Abstract: Clay-based compositions capable of absorbing contaminants from surfaces or objects having surface faces may be applied to a surface and later removed, the removed clay-based compositions absorbing at least a portion of the contaminant from the surface or object to which it was applied.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for decontaminating surfaces are disclosed. More specifically, compositions and methods for decontamination using a composition capable of generating a long lasting foam are disclosed. Compositions may include a surfactant and gelatin and have a pH of less than about 6. Such compositions may further include affinity-shifting chemicals. Methods may include decontaminating a contaminated surface with a composition or a foam that may include a surfactant and gelatin and have a pH of less than about 6.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for making a prevailing torque nut from a regular nut. The regular nut is placed between two anvil members, and a gap between the anvil members is first decreased so that they contact the nut on opposite sides. Then, the gap between the anvil members is further decreased by a preset amount, in order to permanently inwardly deform the nut. By making the preset amount a constant quantity, a plurality of nuts having slightly different outside and inside dimensions can be consistently deformed. A feature of this invention is the provision of a deformation apparatus which smoothly, progressively and consistently deforms a nut from one end to another. To accomplish this, the anvil members which cause the deformation have oblique working surfaces which taper toward each other, and which are adapted to bear against the nut over substantially the whole of the length of the nut, with the exception of an integral washer if such is present.