Abstract: Methods and compositions for delivering medicine and other substances to the brain and the body via the cribriform plate using foamable compositions are described. Methods and compositions for improving nasal hygiene and moisturizing the nasal cavity using foamable compositions are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a spray-dried laundry detergent particle, wherein the process includes the step of contacting zeolite to monomeric organic carboxylic acid in an aqueous mixture, wherein the aqueous mixture has a pH of 4.2 or less, wherein the aqueous mixture includes detersive surfactant, wherein the aqueous mixture is substantially free of silicate salt, and wherein the aqueous mixture is substantially free of carbonate salt, wherein the zeolite reacts with the monomeric organic carboxylic acid to form silica, wherein the aqueous mixture is spray-dried to form a spray-dried laundry detergent particle, wherein the particle includes: detersive surfactant; monomeric organic carboxylic acid; and silica, wherein the particle is substantially free of silicate salt, and wherein the particle is substantially free of carbonate salt.

Abstract: The invention provides a cleaning formulation comprising a multiplicity of solid cleaning particles, wherein the solid cleaning particles comprise polymeric particles and at least one cleaning agent, wherein the at least one cleaning agent is immobilised on the surface of the polymeric particles. Typically the at least one cleaning agent is immobilised on the surface of the polymeric particles by means of chemical bonds, typically ionic bonds, hydrogen bonds, covalent bonds, polar bonds, or bonds formed by virtue of unequal charge distributions between polymeric particles and immobilised materials. The invention also provides a method for the cleaning of a substrate, the method comprising the treatment of the substrate with a formulation according to the invention, and a method for the preparation of the cleaning formulation of the invention which comprises treating a multiplicity of polymeric particles with at least one cleaning agent.

Abstract: The invention discussed in this application relates to hydroxamic acid-based compounds that are useful as imaging agents when bound to an appropriate metal center, particularly for the imaging of tumors.

Abstract: A composition of matter as well as a protective coating or article manufactured from the composition produced by preparing a non-flammable mixture by mixing (I) at least one water-soluble alkali metal silicate selected from the group consisting of sodium silicate, potassium silicate, and combinations thereof; (II) sodium aluminosilicate, which, in the process of interacting with a soluble alkali metal silicate under heat and/or fire, substantially expands and produces foam, which provides heat/fire protection for surfaces, (III) at least one chemical selected from the group consisting of silica, mica, talc, microspheres, glass, ceramic, chopped fibers, plaster of Paris, sodium bicarbonate, cement, perlite, zinc oxide, zeolite, wollastonite, vermiculate, clay, borax and alumina, which, in the process of interacting with a soluble alkali metal silicate and sodium aluminosilicate, accelerates the processes of interaction and improves the mechanical, physical and thermal properties including providing stability o

Abstract: A process for the post-treatment of a zeolitic material having an MWW framework structure, the process comprising (i) providing a zeolitic material having an MWW framework structure, wherein the framework structure of the zeolitic material comprises X2O3 and YO2, wherein Y is a tetravalent element and X is a trivalent element and wherein the molar ratio X2O3:YO2 is greater than 0.02:1; (ii) treating the zeolitic material provided in (i) with a liquid solvent system thereby obtaining a zeolitic material having a molar ratio X2O3:YO2 of at most 0.02:1, and at least partially separating the zeolitic material from the liquid solvent system; (iii) treating the zeolitic material obtained from (ii) with a liquid aqueous system having a pH in the range of 5.5 to 8 and a temperature of at least 75° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to visually contrasting aesthetic particles having increased water solubility, particularly useful for combination with granular laundry detergent composition.

Abstract: Novel water softening products and methods of treating hard water are provided. The products comprise a salt and a metal chelating agent. The products are useful for regenerating ion exchange material in a water softening system and providing softened water containing both sodium and potassium ions, while having dramatically increased efficiencies over prior art products.

Abstract: A process for the production of low-temperature activated or partially activated partially decomposed organic matter for use as an ion-exchange medium comprising the steps of granulating partially decomposed moisture-bearing organic matter, drying the granules and activating the granules at a temperature of about 175-520° C., wherein the granule has a hardness and cation-exchange capacity suitable for a particular application desired.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for heavy metal remediation are disclosed. The compositions contain ceramic nanoparticulate cation exchangers specific for at least one heavy metal as well as at least one carrier, typically a thickener, a gel forming agent and/or a cross-binding agent. The compositions may also contain chelating agents as well as beneficial agents such as vitamins and pharmaceuticals, with or without the ceramic nanoparticulate cation exchangers.

Abstract: Provided is an ion-exchange fiber including a polymer A obtained by introducing an ion-exchangeable substituent to 100 parts by weight of an acrylic polymer that is obtained by polymerization of a monomer composition containing 30% by weight or more of acrylonitrile with respect to 100% by weight of the composition and a polymer B obtained by introducing an ion-exchangeable substituent to 1 part by weight or more and 100 parts by weight or less of an epoxy group-containing polymer. Each ion-exchangeable substituent is introduced by reaction with an amine compound and is an ion-exchangeable substituent derived from the amine compound. A method for producing the ion-exchange fiber is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient method to purify an aqueous solution, typically mine drainage water, especially of anions and cations present in the aqueous solution as dissolved solids, the anions and cations are removed by treatment with a positively charged extractant having at least eight carbon atoms, whereby an unstable emulsion is formed; the unstable emulsion is allowed to break into an extract phase loaded with the anions and cations, and a water phase depleted in anions and cations; a floc inherently forms in the loaded extractant phase and then the loaded extractant phase and floc are separated from the purified water and treated to remove the anions and cations as concentrated useful products; the treated aqueous phase now reduced in anion and/or cation content is also separated from the emulsion as a purified aqueous solution. The extractant phase is preferably recycled. A continuous water purification process is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing non-agglomerating mixed bed ion exchangers or mixed bed components.

Abstract: A capsule for encapsulating ion exchange chemicals has a capsule body, including a surface layer and ion exchange chemicals encapsulated within said surface layer. An ion exchange media is created by encapsulating liquid ion exchange chemicals inside a polymer coat making small beads which behave as solids but have much higher exchange capacity. The improved capacity is up to twice that of existing media.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water treatment composition, comprising: 35-95 wt % calcium hypochlorite; 1 to 50 wt % magnesium sulfate or a hydrate thereof; 0.1 to 10 wt % lime; and 0.1 to 55 wt % of a water soluble zinc salt or a hydrate thereof; wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition. The present invention is also directed to a water treatment tablet, comprising 35-95 wt % calcium hypochlorite; 1 to 50 wt % magnesium sulfate or a hydrate thereof; 0.1 to 10 wt % lime; and 0.1 to 10 wt % of a water soluble zinc salt or a hydrate thereof; wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition. Methods of treating recreational water using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition comprising a substrate, an organic ion, and a metal binding agent, wherein the substrate comprises a natural clay, a synthetic clay, a natural zeolite, a synthetic zeolite, a polymer resin, lignite, kaolinite, serpentine, illite, chlorite, smectite, montmorillonite, saponite, sepiolite, nontronite, beidellite, hectorite, fuller's earth, attapulgite, bentonite, analcime, chabazite, heulandite, natrolite, phillipsite, stilbite, diethyl aminoethyl, quaternary aminoethyl, or combinations thereof, wherein the organic ion comprises quaternary amines, imidazolium salts, phosphonium salts, tetra alkyl ammonium, bis-(hydrogenated tallow)-dimethyl-ammonium chloride, bis-(hydrogenated tallow)-benzyl-methyl-ammonium chloride, 4,5-dihydro-1-methyl-2-nortallow-alkyl-1-(2-tallow-amidoethyl)-imidazolium methyl sulfate, 1-ethyl-4,5-dihydro-3-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-(8-heptadecenyl)-imidazolium ethyl sulfate, or combinations thereof, and wherein the metal-binding agent comprises mercaptan, carboxylic acid, chelating a

Abstract: A method and adsorbent composition for removing heavy metals from contaminated water, comprising passing a stream of water having a concentration of one or more heavy metals through an adsorbent comprising granules of a mixture of from about 1 wt % to about 15 wt % clay and a thermoplastic polymer matrix; and collecting water having a reduced concentration of said heavy metal(s) downstream of said adsorbent.

Abstract: A process for the production of low-temperature activated or partially activated partially decomposed organic matter for use as an ion-exchange medium comprising the steps of granulating partially decomposed moisture-bearing organic matter, drying the granules and activating the granules at a temperature of about 175-520° C., wherein the granule has a hardness and cation-exchange capacity suitable for a particular application desired.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to mesostructured zeolites. The invention also relates to a method of preparing mesostructured zeolites, as well as using them as cracking catalysts for organic compounds and degradation catalysts for polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing non-agglomerating mixed bed ion exchangers or mixed bed components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a granular water treatment composition, comprising: 35-95 wt % calcium hypochlorite; 1 to 50 wt % magnesium sulfate or a hydrate thereof; 0.1 to 10 wt % lime; and 0.1 to 55 wt % of a water soluble zinc salt or a hydrate thereof; wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition. The present invention is also directed to a water treatment tablet, comprising 35-95 wt % calcium hypochlorite; 1 to 50 wt % magnesium sulfate or a hydrate thereof; 0.1 to 10 wt % lime; and 0.1 to 10 wt % of a water soluble zinc salt or a hydrate thereof; wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: Arsenic is removed from water and other aqueous feeds by (1) treating the feed with a compound containing cerium in the +4 oxidation state, preferably cerium dioxide, to oxidize arsenic in the +3 oxidation state to arsenic in the +5 oxidation state and (2) removing the arsenic in the +5 oxidation state from the aqueous phase, normally by contacting the treated feed with alumina or other precipitating agent containing cations in the +3 oxidation state.

Abstract: Chalcogenide compounds with cation exchange capability and methods of using the compounds are described. Compounds of the general formula A2xMxSn3-xS6 are described wherein x is 0.1-0.95, A is Li+, Na+, K+ or Rb+ and M is Mn2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Co2+ or Ni2+. Compounds of the general formula H2xMxSn3-xS6 are also described wherein x is 0.1-0.95 and M=Mn2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Co2+ or Ni2+. The compounds can be layered compounds. The compounds are capable of intercalation of Cs+, Sr2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and/or Ag+ ions. A process involving contacting the compounds with a solution comprising one or more ions including Cs+, Sr2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and/or Ag+ is also provided. The one or more ions can be removed from the solution by the compounds. A process comprising contacting compounds of the general formula A2xMxSn3-xS6 with a solution containing UO22+, Th4+ or Pu4+ ions is also described.

Abstract: A method of removing arsenic and heavy metals from water using metal salt hydroxidegels is provided. The arsenic present in water is adsorbed onto the hydroxide-gels which can effectively be filtered through a diatomaceous earth (DE) filtration bed. The combination of DE mixed hydroxide-gels is also effective in removing arsenic from water and heavy metals from water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to swimming pools and other pools of standing water, and in particular to a dispensing unit that distributes a chemical solution that reduces evaporation and heat loss by forming a film or monomolecular layer over the surface or substantial surface area of the swimming pool or water pond.

Abstract: A metal hydroxide complex has a formula Me(OH)4*A?*nH2O or MeO2*A?*nH2O. Preferred complexes are formed in an alkaline medium, and particularly especially preferred anions include cyanide and cyanide gold complexes. Contemplated complexes are formed on a metal hydroxide (e.g., hydrated zirconium, hafnium, and titanium hydroxide), which may be disposed in a porous container. Consequently, contemplated compounds may be used in methods of reducing the concentration of an anion in an alkaline medium.

Abstract: The invention provides metal-silica polymeric flocculants having high coagulation performance which are used for water treatment, particularly to remove suspended materials and other impurities from irrigation water, waste water or the like. A silica sol having a SiO2 concentration of from 100 to 200 g/L and a viscosity of less than 6 cp is prepared by colliding an inorganic acid aqueous solution with a silicate aqueous solution at each rate of 5 m/sec or more. The silica sol is aged to make an aged silica sol having a viscosity of 6 to 30 cp, and the aged silica sol is mixed with a water-soluble metal salt such as ferric chloride, to prepare the flocculants.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits for purifying and clarifying and/or nutrifying contaminated drinking water and which comprise a primary coagulant material, a microbiocidal disinfectant and an oxidant system. Highly preferred compositions also contain one or more of a bridging flocculent material, the levels and ratios of coagulant to flocculent preferably falling within certain ranges, a cationic coagulant aid, especially chitosan, a water-soluble alkali, a water-insoluble silicate, and a food additive or nutrient source. The purified water remains free of discoloration for extended periods of storage.

Abstract: A process for the production of dual-functional ion exchange resins from lignocellulosic agricultural material involving anionization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with citric acid and then cationization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU) and choline chloride, or cationization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with DMDHEU and choline chloride and then anionization of the lignocellulosic agricultural material with citric acid.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for generating an inorganic polymer electret in a colloidal state, the inorganic electret in a colloidal state itself, and applications for the inorganic electret in a colloidal state. The invention includes a method for generation of a colloidal silica particle which is dipolar in that it is positively charged in the nucleus and negatively charged on the outer surface leaving a net negative charge to the particle. The apparatus includes the ability to control particle size, uniformity, consistency, hydration, and three dimensional structure which is desirable for various applications.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for separating one or more analytes present in a fluid sample. The methods involve passing the fluid through or into a microporous material, wherein the analytes are localized near the surface of the microporous material. Additional processing steps such as hybridization and amplification can be performed once the analyte is localized. In one method, once the analyte is localized, the analyte can be detected, counted, and correlated in order to determine the concentration of the analyte in the sample. In another method, the localized analyte is destabilized to make the localized analyte more accessible for chemical manipulation. Modified microporous materials and composite materials are also disclosed that can be used in any of the methods and articles described herein. The composite is composed of a microporous material and a pigment, wherein the pigment is incorporated in the microporous material.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits for purifying, clarifying nutrifying and any combination thereof, contaminated drinking water, which contain a primary coagulant material and a bridging flocculent material. The levels and ratios of coagulant to flocculent preferably fall within certain ranges. Highly preferred compositions also contain one or more of a cationic coagulant aid, especially chitosan, a microbiocidal disinfectant, a water-soluble alkali, a water-insoluble silicate, and a food additive or nutrient source.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits for purifying and clarifying and/or nutrifying contaminated drinking water and which comprise a primary coagulant material, a microbiocidal disinfectant and an oxidant system. Highly preferred compositions also contain one or more of a bridging flocculent material, the levels and ratios of coagulant to flocculent preferably falling within certain ranges, a cationic coagulant aid, especially chitosan, a water-soluble alkali, a water-insoluble silicate, and a food additive or nutrient source. The purified water remains free of discoloration for extended periods of storage.

Abstract: Novel compositions are described for use in nitrate removal and treatment of water such as water and wastewater streams produced by processes in mining operations, agriculture industries operations, industrial operations, military operations, etc. These novel compositions are also useful for the treatment of water and wastewater streams associated with the running of industries and with the production and maintenance of livestock. Advantages of these novel compositions include use of them without need for pH adjustment and/or the presence of electropositive metals, inorganic acid, or alkaline compounds. One embodiment of these novel compositions comprises: (1) a sufficient amount of organic modified clay, (2) a highly crosslinked carbohydrate polymer with branched-chain structure containing sulfide and/or disulfide groups, or an alloy or blend of such a polymer with triazine-trithione sodium salt, (3) high swelling sodium bentonite or calcium bentonite, and (4) activated carbon.

Abstract: A storage stable composition comprising a carrier usable for the immobilization of compounds containing an amine group, for instance biomolecules and/or affinity ligands. The carrier has been activated to exhibit a squaric acid derivative linked to the carrier and is placed in contact with an aqueous medium. A kit comprising the storage stable composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A synthetic, semi-crystalline, porous inorganic oxide composition containing a reactive organic silane moiety which on the surface of pore walls. The composition is prepared from a poly(oxyalkylene) based surfactant and a hydrolyzable organic silane. The surfactant is preferably a poly (ethylene) oxide, a poly(propylene) oxide polymer or mixtures thereof. The organic silane is preferably mercaptopropylsilane. The compositions are particularly useful as adsorbents, and catalysts.

Abstract: A device for treating potable water contains a mixed buffer of a cation exchange resin in the hydrogen ion form and an anion exchange resin, a chelating agent and a sparingly soluble calcium salt, all contained in a porous, flow-through bag.

Abstract: A material for introducing inorganic elements into water, the material including a carrier and a plurality of inorganic compounds that are sparingly soluble in water, wherein the carrier is an organic ion-exchanger having a porous structure in the air-dry state. The organic ion-exchanger reacts with the sparingly soluble compounds such that the sparingly soluble inorganic compounds are contained in pores of the organic ion-exchanger with a ratio of the ion-exchanger to the sparingly soluble inorganic compounds being 35-90:10-65 percent by weight.

Abstract: A process for making a mineral oxide concentrate useful as a flocculent, coagulant and/or disinfectant for the treatment of water and wastewater comprises extracting minerals from a natural mineral deposit rich in aluminum, magnesium, potassium and iron; reducing the particle size of the extracted material to a fine particle size, followed by heat treating the resulting mineral-rich material in air to produce a controlled expansion of the material and to oxidize essentially all organic constituents and to evaporate all water, leaving a mass of expanded dried mineral oxide-rich material containing oxides of aluminum, magnesium, potassium and iron. The expanded oxide-rich material is dissolved in a liquid carrier, preferably an alkaline solution, but an acidic solution also can be used, to produce a concentrate in which the mineral oxides are available and useful for said water and wastewater treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for removing arsenic from ground water to be processed and used in remote dwellings. The process includes (a) contacting a clay, a coagulant, and an oxidizer with water containing arsenic to form a coagulated colloidal mixture; (b) adsorbing the arsenic onto the coagulated colloidal mixture; and (c) separating the water from the coagulated colloidal mixture. The invention also provides a composition ready for use in removing arsenic from ground water to be used in remote areas. The composition includes an activated clay, a coagulant, and an oxidizer in predetermined proportions for efficient removal of arsenic from ground water.

Abstract: Washing items are washed simultaneously with softening washing water comprising alkali metal ion and at least one of carbonate ion and bicarbonate ion. The washing water before being softened is obtained by electrolyzing an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate having a pH of 9.5 or more and an electric conductivity of 150 mS/m or more. The softened washing water has a total hardness of 40 ppm or less.

Abstract: A method of removing ammonium ions or amines from contaminated water includes treating the water with sodium tetraphenylborate under acidic conditions. Advantageously, the tetraphenylborate is immobilized on polymer beads and the water is contacted with the beads or passed through a bed of the beads.

Abstract: A stabilized lime slurry for treatment of biological solids in sewage. The composition preferably includes 30-36% calcium hydroxide, 10-16% potassium hydroxide, 2-4% potassium chloride, 2-4% magnesium hydroxide, all on a dry basis, and the balance in water. This composition raises the pH rapidly for destroying pathogens, is sufficiently concentrated for economically feasible transportation, and reduces the cost, difficulties and dangers of treating sewage with a lime based composition while providing a resulting product from the sewage treatment process which can be spread upon agricultural soil in a manner which improves soil fertility without introducing undesirable or contaminating materials into the soil.

Abstract: A method and device for the filtration and/or purification of fluids water or other solutions containing microbiological contaminants, such as fluids containing including bacteria and/or viruses, where the fluid water is passed through a purification material composed of apatite and absorption media in a fixed binder matrix.

Abstract: The speed of disintegration of tablets containing a water-softening agent, especially water-insoluble, water-softening agent intended as detergency builder for fabric washing is enhanced by incorporating spray-dried partially hydrated sodium acetate alone or jointly with sodium citrate dihydrate and/or crystallized sodium acetate trihydrate.

Abstract: The speed of disintegration of tablets containing a water-softening agent, especially water-insoluble, water-softening agent intended as detergency builder for fabric washing is enhanced by incorporating sodium acetate trihydrate, potassium acetate or a mixture thereof. To inhibit caking and facilitate handling during manufacture, smaller particles of another substance are preferably provided at the surface of the crystals of the acetate or citrate.

Abstract: A method of processing peat for use in treating a contaminated aqueous solution, especially storm water runoff entering a sewer system. The method includes mixing raw peat with heated sulfuric acid to produce a slurry. The slurry is dried and then mixed with a binder medium to produce an aggregate material. The aggregate material is extruded to form a plurality of pellets. The plurality of pellets are then baked in an oven at a temperature in the range of approximately 900-1000 degree F. Peat processed in accordance with the present invention serves as both an ion exchange material as well as an organic retention material. A filter canister for maintaining pelletized peat is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition comprising the product precipitated in the admixing of a soluble metal salt and one or more compounds having a component selected from silicates, phosphates and borates; and a method for controlling drainage and/or retention in the formation of a paper matrix or for treating water comprising the use of such product.

Abstract: A method for treating phosphate-containing waste water comprising treating phosphate-containing waste water with a metal hydroxide complex as a phosphate adsorbent represented by the formula:M.sub.1-x.sup.2+ M.sub.x.sup.3+ (OH.sup.-).sub.2+x-y (A.sup.n-).sub.y/nwherein M.sup.2+ is at least one divalent metal ion selected from the group consisting of Mg.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Fe.sup.2+, Ca.sup.2+ and Cu.sup.2+ ; M.sup.3+ is at least one divalent metal ion selected from the group consisting of Al.sup.3+ and Fe.sup.3+ ; A.sup.n- is an n-valent anion; x is in the range 0.1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.5; y is in the range 0.1.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.5; and n is 1 or 2.

Abstract: This invention relates to zeolitic molecular sieve compositions characterized by outstanding capability to complex multivalent cations, especially calcium. In particular, the invention relates to novel zeolitic molecular sieve compositions, especially those based on molecular sieves having a high alumina-to-silica ratio, in which crystals of the zeolite are modified by the inclusion of occluded silicate.