Abstract: Disclosed is a method for quantifying living organisms (1, 4) in a liquid sample (2), the method comprising the steps of •guiding the liquid sample (2) into a chamber (3), •analysing pictures of the sample (2) inside the chamber (3) to detect the number of organisms (4) moving by themselves in the sample, •illuminating the sample (2) with light in at least a part of the violet-blue spectrum while detecting the number of organisms (1) that are fluorescent in the sample inside the chamber (3), and •analysing pictures of the sample (2) inside the chamber (3) while illuminating the sample (2) with light in at least a part of the violet-blue spectrum to detect the number of organisms (1, 4) that are both moving by themselves and fluorescent. A device (15) for quantifying living organisms (1, 4) and use of a device (15) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for quantifying living organisms (1, 4) in a liquid sample (2), the method comprising the steps of •guiding the liquid sample (2) into a chamber (3), •analysing pictures of the sample (2) inside the chamber (3) to detect the number of organisms (4) moving by themselves in the sample, •illuminating the sample (2) with light in at least a part of the violet-blue spectrum while detecting the number of organisms (1) that are fluorescent in the sample inside the chamber (3), and •analysing pictures of the sample (2) inside the chamber (3) while illuminating the sample (2) with light in at least a part of the violet-blue spectrum to detect the number of organisms (1, 4) that are both moving by themselves and fluorescent. A device (15) for quantifying living organisms (1, 4) and use of a device (15) is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a mat-faced cementitious article composite. A mat-faced article (e.g., board) is formed and the composite is formed upon application of a finish composition (e.g., hydrophobic). In one aspect, the mat-faced gypsum article comprises a mat having an inner surface adjacent to a cementitious core first surface and an opposite outer mat surface. An aqueous cementitious finish composition is applied to the outside mat surface to form the mat-faced cementitious article composite. Desirably, the finish composite can suitably be applied by a roller assembly comprising a finish roller. In some embodiments, the finish roller has an uneven surface, including for example, grooves or depressions (e.g., circumferential or longitudinal) defined therein.

Abstract: A system for auditing and analyzing work performed by other individuals is disclosed. Data is imported into the system, where the data represents one or more elements of work performed at one or more locations. This data is parsed out into individual items to be audited. These items, along with a number of questions with discrete answers are then transmitted by the system to one or more auditing technicians who audit the work performed by capturing one or more visual images. These visual images, along with answers to the questions are then transmitted back to the system. The system then saves the visual images and associated answers for archiving and generating reports.

Abstract: A system, method and program adapted for collecting images of job-site conditions, plans and specifications. Images are annotated with attributes that relate to the location, time and trades involved and other aspects of the images. Job site images are collected with a camera connected to a portable data collection device. The portable data collection device is programmed with image attributes for a particular project. Images are also annotated with attributes gathered by sensors, such as GPS position data and direction information. Images with attached attributes are uploaded to a database server and indexed into a relational database. Images can be flagged and determined to be images for review which triggers automatic notification to the involved parties and follow up to confirm resolution. Authorized participants can access images in near real time, to make funding, insurance and other judgments about the project. Images are archived for safekeeping and long-term storage.

Abstract: The system, method and program are adapted for collecting images of job-site conditions, and plans and specifications. The images are annotated with attributes that relate to the location, time and trades involved and other aspects of the images. Job site images are collected with a camera connected to a portable data collection device. The data collection device is programmed with image attributes for a particular project. Images are also annotated with attributes gathered by sensors, such as GPS position data, moisture sensor information, and direction information. Images with attached attributes are uploaded to a database server and indexed into a relational database. Images can be flagged and determined to be Images for Resolution which triggers automatic notification to the involved parties and follow up to confirm resolution. Authorized participants can access images in near real time, to make funding, insurance and other judgments about the project.

Abstract: A gypsum slurry includes water, a hydraulic component including stucco and a polycarboxylate dispersant. The dispersant has two repeating units wherein the first repeating unit is an olefinic unsaturated mono-carboxylic acid repeating unit or an ester or salt, and the second repeating unit is a vinyl or allyl group bound to a polyether by an ether linkage. The slurry can be made into a gypsum panel.

Abstract: A gypsum slurry is described that includes water, a hydraulic component comprising at least 50% calcined gypsum by weight based on the dry weight of the hydraulic component, foam, a defoamer and a polycarboxylate dispersant. In some embodiments of the invention, the defoamer is combined with the dispersant prior to being added to the gypsum slurry. The defoamer and dispersant can be added as a physical mixture, wherein the defoamer is attached onto the dispersant polymer, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a gypsum building panel is made from the gypsum slurry.

Abstract: A gypsum slurry includes calcium sulfate hemihydrate, water and calcium sulfate dihydrate is coated with a hydrophilic, dispersible coating. The coating is less soluble than the calcium sulfate hemihydrate to delay exposure of the landplaster to the remainder of the slurry, preventing premature crystallization and the early stiffening that accompanies it. Another embodiment is a gypsum slurry that includes calcium sulfate hemihydrate, a polycarboxylate dispersant, water and coated calcium sulfate dihydrate. In this case, the hydrophilic, dispersible coating is selected to serve as a modifier to enhance the ability of the dispersant to fluidize the gypsum slurry.

Abstract: A gypsum slurry includes calcium sulfate hemihydrate, water and calcium sulfate dihydrate is coated with a hydrophilic, dispersible coating. The coating is less soluble than the calcium sulfate hemihydrate to delay exposure of the landplaster to the remainder of the slurry, preventing premature crystallization and the early stiffening that accompanies it. Another embodiment is a gypsum slurry that includes calcium sulfate hemihydrate, a polycarboxylate dispersant, water and coated calcium sulfate dihydrate. In this case, the hydrophilic, dispersible coating is selected to serve as a modifier to enhance the ability of the dispersant to fluidize the gypsum slurry.

Abstract: Effective use of dispersants in wallboard containing foam results from a method where stucco is mixed with a first dispersant and a first quantity of water to form a gypsum slurry. A soap is blended with a second dispersant and a second quantity of water to make a foam. Subsequently, the foam is combined with the slurry. Choice of different first and second dispersants and their relative amounts allows control of the size distribution of the foam bubbles in the slurry and the resulting voids in the gypsum core. Use of the same dispersant in both the mixer and the foam water provides a boost in efficacy of the dispersant.

Abstract: A gypsum slurry includes water, a hydraulic component including stucco and a polycarboxylate dispersant. The dispersant has two repeating units wherein the first repeating unit is an olefinic unsaturated mono-carboxylic acid repeating unit or an ester or salt, and the second repeating unit is a vinyl or allyl group bound to a polyether by an ether linkage. The slurry can be made into a gypsum panel.

Abstract: In a method of making a gypsum slurry, a polycarboxylate dispersant, a modifier and a hydraulic material comprising stucco are selected for use in the slurry. These components are then combined with water to form a slurry, where the modifier is added to the slurry prior to formation of a slurry phase by the water, the stucco and the dispersant. The modifier has been shown to be less effective when added after the dispersant and stucco have been contacted in an aqueous slurry. In a preferred embodiment, an amount of stucco is obtained and the modifier and dispersant are selected. A predissolved solution of a dispersant and modifier is prepared in water to form a solution prior to the addition of the stucco. After mixing the solution, the stucco is added to form the slurry. Optionally, the slurry is then shaped into a product and allowed to set.

Abstract: An improved gypsum slurry that includes water, calcium sulfate hemihydrate, a polycarboxylate dispersant and a modifier. The modifier is chemically configured to improve the efficacy of the polycarboxylate dispersant. Preferred modifiers include cement, lime, slaked lime, soda ash, carbonates, silicates and phosphates.

Abstract: In a method of making a gypsum slurry, a polycarboxylate dispersant, a modifier and a hydraulic material comprising stucco are selected for use in the slurry. These components are then combined with water to form a slurry, where the modifier is added to the slurry prior to formation of a slurry phase by the water, the stucco and the dispersant. The modifier has been shown to be less effective when added after the dispersant and stucco have been contacted in an aqueous slurry. In a preferred embodiment, an amount of stucco is obtained and the modifier and dispersant are selected. A predissolved solution of a dispersant and modifier is prepared in water to form a solution prior to the addition of the stucco. After mixing the solution, the stucco is added to form the slurry. Optionally, the slurry is then shaped into a product and allowed to set.

Abstract: A slurry is made including water, at least 50% by weight calcium sulfate hemihydrate, and a specific polycarboxylate dispersant prepared using at least three repeating units. A first repeating unit is a vinyl ether-type repeating unit. A second repeating unit includes a maleic acid-type repeating unit. A third repeating unit includes an acrylic acid-type repeating unit. The polymer dispersant has a molecular weight of from about 20,000 to about 80,000 Daltons. The slurry made from this composition can be made at reduced water levels to speed drying and reduce drying costs.

Abstract: Effective use of dispersants in wallboard containing foam results from a method where stucco is mixed with a first dispersant and a first quantity of water to form a gypsum slurry. A soap is blended with a second dispersant and a second quantity of water to make a foam. Subsequently, the foam is combined with the slurry. Choice of different first and second dispersants and their relative amounts allows control of the size distribution of the foam bubbles in the slurry and the resulting voids in the gypsum core. Use of the same dispersant in both the mixer and the foam water provides a boost in efficacy of the dispersant.

Abstract: An improved gypsum slurry that includes water, calcium sulfate hemihydrate, a polycarboxylate dispersant and a modifier. The modifier is chemically configured to improve the efficacy of the polycarboxylate dispersant. Preferred modifiers include cement, lime, slaked lime, soda ash, carbonates, silicates and phosphates.

Abstract: For liquid-level sensing in a tank, the invention provides a tank-mounted first subassembly that is adapted for suspension of a vertical guide from the top of the tank, such that a guided float may coact with an elongate vertical ribbon, to angularly displace a magnetic element carried by the upper end of the ribbon. The tank-mounting of this first subassembly completes closure of the tank and its contents, and closure structure of this first subassembly assures containment of the ribbon and its magnetic element within the closed volume of the tank. A second subassembly of magnetically responsive electrical means is encapsulated by a housing which is detachably connectable to the closure structure of the first assembly, solely by access that is external to the closed tank. Electrical output of the second subassembly is flexibly available to remote indicating and/or monitoring circuitry which forms no part of the invention.

Abstract: An expandible device for internally gripping a core carrying a web of material has jaw segments forming an outer cylinder surrounding a body member which may be solid or hollow. Balls are arranged in recesses around the exterior of the body member and the jaw segments have inner grooves which receive the balls. The grooves are specially shaped to taper in depth and co-operate with the disposition of the balls so that part rotation of a core supported on the jaw segments will cause the grooves of these jaw segments to progressively run over the balls, thereby to cause the jaw segments to rise and expand outwardly from the body member into frictional gripping contact with the interior of the core.