Abstract: A humidifier for use with an air system, and especially adapted for installation on a forced air furnace. Water distribution means are employed to provide a substantially uniformly distributed flow of water to an evaporator pad. The water distribution means comprises an elongated rectangular tray having an elevated water reservoir and channels leading to apertures positioned so as to distribute water uniformly to the pad. Generally V-shaped metering notches are provided in the walls of the reservoir to meter the flow of water to the respective channels.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the production of fuel compacts consisting of an isotropic, radiation resistant graphite matrix of good heat conductivity having embedded therein coated fuel and/or fertile particles for insertion into high temperature fuel elements by providing the coated fuel and/or fertile particles with an overcoat of molding mixture consisting of graphite powder and a thermoplastic resin binder. The particles after the overcoating are provided with hardener and lubricant only on the surface and subsequently are compressed in a die heated to a constant temperature of about 150.degree.C., hardened and discharged therefrom as finished compacts.

Abstract: A method for making granules from sprayed molten material falling through a tower in which a substantial amount of the rising cooling gas stream is withdrawn from the tower at a level below the top of the tower and is discharged to atmosphere. Only the remaining gas stream requires treatment to remove dust and other pollutants, resulting in a considerably lower energy consumption at the same environmental pollution compared with other processes and installations known.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a cellular thermoplastic body, wherein solid thermoplastic material is melted under pressure in an extruder, a gaseous blowing agent is injected into the molten thermoplastic material under pressure and said molten thermoplastic material and gaseous blowing agent is passed to a zone of reduced pressure to effect the cellular expansion of said thermoplastic material by said gaseous blowing agent, and wherein said gaseous blowing agent is metered at sonic velocity at a point upstream of the injection of said gaseous blowing agent into said molten thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A 3-D viewer and the method and apparatus for the fabrication thereof, said viewer including a pair of plastic polarized lenses each ultrasonically cut out from a sheet of polarized material simultaneously ultrasonically sealed about a lens opening in a lens receiving frame.

Abstract: Accumulated deposits are removed from the face of a spinneret by periodically manually wiping the face of the spinneret with the blade of a hand held wipe stick. Cooling the blade just before use decreases the smearing of the polymer melt and increases the wipe cycle. Dry ice is the preferred cooling medium.

Abstract: A cable-stayed girder bridge having a concrete deck girder which includes longitudinally extending stiffening girders having cables embedded therein and a laterally extending deck portion is constructed by sequential formation of said deck girder in successive adjacent sections. The longitudinally extending stiffening girder portions of said deck girder are first formed, support cables are embedded therein and subsequently tensioned. After hardening of the stiffening girders, the laterally extending deck portion of the duck girder is formed. A form carrier movable along the bridge during its construction extends in a cantilevered arrangement from a previously formed deck girder section to provide support for a successive deck girder section during formation thereof.

Abstract: The coping and gutter of a rim flow swimming pool are supported by upwardly and downwardly adjustable jacks at spaced positions around the perimeter, with each beneath the lateral center of gravity. A gusset plate extends rearwardly from a reinforcement for the rear wall and may be moved upwardly and downwardly to adjust the transverse level. Each gusset plate, after final adjustment, is attached to a stake. The jacks and the gusset plates are adapted to be embedded in the concrete which forms the wall of the pool, preferably poured in layers by the "Gunite" method, and serve as reinforcements for the concrete.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating asymmetric acrylic hollow fibers for use in separatory processes as a selective membrane. The fibers are highly permeable and exhibit a high degree of selectivity in discriminating mixtures into their various components. The fibers are formed by extruding an acrylic polymer solution through an annular orifice while simultaneously injecting a coagulating fluid into the bore of the fiber extrudate as it is formed. The extrusion may be directly into a coagulating bath maintained at a temperature of from 60.degree. to 80.degree.C. or alternatively the freshly extruded fiber may be first passed through an air space (evaporation zone) and thence into the coagulating bath. Following coagulation, the fibers are water washed to remove residual solvent.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a reinforced plastic tubular article. A mandrel is positioned within a mold in spaced relation to the inner surface of the mold. Dry reinforcing material, in the form of fibrous or particulate material or a combination of both, is located in the annular space between the mandrel and the mold. The interior of the mold is evacuated to remove gas from the mold as well as from the voids within the reinforcing material. An uncured thermosetting resin system, which was mixed under vacuum conditions to remove gas from the system, is introduced into the mold. Pressure is applied to the resin to thoroughly impregnate the reinforcing material with the resin. The resin is then cured by heating while the pressure is maintained on the resin. The resulting cured product has a smooth outer surface which facilitates the attachment of coupling members and has improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: An ornamental plastic article having a smooth rear exterior surface and a rough, randomly arranged layer of plastic particles or pellets forming the front outer surface is produced by placing a layer of plastic powder on one surface of a first mold form containing an outer wall having the configuration of the article, heating the powder until the powder becomes tacky in the form of a strip, placing this form on top of a mating second mold form having an outer wall containing various pockets of different colored plastic pellets of a compatible plastic material located in predetermined locations within the outer wall, rotating the two forms until the tacky powder form is on the bottom and the pockets of colored plastic pellets are on top, reversing the position of the two forms, and removing the first form which has a layer of plastic pellets affixed to the tacky layer in predetermined color arrangement corresponding to the pocket location on the second mold form, heating the pellets until they become soft, and

Abstract: A method for molding powder of ultra-high molecular weight, linear polyethylene comprising particles of less than 100 micron mean particle size having narrow particle size distribution is free-sinterable to form solid articles by a process comprising (a) molding a solid preform by compressing the polyethylene molding powder at a temperature below its crystalline melting point under pressure of at least 2,000 p.s.i., (b) releasing the pressure and (c) free-sintering the preform at temperature above its crystalline melting point.

Abstract: An improved process for drawing a continuous length of an acrylic multifilament fibrous material is provided. Prior to drawing at an elevated temperature by continuous passage through a suitable drawing zone the surface of the fibrous material is coated with powdered graphite (e.g. colloidal graphite) via contact with a dipersion containing the graphite paticles which serve to improve the drawing properties of the same. The process is suited for the hot drawing of a continuous length of an acrylic multifilament fibrous material (e.g. a substantially untwisted tow) which is intended for subsequent thermal stabilization, and cabonization to form a carbonaceous fibrous material.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel rigid and flexible stratified shaped fiber-reinforced plastic aticles. These are produced by impregnating a layer of fibers with at least two different resins in powder form, the first of said resins being characterized by hardening at 60.degree. C - 100.degree. C, and the second of said resins hardening at a temperature of 110.degree.C - 200.degree.C at elevated pressure to form a resin impregnated fiber sheet. This sheet is first heated at the lower temperature, and then cut to form shaped sections which are positioned in a mold and heated to the higher temperature with the application of pressure to form the stratified shaped fiber-reinforced plastic article.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of crimped polyamide filament yarns. Polyamide filaments having non-circular cross sections are melt-spun, allowed to cool, and treated with a substantially non-aqueous oiling agent. They are passed around a feed roll, are passed in contact with a heated body having a curved surface and thus subjected to one-sided heating and then to drawing, are passed around a heated draw roll, and then are passed through a steam jet.

Abstract: This invention provides a film or sheet capable of being thermoformed into a shaped article and being formed from a blend of about 60 to 85 parts by weight of a polyethylene terephthalate polymer having an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 0.90 and correspondingly about 40 to 15 parts by weight of a polycarbonate polymer, the polyethylene terephthalate portion of the film or sheet having a degree of crystallinity in the range of about 20 to 40%. The film is essentially non-oriented. The present invention also provides shaped articles thermoformed from such film or sheet, such as cook-in-trays. Moreover, this invention provides a process of forming such film or sheet which comprises the steps of blending about 60 to 85 parts by weight of a polyethylene terephthalate polymer having an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 0.90 with correspondingly about 40 to 15 parts by weight of a polycarbonate resin, extruding the resultant blend at a temperature of above about 500.degree.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an anti-pilling acrylic fiber which has excellent level dyeing properties. This process involves dissolving an acrylonitrile in an inorganic solvent to prepare a spinning solution, wherein the inorganic solvent in the spinning solution is 40-70%, subjecting the spinning solution to wet-spinning by extrusion through spinneret orifices into a coagulation bath containing an inorganic solvent in an amount of 50-70% of that in the spinning solution, while maintaining the linear velocity ratio of free extrusion at 1 or higher and the jet stretch ratio 1.5 or higher, stretching the formed gel fibers 3-7 times the length in hot water or in a heated steam medium at 80.degree.-120.degree.C, drying the stretched fibers and then subjecting the fibers to a relaxation treatment in a hot air current at a temperature of 150.degree.C or lower or in a wet heat atmosphere at a temperature of 120.degree.C or lower.

Abstract: High modulus oxybenzoyl copolyester fibers are produced by heating to an elevated temperature and stretching oxybenzoyl copolyesters fibers having molecular weights in the range of from 2,000 to 200,000 and melting points of at least 250.degree.C and comprising recurring moieties of Formulas I, II and III - ##SPC1##wherein n is 0 or 1; x, y and z are integers; y:z = from 10:15 to 15:10, x:y and x:z = from 1:100 to 100:1; x + y + z = from 30 to 600; the carbonyl group of Formula I is meta and/or para to the oxy group thereof; the carbonyl groups of Formula II are meta and/or para to each other; and the oxy atoms of Formula III are meta and/or para to each other; and in more than 50% of the total of sid moieties having said mentioned groups therein they are of para configuration. For Formulas I and II n is preferably 0 and for Formula III it is usually 1.

Abstract: There is provided a process for preparing yarn comprised of at least 83 percent (by weight) of poly(tetramethylene) terephthalate with a spun denier per filament of from about 0.6 to about 50 from a polymer with a relative viscosity of from about 10 to about 50. In said process filaments of said polymer are extruded through a spinnerette at a spinning temperature of from about 240 to about 280 degrees centigrade, and the extruded filaments are taken up at a windup speed of from about 1000 to about 10,000 feet per minute; during said extrusion, the spinning threadline tension per extruded filament (as measured about 70 inches from the face of the spinnerette) is at least 0.09 grams per filament. Thereafter the extruded filaments are drawn in one or more stages to a draw ratio of from about 1.0 to about 5.0 and, during the drawing step, the filaments are passed over a heated object at a temperature of from about 60 to about 180 degrees centigrade.

Abstract: A process for forming a removable dental cast embedded with a plastic, threaded, cast ejector button, and apparatus for fabricating a plurality of cast ejector buttons comprised of a mold device including an upper plate containing a plurality of mold cavities, and a base plate incorporating coil spring means for resiliently maintaining the upper plate in a predetermined spaced-apart and open relation thereto and a plurality of rigid support elements attached, at their bottom ends, in vertically-upright relation on the base plate and slidably engaged, at their upper ends, in a bottom opening in each upper plate-mold cavity and extending in overlapping relation into the respective cavity. The upper ends of each rigid support element are threaded so that, when the mold cavities are poured with and filled by a suitable material, in the plastic flow form that is allowed to set for a specified period, a separate and internally threaded plastic cast ejector button is formed in each cavity.

Abstract: Method of making a reinforced pneumatic tire in which the tire body is formed in at least two sections each including a side wall and a plurality of annular bands each including an annular reinforcing belt embedded in an elastomer. The tire sections are assembled in a mold with the annular bands of each section interleaved with the annular bands of another section and the elastomer is cured to form an integral tire body. The tire may be formed of two reinforced sections with the interleaved bands forming the annular tread section of the tires, or as three reinforced sections, including two sections each including a side wall and annular bands and a connecting section including annular bands with reinforcing belts which are interleaved with the annular bands of the other two sections to form a tread section. An annular, elastomeric tread section may be formed separately and bonded around and to the annular bands of the reinforced sections.

Abstract: The method of making a perforated particle screen having a base layer or high density polyethylene low melting index thermoplastic material with a cover layer of elastomeric material vulcanized integrally with the base layer. The method includes providing a mold with inserts for forming the perforations, filling the mold with granular plastic, covering the plastic with uncured elastomer and applying heat and pressure to the elastomer to vulcanize same integrally with the plastic as it melts and flows in the mold.

Abstract: A method for molding a reinforced composite plastic structure to provide a roughened bondable surface over a portion thereof during the forming operation and which method includes molding a resin-filled, fiberglass-reinforced composite against a mold member having an elastomeric insert in the face thereof such that a portion of the fiberglass fibers are imbedded in the elastomeric member during molding so as to prevent encapsulation of the imbedded fibers by the resin and thereby leaving a roughened or three-dimensional surface over that area of the composite covered by the elastomeric mold inset.

Abstract: A method for using an expandable forming plug in forming apparatus such as plug assisted vacuum or pressure differential forming machines and the like wherein the plug cooperates with a mold to form hollow articles such as containers, closures, trays, and the like, from thermoplastic synthetic resinous film or sheeting. The expandable plug provides hollow articles which during forming can be programed or controlled, as desired, with respect to thickness distribution in the walls thereof and, more particularly, provides hollow articles with side and bottom walls of desired thickness, such as of substantially uniform or of a varying thickness.

Abstract: A target pigeon is made of synthetic resins such as polystyrene and polymethacrylate which are not mutually soluble. The resins are heated and cooled successively prior to injection molding of the pigeon so that they coagulate together and form a mass of tiny flakes constituting the body of the pigeon. These resins are injected into the mold cavity at a plurality of locations so that the pigeon has interfaces constituting weak lines that allow it readily to disintegrate when struck transversely, but which do not decrease the longitudinal strength so the pigeon can be launched by means of an explosion from a blank cartridge or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for recovering niobium from a hydrochloric acid solution which contains niobium and vanadium and which may also contain other metals such as, for example, zirconium, titanium, iron, chromium and aluminum. Broadly, the method comprises heating such a solution at a low pH for a period of time sufficient to form a niobium-containing precipitate substantially free of vanadium. Preferably, the solution is heated in the presence of a small amount of sulfuric acid. The precipitate then is recovered from the solution.

Abstract: The invention provides novel water-soluble copolymers useful as flocculating agents, especially in flocculating the red mud formed during the Bayer process for the production of alumina from bauxite. The copolymers comprise anionic monomer units e.g. acrylic acid units in a mole percentage of less than 50% and acrylamide type units some of which are methylolated.

Abstract: An ammoniacal solution containing nickel and cobalt dissolved as nickel-ammonia complexes and cobalt-ammonia complexes is treated with a material capable of providing free ammonia in the solution, such as gaseous ammonia or aqueous ammonia, in order to increase the proportion of higher nickel-ammonia complexes to lower nickel-ammonia complexes in solution until at least about 85% of the dissolved nickel is in the form of higher nickel-ammonia complexes, i.e., complexes in which the number of NH.sub.3 molecules is greater than 3. The attainment of this high concentration of higher nickel-ammonia complexes is readily determined by various analytical procedures such as, for example, free ammonia electrode measurements and spectrophotometer measurements. The solution is then treated with a sulfiding agent in an amount sufficient to selectively precipitate out the dissolved cobalt as cobalt sulfide. The resulting slurry is separated into a nickel-enriched liquid fraction and a cobalt-enriched solids fraction.

Abstract: A process for adsorbing and removing nitrogen oxides from waste gases is disclosed, wherein nitrogen oxides are adsorbed in a layer packed with electrolytic manganese dioxide blocks and eluted with water or aqueous alkaline solution. The specific action of the adsorption agent used in said process is disclosed in detail.

Abstract: Process for producing sodium carbonate monohydrate crystals having a high bulk density, blocky crystal shape, and uniform particle size distribution from sodium carbonate solutions wherein the sodium carbonate monohydrate is crystallized in the presence of magnesium ions and sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate.

Abstract: Sodium perborate having an active oxygen content of about 11.0 to 12.0 weight percent and a bulk density of about 0.40 to 0.70 g./cc. is made by a process comprising (1) agglomerating conventional sodium perborate tetrahydrate with hydrogen peroxide to form spherical particles and (2) drying the resulting particles at a temperature below 45.degree.C.

Abstract: 1. The process for making dichlorofluoramine which comprises introducing into a reaction zone an alkali metal azide, subjecting said azide in said zone to the action of chlorine monofluoride while maintaining in said zone temperatures above the boiling point of dichlorofluoramine but not substantially above 150.degree. C., and discharging from said zone reaction products containing dichlorofluoramine.

Abstract: An improved process for recovery of hydrogen cyanide contained in a gaseous mixture is provided which comprises (a) contacting the gaseous mixture with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal carbonate to form an aqueous solution of the alkali metal cyanide and the corresponding bicarbonate, (b) contacting the aqueous solution of (a) with a ketone to produce a cyanohydrin-ketone mixture immiscible in the aqueous solution and a regenerate the alkali metal carbonate, separating the alkali metal carbonate solution and returning it to the gas absorption step (a) and recovering the cyanohydrinketone mixture. Alternately, the cyanohydrin in the cyanohydrin-ketone mixture of step (b) can be decomposed to the corresponding ketone and hydrogen cyanide.

Abstract: A method for producing alkali carbonate crystals, including adding to an alkali carbonate and alkali hydroxide solution stream a 10 to 75 weight-% alkali hydroxide solution, charging the resulting mixture into a CO.sub.2 -containing gas whose temperature is from 150.degree. to 700.degree.C, collecting mixture remaining as liquid from the gas at the end of a residence time of mixture in gas of 0.1 to 10 seconds, separating alkali carbonate crystals from the collected mixture, and feeding the collected mixture, following the separating, back in the alkali carbonate and alkali hydroxide solution stream for another adding of alkali hydroxide solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing carbon black by pyrolytic decomposition of coal with hot combustion gases. In a cylindrically shaped vertical reactor coal is tangentially introduced, thus establishing a helically flowing mass of pulverized coal. This mass is contacted with hot combustion gases. Fine ashes are withdrawn from the upper portion of the reactor at the periphery and coarse ashes are withdrawn from the lower portion of the reactor from the periphery. Carbon black-containing gases are withdrawn from the area of the vertical axis of the reactor overhead.

Abstract: There is provided an improved process for the production of chlorine dioxide wherein an alkali metal chlorate, and a mineral acid are reacted in a single vessel, and the salt crystals separated from the generator crystal slurry.

Abstract: A chlorine dioxide-producing process is provided in which water vapor is used to dilute and remove the chlorine dioxide produced from sodium chlorate and hydrochloric acid from the reaction vessel. A cyclic arrangement is provided in which the recycle liquid heated to the boiling point of the reaction medium in the generator is allowed to expand gradually to provide a vapor/liquid/solid mixture which is discharged at low velocity to the generator. Vibration due to boiling is considerably reduced and wear of generator walls due to impinging materials is eliminated.

Abstract: The sulfides of nickel and cobalt prepared by sulfiding nickel and cobalt-enriched ammoniacal solutions oxidize rapidly (and often pyrophorically) when exposed to normal atmospheric conditions. The oxidized sulfides then react with water present in the atmosphere in a hydration reaction. This oxidation and hydration may increase the weight of the sulfides by as much as 150% or more, depending upon such factors as the type of sulfides involved and the duration of the exposure. However, when nickel sulfide, cobalt sulfide, or mixtures thereof are dried, dehydrated, heated at temperatures of about 1000.degree.F. or higher in a substantially inert atmosphere, and then cooled in a substantially inert atmosphere, the sulfides can surprisingly be exposed to normal atmospheric conditions for prolonged periods of time without undergoing significant oxidation or hydration. Consequently, only minimal weight increases are observed with the treated sulfides.

Abstract: A commercially feasible method is provided for controlling depositions of solid sulfur within plant equipment utilized in absorptive-regenerative processes for the removal of H.sub.2 S from sour gas streams which eliminates costly shutdowns and manual cleaning of the plant equipment and permits removal of solid sulfur therefrom in conjunction with that produced during the regular process itself. The method comprises adding ammonia to such H.sub.2 S removal systems during running thereof in order to solubilize any solid sulfur and remove the same with the sulfur produced by circulating alkali absorption solution employed. Ammonia may be added to either the sour gas stream or directly to the absorption solution, and moreover can be added intermittently to remove preexisting sulfur deposits or on a semi-continuous basis as needed to substantially prevent undesirable sulfur buildup. The present method finds application in connection with known desulfurization processes such as the Stretford, Ferrox and Takahax.

Abstract: Alpha alumina monohydrate wherein a majority of the cumulative pore volume consists of pores from about 30 to about 120 A in diameter and a method for producing such alumina. This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 298,116, filed Oct. 16, 1972 and now abandoned.

Abstract: Low-density, high-porosity alumina extrudates and a method for preparing said extrudates. Said method comprises admixing finely divided low-density, high-porosity alumina with water to form an extrudable composition and extruding said mixture.

Abstract: Method of determining the concentration of a substance in a solution which comprises the steps of incubating the solution with a known amount of radioactively labelled substance and a suspendable composite consisting of anti-substance antibody coupled chemically through an intermediate silane coupling agent to an inorganic carrier, the incubation period being for a time sufficient to form immunochemical complexes, separating the complexes from the solution, determining the radioactivity of either the separated complexes or the remaining solution, and relating that determination to a standard curve. Specific assays for digoxin, insulin, and estriol are disclosed.

Abstract: Non-toxic bromofluorocarbon radiopaque agents are disclosed. Certain monobrominated acyclic fluorocarbons, e.g., CF.sub.3 (CF.sub.2).sub.6 CF.sub.2 Br, are improved non-toxic radiopaque agents useful in diagnostic roentgenology, for example in visualizing the gastrointestinal tract, the tracheobronchial tree, the alveolar spaces or parenchyma of the lung, the spleen, the urinary bladder and ureters, the common bile duct and its radicals, the pancreatic ducts, the blood vessels, etc.

Abstract: For the treatment of trace element deficiency in animals over a prolonged period of time there is orally administered a tablet containing said trace element in a composition which releases said trace element slowly in the stomach of said animal, said tablet having a minimum dimension such that it cannot leave the stomach through the pylorus during said prolonged period of time. For animals such as piglets, about 3 mm is a suitable minimum dimension. The tablet may comprise a homogeneous mixture of a slow release substance and the trace element and/or there may be a slow release coating on the tablet, such as a polymer of vinylidene chloride, an acrylic acid ester, vinyl chloride or vinyl propionate.

Abstract: A mouth wash is provided having the capacity to prevent dental caries of teeth consisting essentially of an aqueous solution of a water soluble fluoride, sodium chloride and an anionic surface active wetting agent having no substantial effect on inactivation of the fluoride, the wetting agent and sodium chloride being present in minor amount relative to the fluoride and the fluoride being present in a concentration of about one gram per ounce of solution.

Abstract: Process for reducing the alkali concentration in alkaline reactive cosmetic preparations which comprises the step of adding to such a preparation, shortly before its use, at least one alkali-cleavable organic compound having ester and/or halogen groups in its molecule and which is capable on cleavage to form an acid. The invention also includes the agents suitable for carrying out the aforesaid process.

Abstract: A process is provided for encasement and infiltration of cellular tissue to reduce the influx of oxygen and liquid thereto and to retain in situ and retard efflux of liquids and medication therefrom by introducing into said tissue a gel substantially insoluble in said tissue and the body fluids associated therewith.

Abstract: Preparation of and live bacterial vaccine from selected strains of Escherichia coli. The bacterial cells are treated with dilute formalin solutions (about 0.02 to about 0.08% v/v formalin) for a period to modify the bacteria without inactivation thereof. One preferred strain is EW1 serogroup of 0157. The vaccine has been found particularly effective in preventing the occurrence of enteric colibacillosis in newborn animals. A preferred technique is to vaccinate cows, recover the milk, and continually feed it as a milk replacer to the newborn during the susceptible period.

Abstract: Ternary and quaternary solvent systems consisting essentially of 20% to 92% by weight cyclohexanone, 3% to 25% by weight lower alkanol, and at least 5% by weight water, wherein 0-65% of said cyclohexanone can be replaced by an equal quantity of cyclohexanol, such that when sufficient S-methyl N-[(methylcarbamoyl)oxy]thioacetimidate to create a 35% solution of said thioacetimidate is dissolved therein at 25.degree.C., a single phase results, and single phase, liquid, water-soluble insecticidal concentrates of S-methyl N-[(methylcarbamoyl)oxy]thioacetimidate containing 15% to 35% by weight of said thioacetimidate in such a ternary or quaternary solvent system.

Abstract: A method for increasing the partial pressure of O.sub.2 in blood in a mammal, which comprises administering to said mammal an effective dose of a water soluble carotenoid, whereby the O.sub.2 partial pressure in the bloodstream of said mammal is increased.