Abstract: An apparatus and method for quantitatively measuring volatiles, solids and solvent extractables is described which provides rapid and accurate determinations using microwave heating, electronic balance weighing and solvent extracting of solubles. The method involves subjecting a weighed sample to microwave drying for a preselected time, reweighing to obtain the dry weight and determine volatile loss, solvent extracting the dried sample to determine fats, oils and other extractables followed by final measurement of residual solids. The apparatus is preferably automated to sequentially actuate the required weighing, microwave heating, solvent extraction, redrying, reweighing and calculation of the percentages of volatiles, solvent solubles and solids.The apparatus and method are particularly suited for analytical uses in the food and dairy industries.

Abstract: A cutting wheel for cutting continuous filamentary tow comprises upper and lower plates rotatable about a common axis. The lower plate includes a ring-shaped section defining a central tow exit opening. An annular row of cutter blades extends between the plates, the blades having radially outwardly facing cutting edges. As filamentary tow is wrapped around the row of blades and pushed thereagainst, the tow is cut by the cutting edges and passes between the blades. A plurality of connector arms secures together the upper and lower plates. Each connector arm defines a clearance inwardly of the blade to accomodate free inward travel of tow cut by the blades. Each connector arm includes first and second segments. The first segment extends downwardly from the ring-shaped lower plate away from the plane of the latter. The second segment extends upwardly toward the upper plate and is disposed radially inwardly of the ring-shaped section of the lower plate.

Abstract: A method of reducing the number of free carboxyl end groups present in a fiber-forming polymer is given whereby to the polymer minor amounts of a low-boiling oxirane compound such as ethylene oxide are added.

Abstract: A doffing/donning apparatus is used in combination with a row of winders each of which winds filamentary material upon a tube carried by a rotary spindle of the winder to form a package. The apparatus comprises a carrier mounted for movement generally parallel to and above the row of winders. A column is mounted on said carrier for horizontal movement. A package exchange arm is mounted on said column for up-and-down movement and is alignable with the winder spindle so that the package can be transferred to the package exchange arm. A tube exchange arm is mounted on the column for up-and-down movement and is alignable with the spindle so that a tube on the tube exchange arm can be transferred to the spindle. A shuttle is spaced horizontally from and vertically above the row of winders, and includes a package transfer arm and a tube transfer arm. The package exchange and tube exchange arms are moved along the column to the level of the shuttle.

Abstract: A textile traverse rod guide device particularly suited for the guiding of winding of yarns onto packages is described wherein the traverse guide substantially reduces the noise level of winding machine when in operation. The traverse guide is capable of reducing the noise level on the order of 5 to 8 decibels compared to previously used devices while at the same time providing better package build. The noted traverse guide is fabricated as a single piece from engineering plastics and operates utilizing torque-tension principles rather than mechanical guidance and swivel means.

Abstract: A novel bobbin is described for the winding of synthetic yarn in which the bobbin has means for temporarily securing the yarn end which is used as a bobbin to bobbin transfer tail. The yarn end is held on the winding surface of the bobbin by retainer means in a position whereby the yarn end can be easily picked up and unwound a few turns for the making of a yarn transfer tail. The yarn retainer comprises a strip of hook and loop fastener to which the yarn end readily adheres.