Abstract: Lightweight concrete roof tiles are produced by extruding a latex/cement/lightweight aggregates/water mix in a prescribed sequence. The composition comprises:(a) 45-65 parts by weight of an acrylic latex emulsion;(b) 130-180 parts by weight of a cement;(c) 360-400 parts by weight of expanded shale lightweight aggregates; and(d) 50-75 parts by weight of additional water.This lightweight concrete roof tile of the present invention is about half the weight and about the same strength, and absorbs the same amount of water of conventional roof tiles.

Abstract: A method of mixing particulate cement and water in a primary mixing vessel to form a slurry batch, includes introducing a measured quantity of water into the vessel, introducing a measured quantity of particulate cement into the vessel, agitating the water and cement in the vessel to form a slurry, and while continuing such agitating, pumping slurry from the lower interior extend of the vessel and delivering the pumped slurry to the upper interior of the vessel, at high velocity, removing slurry from the vessel for flow to an auxiliary mixing vessel for mixing with aggregate, and employing wash water to wash remanent slurry from surfaces in the primary mixing vessel for flow to the auxiliary vessel.

Abstract: A method for forming foam, useful in mixing with concrete at a batching plant, includes the steps:a) supplying a synthetic resinous foaming agent, in liquid form,b) combining the foaming agent with water, to form a liquid mix, and pressurizing the mix,c) adding pressurized air to the mix,d) sub-dividing the mix into droplets, in a confined flowing stream,e) reducing the stream confinement,f) whereby the droplets expand as a foam.

Abstract: A method of mixing particulate cement and water in a primary mixing vessel to form a slurry batch, includes introducing a measured quantity of water into the vessel, introducing a measured quantity of particulate cement into the vessel, agitating the water and cement in the vessel to form a slurry, and while continuing such agitating, pumping slurry from the lower interior extend of the vessel and delivering the pumped slurry to the upper interior of the vessel, at high velocity, removing slurry from the vessel for flow to an auxiliary mixing vessel for mixing with aggregate, and employing wash water to wash remanent slurry from surfaces in the primary mixing vessel for flow to the auxiliary vessel.

Abstract: A method for forming foam, useful in mixing with concrete at a batching plant, includes the steps:(a) supplying a synthetic resinous foaming agent, in liquid form,(b) combining the foaming agent with water, to form a liquid mix, and pressurizing the mix,(c) adding pressurized gas to the mix,(d) sub-dividing the mix into droplets, in a confined flowing stream,(e) reducing the stream confinement,(f) whereby the droplets expand as foam, typically consisting of individual, gas filled bubbles.

Abstract: A novel cement and concrete mixture is disclosed, which incorporates the spent catalysts from hydrocracking gasoline in partial substitution for the cementing agent.