Abstract: A paper towel dispenser which provides for hands free, automatic feeding of the first sheet of a primary web roll, such as a paper towel roll, into a feed mechanism when its cover is closed. The dispenser also automatically transfers its web feed supply from a primary roll to a reserve roll upon the exhaustion of the primary roll. The present invention eliminates the need for an attendant to thread the leading edge of a primary or reserve roll into the feed mechanism of the dispenser. The dispenser also eliminates wasted paper because it does not begin to feed the reserve roll until the primary roll has expired. The dispenser can include either a manual feed mechanism or a powered feed mechanism. The dispenser relies on a sensor for determining when a portion of the web is absent from a side of the feed mechanism proximate a web discharge opening.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of pigment granules includes mixing at least one pigment selected from the group consisting of iron oxide and chromium oxides with 1-25 wt. % water to form a damp powder. The damp powder is then pressure extruded through at least one die to form granules. The granules are then dried so that the final water content of the granules is less than about 1%, crumbled and sieved to form the final product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a web perforating apparatus which includes a system for detecting and indicating when a blade in the apparatus is broken, dull or otherwise not perforating the web. The apparatus is typically used with rewinders or other similar machines that produce perforated sheets of products, such as paper, using sets of stationary anvil blades and rotating perforating blades. The apparatus comprises at least one anvil including a blade holder and an anvil blade which is positioned within the blade holder. The blade holder is formed of an insulating material for electrically isolating the anvil blade from the machine frame of the rewinder. An electrical conductor is coupled to the anvil blade for supplying an electric current to the anvil blade from a current source. The apparatus also includes at least one grounded perforating blade for moving relative to the anvil blade and cooperating with the anvil blade to perforate the web at predetermined points along its length.

Abstract: The present invention provides a web perforating apparatus which includes a system for detecting and indicating when a blade in the apparatus is broken, dull or otherwise not perforating the web. The apparatus is typically used with rewinders or other similar machines that produce perforated sheets of products, such as paper, using sets of stationary anvil blades and rotating perforating blades. The apparatus comprises at least one anvil including a blade holder and an anvil blade which is positioned within the blade holder. The blade holder is formed of an insulating material for electrically isolating the anvil blade from the machine frame of the rewinder. An electrical conductor is coupled to the anvil blade for supplying an electric current to the anvil blade from a current source. The apparatus also includes at least one grounded perforating blade for moving relative to the anvil blade and cooperating with the anvil blade to perforate the web at predetermined points along its length.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrochemical reaction wherein a controlled amount of a first reagent is generated electrochemically at an electrode in electrical contact with a solution of an electrochemically inert salt, comprising applying a suitable electrical potential to the electrode for a suitable time to generate a controlled amount of the first reagent by electrochemical reaction between the electrode and a species in solution producing a localized thin layer environment comprising the first reagent in the vicinity of the electrode; and monitoring the amount or presence of the first reagent or a further species produced in solution in response to production of the first reagent. The method invention thus involves generating the first reagent in situ at an electrode.

Abstract: A testing device for qualitatively or quantitatively sensing an electrochemical or analogous reaction at the surface of a test strip (46), the current flowing or charge accumulated at the test strip being processed by electronics (50) to generate a current signal suitable for activating a display (52) typically in the form of a thermochromic layer.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrochemical reaction wherein a controlled amount of a first reagent is generated electrochemically at an electrode in electrical contact with a solution of an electrochemically inert salt, comprising applying a suitable electrical potential to the electrode for a suitable time to generate a controlled amount of the first reagent by electrochemical reaction between the electrode and a species in solution producing a localized thin layer environment comprising the first reagent in the vicinity of the electrode; and monitoring the amount or presence of the first reagent or a further species produced in solution in response to production of the first reagent. The method invention thus involves generating the first reagent in situ at an electrode.

Abstract: A method for the electrochemical determination of the reducing sugars content of an aqueous solution in a thin layer electrochemical measuring device, preferably a capillary fill device, wherein an inner surface of the device is coated with a soluble redox mediator, the device including means for producing an alkaline environment within the device. In a preferred method the redox mediator comprises potassium ferricyanide providing ferricyanide ions in saturated solution and lithium hydroxide providing hydroxide ions in an excess amount of from 1 to 3 molar. The invention also provides a capillary fill device having a guard electrode between the reference and working electrodes.