Abstract: A laminate of foam planks is prepared by bonding closed cell foam slabs to either side of a foraminous reinforcing skin, applying a second skin to one side of the laminate formed. In formation of the laminate, the ends of adjacent foam slabs are butted together under mild pressure. The resultant laminate is particularly suitable for the preparation of spirally generated thermal insulation about a vessel wherein the second skin is disposed remote from the vessel. An insulation strip or laminate having very satisfactory performance is obtained with a minimal number of processing steps.

Abstract: Reliable continual preparation of polymers is obtained using a tubular reactor by intermittently feeding monomer, permitting substantial polymerization, adding additional monomer to displace a portion of the polymer formed and repeating the foregoing cycle. Plugging of the reactor is avoided.

Abstract: An improved cutter for hot plastic strands is provided which uses an inwardly extruding frustoconical die and corresponding frustoncnical cutter rotating within the die. Severed particles are fluid cooled and cutter clearance is readily controlled even when a cutter has been reground for sharpening and the diameter reduced.

Abstract: Ponding is eliminated or substantially reduced on flat roofs by employing a closed cell, thermally insulating foam above the water barrier layer and varying the thickness of the closed cell foam to displace at least a majority of water which might accumulate in areas subject to ponding.

Abstract: A mixture of calcium stearate and stearic acid in polystyrene particles containing volatile fluid-foaming agent provides a product with improved cooling time and uniform cell structure.

Abstract: Synthetic resinous thermoplastic tubing is reduced radially in diameter with minimal increase in length by passing the tube through a plurality of successively smaller dies wherein a minor portion of the die moves relative to a major portion of the die during the reduction step. Plastic tube is obtained which has a tendency to expand radially with a minimal alteration in its length. Such tubing is particularly suitable for lining of pipe.

Abstract: Liquids, particularly viscous and nonviscous liquids with at least limited mutual solubility, are admixed by introducing one of the liquids into a stream of the other in the form of thin tubes which usually form droplets and by maintaining the resultant two-component stream at a temperature such that the material of the thin tube diffuses throughout the stream to provide mixing of a desired degree.

Abstract: Cryogenic vessels having improved insulation value are prepared by incorporating evacuated tubing within the insulation.

Abstract: Thin plastic tubes are prepared by extruding a heat plastified tube, stretching the tube over a gas bearing having a diameter greater than the diameter of the extruded tube, cooling the surface of the tube adjacent the gas bearing and passing the tube over a cooling mandrel having an outside diameter approximating the diameter of the gas bearing, thereby lowering the temperature of the tube below its heat plastifying temperature.

Abstract: A valve is disposed in a line carrying an aqueous stream, the valve in the form of a permeable bed of particulate swellable polymer particles which imbibe organic materials and on contact therewith will swell to provide a positive shut-off and a polymeric structure which collapses on contact with organic liquid is disposed upstream of the permeable bed. Flow rates can be obtained which are higher than the flow rates with polymer particles alone.

Abstract: Walled structures are prepared from foam-in-place components such as those used to prepare rigid polyurethane foams wherein successive strips of foam are deposited and hardened within a three-sided enclosure having a generally H-shaped configuration. A foraminous scrim such as glass fiber mesh forms part of the vertical legs of the H and foam is disposed below the cross piece of the H to bond to adjacent scrim facing sheets and scrim of a previously disclosed strip. The foam is significantly reinforced, joined to the previously deposited structure and foaming components are isolated from depositing apparatus.

Abstract: Uniformity in the polymerization of expandable microspheres disclosed in U.S. Pat. 3,615,972 is improved by replacing a copolymer of adipic acid and diethanol amine with citric acid.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable polystyrene foams are prepared by using a mixture of blowing agents which has a diffusion rate through the polystyrene approximating that of air.

Abstract: A package which comprises a conventional sheet metal can having a bottom and top which is joined to a tubular body by means of peripheral crimps about the periphery of the top and bottom is provided wherein a flexible plastic foam is disposed beneath the ends of the container and between the container and the crimped edge portions. The foam provides a seal in the regions of the crimping and acts as a retainer for particulate material within the package. The construction is particularly useful for imbiber bead valves.