Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing hail protection, and, more particularly, to methods, systems, and apparatuses for implementing vehicle hail protection. In some aspects, a device can provide protection for a vehicle and its occupants during a hailstorm. The device might be generally ovoid or elliptical and flat or (slightly) convex in shape, comprising single (or multiple) distinct airtight compartments (or layers) that can each inflate separately. The device might be fabricated from a relatively light, airtight, and waterproof material. When protection from hailstone is needed, the device can be quickly placed over the top of the vehicle, secured, then inflated with an air pump that plugs into a vehicle's cigarette lighter socket, USB port, or electrical outlet, or the like. Once inflated, the device is ready to provide an air-cushion barrier against falling hailstone. The device may be attached to a vehicle utilizing several straps.

Abstract: A method of measuring contamination in fluid that is expelled from a food processing system is presented. The method of measuring is carried out with fluorescence. The fluid is typically allowed to enter into an energy transfer system, but if the contamination exceeds a certain level, the fluid should be prevented from entering the energy transfer system. The fluid is generally comprised of water expelled from a sugar processing operation.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a tissue product with improved flushability. Specifically, the incorporation of both a temporary wet strength agent and an alkaline reagent into the tissue product results in the tissue product having high initial wet tensile strength and a high rate of wet tensile loss. The high rate of wet tensile loss is caused by the high pH of the alkaline reagent that is incorporated during the dry end of a tissue manufacturing process. The temporary wet strength agent is added in the wet end of a tissue manufacturing process. In certain embodiments of the present invention, glyoxylated polyacrylamide may be used as the temporary wet strength agent, while the alkaline reagent may be in dry form or may be encapsulated.

Abstract: A method for forming a paper web with two surfaces having elevated regions is provided. The elevated regions can be imparted onto the surfaces of the tissue utilizing various papermaking techniques and devices, such as using patterned fabrics, wire-mesh, and/or pressure rolls. A tissue formed according to the present invention can have a substantial fiber density gradient in the −z direction and a relatively low fiber density gradient in the x-y plane. Moreover, the tissue can also have a substantial pore size distribution gradient in the −z direction and a relatively low pore size distribution gradient in the x-y plane for improved absorption properties.

Abstract: A tissue with two surfaces having elevated regions is provided. The elevated regions can be imparted onto the surfaces of the tissue utilizing various papermaking techniques and devices, such as using patterned fabrics, wire-mesh, and/or pressure rolls. A tissue of the present invention can have a substantial fiber density gradient in the -z direction and a relatively low fiber density gradient in the x-y plane. Moreover, the tissue can also have a substantial pore size distribution gradient in the -z direction and a relatively low pore size distribution gradient in the x-y plane for improved absorption properties.

Abstract: A dry particulate dispersion system includes a fluidized bed of particulate material, an intake device within the fluidized bed, and a controllable source of supplemental gas connected to the intake device. The amount of supplemental gas supplied to the intake device controls the amount of suspended particulate material withdrawn through the intake device. The intake device may be coupled to a venturi eductor, which then sucks the supplemental gas and fluidized particulate material out of the fluidized bed and entrains it in a stream of pressurized gas flowing to a dispersion apparatus, such as a spray nozzle.

Abstract: Addition of a phosphate salt to creping adhesive composition comprising a water soluble binder increases operational efficiency.