Abstract: A bottom block for use in electromagnetic casting of metals wherein the block is constructed of a material having a closely matched electrical resistivity to that of the metal to be cast. The block may be provided with a deeply hollowed out central section so that during startup the end of the down spout supplying molten metal may be positioned a substantial distance below the plane of the top surface of the bottom block.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of rigid polyurethane foams which are relatively stable at elevated temperatures involves reacting a polyether polyol reactant with an organic polyisocyanate reactant in the presence of a foaming agent comprising water. The polyol reactant is a select combination of three polyols and is effective in improving the thermal stability of the resulting foam without appreciably affecting its other physical properties.

Abstract: A method and composition are described for the decomposition of sodium-mercury amalgam in a reactor containing solid packing particles to form hydrogen, sodium hydroxide, and denuded mercury. The novel packing particles are comprised of a heterogeneous solid mixture of a matrix of a thermally stable polymer having embedded therein discrete particles of a surface active element. Suitable thermally stable polymers include polyphenylene sulfide and suitable surface active elements include carbon, iron, nickel, cobalt, vanadium, and molybdenum. The proportion of polymer in the packing generally ranges from about 20 to about 80 percent by volume. Preferably, the matrix is prepared in porous form which may also be coated with a surface active metal.

Abstract: A process for the start-up of membrane cells for the electrolysis of an aqueous salt solution for cells having an anode compartment containing a plurality of anodes, a cathode compartment containing a plurality of cathodes and an ion exchange membrane separating the anode compartment from the cathode compartment is comprised of the steps of:(a) feeding simultaneously the aqueous salt solution to the anode compartment and a liquid to the cathode compartment while maintaining substantially equal pressure on the membrane from each of the compartments,(b) increasing the pressure on the membrane from the anode compartment,(c) increasing the pressure on the membrane from the cathode compartment, and(d) cyclically repeating steps (b) and (c) during the start-up period.The novel process reduces wrinkling and eliminates cracking of the membrane during the start-up period of, for example, a cell for the electrolysis of alkali metal chloride brines for the production of chlorine and alkali metal hydroxides.

Abstract: A process for removing dissolved halogen gas and oxyhalide ions from an aqueous alkali metal halide solution containing them which comprises reacting said aqueous alkali metal halide solution with an inorganic peroxide, and adjusting the pH of said aqueous alkali metal halide solution to a pH within the range from about 6 to about 11 with an inorganic base, whereby a purified alkali metal halide solution of reduced concentration of said dissolved halogen gas and oxyhalide ions is produced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for separating precious metals such as gold or platinum from acidic solutions having a pH below about 3, which comprises the steps of:(a) adding a sufficient amount of a heavy metal chelate (e.g., zinc or iron) of 2-mercaptopyridine-N-oxide to the acidic solution to cause at least a portion of the precious metals in the solution to transchelate with the heavy metal chelate of 2-mercaptopyridine-N-oxide and then to form precipitates in the solution; and(b) separating the precipitated precious metal chelates of 2-mercaptopyridine from the acidic solution.

Abstract: A method has been devised for removing hexavalent chromium from concentrated aqueous alkali metal chlorate solutions by reacting the solution with a hydrazine compound and separating trivalent chromium compound from the solution. Alkali metal hypohalites may be simultaneously removed from the chlorate solution by reaction with excess hydrazine compound.

Abstract: A fastener loading device for a powder-actuated fastening tool comprises a ram-equipped, tubular fastener retaining member hingedly carried on legs secured to the tool receiver and forming therewith a four bar linkage, whereby the retaining member may be displaced from a first position, atop or alongside the receiver, to a second position, in communication with the barrel bore, whereat the retaining member ram may conveniently be utilized to insert the fastener into the barrel.

Abstract: A process for the concentration of spent brine from the membrane electrolytic cell which comprises removing spent brine containing dissolved chlorine from the membrane electrolytic cell, feeding the spent brine to a concentration zone, applying microwave energy to the spent brine to produce concentrated brine and a gaseous mixture of chlorine and steam, feeding the concentrated brine and the gaseous mixture to a separation zone, separating the gaseous mixture from the concentrated brine, and returning the concentrated brine to the membrane electrolytic cell.Process reduces the operating and equipment costs while effectively recovering chlorine and brine values.

Abstract: A duplex impedance shield is disclosed which is used to effect improved shape control in the electromagnetic casting of molten metal or alloy. The shield is provided with a primary loop which substantially surrounds the upper portion of an electromagnetic casting station and a secondary loop attached thereto which serves to enlarge the air gap enclosed by the shield thereby increasing the impedance of the shield. The secondary loop of the shield may be provided with shunt means which can be manipulated to vary the inductance and/or the resistance of the shield thereby varying the impedance of the shield.

Abstract: Copper or copper alloy sheet or foil displaying excellent solderability and high resistance to tarnish is prepared by the provision over its surface of a coating containing a copper salt of an organophosphonic acid. To form the coating, the sheet or foil is immersed for a short time in an aqueous solution containing a phosphonic acid, rinsed and dried, the treatment being combined with or preceded by oxidation of the sheet surface.

Abstract: A method for electrochemically removing a tin layer from copper or copper alloy substrates without any attack on the substrate is disclosed which permits the simultaneous recovery of pure tin at high efficiency. The process is carried out by achieving effective complexing of tin ions in solution so that a stannous ion activity of greater than 10.sub.-4 gm ions/l is never achieved while conducting the electrochemical detinning potentiostatically at a potential where anodic corrosion of the copper or copper alloy substrate is not possible.

Abstract: A copper base alloy and process of treating same. The alloy consists essentially of: about 1.0 to 4.5% silicon; about 1.0 to 5.0% tin; about 0.01 to 0.45% chromium; and the balance essentially copper. Preferably, the chromium level is less than about 0.12% in order to provide good tool wear characteristics.

Abstract: A process for preparing select symmetrical, aromatic carbodiimides by reacting select symmetrical, aromatic ureas with phosgene in an inert liquid reaction medium. The aromatic carbodiimides produced are useful as components in the preparation of cellular and noncellular polyurethanes, and they can also be used as components in the preparation of isocyanate compositions.

Abstract: 3-halo- and 3-lower alkoxy-6-trichloromethylpyridazine compounds are disclosed as fungicides.

Abstract: Disclosed are selected 5-hydrazono-3-trichloromethyl-1,2,4-thiadiazole compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a lower alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, phenyl, and substituted phenyl in which the said phenyl ring substituents are selected from lower alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, lower alkoxy having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, halo, hydroxy, nitro and mixtures thereof; and R' and R" are individually selected from hydrogen and lower alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. These compounds are shown to have foliar fungicidal activity.

Abstract: A method for preparing storage stable dispersion of an alkyl phosphate ester dispersed in an alcohol which can be used as a component of detergent, which comprises heating the dispersion to a temperature sufficient to form a molten blend by liquifying the ester, rapidly cooling the molten blend to a temperature below the melting point of the ester, and vigorously agitating the dispersion during the cooling step.

Abstract: Novel tris-(polyalkoxylated) isocyanurate compounds are described having the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is an integer from 2-10; Y is either a hydrogen or methyl group; and R is an alkyl group having from 1-4 carbon atoms. The use of these isocyanurate compounds as functional fluids, including hydraulic-type and heat transfer-type fluids, is also described. Such functional fluids have superior fire resistance properties.

Abstract: Noncellular polyurethane compositions are prepared by reacting an organic polyisocyanate with select chlorine-containing polyols in the presence of a catalytic amount of a metal carboxylate compound. These reactions produce noncellular polyurethanes which are useful as coatings and castings.

Abstract: .Iadd.An improved power-actuated tool having means for preventing firing if the tool is not properly aligned with the work surface. The tool housing member includes a slidably mounted firing mechanism having cocking means extending forwardly into engagement with a sensing means mounted in the barrel member for relative axial movement therewith. A first member is attached to the barrel member. A second member is mounted within the first member for relative axial movement therewith and with respect to the barrel member, and includes a portion adapted to engage the sensing means. The second member must be moved rearwardly with respect to the first member whereby the sensing means is moved rearwardly with respect to the barrel member and engages the cocking means to move the firing mechanism into the cocked position. The tool may also include an extractor mechanism mounted on the breech end of the barrel and provided with a lip portion adapted to engage the head of a cartridge positioned in the cartridge chamber.