Abstract: An energy efficient method for making a gypsum cellulose fiberboard comprising adding a first portion of cellulose fiber to gypsum before the gypsum and cellulose fiber are co-calcined in a reactor, adding a second portion of cellulose fiber to the slurry after it leaves the reactor to form a second slurry, depositing the slurry to form a mat, dewatering the mat, rehydrating the mat and then finishing the mat to form a final gypsum cellulose fiberboard. A reduction of up to about 40% to 50% of steam energy used can be achieved when the second portion of added cellulose fiber is 50% or more of the total cellulose fiber used in the final board compared to gypsum cellulose board made with the same ingredients but when all of the fiber is added to the gypsum prior to the reactor.

Abstract: An energy efficient method for making a gypsum cellulose fiberboard comprising adding a first portion of cellulose fiber to gypsum before the gypsum and cellulose fiber are co-calcined in a reactor, adding a second portion of cellulose fiber to the slurry after it leaves the reactor to form a second slurry, depositing the slurry to form a mat dewatering the mat, rehydrating the mat and then finishing the mat to form a final gypsum cellulose fiberboard. A reduction of up to about 40% to 50% of steam energy used can be achieved when the second portion of added cellulose fiber is 50% or more of the total cellulose fiber used in the final board compared to gypsum cellulose board made with the same ingredients but when all of the fiber is added to the gypsum prior to the reactor.

Abstract: A general purpose decoy launcher comprising two concentric cylinders and ing a launch platform attached to the inner cylinder by a load bearing hinge. The muzzle portion of the launch platform is attached to one end of an elevating mechanism, the other end of which rides in an inclined surface fabricated as part of the outer cylinder. Motion of the launcher to and from the firing configuration is accomplished by the holding of the outer cylinder stationary while rotating the inner cylinder with respect to it. Relative motion between the cylinders causes the elevating mechanism to rise on the inclined surface, thus elevating the launch platform to the firing angle. Launching tubes are located within the confines of the launching platform.

Abstract: An additive for reducing the amount of water necessary in forming a pourable aqueous calcined gypsum slurry, the additive comprising a high potassium salt of a condensation product of naphthalene and sulfonic acid having a molecular weight between about 300 and 3,000. Aqueous plaster slurries containing the additive are pourable, moldable and castable with much less excess water than ordinarily required, resulting in dried cast products of increased strength and other physical property benefits.

Abstract: A plaster composition containing an agent for reducing the amount of water necessary in forming a pourable aqueous calcined gypsum slurry, the agent comprising a high potassium salt of a condensation product of naphthalene and sulfonic acid having a molecular weight between about 300 and 3,000. Aqueous plaster slurries containing the agent are pourable, moldable and castable with much less excess water than ordinarily required, resulting in dried cast products of increased strength and other physical property benefits.