Abstract: Improved Portland cement compositions are provided by the use of a combination of additives which increase plasticity and allow the use of less water. When the mixture is cured or set, the resultant concrete has higher compressive strength, higher flexural and shear strength, is believed to be markedly less susceptible to penetration by moisture or corrosive liquids, and have greater freeze-thaw stability. Such concrete is highly advantageous in thin paving sections such as bridge deck overlays, overpasses, elevated freeways and the like. The preferred additives are a latex of a styrene-butadiene containing polymer and a dispersing agent such as a polymerized naphthalene sulfonic acid or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A latex containing a wax additive, useful for example in cement mortar compositions for application in thin layers such as on bridge deck overlays, overpasses, ramps, elevated sections of freeways and other locations where high resistance to penetration by water or corrosive liquids is desired, may be provided by first dissolving the wax in one of the monomers to be emulsion polymerized to form said latex.

Abstract: Pressure treatment of fire unstable materials by an intumescent fire retardant composition which is injected or insinuated into the surface of fire unstable materials results in a fire and flameproof structure with a high capacity to withstand prolonged exposure to flame and heat.

Abstract: An improved flame and fire retardant composition is obtained by reacting the appropriate ingredients in liquid form, drying the product to cake form and pulverizing to obtain a fire and heat retardant powder. This powdered form is advantageous in that it may be readily handled and may be associated or used with fire unstable materials that would be adversely affected by a liquid composition. The powdered form has a low bulk density and can thus create economies in the weight of material used to provide effective fire and heat retardant properties.

Abstract: Fire and heat resistant structures made by the use of fire retardant compositions of the type involving the reaction of phosphoric acid and a reducing sugar are rendered insensitive to moisture by heat curing using high frequency electric current during the production of the fire and heat resistance structures.

Abstract: The technique uses an extruder for delivering a supply of softened thermoplastic resin material containing a foaming or expanding agent, the resin material being under pressure and therefore unexpanded in the extruder, but being delivered into an unconfined zone of lower pressure for partial expansion. The partially expanded resin material is drawn by a puller mechanism through a chilled shaping or sizing die of a cross sectional dimension smaller than that of the material in the unconfined zone. The material drawn into the sizing die continues its expansion in the interior of the profile with resultant development of porosity in the core of the profile while the surface layer is cooled and hardens as a substantially unexpanded structural shell.

Abstract: Improved thermoplastic polyolefin films are provided with the desired improvements in certain properties to make them especially suitable for packaging fresh meat and other foods, as well as for packaging other products, by the use of selected additives to improve or maintain certain desired properties, such as, gloss, anti-fogging, tensile strength, tear resistance, cling and tack, low blocking (that is low, film to metal coefficient of friction), low water transmission, desired levels of permeability to oxygen and carbon dioxide, heat sealability at lower temperatures but with an adequate range (without burn through), and the like. A preferred composition, comprises a transparent thin polyethylene film with at least one additive and a shellac compound. A particularly preferred composition comprises a copolymer of low density polyethylene and vinyl acetate plus one or more additives, and a shellac material.

Abstract: Improved cold patching of pavements, drives, walks, or the like, is obtained by applying to or mixing with the patching material a solution of thermoplastic polymeric resin. When the solution has evaporated or the solvent is volatilized, the patch and the surrounding area are reinforced and more thoroughly bonded together. If the area requiring repair has appreciable depth, it is preferable that the margins of the repair area receive an application of the polymeric resin solution so that the bond between the patch and the adjacent area is reinforced and made more secure.

Abstract: A method for bonding expanded polymeric parts without an adhesive. The method comprises wetting the surfaces to be bonded with water or water containing from about 1% to 2% wetting agent, positioning the surfaces to be bonded in a nonmovable abutting relationship, encapsulating the joint formed by the abutting surfaces with a mold, and, while encapsulated, passing high frequency electrical energy therethrough to effectuate a bond.

Abstract: Convertible footwear in accord with one's wearing apparel and accessories can be attached and interchanged to beautify and harmonize in a complimenting fashion the entire color scheme of one's appearance. The convertible footwear comprises sectioned expansible shoe veneers or shells to fit all common shoe sizes and shapes. The veneers may be made of resilient plastic for attachment and may have rib and/or welt springs for additional attachment security. The sectioned veneer may have any color scheme, texture, raised pattern or engraved surfaces. Patterned edges, such as serrated, or embroidery may enhance the veneers.

Abstract: A self-supporting plastic structure having a plurality of through-passages, each passage being of cross-sectional shape and area such that walls thereof provide a large amount of surface area relative to a substantially small amount of space cross-sectional area, each through passage having an upper funnel portion for receiving liquid, and a small outlet aperture of a smallness sufficient to effect a retention of liquid drop(s) within space of the through-passage by capillary action in the absence of additionally added fluid which by weight thereof forces liquid from the outlet aperture, and a separate washer structure seatable above the plastic structure and having a main liquid-containable vessel defined with a plurality of open outlets in the base thereof aligned for feeding contained liquid into separate ones of the through-passages simultaneously for the concurrent washing of each and all and/or for concurrent adding of further reagent or the like simultaneously concurrently to each and all.