Abstract: Cellulose based insulation materials are treated with phosphate compounds to provide flame retardant properties and reduce or eliminate the propensity of the cellulose based materials to ignite and propagate flame or smolder. The phosphate compounds may be blended with the cellulose based material in a dry process. Alternatively, the phosphate compound may be dissolved or dispersed in water or other solvent and sprayed on the cellulosic material. The cellulose material is then dried prior to use. The treated cellulose materials may be further conditioned prior to use by heating to between 30° C. and 100° C. for 12 to 48 hours.

Abstract: Polyphosphoric acid compositions having a reduced viscosity compared to neat polyphosphoric acid. The viscosity of the polyphosphoric acid is reduced by combining the polyphosphoric acid with an additive that reduces the viscosity of the polyphosphoric acid composition. In one embodiment, additives that can cause solvation and/or partial neutralization of the polyphosphoric acid without the addition of water may be used. The reduced viscosity polyphosphoric acid may be used, for example, as an additive in asphalts used in road pavements.

Abstract: A heating apparatus includes an elongated flexible envelope (4) comprising two sheets (6), (8) that are attached to each other along permanent side seams (10), (12) and along a permanent bottom seam (14) and a moisture-activated chemical heater (16) disposed inside envelope (4), wherein envelope (4) is folded over on itself and secured by temporary side seams (18), (20) and a permanent top seam (22) to form a continuous moisture barrier surrounding the moisture activated chemical heater (16) and wherein heater (2) may be opened for use by removing top seam (22) and unfolding envelope (4) by unpeeling temporary seals (18), (20) to provide unfolded envelope (4), wherein sheets (6) and (8) remain sealed along permanent seams (10), (12) and (14), but wherein envelope (4) now has an open top end (30).

Abstract: A heating apparatus includes an elongated flexible envelope (4) comprising two sheets (6), (8) that are attached to each other along permanent side seams (10), (12) and along a permanent bottom seam (14) and a moisture-activated chemical heater (16) disposed inside envelope (4), wherein envelope (4) is folded over on itself and secured by temporary side seams (18), (20) and a permanent top seam (22) to form a continuous moisture barrier surrounding the moisture activated chemical heater (16) and wherein heater (2) may be opened for use by removing top seam (22) and unfolding envelope (4) by unpeeling temporary seals (18), (20) to provide unfolded envelope (4), wherein sheets (6) and (8) remain sealed along permanent seams (10), (12) and (14), but wherein envelope (4) now has an open top end (30).

Abstract: Polyphosphoric acid compositions having a reduced viscosity compared to neat polyphosphoric acid. The viscosity of the polyphosphoric acid is reduced by combining the polyphosphoric acid with an additive that reduces the viscosity of the polyphosphoric acid composition. In one embodiment, additives that can cause solvation and/or partial neutralization of the polyphosphoric acid without the addition of water may be used. The reduced viscosity polyphosphoric acid may be used, for example, as an additive in asphalts used in road pavements.

Abstract: A beverage cup comprised by an open top and at least one channel defined by a corner with an acute angle so placed that the channel runs along the cup side from the cup bottom to the cup rim. In the absence of significant gravitational force as found in microgravity, weightless or weightlessness of spacecraft or the International Space Station, capillary forces between the beverage and the cup wall allow the beverage to creep along the channel and be in near proximity to the open cup rim. Lips placed at or near the channel at the rim can readily sip, drink, and consume the beverage without the need for a straw and without undue spillage for normal drinking motions including toasting. The channel conducts the beverage via capillary forces from the bottom of the cup to the rim until the beverage has been consumed.

Abstract: A heat-producing agglomerate contains particles of an acidic component selected from acid anhydrides, acid salts, and mixtures thereof, or a basic component selected from bases, basic anhydrides, basic salts, and mixtures thereof, or a mixture of such acidic and basic components. The heat producing agglomerate provides high heat output at a controllable rate of heat generation, minimizes safety and environmental risks, and is useful as a heat-producing component in self-heating packaging.

Abstract: A heat-producing agglomerate contains particles of an acidic component selected from acid anhydrides, acid salts, and mixtures thereof, or a basic component selected from bases, basic anhydrides, basic salts, and mixtures thereof, or a mixture of such acidic and basic components. The heat producing agglomerate provides high heat output at a controllable rate of heat generation, minimizes safety and environmental risks, and is useful as a heat-producing component in self-heating packaging.