Abstract: Controlled release compositions are made by including chemical impregnants (such as animal repellants, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, plant growth stimulants, perfumes, fertilizers, and drugs) in biodegradable, microporous structures. Each microporous structure collapses upon drying but swells upon rewetting to allow the impregnant entrapped in it to diffuse from the structure. Never-dried wood pulp is a particularly desirable microporous structure because it has large pores initially, a large surface area initially, and demonstrated swelling capability. Methods for making the novel controlled release compositions and methods of using the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Controlled release compositions releasing an effective amount of biologically active material such as pesticide into the environment over an extended period of time are disclosed. The compositions comprise an intimate admixture of an organic polymer and a component incorporating a biologically active material wherein the biologically active material is released by molecular diffusion through the matrix of the polymer at the surfaces exposed to the environment. The component including the biologically active material is incorporated in the polymer in amounts sufficient that diffusion of the component at the surfaces exposed to the environment results in loss of structural integrity and/or fraction of the polymer to thereby expose new surfaces to decomposition for further release of the biologically active material resulting in a rate of release over an extended period of time in proportion to that necessary to offer protection.

Abstract: This lid fitting machine is designed to efficiently seal a plastic container filled with a food product, with a plastic lid. Primarily, it consists of a frame with a motor driven carrier chain, having feed arms for the transport and placement of lids on the filled containers. It also includes a hopper for containing the multiple number of lids, and it further includes a pair of cams, for the precise operation of lid placement onto the containers.

Abstract: Controlled release compositions are made by a distillation method to include chemical impregnants (such as animal repellants, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, plant growth stimulants, perfumes and deodorizers, fertilizers, and drugs) in biodegradable, microporous structures. Each microporous structure collapses upon drying but swells upon rewetting to allow the impregnant entrapped in it to diffuse from the structure. Never-dried wood pulp is a particularly desirable microporous structure because it has large pores initially, a large surface area initially, and demonstrated swelling capability. The method is particularly useful when the impregnant is insoluble in the fluid initially within the microporous structure and when the solvent for the impregnant is immiscible with that fluid.

Abstract: A method to reduce animal browsing damage to plants comprises the step of inducing a nonphytotoxic dosage of selenium into the foliage of the plants at a level sufficient to repel animals. The method is particularly suited for use in reforestation of pines, firs, and other conifers. The selenium is systemically absorbed into the plants after application to the surrounding soil in the root zone. Selenium compounds having a valency of no more than 4.sup.+ are applied to the soil around the plants to induce absorption in a preferred method.

Abstract: A method of reducing the formaldehyde emissions from formaldehyde condensation polymers is disclosed. A substance having two or more amide linkages, such as a polyacrylamide polymer is incorporated in the polymer solution immediately or shortly before use, the acrylamide polymer reacting with free formaldehyde in the solution or that generated as a result of hydrolytic breakdown of the formaldehyde condensation polymer. The incorporation of polyacrylamide polymers in a urea-formaldehyde resin solution used in the production of urea-formaldehyde insulating foams is of particular benefit.

Abstract: A process for making a phenol-aldehyde resin adhesive is disclosed in which a portion of the phenol ingredient is replaced with ammonium lignosulfonate. Solid ammonia base waste sulfite liquor residue is dissolved or suspended in phenol and the mixture is heated to a temperature range of 150.degree.-300.degree. C under autogenous pressure until the resulting phenol-ammonium lignosulfonate component of the reaction mass is water insoluble but soluble in aqueous sodium hydroxide. The reaction mass may be washed with water to remove soluble wood sugars and their derivatives. The phenol-ammonium lignosulfonate component may then be condensed with an aldehyde resulting in a resin product that is useful as an exterior adhesive, having suitable water insolubility and adhesive characteristics. The ratio of ammonium lignosulfonate to phenol may range from 2:1 to 1:10, depending upon the desired properties of the finished adhesive.