Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing dust from particulate material, utilizing a tower or column having a passage with a series of baffles on opposite sides over which the particulate material cascades while air is drawn across the flow path of the material to remove the dust dispersed in the material and adhering to the surface of the particles of material. Air is drawn across the passage from one side to the other by vacuum or suction from a vacuum pump or the like. In performing the method using the apparatus, the particulate material is introduced at the top of the column and permitted to cascade down through the vertical passage therein from one baffle to the next, and air is drawn inwardly between the baffles on one side and outwardly between the baffles on the opposite side of the column, and, as the air flows through the material cascading between the baffles, it removes the dust from the material.

Abstract: A package of litter for small animals, having two horizontally disposed layers of particulate, liquid absorbent material, the lower layer of which is of relatively light particulate material of organic composition, containing an odor suppressant therein, and the upper layer of which is of relatively heavy particulate material of inorganic composition. The upper layer may have odor suppressant in an amount substantially less than in the lower layer, though normally the upper layer does not contain any substantial amount of odor suppressant material. The litter is normally packaged in a plurality of elongated bag-like containers, joined together at the sides by a frangible web and at the top by a removable header.

Abstract: A musical hat, cap or similar head covering is disclosed, having a visor portion with a compartment formed therein near the frontal portion of the visor. A musical device is disposed in the compartment and includes a switch for activating the musical device. The switch may be so located that grasping the hat by the visor in the vicinity of the switch, for tipping or waving the hat, activates the musical device which plays a short tune and then stops until reactivated.

Abstract: A method for plotting and disseminating information on the paths of violent storms, which can be used to accurately and quickly describe the affected region in a manner easily comprehended by the residents of the region. A map is provided with a grid system consisting of intersecting, generally vertical and horizontal columns and rows, dividing the area into subregions. Each row and each column has an identifying designation, and each subregion of the map has a distinct designation including the designations for the row and the column in which it is located. A weather bulletin for an area includes reference to the designations for the subregion involved.

Abstract: A deicing and traction forming composition in which particles of clay are impregnated and coated with a salt, such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride, and/or ammonium chloride so that, when the particulate material is used to deice and form a traction surface, the salt immediately begins the ice melting action followed by a more gradual action from the release of the salt from the particles. The particles are water softening, readily disintegratable under the pressure of foot and vehicle traffic to release the absorbed salt and to form a traction surface on the ice. A method is used in the production of the composition consisting of heating crushed clay to drive off the moisture and, after screening the particulate material to obtain a somewhat uniform particle size and while it is still at an elevated temperature, spraying the particles with a salt solution.

Abstract: An integral page and tab for magazines, trade journals, catalogs, books and other publications, in which one or more pages include an outline of a pretab configuration which can be partially severed from the page and folded to form a tab projecting beyond the edge of the page, and which can be unfolded to permit the printed matter on the page to be read in the normal manner, without interference from the pretab configuration or from the tabs formed from the page. The tab formed on the pages may be located along the side or top or bottom edges, or at the corner or corners of the pages.

Abstract: A sanitary pet box structure having a container with a space therein for holding feces receiving material, and a pet support section adapted to seat on the container and having an elongated opening disposed over the space for the material. Along each side of the opening is a relatively flat area for supporting the respective front and rear paws of the pet, with said opening extending longitudinally with respect to the pet's body. The unit preferably has inwardly and downwardly sloping sides so that the pet is forced to use the areas along each side of the elongated opening for the support of its paws and body. The support unit normally is used in conjunction with a container; however, it may be, in some instances, used in connection with a conventional toilet or commode.