Abstract: An envelope-stuffing machine adapted to insert sheets of paper or the like into an envelope or a folder comprises a pair of opposite perforated surfaces connected to a suction chamber and between which the envelope or folder is introduced so as to draw the opposite sides of the envelope or folder apart to receive the sheets to be inserted. A pressure sensor is provided to respond to the suction in the chamber communicating with the perforations of the surfaces to trigger the insertion of the sheets upon the detection of a predetermined reduced pressure in the chamber. The pressure sensor is of the threshold type.

Abstract: A load of garments or other textile material to be washed is presoaked in organic solvent, e.g. in a rotating drum, and is then immersed within the same vessel in a water bath while still permeated by a substantial quantity of solvent. During this immersion, the vessel is gradually heated to the boiling point of the solvent, or of the azeotropic water/solvent mixture, which is below the boiling point of water so that only a part of the wash liquor is vaporized. The evaporation can be accelerated by placing the vessel under a partial vacuum. The evaporation rate of the solvent is measured and the washing cycle is halted as soon as that rate drops to zero or below a predetermined limit, with subsequent drying of the load by, for example, centrifugation.

Abstract: A pile of sheets arranged vertically next to one another is gently urged against a rigid metal plate that can be reciprocated back and forth very rapidly so as to pull the end sheet off the pile by suction and to return to rest against the pile of sheets before they have followed this reciprocation motion to the same extent as the end sheet. Once the plate pulls rapidly away from the end of the pile, pulling the end sheet with it, this end sheet is engaged by a suction roller and pulled laterally off the pile.

Abstract: An adsorption device for the treatment of gases with a solid adsorbent comprises a disk-shaped cylindrical vessel having a horizontal axis and planar parallel vertical end walls, the conduits being connected to the vessel wall, preferably at diametrically opposite locations so that a number of such vessels may be horizontally stacked with or without removal of intervening end walls, thereby increasing the adsorption capacity of the installation or making it possible to operate two adsorption cells in functionally interchanging relationship such that one may be regenerated while the other serves to adsorb a component from a gas stream.