Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously producing pulp from previously unusable agricultural fibers, such as plantain. The pulp is used in papermaking. The pulp effluent is recycled and concentrated during the process, thereby enabling economical recovery of chemical by-products for use as fertilizer or animal feed material.

Abstract: Energy and useful products are recovered from plantain wastes in a self-contained waste treatment plant wherein the raw material waste is charged into a boiler where the same is combusted to produce flue gases containing several organic compounds and dry ash containing residue mineral salts. The flue gas heats water in a water reservoir to generate steam which drives a turbine generator to produce electricity, the flue gas then being collected and at least partially condensed to form a pyroligneous acid solution from which alcohols and the like can be recovered. The dry ash containing residue mineral salt is mixed with other minerals or reagents with the resulting mass being supplied into a continuously stirred fusion furnace situated within the boiler to which heat is supplied by the flue gas to produce commercially useful products, such as zeolites, dolomite or other related products.

Abstract: In order to achieve a specimen in the form of a dry spot on a given surface, use is made of an elongated capillary tube one end region of which communicates fluid-tightly with the interior of a flexible resilient enclosure in the form of a suitable bulb which after being compressed will by itself expand to its initial volume, this bulb in turn communicating fluid-tightly with the interior of a container which is provided in its interior with an air-flow retarding material capable of regulating the flow of air resulting from compression and subsequent expansion of the flexible resilient enclosure in such a way that when the end of the capillary tube distant from the enclosure is placed in a solution of the specimen and the enclosure after being compressed is permitted to expand, the solution will be drawn into the capillary tube and will be held therein while the lower end of the capillary tube is placed near a surface onto which, as a result of the condition of the air in the interior of the resilient enclosu

Abstract: A laboratory container having an open top closed by a funnel in the container to direct liquid into the same with the funnel carrying a structure to prevent liquid from spilling out through the funnel when the container and funnel are inverted. A valve communicates with the interior of the container to discharge liquid therefrom when the container is inverted.