Abstract: A wad for a projectile cartridge comprises a holder for holding a projectile, such as a plurality of shot, a charge barrier, and a support for mounting the holder to the barrier. The wad is unitary and is formed from a biodegradable plastic material. The barrier is preferably compressible, and more preferably substantially more compressible than the support. The wad has a first moisture content and is adapted to be conditioned, prior to employment in a projectile cartridge, to have a second moisture content. After conditioning, the weight of the wad may be increased by up to 19%, or the size of the wad maybe increased in at least one dimension by up to 6%. A projectile cartridge employing the wad, and a method of making the wad and the projectile cartridge are also disclosed, together with tools for making the wad and sleeve.

Abstract: A wad for a projectile cartridge comprises a holder for holding a projectile, such as a plurality of shot, a charge barrier, and a support for mounting the holder to the barrier. The wad is unitary and is formed from a biodegradable plastic material. The barrier is preferably compressible, and more preferably substantially more compressible than the support. The wad has a first moisture content and is adapted to be conditioned, prior to employment in a projectile cartridge, to have a second moisture content. After conditioning, the weight of the wad may be increased by up to 19%, or the size of the wad maybe increased in at least one dimension by up to 6%. A projectile cartridge employing the wad, and a method of making the wad and the projectile cartridge are also disclosed, together with tools for making the wad and sleeve.

Abstract: The invention relates to load-carrying apparatus, for example pallets and shipping containers, rotationally moulded from a plastics material filled with a mineral filler. Methods and apparatus for manufacturing the load-carrying apparatus are also described. In one embodiment, the load-carrying apparatus comprises a pallet formed in two halves as two pallet elements. The plastic, rotationally moulded pallet elements form a nested configuration when stacked in the same orientation, but interlock to form a double-sided pallet when one of the pallet elements is inverted.

Abstract: A capsule is formed from a PVA composition by blow moulding. Such capsules can at last provide a viable alternative to gelatin for biodegradable capsules containing a pharmaceutical or consumable or other substance, for example, a detergent. The capsules may contain solid or liquid substances. Blow moulding apparatus suitable for forming such capsules is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to load-carrying apparatus, for example pallets and shipping containers, rotationally moulded from a plastics material filled with a mineral filler. Methods and apparatus for manufacturing the load-carrying apparatus are also described. In one embodiment, the load-carrying apparatus comprises a pallet formed in two halves as two pallet elements. The plastic, rotationally moulded pallet elements form a nested configuration when stacked in the same orientation, but interlock to form a double-sided pallet when one of the pallet elements is inverted.

Abstract: The invention relates to load-carrying apparatus, for example pallets and shipping containers, rotationally moulded from a plastics material filled with a mineral filler. Methods and apparatus for manufacturing the load-carrying apparatus are also described. In one embodiment, the load-carrying apparatus comprises a pallet formed in two halves as two pallet elements. The plastic, rotationally moulded pallet elements form a nested configuration when stacked in the same orientation, but interlock to form a double-sided pallet when one of the pallet elements is inverted.

Abstract: The leachability of tungsten in an aqueous medium may be suppressed by combining tungsten metal with a metal oxide or metal salt that will form an insoluble tungsten-containing compound when the mixture is brought into contact with an aqueous medium. The additive is preferably present in an amount from about 1 weight percent (wt. %) to about 10 weight percent of the tungsten of the tungsten. Preferred additives are lead oxide and calcium sulfate.

Abstract: The interaction of Sn, Sb and Pb with tungsten in contact with an aqueous medium has a synergistic effect in which the leachability of each metal is suppressed. This means that tungsten has the ability to suppress the leachability of these same metals, in particular lead. For example, tungsten may be added to the lead-contaminated soil in order to suppress lead contamination of the ground water by forming lead tungstate which has a very low solubility.

Abstract: The coating the tungsten powder particles with a ceramic barrier suppresses the leachability of tungsten in aqueous media. Preferably, the ceramic coating substantially encapsulates each particle of tungsten and has a thickness of at least about 30 nm and, more preferable, from about 200 nm to about 500 nm. Examples of ceramic coatings that may be used include, but are not limited to, aluminum oxide (alumina), aluminum oxyhydroxide (AlOOH), zirconium oxide (zirconia), cerium oxide (ceria), hafnium oxide (hafnia), and magnesium oxide (magnesia).

Abstract: An extrudable PVA-containing composition is disclosed, which enables PVA articles to be manufactured on conventional extrusion apparatus. The composition includes a lubricant, such as a fatty acid amide, and is formed into pellets by cold pressing. The compositions are suitable for manufacturing a variety of products.

Abstract: An extrudable PVA-containing composition is disclosed, which enables PVA articles to be manufactured on conventional extrusion apparatus. The compositions includes a lubricant, such as a fatty acid amide, most preferably octodecanamide and is most preferably formed into pellets by cold pressing.,The compositions are suitable for manufacturing a variety of products.