Abstract: A method of cleaning and of heat treating lost foam castings utilizing a heated, fluidized sand bed is disclosed. The fluidized action of the sand, the movement of the casting through the sand and the heat of the bed, combine to remove residue coating resulting from the lost foam casting process from the casting.

Abstract: A hypoeutectic aluminum silicon casting alloy having a refined primary silicon particle size and a modified iron morphology. The alloy includes 10 to 11.5% by weight silicon, 0.10 to 0.70% by weight magnesium and also contains 0.05 to 0.07% by weight strontium. On cooling from the solution temperature, the strontium serves to modify the silicon eutectic structure as well as create an iron phase morphology change. Such changes facilitate feeding through the aluminum interdendritic matrix. This, in turn, creates a finished die cast product with extremely low levels of microporosity defects. The alloy may be used to cast engine blocks for marine outboard and stern drive motors. Furthermore, when the magnesium levels are adjusted to approximately 0.10 to 0.20% by weight magnesium, propellers having a highly advantageous ductility may be obtained.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a process of modifying a seed based fiber (SBF) to form an enhanced fiber additive (EFA). The process includes an acid treatment step and optionally at least one fiber modification step. Preferred EFA products and uses are described.

Abstract: A hydroxyethyl starch composition including dent corn starch and waxy corn starch wherein a portion of at least one, and preferably both, of the dent corn starch and the waxy corn starch are hydroxyethyl starch. Also disclosed are paper products comprising a fibrous web having applied thereon the starch compositions.

Abstract: A hydroxyethyl starch composition including dent corn starch and waxy corn starch wherein a portion of at least one, and preferably both, of the dent corn starch and the waxy corn starch are hydroxyethyl starch. Also disclosed are paper products comprising a fibrous web having applied thereon the starch compositions.

Abstract: Poppets for fuel injectors are provided with an improved sealing surface by making the poppet from a softer material than is known in the prior art. Instead of providing a Rockwell C hardness value of 50 or greater, as is known to those skilled in the art of poppet manufacture, the improved poppet is made of a softer material that allows the valve head of the poppet to wear in such a way that its shape conforms more accurately with a valve seat of the nozzle of a fuel injector. This also provides the beneficial result of improved salt water corrosion resistance. By using a softer metal to make the poppet, the improved sealing characteristic improves fuel efficiency of the engine and reduces emissions of undesirable compounds.

Abstract: A method of treating the upper urinary tract of a mammal having a urethra extending to a bladder and a ureter extending from the bladder to a kidney. The method comprises initially extending a catheter system into the upper urinary tract, the catheter system having a urethral catheter infusion tube section extending through the urethra for infusion of a liquid; a urethral catheter drain tube section extending through the urethra for drainage of a liquid; a ureteral catheter tube section extending through a ureter into the kidney and having a first tube portion for infusion of a liquid connected to the urethral catheter infusion tube section, and a second tube portion for drainage of a liquid.

Abstract: A method of treating the upper urinary tract of a mammal having a urethra extending to a bladder and a ureter extending from the bladder to a kidney. The method comprises initially extending a catheter system into the upper urinary tract, the catheter system having a urethral catheter infusion tube section extending through the urethra for infusion of a liquid; a urethral catheter drain tube section extending through the urethra for drainage of a liquid; a ureteral catheter tube section extending through a ureter into the kidney and having a first tube portion for infusion of a liquid connected to the urethral catheter infusion tube section, and a second tube portion for drainage of a liquid.

Abstract: An investment cast stainless steel article, such as a marine propeller, is composed of a stainless steel alloy containing from 14.5 to 15.2% chromium, 5.35% to 6.05% nickel and 1.0% to 1.5% silicon.

Abstract: A method of producing an aluminum-based alloy product having improved exfoliation resistance and fracture toughness which comprises providing an aluminum-based alloy composition consisting essentially of about 5.5-10.0% by weight of zinc, about 1.75-2.6% by weight of magnesium, about 1.8-2.75% by weight of copper with the balance aluminum and other elements. The aluminum-based alloy is worked, heat treated, quenched and aged to produce a product having improved corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. The amounts of zinc, magnesium and copper are stoichiometrically balanced such that after precipitation is essentially complete as a result of the aging process, no excess elements are present. The method of producing the aluminum-based alloy product utilizes either a one- or two-step aging process in conjunction with the stoichiometrically balancing of copper, magnesium and zinc.

Abstract: A new cationized subsequently cross-linked starch is described in connection with improved method of paper making in the wet-end system of a paper machine utilizing a Neutral or Alkaline furnish.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a 5-cyano-2-substituted-1,4-dihydropyridine compound having cardiovascular activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a 2-substituted-1,4-dihydropyridine by providing a regiospecific bromine containing intermediate which is then reacted with a nucleophile to provide a wide range of substituents at the 2-position of 1,4-dihydropyridines. Also the present invention is novel 3-substituted-1,4-dihydropyridines having cardiovascular activity.