Abstract: A degradable plastic film for use as an agricultural mulch film comprises two longitudinal bands each adjacent to a respective longitudinal edge of the film, and a middle section between the bands. The bands and middle section contain degradants. In use, the bands along the edges of the mulch film are buried in the soil and the middle section is exposed to sunlight. By reason of different degradants in the bands and middle section respectively, or different levels of the same degradants, the entire film degrades by the time of the next cycle of cultivation. The film is produced by means of extrusion from two extruders through one circular die which has a die opening with one segment which receives resin with one degradant and another segment which receives resin with a second degradant. The extruded cylindrical film is blown and then slit longitudinally.

Abstract: A degradable disposable diaper includes one or more sheets made of polyolefin with the polyolefin including a prodegradant causing the sheet to degrade. The prodegradant includes a metal compound such as a metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, cerium, and iron. The preferred metal compound is a metal carboxylate. The polyolefin is preferably polyethylene or polypropylene. A secondary polyolefin may be used to aid the incorporation of the prodegradant into the primary polyolefin. A filler may also be used with the polyolefin and prodegradant. The filler preferably has a particle size less than 150 mesh and is free of water. The filler is preferably calcium carbonate having a 1 to 10 micron particle size. The sheet contains between about 0.001 and about 15 weight % prodegradant and most preferably between about 0.01 and about 3 weight % prodegradant. The sheet also includes up to about 15 weight % filler. The diaper also includes a degradable absorbent core.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for fusing a sidewall pipe onto a host pipe using pneumatic equipment. The functions of the fusing apparatus are controlled by a programmable computer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for fusing a sidewall pipe onto a host pipe at an angle of less than 90.degree.. The apparatus prevents the angled sidewall pipe from migrating during the fusing operation. Also provided is a radius cutter for cutting the radius of the angled sidewall pipe to match the concave upper surface of the host pipe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for fusing a sidewall pipe onto a host pipe using pneumatic equipment. The functions of the fusing apparatus are controlled by a programmable computer. Further, as each fuse is performed, a GPS system provides and stores the geographical location of the fuse.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine which is attached to the compactor to lay film over the face of a landfill. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a machine and the method for laying a polyolefin film over the face of a landfill and distributing available solids such as dirt, clay, gravel or other solid material inside the edges of the film to hold the film against the face of the landfill.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the treating of surfaces of thermoplastic additives having the propensity to be hydrophilic by blending glycerol tristearate with the additive in a high intensity mixer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the process and apparatus for compounding and pelletizing of chemical foaming agents in a high melt resin carrier and producing unique, uniform encapsulated and pelletized chemical foaming concentrates. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the compounding, encapsulating and pelletizing in a high melt resin carrier a highly loaded concentration (5 to 70 wt %) of foaming agents which include an endothermic foaming agent, an exothermic foaming agent or hybrid combinations of these two such that when incorporated into a thermoplastic resin to produce a foamed product will chemically react to form carbon dioxide, nitrogen or hydrogen or mixtures thereof as the active foaming gas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus for compounding and pelletizing of chemical foaming agents in a high melt resin carrier and producing unique, uniform encapsulated and pelletized chemical foaming concentrates. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the compounding, encapsulating and pelletizing in a high melt resin carrier a highly loaded concentration (5 to 70 wt %) of foaming agents which include an endothermic foaming agent, an exothermic foaming agent or hybrid combinations of these two such that when incorporated into a thermoplastic resin to produce a foamed product will chemically react to form carbon dioxide, nitrogen or hydrogen or mixtures thereof as the active foaming gas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to melt blown polyolefin film which is produced cheaply by melt blowing polyolefin resins which contain 25 to 60 wt % fillers selected from the fillers including an inorganic carbonate, synthetic carbonates, nepheline syenite, talc, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum trihydrate, diatomaceous earth, mica, natural or synthetic silicas and calcined clays or mixtures thereof, having a particle size less than 150 mesh.A further aspect of the present invention is directed to polyolefin resins, especially polyethylene, which are chemically degradable by the incorporation of the combination of the above group of fillers and a metal carboxylate. The metal carboxylates of the present invention are inclusive of a large number of metals, such as cerium, cobalt, iron, and magnesium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine which is attached to the compactor to lay film over the face of a landfill. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a machine and the method for laying a polyolefin film over the face of a landfill and distributing available solids such as dirt, clay, gravel or other solid material inside the edges and across the surface of the film to hold the film against the face of the landfill.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to melt blown polyolefin film which is produced cheaply by melt blowing polyolefin resins which contain 25 to 60 wt% fillers selected from the fillers including an inorganic carbonate, synthetic carbonates, nepheline syenite, talc, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum trihydrate, diatomaceous earth, mica, natural or synthetic silicas and calcined clays or mixtures thereof, having a particle size less than 150 mesh.A further aspect of the present invention is directed to polyolefin resins, especially polyethylene, which are chemically degradable by the incorporation of the combination of the above group of fillers and a metal carboxylate. The metal carboxylates of the present invention are inclusive of a large number of metals, such as cerium, cobalt, iron, and magnesium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the process and apparatus for compounding and pelletizing of chemical foaming agents in a high melt resin carrier and producing unique, uniform encapsulated and pelletized chemical foaming concentrates. More specifically, the present invention is directed to the compounding, encapsulating and pelletizing in a high melt resin carrier a highly loaded concentration (5 to 70 wt %) of foaming agents which include an endothermic foaming agent, an exothermic foaming agent or hybrid combinations of these two such that when incorporated into a thermoplastic resin to produce a foamed product will chemically react to form a mixture of carbon dioxide, nitrogen or hydrogen as the active foaming agent.