Abstract: A novel synthetic procedure is disclosed for producing heteropolyacid catalysts having the general formula H.sub.3+x PV.sub.x W.sub.3-x Mo.sub.9 O.sub.40 where 0<x<3. The synthesis of these catalysts requires the formation of a defect structure wherein three of the twelve transition metals which surround the phosphorus hetero atom are missing. Three metal atoms of two other transition metals are then added to the cluster in a separate step by mixing Na.sub.3 H.sub.6 PMo.sub.9 O.sub.34 with the oxides of such transition metals in the presence of hydrochloric acid. A preferred catalyst having the formula H.sub.3.5 PV.sub.0.5 W.sub.2.5 Mo.sub.9 O.sub.40 is also described.

Abstract: An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a hydrocarbon gas comprising methane, an oxygen-containing gas and a reducible metal oxide under synthesis conditions, the improvement which comprises contacting methane and oxygen with a contact solid which comprises at least one manganese silicate.

Abstract: An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a hydrocarbon gas comprising methane, an oxygen-containing gas and a reducible metal oxide under synthesis conditions, the improvement which comprises contacting methane and oxygen with a contact solid which also contains a promoting amount of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, and/or compounds thereof. Sodium is a particularly effective promoter. Stability of the promoted contact agent is enhanced by the presence of minor amounts of phosphorus.

Abstract: A method for creating a zone of increased permeability in a subterranean hydrocarbon-containing formation penetrated by a plurality of wellbores by penetrating the formation with a first wellbore; positioning a plurality of other wellbores about the first wellbore with each of the other wellbores having at least one substantially horizontal borehole extending therefrom into the vicinity of the first wellbore; extending a plurality of substantially horizontal boreholes from the first wellbore into the vicinity of the other wellbores; positioning explosive charges in at least a portion of the boreholes and detonating the explosive charges to produce a rubblized zone between the first wellbore and the other wellbores.

Abstract: Preparation of bis-(alpha-alkylbenzyl)ethers or substituted derivatives thereof by reaction at elevated temperature of the corresponding alpha alkylbenzyl alcohols in the presence of an aluminum sulfate treated calcined alumina catalyst, quenching of the catalyst and recovery of the desired ether by distillation following separation of the quenched catalyst, is disclosed. The alkyl methylbenzyl alcohol may be present as a component of an aromatic rich distill and product mixture derived from the ethyl benzene hydroperoxide epoxidation of an olefinically unsaturated compound.

Abstract: Production of bis-(alpha-alkylbenzyl)ethers or substituted derivatives thereof by reaction at elevated temperature of the corresponding alpha alkylbenzyl alcohols in the presence of a mineral acid treated calcined alumina catalyst, quenching the catalyst with a basic compound and recovery of the desired ether by distillation following separation of the quenched catalyst, is disclosed. The alkyl methylbenzyl alcohol may be present as a component of an aromatic rich distill and product mixture derived from the ethyl benzene hydroperoxide epoxidation of an olefinically unsaturated compound.

Abstract: Production of bis-(alpha-alkylbenzyl)ethers or substituted derivatives thereof by reaction at elevated temperature of the corresponding alpha alkylbenzyl alcohols in the presence of an aryl sulfonic acid treated calcined alumina catalyst, quenching the catalyst with a basic compound and recovery of the desired ether by distillation following separation of the quenched catalyst, is disclosed. The alkyl methylbenzyl alcohol may be present as a component of an aromatic rich distilled product mixture derived from the ethyl benzene hydroperoxide epoxidation of an olefinically unsaturated compound.

Abstract: A method for drilling a well in the earth for the production of minerals therefrom wherein a primary wellbore is first drilled into the earth, the primary wellbore being a deviated wellbore having a radius of curvature in the range of from about 2.5 to about 6 degrees per 100 feet of primary wellbore length, and then drilling from said primary wellbore at least one drainhole wellbore, said drainhole wellbore having a radius of curvature in the range of from about 0.2 to about 3 degrees per 1 foot of drainhole wellbore length.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the preparation of polyhydroxybutadienes (hydroxy-containing butadiene homopolymers) which comprises injecting an aqueous solution of alkali metal sulfite or bisulfite into the polyhydroxybutadiene solvent recovery section to prevent fouling.

Abstract: The synthesis of aryl alkyl ethers from methylbenzyl alcohol and, optionally, phenol using a bis-(dithiobenzyl)nickel(II) catalyst is disclosed.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device has a continuous thin film with a plurality of spaced photovoltaic regions thereon and front and back electrode portions substantially coextensive with each of the photovoltaic regions. Electrical connection between the regions is provided directly through the film itself, from each back electrode portion to the front electrode portion of an adjacent region. Thus, at least two of the photovoltaic regions are connected in series to increase the output voltage of the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing semiconductor ribbon directly from the molten state by contact with a moving chill surface wherein the chill surface has longitudinal grooves near its outer edges to define ribbon width and improve smoothness of ribbon edges.

Abstract: A method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting, at conditions to convert said hydrocarbons, at least one reducible oxide of at least one metal, associated with a hydroxylated magnesia support (that is, magnesia derived from magnesium hydroxide or a magnesium-containing component contacted with hydroxyl-containing material), which support is calcined prior to the addition of the reducible oxide.

Abstract: Polymer alloys containing copolymers of methylmethacrylate/N-phenylmaleimide are disclosed. In one embodiment the polymer alloy is an alloy of methylmethacrylate/N-phenylmaleimide and styrene/maleic anhydride. In another embodiment, the polymer alloy is an alloy of methylmethacrylate/N-phenylmaleimide and styrene/maleic anhydride/N-phenylmaleimide.

Abstract: The synthesis of aryl alkyl ethers from methylbenzyl alcohol and, optionally, phenol using a rhenium heptoxide catalyst is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for measuring crush properties of a catalyst bed includes a catalyst bed container which includes at least one deformable wall around and adjacent to a catalyst bed. The catalyst bed container is enclosed within a pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is coupled to a pressure gauge and to a pump which acts to introduce measured quantities of an incompressible fluid such as water into the pressure vessel around the catalyst container. A pressure gauge is provided for measuring the pressure of the fluid within the pressure vessel. Two conduits extend from spaced positions within the catalyst vessel to the exterior of the pressure vessel, in order to create an air flow across a portion of the catalyst bed. Two spaced pressure taps also extend from locations within the catalyst vessel outside of the pressure vessel, and are coupled to a pressure sensor such as a manometer, for measuring the differential pressure between these two pressure taps.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon processing equipment is protected against fouling during the processing of hydrocarbons at elevated temperatures by adding to the equipment small amounts of the N,N'-dimer of phenothiazine and at least one mono- or ditertiary alkyl catechol and/or at least one mono- or ditertiary alkylhydroquinone.

Abstract: A method for dehydrogenating dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons which comprises contacting hydrocarbon with an oxide of Tb having combined therewith an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectivity to dehydrogenated hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Tb are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with molecular oxygen. Solids prepared from the oxide Tb.sub.4 O.sub.7 are particularly effective in the process.

Abstract: An enhanced oil recovery method which employs a pressurized gas injection process for the miscible displacement of oil from a subterranean geologic formation wherein the gas is injected into the formation so that the pressure in the formation increases above the miscibility pressure for the gas and oil in the formation and such injection is continued until the pressure in the formation approaches but does not exceed the fracture pressure of the formation, terminating gas injection before the formation is fractured, holding the injected gas in the formation to allow it to expand on its own into the formation thereby lowering the pressure in the formation, and injecting additional gas into the formation when the formation pressure has reached a point where it approaches but does not go below said miscibility pressure. The foregoing sequence of steps are repeated as many times as desired.

Abstract: An improved liquid dispensing nozzle assembly comprising a liquid-dispensing nozzle means; a flexible vapor collector means forming a chamber around the upper portion of the nozzle spout; a face means located adjacent to one end of the vapor collector for forming a seal with the outer surface of a liquid receiver inlet; and at least two spring members each of which act to extend the flexible vapor collector means, each of these spring members having one end attached to a different point of the face means so that the face means has substantially free rotational movement transverse to the axis of the nozzle spout.An improved method for dispensing liquid has also been discovered.