Abstract: An apparatus including: (a) a fluid material conduit in fluid communication with a source of a fluid material, wherein the fluid material comprises unexpanded, expandable polymeric microspheres; (b) a treatment zone in heat transfer communication with a source of heat and in fluid communication with the fluid material conduit, such that the fluid material is directly or indirectly contacted by heat within the treatment zone; and (c) a back pressure generator in fluid communication with the treatment zone, capable of increasing pressure in the treatment zone, which results in expansion of the expandable polymeric microspheres when the fluid material exits the treatment zone.

Abstract: A colored cementitious composition is provided that is composed of hydraulic cement and a liquid coloring suspension. The liquid coloring suspension for cementitious compositions contains polycarboxylate dispersant, pigment, and a polysaccharide thixotropic additive. The liquid coloring suspension has improved viscosity consistency, improved shelf-life, anti-settling and anti-sludging properties, and decreased polycarboxylate dispersant requirements.

Abstract: An apparatus including: (a) a fluid material conduit in fluid communication with a source of a fluid material, wherein the fluid material comprises unexpanded, expandable polymeric microspheres; (b) a treatment zone in heat transfer communication with a source of heat and in fluid communication with the fluid material conduit, such that the fluid material is directly or indirectly contacted by heat within the treatment zone; and (c) a back pressure generator in fluid communication with the treatment zone, capable of increasing pressure in the treatment zone, which results in expansion of the expandable polymeric microspheres when the fluid material exits the treatment zone.

Abstract: A method of expanding expandable polymeric microspheres including contacting an aqueous slurry including unexpanded, expandable polymeric microspheres with heat in-situ during manufacture of a construction material. A method of manufacturing a construction material includes: (i) contacting an aqueous slurry of unexpanded, expandable polymeric microspheres with heat proximate to and/or during said manufacturing of the construction material to create expanded polymeric microspheres; (ii) optionally pre-wetting the expanded polymeric microspheres; and (iii) mixing the expanded polymeric microspheres with the construction material.

Abstract: A method of expanding expandable polymeric microspheres including contacting an aqueous slurry including unexpanded, expandable polymeric microspheres with heat in-situ during manufacture of cement. A method of manufacturing cement includes: (i) contacting an aqueous slurry of unexpanded, expandable polymeric microspheres with heat proximate to and/or during said manufacturing of cement to create expanded polymeric microspheres; (ii) optionally pre-wetting the expanded polymeric microspheres; and (iii) mixing the expanded polymeric microspheres with cement.

Abstract: A method of expanding expandable polymeric microspheres including contacting an aqueous slurry including unexpanded, expandable polymeric microspheres with heat in-situ during manufacture of a cementitious composition or article, wherein the aqueous slurry optionally further includes an admixture therefor. A method of manufacturing a cementitious composition or article includes: (i) contacting an aqueous slurry of unexpanded, expandable polymeric microspheres with heat proximate to and/or during said manufacturing of the cementitious composition to create expanded polymeric microspheres; (ii) pre-wetting the expanded polymeric microspheres; and (iii) mixing the pre-wetted, expanded polymeric microspheres with cement and water to form the cementitious composition, wherein the aqueous slurry optionally further comprises an admixture therefor.

Abstract: A colored cementitious composition is provided that is composed of hydraulic cement and a liquid coloring suspension. The liquid coloring suspension for cementitious compositions contains polycarboxylate dispersant, pigment, and a polysaccharide thixotropic additive. The liquid coloring suspension has improved viscosity consistency, improved shelf-life, anti-settling and anti-sludging properties, and decreased polycarboxylate dispersant requirements.

Abstract: A hand-held pipette with a liquid dispensing knob at one end operably connected therewithin to a piston and piston cylinder assembly at the opposite end that is detachable from the pipette body for cleaning or replacement. An internal pawl and rack mechanism causes the piston to advance a small amount each time the knob is pressed, thereby repetitively dispensing small volumes of liquid therefrom. A second knob cooperatively engages an internal mechanism for both urging the piston to an overshoot position within the piston chamber and to disengage the piston from the internal mechanism in the pipette housing.

Abstract: A hand-held liquid dispenser of the type using a piston and piston cylinder for precise dispensing of desired volumes of liquid, including an improvement that automatically eliminates any air from the piston cylinder when an operator normally fills the piston cylinder with the desired liquid. A second piston of larger diameter than the first is disposed to draw fluid through the piston chamber at a much faster rate during a first short segment of an intake stroke than would the first piston, thereby to exhaust all dead air from the cylinder and fill it entirely with liquid.