Abstract: Water-swellable hydrophilic polymers are prepared by neutralization of the acidic hydrogel having a degree of neutralization of 0-40 mol % to an ultimate degree of neutralization of 60-85 mol % by mixing with a neutralizing agent in a mincer comprising a system of screw, rotating blade, restricted flow zone and breaker plate, wherein the mincer has a power output of from 1000 to 6000 Wh/m3 the hydrogel passes through a zone having-an energy dissipation density of from 400 to 800 W/1 of mixing volume the average residence time of the hydrogel in the mincer is from 5 to 30 seconds the breaker plate has an open area of from 20 to 40%.

Abstract: Parent disclosure, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,133 B1, taught a calcium hydroxide containing evaporation retardant having particles that mutually repel one another because of water-induced ionization. Calcium hydroxide makes the retardant unsuitable for treating overly alkaline agricultural soil, and to substitute plain calcium sulfate for calcium hydroxide would degrade the particle repulsion effect. Substitutable acidified gypsum is made by absorbing about 5 milliliters sulfuric acid per 300 grams calcium sulfate. Blending unemulsified detergent range alcohol in a parts by weight ratio of about one-to-ten with the acidified gypsum produces a soil treatment product for suppressing evaporation of water from treated soil without impairing water infiltration into the same soil.

Abstract: A water vapor adsorption and water retaining composition containing particulate calcium chloride and particulate vermiculite in a flexible container having a side of spun-bonded polyethylene heat sealed to a side of extrusion coated polyethylene on polyester. The foregoing composition can also contain clay.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a method of drying an optical fiber coating. The method includes blending a plurality of raw materials capable of forming an optical fiber coating and dehydrating the plurality. One embodiment of the method includes drying the optical fiber coating by passing a dehydrating medium over a top surface of a body of the plurality of materials. A second embodiment of the invention includes bubbling a dehydrating medium through the body of the plurality of raw materials. In a third embodiment of the invention, the plurality is dehydrated by reacting the water in the plurality with a dehydrating medium that includes a compound having a functional group that is capable of reacting with the water.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polysilicate microgels. More specifically, the invention relates to a process for preparing aqueous polysilicate microgels which comprises mixing an aqueous solution of alkali metal silicate with an aqueous phase of silica-based material having a pH of 11 or less, to polysilicate microgels per se and to the use thereof as flocculating agents in paper making and water purification. The invention further relates to a process for the production of paper from a suspension of cellulosic fibers, and optional filler, which comprises adding to the suspension at least one cationic or amphoteric organic polymer and a polysilicate microgel, forming and draining the suspension on a wire.

Abstract: Compositions containing getter material and getter devices for which gettering activity can be activated at applied temperatures that are lower than those temperatures required for activating the getter material alone are disclosed. In one aspect, a getter composition that includes a getter component and an activator component is provided. The getter component is selected from the group consisting of evaporable and non-evaporable getter materials. The activator component is effective to heat said getter material to a temperature greater than about 500° C. when said activator material is heated to a temperature of between about 280° C. and about 500° C. In some embodiments, the activator component is effective to bring the temperature of the getter material to greater than about 1,000° C. These materials can be used in devices and locations for which low applied activation temperatures are required.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sorbent that includes spent grain germ, seed meal, or a mixture thereof. The sorbent may be used to introduce a material into an environment. For instance, the sorbent may be used to introduce a control agent, such as an insecticide or larvicide, into an environment. The sorbent also may be used to remove an unwanted material from an environment. For instance, the sorbent may be used to sorb oil or a hazardous chemical that has been spilled. The disclosed sorbents are biodegradable over a wide range of environmental conditions.

Abstract: Desiccant tablets including solid potassium formate are used to dry gas, especially in natural gas transmission lines. Preferred tablets comprise 1-4% potassium formate (most preferably 2-3%), up to 1% of a surfactant as a lubricant, and the balance desiccant salts, preferably calcium chloride.

Abstract: Compositions containing getter material and getter devices for which gettering activity can be activated to applied temperatures that are lower than those temperatures required for activating the getter material alone are disclosed. In one aspect, a getter composition that includes a getter component and an activator component is provided. The getter component is selected from the group consisting of evaporable and non-evaporable getter materials. The activator component is effective to heat said getter material to a temperature greater than about 500° C. when said activator material is heated to a temperature of between about 280° C. and about 500° C. In some embodiments, the activator component is effective to bring the temperature of the getter material to greater than about 1,000° C. These materials can be used in devices and locations for which low applied activation temperatures are required.

Abstract: Anti-corrosion solutions useful for air dehumidification processes are disclosed. Phosphonate corrosion inhibiting agents or mixtures thereof can be added to halide solutions of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, or mixtures thereof, to minimize corrosion of the dehumidifier system.

Abstract: Aqueous metal working fluids containing a water-soluble mist suppressing copolymer are disclosed. The copolymer includes styrene or hydrocarbyl-substituted styrene hydrophobic monomers and hydrophilic monomers. Optionally, the metal working fluid can be an oil-in-water emulsion.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for inhibiting corrosion of metallic surfaces are disclosed. The corrosion-inhibiting compositions are cost efficient, easy to use and can be conveniently removed or replaced. The corrosion-inhibiting compositions include a putty-like base material that is pliable and has sufficient tackiness to be securely affixed to surfaces. Corrosion inhibiting compounds are combined with the base material. These compositions provide a vapor phase corrosion inhibitor for both direct and indirect contact with metallic objects.

Abstract: A dampening water composition for a lithographic printing plate comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of acetylene alcohol, acetylene glycol, n-butyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, secondary-butyl alcohol, tertiary-butyl alcohol, a compound of (CH3)3C—O—(—CH2—CH2—O—)p—H wherein p represents an integer of from 1 to 3, 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol, 3-methoxybutanol, a compound represented by the following formula (I) and a compound represented by the following formula (II).

Abstract: A water repellent glass treatment for automotive applications comprising a windshield washer solvent which contains quaternary compounds, preferably siloxane based quaternary ammonium compounds, fatty quaternary ammonium compounds, and mixtures thereof which are dispersible in water, alcohol's and water alcohol mixtures and imparts a good degree of hydrophobicity to the windshield surface. The fluid is used in underhood washer solvent reservoirs and applied to the windshield of the automobile in the conventional manner and is packaged in diluted solution or a concentrate for addition to the windshield cleaner/solvent solution.

Abstract: One object of the present invention is an agent for the reduction of the degree of shrinkage in hydraulic binders, whereby said agent comprises an alkanolamine of formula R—NH—(AOH) wherein R is hydrogen or a linear or branched aliphatic or cyclic C1-C6-alkyl group, and A is a C2H4-group or C3H6-group, alone or in combination with hydroxy compounds and/or ethers. Furthermore a method for the reduction of the dry shrinkage of binders such as cement, admixed cement, puzzolanas and thereof produced mortars and concretes by means of such a shrinkage reducing agent is described.

Abstract: Belt pressing or other pressure dewatering of a high solids mineral suspension is facilitated by flocculating the suspension by mixing into the suspension anionic flocculant having IV at least 5 dl/g and a minor amount of a cationic flocculant which generally has IV at least 4 dl/g. The flocculants are normally such that counterionic precipitation occurs.

Abstract: An absorbent composition of matter includes a non-crosslinked gel forming polymer and at least one clay and preferably including a trivalent cation. The absorbency of the composition exceeds the sum of absorbencies of the components of the blend. The gel formed as a result of absorbency of fluid is non-slimy and has a high gel strength. The composition can be used with food products when made with all food safe ingredients. An absorbent article incorporating the absorbent material can be used for storage of food products.

Abstract: Desiccant tablets including solid potassium formate are used to dry gas, especially in natural gas transmission lines. The most preferred tablets comprise 5-15% potassium formate, up to 1% of a surfactant as a lubricant, and the balance desiccant salts, preferably calcium chloride.

Abstract: Normally liquid, omega-hydrofluoroalkyl ether compounds (and selected mixtures thereof) have a saturated perfluoroaliphatic chain of carbon atoms interrupted by one or more ether oxygen atoms. The compounds can be prepared, e.g., by decarboxylation of the corresponding fluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids and are useful, e.g., in cleaning and drying applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in whole body hypothermia includes a dialyzer having a blood side and a dialysate side separated by one or more dialysis membranes. A blood pump associated with the a blood circuit established on the blood side circulates blood through the dialyzer at high rates advantageous for hyperthermia treatments. A bypass is included whereby circulated blood can bypass the dialyzer. The bypass aids in preventing blood-side tensioning of dialyzer membranes thereby allowing proper membrane movement to assist in mixing a sorbent suspension circulated on the dialysate side of the dialyzer. A sorbent suspension composition for use as a dialysate in hemodialysis, especially when performed in conjunction with whole body hyperthermia, includes water, a surface adsorptive agent such as charcoal, a cation exchanger, and precipitated calcium phosphate. The precipitated calcium phosphate serves as a reservoir for calcium and phosphate ions to assist in controlling patient blood chemistries.

Abstract: To provide a humidity adsorbent agent having duplicating advantages of hydrophilic zeolite and silica gel, and a humidity adsorbent element using thereof, a humidity adsorbent agent is used an alumino-silicate which is replaced a part of sodium to Lanthanide in a hydrophilic zeolite. A humidity adsorbent element is constituted that is supported the agent on a carrier comprised of inorganic fiber paper.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards compositions which contain a crosslinked absorbent polymer and a water soluble low molecular weight compound. The water soluble low molecular weight compound reduces the rate at which water evaporates from the crosslinked absorbent polymer. The crosslinked absorbent polymers of this invention have a water retention value greater than or equal to about 6. This invention also is directed towards methods for preparing the compositions of this invention.

Abstract: A method for artificially modifying the weather by seeding rain clouds of a storm with suitable cross-linked aqueous polymer. The polymer is dispersed into the cloud and the wind of the storm agitates the mixture causing the polymer to absorb the rain. This reaction forms a gelatinous substance which precipitate to the surface below. Thus, diminishing the clouds ability to rain.

Abstract: A blended composition for water conservation measures applied to save water at both on-land and open water sites is disclosed as combining with a higher fatty alcohol constituent, alternatively either a slaked lime constituent or, in substitution therefore, an acidified gypsum constituent containing sulfuric acid. The inorganic constituents provide ionic compounds which when contacted by water release certain ions diffusing faster than others, whence a charge-procuring mechanism causing individual particulate aggregations of the composition to repel one another results. An amorphous and unemulsified form for the higher fatty alcohol is suggested as important to mitigation of risks of impairing water infiltration into treated soil.

Abstract: Scavenging moisture from a polyisocyanate useful for preparing thermosetting polyurethane coatings therefrom is accomplished by admixing with the polyisocyanate a t-butylated hydroxytoluene and an alkyl ester of toluenesulfonic acid in which the alkyl ester comprises at least 90% para ester, thereby improving the shelf life of the polyisocyanate.

Abstract: Compositions useful as desiccants are disclosed. The compositions may be prepared by admixing components comprising a hygroscopic material and an organic polymer in a solvent to form a solution, followed by drying the solution to remove solvent and provide a moisture-deficient hygroscopic material dispersed in the organic polymer. Alternatively, the compositions may be prepared by admixing components comprising a hygroscopic material and molten organic polymer to form a fluid admixture, followed by cooling the fluid admixture to a non-fluid state. The compositions of the present invention may comprise (1) a hygroscopic material dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol, (2) a deliquescent material dispersed in an organic polymer, or (3) hygroscopic material and polymeric material both dissolved in solvent.

Abstract: A method of desiccating an environment surrounding a moisture-sensitive electronic device sealed within an enclosure, includes selecting a desiccant comprised of solid particles having a particle size range 0.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing moisture absorbing desiccant entrained polymers. A polymer is caused to assume a molten state, typically by applying heat and melting the polymer. To achieve certain results in the hardened end product, such as rigidity and durability, the polymer normally acts as a moisture barrier in a solidified state, both before and after melting. A desiccating agent is blended into the polymer so that the desiccating agent is distributed within the polymer. A channeling agent is also blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. Together, the polymer, desiccating agent and channeling agent create a blended mixture. The mixture is solidified so that the channeling agent forms passages in the mixture through which moisture is communicable to desiccating agent that is entrained within the mixture.

Abstract: Normally liquid, omega-hydrofluoroalkyl ether compounds (and selected mixtures thereof) have a saturated perfluoroaliphatic chain of carbon atoms interrupted by one or more ether oxygen atoms. The compounds can be prepared, e.g., by decarboxylation of the corresponding fluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids and are useful, e.g., in cleaning and drying applications.

Abstract: Compositions including 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane and at least one surface-active agent chosen from hydrophobic organic surface-active agents of the amine, carboxylic acid diester and phosphoric acid ester types, which can be employed for removing water from a solid surface.

Abstract: An agrochemical composition packaged in a water soluble or water dispersible sachet is taught. The agrochemical composition is comprised of water-soluble, agrochemically active agent, water and an agent to minimize water loss through the walls of the sachet, wherein the is an ester of an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, or arylalkyl acid; an ester or a naturally occurring oil; or a mineral or a synthetic oil; provided that the agent is not dibutylphtalate.

Abstract: A combination of getter materials particularly suitable to maintain vacuum in devices which cannot be heated at temperatures higher than about 200° C. The getter comprises: a mixture MO/Pd between an oxide of a transition metal MO chosen among cobalt oxide, copper oxide or their combinations and metallic palladium, wherein the latter is present up to about 2% by weight; and a moisture sorbing material. In some applications it is possible to add to this combination a barium- and lithium-based alloy, preferably BaLi4. Getter devices for containing such a combination are also described.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having interconnecting channels. The interconnecting channels act as controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A hydrophilic agent is blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, an absorbing material is blended into the polymer so that the absorbing material is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the hydrophilic agent forms passages in the product through which a desired composition is communicable to the absorbing material that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: The water-repellent mixture comprises i) a halogenated dispersant chosen from the group constituted by a totally halogenated molecule and a partially halogenated molecule with at least one atom of hydrogen and ii) a copolymeric silicone having a hydrophilic function, for drying solids by the movement of water, the copolymeric silicone preferably being a polyalkylineoxide modified polydimethylsiloxane of formula: with 0≦m≦100, 4≦n≦50 and R being a radical chosen from the group of radicals constituted by a hydrogen atom, an alcohol group, an amine group and a polyalkyl group containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having interconnecting channels. The interconnecting channels act as controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A hydrophilic agent is blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, a water-absorbing material is blended into the polymer so that the water-absorbing material is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the hydrophilic agent forms passages in the product through which a desired composition is communicable to the water-absorbing material that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing moisture absorbing desiccant entrained polymers. A polymer is caused to assume a molten state, typically by applying heat and melting the polymer. To achieve certain results in the hardened end product, such as rigidity and durability, the polymer normally acts as a moisture barrier in a solidified state, both before and after melting. A desiccating agent is blended into the polymer so that the desiccating agent is distributed within the polymer. A channeling agent is also blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. The blending of the components is preferably done before the polymer is caused to assume a molten state. Together, the polymer, desiccating agent and channeling agent create a blended mixture. The mixture is solidified so that the channeling agent forms passages in the mixture through which moisture is communicable to desiccating agent that is entrained within the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having channels. The channels act as controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A polymer is caused to assume a molten state, typically by applying heat and melting the polymer. A channeling agent is blended then reacted into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, an absorbtion additive is blended into the product so that the additive is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the channeling agent forms passages in the product through which a desired compound is communicable to the additive that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: An adhesive desiccant deposit comprising a hot melt adhesive and a desiccant dispersed within the hot melt adhesive. The hot melt adhesive has sufficient porosity to allow water molecules to pass into the hot melt adhesive and contact the desiccant. The hot melt adhesive may optionally contain an additive to increase the porosity of the hot melt adhesive. One particular application of the deposit involves an adhesive desiccant tape comprising a substrate, a first adhesive layer disposed on the bottom of the substrate, a removable liner disposed on the first adhesive layer on the side of the first adhesive layer away from the substrate, and an adhesive desiccant deposit disposed on the top of the substrate.

Abstract: Method for the water removal from a surface, which comprises covering the surface with a composition having specific weight higher than that of the water, and subsequently removing water from the composition by skimming, such composition comprising a (per)fluoropolyether having molecular weight comprised between 300 and 1500 and a non ionic additive having a (perfluoropolyethereal structure similar to that of the solvent, linked to an hydrogenated part of hydrophilic type, the molecular weight of the (per)fluorinated part is comprised between 400 and 1200 and the ratio by weight between (per)fluorinated part and hydrogenated part is comprised between 1.5 and 3.5.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium carbonates having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group and R.sup.2 is a C.sub.8 -C.sub.20 alkyl group have been synthesized.These compounds and compositions further comprising the corresponding quaternary ammonium bicarbonate ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 is the same or a different C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group and R.sup.2 is the same or a different C.sub.8 -C.sub.20 alkyl group and/or the corresponding quaternary ammonium metal carbonate ##STR3## wherein R.sup.1 is the same or a different C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group; R.sup.2 is the same or a different C.sub.8 -C.sub.20 alkyl group and M is a non-coupler metal, are prepared by reacting two reactants, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl, C.sub.8 -C.sub.20 alkyl quaternary ammonium chloride and a metal hydroxide, in a solvent comprising a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 normal alcohol.

Abstract: Wood preservative systems comprising (a) a biocidal effective amount of (i) at least one di C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 alkyl quaternary ammonium carboxylate having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are a C.sub.8 -C.sub.l2 alkyl group; R.sup.3 is a substituted or unsubstituted, interrupted or uninterrupted C.sub.1 -C.sub.100 group; l and q independently are 1, 2 or 3 and (l) (q) is 1, 2, or 3; and n is 0 or an integer from 1 to 50; (ii) at least one di C.sub.8 -C.sub.12 alkyl quaternary ammonium borate having the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are defined as above, and a is 2 or 3, but when a is 2, b is 0 or 1, and when a is 3, b is 0, 1, or 2; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii); and (b) a solvent are provided. These carboxylate quats as well as carboxylate quats wherein R.sup.1 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl or aryl-substituted alkyl group and R.sup.2 is a C.sub.8 -C.sub.20 alkyl group are preferably prepared by an indirect or a direct synthesis.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of drying pipelines containing water which are to transport hydrate forming gaseous fluids. The methods basically comprise flowing a liquid which forms an azeotrope mixture with water into contact with water in a pipeline, the amount of the azeotropic liquid being sufficient to form an azeotrope mixture with the water whereby as the mixture is evaporated in the pipeline, the water concentration in the remaining mixture does not reach that concentration which will form hydrates with the hydrate forming gaseous fluid.

Abstract: Anticorrosion and pH-stabilized brine solutions useful for air dehumidification processes are disclosed. Inorganic and organic buffering agents or mixtures thereof can be added to halide solutions of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, or mixtures thereof, to stabilize the pH and/or minimize corrosion of the dehumidifier system. The solution, with or without additional corrosion inhibitors, can offer improved protection as compared to conventionally used inhibitors during repeated dehumidification cycles. In addition, new corrosion inhibitors are disclosed, such as heteropoly anions and phosphonates, which offer improved corrosion protection in closed or open systems during repeated dehumidification cycles or selected applications. These corrosion inhibitors offer improved protection for metals when used with the buffers disclosed herein.

Abstract: Compositions containing getter material and getter devices for which gettering activity can be activated at applied temperatures that are lower than those temperatures required for activating the getter material alone are disclosed. In one aspect, a getter composition that includes a getter component and an activator component is provided. The getter component is selected from the group consisting of evaporable and non-evaporable getter materials. The activator component is effective to heat said getter material to a temperature greater than about 500.degree. C. when said activator material is heated to a temperature of between about 280.degree. C. and about 500.degree. C. In some embodiments, the activator component is effective to bring the temperature of the getter material to greater than about 1,000.degree. C. These materials can be used in devices and locations for which low applied activation temperatures are required.

Abstract: Disclosed are a novel desiccant containing a non-reducing anhydrous trehalose as an effective ingredient; a dehydration of hydrous matters, e.g. food products, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, therewith; and dehydrated products obtained by the dehydration. Such hydrous matters are dehydrated without causing alteration or deterioration by incorporating anhydrous trehalose into the hydrous matters to convert the anhydrous trehalose into hydrous crystalline trehalose. The anhydrous trehalose are anhydrous crystalline trehalose and hydrous amorphous trehalose.

Abstract: An oxygen absorption composition without requiring moisture in oxygen absorption which comprises an oxygen absorbent comprising, as a principal component, an oligomer in liquid form having an unsaturated group, a number-average molecular weight in the range of 150 to 4,000 and a viscosity in the range of 100 to 4,000 cP such as butadiene oligomer in liquid form and an oxygen absorption-accelerating substance, being supported on a carrier; and an other gas absorbent. The principal component may be replaced with an oligomer in liquid form having an unsaturated group and being incorporated with an oxygen-unabsorptive diluent to adjust the viscosity of the mixture to 10 to 4,000 cP. The composition is enhanced in oxygen absorption capability in every preservation atmosphere from a low humidity to an intermediate and high humidity, easily producible, minimized in gas generation after oxygen absorption and almost free from odor.

Abstract: In order to replace compositions based on CFC or on HCFC in applications for cleaning or drying solid surfaces (in particular defluxing), the invention proposes azeotropic or virtually azeotropic compositions based on 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane, methylene chloride and optionally methanol.

Abstract: A cigar humidification apparatus comprises a sealed hollow cylindrical container having at least one, and preferably two removable end caps; a porous material contained in the sealed container; and a humidification solution provided in the porous material. The porous material is preferably florists foam. The humidification solution consists of 1-10% propylene glycol; 10-24% water; and 70-80% saturated salt solution. The salt solution is preferably a saturated solution of sodium chloride in water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new desiccant composition containing calcium chloride and starch. Preferably the starch is a modified starch, preferably a modified corn starch. The composition contains from about 5 to about 95 percent calcium chloride and from about 5 to about 95 percent starch.

Abstract: A device for drying wet interior surfaces of a hollow container having an opening for access which employs an elongated hollow flexible moisture and air permeable member closed at both ends. One member end terminates in a long relatively thin extension. A plurality of small beads are disposed moveably in the member. The beads collect and store moisture when the member is inserted through the container opening into said container and is moved into contact with the surfaces. The beads release the moisture into ambient air thereby drying the beads after the member is removed from the container by pulling on the extension and is then exposed to ambient conditions.