Abstract: Modified starches prepared by cooking an amphoteric or cationic starch and an anionic, amphoteric, or cationic polyacrylamide have utility as a retention aid in the manufacture of paper.

Abstract: This invention relates to herbicidal mixtures of triflusulfuron methyl and glyphosate, herbicidal compositions of said mixtures, and a method for the use of said mixtures to control undesired vegetation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the enzymatic resolution of racemic mixtures of N-(alkoxycarbonyl)-4-keto-D,L-proline alkyl esters, using Candida antarctica lipase fraction B (CALB) as enzyme catalyst to enantioselectively hydrolyze the alkyl ester of one of the two enantiomers present. Separating the unreacted N-(alkoxycarbonyl)-4-keto-D-proline alkyl ester from the N-(alkoxycarbonyl)-4-keto-L-proline, followed by hydrogenation of the keto group of the D-isomer and subsequent hydrolysis of the ester and N-(alkoxy-carbonyl) groups produces cis-4-hydroxy-D-proline in high yield. Diastereomeric mixtures of N-(alkoxycarbonyl)-4-hydroxyproline alkyl esters can also be resolved using CALB to ultimately produce cis-4-hydroxy-D-proline or trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline.

Abstract: Incorporation of certain phosphorus compounds in conjunction with certain multivalent metal compounds into a polyamide melt or a polyamide manufacturing polymerization process results in a polyamide having improved color properties.

Abstract: A method of removing sulphur dioxide from exhaust gases generated in the production of cement wherein cement raw meal is preheated, ground, and burned in a kiln to form cement clinker which subsequently is cooled and ground. Grinding of the clinker is performed in the presence of preheater exhaust gases containing sulphur dioxide, the cement particles absorbing sulphur dioxide from such exhaust gases.

Abstract: A first process involves the partial electrodialysis of a dialkali metal salt of an aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid or a dicarboxylic acid to produce the approximate monoalkali metal salt and the alkali metal hydroxide. The monoalkali metal salt is then treated with an acid such as a bisulfate to recover the aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid or dicarboxylic acid. The resulting inorganic salt such as sodium sulfate may then be electrolyzed to sodium bisulfate and NaOH. A second process involves the electrodialysis at elevated temperatures of a (di)alkali metal salt of p-hydroxybenzoic acid produce free p-hydroxybenzoic acid and the alkali metal hydroxide. These are efficient and economical methods for recovering the acid and alkali metal hydroxide values, as well as the parent organic compound, from these dialkali metal salts.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a conductive composition for iontophoretic electrodes comprising, based on solids: (a) 20-90% wt finely divided particles of silver, carbon, graphite and mixtures thereof; (b) 0-75% wt. finely divided particles of silver chloride; (c) 0.25-10% wt. hydrophilic polymer; and (d) 2-15% wt. hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) >40.degree. C. The invention is also directed to compositions wherein the binder comprises 5-15% wt. copolymer of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers.

Abstract: A trailer and method of adjusting the dimensions of the trailer are disclosed in which the trailer includes an elongate deck having a surface for receiving and supporting equipment loads thereon for transport. The trailer includes rotatably movable platforms along its edges which are rotatable between a first position presenting a minimum trailer width and a second position presenting an enlarged, maximum trailer width. When rotated to the maximum width position, the platforms also form a support surface which is of reduced height to maximize the height of equipment loads which may be supported and transported upon the trailer.

Abstract: A process for making shaped articles from nylon polymer by melting the polymer and forming the molten polymer into articles is improved by adding to the polymer at least about 5 ppm of an additive compound selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium and zinc salts of aliphatic dicarboxylic acids having 2 to 14 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A device for the closure and sealing of envelopes and the like. First and second elongated strips of plastic material are foldable upon each other along a narrow longitudinal hinge line. The first strip has a series of locking pins distributed along its length. Each of the locking pins has a weakened base. The second strip is provided with a series of sockets adapted for receiving respective locking pins in locking relation therein. To permit the device to be opened easily when it has been applied to a plastic envelope with the locking pins penetrating orifices formed along the two borders at the mouth of the envelope, at least a part along the length of the longitudinal hinge line is weakened starting from a first end, and each strip is provided, at its first end, with an appendage capable of being held between the fingers of the user.

Abstract: Olefin/carbon monoxide alternating polymers are flash-spun to form plexifilamentary products, pulp products, and foam products from alcohol or halogenated hydrocarbon solvents having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of five-membered or six-membered ring lactams from aliphatic .alpha., .omega.-dinitriles has been developed. In the process an aliphatic .alpha.,.omega.-dinitrile is first converted to an ammonium salt of an .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid in aqueous solution using a catalyst having an aliphatic nitrilase (EC 3.5.5.7) activity, or a combination of nitrile hydratase (EC 4.2.1.84) and amidase (EC 3.5.1.4) activities. The ammonium salt of the .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid is then converted directly to the corresponding lactam by hydrogenation in aqueous solution, without isolation of the intermediate .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid or .omega.-aminocarboxylic acid. When the aliphatic .alpha.,.omega.-dinitrile is also unsymmetrically substituted at the .alpha.-carbon atom, the nitrilase produces the .omega.-nitrilecarboxylic acid ammonium salt resulting from hydrolysis of the .omega.

Abstract: Coating dispersions for articles containing either (a) a tetrafluoroethylene homopolymer having a standard specific gravity of at least 2.250 and a melt viscosity of 3.times.10.sup.8 to 3.times.10.sup.9 Pa.multidot.s or (b) a non-melt-fabricable tetrafluoroethylene copolymer having a standard specific gravity of at least 2.165 and a melt creep viscosity of 1.times.10.sup.7 to 1.times.10.sup.9 Pa.multidot.s.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating audio/video data in a packet-based computer network wherein transmission of data packets through the computer network requires variable periods of transmission time. The system comprises: (1) a packet assembly circuit for constructing a data packet from a portion of a stream of digital audio/video data corresponding to an audio/video signal and (2) a packet disassembly circuit, having a buffer associated therewith, for receiving the data packet from the backbone. The packet assembly circuit generates a position identifier indicating a temporal position of the portion relative to the stream, inserts the position identifier into the data packet and queues the data packet for transmission through a backbone of the computer network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2) pigment having a coating comprising silica and a second oxide selected from the group consisting of oxides of boron, phosphorus, magnesium, niobium, germanium, and mixtures thereof, comprising the steps of (a) reacting titanium tetrachloride (TiCl.sub.4) in the vapor phase with an aluminum compound and an oxygen-containing gas in a reactor at a temperature in the range of about 900.degree. C. to about 1600.degree. C. to provide a gaseous suspension comprising TiO.sub.2 particles, (b) contacting the gaseous suspension comprising the TiO.sub.2 particles with a silicon halide and an oxide precursor of boron, phosphorus, magnesium, niobium, germanium, and mixtures thereof, and (c) cooling the gaseous suspension to produce TiO.sub.2 pigment having a coating comprising silica and a second oxide.

Abstract: A disposable protective undergarment for sufferers of incontinence including an absorbent pad constructed of three layers including and liquid penetrable inner layer, an absorbent core and a liquid impervious outer layer. The pad further includes a pair of oppositely placed front panels attached to a back panel and further includes a waistband to secure the pad to the human body. The undergarment is open vertically along the front between the panels creating a pair of confronting edges. A further embodiment of the present invention may include a longitudinally extending slit approximately half-way up from the bottom edge of the back panel.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a manual toggle clamp for use in fixturing. The clamp includes an operating arm that is pivotally supported on a support block and a pair of outboard clamping links which share a common pivot axis and are supported on the support block. A pair of intermediate links interconnect the operating arm and the clamping links such that movement of the operating arm causes the clamping links to rotate. The elements of the clamp are configured such that they form an over-center linkage which prevents the clamping links from being moved out of a clamping position except by movement of the operating arm. The outboard clamping links provide a mounting surface for one or more clamping arms of the type typically used with power clamps.

Abstract: A fishing line release clip, having dual clamps and a design that allows the release clip to use for a variety of applications. The release clip is comprised of a clamping platform, having a clamping surfaces on either end, and amounting flange on one end. A pair of clamping plates are provided that are connected by hinges to the sidewalls of the clamping plate. Each clamping plate is provided with a sliding clamp to force the clamping plate down against the clamping platform. A resilient textured clamping pad is provided beneath each clamping plate. In one embodiment, the clamping pads are provided with bosses fitting sockets in the clamping plate and the clamping platform. The flange end of the clamping platform includes a pair of V-shaped grooves for receiving a cable to securely lock the cable to the release clip.