  We apply the inverse scattering method to the midi-superspace models that are
characterized by a two-parameter Abelian group of motions with two spacelike
Killing vectors. We present a formulation that simplifies the construction of
the soliton solutions of Belinski\v i and Zakharov. Furthermore, it enables us
to obtain the zero curvature formulation for these models. Using this, and
imposing periodic boundary conditions corresponding to the Gowdy models when
the spatial topology is a three torus $T ^3$, we show that the equation of
motion for the monodromy matrix is an evolution equation of the Heisenberg
type. Consequently, the eigenvalues of the monodromy matrix are the generating
functionals for the integrals of motion. Furthermore, we utilise a suitable
formulation of the transition matrix to obtain explicit expressions for the
integrals of motion. This involves recursion relations which arise in solving
an equation of Riccati type. In the case when the two Killing vectors are
hypersurface orthogonal the integrals of motion have a particularly simple
form.
