Abstract: A family of novel and unique synthetic alkali metal alumino-silicates (SAMS) are produced by the hydrothermal reaction between kaolin and alkali metal silicates. The integrated composition of the SAMS products is a unique entity having an overall composition ofxM.sub.2 O:Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 :ySiO.sub.2 :zH.sub.2 Owhere x is the number of moles of alkali metal oxide and is an integer from 0.01 to 2.0, M is the alkali metal, y is the number of moles of SiO.sub.2 in the unique SAMS compositions and is an integer greater than 2.0, and z is the number of moles of bound water and is an integer ranging from 1.0 to 5.0. The unique SAMS compositions are structured materials in which the structure can be controlled, and are therefore useful as functional fillers, as TiO.sub.2 extenders, as silica extenders or as reinforcing agents for paper, paint, rubber, plastics and specialty products.

Abstract: A method is described which enables ammonia plant process condensate contaminated with ammonia, carbon dioxide and methanol and urea plant condensate contaminated with urea, ammonia, carbon dioxide and other combined forms of ammonia and carbon dioxide to be simultaneously converted, in a single treatment vessel, substantially and continuously to a vaporous stream rich in ammonia, carbon dioxide and methanol and an liquid stream poor in ammonia, carbon dioxide, methanol and urea. The vaporous stream thus produced is recycled and employed as a feedstock in the reforming section in the ammonia plant.

Abstract: An extended nip press for the dewatering of a fiber web has an endless flexible press element, like a press jacket or press belt. A press shoe has a concave slide surface for the flexible press element, and the slide surface is adapted to the curve of a backing roll. The shoe is displaceable toward the backing roll in order to press the pressing element against it. A stationary shoe bed, which is detachably connected to a stationary support, has a depression which is provided with a packing and receives the press shoe to form a pressure chamber so that the shoe bed and the press shoe form a cylinder-piston unit. The press shoe is coupled to the shoe bed by means of at least one connecting element. The connecting element is spring biased with respect to the shoe bed and may itself be flexible or be flexibly moved to permit the radial displacement as well as the tilting of the press shoe relative to the shoe bed.

Abstract: A host microorganism is genetically and stably modified by the insertion into any of its non-essential chromosomal location of a non-homologous, recombinant foreign DNA fragment, maintaining an insertion of a luxAB gene of a selected bioluminescent bacterium such as V. harveyi, such that the expression of the luxAB genes causes the production of a luciferase enzyme which, in turn, catalyzes a light-emitting reaction in the presence of the appropriate substrate. X-ray film can be used to quantify the light being emitted from a microorganism through the use of plural droplets containing the same microorganism, each with a known and related cell (or plasmid) count.

Abstract: A modular tray accumulator system includes a number of horizontal and vertical stacked conveyors arranged in a portable module. Each conveyor operates independently of the others. The system may be mechanically raised or lowered to any desired height, or may be moved between different floors as a unit. In a first embodiment, each conveyor is activated when a tray is placed on the input end of the conveyor, and moves a preselected distance forward. In a second embodiment, the trays are moved forward by variable friction drive.

Abstract: Supports for catalytic reforming catalysts are prepared by doping ZrO.sub.2 with tantalum. The catalyst may contain a Group VII or Group VIII metal and/or an acidic component.

Abstract: A suture material is made of a monofil of polyvinylidene fluoride which is drawn at a ratio of from 1:3 to 1:8 and which exhibits improved properties of elongation and elasticity.

Abstract: A process for the direct catalytic oxidation of methane to methanol comprises chromium chemically bound to the oxygen of a metal oxide catalytic support surface. The support may comprise silica, alumina, magnesia, titania, or zirconia.

Abstract: A curing unit and method for curing ink and the like on a substrate wherein the curing unit comprises a dual-chambered cover assembly in which is disposed a reflector assembly containing a curing lamp, and means for exhausting air from the chambers of the cover. The reflector assembly includes primary and secondary reflectors that reflect substantially all the radiation emitted along the upper portion of the lamp downward onto the substrate. The lamp is supported within the reflector assembly on upwardly opening supports that do not restrict the expansion or contraction of the lamp, and may be adjusted to adjust the focus of the lamp. The cover assembly includes inner and outer covers that create an outer cooling chamber therebetween, and an inner cooling chamber between the inner cooling chamber and the reflector assembly. The ends of the cover assembly form ducts which communicate with the means for exhausting air from the chambers of the cover.