Abstract: A process is disclosed for separating an organic material from a composition comprising said organic material intermixed with particulate solids, the process comprising advancing a light hydrocarbon fluid through said particulate solids at an effective rate to drive at least some of said organic material from said particulate solids, adding water to said composition containing particulate solids and residual organic material to produce a second composition, and adding an oxidizing agent to said second composition in an amount sufficient to remove substantially all of the residual organic material.

Abstract: Divalent ion tolerant aromatic sulfonate suitable for enhanced oil recovery characterized by the formula: ##STR1## wherein x=0 to 4R'=H or CH.sub.3R=CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2)y and y=1 to 15. Preferably, the composition comprises of second compound characterized by the formula ##STR2## wherein R, x, y, and R' are the same as defined in claim 1.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing and observing spatial patterns in chemical reaction comprising a vessel having a laminate positioned in said vessel forming a chamber. The laminate comprises a polymer gel layer (or other porous medium) sandwiched between a transparent layer and an array of capillary tubes. The capillaries in the array are perpendicular to the gel surface in order to allow access to the gel from the chamber only in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the gel.

Abstract: A solvent extraction process for the removal of water from carbonaceous solids utilizing methyl formate.

Abstract: A novel system for the preparation of maleic anhydride by catalytic oxidation of a hydrocarbon such as butane wherein the catalyst system comprising a mixture of (1) a mixed vanadium-phosphate catalyst and (2) a noncatalytic material comprising an oxide of a Group IA-IIIA element, Pb, In, Sb, Sn, Tl, Bi or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing ammonia comprising selecting a catalyst precursor characterized by the formula:A.sub.y M.sub.a [M'(CN).sub.c ].sub.b .multidot.n H.sub.2 OwhereinA is an alkali or alkaline earth metal or mixture thereof;M is La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Sc, Lu and Y or mixtures;M' is a group VIII metal, preferably Fe, Co, Ni or Ru or mixtures;a=0.1 to 4;b=0.1 to 4;c=4 to 6; andprovided that the catalyst is free or substantially free of Al or the combination of Al and U, activating the precursor by heating in a non-oxidizing atmosphere and pass N.sub.2 and H.sub.2 over the activated catalyst to produce ammonia.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the oxidation of olefins to unsaturated aldehydes and acids using a catalyst containing antimony, iron, bismuth, molybdenum plus at least one of nickel, cobalt, magnesium, zinc, cadmium or calcium within certain compositional limits. These catalysts may also contain certain elements that further enhance the desirability of the oxidation process.

Abstract: High yields of unsaturated nitriles are obtained by the oxidation of olefin-ammonia mixtures in the presence of a catalyst comprising the oxides of bismuth, molybdenum, iron and at least one element of the Group II metals as essential components, and optionally the oxides of cobalt, nickel, phosphorus, arsenic and an alkali metal.

Abstract: A new catalyst system for the conversion of short-chain aliphatic alcohols to hydrocarbons having the formula[ML.sub.q ].sub.b.sup.m+ [N].sub.d.sup.n+ [X.sup.p+ Y.sub.a Z.sub.(12-a) O.sub.40 ].sup.-(8-p)wherein:[ML] is an organometallic compound where M is at least one metal selected from Group IIIA, IVA, VA, IB, IIB, IVB, VB, VIA, Fe, Co, and Ni; and L is an organic ligand,N is a positively charged species including a positively charged organic ligand,X is at least one element selected from P, Si, As, Ti, Zr, B, Co, Cu or Sn,Y and Z are independently selected from W, Mo, or V,m+n=[-pq=1-6O<a.ltoreq.12O.ltoreq.d<3b=1 to 3.

Abstract: Compositions of the empirical formula:Mo.sub.12 P.sub.0.1-3 M.sub.0.1-3 Cu.sub.0.1-2 V.sub.0.1-2 Sb.sub.0.01-2 X.sub.0.01-2 Y.sub.a O.sub.x (I)whereM is at least one of K, Rb and Cs;X is at least one of Ba, La, Ga, Al, Ag, Cd, Ti, Tl, Hg, Pb and Zn;Y is at least one of Fe, Co, Ni, Sr, Mn, In, Ta, Ge, S and Be when a>0;a is a number of 0 to about 2; andx is a number that satisfies the valance requirements of the other elements present,are excellent catalysts for the oxidation of oxygenated C.sub.4 hydrocarbons, such as methacrolein, to methacrylic acid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for logging current-voltage (I-V) characteristic d of a solar cell module (10) in two modes using a portable instrument. One mode controls the load current through a circuit (36) in 256 equal intervals while voltage is measured from open circuit to at least halfway into the knee of the curve and the other mode controls the load voltage through a circuit (34) in 256 equal intervals from the lowest voltage measurement possible (short circuit) to at least halfway into the knee of the curve, under control of a microcomputer (12). All measurements are packed by discarding each measurement that is within 0.5% of the value predicted from two previous measurements, except every ninth (9th) measurement which is retained.

Abstract: A heterogeneous nuclear reactor of the seed-blanket type is provided wher the fissile (seed) and fertile (blanket) nuclear fuels are segregated axially within each fuel element such that fissile and fertile regions occur in an alternating pattern along the length of the fuel element. Further, different axial stacking patterns are used for the fuel elements of at least two module types such that when modules of different types are positioned adjacent to one another, the fertile regions of the modules are offset or staggered. Thus, when a module of one type is surrounded by modules of the second type the fertile regions thereof will be surrounded on all sides by fissile material. This provides enhanced neutron communication both radially and axially, thereby resulting in greater power oscillation stability than other axial arrangements.

Abstract: Method for laser beam amplification by means of free electron laser techniques. With wiggler magnetic field strength B.sub.w and wavelength .lambda..sub.w =2.pi./k.sub.w regarded as variable parameters, the method(s) impose conditions such as substantial constancy of B.sub.w /k.sub.w or k.sub.w or B.sub.w and k.sub.w (alternating), coupled with a choice of either constant resonant phase angle or programmed phase space "bucket" area.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method of cutting a narrow slot in an extrusion die with an electrical discharge machine by first drilling spaced holes at the ends of where the slot will be, whereby the oil can flow through the holes and slot to flush the material eroded away as the slot is being cut. The invention further teaches a method of extruding a very thin ribbon of solid highly reactive material such as lithium or sodium through the die in an inert atmosphere of nitrogen, argon or the like as in a glovebox. The invention further teaches a method of stamping out sample discs from the ribbon and of packaging each disc by sandwiching it between two aluminum sheets and cold welding the sheets together along an annular seam beyond the outer periphery of the disc. This provides a sample of high purity reactive material that can have a long shelf life.

Abstract: In the reductive stripping of uranium from an organic extractant in a uranium recovery process, the use of phosphoric acid having a molarity in the range of 8 to 10 increases the efficiency of the reductive stripping and allows the strip step to operate with lower aqueous to organic recycle ratios and shorter retention time in the mixer stages. Under these operating conditions, less solvent is required in the process, and smaller, less expensive process equipment can be utilized. The high strength H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 is available from the evaporator stage of the process.

Abstract: A method for simultaneous amplification of laser beams with a sequence of frequencies in a single pass, using a relativistic beam of electrons grouped in a sequence of energies corresponding to the sequence of laser beam frequencies. The method allows electrons to pass from one potential well or "bucket" to another adjacent bucket, thus increasing efficiency of trapping and energy conversion.

Abstract: A bagging device for transferring material from a first chamber through an opening in a wall to a second chamber includes an outer housing communicating with the opening and having proximal and distal ends relative to the wall. An inner housing having proximal and distal ends corresponding to those of the outer housing is mounted in a concentrically spaced, sealed manner with respect to the distal end of the outer housing. The inner and outer housings and mounting means therebetween define an annular chamber, closed at its distal end and open at its proximal end, in which a pliable tube is slidably positioned in sealed engagement with the housings. The pliable tube includes a sealed end positioned adjacent the proximal end of the inner housing so as to maintain isolation between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A pistol-shaped charger assembly clamps a cylindrical radiation dosimeter against one edge thereof. A triggerlike lever on the handgrip of the assembly is manually pivoted to actuate a piezoelectric current generator held in the handgrip and thereby charge the dosimeter.

Abstract: Separate structures for electrical insulation and thermal conduction are established within a liquid cooled, linear focus solar cell receiver for use with parabolic or Fresnel optical concentrators. The receiver includes a V-shaped aluminum extrusion having a pair of outer faces each formed with a channel receiving a string of solar cells in thermal contact with the extrusion. Each cell string is attached to a continuous glass cover secured within the channel with spring clips to isolate the string from the external environment. Repair or replacement of solar cells is effected simply by detaching the spring clips to remove the cover/cell assembly without interrupting circulation of coolant fluid through the receiver. The lower surface of the channel in thermal contact with the cells of the string is anodized to establish a suitable standoff voltage capability between the cells and the extrusion. Primary electrical insulation is provided by a dielectric tape disposed between the coolant tube and extrusion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar collector comprising an annular-shaped frame and a composite membrane member for concentrating and focusing sun radiation. The composite membrane member is supported and tensioned by the frame and consists of first and second differentially pretensioned sheet members which are integrally bonded to one another. The frame and one of the two sheet members are adapted to allow tensions in both of the sheets to be adjusted. Subsequent to bonding and upon adjusting a tension in one of the two sheet members, both of the two bonded sheet members react with one another so as to cause the composite membrane member to have a contoured configuration, which enables the membrane member to be focusable. Additionally, adjusting the tension in one of the two sheet members provides a reciprocal adjustment in a focus provided by the membrane member.