Abstract: Screen undersize anhydrous sodium tripolyphosphate particles, containing at least 2 weight percent of an alkali metal pyrophosphate, preferably sodium pyrophosphate, are moisturized with from about 145% to about 185% by weight of the theoretical amount of water to convert the anhydrous sodium tripolyphosphate into the hexahydrate form. The material is agitated during moisturization to keep the temperature below about 80.degree. C., and the moisturized material is dried at a temperature below 80.degree. C. to remove most of the free moisture. The product recovered from the drying step is a granular sodium tripolyphosphate hexahydrate product having a bulk density within the range of 0.59 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc and a friability of no higher than 30%.

Abstract: A stabilizing agent for dry mix food products is a powder the individual particles of which consist of beta-1, 4 glucan, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and either whey or milk solids. The composition of the stabilizing agent and the method of making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and a kappa carrageenan food composition that is swellable in cold water and gels at room temperature into a structure which is releasable from a mold and provides within the mouth of a consumer a desirable pulpy mouth feel.

Abstract: Thermoplastic polyamide polymers such as nylon 6/6 are rendered fire retardant by the addition of an effective amount of a tris-(3-hydroxyalkyl) phosphine oxide such as tris-(3-hydroxypropyl) phosphine oxide.

Abstract: A finely-divided solid blend of (1) purified agarose having an electroendosmosis value (-Mr) below 0.10 with (2) a water-soluble gum which by itself is soluble in boiling water without gelling, free from charged groups and from electroendosmosis, and soluble in water to form a solution of gum having at a concentration no greater than 10% by weight a viscosity of at least 10 cps. at 25.degree. C. The blend is soluble in water to form a gel having no electroendosmosis and useful as a medium for carrying out isoelectric focusing.

Abstract: A method and a kappa carrageenan composition for making a water dessert gel having a controlled melting temperature so as to soften or melt within the mouth of the consumer and providing for excellent flavor release, good mouth feel and containing only kappa carrageenan, and sodium salt of a sequestering agent with ionizable potassium in amounts sufficient to sequester all polyvalent cations present.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which a strap looped about an article is tensioned by applying positive pulling forces to both the leading end and feed portions of such strap loop, after which such strap positions are sealed together. In certain embodiments of the invention, a strapping mechanism is supported on a carriage which is movable toward the article which is to be strapped, after which a strap looped about such article is tensioned by applying pulling forces to the leading end and feed portions thereof.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus, and a new metal seal for use in securing overlying portions of generally flat, non-metallic strap with little or no strap bulging under applied seal-closing forces and with a firm interlock between the applied seal and embraced strap portions.

Abstract: An improved strap tensioning tool, which is particularly adopted for use with non-metallic strap, in which the free end portion of a strap laced about an article which is to be strapped is gripped between an anvil and a wedge-shaped clamp member while the feed portion of such strap is engaged with a tension-applying means. The clamp member is floating supported for effectively gripping the strap during the initial tensioning thereof, regardless of the strap thickness, and a single operating lever serves to actuate the tensioning-applying means, facilitate tensioning of the strap free end portion after such portion is connected to the tensioned feed portion thereof, effect severance of the applied strap from a supply, and release of the clamp member.

Abstract: Device for delivering precise measured quantities of a plurality of reagents with each reagent being incorporated in a device and each being water soluble. The device has a water impervious support secured to one or more faces of which are discrete and separate elements each containing water soluble or dispersible binder and dispersed therein a water soluble or dispersible reagent. The reagent of each element in the device is reactive with at least one constituent in an assay medium or with at least one other reagent on the device. The device is used by contacting it with the assay medium until the elements dissolve completely.

Abstract: A process for removing arsenic from aqueous mediums by adding, in the presence of phosphorus, sufficient calcium hydroxide to adjust the aqueous medium to a pH of from about 7.0 to 11.5, whereby precipitates of both arsenic and phosphorus are formed and are subsequently separated from the aqueous medium. As a secondary treatment, calcium salts of arsenic and phosphorus in oxidation states lower than +5, and thus dissolved in the aqueous medium are oxidized, as by the addition of chlorine or hypochloride to such medium, and thereby converted to more insoluble forms which are separated from the aqueous medium as precipitates.

Abstract: A strapping formed of thermoplastic polymeric material having a transverse cross-section which is of generally uniform thickness and of corrugated configuration, with polymer molecules thereof oriented along biaxial directions and predominantly in the longitudinal direction of such strapping. This strapping possess a high tensile strength, improved resistance to longitudinal splitting, good longitudinal stiffness, a reduced tendency to shell when wound as a roll, reduced surface abrasion during transit through strapping equipment and provides for high strength heat seals.

Abstract: A method in which a band formed of essentially unoriented thermoplastic polymeric material is provided with a transverse cross-section which is of corrugated configuration and is generally uniform in thickness, with at least portions of such band being compressed so as to orient polymer molecules in the transverse direction of the band, afterwhich the band is elongated to orient polymer molecules thereof also and predominantly in the longitudinal direction of the band. The resulting strapping possess a high tensile strength, improved resistance to longitudinal splitting, good longitudinal stiffness, a reduced tendency to shell when wound as a roll, reduced surface abrasion during transit through strapping equipment and provides for high strength heat seals.

Abstract: Waste raw uncoated and/or coated (such as saran, nitrocellulose and vinyl) regenerated cellulose film is treated to recover its plasticizer and cellulose components for recycling in the manufacture of regenerated cellulose film. The platicizer is first recovered from comminuted waste film particles via extraction with water. The moist comminuted film particles are then converted to viscose, from which coating solids, if any, are removed. The viscose is thereafter employed in the manufacture of regenerated cellulose film.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for winding continuous, flexible, strapping into rolls comprised of overlying layers, with each such wound layer having a like number of convolutions, including like strapping portions which bridge adjacent overlying layers and are subjected to a minimum of distortion, and a stable wound strapping package having a substantially round contour.

Abstract: A generally rectangular plastic strapping having an improved resistance to edge abrasion, and a method and apparatus for making the same, such strapping being formed of orientable, thermoplastic, polymeric material, worked to orient the molecules thereof in predominantly the longitudinal direction, subjected to heat applied essentially to the surface of the longitudinal edges thereof, to fuse at least fibrils projecting therefrom and to provide such strapping edge surfaces with at least portions which are essentially free of molecular orientation, and then cooled to room temperature.

Abstract: A process for making a self-supporting, plasticized, uncoated polyvinyl chloride film wherein a melt containing polyvinyl chloride resin and additives, including a resin plasticizer and from about 0.5 to 4.0 parts per hundred based upon the weight of the polyvinyl chloride resin of a moistureproofing paraffin wax, is extruded as a continuous film. Such film may then be elongated while within an orientation temperature range and then cooled to a temperature below such orientation temperature range while held under tension.

Abstract: An improved plasticized regenerated cellulose film, and particularly a plasticized regenerated cellulose film having a moistureproofing, solvent-sealable coating in which plasticizer migration into the coating is at least minimized, and a process for making such film.

Abstract: Apparatus for molding of filament-reinforced plastic rods, such apparatus having an improved shaping device for expressing air from a longitudinally advancing, elongated mass, comprised of a bundle of filaments embedded within an unset plastic material, and for imparting a desired round cross-section to such mass during the continuous travel thereof.

Abstract: A film extrusion apparatus or nozzle which includes a pair of oppositely disposed, spaced elongated blades which together define an extrusion orifice of generally uniform width. At least one of such blades is slotted to impart limited flexibility to an exposed terminal corner portion thereof which assists in defining an end of the extrusion orifice. Means are provided for selectively deflecting the exposed, flexible corner portion of the one blade to thereby vary the width of the extrusion orifice along the end thereof.