Abstract: The tendency of liquid paraformaldehyde containing water and paraformaldehyde in, for example, approximately 80% to approximately 90% concentration to precipitate solid paraformaldehyde therefrom is retarded by the incorporation thereinto of an effective amount of a moderator or stabilizer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acid, tartaric acid, dl-malic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and citric acid. The prior-art stabilizers known and used for lower-concentration formaldehyde solutions of, for example, about 50% strength are not effective. Conversely, the present moderators are not effective in the lower-concentration solutions.

Abstract: Apparatus for withdrawing wire in an axial direction from a coil, with rotary counter-twist means which is capable of adjustment during operation to vary the ratio of its speed to that of the wire, and which includes a set of bending rolls with combined straightening and back-tension functions.