Abstract: Fabrics are treated in machine drying apparatus to reduce static electricity carried by the fabrics, soften the fabrics and improve other fabric properties. A reusable dispenser of solid or semi-solid fabric-conditioning agent is placed within the dryer drum and the fabrics are tumbled in the dryer thereby causing some of the fabric-conditioning agent to be transferred to the fabric. When the dryer is heated, the heat of the dryer helps cause the fabric-conditioning agent to soften and assist in its distribution over the surface of fabric with which it is brought into tumbling contact.

Abstract: An improved nozzle apparatus rapidly convertible, while operating, between spray and foam forming modes of operation. An elongate rigid generally cylindrical first conduit member receives surfactant bearing solution at an inlet port thereof and directs the solution under pressure to a spray forming nozzle connected at an outlet port of the first conduit. A second elongate conduit member coaxially slidably overlies the first conduit member and is movable relative thereto between extended and retracted positions. When in its retracted position, the second conduit member exposes the spray-forming nozzle, which is then enabled to direct a spray pattern of the solution longitudinally outward from the apparatus. When in its extended position, the second conduit member encompasses the spray-forming nozzle, and aspirates the spray therefrom with air to form foam which is ejected longitudinally outward from the second conduit member.

Abstract: Diaryl urethanes made by capping poly (oxyalkylene) diols with monoisocyanates are characterized by a desirable hydrophobe/hydrophile balance typically evidenced by low cloud points, the ability to form micelles in aqueous media, the ability to reduce stable foam, and the ability to be taken up and retained by paper fibers, the low foaming or de-foaming capability of these compounds is useful in machine dishwashing detergents and additives, which hydrophobe/hydrophile balance is typically obtained through a combination of oxyethylene and oxypropylene units or blocks in the oxyalkylene chain.

Abstract: In a continuous standardizing and blending system, a liquid (e.g. whole milk) having a known composition is introduced into a separator for separating the milk into components, e.g. a skim (fat-free) component and a high-fat component such as cream. The milk enters the separator through a conduit having a flow meter positioned therein for providing a electrical analog signal corresponding to the flow rate through the conduit. The separator has a skim outlet connected to a skim conduit and a cream outlet connected to a cream conduit. A similar flow meter in the cream conduit generates an output electrical analog signal corresponding to the flow rate through that conduit. A programmed analog control unit compares the signal from the milk flow meter with the signal from the cream flow meter and provides a control signal which regulates the setting of a throttling valve upstream from the cream flow meter. This setting controls the flow rate of cream through the cream conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus and logic circuitry for selection of a desired wash program in a laundry machine in which multiple programs are available and occupy zones of varied extent on a continuous program surface. An indexing surface is connected to and moves with the program surface. The indexing surface is divided into a plurality of tracks, each of which is marked to identify the position and extent of a distinct program encoded on the program surface. Individual pushbutton selection switches provide power to enable individual sensing switches paired with the tracks. An enabled switch senses the markings defining the program selected by actuation of a particular pushbutton. The pushbutton switch enabling an individual sensing switch also actuates an indexing drive which rapidly and automatically drives the indexing surface to a position where the enabled sensing switch senses a program point corresponding to the beginning of the selected program.

Abstract: A mixture of non-agglomerated particles of condensed phosphate salt, detergent builder salt and solid chlorine-releasing agent are agglomerated (i.e. formed into composite, enlarged particles) on an inclined, generally planar sliding bed. The residence time in the agglomerator can be reduced below 2 minutes and even below one minute with no adverse effect upon chlorine stability or anti-caking properties, if at least about two moles of water (e.g. more than about 8 or 9 wt. % water) are added to each mole of condensed phosphate used in the composition prior to the time the condensed phosphate contacts the sliding bed. The resulting agglomerated particles which emerge from the agglomerator generally contain less than 25 wt. % moisture and are relatively free-flowing. They are conveyed to a drying zone and raised to a temperature of at least about 33.degree. C. in order to substantially eliminate unbound moisture and to decompose any thermally unstable hydrates (e.g.