Abstract: A polyol formulation is disclosed, the formulation including: (a) 80 to 99 parts by weight (pbw) of a polymer polyol comprising a base polyol having a molecular weight in the range of from 2,500 to 6,500, an average nominal functionality (Fn) of at least 2.0, an ethylene oxide content of 50 to 80%, and a primary hydroxyl content of at least 40% and a polymer stably dispersed therein; and, up to a total of 100 pbw, (b) 1 to 20 pbw of a hydrophilic polyol having a molecular weight in the range of from 2,000 to 5,500, an ethylene oxide content of at least 40% by weight and a primary hydroxyl content of at least 50%. The formulation may further include a tin catalyst and optionally a crosslinking agent and is very useful for producing latex-like polyurethane foams. These foams may be suitably applied in cushions (in e.g. car seats and upholstered furniture) or mattresses.

Abstract: An apparatus to convert optical power into a voltage includes a wavelength selector switch and can plug itself into any multi-meter. The converter apparatus comprises an annular connector which adapts onto any type of optical fiber connectors which may be of various diameters. A photo-diode at the receiving end is large enough so as not to require that the optical fiber be at a 90.degree. angle to the photo-diode surface at any time, so the surface gets the best possible reading. A switch on the converter housing allows to calibrate instantly the converter at the right wavelength used for the test. The optical power is then converted and sent as a voltage value through a pair of banana plugs that can be affixed to any multi-meter. A battery within the housing provides the power to the converter so no external power source is needed. The converter allows the use of a low price multi-meter rather than needing a converter particularly built for this application.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ensilaging and fermenting vegetable and animal materials, in particular cabbage, which comprises recycling liquid removed from the bottom of the ensilaging container, recycling it and distributing it on top of the material being ensilaged. The device comprises means for effecting the recycle and distribution as well as means for heating and cooling the material being recycled. Additionally, means are provided for adding desired materials prior to and during the recycle.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an installation for treating residual water, particularly residual water resulting from the manufacture of sauerkraut, in order to transform such water into proteinic food products, especially yeasts. The novel installation comprises a fermentation vat, means for supplying said vat with residual water, nutritive salts and oxygen, means for evacuating the contents from the vat, in the form of paste and for feeding the latter to a centrifugal separator, connected to the storage tank for the paste previous concentrated in said separator, said vat further comprising a stirrer in its lower part and a foam separator in its upper portion and a cooling circuit extending through said vat, said installation being also provided with means for adjusting the pH of the medium submitted to fermentation.

Abstract: When fermenting and ensilaging material such cabbage to produce sauerkraut, liquid is recycled during fermentation from the bottom of an ensilaging container to the top of the container and evenly distributed over the top of material in the container to prevent dehydration of the material being fermented.The temperature of the recycled liquid can be controlled and various substances can be added to the recycled liquid.