Abstract: This invention provides a dried singulated crosslinked cellulose pulp fiber product as well as an apparatus and a method for forming singulated, crosslinked, and dried fibers. In accordance with the process, a feed pulp containing a crosslinker is delivered to a jet drier. The jet drier singulates and dries the feed pulp. The singulated and dried fibers are collected from the jet drier. The feed pulp may be further treated with a treatment substance. The jet drier may be maintained at negative pressure. The product fibers may have low knot count, a low fines count, as well improved kink, curl and twist. The apparatus for carrying out the process may include a pretreatment station for supplying the treatment substance, a pulp feed device designed for pulp, a pulp feed device designed for pulp and foam suspensions, and/or a fiber separation station having a vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: A dryer vent designed to prevent bird and rodent ingress through the vent and further to prevent lint build-up includes a flap which has an edge portion recessed within the main body of the vent preventing birds and rodents from grasping the flap and opening it. Further, the dryer vent includes a rotating member such as a paddlewheel or a fan blade which rotates in response to air flowing through the vent thereby frightening birds and rodents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel process for inserting a cannula into a hub member. The process uses an interference or frictional fit between the bore of the hub member and the cannula's exterior surface. In this manner, adhesives are not required in the assembly of the two components.