Abstract: A highly fire resistant construction board is produced by embedding a sheet of expanded metal net in a building board made from a water settable inorganic binder. In a preferred embodiment, the wallboard is made from a combination of gypsum, cement, and a particulate mineral filler such as perlite or vermiculite, and contains an embedded layer of expanded metal net made from a magnesium alloy.

Abstract: A precast, prestressed concrete joist having web openings through which mechanical and electrical equipment may pass. In an exemplary embodiment, the joist comprises generally horizontal opposite top and bottom concrete members with a concrete web interposed between them. This web may have openings through which mechanical and electrical equipment may pass. Prestress steel strands may extend lengthwise through both the top and bottom members to provide prestress in the concrete joist. The concrete joist may further comprise strand restraining devices for deflecting the prestress steel strands. The precast, prestressed concrete joist having a web opening may be constructed using a reusable casting apparatus. This casting apparatus comprises a prestressing bed onto which a frame may be mounted. The frame provides a means of applying tension to the prestress steel strands and of supporting prestress strand restraining devices.

Abstract: A method for producing a plastic aggregate for use in concrete compositions includes exposing high density plastics to ultraviolet irradiation in the presence of a strong alkali. The plastic may be recycled plastic which has been washed and cut into strips. Plastic aggregates according to the invention have an increased affinity for common concrete binders such as portland cement. A cement composition made with such plastic aggregates may include up to 60% by volume of plastic aggregate. The plastic aggregates are well adapted for use in concrete compositions used to make pre-cast concrete components.

Abstract: A windshield repair apparatus and method includes a fixture for holding an injector wherein the fixture includes plastic legs for slideably engaging a windshield during sliding movement of the fixture. A suction cup mechanism enables selective mounting of the apparatus to the windshield. The suction cup mechanism selectively positions the suction cup so as to not interfere with sliding movement of the windshield repair apparatus across the windshield, and allows for deployment of the suction cup against the windshield at the desired time. The fixture has engagement surfaces for the user's hand during handling of the windshield repair apparatus.

Abstract: A method of compression-molding a slurry of a hydraulic inorganic material such as cement or slag, a light-weight aggregate, a reinforced fiber material and other filler material kneaded with water so as to manufacture an inorganic molded product. The slurry is put into a molding frame having a filtering cloth placed over the bottom surface thereof and is then compression-molded in the molding frame by using a molding die while it is suction-dehydrated from on both sides of the molding die surface and the filtering cloth surface. The molding die has a number of vent holes for sucking-dehydration each of which vent holes comprises a small-diameter hole and a large-diameter hole continuous therewith.

Abstract: In a filter manufacturing method, during a time period from the start of the suction of the slurry to a point in time when fibers in the slurry accumulate on the outer peripheral surface of the protector to a prescribed thickness, the protector and its leg portions are held spaced away from each other. The leg portions are moved toward the protector so that the leg portions are disposed at a position spaced by a uniform distance from the outer peripheral surface of the protector and the suction operation is continued. Thus, the slurry containing the fibers therein can be easily caused to flow deeply into recess portions of a fin-like portion with no fiber being caught between the protector and the leg portions, thus reducing non-walled portions.

Abstract: A mineral fiber mat is formed from a slurry of a known fiber material and a binder in a vacuum mold. The mold includes a porous screen through which a vacuum is drawn to remove water from the slurry while leaving the mat on top of the screen. A cover is pressed down on the mat under the vacuum. The fiber mat or layer is formed to include a simulated surface, such as tree bark, or a brick wall. To form a hollow log the uncured layer is placed over a core to provide a partial enclosure around the core that is of a sufficient size to permit a gas burner to be placed in the enclosure and hidden from view. Panels that are to be used flat are cured while held flat.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing simple or complex reinforcement preforms for use in resin transfer molding (RTM), structural reaction injection molding (SRIM) or similar molding processes includes applying a thermosetting binder, which is sensitive to selected ultraviolet or microwave radiation, to planar woven or non-woven reinforcing materials, the binder-bearing reinforcing material being placed into a three-dimensional mold and pressed into a desired shape, cured in the mold by applying a corresponding selected ultraviolet or microwave energy thereto to cure and rigidize the binder and hold reinforcement material in the three-dimensional shape resulting in a rigid three-dimensional preform to be used in subsequent molding operations. Structural reinforcements, sub-assemblies and the like may be applied to the preform to enhance the final properties of the final composite structure.

Abstract: When the wall and bottom of a steel casting and handling ladle are provided at the same time with a refractory monolithic lining, the lining in the lower area of the wall is often damaged during intermediate repairs of the bottom. According to a new process, wall and bottom are lined one after the other. A hose-like inflatable sealing body is secured to the bottom part of the template 4 when beginning to introduce the casting mass in the wall area and is inflated so that it seals the template 4 up to the height that corresponds to the desired thickness of the bottom. As soon as the casting mass in the lower wall area is sufficiently set, the sealing body 2 is deflated and removed, then the refractory casting mass is introduced into the bottom area up to the desired height. This process is suitable for steel casting and handling ladles and for similar metallurgical vessels.

Abstract: A method of forming a sidewall for a reactor for oxidizing volatile or semi-volatile organic compounds, the sidewall being reactive with gaseous oxidation products produced by the oxidation of the volatile or semi-volatile organic compounds, includes, i) providing a dry mixture of material comprising by weight: from about 23% to 35% cement; from about 30% to 45% added CaO; from about 6% to 20% added Ca(OH).sub.2 ; and from about 10% to 25 % added CaSO.sub.4 ; ii) combining the dry mixture of material with water and forming a slurry therefrom; iii) forming the slurry into a desired reactor sidewall shape; and iv) hardening the shaped slurry into a hardened cement reactor sidewall.

Abstract: A method and assembly (20) to form a cast concrete panel (21). The assembly (20) has end beams between which tendons (23) can pass. The beams need to be able to support tensioning of the tendons. Transversely extending form members (25) cooperate with form members (27) to enclose a space to receive concrete to form the panel (21). The tendons (23) pass through the space.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for molding an article by forming an oversized mold cavity with respect to opposing relatively movable mold members, introducing material into the oversized mold cavity and applying force to the mold members to reduce the volume of the cavity and compress the material simultaneously with its introduction into the mold cavity. The result is simultaneous injection and compression of material by contrast with the prior art of simultaneous injection and volume reduction, where compression does not take place until after injection has been completed.

Abstract: It was difficult until now to carry out intermediate repairs of monolithic refractory lining walls of steel casting and handling ladles when the slag area of the lining was worn before other areas. According to this new process for reconstructing the refractory lining in the upper area of the wall, repairs may be economically carried out in that the gap between the lower end of the template and the lining that projects under the area to be reconstructed is sealed by inflating a hose-like sealing body and by deflating again the sealing body before removing the template. This process is useful for steel casting and handling ladles and for similar metallurgical vessels.

Abstract: A method of forming an opening in a concrete structure. The method includes providing reinforcement wire for reinforcing the concrete structure. First and second bodies are attached to the reinforcement wire at a selected location so that the first and second bodies are on opposite sides of the reinforcement wire. The concrete structure is formed over the reinforcement wire. The first and second bodies are removed from the concrete structure to expose the opening.

Abstract: A windshield repair apparatus and method wherein a quick connect/disconnect bayonet mounting arrangement mounts an injector to a support apparatus which holds the injector relative to a windshield for repair. A ramp surface may be provided with respect to the bayonet mounting arrangement for selective adjustment of the position of the injector relative to the support apparatus. A rubber stopper with two passages is provided with the injector, one passage central to the stopper for receipt of a mechanical probe, and one passage offset from the central passage for receipt of pressures greater than or less than atmospheric pressure during use.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for molding and texturizing the upper surfaces of concrete products such as patio and paving stones following the steps of densifying and molding the concrete products and releasing them on pallets to a substantially horizontally traveling, longitudinally extending conveyor, then passing the concrete products continuously on the conveyor past an overhead force spraying station at a predesignated speed and directing a predetermined volumetric, overhead spray of liquid at a predetermined spray angle and pressure to progressively loosen some of the material and texturize the upper surfaces as the products move past the spraying station, and then before they have absorbed enough liquid to deleteriously affect their strength, either in the uncured or cured state, and, while they are continuing to travel along the conveyor, directing a flow of gas at the upper surfaces at a pressure to blow off the liquid and loosened material from the surfaces.

Abstract: A post-tensioning apparatus and method including first and second body sections interconnected by an intermediate anchor head. Each body section has an end anchor head on an end opposite the intermediate anchor head and includes a tendon with a pair of strands adapted for being tensioned between the intermediate anchor head and the corresponding end anchor head of each body section. Each pair of strands is encapsulated between the intermediate anchor head and each corresponding end anchor head of each body section in a mechanically interlocked duct adapted to receive a bonding agent after tensioning of the strands. A passage is provided proximate the end anchor head of the first body section and provides a passage for insertion of bonding agent, preferably in the form of grout, into the duct of the first body section. Grout can be injected through the passage proximate the end anchor head of the first body section such that the grout can enter and fill the duct of the first body section.

Abstract: A process for placing a color graphic image in an ice structure requires a substrate of material which is suitable for use in a four-color (CMYK) printing method, which generally retains its shape upon exposure to water or aqueous solution, and which is air permeable. A decal is produced by printing the image on the substrate using the four-color printing method. The decal is placed onto a surface of the ice structure and coated with water which, once frozen, embeds the decal and image thereon within the ice structure. The substrate should become transparent or dissolve after being embedded in the ice structure. The process is suitable for ice hockey rinks, curling rinks, decorative ice sculptures, and the like.

Abstract: A mailbox combines a box body and a support molded in one piece together with working hardware, such as a handle, a door or a hinge structure for closing and opening the door of the box. The support provides multiple mounting options through a leg with an elongated segment including an expanded foot, that can be embedded in a ground surface. Alternatively, the elongated segment is truncated to expose an open end of a hollow leg. The present invention also provides a process for molding a mailbox box portion and a post portion in one piece, with the box portion including a door, a box body, and a transition sleeve connecting the door to the box body. The sleeve is truncated from the door and the box body to form an open end on the box body, and the door is pivotally mounted at the open end of said box portion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing of slabs of granulated stone material and/or sands bound with a resin which can be hardened, and preferably hot with the aid of a catalyst. The mixture of granulated material and/or sand and resin is deposited as a layer of uniform thickness and a predetermined outline onto a support protected by a first sheet of material, and the upper surface of the layer and its sides between the lower surface and its upper surface, is also protected with a similar second sheet of material. Then, the protected layer is subjected to vibratory compaction under vacuum and to a hot hardening process in the presence of the catalyst. The two protective sheets are made of resilient material, particularly of natural or synthetic rubber, such as neoprene, and after hardening of the sheets, the sheets are removed, by pulling them from the covered and protected surfaces of the resulting slab.