Abstract: Methods and equipment for forming beveled edge(s) around the core opening in a concrete block are disclosed. The formation of the beveled edge(s) minimizes feathering along the block edges that are beveled as the block is stripped from a mold. Any feathering that does occur is shifted away from the bottom surface of the block to allow the block to lay flat on other blocks when dry stacked in a wall.

Abstract: A composite member is joined to another composite or noncomposite member, using liquid or paste adhesive resin that cures in the joint. The joint is configured in such a way that the adhesive forms an interlocking key within recesses in the joined members that prevents joint disassembly once the adhesive has cured and hardened. Both of the members are provided with recesses extending along their lengths in the joint. The recesses register with each other to define a cavity and may undulate. The recessed are designed in such a way as to take the full load capability if the joint, even if there is no adhesion to the joined members. Adhesive is injected into the cavity through injection ports spaced periodically along the length of the joint.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of making and using a flowable thermal backfill. The flowable thermal backfill has a low thermal resistivity, useful for filling trenches containing electrical cables and other lines that generate heat. The method includes process steps of blending ingredients of stone, sand and fly ash, making a flowable thermal fill by mixing the blended stone, sand and fly ash with Portland cement and water, and pouring the flowable thermal fill in an excavation containing heat generating lines, immediately after mixing the flowable thermal backfill.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a multi-layer insulation (MLI) composite material includes a first thermally-reflective layer and a second thermally-reflective layer spaced from the first thermally-reflective layer. At least one of the first or second thermally-reflective layers includes a plurality of through openings configured to at least partially obstruct transmission therethrough of infrared electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength greater than a threshold wavelength. A region between the first and second thermally-reflective layers impedes heat conduction between the first and second thermally-reflective layers. Other embodiments include a storage container including a container structure that may be at least partially formed from such MLI composite materials, and methods of using such MLI composite materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of creating a decorative aggregate concrete surface on both a slab on grade installation and a podium deck or topping slab installation. The preparation includes washed decorative aggregate surfaces using a variety of decorative aggregate materials imbedded within a standard concrete mix having a one inch maximum aggregate. A 6-mil polypropylene sheet 435 Visqueen material covered with a two-inch layer of sand is used directly below the concrete to retard the curing time. Roller tamping is used to move the large aggregate below the surface of the concrete material. Power brushes are then used to expose the decorative aggregate prior to the final process of applying a densifing sealer. This process has been designed to reduce installation time, as well as overall labor and material costs.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for forming a concrete floor as a monolithic unit, wherein a wet concrete mix is deposited and worked to achieve a generally uniform flatness of concrete and adding to the top layer thereof a decorative aggregate material. Subsequently, the surface of the concrete is worked, allowed to partially cure and then ground and polished to substantially remove surface irregularities and reveal the decorative aggregate. The floor surface may then be coated with a sealant to achieve a terrazzo-like appearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing composite ring frames for aeronautical fuselages by means of the application of the RTM technology to two preforms with C- and L-shaped sections manufactured using two tools (21, 55) in the following steps: providing the material; hot-forming planar rectangular laminates (41); hot-forming laminates of right angle section (51) on one part of right angle section of the first tool (21), placing an elastic membrane (55) and applying a temperature and vacuum cycle; hot-forming the preforms into a C shape (11) and L shape (13) on a second curved tool (55) by deforming said laminates of right angle section (51) thereon, and applying a temperature and vacuum cycle. The invention also relates to said tools (21, 55).

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight structure for simultaneously providing a reduced infrared and radar signature, while adding little or no weight to a vehicle. As such, the present invention allows for substantial improvements over prior systems. An example of the type of vehicle able to make use of the present invention is a military helicopter, but there is nothing within the spirit and scope of the present invention limiting it to any particular vehicle. The teachings of the present invention are useful with any vehicle for which a reduction in infrared emissions and microwave reflections is desired.

Abstract: The channel-plugging of porous ceramic honeycombs to provide wall flow filter bodies therefrom is carried out using water-based cements comprising ceramic powders and soluble alkali metal silicates; the cements form durable plugs that are resistant to thermal and chemical damage upon drying and without firing.

Abstract: A multi-nozzle assembly may include a first nozzle configured to extrude material through a first outlet; a second nozzle configured to extrude material through a second outlet; and a third nozzle configured to extrude material through a third outlet, the third outlet being between the first and second outlets. Related construction processes and wall structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly having excellent electric power generating capability is produced from a base coated with first polymer electrolytic solution to form an undried first polymer electrolytic membrane. Undried first polymer electrolytic membrane is coated with first electrode dispersion of second polymer electrolytic solution and catalyst carried on a catalyst carrier and dissolved therein. First electrode dispersion is dried to form a first electrode positive-electrode membrane electrode assembly. Another base, coated with third polymer electrolytic solution, forms undried second polymer electrolytic membrane. Undried second polymer electrolytic membrane is coated with a second electrode dispersion of fourth polymer electrolytic solution and a catalyst carried on a catalyst carrier and dissolved therein. Second electrode dispersion is dried forming a second electrode negative-electrode membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A monolithic dome shaped building of a size suitable to receive at least one relatively large vehicle, such as an airplane, is formed with a generally rectangular shaped access opening of sufficient size to enable passage of an airplane or other large vehicle into and out of the building. A three-dimensional unitary door is supported at an upper marginal edge on a guide track for lateral movement of the door between a first position closing the access opening and a second open position enabling passage through the access opening. The door includes a rigid frame structure having spaced upstanding frame members having outer convex surfaces similar to the convex contour of the dome wall adjacent the access opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for slip-form casting a concrete product, the product being made from at least two different grades of concrete so that the concrete mix grade can be changed in an uninterrupted fashion during casting at a desired point along the length of the casting bed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for casting a concrete product using two or more different grades of concrete mix, in which method predetermined amounts of different grades of concrete mix are delivered at appropriate instants into the feeder hopper of the slip-form casting machine.

Abstract: A method of constructing a rail track in which a concrete track slab is produced and rail track anchor members are inserted in the track slab by an inserter system mobile along the route of the rail track includes the following steps: using a machine for continuously pouring concrete to produce two concrete walls laterally delimiting the edges of the track slab to be poured; pouring the concrete track slab between the walls; and using the inserter system to insert anchor members in the freshly poured track slab, the tie plate inserter system being adjusted accurately by a measuring station, topographical survey points, a measuring system, and reflectors carried by the inserter system.

Abstract: A method for constructing concrete building units comprises forming and pouring a concrete floor on a floor platform, providing interior wall forms on said concrete floor, providing door frames, conduit and piping on said interior wall forms, providing a ceiling form; transporting said floor platform and floor intermediate spaced exterior wall forms, and pouring a concrete mixture in the wall opening intermediate the interior wall forms and the exterior wall forms. A free-flowing concrete mixture for use in relation to the method comprises a combination of cement, sand, water, polystyrene beads, wire fibers and a conditioning concrete additive.

Abstract: A method of construction of structures such as large, decorative pots, water features and outdoor free-standing fireplaces. The method comprises pouring a concrete base to which a skeletal reinforcing structure in the desired shape is set. Thereafter, metal screen and a cementitious material is applied over the skeletal structure to form a shell. Openings may be formed either when shaping the shell or later by cutting away areas of the steel skeletal structure. Suitable decorations such as graphics may be applied using stains, dyes or carving techniques.

Abstract: In a method of reinforcing an existing concrete electric pole having an annular side wall, an inner hollow portion provided therein and an opening portion formed to a position of the annular side wall to be penetrated therethrough, at least one of a predetermined amount of mortar, a predetermined amount of sand and a predetermined amount of gravel is injected into the inner hollow portion of the electric pole through the opening portion. A reinforcing member for reinforcing the electric pole is injected into the inner hollow portion of the electric pole through the opening portion.

Abstract: A contoured wall and method is disclosed for creating the contour and appearance of a wall formed from individual assembled units such as stones. The wall is formed from a plurality of mating form liners each having a reciprocal contoured surface to that of the desired stone wall. The wall is formed from hardenable construction material such as concrete poured between two mold members with the form liners attached to at least one of the mold members. Each of the form liners has a lateral relief mold face adapted to provide a molded surface having the contour of a stone wall. Each lateral relief mold face of the form liners has a latticework non-linear mortar-forming interlocking portion surrounding stone-forming recessed portions. The form liners are positionable in a plurality of arrangements wherein the interlocking portions and recessed portions along the mating edge of each form liner mate along mating edge of the adjacent form liner to form a continuous lateral relief mold face.

Abstract: A method for successive concrete of high vertical walls by using a climbing shuttering system having a support structure on which various concrete shuttering elements are loaded hanging downwards. The top supporting carrier and the climbing shuttering system can be supported on completed wall sections. There is at least one lifting device that brings about a relative movement between the too supporting carrier and a lower support carrier of the climbing shuttering system. The shuttering elements can be positioned in a substantially even surface to form a shuttering and at the same time the top supporting carrier can be positioned on the shuttering elements placing them respectively against the walls.

Abstract: A method of forming sculptured designs onto a substrate using a hand tool includes a container that can contain compound that is suitable for placing sculptured designs onto a substrate such as a ceiling or a wall, and an applicator that can move into and out of the container. A pattern on the applicator unit includes pattern elements that are arranged in a selected pattern and have cavities defined therebetween. The cavities are sized to temporarily accommodate compound that is used to define the sculptured design on the substrate and are arranged in a pattern such that the compound will define the desired pattern when the applicator is pressed against the substrate.

Abstract: A method of preparing a smooth watertight concrete in-ground pool surface that eliminates the use of a plaster outer surface layer that includes allowing the concrete pool body to cure for at least thirty days at which time a grinder is used to grind the surface to a smoothness and depth that is watertight and that exposes aggregates within the pool surface resulting in an aesthetically desirable permanently finished pool surface.

Abstract: A decorative aggregate-containing cementitious slurry having decorative aggregate and cementitious matrix composition forms a monolithic structure when effectively applied to a freshly poured cementitious base and simultaneously cured therewith. The slurry and the base are cured for a time sufficient for producing the monolithic structure with a decorative aggregate-containing cementitious surface. The slurry produces a decorative aggregate-containing cementitious layer having a cured thickness effective for permanently securing the decorative aggregate therein with a portion of the decorative aggregate exposed. Various decorative surfaces are produced without requiring expensive hand broadcasting of the decorative aggregate, and without expensive surface grinding. Dry components of the slurry are decorative aggregate and decorative cementitious matrix blend.

Abstract: A system for molding a design onto a surface comprising providing an asphalt molding mesh comprising pattern molding elements formed of a flexible material having a generally V-shaped cross-section in a configuration corresponding to a pattern to be molded in the asphalt, wherein the molding mesh is in the form of an open mesh, defining open spaces between the molding elements; positioning the molding mesh onto the surface and depositing hot asphalt into the open spaces between the molding elements and levelling the asphalt, and then rolling over the mesh and asphalt to mold and compact the asphalt about the mesh and facilitate adherence to the underlying surface, and, after rolling, removing the molding mesh from the asphalt.

Abstract: Microfabricated devices and methods of manufacturing the devices are disclosed. The devices are manufactured from a substrate having microscale fluid channels, and polymerizing a polymerizable mixture in the channels to form stimuli-responsive operating components of the device. The operating components can be functional or structural components. The method of manufacture obviates the traditional assembly of microscale components to form a device because the microscale components are formed in situ on or within the device.

Abstract: A decorative aggregate-containing cementitious slurry having decorative aggregate and cementitious matrix composition forms a monolithic structure when effectively applied to a freshly poured cementitious base and simultaneously cured therewith. The slurry and the base are cured for a time sufficient for producing the monolithic structure with a decorative aggregate-containing cementitious surface. The slurry produces a decorative aggregate-containing cementitious layer having a cured thickness effective for permanently securing the decorative aggregate therein with a portion of the decorative aggregate exposed. Various decorative surfaces are produced without requiring expensive hand broadcasting of the decorative aggregate, and without expensive surface grinding. Dry components of the slurry are decorative aggregate and decorative cementitious matrix blend.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing a plurality of complimentary flat planar surfaces having apertures forming a figure or object. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of positioning a planar body on a planar surface, applying drywall compound so as to fill the aperture or apertures, allowing the compound to dry partially, removing the planar body, replacing the planar body over the drywall mold, positioning a second planar body and removably attaching the second planar body, spreading drywall compound over the apertures in the second planar body, allowing the compond to dry and removing the first and second planar bodies. The apparatus of the present invention is the equipment required to carry out this method.

Abstract: A method of preparing smooth, watertight concrete in-ground pool surfaces. The present invention includes the steps of preparing a pool site by digging an appropriately sized ditch, preparing a concrete mixture and filling the ditch with the concrete to form a structure. The concrete surface is treated with an appropriate finish and allowed to cure. After the concrete completely hardens, a curing membrane can be added to the hardened concrete to maintain the moisture content. A grinding tool is then used to grind away the topmost layer of concrete in order to expose the aggregates. No additional laminate or coating is necessary since the grinding process results in a smooth, watertight permanent finish desirable in pool surfaces. Further, aggregates, which are present in the original concrete mixture, can be exposed after appropriate grinding, thereby eliminating the step of applying a second layer of concrete, and allowing the pool designer to create aggregate-based design patterns on the pool surface.

Abstract: Forming concrete piles with an enlarged base for structural foundations for buildings. The invention involves: a) drilling a bore hole with an auger; (b) pumping fluid concrete into the bore hole through a channel in the auger whilst retracting the auger from a lower portion of the bore, such that the lower portion of the bore becomes filled with a volume of fluid concrete; (c) applying a pressure to the volume of fluid concrete by at least partly reinserting the auger into the lower portion of the bore, such that the applied pressure causes the volume of concrete to expand radially, thereby increasing the diameter of the lower portion of the bore; (d) retracting the auger from the remainder of the bore whilst pumping further concrete into the bore, such that the bore fills with concrete and forms a concrete pile with an enlarged base. The enlarged base area provides greater load bearing capacity.

Abstract: A method for filling cracks in concrete surfaces using a one-component, hydrophilic polyurethane prepolymer without the addition of any granular impregnating agents is disclosed. The prepolymer is provided in a hand-held aerosol container and is injected into the cracks through hollow injection ports that are adhered in place on the surfaces over the cracks and subsequently closed off when filled. The crack is filled from the bottom up to prevent the formation of air pockets in the crack.

Abstract: A method for filling cracks in concrete surfaces using a one-component, hydrophilic polyurethane prepolymer without the addition of any granular impregnating agents The prepolymer is provided in a hand-held aerosol container and is injected into the cracks through hollow injection ports that are adhered in place on the surfaces over the cracks and subsequently closed off when filled. The crack is filled from the bottom up to prevent the formation of air pockets in the crack.

Abstract: A telescopic turret crane (126) is detachably connectable to a pedestal (118) that is incorporated into a concrete building structure that is under construction. The telescopic turret crane is provided with a base (122) that is detachably connected to the pedestal (118). The same pedestal (118) is sometimes used for supporting an articulated concrete placement boom (126). This boom (126) includes the similar base that is detachably connectable to the same pedestal (118). The concrete placement boom (126) is attached to the pedestal (118) and is used to pour a new upper floor in the building. Following this use, the articulated concrete placement boom (126) is detached from the pedestal (118) and is moved away from the pedestal (118). Then, the telescopic turret crane is brought to the pedestal (118) and is connected to the pedestal (118). The telescopic turret crane is used during the performance of tasks on or above the newly poured floor, in the vicinity of the pedestal (118).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a shelter from ice or snow. A slip form allows snow or ice to be formed in situ into building blocks that form the shelter. The slip form comprises two vertical side pieces and incorporates an end cap that holds the side pieces together and allows the slip form to separate upon impact rather than fracture. A telescoping pole is attached at one end to one of the side pieces of the slip form, and at the other end to a spike that is driven into the ground to provide a reference point for the construction of the shelter. The telescoping pole incorporates two or more sections. The first section comprises a series of predetermined apertures that receive a tab or pin integrated into the second section of the telescoping pole. The outer diameter of the second section is smaller than the inner diameter of the first section, thus allowing the pole to retract by placing the second section into the first section.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing prills comprised of ammonium dinitramide The prills can include, if desired, one or more thermal stabilizers, and processing aid(s). Solid particulate ADN is introduced into the top of a melting column, allowed to melt to form pre-prills while passing through a hot-zone ("heated zone") in the prilling column. The pre-prills are allowed to spheridize in the presence of an upwardly blown inert medium which is counter current to the path of the ADN in the prilling column. The flow is designed not to blow the ADN out of the prilling column. The rate of spheridization (prill formation) can, if desired, be accelerated by providing additional cooling, such as refrigeration, to the cooling zone in the prilling column. The ADN prills are suitable for use in propellants.

Abstract: A constructed wall structure and method of fabrication that replicates a wall formed by nature. The structure has a plurality of discrete layers, with each layer constructed of concrete and a decorative additive. Every layer has an interface with an adjacent layer to thereby form a plurality of interfaces wherein at least one, and preferably most or all, of the interfaces are non-level. Non-limiting examples of decorative additives are rocks, sea shells, colorants, and mixtures thereof. Methodology for fabricating the wall structure includes pouring a first concrete mixture into a substantially vertical form and permitting a top surface to assume a non-level configuration. Preferably, a joint forming material is placed on the top surface of this first concrete mixture to thereby form a first layer of the wall. In like manner, a second concrete mixture is poured on top of the first layer and a joint forming material is included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compacting process suitable particularly for the compacting of materials with a pyrophoric tendency and especially for the compacting of scrap metal generated in the nuclear industry: and compacting means (4), and a compacting device including said means (4), appropriate for the implementation of said process. In said process the blanketed materials are compacted with optimized complementary external blanketing. The inert gas used for said external blanketing is characteristically conveyed via the compacting means (4) and blown in through their lower end (15).

Abstract: A method of fabricating a formed wall structure having a plurality of discrete layers. The method includes pouring a first layer of a first concrete mixture into a first vertical form whose depth is equal to that of the first layer; pouring a second layer of a second such mixture on top of the first layer and into a second vertical form whose depth is equal to the depth of the second layer and where at least one of the walls of the second form is not in alignment with an adjacent vertical wall of the first form; and pouring at least one additional layer into a respective at least one additional vertical form situated on top of a next lower vertical form and having a vertical depth equal to the at least one additional layer and where at least one of the interior walls is not in alignment with at least a portion of a vertically adjacent interior wall of the next lower vertical form. The concrete mixtures are permitted to cure sufficiently to retain their respective shapes, and thereafter the forms are removed.

Abstract: Surface reactors for propellants operate with a copper/tin alloy and convert unsaturated hydrocarbons at low concentration into tin organics that are extremely highly ignitable and therefore act as ignition nuclei in the combustion of propellants. However, it loses some of its effect when used to form ignition nuclei in propellants. This is improved by melting the granular material in an alloy made from tin with at least one solution-activating alloying constituent, and then quenching it in an oxidation-preventing medium of the granular material so as to produce a particle size of up to 3 mm diameter and a large surface area. The novel granular material has a substantially larger surface area than granular material previously used for this purpose. Its efficiency is thus higher than previously possible.

Abstract: When the wall and bottom of a steel casting and handling ladle are provided at the same time with a refractory monolithic lining, the lining in the lower area of the wall is often damaged during intermediate repairs of the bottom. According to a new process, wall and bottom are lined one after the other. A hose-like inflatable sealing body is secured to the bottom part of the template 4 when beginning to introduce the casting mass in the wall area and is inflated so that it seals the template 4 up to the height that corresponds to the desired thickness of the bottom. As soon as the casting mass in the lower wall area is sufficiently set, the sealing body 2 is deflated and removed, then the refractory casting mass is introduced into the bottom area up to the desired height. This process is suitable for steel casting and handling ladles and for similar metallurgical vessels.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved method of drying a slurry of adhesive particles and counter-solvent such as a slurry of pyrotechnic particles and counter-solvent produced by the precipitation method, wherein the counter-solvent is evaporated from the slurry for a period of time under turbulence so as to prevent caking or aggregation of the particles.

Abstract: A constructed wall structure and method of fabrication that replicates a wall formed by nature. The structure has a plurality of discrete layers, with each layer constructed of concrete and a decorative additive. Every layer has an interface with an adjacent layer to thereby form a plurality of interfaces wherein at least one, and preferably most or all, of the interfaces are non-level. Non-limiting examples of decorative additives are rocks, sea shells, colorants, and mixtures thereof. Methodology for fabricating the wall structure includes pouring a first concrete mixture into a substantially vertical form which can be constructed as a channel within a generally elongate mound of a naturally occurring material and thereafter permitting a top surface of the concrete mixture to assume a non-level configuration. Preferably, a joint forming material is placed on the top surface of this first concrete mixture.

Abstract: An explosive particle-containing carrier material (24b) and a fully jacketed finished explosive material (33, 33') containing it, e.g., detonating cord, are produced in a high-speed continuous process by impregnating an absorbent carrier material such as cotton yarn (14) with a solution (12) of an explosive. Explosive particles (46) are precipitated from solution within the solution-impregnated carrier material (20) either by contacting the latter with a non-solvent fluid and/or subjecting it to flash evaporation under a vacuum. Rapid precipitation yields superfine explosive crystals (particles 46) within the carrier material (24b). Residual liquid non-solvent and/or solvent is removed from the carrier material, which may be encased in a plastic cover (38, 38') to provide a finished article (33, 33').

Abstract: A process for placing a color graphic image in an ice structure requires a substrate of material which is suitable for use in a four-color (CMYK) printing method, which generally retains its shape upon exposure to water or aqueous solution, and which is air permeable. A decal is produced by printing the image on the substrate using the four-color printing method. The decal is placed onto a surface of the ice structure and coated with water which, once frozen, embeds the decal and image thereon within the ice structure. The substrate should become transparent or dissolve after being embedded in the ice structure. The process is suitable for ice hockey rinks, curling rinks, decorative ice sculptures, and the like.

Abstract: A constructed wall structure and method of fabrication that replicates a wall formed by nature. The structure has a plurality of discrete layers, with each layer constructed of concrete and a decorative additive. Every layer has an interface with an adjacent layer to thereby form a plurality of interfaces wherein at least one, and preferably most or all, of the interfaces are non-level. Non-limiting examples of decorative additives are rocks, sea shells, colorants, and mixtures thereof. Methodology for fabricating the wall structure includes pouring a first concrete mixture into a substantially vertical form and permitting a top surface to assume a non-level configuration. Preferably, a joint forming material is placed on the top surface of this first concrete mixture to thereby form a first layer of the wall. In like manner, a second concrete mixture is poured on top of the first layer and a joint forming material is included.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved tank or containment vessels and processes and apparatus for their construction. The tanks or containment vessels usually consist of circular walls resting on a base and a dome supported by the walls. The dome of the subject prestressed tank is formed by deploying or creating a membrane on the base, applying one or more layers of rigidifying material (and prestressing or reinforcing material if needed) on the membrane and then forming said membrane into a dome before the rigidifying material sets by the selective introduction of compressed air at appropriate locations between the base and the membrane. The hardening of the rigidifying material results in a composite preformed rigid roof or dome having a membrane liner and an overlay of composite construction. Once the walls are created, air pressure can be further utilized to raise this preformed composite dome upward to a predetermined height after which it is fastened to the walls.

Abstract: A method of sealing a polymeric lining of a manhole and the sewer lines communicating with the manhole which comprises forming insitu an integral substantially continuous monolithic polymeric coating or lining on the interior surface of the manhole adhered to the interior surface and substantially simultaneously forming a generally tube-shaped polymeric sealing member coaxially aligned with the manhole opening having an interior diameter generally equal to the interior surface of the manhole opening which is integral and continuous with the polymeric lining of the manhole preferably by spraying the interior surface of the manhole with a polymeric material having an isocyanate-terminated compound, most preferably a polyurea, then substantially simultaneously forming the tube-shaped polymeric sealing member of the same material as the manhole lining.

Abstract: Nontoxic, biodegradable injection-molded, plastic shotshell components, and method of manufacturing same, the components having a fused degradation composition comprising as its active ingredients polycaprolactone, amide stearate and vegetable oil, the latter two enhancing the degradation activity of the polycaprolactone and imparting injection-moldability thereto.

Abstract: The manufacture of a signal transmission tube (10a) comprising a polymeric tube (12) having an interior surface (14) with a thin layer of reactive material (18) disposed on the interior surface (14) is rendered more efficient and less costly by the use of reclaim polymeric material obtained from pre-existing signal transmission tubes. The reclaim material is obtained by deactivating the pre-existing tube, e.g., by initiating a signal in the tube to deactivate the reactive material. Alternatively, deactivation may be achieved by thermally degrading the reactive material or physically removing the material from the interior of the pre-existing tube. The reclaim material is then used to extrude the new tube (12), reducing the consumption of virgin polymeric material. When the reclaim material is obtained from a multi-layered tube, it may comprise a blend of polymeric materials and may advantageously be used as a tie layer (26) between layers (20', 24') that comprise materials present in the blend.

Abstract: A patterned shaped article is produced on a given surface by a method including the steps of disposing a partition body on the given surface, temporarily fixing a plurality of cut pattern pieces to the upper surface of the partition body or the upper surface of a mesh member disposed on the partition body so that the cut pattern pieces are disposed adjacent to each other to constitute a pattern to be formed, unfixing one of the cut pattern pieces from a portion of the upper surface to which a pattern-course material is to be supplied, supplying the pattern course material to the portion, repeating the unfixing and supplying steps until the partition body is filled with a prescribed amount of pattern-course materials, removing the partition body alone or together with the mesh member from the pattern-course materials, and allowing the pattern-course materials to set into the patterned shaped article on the given surface.

Abstract: A process for producing high bulk density spheroidal nitroguanidine by fong a solution of from 2 to 9 weight percent of nitroguanidine, 0.5 to 2.0 weight percent of methylcellulose, and 0.5 to 2.0 weight percent of partially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol) in water at a temperature of from 50.degree. C. to 100.degree. C., and then cooling the solution at a rate of from I to 20.degree. C./minute until the solution temperature is less than 40.degree. C.