Abstract: New thermally- and hydrothermally-stable .delta.-alumina compositions stabilized with an oxide of silicon, germanium, phosphorus, arsenic or a mixture thereof and methods of preparation of same are provided. Also provided are catalyst supports and catalysts made using these stabilized .delta.-alumina compositions, methods for making same, and methods for treating the exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine using such catalysts.

Abstract: A clamp system and method used to remotely connect or disconnect a submerged pipeline from another submerged pipeline or from a riser line or the like. When used with a riser line, the riser line end of the connector carries calipers that pivot open to receive or release the pipeline connection end. The mating connector end sections are radially enlarged and are provided with annular grooves that are in register when the sections are abutted to house an annular, hollow metal seal ring. With the calipers closed and securing the two connection end sections, a locking collar is moved over the free end of the calipers, and the seal ring is energized by applying high pressure fluid into the seal ring, causing the ring to expand and seal the mating connector ends, restrict lateral movement between the ends, and stress the connection to maintain the clamp.

Abstract: A high activity catalyst and the method of using it to effectively convert the hydrocarbon, soluble oil fraction and carbon monoxide in a diesel exhaust stream while minimizing the oxidation of SO.sub.2 is disclosed. The catalyst comprises at least one platinum group metal dispersed on a two-component support comprising in major amount one or more zeolites and in minor amount an inorganic oxide selected from the group consisting of alumina, titania and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst which can convert methane, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides in lean, stoichiometric, and rich air/fuel environments. Support (A) of the catalyst comprises an alumina support impregnated with Pd providing lean methane conversions and support (B) of the catalyst comprises ceria/lanthana/alumina impregnated with Pd providing stoichiometric methane conversion. Rhodium may be substituted for all or part of the Pd on an alumina support.

Abstract: A system for covering an exterior surface of a building comprising a plurality of members for application to the building surface in a series progressing from one end of the surface to the other end in a first lengthwise direction. The system comprises at least two such members adapted to overlap in use, one of the members having, in the overlapping zone thereof, a first type connector comprising a lock formation defining a recess opening generally in the first direction. The other member has, in its overlapping zone, a second type connector comprising a hook formation having a free end projecting generally in the second lengthwise direction and into the recess in use.

Abstract: A palladium three-way catalyst is supported on a unique ceria-lanthana-alumina support where the alumina content is lower than previously believed necessary to maintain catalyst activity. Preferably the ceria and lanthana constitute the major proportion of the support.

Abstract: A plurality of each of said heat-exchanger coils each having a different winding diameter are provided between a header in the inlet side provided in an inlet tube and a header in the outlet side provided in the outlet tube so that the two headers are communicated to each other, and also a group of heat-exchanger coils each surrounded by another heat-exchanger coil having a larger diameter as compared to that of the former is provided.