Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling fungal disease in plants with a fungicidal fertilizer composition which contains ingredients which are biocompatible for purposes of agricultural applications, and which are harmless to animals and humans. Illustrative of an invention composition is an aqueous solution which has a content of two alkali metal bicarbonate salts, an alkali metal fatty acid salt, and a water-soluble thickener such as xanthan gum. The combination of fatty acid salt and thickener functions as an effective spreader-sticker medium.

Abstract: This invention provides dentifrice compositions which contain sodium bicarbonate abrasive ingredient, and stabilized sodium percarbonate ingredient which releases hydrogen peroxide under dental hygiene utilization conditions. The sodium percarbonate ingredient in a formulated toothpaste composition is stabilized with 0.2-1 part by weight of water per part of sodium percarbonate.

Abstract: This invention provides a co-micronized bicarbonate salt composition which is a blend of ingredients having a particle size between about 0.01-1.0 micron. The composition is produced by mill co-micronization of a crystalline bicarbonate ingredient and a crystalline inorganic compound ingredient having a Mohs hardness value between about 3-7. A co-micronized blend such as sodium bicarbonate and zinc oxide is free-flowing and essentially free of agglomerated particles.

Abstract: A blast nozzle for accelerating a stream of abrasive particles to a surface for the cleaning thereof has a nozzle body formed of a non-electrically conductive material and is provided with an encapsulating coat to prevent breakage of the nozzle body. To prevent the accumulation of static electric charge during the blast cleaning operation, the exterior surface of the blast nozzle core is covered with an electrically conductive layer disposed between the nozzle body and the encapsulating coat, the nozzle further including an electrically conductive grounding pathway contacting the electrically conductive layer and passing through the encapsulating coat so that the electrically conductive layer can be bonded to ground to provide a pathway for removing the accumulated static charge and prevent periodic sparking.

Abstract: A media control valve used to dispense and meter an amount of abrasive media from a supply pot to a compressed air line for blast cleaning comprises a vertical discharge passage and an air flow tube communicating with the vertical discharge passage, a media control sleeve placed in an inclined bore in the valve body and disposed between the vertical discharge passage and air flow tube, the media control sleeve comprising a plurality of spaced orifices which allow communication between the vertical discharge passage and the air flow tube, the media control sleeve being rotatable in place within the valve body bore so as to present a different orifice in communication with the discharge passage.

Abstract: There is disclosed an animal litter composition comprising 1) a particulate, water absorbent clayey component, e.g., sodium bentonite, containing at least one water-swellable clay mineral, e.g. montmorillonite; 2) a water-soluble salt, e.g., a sodium salt of a carboxymethylcellulose; and optionally (3) a solid particulate deodorizing additive component comprising sodium bicarbonate (SBC) or potassium bicarbonate (KBC), the particles of which are substantially coated with a mineral oil, mixed with a powdered siliceous material, e.g., expanded perlite, having a bulk density significantly lower than the density of SBC or KBC, the coated particles of SBC or KBC being stably adhered to and agglomerated with the particles of the siliceous material. On contact with a waste aqueous liquid such as urine, the litter composition forms clumps which can be easily removed from the remainder of the litter and can be disposed of with relatively little disintegration.

Abstract: This invention provides a free-flowing alkali metal bicarbonate composition, which has a content of an acidic inorganic compound such as boron oxide (B.sub.2 O.sub.3) or phosphorus pentoxide (P.sub.2 O.sub.5). The acidic inorganic compound reacts with the residual hygroscopic alkali metal carbonate content of the bulk alkali metal bicarbonate powder to form alkali metal bicarbonate.

Abstract: A strap handle for a package and being capable of attachment to the sidewall of the package comprises a longitudinal slit sufficiently long to divide the strap handle into a lower attachment portion which is secured to the package and an upper free ribbon portion which can be pulled away from the sides of the package and lifted over the top of the package for transport. The strap handle is a flexible sheet or film which can be glued to the package.

Abstract: This invention provides a powder composition which is composed of particles consisting of a hydrophilic polymer coating having an encapsulated core matrix content of at least two microcrystallites of water-soluble inorganic compound such as sodium bicarbonate. In one embodiment a present invention powder composition has a content of hydrophilic polymer-coated bicarbonate microcrystallites, and a cosmetically safe anti-caking agent such as talc, and has utility as a baby powder product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fungicide composition which contains ingredients which are biocompatible for purposes of agricultural applications, and which are harmless to animals and humans. An invention fungicide composition in the form of a dry blend formulation remains non-caking and free-flowing under storage conditions. Illustrative of an invention fungicide composition is a formulation which has a content of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, xanthan gum, dialkylsulfosuccinate salt and alkyl sulfate salt surfactants, and magnesium silicate anti-caking ingredient. The xanthan gum and surfactants function as an effective spreader-sticker and film-forming medium when the composition is diluted with water for agricultural applications.

Abstract: This invention provides alkali metal bicarbonate powder consisting of a narrow size distribution range of ultrafine particles. The ultrafine powder has a large surface area, and provides enhanced reactivity in applications such as deodorization or neutralization, and exhibits increased antibacterial/antifungal activity. The ultrafine powder also has an exceptional capability to form a homogenous solid-phase suspension in a liquid medium which has long term stability.

Abstract: Wet blasting utilizing a high pressure liquid stream to clean, cut or drill a targeted surface is provided with improved efficiency by degassing the liquid stream. Deaeration of the liquid stream reduces atomization of the high pressure stream as it exits the blast nozzle and is directed against the targeted surface so as to improve the efficiency of the stripping action and improve pump efficiency.

Abstract: Improvements to blast cleaning apparatus, and particularly to a media control device which contains a fixed orifice placed between the abrasive supply pot and a media outlet to the compressed air line to meter the media flow into the air line and means to maintain a positive pressure differential between the supply pot and the air line further includes a means to equalize the pressure between the air line and a media passage immediately below the orifice. An additional improvement comprises adding a flow straightening device upstream of a bend in the air line so as to reduce back-mixing in the bend and consequently the turbulence of air downstream of the bend and across the media outlet into the air line.

Abstract: The disclosure describes deodorant detergent compositions comprising a surfactant, e.g., a soap or synthetic detergent, and as a deodorizing component, a minor amount of zinc oxide having an average particle size no greater than about 10 microns. To enhance its deodorizing effect, the composition optionally may contain a minor amount of sodium bicarbonate (SBC).

Abstract: A blast nozzle holder for securing a blast nozzle and a supply hose thereto comprises a hollow holder body which includes a converging bore therethrough, a hollow securing nut which can be threaded into the bore of the holder body and a compression member which is pushed through the converging bore of the holder body by the securing nut and which is compressed around the exterior of the blast hose during passage through the converging bore so as to squeeze the exterior of the blast hose and hold same firmly in place in the holder body.

Abstract: A media control valve used to meter and dispense an amount of abrasive media from a supply pot to a compressed air line for blast cleaning comprises a vertical media passage communicating with the supply pot and an air flow tube and a restricting orifice in the media passage to meter the amount of abrasive media flowing therethrough the vertical passage into the air flow tube, the media passage downstream of the orifice converging into a slot-shaped outlet into the air flow tube wherein the length of the outlet is directed along the direction of air flow through the air flow tube so as to reduce the perimeter of the outlet placed perpendicular to air flow and consequently reduce turbulence as the air passes across the outlet. The media valve is particularly useful in metering and dispensing sodium bicarbonate media from a supply pot to the air conveying line by means of differential pressure across the orifice.

Abstract: A blast nozzle for directing a stream of abrasive particles against a surface to remove surface contaminants therefrom further includes an externally attached atomized water nozzle which directs a stream of atomized water particles to the surface to suppress dust formation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to aqueous cleaning compositions such as for household use or for cleaning electronic circuit assemblies comprising alkaline salt, an alkali metal silicate to boost detersive action or to provide corrosion protection to the substrates which are cleaned and an anionic polymer which stabilizes the alkali metal silicate to prevent precipitation of the silicate from solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to environmentally safe aqueous cleaning compositions for cleaning electronic circuit assemblies, such as printed circuit or printed wiring boards, during their fabrication. Alkali metal carbonate and bicarbonate salts are utilized with an alkali metal silicate to achieve a variety of objectives, among which are the removal of solder flux, oils, waxes, and greasy substances, adhesives and other residues as well as provide anti-corrosion protection and metal brightening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a C.sub.14 -C.sub.22 fatty acid alkaline earth metal salt product which is essentially free of C.sub.14 -C.sub.22 fatty acid or C.sub.14 -C.sub.22 fatty acid glyceride. The glyceride content of C.sub.14 -C.sub.22 fatty acid starting material is hydrolyzed with a water-soluble basic compound such as sodium carbonate in the first step of the process. The C.sub.14 -C.sub.22 fatty acid salt aqueous dispersion formed in the first step is converted to an alkaline earth metal salt in a subsequent process step. A biologically active constituent such as methionine hydroxy analog can be incorporated as an additional ingredient during the processing.