Abstract: A combined hopper and shaker assembly which can be used at least in processing excavation or other remains. The assembly features a hopper that can be pivoted (through operation of a hoist/sling) to cause the contents of the hopper to be fed via gravity through an exit chute onto the shaker. The hopper includes splash guards or sidewalls on the portions thereof that are proximate the pivot axis and an internal shape along the exit chute so as to guide the contents of the hopper toward the exit chute.

Abstract: A composition for sealing porous subterranean formations comprises a mixture of a water-swellable clay and a water insoluble, water absorbent, water-swellable polymer, wherein the mixture is coated with a material that is resistant to penetration by water. The water penetration resistant material helps the delay the onset of swelling of the clay and polymer until it reaches the formations intended for sealing. Mixing the clay with the water-swellable polymer prior to coating assists in coating of the water-swellable polymer with the water penetration resistant material. The coated mixture can be suspended in an aqueous liquid, and then pumped into a subterranean cavity to seal porous formations therein.

Abstract: A sand casting foundry composition reduces thermal defects that cause veining in metal parts cast from sand casting foundry shapes formed from the foundry composition. A plurality of foundry sand grains are mixed substantially uniformly with a plurality of shale particles, and a curable binder coats the sand grains and the shale particles to establish core and mold foundry shapes used to cast the metal part. Anti-veining capability occurs because the shale particles include mineral components which have an inherent characteristic of crystal structural collapse upon exposure to metallurgical temperatures, and the crystal structural collapse yields space which is consumed by thermal expansion of the sand grains in the foundry composition. This compensatory effect avoids the creation of mechanical forces and stresses within the foundry shape that cause cracks and fissures in the foundry shape that lead to veining.

Abstract: A grouting composition for sealing boreholes or other cavities comprising 90.0-99.99% water swellable clay and 0.01-10.0% gelling agent. The grouting composition is mixed with fresh water to provide an easily placed, low cost, low permeability sealing composition. A preferred grouting composition contains 98-99% sodium bentonite and 1-2% cement. In use 50 pounds of the preferred grouting composition is mixed with 27-38 gallons of fresh water to produce a grouting composition containing 13.7-18.2% solids and having a fluid density equal to or greater than 9.0 lbs/gallon with a Marsh funnel viscosity equal to or greater than 50 seconds.

Abstract: A grouting composition for sealing a borehole or other cavity contains 90-99.9% finely divided water swellable clay and 0.1-10% polyacrylate thinner having a molecular weight of about 5,000 to 95,000. The grouting composition is mixed with fresh water to provide a completely reswellable, unflocculated, easily placed, low permeability sealing composition. The thinner allows a very high concentration of water-swellable clay in the composition. A preferred grouting composition contains 98-99.9% sodium bentonite and 0.1-2% polyacrylate thinner of molecular weight of about 2,000 to 50,000. In use, 50lb. of the preferred grouting composition is mixed with 11-14 gallons of fresh water, to provide a grouting mixture which includes about 25-40% reswellable solids.

Abstract: A grouting composition for sealing a borehole or other cavity comprising 90-99.9% finely divided water swellable clay and 0.1-10% thinner. The grouting composition is mixed with fresh water to provide a completely reswellable, unflocculated, easily placed, low permeability sealing composition. The thinner allows a very high concentration of water-swellable clay in the composition. A preferred grouting composition comprises 98-99.9% sodium bentonite and 0.1-2% polyacrylate thinner. In use, 50 lb. of the preferred grouting composition is mixed with 11-14 gallons fresh water, to provide a grouting mixture which comprises about 30-35% reswellable solids.