Abstract: Immobilized enzymes are prepared in a one-step operation by simultaneously adding an aqueous enzyme (for example urease) to a quaternary ionic compound and a mineral (for example bentonite and a quaternary amine) while in a mixer. This one step operation results in an enzyme clad organoclay. A paste may be formed in the mixer which can be extruded to form noodles that are air dried. Immobilized enzymes may alternately be prepared by adding aqueous enzyme to an already formed organoclay.

Abstract: A treatment media is provided capable of acting upon at least one chemical contaminant in an aqueous composition and assisting in the decomposition thereof. The treatment media is a biologically activated organically modified material which includes a mineral based substrate, selected from the group consisting of clays, clay analogs, synthetic resins, zeolites and mixtures thereof. The mineral based substrate is treated with an organic modification compound selected from the group consisting of quaternary amines, pyridinium compounds, phosphonium amines, and mixtures thereof. At least one strain of bacteria is engrafted to the mineral-based substrate, the bacteria being capable of facilitating decomposition of the chemical contaminant. Quaternary amines used provide enhancement of bacterial colonies and do not adversely effect bacterial activity when employed as the organic modification compound to treat the mineral based substrate.

Abstract: A bentonite based organoclay, when mixed with a biocidal quaternary amine containing a benzyl molecule within its structure, acts as a reasonably effective biocide.When this organoclay is further treated with iodine and iodide compounds, its efficiency is greatly enhanced.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing contaminants from water. The method comprises contacting the contaminants in the water with an organoclay having a positive or negative charge on its surface. Using this method, organic and inorganic contaminants can be removed with such charged organoclays.

Abstract: A raise bit is disclosed for enlarging a pilot hole into a larger diameter hole by disintegrating the earth formations surrounding the pilot hole. The raise bit includes a removable drive stem for enabling the raise bit to be transported through small drifts. The drive stem is attached to a thrust bearing plate which, in turn, is interconnected to a main bit body. The bit body extends around the drive stem and includes a plurality of rolling cutters for contacting and disintegrating the earth formations surrounding the pilot hole. The interconnection between the thrust bearing plate and the bit body is accomplished by means of an annular shock absorbing member made of polyurethane. The elastomeric shock absorbing member has a substantially toroidal configuration and is designed and dimensioned to transfer all of the thrust and torsional loads passing from the drive stem and thrust bearing plate to the bit body, while absorbing a large portion of the impact type loads acting on the drill.

Abstract: A raise bit is disclosed for enlarging a pilot hole into a large diameter hole by disintegrating the earth formations surrounding the pilot hole. The raise bit includes a removable drive stem for enabling the raise bit to be transported through small drifts. The drive stem is attached to a thrust bearing plate which, in turn, is interconnected to a main bit body. The bit body extends around the drive stem and includes a plurality of rolling cutters for contacting and disintegrating the earth formations surrounding the pilot hole. The interconnection between the thrust bearing plate and the bit body is accomplished by means of an annular shock absorbing ring made of polyurethane. Means are also provided to transport fluid from the interior of the drive stem to contact the rolling cutters on the bit body. These means comprise a fluid passage way extending through the interior of the drive stem.

Abstract: A vibration isolator includes telescoping tubular mandrel and barrel members between which torque is transmitted by an internally splined urethane bushing affixed to the cylindrical interior of the steel barrel and a urethane layer over the splined outer surface of the steel mandrel. Axial loads are transmitted in both directions between shoulders on the mandrel and barrel through two annular urethane members, one for each direction, disposed in annular pockets between the mandrel and barrel, which have greater radial thickness than do the rings, allowing room for deformation of the rings by axial loading. A replaceable sliding seal between the upper end of the mandrel and the barrel retains drilling fluid passing through the isolator. A sliding bearing between the mandrel and the lower end of the barrel cooperate with the seal at the upper end of the mandrel to take bending moments.The urethane annuluses are shaped, e.g.