Abstract: A raised-rib waveguide provides a low-loss coupling to a conventional single-mode optical fiber propagating light of a wavelength (.lambda.). An exemplary embodiment of the waveguide is disclosed for a wavelength of 0.85 .mu.m. In order to identify the values of the structural and compositional parameters of the raised-rib waveguide, a method employing a computer is used to identify a set of parameters that optimize the efficiency of the coupling of the waveguide to an optical fiber while maintaining the waveguide's ability to propagate a selected mode.

Abstract: A regioselective process is provided for preparing 4-bromo-o-xylene in an isomer mixture of 4-bromo-o-xylene and 3-bromo-o-xylene by combining a molar excess of bromine with o-xylene. The produced 3-bromo-o-xylene isomer preferentially reacts with the excess bromine to produce dibromo-o-xylenes. The weight ratio of the 4-bromo-o-xylene to the 3-bromo-o-xylene in the product isomer mixture can be as high as about 97:3. Concurrent production of alpha-bromo-o-xylene is avoided by conducting the admixing in either darkness or in sulfur dioxide solution. The dibromo-o-xylene by products are easily separated by subsequent vacuum distillation or similar expedients.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing trimesic acid of improved quality and at an improved yield by a process involving the liquid-phase oxidation of mesitylene in a solvent.

Abstract: The preparation, structure, and properties of solid inorganic materials containing aluminum, boron, oxygen and at least one metallo element selected from Group IA of the Periodic Table is described. Also described is the use of such materials in catalytic compositions for the conversion of organic compounds. In particular, the new materials having the general formula:(x) M.sub.2 O.(y) Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.(z) B.sub.2 O.sub.3where M is at least one metallo element selected from Group IA of the Periodic Table having atomic number from 11 through 55, inclusive, and x, y and z are numbers representing molar amounts of the oxides are described as well as the use of such materials in various catalyzed processes including synthesis of methacrylic acid.

Abstract: Volatile compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) which contaminate a soil can be removed--without incineration--by a process which generally involves: (1) introducing the contaminated soil into a vessel, (2) heating the soil to a temperature greater than about 300.degree. F., but less than 600.degree. F., preferably in the presence of an inert gas, (3) drawing a vacuum on the vessel to such a degree as to cause the contaminant to flash to a contaminant vapor and (4) condensing the contaminate vapor to a liquid and (5) disposing of said liquid.

Abstract: A credit card reader extender comprising an elongate generally rectangular body having a top side, a bottom side, a central portion and two end portions. The central portion has a generally rectangular opening therethrough extending from the bottom side to the top side and is adapted to be received over and to fit closely around a card reader of a card reading machine. The card reader is generally elongate and has a slot therein extending downwardly from the top side thereof into the card reader and longitudinally parallel to an elongate axis thereof. The end portions of the body each have a slot extending downwardly from the top side thereof into the body end portion and longitudinally parallel to an elongate axis of the body and in alignment and in registry with the slot in the card reader.

Abstract: A method for converting lower alkanes to a higher molecular weight hydrocarbon using a contact material of a fluorine-containing compound of at least one of Sr, Ba, Sc, Y or La, as well as such contact material compositions themselves is provided.

Abstract: The concentration of weak acid and weak base constituents, or their soluble salts, in liquids is determined by passing succeeding samples of constant volume to a separation zone wherein target constituents are volatilized by reagents, then volatilized analytes are stripped from the liquid matrix and carried to a detection zone at a constant flow rate, wherein signals proportional to the variations in individual target analyte concentrations between succeeding samples are generated.

Abstract: A high performance lubricating grease effectively lubricates and protects caster rollers and bearings in steel mills and other metal processing mills. The high performance grease has excellent extreme pressure and antiwear qualities and is economical, nontoxic and safe. The high performance gease can comprise a base oil, a calcium soap thickener, extreme pressure wear-resistant additives comprising tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate, and a water-resistant high performance polymer.

Abstract: A continuous stirred-tank reactor suitable for the liquid-phase oxidation of an aromatic alkyl to an aromatic carboxylic acid is provided with vertically disposed, relatively narrow baffles on the reactor wall and with oxidizing gas inlet means below the agitator in the reactor. The baffle width is about 0.02 to about 0.04 times the diameter of the reactor.

Abstract: A high speed, low power DC-offsetting circuit, comprising: an amplifier having an inverting input, a non-inverting input which is adapted to be connected to a high speed low DC voltage source and having an output; a current source which is connected to said inverting input and through a bypass resistor to said output; and capacitor means and resistor means, connected in series with each other at an output node, for connecting said non-inverting input to said output.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a catalyst for the fluid bed incineration of a combustible hydrocarbon feedstock. The process comprises contacting the feedstock with a mixture of a fluidized heat transfer media and a combustion promoter catalyst, in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas stream in excess of that required for complete combustion of the carbon monoxide formed, at feedstock combustion conditions. The combustion promoter catalyst consists essentially of particulate with a particle size of greater than 100 microns and includes a promoter metal present in an amount to provide a substantially carbon monoxide-free flue gas.

Abstract: An improved high performance food grade lubricating oil is provided that effectively lubricates bearings, gears, and slide mechanisms present in food industry equipment. The food grade oil provides superior oxidation, thermal, and hydrolytic stability properties and is economic to manufacture. In the preferred form, the lubricating oil includes a base oil and an additive package comprising the combination of phenolic and aromatic amine antioxidants.

Abstract: A process for the production of aromatic esters or aromatic anhydrides with improved color properties is disclosed. This process comprises treating the aromatic ester or aromatic anhydride with an activated boric acid followed by fractionation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved catalyst mixture suitable for use in the hydrodemetallization, hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, and hydroconversion of a hydrocarbon feedstock containing asphaltenes, metals and Shell hot filtration solids precursors. The catalyst mixture has one component of the mixture which is a relatively small pore catalyst and another component which is a catalyst that possesses a relatively large amount of macropore volume.

Abstract: An ebullated bed reactor into which is introduced a mixture of a gaseous substance, such as hydrogen-rich gases, and a liquid substance, such as vacuum reduced crude or resid, beneath a grid plate disposed in the reactor. Bubble cap risers extend through the grid plate uniformly transmit this gaseous and liquid substance mixture to a catalyst bed disposed above the grid plate. The grid plate is connected to an inner wall of the reactor so that a leakage path might be formed between the grid plate and the support ring of the reactor wall. A skirt is disposed beneath the grid plate to maintain a portion of the gaseous substance in a specific area beneath the grid plate to allow proper distribution of the gaseous flow through the bubble cap riser assemblies. Thus, the portion of the gaseous substance which is maintained beneath the grid plate is prevented from escaping into the reactor via any space which may appear in the grid plate and outside the area which is surrounded by the skirt.

Abstract: Described are blends of a crystalline poly(aryl ether ketone) and a polyarylate and/or a liquid crystalline polyarylate. These blends exhibit improved mechanical properties and environmental stress rupture resistance.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing conversion efficiency of aromatic alkyl reactant to aromatic carboxylic acid product and for improving the quality of the product, are disclosed. The method and system provide for the continuous production of an aromatic carboxylic acid by the liquid phase, exothermic oxidation of an aromatic alkyl in a vaporizable solvent in an oxidation reactor. The reactor makes use of a vented, overhead condenser system and a separator system for condensation of vaporized reactor material, separation of the condensed solvent therefrom, and reflux of separated solvent back into the reactor. The improvement comprises combining the reactor liquid feedstream with the refluxed solvent upstream from the oxidation reactor.

Abstract: Improved polyphthalamide compositions which possess desirable heat resistance properties comprise a crystalline polyphthalamide component and a particulate thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer component in an amount sufficient to nucleate a melt of the polyphthalamide. Molded articles prepared from these compositions exhibit excellent mechanical and thermal properties, including expecially high crystalline uniformity throughout even when molded using molds heated below Tg of the polyphthalamide component, often facilitating molding using steam or hot water-heated molds.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparation of anhydrides containing additional carboxylic acid moieties and dianhydrides of disubstituted maleic anhydride compounds wherein the acid anhydrides and dianhydrides retain their alkene character. The resulting alkene compounds are useful as precursors for polyesters, thermally stable polyamide-imides and polyimides which are also disclosed, as well as a process for their preparation.