Abstract: A barrel shaped holder defines a fluid reservoir and is provided with an applicator at its front and a plug at its rear end. A valve independent of the applicator is interposed between the reservoir and the applicator, and is arranged to be in normally closed condition and opened by an actuator which extends through the reservoir in abutment with both the valve and the plug. The plug is flexible and resiient so that manipulation of the plug operates the actuating rod and the valve.

Abstract: A humidifier system where atomized water is caused to be rapidly evaporated as a result of being strategically located in the path of high velocity turbulent air created by converging deflector vane sets, and delivered to an outlet duct end for further distribution. An alternative embodiment illustrates a humidifier system where a central steam tube is substituted for the atomizing nozzles and steam fog is discharged into the high velocity turbulent air plane. Angled orifices in the central steam tube disperse steam against the air flow to further disperse steam within the humidifier assembly.

Abstract: An electronic level control structure for regulating a fluid level in a vessel, such as a humidifier tank. The electronic level control has at least two Teflon.RTM. coated probes for sensing fluid level in the tank and extending downwardly from a main body member. A downwardly extending sleeve positions about a portion of the upper regions of each of the probes. The Teflon.RTM. coating and the sleeve at the upper region of each probe inhibits the formation of scale between the probes at the upper end of each probe by preventing or minimizing the amount of contact by vaporous gases, mineral salts and other contaminants about the upper regions of each probe. This also prevents buildup of electrical conductive scale. In one embodiment, three probes of different lengths extend downwardly from a body member.

Abstract: An absorbent article suitable for absorption of aqueous as well as oleaginous liquids such as metal cutting fluids, hydraulic fluids, oils and the like is disclosed. The absorbent article is a spunlaced material sleeve closed at both ends and filled with an inherently flameproof particulate material, such as particulate clay material, having a certain particle size range. The spunlaced material is liquid permeable, oleophilic, and hydrophilic. The spunlaced material also has a liquid wicking rate that is at least equal to that of the particulate clay material contained within the sleeve. Preferred spunlaced materials are woodpulp/polyester spunlaced materials having a woodpulp-rich face and a polyester-rich face. The polyester-rich face is situated contiguous to the particulate absorbent material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for positioning a transducing apparatus relative to a rotating storage medium through the use of an externally commutated positioning apparatus under control of a processing element. In addition, a control method is disclosed which includes an initial determination of salient parameters associated with the apparatus. Positioning of the transducing apparatus is achieved through a plurality of control modes which are responsive to the determined parameters. In addition, the accuracy with which position of the transducing apparatus is determined varies among the modes with the remaining distance yet to traverse to a desired destination position.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a pre-baked, chemically leavened frozen biscuit is disclosed. A conventional, chemically leavened biscuit dough is prepared, cut into biscuit pre-forms, and is fully baked. This baked intermediate product is then tempered or moisture-treated to raise the upper crust moisture content to above 16%, by weight, preferably above 20%. This can be done in any manner, such as for example, by contacting the crust with an atomized spray of water for the necessary period of time (e.g. for a few seconds), or by allowing the freshly baked biscuits to be maintained in a proofing cabinet for 15 to 20 minutes at temperatures of 140.degree.-150.degree. F. at 70% to 90% relative humidity. The thus tempered product is then frozen, and without an intervening defrost step, is then capable of being placed directly in an oven for "baking" to provide a biscuit similar to fresh baked biscuits when served hot.

Abstract: Animal litter composition which includes a particulate, absorbent inorganic solid material and an odor-abating amount of p-hydroxybenzoate (paraben) distributed on the solid material is disclosed.

Abstract: A steam humidifier cabinet provides a small cabinet which can be used in room installations and which provides a heated evaporative chamber for forming steam, and a fan for receiving the steam being generated and dispersing it through a cabinet passageway into the room. The evaporative chamber used for generating the steam is enclosed to prevent any leakage, or damage, and is accessible easily for cleaning or other servicing because it mounts on tracks which permit it to be slid out of the cabinet enclosure. Additionally, the heating element used for generating steam is attached to a cover and the cover is supportable out of the way on supports provided on the cabinet.

Abstract: A moisture control device for drying air, having an enclosed housing including an inlet and at least one restricted outlet. Contained within the housing, in between and on opposite sides of the inlet and outlet, are first and second desiccant columns, each containing a desiccant material. An inlet plenum is located between the inlet and the desiccant columns, and the discharge plenum is located between the restricted outlet and the desiccant columns, with the inlet and discharge plenums communicating through the desiccant columns. A valve damper is pivotally supported within the inlet plenum having one end extending across the inlet to alternately direct air into the housing by a blower into one of the desiccant columns. Pivotal exhaust doors are actuated by the damper to direct dry air into the opposite desiccant column, regenerating that column, before exhausting the air out of the housing.

Abstract: A particulate, water and oil sorbing composition is disclosed. The composition contains sorbent fuller's earth clay particles and sorbent synthetic particles, e.g. calcium sulfate dihydrate-containing granules, in a weight ratio of about 0.5:9.5 to about 4:6, respectively.

Abstract: A novel method of automatically decorating articles as they are formed, in-mold, of heated plastics flowing within and filling mold cavities. Pursuant to the invention an elongated tape or strip of decorating material is automatically advanced and pre-fed and positioned in the molds at each molding cycle, interfacing therein automatically with the plastics as they fill the molds under heat and pressure; as the article is thus formed, the decorating material forms therewith a unitary, permanent decorating part thereof.

Abstract: Synthetic absorbent granules of calcium sulfate dihydrate are manufactured by a process which utilizes a commercial type of dry powdered gypsum plaster or calcium sulfate hemihydrate, mixes the plaster with water in an inclined rotating disc machine to cause hydration to occur, and wherein the plaster is formed and grown into balls or granules of a generally predetermined size and discharged from the disc when reaching such size. The ball forming operation is started in the disc with seed material in the form of balls of a size corresponding generally to the balls to be manufactured by the process. Water spray is applied to the seed material in the rotating disc and a uniform pattern of movement of such material with a well defined eye is developed. When this occurs, generally the water is turned off.

Abstract: A humidifier for use with a forced air heating system. The humidifier comprises a water reservoir in the form of a sealed container having a water inlet connection and suitable control means for maintaining the level of the water at a predetermined depth within the reservoir. An electric immersion type heater is also provided within the sealed container at a level which is normally below the water level and, when energized, heats the water to produce steam. The reservoir can be mounted completely external to a duct of the forced air heating system, but an inverted U-shaped tube having preparations along the base thereof is disposed within the duct and has its parallel legs passing through the duct and reservoir so as to communicate with the portion of the reservoir above the level of the water therein. As such, the steam passes through the U-shaped tube and out its perforations to thereby add moisture to the air passing through the duct.

Abstract: A process for pelletizing sorptive mineral "fines" which includes adding sufficient moisture to the particles of sorptive material to occupy the pore space therein, compactly forming the moistened mineral in a pelletizing machine, then removing the pore moisture in a suitable dryer or kiln so that final pellets retain relatively the same absorbent capacity and bulk density as the original material.

Abstract: Calcium sulfate hemihydrate is processed into agglomerates such as granules and/or macrogranules by addition of an aqueous binder to a fluidized charge of calcium sulfate hemihydrate particles. The hemihydrate particles are agglomerated to a predetermined size range and hydrated to calcium sulfate dihydrate. The produced agglomerates have a bulk density of less than about 55 pounds per cubic foot, a surface hardness providing less than about 40 percent attrition, and a liquid holding capacity of at least about 10 percent.

Abstract: A filter assembly to remove impurities from a pressurized fluid stream comprises:(a) a longitudinally elongated barrel, first and second end structures at opposite ends of the barrel, said structures including end caps, and elongated tie members spaced about the barrel and removably interconnecting said end caps,(b) the barrel adapted to receive flexible container means containing fluid stream filtering material, and a spring located within the barrel between one of said end structures and said flexible container means to pressurize the latter for expanding same sidewardly against the barrel, and(c) the first end structure containing a fluid inlet and an annular plenum communicating with said inlet, said first end structure having an annular wall extending about a cavity in endwise longitudinal alignment with the barrel interior, said plenum extending about said wall which contains multiple through openings angled to pass pressurized fluid from the plenum to the cavity in sub-flow streams which are caused to

Abstract: A method for producing synthetic liquid absorbent granules to serve the same purposes as granules made from naturally occurring sorptive minerals such as absorbent clays. Water is mixed with powdered gypsum plaster in mixing apparatus and a paste or slurry condition results, with the volume of water relative to the plaster being varied to vary the bulk density and the absorption capacity characteristics of the ultimate granular product from each mix. The mix is taken from the apparatus and is allowed to set and harden in a form to be readily handled for crushing and sizing into desired screen mesh size granules, or the mix can be directly formed into pellets or granules so as to be allowed to set and harden and be correspondingly sized as the commercial product. Additives can be included in the mixing to vary the density and the absorption characteristics of the final absorbent granules.

Abstract: A cabinet assembly which is particularly useful in storing small hardware items such as nuts, bolts, screws, and washers, includes a plurality of drawers and a unitary molded plastic cabinet. The unitary molded plastic cabinet has an open back, a front formed of a grid of horizontal and vertical cross bar defining openings for the drawers, slides extending rearwardly from the grid for receiving and supporting the drawers, and a flange in each of the openings which extends downward from a horizontal cross bar and acts as a stop for both inward and outward travel of the drawer.