Abstract: In a railroad system a track includes ties positioned at predetermined intervals and supporting a pair of rails. Shoulders are disposed in pairs adjacent to the sides of each rail and are partially imbedded in the ties to limit the lateral movement of the rails and define the track gauge. Over time, friction between the insulators and the shoulders may cause excessive wear and a gap therebetween. This wear is compensated by a shim attached to the shoulders.

Abstract: In a railroad system a track includes ties positioned at predetermined intervals and supporting a pair of rails. Shoulders are disposed in pairs adjacent to the sides of each rail and are partially imbedded in the ties to limit the lateral movement of the rails and define the track gauge. Over time, friction between the insulators and the shoulders may cause excessive wear and a gap therebetween. This wear is compensated by a shim attached to the shoulders.

Abstract: A method for detoxifying spent CCA (copper, chromium, arsenic) treated wood, from which CCA is efficiently removed from the wood, allowing both the CCA and the wood to be reused has been developed. The method comprises the steps of (1) microwave-enhanced acid extraction of CCA, (2) separation of the acid-containing CCA solution from the wood, (3) separation/precipitation of CCA from the acid extract, (4) recovery and regeneration of CCA-bearing precipitant for reuse in the wood preservation industry, (5) recycling recovered acid solution, (6) microwave-assisted liquefaction of the extracted wood, and (7) use of detoxified liquefied wood to form polymeric materials such as polyurethanes and phenolic resin adhesives. The recovered CCA may be used to treat wood. The recovered acids may be used to extract CCA from CCA-treated wood, and the liquefied wood may be used as phenolic or polyurethane resins.

Abstract: A chemical process for detoxifying spent CCA (copper, chrome, arsenic)—treated wood, from which CCA and detoxified wood are recovered for recycling comprising the steps of (a) treating CCA-treated wood in the presence of a liquefying reagent such as an organic solvent at 100–250° C. with or without ferrous ions to form liquefied CCA-treated wood (b) adding water or an aqueous solution of an organic solvent to the liquefied CCA-treated wood with stirring to obtain an aqueous solution of liquefied CCA-treated wood (c) adding complexing or precipitating agents, such as phosphoric acid or calcium hydroxide to the aqueous solution of step (b) thereby precipitating insoluble heavy metal complexes or precipitates and forming a solution of detoxified CCA-treated wood (d) separating said heavy metal complexes or precipitates from the solution of detoxified liquefied CCA-treated wood and (e) isolating chromated copper arsenate from said heavy metal complex or precipitate.

Abstract: A chemical process for detoxifying spent CCA (copper, chrome, arsenic)—treated wood, from which CCA and detoxified wood are recovered for recycling comprising the steps of (a) treating CCA-treated wood in the presence of a liquefying reagent such as an organic solvent at 100-250° C. with or without ferrous ions to form liquefied CCA-treated wood (b) adding water or an aqueous solution of an organic solvent to the liquefied CCA-treated wood with stirring to obtain an aqueous solution of liquefied CCA-treated wood (c) adding complexing or precipitating agents, such as phosphoric acid or calcium hydroxide to the aqueous solution of step (b) thereby precipitating insoluble heavy metal complexes or precipitates and forming a solution of detoxified CCA-treated wood (d) separating said heavy metal complexes or precipitates from the solution of detoxified liquefied CCA-treated wood and (e) isolating chromated copper arsenate from said heavy metal complex or precipitate.

Abstract: A method for attaching a window well to the outer surface of a window opening. The method includes providing a window well mold, and providing a window well clip for use with the mold, the clip having a first face and a second intersecting face. An opening is provided in the first face for receiving a bolt, with a sheath aligned with the opening. A support member is provided extending between the two faces to provide rigidity for the well clip. Means are provided for removably attaching the clip to the window mold, and the clip is attached to the mold to form a mold-clip assembly. The assembly is next set in fresh concrete with the first face flush with the outer surface of the window opening. After the concrete is hardened, the mold is removed, leaving the clip embedded in the concrete. A bolt is then provided and inserted into the first face opening, attaching the bolt to the window well, and tightening the bolt into the sheath.