Abstract: A system and method that provides efficient management and analysis of campaigning is described. In one embodiment the method involves receiving inputs from user and maintaining performance of a campaign in a database to be used for further analysis and comparison with actual performance parameters of a campaign for later evaluation and deal making.

Abstract: A multi-layered coating for use preferably on paperboard or paper is disclosed wherein the coating contains at least two layers. The first layer contains at least one dark colorant, at least one white or near white pigment, and at least one binder, and the second layer contains at least one pigment other than a dark colorant, such as a white or near white pigment, and at least one binder. Slurries and dry mixtures containing these ingredients are also disclosed. A multi-layered coated paperboard or paper comprising paperboard or paper and the multi-layered coating is also disclosed. A method to reduce the amount of a white or near white pigment like titania is also disclosed which involves using one or more of the above-described multi-layered coatings on paperboard or paper.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the use of a combination of polyvalent cations, clay dispersant and high molecular weight anionic polymer to preferentially remove colloidal fines (slimes) from a kaolin slurry, leaving the remainder of the kaolin in the slurry in the form of a coherent gelatinous mass.

Abstract: A process for filtering kaolin clay slurries in the presence of a filter aid which increases the percent solids in the filter cake, decreases the product solids in the waste filtrate, increases the rate of filtration, and yet does not interfere with redispersal of the filter cake after filtration. The process utilizes high molecular weight, highly anionic polyacrylic acid homopolymers or copolymers, or water soluble salts thereof, as filter aids for thickening and dewatering kaolin clay slurries. The flocculated clay may be redispersed after the separation process by normal means, such as the addition of low molecular weight anionic polymers with mixing.

Abstract: Paper coating pigments comprising a product obtained by the controlled mechanical delamination of kaolin particles. The pigments provide improved opacification, brightness, printing properties and gloss compared to conventional delaminated kaolin pigments. The pigment of the invention is particularly useful for coating light weight printed paper and provides a unique combination of high opacity, brightness and gloss not available when using other kaolin pigments. The novel pigment is specifically designed to replace plastic pigments and (or) titanium dioxide in coating formulations while maintaining or improving desired paper properties.

Abstract: Described is a process for separating a mixture of finely divided minerals into constituents thereof. In particular, the invention relates to a procedure for effecting such separation by a novel selective flocculation technique wherein a dispersed aqueous pulp containing the mixture of minerals is preconditioned for selective flocculation with an anionic polymer by addition of both a fatty acid such as oleic acid and source of polyvalent cation such as calcium chloride. The fatty acid and cation of the salt selectively coat the component of the mixture that is subsequently flocculated with the anionic polymer. A polyacrylate salt dispersant is preferably used in the process. The invention is especially adapted to the separation of colored titaniferous impurities from kaolin clay in which case both a white purified kaolin product and a strongly flocculated dun-colored titania/kaolin mixture are recovered and then dispersed producing a material useful as a paper coating pigment.

Abstract: This invention relates to paper filling pigments comprising novel mechanically delaminated kaolin particles having controlled narrow particle size distribution and shape. The pigments provide improved opacification compared to conventional and engineered kaolin particles in fine paper making.

Abstract: A method for increasing the surface area and roughness of metals, ceramics and composites on a micro-scale, and the surfaces themselves, is disclosed whereby a laser beam having a radiation wavelength of from UV to infrared is pulsed onto the surface of the material. The energy density of the radiation is between 0.01 to 15 J/cm.sup.2 and at least 50 pulses of radiation having duration of from 1 picosecond to 1 millisecond are used on each area. The surface structures formed are semi-periodic and are from 1/4 to several hundred microns in magnitude.

Abstract: A selective flocculation process that uses a mixture of dispersants including soda ash to disperse a slimed ore pulp prior to conditioning with a fatty acid, salt and then a polymeric flocculating agent.

Abstract: Described is a process for separating a mixture of finely divided minerals into constituents thereof. In particular, the invention relates to a procedure for effecting such separation by a novel selective flocculation technique wherein a dispersed aqueous pulp containing the mixture of minerals is preconditioned for selective flocculation with an anionic polymer by addition of both a fatty acid such as oleic acid and source of polyvalent cation such as calcium chloride. The fatty acid and cation of the salt selectively coat the component of the mixture that is subsequently flocculated with the anionic polymer. A polyacrylate salt dispersant is preferably used in the process. The invention is especially adapted to the separation of colored titaniferous impurities from kaolin clay in which case both a white purified kaolin product and a strongly flocculated dun-colored titania/kaolin mixture are recovered and then dispersed producing a material useful as a paper coating pigment.

Abstract: A method for preparing high solids suspensions of calcined clay which are stable without the necessity of adding a colloidal thickening agent and have minimal dilatancy. A calcined kaolin clay pigment, substantially free of anionic dispersant, is dispersed in water by addition of alkali to provide a neutral to mildly alkaline aqueous slurry. To the dispersed slurry, a water-soluble cationic organic polymer is added in minor amounts, to partially flocculate and thicken the slurry, thereby stabilizing the slurry against sedimentation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for separating a mixture of finely divided minerals into constituents thereof. In particular, the invention relates to a procedure for effecting such separation by a novel selective flocculation technique wherein a dispersed aqueous pulp containing the mixture of minerals is preconditioned for selective flocculation with an anionic polymer by addition of both a fatty acid such as oleic acid and source of polyvalent cation such as calcium chloride. The fatty acid and cation of the salt selectively coat the component of the mixture that is subsequently flocculated with the anionic polymer. A polyacrylate salt dispersant is preferably used in the process. The invention is especially adapted to the separation of colored titaniferous impurities from kaolin clay.

Abstract: A method for increasing the surface area and roughness of metals, ceramics and composites on a micro-scale, and the surfaces themselves, is disclosed whereby a laser beam having a radiation wavelength of from UV to infrared is pulsed onto the surface of the material. The energy density of the radiation is between 0.01 to 15 J/cm.sup.2 and at least 50 pulses of radiation having duration of from 1 picosecond to 1 millisecond are used on each area. The surface structures formed are semi-periodic and are from 1/4 to several hundred microns in magnitude.