Abstract: Solid carbonaceous fossil fuels such as coal, lignite and peat are treated with an aqueous medium containing a novel catalyst to remove undesirable constituents and produce valuable products. The catalyst is prepared by steps including admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of dissolved water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle-forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. In one variant, particles of a fossil fuel containing metal values are treated with an aqueous medium in the presence of the catalyst, and thereafter the treated particles are separated from the aqueous medium and extracted with an aqueous leach solution in which the metal values are soluble.

Abstract: Liquid and solid compositions are provided for souring and imparting softness to freshly laundered textile materials. When in the form of a stable homogeneous liquid, the composition may contain (a) a quaternized fatty amide, an aqueous emulsion of partially oxidized polyethylene or a fatty amphoteric compound as the softening agent, (b) hydrofluorosilicic acid, ammonium silicofluoride, zinc silicofluoride, ammonium acid fluoride, potassium acid fluoride, or orthophosphoric acid as the souring agent, and (c) water. When in the form of a stable dry solid, the composition may contain (a) a quaternized fatty amide or fatty amphoteric compound as the softening agent, and (b) ammonium silicofluoride, potassium silicofluoride, sodium silicofluoride, zinc silicofluoride, ammonium acid fluoride, sodium acid fluoride or potassium acid fluoride. A method of preparing the liquid composition is provided which insures that it remains stable and homogeneous while awaiting use.

Abstract: An improved pocket cuspidor is provided which preferably includes a cooperating three component system. The first component is a mouthpiece provided with a disposable waterproof flexible bag releasably secured thereto. The first component is arranged within the second component which is a first waterproof container. The second component and the first component carried thereby, in turn, are arranged within the third component, which is a second waterproof container preferably conforming in size and shape to the pocket of a garment worn by the user of the cuspidor. A cover including a stopper for the mouthpiece opening, is provided which is hingedly attached to the first container and is releasably secured to the second container when the stopper is in liquid sealing engagement with the mouthpiece opening.

Abstract: Liquid oxyalkylated polyol prepolymers are prepared by oxyalkylating a prepolymer prepared from a hydroxy aromatic compound, an aldehyde and furfuryl alcohol with an alkylene oxide containing about 2-4 carbon atoms. The oxyalkylated polyol prepolymers have a viscosity of 1,000-500,000 centipoises at 25.degree. C. and contain about 1.1-6 moles of interpolymerized aldehyde, about 3.1-15 moles of interpolymerized furfuryl alcohol, and about 1-10 moles of interpolymerized alkylene oxide for each mole of interpolymerized hydroxy aromatic compound. The resultant prepolymers are highly reactive and may be further polymerized with or without monomers such as polyisocyanate to produce flame retardant solid or cellular interpolymers. Flame retardant solid or cellular polyurethanes are prepared in one variant by interpolymerizing organic polyisocyanates with the oxyalkylated polyol prepolymers. In another variant, flame retardant closed cell cellular interpolymers are provided.

Abstract: Cuttings to be rooted are intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst. The cuttings root faster and/or easier, and the new plants produced therefrom are more vigorous and resistant to disease and/or adverse environmental conditions. In a preferred variant, the water may also contain water soluble catalyst treated lignite. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. The preparation of the novel catalyst and the water soluble catalyst treated lignite is described in detail hereinafter.

Abstract: Liquid prepolymers are prepared by interpolymerizing monomers including a hydroxy aromatic compound, an aldehyde and furfuryl alcohol. The resultant liquid prepolymers have a viscosity of about 100-500,000 centipoises at 25.degree. C. and contain about 1.1-6 moles of interpolymerized aldehyde and about 3.1-15 moles of interpolymerized furfuryl alcohol for each mole of interpolymerized hydroxy aromatic compound. The prepolymers are highly reactive and may be polymerized with or without other monomers to produce flame retardant solid or cellular interpolymers. In one variant, flame retardant solid or cellular polymers are produced by interpolymerizing organic polyisocyanates with the prepolymers. In another variant, solid or cellular interpolymers are produced by polymerizing the prepolymers without monomers such as polyisocyanate in the presence of unreacted furfuryl alcohol. Processes are provided for preparing the aforementioned novel liquid prepolymers and solid or cellular interpolymers.

Abstract: Liquid and solid compositions are provided for souring and imparting softness to freshly laundered textile materials. When in the form of a stable homogeneous liquid, the composition may contain (a) a quaternized fatty amide, an aqueous emulsion of partially oxidized polyethylene or a fatty amphoteric compound as the softening agent, (b) hydrofluorosilicic acid, ammonium silicofluoride, zinc silicofluoride, ammonium acid fluoride, potassium acid fluoride, or orthophosphoric acid as the souring agent, and (c) water. When in the form of a stable dry solid, the composition may contain (a) a quaternized fatty amide or fatty amphoteric compound as the softening agent, and (b) ammonium silicofluoride, potassium silicofluoride, sodium silicofluoride, zinc silicofluoride, ammonium acid fluoride, sodium acid fluoride or potassium acid fluoride. A method of preparing the liquid composition is provided which insures that it remains stable and homogeneous while awaiting use.

Abstract: Liquid and solid compositions are provided for souring and imparting softness to freshly laundered textile materials. When in the form of a stable homogeneous liquid, the composition may contain (a) a quaternized fatty amide, an aqueous emulsion of partially oxidized polyethylene or a fatty amphoteric compound as the softening agent, (b) hydrofluorosilicic acid, ammonium silicofluoride, zinc silicofluoride, ammonium acid fluoride, potassium acid fluoride, or orthophosphoric acid as the souring agent, and (c) water. When in the form of a stable dry solid, the composition may contain (a) a quaternized fatty amide or fatty amphoteric compound as the softening agent, and (b) ammonium silicofluoride, potassium silicofluoride, sodium silicofluoride, zinc silicofluoride, ammonium acid fluoride, sodium acid fluoride or potassium acid fluoride. A method of preparing the liquid composition is provided which insures that it remains stable and homogeneous while awaiting use.

Abstract: Seeds are intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to achieve faster germination and/or a higher germination rate. The resultant plants are also more vigorous and resistent to disease and/or adverse environmental conditions. In a preferred variant, the water may also contain water soluble catalyst treated lignite. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. The preparation of the novel catalyst and the water soluble catalyst treated lignite is described in detail hereinafter.

Abstract: Liquid and solid compositions are provided for souring and imparting softness to freshly laundered textile materials. When in the form of a stable homogeneous liquid, the composition may contain (a) a quaternized fatty amide, an aqueous emulsion of partially oxidized polyethylene, a fatty amphoteric compound, or a fatty amide as described hereinafter as the softening agent, (b) hydrofluorosilicic acid, ammonium silicofluoride, zinc silicofluoride, ammonium acid fluoride, potassium acid fluoride, or orthophosphoric acid as the souring agent, and (c) water. When in the form of a stable dry solid, the composition may contain (a) a quaternized fatty amide, a fatty amphoteric compound or a fatty amide as described hereinafter as the softening agent, and (b) ammonium silicofluoride, potassium silicofluoride, sodium silicofluoride, zinc silicofluoride, ammonium acid fluoride, sodium acid fluoride or potassium acid fluoride.

Abstract: Liquid prepolymers are prepared by interpolymerizing monomers including a hydroxy aromatic compound, an aldehyde and furfuryl alcohol. The resultant liquid prepolymers have a viscosity of about 100-500,000 centipoises at 25.degree. C. and contain about 1.1-6 moles of interpolymerized aldehyde and about 3.1-15 moles of interpolymerized furfuryl alcohol for each mole of interpolymerized hydroxy aromatic compound. The prepolymers are highly reactive and may be polymerized with or without other monomers to produce flame retardant solid or cellular interpolymers. In one variant, flame retardant solid or cellular polymers are produced by interpolymerizing organic polyisocyanates with the prepolymers. In another variant, solid or cellular interpolymers are produced by polymerizing the prepolymers without monomers such as polyisocyanate in the presence of unreacted furfuryl alcohol. Processes are provided for preparing the aforementioned novel liquid prepolymers and solid or cellular interpolymers.

Abstract: Liquid oxyalkylated polyol prepolymers are prepared by oxyalkylating a prepolymer prepared from a hydroxy aromatic compound, an aldehyde and furfuryl alcohol with an alkylene oxide containing about 2-4 carbon atoms. The oxyalkylated polyol prepolymers have a viscosity of 1000-500,000 centipoises at 25.degree. C. and contain about 1.1-6 moles of interpolymerized aldehyde, about 3.1-15 moles of interpolymerized furfuryl alcohol, and about 1-10 moles of interpolymerized alkylene oxide for each mole of interpolymerized hydroxy aromatic compound. The resultant prepolymers are highly reactive and may be further polymerized with or without monomers such as polyisocyanate to produce flame retardant solid or cellular interpolymers. Flame retardant solid or cellular polyurethanes are prepared in one variant by interpolymerizing organic polyisocyanates with the oxyalkylated polyol prepolymers. In another variant, flame retardant closed cell cellular interpolymers are provided.

Abstract: Cut flowers are intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to prolong their life or beauty. In a preferred variant, the water may also contain water soluble catalyst treated lignite. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. The preparation of the novel catalyst and the water soluble catalyst treated lignite is described in detail hereinafter.

Abstract: Liquid and solid compositions are provided for souring and imparting softness to freshly laundered textile materials. When in the form of a stable homogeneous liquid, the composition may contain (a) a quaternized fatty amide, an aqueous emulsion of partially oxidized polyethylene or a fatty amphoteric compound as the softening agent, (b) hydrofluorosilicic acid, ammonium silicofluoride, zinc silicofluoride, ammonium acid fluoride, potassium acid fluoride, or orthophosphoric acid as the souring agent, and (c) water. When in the form of a stable dry solid, the composition may contain (a) a quaternized fatty amide or fatty amphoteric compound as the softening agent, and (b) ammonium silicofluoride, potassium silicofluoride, sodium silicofluoride, zinc silicofluoride, ammonium acid fluoride, sodium acid fluoride or potassium acid fluoride. A method of preparing the liquid composition is provided which insures that it remains stable and homogeneous while awaiting use.

Abstract: Solid carbonaceous fossil fuels such as coal, lignite and peat are treated with an aqueous medium containing a novel catalyst to remove undesirable constituents and produce valuable products. The catalyst is prepared by steps including admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of dissolved water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle-forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. In one variant, combustible sulfur and nitrogen compounds and alkali metal ash are removed, and the resulting treated fuel may be used in urban areas where strict air pollution regulations must be met.

Abstract: Plants are grown in soil which has been intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to improve the fertility thereof. In a preferred variant, the water which is intimately contacted with the soil may also contain catalyst treated lignite. Plants grown in the treated soil are more vigorous and resistant to disease or adverse environmental conditions. The yields are higher in instances where the plants are grown commercially for food or fiber, and the plants have a more pleasing appearance in instances where they are grown for decorative purposes.

Abstract: The roots of plants being transplanted are intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst. In a preferred variant, the water may also contain water soluble catalyst treated lignite. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. The preparation of the novel catalyst and the water soluble catalyst treated lignite is described in detail hereinafter. The transplanted plants grow more vigorously and are more resistant to disease and/or adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: Plants are watered with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to promote growth, yield and/or beauty. The watered plants are more vigorous and resistant to disease and/or adverse environmental conditions. In a preferred variant, the water may also contain water soluble catalyst treated lignite. Plant nutrients may be present in the water and fed to the plants at the time of watering. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles.

Abstract: Soil is intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to improve the fertility thereof. In a preferred variant, the water which is intimately contacted with the soil may also contain catalyst treated lignite. Plants grown in the treated soil are more vigorous and resistant to disease or adverse environmental conditions. The yields are higher in instances where the plants are grown commercially for food or fiber, and the plants have a more pleasing appearance in instances where they are grown for decorative purposes.

Abstract: Tissue in warm blooded animals which is damaged and/or infected is treated by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition containing a novel catalyst and water soluble catalyst treated lignite. The treatment is also effective in relieving stress and/or shock. In a further variant, warm blooded animals having damaged and/or infected tissue are treated with a composition containing therapeutically effective amounts of at least one antibiotic, the novel catalyst, and the catalyst treated lignite. Novel compositions are provided which contain therapeutic amounts of at least one antibiotic, the catalyst, and the catalyst treated lignite. The novel catalyst and the catalyst treated lignite are prepared by processes described in detail hereinafter.