Abstract: An adjustable staircase includes an upper stair, a lower stair, a first bar and a second bar. The vertical distance between the upper stair and the lower stair is adjustable. Also, each bar is coupled to each of the upper and lower stairs, and the first bar is configured to function as a guard. As a result, the first bar blocks a pinch point between the first and second bars.

Abstract: An adsorbent, absorbent product can be produced from sericitic clays by removing alumina values from such clays with a mineral acid, removing oil contaminants from such clay with a solvent or solvent mixture and removing amorphous silica from them with a caustic solution. The particles of the clay are dried after treatment in these manners. They are then ready to use.

Abstract: Sericitic clays can be treated so as to produce silica gel and an adsorbent, absorbent product capable of being utilized in many different applications. In treating such clays to produce such products, finely ground clay particles are digested with an alkali so as to produce an alkali silicate solution which is separated from the remaining inorganic material. The latter is digested with an acid so as to remove alumina values. The particles remaining should then be washed and dried prior to being used as an adsorbent, absorbent material. The alkali silicate solution is preferably subjected to electrolysis to bleach contaminants within the solution and then treated with an acid so as to gel the silicate. After the gel is formed, the gel and the solution are neutralized. The gel is then separated and dried.