Abstract: Techniques are described for treatment of ash and paper to eliminate them from the environment and to produce ceramic particles useful as light-weight aggregate (e.g., for use in concrete products). The ash may be that resulting from incineration of rubbish or sewage sludge or it may be fly ash from power plants. The ash and waste paper are mixed with clay and water, shaped into desired shapes and sizes, after which the particles are fired to produce ceramic particles which are lighter in weight than natural aggregates.

Abstract: This present invention comprises a composition for cleaning unfired ceramic, porcelain and stoneware comprising a major amount of organic polar solvent, a small amount of glycerin and optionally minor amounts of dye and fragrance. The method of processing those materials without the risk associated with fine crystalline silica becoming air-borne is also described.

Abstract: A method of making a styling model of a decorative body portion of an automobile. The internal surfaces facing inwardly with respect to the outer body portion of the automobile are machined in a block of machinable foam. Hardenable glass fiber material is layed up on the internal surfaces and hardened. A layer of epoxy based material is applied over the hardened glass fiber material and upon the exterior surface of the foam. The epoxy based material is hardened and the exterior surface is machined to define the exteriorly visible surfaces of the model.

Abstract: A process for reducing edge curl in green sheets in which the sheets are first placed in a chamber at about 95% relative humidity for a period of about 2 weeks at room temperature. In this part of the process, the sheets absorb water which causes the internal stresses in the green sheet to relax. Thereafter, the sheets are dried by placing them in a chamber at about 35% relative humidity for a period of about 1 week at room temperature. In this period, the absorbed water evaporates and the green sheets become firm with less edge curl than they exhibited prior to the treatment.

Abstract: A multicomponent ceramic article which can be a fiber or particle comprises a continuous ceramic matrix phase and at least one in situ-generated discontinuous ceramic or metal phase. Particles can include shapes in the form of beads, flakes, granules, and microspheres.

Abstract: Prefabricated self-supporting panels having at least two outer layers and one inner layer provided with a foamed mixture, wherein the inner layer comprises unsaturated polyester resins, hollow microspheres of aluminum phyllosilicate having an average diameter of 150 microns and density of 0.7 kg/cu.dm., and a coupling agent of the organofunctional silane type.The process for the manufacture of these panels has also been described.

Abstract: Apparatus for molding clay into flat slabs for subsequent processing into pottery ware or sculpture employs a drive board for containing clay which is driven through a roller assembly. The clay is contained in a canvas to avoid adhesion of the clay to the roller, while the drive board includes a second canvas which assists driving the board through the roller assembly. An improved driving system utilizes an abrasive finish on the drive roller and a rubberized bottom on the drive board, while the upper roller functions as a guide roller for the slab. The thickness of the slab is adjustable by controlling the distance between the rollers.