Abstract: A multi-functional sensing and measuring system capable of detecting both temperature and humidity is fabricated from a porous metal-oxide ceramic whose dielectric constant varies with temperature and whose electric resistance varies with ambient humidity. The sensing element is connected in series with a resistor and a rectangular pulse voltage is applied across the series combination, and the ambient temperature and humidity are measured simultaneously in terms of (i) the circuit time constant (to measure temperature) of a transient state value and (ii) the steady state value of the voltage across the resistor (to measure humidity).

Abstract: A composition for altering the water function characteristics of a wet, particulate mineral mass combines a surfactant material having an HLB number of from about 6.0 to about 12.0 with a surfactant adsorption inhibitory amount of a fatty acid substance.

Abstract: In a multi-layer polymeric structure having an interior oxygen barrier layer of a moisture sensitive polymeric material such as ethylene-vinyl alcohol, drying agents are incorporated in the structure, particularly in a layer or layers proximate to the barrier layer, to limit the moisture content of the barrier layer to maintain barrier properties.

Abstract: A combination moisture and hydrogen getter comprises(a) a moisture getter comprising a readily oxidizable metal; and(b) a hydrogen getter comprising (i) a solid acetylenic compound and (ii) a hydrogenation catalyst. A method of scavenging moisture from a closed container uses the combination moisture and hydrogen getter to irreversibly chemically reduce the moisture and chemically bind the resultant hydrogen.

Abstract: The invention relates to the stabilization against water uptake of hygroscopic salts useful as catalysts by formation of anhydrous adducts with particulate support materials in order to facilitate manipulation and storage. The adducts comprise a particulate support material and a hygroscopic salt of a species of formula R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 R.sup.4 N, R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 R.sup.4 P, R.sup.1 R.sup.2 R.sup.3 R.sup.4 As, wherein R.sup.1 R.sup.4 which may be identical or different represent hydrogen or alkyl or aryl groups, or of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Cu.

Abstract: Surfactant-modified, 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane solvent compositions are provided which contain small but effective amounts, i.e., about 0.2 to about 0.5 weight percent of solvent soluble/water insoluble surfactant and/or surfactant demulsifiers and adjust to accommodate. Of particular significance are the compositions containing N-acylated sarcosine surfactants and demulsifiers of the group acetylenic diols, aliphatic primary alcohols of 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and alkyl phosphate triesters of 3 to 12 carbon atoms. The demulsifier containing compositions have the properties of effectively and essentially completely displacing water or aqueous solutions from many substrates and, even under conditions of severe agitation, separating them for removal by decantation from the solvent layer without the drawback of forming stable emulsions that prevent said decantation and interfere with sufficient processing of the solvent drying compositions through the drying apparatus.

Abstract: Water-borne surface-coating compositions comprise an oxidizable organic film-forming resinous vehicle and a drier system that comprises a cobalt salt-potassium salt complex and that has a total metal content of 5% to 14% by weight. The drier system may also contain other metal salts, e.g., calcium salts and zirconium salts of monocarboxylic acids.

Abstract: A water removing composition suitable for use in treating solid surfaces which comprises (a) a halogenated hydrocarbon solvent, (b) at least one member selected from the group consisting of amines having an oxyalkylene group, their salts with an organic acid of the formula, R.sup.1 COOH, HOOCR.sup.2 COOH, R.sup.1 SO.sub.3 H, R.sup.1 OPO.sub.3 H or (R.sup.1 O).sub.2 PO.sub.2 H, wherein R.sup.1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which may be substituted with a hydroxyl group or an alkylphenyl group having 7 to 26 carbon atoms and R.sup.2 is an alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and quaternary ammonium salts composed of an ammonium having an oxyalkylene group and an acid radical of the above-mentioned organic acids, and (c) at least one substituted amine salt with dialkyl sulfosuccinate of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is as defined above, and R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.

Abstract: A relative humidity sensitive material comprises a mixture of at least one hygroscopic salt and an at least partially electrically conductive metal based powder. Each salt in the relative humidity sensitive material has a cationic constituent selected from the group consisting of the alkali and alkaline earth metals and an anionic constituent selected from the group consisting of a chlorate, perchlorate, and chloro aluminate. The metal based powder preferably comprises a metal or metal oxide powder or powder mixture including such constituents as Zr, CO.sub.3 O.sub.4, and MnO.sub.2. Additionally, the material may include a binding agent and a slurry mixture may be formed for placement of the resultant material between electrodes on a substrate so as to form a relative humidity sensor. These sensors are employed either individually or configured in a system used to either indicate or control the relative humidity.

Abstract: Combination of a nonionic oxyalkylated alcohol surfactant and an engine fuel, e.g. a 50--50 mixture, by volume, of such surfactant and an aircraft engine fuel such as JP-4 jet fuel, consisting essentially of a mixture of gasoline and kerosene, which is miscible both with water-based and oil-based liquids, for removing water or water-based leak tracer solution entrapped in a fuel tank system, e.g. of an aircraft. When employing, for example, an aqueous leak tracer solution introduced into a fuel tank, e.g. of an aircraft, for locating any leaks therein, after inspection and removal of the main body of leak tracer solution from the tank, in order to remove any residual leak tracer solution which remains entrapped in the tank, the invention composition, hereinafter termed a "depuddling agent", is introduced and blends with the residual leak tracer solution, and the resulting miscible mixture is drained from the system.

Abstract: Solid compositions are disclosed comprising a complex of water; a benzotriazole of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently hydrogen, a monovalent organic radical, halogen, or nitro; and at least one water-soluble base having a basicity greater than that of the benzotriazole and capable of dissociating to provide an anion and a monovalent or divalent metal cation. The compositions have melting ranges above 35.degree. C. and are capable of releasing a substantial portion of the water contained therein to the surrounding environment when melted. The compositions can be employed in thermally developable photographic film units as thermally induced water-releasing materials which provide water to the internal environment of the film unit when the film unit is heated sufficiently to melt the composition.

Abstract: The present invention involves compositions of super absorbent polymers which absorb many times their weight in water and aqueous fluids. Super absorbent polymers in the prior art have effectively absorbed many times their weight of water, however, they become slimy to the touch or become so fluid as to migrate away from their point of application.The absorbent composition of the current invention absorbs substantial amounts of water without becoming slimy and migrating out from its applicator, as in absorbent articles. The absorbent composition of the current invention comprises a copolymer of acrylic acid cross-linked with a first cross-linking component comprising a monomer having at least two vinyl groups and a second cross-linking component comprising an ionic divalent cation. In the current invention, this composition can be mixed with cellulose fibers to enhance wicking.

Abstract: Anhydrous sodium metasilicate is stabilized against attrition or "dusting" in detergent and other use, by formulating same with such amount of an additive, e.g., a hydrate, that will transfer water content to the anhydrous metasilicate, at a temperature less than the fusion temperature of sodium metasilicate pentahydrate and as will convert from about 1% to 20% by weight of said anhydrous metasilicate into its pentahydrate form.

Abstract: Combination of a nonionic oxyalkylated alcohol surfactant and an engine fuel, e.g. a 50--50 mixture, by volume, of such surfactant and an aircraft engine fuel such as JP-4 jet fuel, consisting essentially of a mixture of gasoline and kerosene, which is miscible both with water-based and oil-based liquids, for removing water or water-based leak tracer solution entrapped in a fuel tank system, e.g. of an aircraft. When employing, for example, an aqueous leak tracer solution introduced into a fuel tank, e.g. of an aircraft, for locating any leaks therein, after inspection and removal of the main body of leak tracer solution from the tank, in order to remove any residual leak tracer solution which remains entrapped in the tank, the invention composition, hereinafter termed a "depuddling agent", is introduced and blends with the residual leak tracer solution, and the resulting miscible mixture is drained from the system.

Abstract: The mixture of a hydrophobic alcohol and a nonionic surfactant is an effective dewatering aid for mineral concentrates, significantly lowering the moisture content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the drainage or dewatering of ore concentrates and more particularly to an improved method for dewatering as by filtration, to produce solids which have a desirably low moisture content and which are readily and easily handled by conventional methods of materials handling. The method employs the use of linear or branched alkyl ethoxylated alcohols as dewatering aids.

Abstract: Liquid-water displacement composition consisting essentially of a normally liquid chlorofluorocarbon having at least two carbon atoms, a boiling point of at least about 28.degree. C., a density of at least about 1.3 grams/cc at 20.degree. C. and a solubility parameter of less than about 8 and such an amount of surfactant dissolved therein as to impart water displacement characteristics to the composition, said surfactant being soluble in a water displacing amount in said normally liquid chlorofluorocarbon and being a tetraalkyl ammonium compound having a water extractability from the composition of not more than 30 weight %, preferably not more than 10 weight %, most preferably not more than 5 weight %, the cationic moiety of the surfactant being of the formulaR.sub.m N.sup..sym. R.sub.n 'whereinm is 2 or 3,n is 1 or 2,the sum of m and n is 4,R is C.sub.6-18 alkyl andR' is C.sub.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising a vented container having a desiccant mounted therein for reducing the relative humidity of and gases within the container, the container having at least two electrical contacts positioned therein, one of which is moveable in relation to the other. The desiccant may be positioned within a receptacle having means for permitting contact of the internal container environment with the desiccant. The invention is particularly effective where ambient temperatures rise to above 100 degrees F., thereby regenerating the desiccant. The container may be substantially formed of a desiccant having its external surface coated with an insulating, water impermeable material and having selected portions of its internal surface coated with a material similar to the external coat.

Abstract: A composition for drying surfaces comprising 90 to 99.95% by weight of an organic solvent at least 50% of which is 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, 0.04 to 8% by weight of a hydrophobic substantially water insoluble surface active agent and 0.01 to 2% by weight of an organic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the drainage or dewatering of ore concentrates and more particularly to an improved method for dewatering as by filtration, to produce solids which have a desirably low moisture content and which are readily and easily handled by conventional methods of materials handling. The method employs the use of linear or branched alkyl ethoxylated alcohols as dewatering aids.

Abstract: The use of a dialkylsulfosuccinic acid or salt thereof as a dewatering aid in the filtration of mineral concentrates provides reduced moisture content and substantial retention of the dewatering aid on the dewatered mineral concentrate when the alkyl groups of the dewatering aid contain 10 to 24 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method of processing technical gases such as natural or synthetic gases containing water vapor, acidic and neutral sulfur compounds and/or higher hydrocarbons which comprises treating said gas with an anhydrous solvent containing N-methyl-.epsilon.-caprolactam, an alkanolamine and a glycol to simultaneously remove said sulfur compounds, hydrocarbons and water vapor.

Abstract: There is provided a hygroscopic resin comprising a vinyl polymer having an epoxy group, said vinyl polymer being a copolymerization product between a vinyl monomer having a hydrophilic property and a further vinyl monomer having an epoxy group. This hygroscopic resin is not soluble in water or organic solvent and is thus useful for various applications, e.g., a humidity sensor can be made by dispersing a conductive powder in the hygroscopic resin. This humidity sensor has high sensitivity to humidity and can operate stably for a long time.

Abstract: An explosion-proof canned electric motor for use at elevated temperatures wherein the upper portion of the motor housing contains the stator windings and the rotor and is connected with a terminal box by means of a tubular heat barrier. The terminal box is disposed at a level below the upper housing portion and has an annular venting orifice in the lowermost part thereof so that condensate which accumulates in the housing flows toward the orifice. Such condensate is absorbed by a cake of diatomaceous earth or another suitable porous desiccant which is placed into the path of condensate flow toward the orifice. The desiccant also removes moisture from air which flows into the terminal box, and the desiccant is relieved of accumulated moisture during starting of the motor when the air in the housing expands as a result of heating and flows through the pores of the desiccant on its way into the orifice.

Abstract: A non-aqueous sealant composition particularly adapted for use in the installation or sealing of fixed glass in vehicles. The composition has a thermoplastic rubber base, suitably modified by plasticizers, tackifyers and a cationic surfactant to provide a sealant system which displaces water from a wetted substrate to which it is applied, permitting it to be utilized under either wet or dry conditions.

Abstract: A refractory, granular electrically insulative composition useful as an embedding composition for electric heating coils comprises fused and granulated, possibly ground, difficultly fusible, ceramic and possibly oxide-ceramic material having polyalkylsiloxane, e.g. polymethylsiloxane, or polyarylsiloxane admixed in a proportion of from 0.5 to 5.0% added weight. Use of the composition is suitable with tubular heaters which have been produced with it and which, after manufacture and before being brought into use, have been subjected to a heat treatment at a temperature of at least 65.degree. C, for a period of at least 10 minutes. An electrical heating element comprises a housing which is embedded in the composition wherein the ceramic and possibly oxide-ceramic material has been ground.

Abstract: A dewatering aid for mineral concentrates comprising an ethoxylated secondary alcohol, a dialkylsulfosuccinic acid or salt thereof, and a mono(ethoxylated alcohol) carboxylate ester of a sulfosuccinic acid or salt thereof provides improved dewatering with high aid retention on the dewatered concentrate.

Abstract: A composition of matter is provided of alkaline earth oxides in an elastomeric matrix to be used for stabilizing the electrical and electronic properties of electrical and electronic devices.

Abstract: This invention provides a humidity sensor having a negative coefficient of resistivity for relative humidity, which comprises 99.99 to 10 mole percent of iron oxide (Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3) and 0.01 to 90 mole percent of at least one member selected from alkali metal oxides, which are lithium oxide (Li.sub.2 O), sodium oxide (Na.sub.2 O), potassium oxide (K.sub.2 O) and cesium oxide (Cs.sub.2 O). The amount of the alkali metal oxide in the sensor is preferably 0.01 to 25 mole percent. This sensor is advantageous because it can accurately detect the changes in humidity and it has a long, stable life.

Abstract: A hydroextracting composition for use with wet and finely pulverized ores comprising (A) a nonionic compound having a polyoxyalkylene group in the molecule and a cloud point of not more than 35.degree. C and (B) an anionic compound having a hydrophobic polyoxyalkylene group in the molecule.

Abstract: A package comprising a dessicant material consisting essentially of 1 a dessicant and 2 tough, film-forming, resin having a high moisture vapor transmission rate. A prepolymerized polyurethane is particularly useful. The material is of particular value as a package insert - e.g. with film or cameras or as a coating material which can be utilized on equipment to be protected or, most advantageously, on the interior walls of packaging boxes and the like.

Abstract: A composition useful for removing nail lacquer is disclosed. This composition comprises an aqueous solution of a chelating agent, a humectant such as an alkylene glycol, a 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzophenone-5-sulfonic acid, a proteinaceous material and vitamin A and D palmitates, the aforesaid ingredients being dispersed in a thickened acetone vehicle to form a homogeneous creamy stable mixture.

Abstract: A submicroscopic particulate silica having a particle size range from about 5-20 m.mu. that is prepared in a hot gaseous environment at about 1100.degree. C by the vapor phase hydrolysis of a silicon compound is reacted with liquid water in a ratio in weight percent of about 1 part water to about 9 parts water to 1 part of the particulate silica to yield a powdered product which remains flowable over a wide temperature range -- even when cooled to an extremely low temperature of -196.degree. C. The adsorbed water is liberated on heating the powdered product. The powdered product with adsorbed water up to about 90 weight percent has utility as a coolant by liberating water on heating. The powdered product is useful as moisture source for miscellaneous purposes over a wide temperature range.

Abstract: A material comprising wood particles having 1/32 inch screen size or smaller, mixed with a desiccant forming a part by weight of about 2% to 20% of the wood particles, which desiccant is preferably tricalcium phosphate and the wood material is of redwood or peanut hulls or corn husks.

Abstract: Tetraols of the formula ##EQU1## wherein R is hydrogen or hydroxy; R' is hydrogen or hydroxy and differs from R; n is an integer from 1 to about 6; and m is an integer from 0 to 6, are prepared by epoxidation of select unsaturated diols to form 1,2- epoxides, followed by hydroxylation of the epoxides.

Abstract: This invention relates to the reproduction of all the essential moisture sorption characteristics of dead wildland fuels through use of an inorganic fuel moisture analog sensor. This inorganic fuel moisture analog sensor is calibrated to and reproduces all of the essential moisture sorption characteristics of dead wildland fuels without being subject to any of the undesirable characteristics associated with wood sensors. This analog is keyed to selectable response timelags, the size of these dead fuels, their water sorption processes, their radiation characteristics, and their thermal properties. This analog is fabricated from activated aluminum as the active material with calcium aluminate as the bonding agent.

Abstract: The pick-up of free moisture by particulate fertilizer compositions containing a ferrous salt is reduced by the addition to the compositions of relatively small amounts of anhydrous magnesium sulfate.

Abstract: A process for preparing a high solids paste dispersion of fine particle size solid material in a vehicle which comprises premixing the solid material with the vehicle and a deagglomerating agent. The proportions of solid material, vehicle and deagglomerating agent are such that the premix remains a dry discrete flowable powder. The premix is then passed through a colloid mill which converts the powder to a paste dispersion in the form of a coherent mass in one pass through the mill.