Abstract: Copolymers of poly(beta-hydroxybutyric acid) and poly (beta-hydroxyvaleric acid) are produced by culturing alcohol-utilizing strains of Alcaligenes eutrophus on a carbon source including primary alcohols having an odd number of carbon atoms such as propan-1-ol.

Abstract: A process for the production of the enzyme cyanide hydratase which comprises continuously cultivating a microorganism strain under specified conditions of temperature, pH and dilution rate whilst continuously supplying cyanide ions and/or hydrogen cyanide and/or compounds which generate cyanide ions and/or hydrogen cyanide under fermentation conditions to the culture. A method for the treatment of a cyanide-containing material to degrade the cyanide therein which uses cyanide hydratase produced by the process of the invention is also claimed. Preferably the microorganism is a Fusarium strain, in particular Fusarium lateritium Naas CM1 300533 deposited at The Commonwealth Mycological Institute, Kew, Richmond Surrey, England under the terms of the Budapest Treaty.

Abstract: A support assembly, including an end plate, for use in metal gas cells. The support assembly inhibits a plate stack which is positioned within a pressure vessel from impinging the walls of the pressure vessel. The support assembly comprises a first and a second weld ring and a first and a second end plate, each of the end plates being attached to a different end of the plate stack. The first and second weld rings mate with the first and second end plates, respectively, and cooperate to support the plate stack. The end plate comprises two plates secured together. A raised portion on one of the plates forming the end plate has a radially extending embossment formed therein to increase the rigidity thereof. The pressure vessel is constructed of generally cylindrical container defining two circumferentially extending lips, each of which is secured to an end portion.

Abstract: A support assembly, including an end plate, for use in metal gas cells. The support assembly inhibits a plate stack which is positioned within a pressure vessel from impinging the walls of the pressure vessel. The support assembly comprises a first and a second weld ring and a first and a second end plate, each of the end plates being attached to a different end of the plate stack. The first and second weld rings mate with the first and second end plates, respectively, and cooperate to support the plate stack. The end plate comprises two plates secured together. A raised portion on one of the plates forming the end plate has a radially extending embossment formed therein to increase the rigidity thereof. The pressure vessel is constructed of generally cylindrical container defining two circumferentially extending lips, each of which is secured to an end portion.

Abstract: A support assembly, including an end plate, for use in metal gas cells. The support assembly inhibits a plate stack which is positioned within a pressure vessel from impinging the walls of the pressure vessel. The support assembly comprises a first and a second weld ring and a first and a second end plate, each of the end plates being attached to a different end of the plate stack. The first and second weld rings mate with the first and second end plates, respectively, and cooperate to support the plate stack. The end plate comprises two plates secured together. A raised portion on one of the plates forming the end plate has a radially extending embossment formed therein to increase the rigidity thereof. The pressure vessel is constructed of generally cylindrical container defining two circumferentially extending lips, each of which is secured to an end portion.

Abstract: A ceramic seal assembly for electrically insulating and hermetically securing a terminal to a housing through which the terminal extends. The housing contains a fluid at a high pressure and an electrical device to which the terminal is connected. An adapter is provided for hermetically securing the seal assembly to the housing. The adapter comprises a generally tubular member defining two end portions and a collar secured to one of the two end portions. The seal assembly and housing are hermetically secured to the tubular member at separate locations. The seal assembly contains at least one annular ceramic member and is oriented such that the high pressure fluid contained within the housing causes the annular ceramic member to be in compression and thereby maintain a seal between the terminal and the housing.

Abstract: Improved overall yields of hyaluronic acid are obtained by controlling the oxygen available for metabolism by a hyaluronic acid producing microorganism. Relatively high oxygen concentrations are made available during the initial exponential growth phase of the cultivated microorganism, until a predetermined growth has been reached. At this time, the available oxygen is limited to stimulate a disproportionately larger production of the desired hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: A process for the production of the enzyme cyanide hydratase which comprises aerobically cultivating cells of the fungal strain Fusarium lateritium Nees CMI 300533 and variants and mutants derives therefrom in an aqueous culture containing appropriate nutrients. A method of treating a cyanide-containing material to degrade the cyanide therein using cyanide hydratase produced by the process of the invention and a process for the production of a nitrilase enzyme are also claimed. Fusarium lateritium Nees CMI 300533 is deposited at The Commonwealth Mycological Institute, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, England under the terms of the Budapest Treaty.

Abstract: Continuous fermentation of Alcaligenes micro-organisms capable of accumulating PHB under limitation of a nutrient required for growth, but not PHB accumulation, so that the PHB content is above 25% by weight. By means of this the carbon in the carbon and energy source, i.e. the substrate, is utilized more efficiently.