Abstract: Improved methods for producing colloidal dispersions of cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles in substantially non-polar solvents are disclosed. The cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles of an aqueous colloid are transferred to a substantially non-polar liquid comprising one or more amphiphilic materials, one or more low-polarity solvents, and, optionally, one or more glycol ether promoter materials. The transfer is achieved by mixing the aqueous and substantially non-polar materials, forming an emulsion, followed by a phase separation into a remnant polar solution phase and a substantially non-polar organic colloid phase. The organic colloid phase is then collected.

Abstract: An improved process for producing substantially non-polar doped or un-doped cerium oxide nanoparticle dispersions is disclosed. The cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles of an aqueous colloid are transferred to a substantially non-polar liquid comprising one or more amphiphilic materials, one or more low-polarity solvents, and one or more glycol ether promoter materials. The transfer is achieved by mixing the aqueous and substantially non-polar materials, forming an emulsion, followed by a phase separation into a remnant polar solution phase and a substantially non-polar organic colloid phase. The organic colloid phase is then collected. The promoter functions to speed the transfer of nanoparticles to the low-polarity phase. The promoter accelerates the phase separation, and also provides improved colloidal stability of the final substantially non-polar colloidal dispersion.

Abstract: Improved methods for producing colloidal dispersions of cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles in substantially non-polar solvents are disclosed. The cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles of an aqueous colloid are transferred to a substantially non-polar liquid comprising one or more amphiphilic materials, one or more low-polarity solvents, and, optionally, one or more glycol ether promoter materials. The transfer is achieved by mixing the aqueous and substantially non-polar materials, forming an emulsion, followed by a phase separation into a remnant polar solution phase and a substantially non-polar organic colloid phase. The organic colloid phase is then collected.

Abstract: A solution of erythritol and water, saturated at a desired therapeutic temperature, is contained in a hot water bottle, or other appropriate vessel, for the purpose of therapeutic warming, for example, for the relief of gastro-intestinal or muscular discomfort. The heat of crystallization of the erythritol significantly extends the time of therapeutic warming. Nucleation agents are added to delay the formation of large crystals upon cooling of the solution. The resulting product is non-toxic to humans and to canines.

Abstract: A process for making cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles includes providing an aqueous reaction mixture containing a source of cerous ion, optionally a source of one or more metal ions (M) other than cerium, a source of hydroxide ion, at least one monoether carboxylic acid nanoparticle stabilizer wherein the molar ratio of said monoether carboxylic acid nanoparticle stabilizers to total metal ions is greater than 0.2, and an oxidant at an initial temperature in the range of about 20° C. to about 95° C. Temperature conditions are provided effective to enable oxidation of cerous ion to ceric ion, thereby forming a product dispersion of cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles, optionally containing one or more metal ions (M), Ce1-xMxO2-?, wherein “x” has a value from about 0.0 to about 0.95. The nanoparticles may have a mean hydrodynamic diameter from about 1 nm to about 50 nm, and a geometric diameter of less than about 45 nm.

Abstract: A battery encased with a label containing an integral test circuit device that is activated by depressing a selected area of the label whereupon a thermally sensitive material displays whether the battery has capacity. A method for producing the test circuit device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrochemically operated device such as a portable lantern, with a waterproof housing enclosing at least one galvanic battery cell which evolves hydrogen gas, and a push button switch in the housing, a shiftable boot exposed to the housing exterior and aligned on the interior with the switch, a hydrogen recombination pellet in the housing, and a pellet retainer retaining the pellet, the housing including an elastomeric septum between its interior and exterior, having a sphincter orifice therethrough of a size to be elastomerically squeezed closed except under a predetermined pressure differential thereacross, to thereby prevent water entry to the housing, but to open to allow hydrogen gas escape from the housing at a pressure differential across the septum. The boot is resilient and the elastomeric septum preferably forms a part of the boot.

Abstract: A battery encased with a label containing an integral test circuit device that is activated by depressing a selected area of the label whereupon a thermally sensitive material displays whether the battery has capacity. A method for producing the test circuit device is also disclosed.