Abstract: A lightweight plastic cover for an electric handhole or pullbox having a plurality of vertical channels in a circular array at a radius about halfway from the center to the circumference. The channels allow the cover to bend when a large weight is applied and to rebound when the weight is removed. The cover may also have a second circle of vertical channels for strength nearer the center and horizontal channels crossing the center for added strength. The cover has a metal plate attached in the center for finding the cover with a metal detector and may also have a GPS device for locating it. The electric handhole or pullbox may have an open bottom portion with a ledge around the circumference for helping to set and maintain the electric handhole or pullbox at a desired depth. The cover may have extendable handles for ease of holding.

Abstract: Microfluidization of latices of a graft copolymer of a conjugated diene monomer and a vinyl aryl monomer on a protein such as a soy protein reduces the viscosity of the graft copolymer latex.

Abstract: Continuous ultrasonic irradiation during the free radical aqueous graft or over copolymerization of an unsaturated monomer on a protein provides a latex of reduced viscosity and increased solids content.

Abstract: Continuous homogenization during the free radical aqueous graft or over copolymerization of an unsaturated monomer on a protein provides a latex of reduced viscosity.

Abstract: The adhesion of brass plated steel cord to rubber is improved by treating the cord in a dilute acidic alcohol dip followed by treatment with H.sub.2 S gas or by treating the cord in a dilute aqueous ammonia dip, preferably followed by treatment with H.sub.2 S gas, before combining the cord with a vulcanizable rubber compound and vulcanizing the same.

Abstract: The adhesion of brass plated steel cord to rubber is improved by treating the cord in a dilute acidic alcohol dip followed by treatment with H.sub.2 S gas or by treating the cord in a dilute aqueous ammonia dip, preferably followed by treatment with H.sub.2 S gas, before combining the cord with a vulcanizable rubber compound and vulcanizing the same.

Abstract: At least a substantial amount of the corrosion products on the surface(s) of brass plated steel cord are removed by treatment in an aqueous solution containing a minor amount of an NH.sub.4, Na, K, Li, Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba and Zn salt of a saturated aliphatic carboxylic acid of from 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The adhesion of brass plated steel cord to rubber is improved in many cases by treatment of the cord with a dilute aqueous solution of certain amino carboxylic acids and their corresponding ammonium, lithium, sodium and/or potassium salts and salt hydrates. After dipping in the treating solution, the cords may be rinsed with water, dried, combined with a vulcanizable rubber compound and vulcanized.