Abstract: A process of cooling sand and rocks enables large amounts of aggregate to be cooled to a desired temperature below ambient aggregate temperature. Such temperature reduction is particularly useful for preparing concrete. Aggregate is introduced into a rotating cylinder, in which the aggregate is slowly mixed and moved. Chilled gas is also introduced into the cylinder, to contact the aggregate particles and reduce the temperature of the aggregate. Chilled gas may be provided by blowing ambient air or gas into contact with a chilled gas or liquid supply, and then directing the chilled gas into the cylinder. The gas may be recirculated in a closed system, to conserve energy and prevent aggregate fines from being lost.

Abstract: A method is provided of facilitating the removal of foreign objects embedded in skin, generally referred to as splinters, by chemical means. The method involves topically applying, to the skin at a point adjacent to the splinter, such as the point at which the splinter entered the skin, a chemical composition including salicylic acid. The chemical composition may also include an antibiotic to promote healing, and a vehicle, such as petrolatum. When placed in contact with the skin at a point adjacent to the splinter, by a dressing or other carrier secured to the skin, the chemical composition causes desquamation of injured skin scales, epidermal hydration, and diffuse loosening of the embedded splinter.

Abstract: A single mortise or a plurality of conveniently spaced mortises may be created in a single workpiece. A corresponding single or plurality of tenons may be created in a second workpiece to be joined to the first workpiece. The method of creating the mortises and tenons involves the use of a tool, containing a rigid plate against which a workpiece may be secured, and a template positioned so that the lower face of the template is adjacent to the rigid plate. The template contains a mortise guide, consisting of openings in the template through which a router may be inserted to carve mortises in the workpiece. The template also contains a first tenon guide, against which a router may be guided to carve one half of a tenon or series of tenons in a workpiece. The template also contains a second tenon guide, consisting of a pattern of the same size and shape, and opposite in orientation, to the pattern of the first tenon guide.