Abstract: A process for preparing carbonate esters by the oxidative carbonylation of an alcohol is provided. The process comprises reacting an alcohol with carbon monoxide in the presence of a dihydrocarbyl peroxide the process being characterized by the fact that the carbon monoxide pressure at the reaction temperature is less than 15 bars and by the fact that a catalyst comprising a platinum group metal and a copper compound is employed. The process is useful for preparing dimethyl carbonate from methanol and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A process for the production of a dialkyl carbonate, e.g. dimethyl carbonate, or a dialkyl oxalate, e.g. dimethyl oxalate, from butane, oxygen carbon monoxide and an alcohol is provided in a series of integrated process steps. In the case of a dialkyl oxalate, the product can be hydrogenated further to produce an ether of ethylene glycol.

Abstract: A process for the production of a dialkyl carbonate, e.g. dimethyl carbonate, or a dialkyl oxalate, e.g. dimethyl oxalate, from butane, oxygen, carbon monoxide and an alcohol is provided in a series of integrated process steps. In the case of a dialkyl oxalate, the product can be hydrogenated further to produce an ether of ethylene glycol.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an ester of dicarboxylic acid from an alkene, carbon monoxide. The process is catalyzed by a catalyst which comprises a platinum group metal, for example palladium, and a copper compound. To avoid catalyst deactivation the process is carried out in the presence of a dihydrocarbyl peroxide which is reduced to a hydrocarbyl alcohol under the process conditions. The process can be used, for example, to prepare succinate esters from ethylene, carbon monoxide, an alcohol and a dihydrocarbyl peroxide such as di-tertiary butyl peroxide.

Abstract: Dihydrocarbyl oxalates are produced by reacting under substantially anhydrous conditions a dihydrocarbyl peroxide with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst comprising a platinum group metal in compound or elemental form and a copper compound, optionally in the presence as promoter of a heterocyclic aromatic nitrogen compound.

Abstract: A catalyst composition of use in the production of hydrocarbons from synthesis gas comprises the essential metals(a) at least one of iron, cobalt, nickel and ruthenium, and(b) at least one of lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesiumsupported on silicate, as described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,061,724, the metals [(A)+(b)] being present on the silicalite support in an amount in the range from 0.5 to 15% by weight. The catalyst composition may be modified by addition of the hydrogen form of a crystalline zeolite having the composition expressed as mole ratios of oxides:0.9.+-.0.2M.sub.2 /.sub.n O:W.sub.2 O.sub.3 :20 to 50 YO.sub.2 :zH.sub.2 Owherein M is at least one cation, n is the valence thereof, W is aluminum and/or gallium, Y is silicon and/or germanium and z has a value of 0 to 40, said zeolite being characterized by an XRD pattern which is substantially that of an MFI-type zeolite.

Abstract: A catalyst composition for use in the production of hydrocarbons from synthesis gas comprises the essential metals(a) at least one of iron, cobalt, nickel and ruthenium, and(b) at least one of lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesiumsupported on silicate, as described and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,061,724, the metals [(a)+(b)] being present on the silicalite support in an amount in the range from 0.5 to 15% by weight. The catalyst composition may be modified by addition of the hydrogen form of a crystalline zeolite having the composition expressed as mole ratios of oxides:0.9.+-.0.2 M.sub.2 /.sub.n O:W.sub.2 O.sub.3 :20 to 50 YO.sub.2 :zH.sub.2 Owherein M is at least one cation, n is the valence thereof, W is aluminum and/or gallium, Y is silicon and/or germanium and z has a value of 0 to 40, said zeolite being characterized by an XRD pattern which is substantially that of an MFI-type zeolite.

Abstract: An electrical circuit for an automotive type air conditioning system. The circuit has a pair of switch elements sequentially operable to place a resistor in circuit relation with a relay to effect its actuation, and the relay controls the energization of a coil of a clutch device for coupling it in driving relation with a refrigerant compressor operable in the system.A method of controlling an electrical circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control device has a housing with an electrical circuit therethrough, and at least a pair of switch means are operable between a pair of switching modes for controlling the electrical circuit. Resistor means are connected in series circuit relation with one of the switch means in one of the switching modes thereof and in parallel circuit relation with the other of the switch means in one of the switching modes thereof. Means is provided for sequentially operating the switching means to the one switching modes thereof, respectively, to energize the resistor means in the series circuit relation with the one switching means prior to the connection of the resistor means in the parallel circuit relation with the other of the switching means.A method of making the control device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A control circuit for an electric motor adapted for operation in three speed modes and having a winding circuit with three main windings serially connected together in circuit relation therein adapted for connection in three different speed mode effecting combinations across a power source. The control circuit has means for rendering two of the windings effective in the winding circuit and alternatively rendering all three of the windings effective in the winding circuit.

Abstract: An electrical control device has an electromagnet, and means is adapted for attraction from a generally at-rest position through an air gap into magnetic holding engagement with the electromagnet upon its energization. In combination with the device, there is provided means for adjusting the attraction means toward a selected at-rest position thereof and also means for mounting the adjusting means so that it is rotatable to drive the attraction means toward the selected at-rest position and conjointly linearly movable in a direction generally away from its driving engagement with the attraction means. The adjusting means is conjointly rotatably and linearly movable in response to an applied adjusting force thereon to drive the attraction means toward the selected at-rest position with respect to the electromagnet to adjustably alter the air gap therebetween.