Abstract: The present invention provides an accessory drive system for a vehicle. The accessory drive system includes a planetary gear set having a first, second, and third planetary member. A torque transfer device operatively connects an engine with the first planetary member. A motor/generator is operatively connected to the second planetary member, and a plurality of accessories are operatively connected to the third planetary member. Engine output is transferable through the planetary gear set to drive the accessories, and the speed at which the accessories are driven is selectable by controlling the speed of the motor/generator.

Abstract: To provide a transmission capable of using pump/motors or generator/motors of smaller maximum torque and of small size. The transmission includes input shaft (4), output shaft (16), a mechanical transmission part interposed between input shaft (4) and output shaft (16) including planetary gear mechanisms (5), (6), and a hydrostatic transmission part interposed between input shaft (4) and output shaft (16) including three pump/motors (21), (25), (31). A rotating shaft of first pump/motor (21) and a rotating shaft of second pump/motor (25) are coupled to the mechanical transmission part. Clutches (34), (35), (36) are provided for coupling a rotating shaft of third pump/motor (31) to at least one of the rotating shaft of first pump/motor (21) and the rotating shaft of second pump/motor (25).

Abstract: Power converting modulators used with internal combustion engines in driving loads. Such modulator includes an overdrive and/or underdrive mechanism based on a planetary gear assembly. The planetary gear assembly is modulated such that the overdrive or underdrive ratio varies continuously and smoothly with respect to speed of the engine, and approaches 1/1 at high engine speeds. Where the load is an alternator, the alternator is overdriven at relatively low engine speed, and provides generally constant rated power output of the alternator at all engine speeds. Where the load is a mechanical drive train, the load is modulated and thereby underdriven during engine acceleration, resulting in relatively faster engine speed acceleration, followed by demodulating the load, thereby smoothly applying full potential load to the engine while maintaining the higher engine speed.

Abstract: A support shaft provides lubrication to a journal bearing during windmilling operation of a gear set. A primary oil pump provides oil from an oil supply during driven operation of the fan, and a secondary oil pump provides oil from an internal sump during windmilling operation of the fan. During driven operation of the fan, oil is pumped with the primary oil pump through a primary oil flow path to an outer surface of the support shaft. During windmilling fan operation, oil is pumped from an internal sump with a secondary oil pump through the secondary oil flow path. The secondary oil flow path has a smaller flow capacity, and the secondary oil pump is a smaller capacity pump.

Abstract: An outer peripheral surface of an inner ring extends straight along outer peripheral surfaces of tapered rollers, and is open at a front side of a tapered roller bearing which is a lubricating oil supply side. A smaller-diameter end portion of a cage is cut in a radial direction to be open. A hole retaining ring is disposed at aback face side of the inner ring which is a lubricating oil discharge side, and is fixed at its outer peripheral portion to an inner peripheral portion of an extension portion of an outer ring. An inner diameter of the hole retaining ring is larger than an outer diameter of a larger rib portion of the inner ring.

Abstract: A mechanism that transmits torque and speed of rotation from an input axle to an output axle in a continuously variable way, includes two planetary gear sets arranged along parallel axes, the planetary gears having teeth on the external perimeters of their ring gears (4, 13) that mesh one with another on their external perimeters, in such a way that if one of the ring gears rotates in one sense, the other of the ring gears rotates in the opposite sense, affecting the rotations of the other pieces that make up each planetary gear set, the pieces including for each planetary gear set a solar gear (2, 11), planetary gears (3, 12) and a planetary carrier (5, 14), making, in this way, a continuous variation of the transmission ratio existing between two central axles of the planetary gear sets.

Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention is concerned with a series hybrid drive train for a vehicle comprising a traction motor, an electric generator, a three-position clutch (20) and a controller. The three-position clutch allows the generator to be connected to an internal combustion engine (12) of the vehicle, to the traction motor or to remain freewheeling. In a second aspect of the present invention, a four-position clutch is used to further allow the internal combustion engine to be connected directly to the wheels to thereby yield a series/parallel drive train. A third aspect of the present invention is concerned with a method of operating such a hybrid drive train.

Abstract: An engine comprises: a V-belt type continuously variable transmission on one side of an engine case, said CVT being provided with and housing in a transmission case a drive pulley attached to one end of a crankshaft, a driven pulley attached to one end of a transmission shaft parallel to said crankshaft, a V-belt routed around the pulleys, said engine case supporting said crankshaft and transmission shaft in a rotatable manner, and a generator attached to the opposite end of said crankshaft in said engine case; in which a filter chamber is disposed in the opposite side surface of said transmission case of said engine case in a depressed manner so as to overlap with at least a part of said generator in the crankshaft direction, and an oil filter for filtering lubricating oil is disposed in said filter chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control device is provided to control hydraulic fluid pressure supplied to pulleys of a continuously variable transmission to change a gear ratio. A line pressure regulating component is controlled by a hydraulic CVT controller to regulate line pressure from a hydraulic fluid pump. A secondary pressure regulating component regulates the line pressure to supply a target pressure to the secondary pulley such that the target pressure increases as the signal pressure increases. A signal pressure regulating component adjusts the signal pressure by draining the hydraulic fluid from a pilot line pressure such that the signal pressure increases as the aperture size of the solenoid valve increases. The signal pressure regulating component regulates the signal pressure so that the target pressure supplied to the secondary pulley is at a maximum from a time the forward clutch is released to a time the forward clutch is re-engaged.

Abstract: A shift control device for an automatic transmission having a plurality of frictional engaging elements adapted to be selectively engaged to perform shift control. The shift control device includes a computing unit for computing the temperature of at least one of the frictional engaging elements to be engaged in shifting, a comparing unit for comparing the temperature computed by the computing unit with a reference temperature, and an upshift delaying unit for delaying the timing of upshift using the frictional engaging element to be engaged by a predetermined time period when the temperature computed by the computing unit is higher than the reference temperature.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control apparatus is provided with a control scheme that focuses on the rotational speed differences of the frictional engaging elements and the distribution of torque transferred by the frictional engaging elements. When the automatic transmission is upshifted while in a power-off state, the individual torque capacity of a frictional engaging element being released and the individual torque capacity of a frictional engaging element being connected are corrected by adding a prescribed torque capacity amount to each of the individual torque capacities during an inertia phase of the shift control in which a compensation is executed for inertia related to changing the gear ratio. In this way, frictional losses are induced in the frictional engaging elements so as to absorb the inertia torque and lower the input rotational speed more quickly.

Abstract: A converterless, multiple-ratio transmission and ratio shift control method wherein smoothness of power-on upshifts and downshifts and power-off upshifts and downshifts is achieved by closed loop control of slip speed and friction element actuating pressure for an oncoming friction element, the data used during the closed loop control including speed sensor information for multiple friction elements during upshift and downshift events.

Abstract: An electric gym chair has a support, a motor connecting to the support, an eccentric ring assembly pivotally provided on a top end of the support and driven by the motor, a seat mounted securely on the eccentric ring assembly and a cushion attached to the eccentric ring assembly. When the motor is operated, the eccentric ring assembly is rotated to move the cushion a circular track to fully exercise the waist of the user.

Abstract: An ankle rehabilitation apparatus is disclosed. The ankle rehabilitation apparatus comprises a base, a rotary plate, a rotary plate, an actuator, a control unit, and a torque detector. The rotary plate is pivotally connected to the base to hold a user's ankle. The actuator has a driving shaft to rotate the base. The control unit is electrically connected to the actuator to control the actuator to rotate the rotary plate. The torque detector is electrically connected to the control unit to detect a torque exerted to the driving shaft, and outputting the torque signal according to the torque to the control unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the power of a user of an exercise cycle by measuring an RPM and resistance level achieved by the user in combination with a predetermined relationship. The RPM may be measured by sensing the rotation of, for example, a driving wheel or flywheel of the exercise cycle. The resistance level experienced by the user may be varied by an eddy current braking system. The eddy current braking system may include a pair of magnets that sweep across the face of the flywheel to thereby vary the experienced resistance level.

Abstract: Athletic performance sensing and/or tracking systems include components for measuring or sensing athletic performance data and/or for storing and/or displaying desired information associated with the athletic performance to the user (or others). Such systems can allow users a wide variety of options in creating workouts, selecting and presenting media content during the athletic performance, etc., e.g., to help keep users entertained and motivated. In some instances, user feedback may be used, optionally in combination with objective data relating to a workout, to control features of the workout routine, to control the music or other media content selected and/or presented, and/or to control features of future workout routines and/or the presented media content.

Abstract: A personal training device (10) adapted to assist a user in reaching performance goals, navigating, and accumulating performance statistics. In a preferred embodiment, the device broadly comprises a housing (10); an attachment mechanism (30); a GPS component (40); a user interface (50), including an input portion (52) and an output portion (54); a processor (60), including a timer (62) and a memory element (64); a data interface (70), including an input portion (72) and an output portion (74); an audio component (80); and a power supply (90). The device (10) is adapted to store goal information, monitor performance using GPS-derived data, and communicate performance information.

Abstract: A respiratory muscle endurance training device (RMET) includes a chamber and a patient interface. In one implementation, one or both of a CO2 sensor or a temperature sensor can be coupled to the chamber or patient interface to provide the user or caregiver with indicia about the CO2 level in, or the temperature of, the chamber or patient interface, and/or the duration of use of the device. In another implementation, the RMET may have a fixed volume portion adjustable to contain a measured portion of a specific patient's inspiratory volume capacity. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: A lockable pressure adjustment seat of a fitness apparatus includes a base, a seat back, and an adjustment unit. The base is disposed with a slide track and a locating hole. The seat back is pivotally connected to the base. The seat back includes an extension rod. One end of the extension rod is linked and fixed to the seat back. A through hole is disposed adjacent to the other end of the extension rod. The adjustment unit includes a lever, a pressure bar, and a locking set. The lever penetrates the slide track. The pressure bar includes a push rod and a fixation base. The push rod holds against the lever. The fixation base is secured to the other end of the extension rod. The locking set is fixed to the fixation base, and comprises an elastic member and a locating rod.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus having a body including a top surface configured for being stood on by a user, a bottom surface configured for partially resting on a ground surface, a pair of oppositely located side surfaces, a front portion curving in a direction away from the ground, and a back portion oppositely located from the front portion and curving in a direction away from the ground, wherein the bottom surface is configured for enabling rotational and lateral movement of the apparatus relative to the ground.

Abstract: A system for stabilizing a leg of a user includes a rail having a first end and a second end. The rail generally defines a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end. The first end is capable of being connected to an anchor point while the second end is capable of being connected to a portion of the leg located between the knee and the hip of the leg.

Abstract: A nonflaccid brace for construction stilts is disclosed. In one embodiment, the brace is employed as a lower leg brace. In another embodiment, the brace is employed as an ankle brace. In another embodiment, the brace is employed with one or more nonflaccid closures. An ankle brace for construction stilts is disclosed. In one embodiment, the ankle brace is positioned across the foot pad from the upright carrying the leg brace. A quick connect coupling for stilts is disclosed. The coupling can be employed to close the leg brace, the ankle brace, and/or the foot straps of the stilts.

Abstract: A liquid-fillable heavy training bag includes a cylindrical flexible outer shell having top and bottom walls to form a generally closed cylindrical inner surface. Suitable support is provided for suspending the cylindrical outer shell from an upper support member, such as a ceiling. A generally cylindrical liquid-impermeable flexible liner is provided within the outer shell for receiving and containing a liquid medium such as water. The liner is configured and dimensioned to generally conform to the shape of the inner surface of the outer shell when the liner is fully expanded, such as when filled with water. An intermediate layer is provided made of compressible material and arranged between and contacting the outer shell and the liner when the liner is filled with liquid.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus having a base, a frame mounted thereon the base, and a weight assembly. The frame has a first handle that extends upwardly and is spaced above the base. In one aspect, the weight assembly has at least one weight rack for the temporary mounting of exercise weights thereon and a second handle that extends upwardly away from the weight rack. In this aspect, the weight assembly is pivotally connected to the frame at a first pivot point and is configured to articulate about and between a first position in which the second handle is spaced from the first handle and a second position in which the second handle is substantially adjacent the first handle.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for an exercise machine (1) having a support frame (100); a resisting structure (200) for providing a resistance; a seat (300) for accommodating an exerciser; a structure for adjusting the seat (400), the seat (300) being operatively coupled to the seat adjusting a (400) structure, and the seat adjusting structure (400) being mechanically coupled to the support frame (100); left and right arms (500) being operatively coupled to the resisting structure (200); and a structure for simultaneously adjusting each arm (600), each arm (500) being operatively coupled to the arm adjusting structure (600), and the arm adjusting structure (600) being mechanically coupled to the support frame (100), the exercise machine (1) being engaged by the exerciser for performing a plurality of movements at a plurality of angles under the resistance.

Abstract: An exercise device for strengthening the pelvic muscles of a patient including a hollow body member, a stud fastening the body member to an end cap to close the interior of the body member, and a plurality of weights removably mounted to the stud to permit the device to have different weights to provide the necessary exercise for different patients and for varying the weight of the device as the pelvic muscles of the patient strengthen.

Abstract: An exercise device having a bar adapted for being grasped intermediate opposed ends thereof, where a portion intermediate the opposed ends defines a longitudinal axis. An elastic member attached to the opposed ends exerts a force thereto during an exercise use of the bar, which force causes the bar to flex by an amount in the range of 2 degrees to 16 degrees. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, during non-use of the bar, the longitudinal axis of the end segments subtends the longitudinal axes of the intermediate portion by an acute angle of about 2 degrees to 8 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an impact absorbing dumbbell and an impact absorbing barbell disk. The impact absorbing dumbbell includes an outer cover prepared by cutting a flexible member into a dumbbell and sewing the cut flexible member, thereby having a dumbbell shape, a cylindrical tubular body installed inside the middle portion of the outer cover for serving as a handle and keeping the dumbbell shape, and weight constituent powder charged in the outer cover. The impact absorbing barbell disk includes an outer cover prepared by cutting a flexible member into a barbell disk and sewing the cut flexible member, thereby having a barbell disk shape, weight constituent powder charged in the outer cover, and a bushing made of metal or synthetic resin, the bushing being inserted and fixed in the central shaft hole of the outer cover.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a first end bar having first and second ends, the first bar having first and second spacers mounted on the first and second ends. A second end bar is included having first and second ends. At least one intermediate bar between is positioned between the first and second end bars, the at least one intermediate bar having first and second ends, with first and second spacers mounted on the first and second ends thereof. The first and second ends of the first and second end bars and the at least one intermediate bar have first and second apertures extending through. First and second stretchable cords have first and second ends attached to said first and second end bars and extending through the fist and second apertures in the first and second end bars and the at least one intermediate bar.

Abstract: A support block for supporting the weight of a user above a support surface during exercise includes a support body having a first side, a second side and a support edge. In one embodiment, the first side and/or the second side can be substantially planar and/or can have a substantially similar configuration as one another. The support edge can be substantially orthogonal at least one of the first side and the second side. The support edge includes a curved first section that rollingly contacts the support surface while the support body supports part of the weight of the user above the support surface. The support edge can form at least approximately a 30 degree arc of a circle. In another embodiment, the support body includes a beveled edge positioned between the first side and the support edge. In one embodiment, the support body can be formed substantially from an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam material.

Abstract: An exercise device having a seat, a spine, a hoop, a connector, and preferably at least one flexible rod. The spine extends upward from the rear edge of the seat, and the hoop is connected to the spine by way of a connector at a circumferential portion of the hoop. The connector permits the hoop to rotate or pivot relative to the spine. At least one flexible rod extends outward from the hoop proximate the connector and is attached to a tensioning mechanism via a resistance cable at a second end of the flexible rod. The tensioning mechanism provides a tensile force in the resistance cable, permitting the flexible rod to provide a force to oppose the pivoting of the hoop. By sitting on the seat, enclosed by the hoop, and grasping the hoop with both hands, a person may perform a number of exercises, including an oblique twist, an abdominal crunch, a radial abdominal crunch, and an infinity abdominal crunch.

Abstract: An exercise machine, more specifically, an abdominal exercise machine. The abdominal exercise machine consists of a frame upon which the user sits, the frame having a support arm tilted backward from vertical with the lower lumbar region against a seat member. Pivotally attached to the frame is an upper seat rest assembly that has a pair of handles and a pad designed to lay against the upper back of the user. The seat back assembly moves with the upper body of the user, the hands of the user assisting in maintaining the upper seat back member against the upper back, while the user moves from a tilted back position to a crunch position, and simulating a traditional sit-up movement.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus (10) for training a user's abdominal muscles comprises a lever frame (11) linked to a support frame (12) at a pivot (13). The lever frame (11) has first and second arms (14,15) joined at a junction (16) also forming a fulcrum for the lever frame (11). The support frame (12) consists of a base member (22) having a seat portion (23) associated with, and laterally rotatable relative to, the base member (22). The apparatus (10) may be used to perform either simple or compound abdominal muscles training exercises. In a simple exercise, the user?s abdominal muscles are exercised by pushing the first arm (14) away from the user's body to rotate the lever frame (11) about its fulcrum (16), causing the seat portion (23) associated with the base member (22) to lift and tilt. In a compound exercise, the user's obliques and transversus abdominal muscles are exercised by performing an abdominal twisting motion to cause the seat portion (23) to rotate relative to the base member (22).

Abstract: Exercise apparatus, comprises a first support means for the user's legs, a platform mounted on the support means to support a user's legs, there being a hinge connecting the platform to the support means and defining a generally horizontal hinge axis to allow pivoting of the user's trunk about a generally horizontal axis as the user relatively bends his body and his legs means, and extending in spaced, a second support means for the back of the user's body, and means for indexing said second support means at selected angularity relative to the hinge axis.

Abstract: A combination office and exercise work station provides the user with capabilities to simultaneously perform physical lower body exercise and manual office and computer work. The combination office and exercise work station includes a main frame that has at least a base, a first upright section and a second upright section. It also includes a desk component connected to the first upright, the desk component may have a flat desktop area of at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches long to support at least one of a laptop computer and a writing paper tablet. The desk component flat desktop has an angle with respect to horizontal within the range of about 60 degrees above horizontal to about 45 degrees below horizontal. A torso support member for torso rest is also included. The torso support member may be connected to the second upright section, an exercise component for rotational continuous loop movement or reciprocal movement.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a table, a main spindle unit, a cross rail, a plurality of columns and a plurality of supportive transfer mechanisms. The plurality of columns vertically guide the cross rail, the columns being erected at positions on opposite sides of the table and on front and rear sides of the center of gravity of the main spindle unit on each side of the table. The supportive transfer mechanisms vertically move the cross rail while supporting the cross rail. The cross rail has a pair of supporting portions for supporting front and rear portions of the main spindle unit located frontward and rearward with respect to the center of gravity of the main spindle unit, respectively, and a plurality of through holes through which the columns are passed vertically.

Abstract: A web processing roll comprising at least one cavity. The cavity of the roll is at least partially filled with a mixture of a liquid and at least one mixing partner that is insoluble in the liquid. Solid particles, preferably a granular solid, or another liquid constitute the mixing partner.

Abstract: A package for the delivery of products of various sizes and shapes to customers, and apparatus and a method of producing the package are disclosed, wherein a sealing and a cutting process is employed to produce a customized shipping package from a first and a second web of material. The package is readily adaptable to be reused by the customer to return the product to the original source.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for balancing a centrifuge having interconnected hydraulic chambers in containers on a rotor, each container being adapted to receive a composite fluid, comprising transferring, by the rotation of the rotor, hydraulic liquid from a source to the interconnected hydraulic chambers to balance the centrifuge.

Abstract: A method for washing multiple units of blood product including providing a centrifuge having a wash cell for each unit of blood product, balancing the centrifuge to accommodate for differences in the wash cells, and transferring supernatant including any wash solution from each unit of blood product on the centrifuge.

Abstract: There are disclosed a method of manufacturing a thin and uniform ceramic porous membrane formed with less membrane formation times and having less defects, and a method of manufacturing a ceramic filter including the ceramic porous membrane. A UF membrane having an average pore diameter smaller than that of a porous base member is formed on the porous base member, a ceramic sol is deposited on the UF membrane, and the ceramic sol is dried with blown air and then fired to form a ceramic porous membrane having an average pore diameter smaller than that of the UF membrane.

Abstract: Optical glass containing bismuth oxide having good defoamability. The Optical glass contains, as % by mass, from 10 to less than 90% of a Bi2O3 component and at least 0.1% of a TeO2 and/or SeO2 component. The optical glass is on Grade 4 to Grade 1 in “JOGIS12-1994, Method for Measuring Bubbles in Optical Glass”. By controlling the amount of RO component (R is at least one selected from a group consisting of Zn, Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg) and Rn2O component (Rn=Li, Na, K, Cs), the clarifying time may be shortened.

Abstract: An optical glass for precision molding having a high refractive index (nd) and a low yield temperature (At). The optical glass comprises, as glass components in wt %, 64 to 83% of Bi2O3; 4 to 17% of B2O3; 0 to 12% of GeO2 (wherein the total of B2O3 and GeO2 is 10 to 20%); 0 to 7% of La2O3; 0 to 7% of Gd2O3 (wherein the total of La2O3 and Gd2O3 is 1 to 13%); 0 to 4% of ZrO2; 0 to 5% of Ta2O5; 0 to 15% of ZnO; 0 to 2% of Sb2O3; and 0 to 1% of In2O3. The optical glass has optical constants, that is, a refractive index (nd) of 2.05 to 2.25 and an Abbe number (?d) of 15 to 22, and a yield temperature (At) of 510° C. or less.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments of this invention, an ultraviolet (UV) transmissive soda-lime-silica glass is provided. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the UV transmissive soda-lime-silica glass may be made via the float process.

Abstract: Titanium-aluminium mixed oxide powder with a proportion of aluminium oxide of less than 1 wt. % or a proportion of titanium dioxide of less than 5 wt. %, wherein the sum of the proportions of titanium dioxide and aluminium oxide is at least 99.7 wt. %. It is produced by transferring a vaporous starting compound of the quantitatively greater component of the mixed oxide into a mixing chamber by means of primary air and a vaporous starting compound of the quantitatively smaller component of the mixed oxide by means of an inert gas, and burning the mixture mixed with hydrogen in a mixing chamber into a reaction chamber. It can be used as a catalyst support.

Abstract: To provide titania-silica glass which is transparent glass of low thermal expansion, in particular, is of a low thermal expansion coefficient over a wide range of temperatures of 0 to 100° C. (an operating temperature range) when it is used as a photomask or a mirror material in extreme ultraviolet ray lithography, and which is excellent in homogeneity within the field and stability. Titania-silica glass is used which has 8 to 10% by weight of titania and 90 to 92% by weight of silica, where a Ti3+ concentration is 10 to 60 ppm by weight.

Abstract: A bonded body obtained by unifying a plurality of structural members exhibiting 0.6*10?6/K or less of absolute value of thermal expansion coefficient in room temperature, 100 GPa or more of modulus of elasticity and 40 GPa·cm3/g or more of specific rigidity, the plurality of structural members having bonding surfaces that are brought into contact with each other and are unified by a heating process, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The sintered block contains 51.5 to 70.0 oxide-equivalent mass % of Si, the oxide-equivalent mass % being calculated as a ratio of Si in elements (Mg, Al and Si) constituting the sintered block on oxide (MgO, Al2O3, SiO2) basis. Surplus SiO2 residing in the sintered block forms a liquid phase during the heating process to activate mass transfer, so that the material of the bonded portion becomes substantially the same as the base material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for purifying exhaust gases emitted from the internal combustion engines. The exhaust-gas-purifying catalyst in this invention, comprising: a catalyst support substrate and a plurality of catalyst layers formed on a surface of the catalyst support substrate and having an exterior-surface layer for forming a surface of the plural catalyst layers, and the exterior-surface layer including a loading layer formed by fireproof inorganic oxide; at least one catalytic metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium and rhodium, and supported on the loading layer; stabilized zirconia loaded on the loading layer; and cerium-zirconium composite oxide loaded on the loading layer, and the stabilized zirconia including zirconia and oxide formed by at least one additive member selected from the group consisting of yttrium, neodymium, praseodymium and lanthanum.

Abstract: An improved method for the formation of composite hydroxides or oxides comprising, on an oxide basis, Al2O3 and ZrO2, and optionally CeO2, La2O3, Nd2O3, Pr6O11, Sm2O3, Y2O3, and other rare earth oxides, comprising the steps of preparing an aqueous metal salt solution and forming a hydroxide precipitate slurry by combining the aqueous metal salt solution with an aqueous solution of a caustic alkali at a pH greater than 8.5 to precipitate out all the metal species. The variation in pH during the precipitation reaction is ±1. The invention also relates to composites formed by this method comprising 20-70 wt % Al2O3, 10-77 wt % ZrO2, 0-34 wt % CeO2 and 0-22 wt % REOs other than CeO2, and to composites per se comprising, on an oxide basis, 42-70 wt % Al2O3, 10-48 wt % ZrO2, 2-34 wt % CeO2 and 0-9 wt % REOs other than CeO2 and having the following properties after heating to 850° C. over four hours and holding at 850° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a support for catalysts, which comprises: a) preparing a hydrogel; b) milling the hydrogel to give a finely particulate hydrogel; c) producing a slurry based on the finely particulate hydrogel; d) drying the slurry comprising the finely particulate hydrogel to give the support for catalysts, wherein a finely particulate hydrogel in which at least 5% by volume of the particles, based on the total volume of the particles, have a particle size in the range from >0 ?m to ?3 ?m; and/or at least 40% by volume of the particles, based on the total volume of the particles, have a particle size in the range from >0 ?m to ?12 ?m, and/or at least 75% by volume of the particles, based on the total volume of the particles, have a particle size in the range from >0 ?m to ?35 ?m, is produced in step b).