Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for electrolytic treatment capable of removing the ununiformity according to the frequency and can achieve high treating speed and high current density treatment, which comprises etching a metal web electrolytically using alternating waveform current continuously, wherein a frequency-variable means having an ability to vary frequency of an electric power supply of said alternating waveform current arbitrarily is provided, and a method therefor.

Abstract: Method for collecting and concentrating charged species, specifically, contaminant species in a medium, preferably soil. The method utilizes electrokinesis to drive contaminant species into and through a bed adjacent to a drive electrode. The bed comprises a moderately electrically conductive adsorbent material which is porous and is infused with water or other solvent capable of conducting electrical current. The bed material, preferably activated carbon, is easily removed and disposed of. Preferably, where activated carbon is used, after contaminant species are collected and concentrated, the mixture of activated carbon and contaminant species is removed and burned to form a stable and easily disposable waste product.

Abstract: The invention relates to an enzymatic-electrochemical affinity sensor and a one-step affinity assay for the quantitative determination of analytes in aqueous media. More specifically, the invention relates to an enzymatic-electrochemical signal amplification system for a highly sensitive indication of affinity reactions and is particularly suitable in the form of a one-step affinity sensor for in situ analytics. The invention is also directed to the use of phenol oxidase as a marker enzyme for the affine binding partners in an electrochemical affinity sensor or assay, and to the use of an enzyme hydrolyzing phenolic compounds as marker enzyme for the affine binding partners, in combination with a phenol oxidase as catalyst for the amplifying reaction in an electrochemical affinity assay.

Abstract: A process for transforming a gas oil cut into a dearomatised fuel with a high cetane number comprises at least one first, deep desulphurisation and deep denitrogenation step in which the gas oil cut and hydrogen are passed over a catalyst comprising a mineral support, at least one group VIB metal or metal compound, at least one group VIII metal or metal compound, and phosphorous or at least one phosphorous compound, and at least one subsequent second step, dearomatisation, in which the desulphurised and denitrogenated product from the first step is passed with hydrogen over a catalyst comprising a mineral support and at least one group VIII noble metal or noble metal compound.

Abstract: A process for the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of multiple condensed ring heterocyclic organosulfur compounds present in petroleum and petrochemical streams and the saturation of aromatics over noble metal-containing catalysts under relatively mild conditions. The noble metal is selected from Pt, Pd, Ir, Rh and polymetallics thereof. The catalyst system also contains a hydrogen sulfide sorbent material.

Abstract: A process for the purification of a fluid stream containing a sulphur contaminant, such as hydrogen sulphide, and mercury, phosphine, stibine, and/or arsenic compounds as a second contaminant wherein said fluid stream is passed through a bed of a particulate absorbent containing a sulphide of a variable valency metal, especially copper, that is more electropositive than mercury, to remove said second contaminant and then the sulphur contaminant is removed from at least part of the effluent from that bed by passing that part of the effluent through a bed of a particulate sulphur absorbent comprising a compound selected from oxides, hydroxides, carbonates and basic carbonates of said variable valency metal is disclosed. The removal of the sulphur contaminant converts said variable valency metal compound to the corresponding sulphide. The resulting bed of variable valency metal sulphide is subsequently used for the removal of the second contaminant.

Abstract: A twist-on renewable filter comprising a one-piece hollow housing, made of polymeric material having a threaded adapter for attachment to a distribution head assembly. The filter housing is fabricated from components that are made of a polymeric material that are fused together to form the one-piece hollow housing. A filter media assembly is rigidly bonded at both ends within the housing. The renewable filter has an infinite life and can be removed and cleaned, for example, by reverse flushing the filter with a cleaning solution. A bypass valve 250 is provided within the filter that is designed to provide full closure for an infinite life. The bypass valve 250 is fully located within the one-piece hollow housing such that it cannot be disabled or tampered with. The bypass valve 250 functions to allow sufficient fluid to bypass the filter media when the filter media has become contaminated and will not permit the full volume of the normal oil stream to be filtered.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon capturing device includes a retainer that is inserted into the end of an outlet pipe in a storm sewer catch basin. The retainer includes a ring that expands under a bias against the inner surface of the outlet pipe and radially extending fingers mounted to the ring that prevent insertion of the ring into the pipe too far. Two hooks are mounted to the retainer near the upper side of the outlet pipe to fasten one end of a hydrophobic, hydrocarbon-absorbing fabric sheet to the retainer. The opposite end of the sheet extends into the passageway of the outlet pipe, thereby floating atop any water that flows through the pipe during and after a rainfall or snowfall.

Abstract: A swimming pool chlorinator that utilizes a cylindrical housing that has an internal chamber. Within the internal chamber is concentrically mounted in a close fitting manner a valve member. The sidewall of the housing has a series of elongated slits and also the valve member has a series of similar elongated slits. The housing has mounted thereon at least one suction cup with the suction cup to be securable to a swimming pool wall surface or other surfaces associated with a swimming pool and beneath the surface of the water in the pool. Within the internal chamber of the housing is located one or more chlorine tablets. The valve member is to be adjusted relative to the housing so that the slits of the housing are unrestricted permitting free flow of water through the housing or the slits are restricted partially thereby limiting the amount of flow of water through the internal chamber.

Abstract: A water filtration system for preventing scale and removing chlorine includes a vertically oriented elongated pressure vessel 11 having a fitting at the upper end thereof. The fitting includes a passage 30 for directing water into the pressure vessel and a passage 40 for allowing water to flow outwardly from the pressure vessel. A catalytic/magnetic device 50 is coupled to the input fitting passage and includes a catalytic chamber 51 and a magnetic chamber 54 through which the input water flows. A flow diffuser 57 receives the output of the magnetic chamber and directs it through a chlorine filtering media 60 in an upwardly traveling water flow. The chlorine filtered water is allowed to pass outwardly from the pressure vessel. The catalytic chamber 51 includes flexible fibers 61 of high nickel stainless steel while the magnetic chamber includes a center tube 95 having a plurality of oppositely oriented magnets supported on the exterior thereof.

Abstract: A filter housing assembly has a tubular standpipe to support successive filter elements within a filter housing closed by a closure plate. A spindle is fixed to the inner surface of the closure plate in position to move into the upper end of the standpipe when the closure plate is in position to close the housing. A top filter support is fixed to the spindle in position to be seated on top of a filter in the housing when the closure plate is in position to close the housing. A skirt extends downwardly from the closure plate to deflect leaks.

Abstract: A filter useful for the ultrafiltration and microfiltration of aqueous suspensions includes a microporous membrane structure that has pores of size effective to reject particles in the range of about 0.01-10 &mgr;m. At least a portion of the membrane structure in contact with the suspension has a surface energy less than that of polytetrafluoroethylene. Low surface energy can be achieved by coating a microporous substrate with a substance such as fluorine substituted dioxole polymer. The filter has superior resistance to fouling by species suspended in the aqueous suspension and can continuously filter flow of such suspension in excess of 100 L/(m2−h) for more than 150 hours. The new filter is useful in many traditionally fouling prone ultrafiltration and microfiltration membrane applications such as the filtering of shipboard generated graywater waste.

Abstract: Novel styrene sulfonate-based polymers and cation exchange membranes which are particularly suitable for use in electrodialysis of whey and improved methods for electrodialysis of whey are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for transferring a selected solute species from a fluid mixture of a fluid media. The system of the present invention includes a convergent channel for passing a fluid mixture containing a selected species tangentially across the first surface of a porous membrane. A fluid media is directed to flow tangentially over the second surface of the membrane. As the fluid mixture and the fluid media flow on opposite sides of the membrane, the selected species traverses the membrane leaving the fluid mixture and entering the fluid media. The volumetric loss to the fluid mixture associated with the loss of the selected species is compensated for by the convergency of the channel. As a result a constant velocity is maintained over the membrane, maximizing the selectivity of the filtration process.

Abstract: A method of preparing a liquid mixture of controlled pH including (i) one or more buffering species, (ii) an acid or alternatively a base, (iii) optionally a salt; and (iv) a solvent wherein the proportions of the different components ((I) to (iv)) of the mixture are concomitantly varied in such a way as to take into account of the interrelationship of the ionic strength and the pH of the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid chromatograph which can easily edit an output format so that an analyst easily use an output of the liquid chromatograph for analysis. In more detail, the chromatograph comprising a chromatographic unit composed of a detector for collecting chromatographic data, an automatic sampler for sampling a sample, a pump for performing eluent switching and liquid transmission and a column oven for keeping a column at a constant temperature; and a data processing means for performing data processing such as waveform processing or quantitative calculation, wherein the data processing means comprises a setting means for arbitrarily setting an output format when an analysis result is output after measurement.

Abstract: A chromatography sample module including a flow-through member having an inlet and an outlet, chromatography media within the flow-through member, and a sample carried on the media. The module can fit within a chromatography column, and a plurality of modules can be arranged in an array in a rack to facilitate processing of multiple samples.

Abstract: A powder of magnetized material is added to an aeration chamber, and aeration is conducted. The mixture is then sent to a sedimentation chamber, and solid-liquid separation is conducted. A portion of the precipitated sludge is returned to the aeration chamber as return sludge and reused. Sedimented sludge is highly concentrated, due to the action of the magnetized material. By returning a portion to the aeration chamber as return sludge, the biomass concentration becomes high, and high load operation in the aeration chamber can be achieved.

Abstract: A method of purifying an aqueous liquid stream is provided, wherein the liquid stream is pressurized and contains proteinaceous materials, such as blood, and suspended solids, comprising the introduction of carbon dioxide into the liquid stream in a manner to reduce the pH of the liquid stream sufficient to cause coagulation ofthe proteinaceous materials. Specifically, it is intended that the pH of the liquid stream is reduced to a level below the isoelectric point of the proteinaceous materials, preferably at a level below pH 4.5. In a preferred method, the liquid stream is moved by a dissolved gas pump, wherein the carbon dioxide is introduced into the dissolved gas pump, and wherein a first portion of the gas is caused to dissolve within the liquid stream, and a second portion of the gas is caused to entrain within the liquid stream in the form of micro-fine bubbles.

Abstract: A system wherein an ultrasound emitter, or gun, is provided which emits an ultrasound beam directed at filter media, on the opposite side of the filter media from where solids accumulate, in order to knock the solids from the filter media. Dislodged solids from the area targeted by the beam are driven upstream, away from the filter media. Gravity then draws the solids to a drain of a collection chamber, which allows for the solids to be safely removed from the system. A guide is provided upstream of the filter media, the guide having angled slats or vanes. These vanes are angled upwardly towards the filter media and downwardly towards the drain, such that as the solids are blasted from the filter media by the gun, they are jolted upstream, and impact the angled vanes upon their downstream return.

Abstract: A transportable apparatus for preventing the spreading and coming ashore of spilled oil that is easily transportable to a sea area where spilled oil is spread and that can perform the operation of preventing the spreading and coming ashore of spilled oil in the open area. The apparatus has an oil-fence-housing robot ship (10) and a pair of oil-fence-setting-up robot ships (20, 30) that are separably coupled together into an easily transportable block body. The apparatus encircles a sea area where spilled oil is spread with oil fences (40, 41) by remotely operating the robot ships (10, 20, 30) via radio signals.

Abstract: A fluid treating apparatus includes a primary conduit defining a flow path for the fluid being treated. A column is connected to the pipe forming an inlet into the flow path. A reaction container having a perforated side wall enclosing a treating agent is positioned in the inlet and in the flow path. In preferred embodiments, the method and apparatus is for dechlorinating water prior to discharge. One or more aerators can also be mounted in the pipe to aerate water passing through the conduit upstream and/or downstream of the reaction container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acoustically enhanced particle separation uses a chamber through which flows a fluid containing particles to be separated. A porous medium is disposed within the chamber. A transducer mounted on one wall of the chamber is powered to impose on the porous medium an acoustic field that is resonant to the chamber when filled with the fluid. Under the influence of the resonant acoustic field, the porous medium is able to trap particles substantially smaller than the average pore size of the medium. When the acoustic field is deactivated, the flowing fluid flushes the trapped particles from the porous medium and regenerates the medium. A collection circuit for harvesting the particles flushed from the porous medium is disclosed. Aluminum mesh, polyester foam, and unconsolidated glass beads are disclosed as porous media.

Abstract: A process and catalyst for the conversion of contaminants in an oxygen containing contaminated stream comprises passing the oxygen containing contaminated stream over a photocatalyst comprising titanium, zirconium and silica while irradiating the foregoing catalyst with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a high efficiency method for the remediation of large quantities of liquids, operating at low to moderate ambient pressures, in order to reduce environmental or health risks or to purify the liquid for use in industrial processing. Decontamination is achieved through the use of a swirl chamber in which a central vortex is formed which has a core pressure lower than the vapor pressure of the liquid thus inducing cavitation pockets in the vortex, which are then ejected from the nozzle through the exit orifice into a volume of liquid where the cavitation pockets collapse. These cavitation events drive chemical reactions, by generating strong oxidants and reductants, efficiently decomposing and destroying contaminating organic compounds, as well as some inorganics. These same cavitation events also physically disrupt or rupture the cell walls or outer membranes of microorganisms (such as E.

Abstract: A process for treating sewage containing biological solids including the steps of mixing the sewage with oxygen-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers, retaining the sewage with the hydro fluoro ether polymers for a desired period of time so as to produce oxygenated sewage and carbon dioxide-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers, and separating the carbon dioxide-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers from the oxygenated sewage. Water is separated from the oxygenated sewage so as to produce a sludge. Oxygen is mixed with the carbon dioxide-containing hydro fluoro ether polymers so as to oxygenate the hydro fluoro ether polymers and to remove carbon dioxide therefrom. The sewage is retained with the hydro fluoro etherpolymers at a temperature of between 32° and 140° F. The sewage is dewatered prior to mixing so that the dewatered sewage has a water content of less than 93 percent by weight. The steps of mixing and retaining can be carried in a closed vessel.

Abstract: Method for reducing the number of viable organisms present in ship ballast water wherein the ballast water is treated so as to reduce the concentration of dissolved oxygen and/or carbon dioxide to a level(s) at which a substantial portion of the organisms present cease to remain viable. The treatment comprises adding to the ballast water a suitable amount of an antioxidant.

Abstract: A device and method for automatically treating water as it enters a fire protection sprinkler system (FPS) to kill microbes introduced with the water. More particularly, the device is a treatment system that includes a storage tank 20 for chemicals prescribed to kill the microbes of concern, means for injecting the chemicals into the FPS, a pump 18 capable of delivering the proper amount of chemicals to the FPS, valving to isolate the pump and tank and prevent backflow from the FPS, and a flow or pressure switch 16 to activate the pump when water enters the FPS from an outside source. Substantially all water entering the system, for example through fire pump 12 and jockey pump 14, is treated in order to prevent or control deposition and microbiologically-influenced corrosion.

Abstract: A white blood cell-removing device has a bag-shaped housing made of soft resin, a white blood cell-removing filter member partitioning the inside of the housing into an inlet side blood chamber and an outlet side blood chamber, a blood inlet port positioned at one side of the housing and communicating with the inlet side blood chamber; and a blood outlet port positioned at the other side of the housing and communicating with the outlet side blood chamber. An inner surface (the outlet side blood chamber) of the bag-shaped housing is a unevenness surface. The white blood cell-removing filter member has a filtering part and a non-filtering part formed on the entire periphery of the filtering part.

Abstract: Methods for the concentration of a dilute material such as a fiber suspension are disclosed including enclosing the dilute material between a first straining belt and a second straining belt both moving through endless paths, and in which the width of the first straining belt is greater than the width of the second straining belt, and the method includes causing the longitudinal edges of the first straining belt to overlap the longitudinal edges of the second straining belt in an initial concentration stage, unfolding the longitudinal edges of the first straining belt and then further compressing the concentrated layer produced against the first straining belt in a further concentration stage. Apparatus for carrying out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A molten polymer filtration assembly includes at least three independently controllable and removable filter housings which extend from a common inlet passage to a common outlet passage, thereby providing parallel flow paths for polymer filtration. Each of the filter housings includes an inlet valve controlling the flow of polymer from the inlet passage, an outlet valve controlling the flow of polymer to the outlet passage, and a filtration passage which extends between the inlet and outlet valves and houses a candle-type filtration element. When the inlet and outlet valves are opened, the filter housing is on-stream and allows polymer to flow from the inlet to the outlet passage. Each filter housing is individually controllable, and can be set in an on-stream state independent of the state of any of the other filter housings, such that any number of filter housings can be on-stream at a given time.

Abstract: Spinnable balls each having two surfaces with different optical characteristics can be produced by forming a plurality of balls with the same specific gravity on a thermoplastic film, and softening the thermoplastic film by controlling a heating temperature thereof based on the specific gravity of the balls so that the hemispheres of the balls are embedded into the thermoplastic film by their own weight. A layer having different optical characteristics from those of the balls is then formed on the exposed surface of each ball. Finally, the balls provided with the layers are detached from the thermoplastic film.

Abstract: A method for producing stable atmospheric pressure glow discharge plasmas using RF excitation and the use of said plasmas for modifying the surface layer of materials. The plasma generated by this process and its surface modification capability depend on the type of gases used and their chemical reactivity. These plasmas can be used for a variety of applications, including etching of organic material from the surface layer of inorganic substrates, as an environmentally benign alternative to industrial cleaning operations which currently employ solvents and degreasers, as a method of stripping paint from surfaces, for the surface modification of composites prior to adhesive bonding operations, for use as a localized etcher of electronic boards and assemblies and in microelectronic fabrication, and for the sterilization of tools used in medical applications.

Abstract: A method is provided for etching and removing extraneous molybdenum or debris on ceramic substrates such as semiconductor devices and also for molybdenum etching in the fabrication of molybdenum photomasks. The method employs a multi-step process using an acidic aqueous solution of a ferric salt to remove (etch) the molybdenum debris followed by contacting the treated substrate with an organic quaternary ammonium hydroxide to remove any molybdenum black oxides which may have formed on the exposed surface of treated molybdenum features in ceramic substrates. The method is environmentally safe and the waste solutions may be easily waste treated for example by precipitating the ferric salts as ferric hydroxide and removing anions such as sulfate by precipitation with lime. The method replaces the currently used method of employing ferricyanide salts which create serious hazardous waste disposal and environmental problems.

Abstract: A process for producing a compound for a rare earth metal resin-bonded magnet includes: a slurry preparation step of mixing materials containing a magnetic alloy powder of a rare earth metal alloy, a resin binder, and an organic solvent into a slurry; and a drying step of spraying and drying the slurry by means of a spray dryer apparatus to produce the compound containing the magnetic alloy powder of the rare earth metal alloy and the resin binder.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sintered ceramic made of (a) 100 parts by weight of main components having a composition represented by the general formula: (Pb1−yMy)(ZrzTi1−z)O3, wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Sr, Ba and Ca, and y and z are numbers satisfying 0.01≦y≦0.10, and 0.51≦z≦0.56, respectively; (b) 0.05-1.0 parts by weight, as Fe2O3, of Fe; and (c) 10-1000 ppm of Ag.

Abstract: A high quality lubricant for hermetically sealed domestic air conditioner and refrigerator compressors, especially those using chlorine free hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant working fluids, is provided by mixed esters of hindered polyols, most desirably pentaerythritol, with a mixture of carboxylic acids including at least some isopentanoic acid along with either or both of iso-nonanoic acid and dibasic acids such as adipic.

Abstract: Azeotropic or near azeotropic compositions based on hexafluoropropane (R 236) as substitutes of CClF2-CClF2 (R 114) which essentially consist of R 236 and bis(difluoromethyl)-ether or n-butane, or mixtures thereof, for heat pumps, air-conditioners, etc.

Abstract: A lubricant composition for a refrigerating machine employing a HFC type refrigerant containing at least one selected from the group consisting of HFC-32, HFC-125 and HFC-134a, which comprises a base oil of an ester formed from a dihydric or higher polyol as an alcohol and a monobasic aliphatic acid, alone or as a mixture thereof; and additives of, based on the total amount, 1) not less than 0.01 vol % and less than 1.0 vol % of a phosphate, 2) from 0.01 to 1.0 vol % of at least one of an alkylphosphorothionate and an arylphosphorothionate and 3) from 0.01 to 1.0 vol % of an epoxy compound.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of and apparatus for enhancing heat transfer in fluids such as deionized water. ethylene glycol, or oil by dispersing nanocrystalline particles of substances such as copper, copper oxide, aluminum oxide, or the like in the fluids. Nanocrystalline particles are produced and dispersed in the fluid by heating the substance to be dispersed in a vacuum while passing a thin film of the fluid near the heated substance. The fluid is cooled to control its vapor pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat transfer liquid for ventilation and air-conditioning installations to be used at low temperatures, in which installations heat is recovered from the exhaust air and conveyed to the supply air by means of a heat transfer liquid. For lowering the costs and eliminating environmental risks, the heat transfer liquid contains potassium formiate and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an activated metal oxide and methods for removing sulfur compounds from fluids, whereby the activated metal oxide includes an amount of metal oxide and an amount of ethoxylated fatty amine, with the ethoxylated fatty amine increasing the rate of reactivity between the metal oxide and the sulfur compounds, which include hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, mercaptans, and other organic sulfides. The ethoxylated tallow amines include ethoxylated tallow amine, ethoxylated cocoa amine, ethoxylated oleic amine, ethoxylated soya amine, ethoxylated palmatic amine, ethoxylated steric amine, and combinations thereof. The method involves activating the metal oxide, preferably iron oxide or zinc oxide, with an amount of ethoxylated fatty amine so that when fluids, such as water or liquid hydrocarbons, contact the metal oxide the sulfur compounds are removed.

Abstract: A pigment composition includes a crystalline thermoplastic polyester resin having residues of at least one dicarboxylic acid and a near-infrared fluorescing compound having a fluorescence between about 650 nm to about 2500 nm associated with the crystalline thermoplastic polyester, wherein the polyester has an intrinsic viscosity (IV) of less than about 0.37. A preferred polyester is polybutylene terephthalate. Another aspect is a method for providing a detectable or identifiable marking that is invisible to the unaided eye on a surface of a substrate is also provided. The method includes the steps of applying to the surface a marking composition comprising a suitably compatible marking fluid containing the fluorescent pigment composition. The near infrared fluorescing pigment composition is useful in letterpress, flexographic and gravure printing applications.

Abstract: A method of processing sulfur-containing heavy hydrocarbon fuels in the substantial absence of steam through catalytic partial oxidation is described. The process comprises the steps of vaporizing a heavy hydrocarbon fuel and bringing the vaporized fuel and oxidizer mixture in contact with a noble metal catalyst supported on an open channel structure. The hydrocarbon fuel is considered to be a liquid hydrocarbon having at least six carbon atoms and a sulfur content of at least 50 ppm. The feed, containing only the vaporized fuel and oxygen in the oxidizer mixture, is subsequently routed through a reactor containing a noble metal catalyst (typically Rh/Alumina) at contact times of not more than about 500 milliseconds and a LHSV of not less than about 0.5 h−1. The feed is partially oxidized by a catalytic reaction occurring at a temperature of no less than about 1050° C.

Abstract: A liquid immersion oil which is used in optical systems in any of the fields of microscopes, fluorescence microscopes, optical measurements and other related fields includes a liquid polyolefine or a liquid copolymer of butylene (&agr;-butylene, &bgr;-butylene) and another olefine, blended with an aromatic compound, or blended with an aromatic compound and a paraffin compound.

Abstract: Electrical devices which comprise a PTC element composed of a PTC conductive polymer composition and a contiguous CW element composed of a conductive polymer composition which comprises an organic thermoplastic polymer and a conductive carbon black having a particle size (D) in millimicrons and surface area (S) in m2/g such that S/D is at least 10. D is preferably less than 27 millimicrons, especially less than 18 millicrons. S/D is preferably at least 12, especially at least 18. Particularly useful devices are in the form of heaters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a conductive thermoplastic composition containing at least one dispersed phase polymer with a continuous phase polymer and at least one conductivity imparting agent wherein the bulk resistivity of the composition is at least partially determined by the particle size of the dispersed phase within the continuous phase. The thermoplastic composition preferably comprises a compatibilized blend of at least one polyphenylene ether resin, at least one polyamide resin, and at least one conductivity imparting agent, and optionally, one or more of impact modifiers, stabilizers, antioxidants, lubricants, and fillers.

Abstract: The invention relates to transparent, photochromic or nonphotochromic organic materials, which have a refractive index higher than 1.55 and which are free of optical distortions, consisting of a copolymer of: (a) 50-90 wt. % of at least one monomer represented by the formula, in which R═H or CH3, and m and n are independently 1 or 2; (b) 10-30 wt. % of at least one aromatic monovinyl monomer represented by formula, R1═H or CH3; and (c) 1-20 wt. % of at least one (meth)acrylic monomer represented by formula, CH2=C(R)—COOR′ in which R═H or CH3 R′ is a straight-chain or branched C4 to C16 alkyl radical, an alkylaryl radical, or a polyoxyethoxylated group with formula —(CH2—CH2O)nR″ in which n=1 to 10 and R″═CH3 or C2H5. Optionally, the photochromic material may contain up to 10 wt. % of at least one photochromic coloring agent to impart desired photochromic properties.

Abstract: The preparation of organomagnesium compounds from organic halides, especially aromatic chloro compounds, and magnesium metal in the presence of a transition metal compound as a catalyst.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel based on UO2, ThO2 and/or PuO2 having improved retention properties for fission products. The fuel comprises a metal such as Cr or Mo able to trap oxygen in order to form an oxide having a free formation enthalpy equal to or below that of the superstoichiometric oxide or oxides (U, Th)O2+x and/or (U, Pu)O2+x (O<x≦0.01). Thus, it is possible to trap oxygen atoms released during the fission of U, Th and/or Pu. This leads to an increase in the retention level of the fission products and a possibility of obtaining a high burn-up of nuclear fuel elements.