Abstract: In order to protect a pole from low-speed impacts, an inner shell of impact-absorbing material is wrapped about the pole and an outer shell of a tough material is wrapped about the inner shell for protecting the inner shell from damage while intactly resisting the low-speed impacts.

Abstract: A reinforcing apparatus for supporting a utility pole against the bending forces of transverse wind components is described. The apparatus comprises an intermediate section extending to and meeting with spaced apart flanges. The intermediate section and the flanges are configured such that the elastic axis and shear center of the reinforcing apparatus is closer to the longitudinal axis of the pole and the point of load transfer from the pole than realized by prior art reinforcing apparatus. The intermediate section may have a variety of shapes, such as a "U" shape, "V" shape, or channel shape. The reinforcing apparatus may be constructed of high yield strength steel and is secured to the pole by means of one or more bands, or by means of bolts, screws or other fastening means.

Abstract: A protective device which is quick and easy and non-messy to install for affording a moisture barrier to the upper surface of a pole. The device comprises a sheet of adhesive, moisture resistant, preferably elastomeric material for covering at least the upper surface of the pole and is adhesively attached to itself and/or the upper end portion of the pole for sealing the upper end portion against moisture.

Abstract: A process is provided for forming a fire retardant composition useful for treating cellulosic materials to impart both fire retardant properties and improved thermal stability under high temperature and humidity conditions. The process comprises reacting a solution of orthophosphoric acid, urea and water having a weight ratio from about 0.1 to about 15 orthophosphoric acid per part urea for a time of about 15 minutes to about 3 hours at a temperature from about 25.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C.; adding hydroxide in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH of the solution from about 6.0 to about 9.0; reacting the solution with formaldehyde having a weight ratio from about 1.0 to about 56 total initial orthophosphoric acid per part formaldehyde for a time of about 5 minutes to about 1.5 hours at a temperature from about 25.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C., and adjusting the final pH of the solution from about 7.0 to about 8.5 with ammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: A process for coloring wood whereby the resulting color will not change or substantially fade upon exposure to long term environmental weathering, which process comprises contacting the wood with an aqueous solution containing 0.01%-10% of an iron salt derived from a mono-, di-, or tri-carboxylic acid or a mono-, di-, or tri-carboxylic hydroxy acid containing 1-6 carbon atoms. The iron salt solution of this invention may be used to color nontreated wood as well as wood treated with known preservative compositions containing one or more heavy metals including copper, chromium, arsenic and zinc.

Abstract: In situ wood preservative treatment of a wooden railroad tie. The method includes the steps of injecting a paste-like preparation having a water soluble fungicide into one or more unoccupied spike holes in the rail supporting tie plate. The preparation lodges in crevices and recesses in communication with the spike hole, killing existing decay fungi. Over a period of time the fungicide follows existing or subsequently developed paths of moisture to more remote decay sites.