Abstract: An aqueous slurry of smectite clay of elevated solids content, comprising an aqueous solution or emulsion of from about 0.5 to about 13% by weight of said slurry of a salt of a low molecular weight amine salt, in which is dispersed from about 10 to 47% by weight of the slurry, of a smectite clay. The amine salt is effective to prevent the smectite from swelling appreciably, whereby the slurry can be shipped and stored without creating a gelling problem. The inhibiting or suppressing effect of the amine salt on the swelling of the clay and on gelling of the slurry is reversible upon subsequent dilution with water, thereby facilitating use of the smectite in typical applications, e.g. as a retention aid in paper making, or as a viscosifier.

Abstract: A dust mop having a frame handle and mop yarn attached to at least one side of the frame. The frame having an integral handle socket attached to the frame by the tongue. The tongue is sufficiently flexible to flex under user pressure to keep the mop yarn in contact with the surface to be dusted and to remain substantially in a horizontal position when raised above the floor.

Abstract: A sponge mop head is provided which protects a scrub strip during wringing operations by the use of a composite curved wringer plate assembly which envelops the scrub strip while allowing the mopping solution to be expelled from the sponge. In addition, a turn lock system is provided on the sponge mop head for conveniently removing and replacing a sponge mop refill cartridge.

Abstract: A sponge refill backplate for easy replacement on mop heads having mop clips, turn-lock assemblies or long slotted attachment members comprising opposed raised locking clips open only at their distal ends having locking slots with a wider channel below to receive a mop clip, the locking slot being of sufficient length so that mop clips on a sponge mop head may slide far enough into the locking clip to allow the outer side of the opposite locking clip to fall into place at its attachment without bending the backplate or sponge; and a pair of locking ramps located at the open distal end of each locking clip, angled inwardly toward the open end to assist in loading the refill and which acts as stop members for the mop clips or long slotted attachment members but which may be overridden by a predetermined force in the longitudinal direction of the mop head. This is an advantage over most current sponge refills which require wetting and/or bending the sponge and backplate to attach the refill to the mop head.

Abstract: A method for the control of pitch in a pulp is characterized in that the method comprises sequentially adding to and mixing with the pulp (1) 1-10 Kg/tonne of pulp of a low molecular weight, high cationic charge, polymeric, water-soluble species, such as those derived from inorganic aluminium salts or quaternary polyamines, and (2) 0.5 to less than 10 Kg/tonne of pulp of montmorillonite clay particles, such as bentonite, which clay particles may be chemically modified to improve adsorption capacity or otherwise treated to increase the anionic charge density of the dispersion but which do not have a water-soluble cationic polymer associated therewith.

Abstract: A hand brush having an elongated bristle block body, with substantially planar top and bottom surfaces. The brush bristles extend downwardly from the bottom of the body. The forward end of the body is provided with a forwardly extending nose. A handle has a first portion extending upwardly from the nose and the adjacent forward portion of the top of the body and a second grip portion directed rearwardly above the top of the body. The nose is narrower than the forward end of the body forming a recessed alcove to either side of the nose. A pair of mirror image fingernail cleaners extend forwardly from the forward end of the brush body along and spaced from each side of the nose. The forward ends of the fingernail cleaners are sharp enough to remove grime from beneath the user's nails, but do not represent a hazard to the user since they are set back in their respective alcoves and do not extend beyond the brush nose.

Abstract: A scrub brush intended primarily for hands and knees type scrubbing. The scrub brush has a substantially rectangular bristle block body of substantially uniform thickness. The bristle block has a rearward end and a forward end with a forwardly extending scraper thereon, terminating in a scraping edge extending transversely of the bristle block. The brush bristles extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the bristle block. A handle for the scrub brush comprises a grip extending longitudinally of the bristle block and a pair of supports which extend between the bristle block top surface and the grip near its forward and rearward ends. The grip has a gentle, longitudinal S-curve with the result that the grip forward end is spaced at a slightly greater distance from the upper surface of the bristle block than is the grip rearward end. The grip increases slightly in width and thickness from its rearward end to its rounded forward end.

Abstract: A utility brush for use in the kitchen to clean such items as pots, pans, utensils, dishes, sinks and plastic storage and serving vessels. The brush comprises a substantially rectangular bristle block with an array of bristles extending downwardly from its bottom surface. A gently curved handle extends upwardly and rearwardly from the central and rearward portion of the bristle block top enabling scrubbing power to be applied to the center of the bristle block and thus to the entire array of bristles. A first scraper extends upwardly and forwardly from the bristle block top surface along the bristle block forward edge from a first forward corner of the bristle block toward the second forward bristle block corner, terminating short thereof. A second upstanding tooth-like scraper is located at the second bristle block forward corner. The second scraper is narrower along the bristle block forward edge than along the adjacent bristle block side edge. The first and second scrapers define a notch therebetween.

Abstract: Paper or paperboard is made by forming an aqueous cellulosic suspension, passing the cellulosic suspension through one or more shear stages, draining the suspension to form a sheet and drying the sheet, wherein the cellulosic suspension that is drained includes organic polymeric material and inorganic material, wherein said organic polymeric material is a flocculant having a molecular weight above 500,000 and is added to the suspension before one of the said shear stages and wherein said inorganic material comprises bentonite which added to the suspension after that shear stage, characterised in that the organic polymeric material comprises an anionic or non-ionic polymer.