and raise its water content; (3) draining free water, if any, from the treated soaked rough rice; and (4) subjecting the drained rough rice from (3) to a second level of microwave energy to effect substantially complete gelatinization and to lower the rough rice water content.

Abstract: A digital lock-in amplifier has a digital-to-analog converter connected between a central processing unit and a source of a signal to be detected or measured and which modulates the signal, an analog-to-digital converter connected between the source of the signal to be measured and the central processing unit, which includes a low pass filtered amplifier, a voltage controlled oscillator having a voltage offset reference supply and a counter, so that the modulated signal is converted to a series of electronic pulses counted over a set period, and a central processing unit which reads, resets and restarts the counter, analyzes the counts received, outputs digital information relating to the amplitude and phase of the signal to be measured or detected, reads a function table and outputs a signal to the digital-to-analog converter. A method detects and measure timed periodic signals using the above digital lock-in amplifier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a knotting device which comprises a handle portion which carries an elongated member and an elongated needle member. The elongated member and the elongated needle member are associated with one another by a linking member so that they can move from a first position to a second position. The elongated needle member is used to initially engage the knot and obtain an initial tightening thereof. The elongated member is used to finally tighten the knot after the elongated needle member has been removed from the knot as the elongated member moves to the second position.

Abstract: An actinically curable composition containing (1) an oligomer having a molecular weight within the range of from about 200 to about 3000 and which is end capped with reactive functional groups to provide sites for free radical polymerization by actinic radiation and (2) as a reactive diluent, an N-vinyl-2-oxazolidinone in which the number 4 and 5 carbon atoms each have two constituents which are all independently selected from hydrogen and alkyl radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An actinically curable composition containing (1) an oligomer having a molecular weight within the range of from about 200 to about 3000 and which is end capped with reactive functional groups to provide sites for free radical polymerization by actinic radiation and (2) as a reactive diluent, an N-vinyl-2-oxazolidinone in which the number 4 and 5 carbon atoms each have two constituents which are all independently selected from hydrogen and alkyl radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An actinically curable composition containing (1) an oligomer having a molecular weight within the range of from about 200 to about 3000 and which is end capped with reactive functional groups to provide sites for free radical polymerization by actinic radiation and (2) as a reactive diluent, an N-vinyl-2-oxazolidinone in which the number 4 and 5 carbon atoms each have two constituents which are all independently selected from hydrogen and alkyl radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An actinically curable composition containing (1) an oligomer having a molecular weight within the range of from about 200 to about 3000 and which is end capped with reactive functional groups to provide sites for free radical polymerization by actinic radiation and (2) as a reactive diluent, an N-vinyl-2-oxazolidinone in which the number 4 and 5 carbon atoms each have two constituents which are all independently selected from hydrogen and alkyl radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An actinically curable composition containing (1) an oligomer having a molecular weight within the range of from about 200 to about 3000 and which is end capped with reactive functional groups to provide sites for free radical polymerization by actinic radiation and (2) as a reactive diluent, an N-vinyl-2-oxazolidinone in which the number 4 and 5 carbon atoms each have two constituents which are all independently selected from hydrogen and alkyl radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: This invention relates to a two-fluid nozzle which is adjustable to provide a substantially constant mixing energy. Adjustment of the two-fluid nozzle is made in accordance with the pressure and mass flow values of the liquid and gas fed to the nozzle. A microprocessor calculates the mixing energy from these values and provides an output to the nozzle to adjust it should its mixing energy be in variance with a pre-selected mixing energy.

Abstract: A device for increasing the evaporation of liquid from mud pits is disclosed having an elongated collection tank suspended from flotation means for holding a quantity of the liquid. A plurality of riser pipes extending from the collection tank to the surface of the liquid, each of the riser pipes having a nozzle connected to the end thereof capable of converting the liquid into a hollow, conical spray having ultrafine droplets.

Abstract: A method for reducing body fat stores in vertebrate animals by administer a prolactin-inhibitor to the animal in a dose which effects such reduction without a concomitant decrease in body weight is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to phenoxy- and isopropoxyaminophenoxycyclotriphosphazenes and to a process for their preparation. The process comprises reacting R-chlorocyclotriphosphazene with an inorganic salt of aminophenoxide. The reaction takes place in the presence of an inert organic solvent and at a temperature within the range of from about 20.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C.