Abstract: The present invention relates to a block for containing and storing radioactive waste, as well as to a process for producing such a block. In known manner, the waste is coated in a composite matrix constituted by hardened cement and epoxy resin. According to the invention, the proportion of waste is between 35 and 45% by weight, the porportion of cement between 25 and 35% by weight and the proportion of resin between 20 and 40% by weight.

Abstract: A wall or ceiling hole repair method using plastic foam in which the foam, while expanding, is confined to the hole requiring repair so that it expands into gripping contact with the edges bounding the hole, and thus in effect wedges itself in place.

Abstract: A method is provided for masking a crack in a drywall or plaster surface of a dwelling, comprising the steps of die cutting a repair patch from a heat-shrinkable plastic film of a defined size presenting a surface area adapted to be placed in covering relation over the crack and bounded about its periphery by surrounding edges. The patch is prepared with an adhesive confined to the surrounding edges only and is placed over the crack making an initial attachment to the drywall and heat is applied to the patch, to cause a contraction in size of the patch while exerting a pressure normal in size in the patch.

Abstract: A covering over the 90 degree corner of gypsum or plasterboards which rounds the corner to a small radius and thus provides a desirable commercial appearance thereto, which uses heat shrinkable tape to fuse the covering in place and also, as a result of the shrinkage, cause the removal of any wrinkles therein as might otherwise undermine the objective of the covering.

Abstract: The within inventive method for repairing a drywall surface (i.e. gypsum boards) or a plaster wall or ceiling, obviates the need for spackling and contemplates instead the use of a plastic film in covering relation over the surface defect and in this position properly prepared, so that the plastic is totally devoid of wrinkles and in firm attachment to the surface, with the result that the repair cannot be detected from the original surface.

Abstract: A racemic or optically active alkyl 2-chloropropionate is prepared, respectively, from a racemic or optically active alkyl lactate by, in a first step, gradually bringing the alkyl lactate into contact with the thionyl chloride, in the presence of an organic base, while maintaining, in the reaction mixture, an excess of thionyl chloride, relative to the amount of alkyl lactate introduced into this mixture, at a temperature below the decomposition point of the chlorosulphinate of the alkyl lactate, which is formed as an intermediate, and then, in a second step, in heating the reaction mixture resulting from the first step at a temperature which is at least equal to the decomposition point of the chlorosulphinate of the alkyl lactate.The alkyl 2-chloropropionates can be used for the manufacture of the racemic or optically active 2-phenoxypropionic acids.

Abstract: Aluminum monoethyl-phosphite, useful for the protection of plants against fungal diseases, is manufactured in a continuous manner by first preparing a mixture of phosphite compounds, containing at least 70 mol % of diethyl phosphite, then saponifying and neutralizing such mixture with an inorganic base, at a temperature of 20.degree.-85.degree. C., at a pH of 4.0-8.5, and finally reacting the residual aqueous solution of alkaline metal monoethyl-phosphite, continuously withdrawn from the preceding operation, with an approximately stoichiometric amount of a water-soluble aluminum salt at 70.degree.-95.degree. C. and a pH of 3.0-4.5.