Abstract: A disposable drawstring bag has odor-related material in the drawstring, but not in the bag member or the drawstring channel, so that prior to activation of the drawstring arrangement the odor-related material is substantially contained within the channel, but after activation of the drawstring arrangement the odor-related material is substantially exposed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming simulated wear patterns and designs in denim pants using laser rays. The apparatus includes an indexable carousel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced pant-supporting mandrels that are sequentially indexable to a plurality of stations located about the carousel, including a loading station, a laser station, and an unloading station. The mandrels each comprise articulated linkage that is selectively actuatable between a retractable condition that permits positioning of a pair of pants onto the mandrel at the loading station and an expanded condition that tautly supports the pants in predetermined position at the laser station such that a laser generated pattern can be formed at predetermined locations on the pants.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming simulated wear patterns and designs in denim pants using laser rays. The apparatus includes an indexable carousel having a plurality of circumferentially spaced pant-supporting mandrels that are sequentially indexable to a plurality of stations located about the carousel, including a loading station, a laser station, and an unloading station. The mandrels each comprise articulated linkage that is selectively actuatable between a retractable condition that permits positioning of a pair of pants onto the mandrel at the loading station and an expanded condition that tautly supports the pants in predetermined position at the laser station such that a laser generated pattern can be formed at predetermined locations on the pants.

Abstract: In a method of melting asphalt in a vessel, the molten asphalt normally emitting fumes, 0.2 weight percent to 6 weight percent of a polymer is added to the asphalt to reduce the visual opacity of the fumes by at least 25% over the same asphalt without the polymer. In another embodiment, the total emissions of benzene soluble suspended particulates is reduced by at least 15% over the same asphalt without the polymer. Preferably, the added polymer has a melt flow index of from 15 grams/10 minutes to 95 grams/10 minutes, and the added polymer reduces the visual opacity of the fumes by forming a skim on the upper surface of the molten asphalt.

Abstract: In a method for reducing hydrogen chloride emissions from an asphalt blowing process, ferric chloride and/or ferrous chloride are added to the asphalt. A chemical modifier is also added to the asphalt. The asphalt is subjected to a blowing process which produces hydrogen chloride emissions. The addition of the chemical modifier reduces the hydrogen chloride emissions by at least 25% compared to the same process without the addition of the chemical modifier. The addition of the ferric chloride and/or ferrous chloride provides beneficial effects such as increased blowing rate and increased final penetration of the asphalt. Preferably, the addition of the chemical modifier does not significantly reduce these beneficial effects.