Abstract: A microwaveable confection mold for use in a conventional microwave oven. The mold permits solid confection capable of melting when exposed to microwave energy to be introduced into the mold. The mold comprises a clear microwave transparent plastic material to facilitate observation of the confection melting process with subsequent settling in the mold sections. A pigment in the mold changes the colour to indicate to the user when the liquified confection has hardened and the mold cooled.

Abstract: A method of wet granulation of fertilizer and other materials into granules. The method involves formation of the granule directly on the pan from the feedstock without intermediate steps or the use of seed materials. The result is a product having a completely uniform cross section. The feedstock is initially in the size distribution of -150 mesh with 90% or greater in the size range of 200 mesh. Moisture is maintained to facilitate a steady process without cycling. The method has the advantage of allowing granulation of materials either known to be hazardous or inherently difficult to granulate in a safe and expedient manner.

Abstract: Toothpaste incorporating chlorhexidine bigluconate for improved adhesive onto the surface of the teeth. A second embodiment discusses the use of triclosan and in combination with sodium monofluorphosphate for use in the toothpaste.

Abstract: A process is provided for recovering sodium bicarbonate and ammonium sulfate from a solution containing sodium sulfate derived from a process for removing sulfur contaminants out of a gas with sodium bicarbonate reagent. Sodium bicarbonate is precipitated and removed from the solution. Sodium sulfate or ammonium bicarbonate is added to the solution to form a second precipitate of sodium bicarbonate, which is removed from the solution. The solution is conditioned by either heating the solution to 95.degree. C. to liberate ammonia and carbon dioxide or by adding sulfuric acid to the solution to decompose any carbonates. The solution is cooled to a temperature between -2 to 2.degree. C. to form a third precipitate of sodium bicarbonate. Sulfuric acid is added to the solution to decompose any carbonate minerals, and purified ammonium sulfate solution is recovered.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mapping out wall thickness of a tube or other object having motion in two directions. The device includes a first laser for generating ultrasound propagating inside tube wall over a particular generation spot on a surface of the tube, a second laser coupled to an interferometer for detecting produced ultrasonic echoes over a detection spot on the surface. A processor is provided for operating on recorded ultrasonic echoes and using a given value of ultrasonic velocity and the distance between the generation spot and the detection spots for determining wall thickness at a mid-point between the generation and detection spot. An optical displacement measuring device determines a displacement in two dimensions between the generation spot and arbitrary starting spot and a display for displaying wall thickness values over the surface of the tube.

Abstract: A foodstuff collating apparatus having a plurality of discrete channels within which foodstuffs are collated. The apparatus is elevated at one end to provide a slide for the foodstuff with the channels converging from one end of the apparatus to the other. As the foodstuff slides down a channel, the former is oriented from a random position to an ordered vertical disposition.

Abstract: A high yield and high purity method for obtaining taxane analogues from a source containing taxanes. The method employs a polymeric resin membrane for separating the analogues under low pressure without the use of complex and expensive separation/purification steps currently provided in the art.

Abstract: A lock system is disclosed for use on an in-line roller skate to positively lock the wheels. The lock system includes a mounting member for mounting the lock to the chassis of a roller skate. The mounting member includes a movable abutment member having a plurality of abutments for selective engagement with the wheels. The abutment member may comprise a plurality of spaced apart stops for interstitial between wheels to be locked. The arrangements have marked advantages over the existing systems in that the same are readily engagable with a minimum of effort. In this manner, the user can simply engage and disengage the lock device without any encumbrances typically associated with the prior art.

Abstract: A process for producing sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate. The process includes reacting within a reactor sodium sulfate in aqueous solution with ammonia and carbon dioxide to precipitate sodium bicarbonate and form a first mother liquor. The sodium bicarbonate is separated and dried to produce sodium bicarbonate product. Alternatively, the sodium bicarbonate may be calcined to convert it to sodium carbonate. The first mother liquor may be evaporated to precipitate unreacted sodium sulfate, with the formation of a second mother liquor. The second mother liquor may be cooled to precipitate a double salt of sodium sulfate/ammonium sulfate and water. A third mother liquor is formed from this process. The latter-mentioned liquor from the precipitation of the double salt is evaporated to precipitate a substantial pure ammonium sulfate in a purity of greater than approximately 75 wt %. A fourth mother liquor is formed.

Abstract: A lock system is disclosed for use on an in-line roller skate to positively lock the wheels. The lock system includes a mounting member for mounting the lock to the chassis of a roller skate. The mounting member includes a movable abutment member having a plurality of abutments for selective engagement with the wheels. Hub projections are provided on the wheels for engagement with the abutment member. In another embodiment, the abutment member may comprise a plurality of spaced apart stops for interstitial between wheels to be locked. The arrangements have marked advantages over the existing systems in that the same are readily engagable with a minimum of effort. In this manner, the user can simply engage and disengage the lock device without any encumbrances typically associated with the prior art.