Abstract: A drink through container lid of the type formed from thin thermoplastic material and which is used as a closure cap on open mouthed beverage cups is disclosed. Conventional lids of the foregoing description include one or more lines of weakness in the main body portion of the lid and which in part define the drink through segment of the lid. Normal breakage of this segment is initiated by hand at a location on the bottom of the skirt, which may or may not also include a lift tab projecting outwardly from the bottom of the skirt. In accordance with this invention, the lift tab is positioned above the bottom of the remainder of the skirt, and proximate to that portion of the outer wall of the groove of the lid which is in frictional engagement with the beverage cup to which it is attached.

Abstract: Fast cure and "pre-cure" resistance thermosetting adhesives and methods for their production useful for binding lignocellulosic materials together, are disclosed.A fast curing adhesive is obtained by cross-linking binary phenol-formaldehyde consisting of high average molecular weight phenolformaldehyde (PF) resin and low average molecular weight PF resin with lignin. A "pre-cure" resistant adhesive is obtained by cross-linking a PF resin, such as binary phenol-formaldehyde, with a lignin with the addition of ammonia preferably in the form of an ammonium salt. The lignin may be obtained from different wood pulping waste materials including that recovered from the sulphite, kraft, organosolv or steam hydrolysed wood pulping processes. The adhesive can be produced as an aqueous solution of dispersion, and used in either a basic or acidic environment.

Abstract: A novel method of making a wood composite employing cellulosic material as the wood component and pulverized blast-furnace slag as the binder component and the product produced thereby is disclosed. A settable mixture of the wood component, binder component and water is prepared and thereafter subjected to a forming pressure within a confined space. While in its confined condition, the mixture is also subjected to heat and carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) for a time and at a temperature sufficient to cause accelerated and early setting of the mixture. Optionally, calcium-rich compounds can be added to the settable mixture as a slag cement binder enhancer and sodium silicate can also be used as a mineralizer. The cellulosic material can also be pre-treated with a fire retardant resulting in a cementatious wood composite exhibiting improved fire resistance and in situ fire load bearing strength.

Abstract: A barrier for partitioning the front and rear seat compartments in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The barrier includes a transparent wall dimensioned to approximate the cross-sectional area of the vehicle interior at a location behind the front seat. The wall has a pocket for printed matter in its lower half, and one or more light refracting channels can be located in the wall. A frame encloses one or more edges of the wall and includes an elongate channel section containing one or more electrical lights. The barrier can be installed, for example, in a taxi cab, and electricity supplied to illuminate printed matter placed in the pocket of the wall.

Abstract: A novel restraining device for immobilizing a preselected portion of a prostrate human body when disposed on a body support platform or board having attachment locations has first and second panel sections which are detachably interconnectable in overlapping and variably adjustable relationship. Each panel section has extending therefrom adjustable attachment means, such as a pair of adjustable straps, which secure the panel section to the attachment locations. There may also be safety retaining means to ensure that the first and second panel sections are maintained in an interconnected relationship.

Abstract: A normally retracted escape ladder assembly that includes a framework mountable on a building wall, a plurality of ladder sections movably interconnected and having at least one such section attached to the framework, a platform, and a latch maintaining the ladder sections in a collapsed condition and actuated to release the ladder sections upon application of weight to the platform. The framework includes a wall abutment section and a ladder support section projecting therefrom. The platform is carried by the framework and is pivotally attached to either the wall abutment section or the ladder support section of the framework. Connected to the platform and carried by the framework is a latch which engages at least one of the ladder sections to maintain the ladder sections in a collapsed condition. The application of weight to the platform allows the ladder sections to assume an extended condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the use in the production of cellulolytic and xylanolytic enzymes, particularly xylanase and cellulase, of the microorganism Thermoascus aurantiacus in a culture medium containing at least one of a cellulose or hemicellulose substrate whereby to produce thermostable enzymes, particularly cellulase and xylanase.

Abstract: A novel process and apparatus for discharging, on a batch basis, cement and water as a slurry or in the form of separate discharges of slurry and cement, where the materials so discharged contain a predetermined amount of water and a predetermined amount of cement, is disclosed. A major quantity of water and all or a major quantity of the cement is mixed in a slurry mixer to produce a primary slurry. A major portion of the primary slurry is then discharged, and the remaining slurry mixed with the remaining quantity of water for discharge as a second slurry. A minor portion of the cement can optionally be added to a dry chamber for discharge therefrom. The slurry mixer and dry chamber, which are substantially closed systems, can be vented together, and then vented to atmosphere, so that air in the slurry mixer which is displaced during water and cement charging flows through the dry chamber.

Abstract: A press apparatus and method for steam pressing a mat of compressible material and a binder into a formed product and has particular application to the steam pressing of lignocellulosic material and a binder to form composite board and includes a border projection means generally configured to the outline of the end product to be produced and which is carried by a press platen, preferably the upper press platen, and which is intended to impinge into the mat during its compression and to effect a steam pressure seal at the impingement area of the mat. As a pressure seal of the compressed mat is created about the mat edges, steam can then be passed through the mat in order to cure the binder. If desired, cool air can be passed through the mat afer steaming to condense residual steam in the mat. The compressed mat after steaming, can also be subject to vacuum prior to releasing it from the press. The edges of the cured mat which have been subject to impingement, can subsequently be trimmed off.

Abstract: The separation of xylanases from mixtures thereof with other hemicellulases, particulary cellulase produced by the culturing of hemicellulolytic microorganisms, particularly the fungus Trichoderma harzianum E58 and Trichoderma reesei by ultrafiltration through an ultrafiltration membrane having a low molecular weight cut-off point in the range of about 1,000 to 20,000 daltons to obtain a cellulase rich retentate and xylanase rich ultrafiltrate. The dilute xylanase rich filtrate from the ultrafiltration is concentrated and purified by adsorption and elution from an insoluble matrix, e.g. a cationic exchange resin. The xylanase obtained is suitable for use in the hydrolysis of hemicellulose for which it is selective, particularly in the presence of cellulose and the cellulase rich retentate is suitable for the hydrolysis of cellulose.