Abstract: In an automated guided vehicle, a connection mechanism includes a connecting part and a movable part, and is connected to an object by the connecting part. When the connecting part is in a first state and the movable part is at a first position, an end portion on the other side in a first direction of the connecting part contacts a surface on one side in the first direction of the movable part or penetrates the movable part in the first direction to protrude toward the other side in the first direction with respect to the surface on one side in the first direction of the movable part. When the connecting part is in the first state and the movable part is at a second position, the movable part is away from the connecting part. A force applied to the movable part maintains the movable part at the first position.

Abstract: A method for producing a thiometallate or selenometallate material is provided in which a first salt containing an anionic component selected from the group consisting of MoS42?, MoSe42?, WS42?, WSe42?, VS43?, and VSe43? and a second salt containing a cationic component comprising a metal in any non-zero oxidation state selected from the group consisting of Cu, Fe, Ag, Co, Mn, Re, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt, B, Al, Ce, La, Pr, Sm, Eu, Yb, Lu, Dy, Ni, Zn, Bi, Sn are mixed under anaerobic conditions in an aqueous mixture at a temperature of from 50° C. to 150° C.

Abstract: A method for producing a thiometallate or selenometallate material is provided in which a first salt containing an anionic component selected from the group consisting of MoS42?, MoSe42?, WS42?, WSe42?, VS43?, and VSe43?, and a second salt containing a cationic component comprising a metal in any non-zero oxidation state selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ag, Co, Mn, Re, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, Pt, B, Al, Ce, La, Pr, Sm, Eu, Yb, Lu, Dy, Ni, Zn, Bi, Sn, Pb, Cd, Sb, Ge, Ga, In, Au, Hg are mixed under anaerobic conditions in an aqueous mixture at a temperature of from 15° C. to 150° C.

Abstract: A method for producing a thiometallate or selenometallate material is provided in which a first salt containing an anionic component selected from the group consisting of MoS42?, MoSe42?, WS42?, WSe42? and a second salt containing a cationic component comprising copper in any non-zero oxidation state are mixed under anaerobic conditions in an aqueous mixture at a temperature of from 50° C. to 150° C.

Abstract: A method of processing coal to remove sulfur and other contaminants by mixing coal in a solution of aqueous ammonia having a selected concentration range (preferred range of 3%-5%) of ammonia to water in a reaction vessel. The mixing causes the solution to be brought into contact with the surfaces and pores of the coal. The process is monitored to detect when the concentration of aqueous ammonia in the reaction vessel has fallen below the selected range, and aqueous ammonia with an ammonia concentration in or above the selected range is fed into the reaction vessel to return the solution to within the selected range. The cleaned coal may be rinsed and dried, or dried without rinsing to form an ammonia coating on the coal surfaces and pores. Several plant layouts to practice the method are described.

Abstract: A substrate, such as a glass, glass ceramic, ceramic or metal substrate, is provided with a thermocatalytically active coating on at least a part of the substrate surface. The thermocatalytic coating contains an inorganic lithium salt or organic lithium-containing compound in an amount that is equivalent to not less than 2 wt. % of lithium ions, based on total coating weight. The thermocatalytic coating has a glass, glass solder or sol-gel matrix in which the lithium salt or organic lithium-containing compound is introduced. Optional barrier and IR-reflecting layers are arranged between the substrate surface and the thermocatalytically active coating.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system and process for recovering useful compounds from a byproduct composition produced in a silicon tetrafluoride production process.

Abstract: Compositions comprising at least one cycloaliphatic diol antimicrobial agent and at least one other antimicrobial agent and methods of making and using these compositions are provided. The cycloaliphatic diol antimicrobial agents comprise 1,1-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,2-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A substrate, such as a glass, glass ceramic, ceramic or metal substrate, is provided with a thermocatalytically active coating on at least a part of the substrate surface. The thermocatalytic coating contains an inorganic lithium salt or organic lithium-containing compound in an amount that is equivalent to not less than 2 wt. % of lithium ions, based on total coating weight. The thermocatalytic coating has a glass, glass solder or sol-gel matrix in which the lithium salt or organic lithium-containing compound is introduced. Optional barrier and IR-reflecting layers are arranged between the substrate surface and the thermocatalytically active coating.

Abstract: Alunite type compound particles represented by the following general formula (I) and having a specific value of D75/D25 when D25 is the particle diameter of particles which account for 25% of the total and D75 is the particle diameter of particles which account for 75% of the total in the cumulative particle size distribution curve measured by a laser diffraction method: Ma[Al1-xM?x]3(SO42?)y(OH)z.mH2O??(I) wherein M is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of Na+, K+, NH4+ and H3O+, M? is at least one cation selected from the group consisting of Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Sn4+, Zr4+ and Ti4+, and a, m, x, y and z satisfy 0.8?a?1.35, 0?m?5, 0?x?0.4, 1.7?y?2.5, and 4?z?7, respectively. The above particles of the present invention have a small average particle diameter, are spherical, disk-like or hexagonal and have an extremely narrow particle size distribution.

Abstract: A method of preparing a composition comprising dry mixing commercial grade alumina and a solid sulfating agent to form a mixture and calcining the mixture to form a sulfated alumina support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising water, more than 30% w/w of calcium hydroxide, and >0.2% w/w dispersant. A process for preparing such a composition is also disclosed. The composition which can be in the form of a 45-55% concentration lime slurry is particularly useful for converting concentrated ammonium lignosulfonate into calcium lignosulfonate, for converting ammonium lignosulfonate into low sulfate calcium, potassium, sodium, or magnesium lignosulfonate and mixtures thereof, for removing soluble sulfate from concentrated sodium, potassium, ammonium or magnesium lignosulfonate or for treating a weak liquor obtained from the pulp and paper industry.

Abstract: A process for preparation of an ammonium polythiomolybdate or a hydrate thereof of the formula (NH4)2Mo3S13.n H2O where n is 0, 1 or 2, in which aqueous ammonium monosulfide, elemental sulfur and molybdic oxide are reacted in a sealed reactor, with hydrogen sulfide gas being fed into the reactor until the hydrogen sulfide is no longer absorbed by the reaction mixture to form a reaction product and then heating the reaction product in a sealed reactor, the concentration of ammonium monosulfide in the reaction mixture being controlled throughout the reaction such that reactor pressure does not exceed 700 kPa (100 psig).

Abstract: A process for producing an ammonium polythiomolybdate of the formula (NH4)2Mo3S13.n H2O where n is 0, 1 or 2 in which an aqueous ammoniacal molybdate solution is reacted with hydrogen sulfide gas in a closed system at superatmospheric pressure until the H2S is no longer absorbed by the solution to form a slurry of solid ammonium tetrathiomolybdate containing a portion of the starting molybdenum in a mother liquor containing the balance of the molybdenum and thereafter heat soaking the reaction product in the presence of elemental sulfur to form the desired product.

Abstract: The invention provides a hydrometallurgical process for treating metal-containing sulfide ores and concentrates, comprising reacting said metal-containing sulfide with concentrated sulfuric acid at a temperature of between about 300° C. and 400° C. in the presence of oxygen to produce a solid metal sulfate product and a gaseous product which is primarily SO3, wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of iron, copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt and manganese. Said metal sulfate product is then leached with dilute sulfuric acid to form a metal-containing solution, from which the metal values are separated by precipitation at raised H2SO4 concentrations obtained by saturating the solution with the gaseous SO3 from the sulfatization reaction step.

Abstract: Apparatus, materials, and methods for removing ammonia from fluid using metal hydroxides (e.g. zinc hydroxide) and metal cation loaded media (e.g. zinc loaded ion exchange resins); the metal hydroxides and metal cation loaded media may be regenerated with a weak acid (pKa between 3 and 7). Alternatively, ammonia is removed from fluids by using H2SO4 and ZnSO4 and metal cation loaded media; the metal cation loaded media may be regenerated with H2SO4 and ZnSO4; the ammonia containing H2SO4 and H2SO4 may be concentrated as necessary to form (NH4)2SO4.ZnSO4.6H2O (ammonium zinc sulfate hexahydrate) crystals. These crystals are removed from the mother liquor and heated to temperatures exceeding 200° C. releasing NH3 and H2O vapor upon the decomposition of the crystals.

Abstract: A gripping device (10) for attachment to the bottom (102) of a tennis racquet (100) to retrieve tennis balls (200) wherein, the gripping device (10) is fabricated from a used tennis ball (20) having at least its lower quadrant severed beneath the midline of the used tennis ball (20) wherein, a plurality of vertically extending slits (22) are initiated at the sever line (24) to a point above the midline of the used tennis ball (20) to create gripping fingers (25) that will releasably engage the periphery of relatively new tennis balls (200).

Abstract: Methods for direct reduction of ammonia from waste streams by the steps of reacting an aqueous ammonia containing waste stream with a solution of a strong acid and a metal salt, wherein the cation in said metal salt of said solution is selected from the group consisting of Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pd, Zn; and wherein an ammonium-double salt is formed with said metal salt in an ammonia depleted waste stream; and treating said depleted waste stream to crystallize an ammonium-metal double salt therefrom.

Abstract: Sulfur dioxide is introduced into a solution of sodium sulfite and sodium bisulfite to form sodium bisulfite in a solution having dissolved sulfur dioxide present with a pH between 3.5 and 4.2. The solution is drawn to a cooling crystallizer where an alkali such as soda ash, caustic soda, sodium sulfite, and mixtures thereof is added to produce additional sodium metabisulfite that increases the yield of sodium metabisulfite crystallizing per pass. The mother liquor is recycled.

Abstract: This invention relates to dimetal sulfide or selenide microporous crystalline compositions. These compositions have the empirical formulaR.sub.x (M.sup.1+.sub.y M.sup.2+.sub.z M.sub.4)A.sub.qwhere R is a cation such as tetramethylammonium ion, M.sup.1+ is a metal such as copper, silver, etc. M.sup.2+ is a metal such as zinc, cobalt, etc., M is germanium or tin and A is sulfur or selenium. The subscripts x, y, z and q represent the mole fractions of R, M.sup.1+, M.sup.2+ and A respectively. Finally, the three dimensional structure of said composition is characterized in that it contains M.sup.1+ --M.sup.1+ metal-metal bonds.

Abstract: Sulfur dioxide is introduced into a solution of sodium sulfite and sodium bisulfite to form sodium bisulfite in a solution having dissolved sulfur dioxide present with a pH between 3.5 and 4.2. The solution is drawn to a cooling crystallizer where sodium hydroxide is added to produce additional sodium metabisulfite that increases the yield of sodium metabisulfite crystallizing per pass. The mother liquor is recycled.

Abstract: A process for treating an alkali metal hydrosulfite solution which comprises contacting the alkali metal hydrosulfite solution with aluminum in a reaction mixture, and admixing carbon dioxide gas with the reaction mixture to remove dissolved aluminum as an aluminum-containing precipitate, the alkali metal hydrosulfite solution having a residual alkalinity of from about 0.1 to about 20 grams per liter of hydroxide ion.

Abstract: A process for treating an alkali metal hydrosulfite solution which comprises contacting the alkali metal hydrosulfite solution, having a residual alkalinity of from about 1 to about 20 grams per liter of hydroxide ion, with aluminum. The process of the invention can be operated at low temperatures i.e., those which are normally used for storage of the sodium hydrosulfite solution to minimize thermal decomposition.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing ammonium tetrathiomolybdate. The process involves reacting an ammoniacal molybdate solution with hydrogen sulfide gas, the solution and the gas being in a closed system and the flow of the gas being regulated at an elevated pressure to form a slurry consisting essentially of a solid essentially all of which is ammonium tetrathiomolybdate containing a portion of the starting molybdenum and a mother liquor containing the balance of the molybdenum. The slurry is then cooled to ambient temperature and the solid is removed from the major portion of the mother liquor. The solid is then washed with water and with alcohol followed by removal of the resulting respective water and alcohol washes to remove the remaining portion of the mother liquor and soluble impurities from the solid. The resulting washed solid is then dried at ambient temperature to form the final ammonium tetrathiomolybdate.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing ammonium tetrathiotungstate. The process involves reacting an ammoniacal tungstate solution with hydrogen sulfide gas, the solution and the gas being in a closed system and the flow of the gas being regulated at an elevated pressure to form a slurry consisting essentially of a solid essentially all of which is ammonium tetrathiotungstate containing a portion of the starting tungsten and a mother liquor containing the balance of the tungsten. The slurry is then cooled to ambient temperature and the solid is removed from the major portion of the mother liquor. The solid is then washed with water and with alcohol followed by removal of the resulting respective water and alcohol washes to remove the remaining portion of the mother liquor and soluble impurities from the solid. The resulting washed solid is then dried at ambient temperature to form the final ammonium tetrathiotungstate.

Abstract: Ammonium sulfate-bisulfate solution contaminated with metal and other ash producing contaminants is treated by adjusting the pH of the solution to the range that produces a precipitate of the contaminant by the addition of ammonia or ammonium hydroxide; cooled to at least the temperature at which a precipitate is produced; removing the precipitate from the solution; the pH of the solution from which the precipitate has been removed is adjusted to the range at which precipitation is substantially completed by the addition of sulfuric acid; and the SO.sub.4.sup.= ion concentration and the NH.sub.4.sup.+ ion concentration of the solution are adjusted to the range of the solution before initial circulation to produce a solution in which the metal concentration has been sufficiently reduced to permit recycle for use in reclaiming used motor oils.

Abstract: Cobalt is recovered as a finely-divided and anhydrous salt from impure, nickel-bearing, aqueous solutions of cobalt, by exposing the aqueous solution to oxidation at an elevated temperature in the presence of ammonia and the respective ammonium salt, the formation of cobalt (III) hexammine ions is catalysed with activated carbon or solid sulfides, a cobalt (III) hexammine salt is crystallized from the solution, the salt is separated from the solution and pyrolysed to form a cobalt (II) salt, and the released ammonia is returned to the oxidation stage.

Abstract: Aqueous solution of monovalent gold and ammonium sulfite complex. As opposed to the corresponding alkali-gold sulfite solution, this solution is stable under slightly acidic pH conditions and can be used advantageously for preparing electrolytic baths for the plating of gold and gold alloys having a great flexibility of use and a particularly long working life. This solution is prepared, in a very economical manner, by adding ammonia to an HAuCl.sub.4 solution which results in the formation of a precipitate, then by dissolving this precipitate in an aqueous ammonium sulfite solution.

Abstract: Process for the recovery of H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 from dilute sulfuric acid solutions containing combined acid sulfates by heating these solutions in the presence of excess ammonium sulfate to a temperature from between about 100.degree. and 160.degree. C. until a concentration of free H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 between 50 and 59% by weight is obtained to precipitate the combined acid sulfates.

Abstract: A sulfur fortified gypsum granule is provided, preferably adapted for agricultural uses so as to give a timed release of sulfate nutrients in soil comprising a combination of at least about 5 percent by weight of elemental sulfur and a major proportion of calcium sulfate which combination has been roll pressure compacted at a mixture temperature of about 110.degree.-230.degree. F to form hard granular shapes.