Abstract: A biodegradable, clumpable cat litter made from corncob and biomass components. The animal litter is a mixture of heavy density particles and light density particles. The heavy density particles are formed of corncob grit and the light density particles are formed of sized pellets of light weight corncob components. Heavy density and light density particles are coated with mineral oil to which is adhered guar gum. The heavy density particles compose 30%-70% of the mixture and the remainder is composed of light density particles.

Abstract: A granular, biodegradable carrier made from a naturally occurring cellulose material such as corncobs, wood shavings or saw dust, rice hulls, peanut shells and pecan shells. A maximum density cellulose carrier product is produced in a wide variety of granule size ranges by the process of reducing the cellulose material to produce an intermediate pulverulent product, compressing the intermediate pulverulent product to produce pellets, shearing the pellets to produce the granular product, and classifying the granules to the desired size range. Critical control of a moisture addition to the intermediate pulverulent product before it is compressed or pelletized along with selective tempering of the pulverulent product before compression yields a maximum density pellet and a maximum density granular product.

Abstract: An improved aeration system for use with a storage structure for storing particulate material such as grain. The storage structure includes a large flexible cover which is vertically movable relative to a center vertical support. The aeration system includes a vessel adjacent the lower end of the support. Air inlet pipes extend radially outwardly from the vessel. One or more fans are in communication with the air inlet pipes to hold the cover down and to aerate the material. The cover hold down and the aeration begin during initial filling of the storage structure and continues after filling is completed. In another embodiment a second plurality of air inlet pipes extend inwardly from the cover periphery toward the support. Fans are in communication with the second plurality of air inlet pipes to aid in providing the hold down forces and in the aeration of the particulate material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a particulate material in a storage assembly. The storage assembly includes a wall for retaining the particulate material and a cover. A cap is positioned above the cover and mounts a vertically movable ring assembly. During filling, the ring assembly is adjusted to tension the cover. A flow of fluid is provided through said stored particulate material for maintaining the temperature within the stored particulate material within a predetermined upper and lower limit and also urges the cover into contact with the particulate material.

Abstract: A method of reducing the liberation of dust particles from a dry particulate matter is disclosed. The particulate matter is transferred to a location where it falls through the air, a small amount of water is introduced onto the particles of material in the material stream, the water being added in the amount of at least 1.01 % and no more than 1% of the weight of the dry particulate matter. The wetted particles contact each other and are distributed generally uniformally throughout the remainder of the material. The delivery of the wetted particles is delayed by a period of at least one second. A smooth path is provided for the material stream after the uniform distribution and prior to discharge at the discharge location.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for drying particulate material wherein the particulate material is passed through an enclosed chamber. A heated fluid is introduced into a portion of the enclosed chamber to heat and absorb the moisture from the particulate material. A cooling fluid is introduced into a portion of the enclosed chamber to cool and absorb moisture from the heated particulate material. The particulate material is recirculated through the enclosed chamber until the desired degree of drying is achieved.

Abstract: A unitary light shield for use with a color picture tube lighthouse has non-reflective sides, the edges of which are curved to conform with the intensity pattern of the exposing lamp. An apertured bottom member also is non-reflective of light. The device substantially reduces the exposure of the sidewalls of the panels by penumbra and scattered light.