Abstract: A method of producing a ceramic product comprising the steps of preparing an aqueous slurry of a silica sol with a refractile material comprising a calcium or zirconium silicate, causing the slurry to gel by physical or chemical means to form a solid structure, and drying said structure to form a porous ceramic product. The product has a high green strength which nevertheless increases on heating, and may be used in building applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved high performance magnetic recording device. The recording device comprises a magnetic recording disk, a slider having a transducer for reading or writing data on the disk, a motor operable to rotate the disk at speeds greater than 7000 RPM and an actuator connected to the slider to move the slider across the disk. The trailing surface of the slider is coated with a low surface energy film to prevent build up of droplets of liquid contaminants.

Abstract: The invention provides a container for collecting, storing and transporting a liquid. The container includes a hollow container body having a top wall having a central, inwardly directed fluid directing portion and an opening in the fluid directing portion for permitting liquid collected in the fluid directing portion to pour into the hollow container body. The container also has a spout sized for pouring out liquid collected in the container body. A roller assembly on an underside of the container body permits rolling movement of the container body along a supporting surface. The container also has suitable means such as bearing grooves for securing the roller assembly to the container body.