Abstract: This invention relates to accelerometers, that is to devices for detecting or measuring accelerations. An accelerometer in accordance with this invention includes at least one body a support or support system for supporting the body in a state of stable equilibrium except when the accelerometer is subjected to an acceleration exceeding a threshold value wherein movement of the body relative to the support causes a change in a physical parameter of the accelerometer which is other than a dimensional change due to distortion and other than, or in addition to, a flow of electric current via the body from one part of the support to another.

Abstract: This specification describes an igniter, particularly for gas turbine engines, and comprising two or more electrodes separated by a body of insulating or semi-conducting material and having exposed working surfaces between which sparks may pass, at least part of the working surface or surfaces of at least one of the electrodes comprising a host material in which Co or Ni predominates alloyed or compounded with one or more additional metals selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt, Ag and Au. Preferably, the additional metal is platinum which is present in an amount of 1 to 20 wt.% of the total metal content.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catalyst suitable for use in the process of a) the reduction of an oxide of nitrogen present in a gas containing nitrogen, and b) for the oxidation of carbon monoxide or one or more organic compounds present in a gas. The catalyst comprises an inert material impregnated or coated with a mixture or alloy comprising 5-75 wt.% ruthenium, optionally 0-30 wt.% base metal and balance platinum in an amount not less than 5 wt.%.

Abstract: This invention relates to the recovery of metallic values from materials such as catalysts containing or supporting the values. The method comprises removing a layer or layers and a catalyst support including a quantity of the metallic value and thereafter chemically or otherwise separating the value therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting changes in the composition of a stream of gas. In particular the method comprises the step of disposing a thermometer in the gas stream, in contact with or downstream of a catalyst so as to detect changes in the temperature of the catalyst or of the gas shortly after it leaves the catalyst, such changes being a function of the amount of gas which reacts under the influence of the catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to platinum group metal-containing alloys comprising, apart from impurities:A. at least 40 wt.% nickel or at least 40 wt.% cobalt;B. a trace to 30 wt.% chromium; andC. a trace to 15 wt.% of one or more of the metals platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium and ruthenium.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes for catalytically oxidizing organic compounds (for example, methane, ethane, propylene and carbon monoxide), catalytically reducing oxides of nitrogen with a reducing fuel as well as for the production of methane by the steam reforming of naphtha and naphtha distillates. The catalyst used in such processes consists essentially of an inert, rigid, porous refractory honeycomb structure coated with a mixture or alloy of platinum, rhodium and a base metal in which rhodium constitutes from 1 - 50 weight % and the base metal constitutes from 0.01 to 25 weight % of the total metal content.

Abstract: This invention relates to brazing alloys suitable for use in the fabrication of cutting tools, for example, the brazing of a cutting tip to a shank of a rock drill.One particular brazing alloy in accordance with the invention comprises, apart from impurities, 15-40 wt.% zinc, 15-45 wt.% silver, 0.2-15 wt.% manganese, 0.2-10 wt.% nickel and balance copper.

Abstract: This invention relates to the handling of transfers or decalcomanias. In particular the invention is concerned with a vacuum head for use in conjunction with the apparatus described and claimed in our U.S. patent application Ser. No. 349,188, and comprises a device for handling transfers comprising a hollow body having a perforate or porous face, a layer of perforate or porous resilient material applied to the said face and a pipe connection for connecting the device to a source of suction.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in the well known "Bayer" process. In particular, the invention describes a process for the recovery of gallium and alumina from bauxite including the steps of:A. dissolving the ore in caustic soda solution under pressure;B. precipitation of pure alumina from the remaining caustic soda solution by reduction of temperature and pressure;C. subjecting the resulting mother liquor from (b) to an elevated temperature of 60.degree. to 450.degree. C and a pressure of 2 to 100 atmos. in the presence of an oxygen-containing atmosphere; andD. cementation of the gallium remaining in solution by contact with metallic aluminium.Step (a) is preferably carried out at a pressure of 5 atmospheres and step (c) is carried out in the presence of an atmosphere consisting substantially of oxygen at a pressure within the range 20 to 50 atmospheres and a temperature within the range 150.degree. to 350.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes for catalytically oxidizing organic compounds (for example methane, ethane, propylene and carbon monoxide) catalytically reducing oxides of nitrogen with a reducing fuel and the production of methane by the steam reforming of naphtha and naphtha distillates. In particular the invention relates to a process for the oxidation of carbon monoxide or a hydrocarbon present in an oxygen-containing gas stream to carbon dioxide and water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a printing ink formulation for producing a transferable layer comprising a pigmentary material or a material possessing predetermined electrical properties, a hot melt adhesive, a solid phase plasticizer and a solvent.

Abstract: A process of carrying out hydrogenation, hydroformylation, and carbonylation reactions using as a catalyst a hydrido-carbonyl bis (trisubstituted phosphine, arsine, or stibine), or a hydrido-carbonyl tris (tri-substituted phosphine, arsine, or stibine), or a halogen or pseudo-halogen-containing complex which has been formed from a halide or pseudo-halide of a platinum group metal and at least one biphyllic ligand.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrical connection for use in connection with an apparatus including a container suitable for holding molten glass at a high temperature and electrically connected through the connection to a source of electric current. Typically, the connection comprises a reservoir of electrically conducting material which is liquid at temperatures of operation and a current carrying conductor electrically connected to the said container and mounted for continuous electrical contact with the electrically conducting liquid during movement of the said container.

Abstract: A method of improving the mechanical properties of a metal or metallic alloy or metallic composition which has been strengthened by inclusion therein of a dispersed non-metallic phase, comprising the steps of subjecting the metal, alloy or composition to cold-working and subsequently annealing, the extent of cold-working being such that the recrystallization effected during annealing results in an elongated grain structure highly oriented in the direction of working.

Abstract: This invention refers to a machine for applying transfer-designs to a substrate or a succession of substrates. Basically the machine includes a magazine for holding a stack of stick-down transfers, means for withdrawing one transfer from a stack and positioning it adjacent but in spaced relation to the substrate, means for bringing the transfer into contact with the substrate so that the transfer is applied to and remains on the substrate and means for subsequently removing the backing sheet from the transfer when so positioned on the substrate.

Abstract: In order to recover platinum, rhodium and other precious metals from catalysts employed in internal combustion engine exhaust systems, the used or unused catalysts, preferably in crushed, powdered or broken form, are reacted with an acidic medium having oxidizing properties to leach out the precious metals. The acidic medium may be an acid containing or oxidizing agent or an oxidizing acid and when a used catalyst is treated the leaching step is preferably preceded by a reduction step in order to convert to the metal any precious metal oxides present in the catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to gold compounds useful in electroplatings and which are obtained by reacting an alkali metal gold sulphite with an alkali metal nitrite.

Abstract: A method of preparing a selective catalyst which includes the steps of polymerizing furfuryl alcohol in an acidic solution of a platinum salt, curing the polymer and carbonizing the same, the curing and carbonizing being carried out in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: This invention relates to catalyst for use in the control of atmospheric pollution and, in particular, to the purification of exhaust gases from internal combustion engines. Specific catalysts of the present invention comprise:A. ruthenium or an alloy thereof and a metal oxide capable of forming a stable mixed oxide (or "ruthenite") with ruthenium dioxide;B. a compound formed by ruthenium dioxide and a metal oxide capable of forming a stable mixed oxide (or ruthenite) with ruthenium dioxide; andC. a mixed oxide containing ruthenium, the oxide being selected from the group consisting of oxides of the pyrochlore type A.sub.2 B.sub.2 O.sub.7, the perovskite type ABO.sub.3, the ilmenite type B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and the spinel type AB.sub.2 O.sub.4.Particularly good results have been obtained where the platinum/ruthenium ratio is within the range 25- 95 wt.% platinum and 5 - 75 wt.% ruthenium.