Abstract: Described is a thixotropic para-aramid gel that includes a polymer resin, an alkali-soluble anionic thickener, an adhesion promoter, and para-aramid pulp fibers. The polymer resin includes at least one of an acrylate copolymer and a styrene-acrylate copolymer. Also described is a method of producing the para-aramid gel for plaster reinforcement. The method includes mixing the polymer resin, the alkali-soluble anionic thickener, and the adhesion promoter to create a thixotropic gel, and then spinning para-aramid pulp fibers into the thixotropic gel using a high shear mixer. A method of reinforcing a plaster ceiling is also described. The method includes inserting a plurality of fasteners into a visible surface of the ceiling, leaving a portion of each fastener exposed at or above the visible surface, and applying a layer of the para-aramid-reinforced thixotropic gel to the visible surface and encapsulating the portion of each fastener within the layer.

Abstract: A device for supporting a plaster ceiling during conservation work. A plurality of the devices may be installed on a superstructure of pipes or other rigid members installed on scaffolding to provide for a network or pattern of supporting devices in some installations. The supporting device includes a screw jack and a jack base that is configured to be attached to the superstructure, which in some cases includes horizontal pipes. The jack base may, in some embodiments, be symmetrical top to bottom so as to be useable on either side of a pipe and easily rotatable to either position.

Abstract: A container and dispensing method for mixing and dispensing a set of ingredients. The container includes a tube having a dispensing end and a filling end, the filling end being sealed by a first plunger. The container includes a second plunger between the dispensing end and the first plunger that separate the interior into a first cavity and a second cavity, each cavity holding at least one ingredient. The second plunger includes a breakable membrane portion. A mixing apparatus is inserted through the dispensing end, pierces the membrane portion, and urges the second plunger towards the first plunger, causing the ingredients between the plungers to flow through the pierced membrane portion and combine. The mixing apparatus feature expandable flanges, and may be driven with a rotating force to mix the combined ingredients within the tube. The first plunger is then used to dispense the mixture through the dispensing end.

Abstract: Described is a thixotropic para-aramid gel that includes a polymer resin, an alkali-soluble anionic thickener, an adhesion promoter, and para-aramid pulp fibers. The polymer resin includes at least one of an acrylate copolymer and a styrene-acrylate copolymer. Also described is a method of producing the para-aramid gel for plaster reinforcement. The method includes mixing the polymer resin, the alkali-soluble anionic thickener, and the adhesion promoter to create a thixotropic gel, and then spinning para-aramid pulp fibers into the thixotropic gel using a high shear mixer. A method of reinforcing a plaster ceiling is also described. The method includes inserting a plurality of fasteners into a visible surface of the ceiling, leaving a portion of each fastener exposed at or above the visible surface, and applying a layer of the para-aramid-reinforced thixotropic gel to the visible surface and encapsulating the portion of each fastener within the layer.

Abstract: A device for supporting a plaster ceiling during conservation work. A plurality of the devices may be installed on a superstructure of pipes or other rigid members installed on scaffolding to provide for a network or pattern of supporting devices in some installations. The supporting device includes a screw jack and a jack base that is configured to be attached to the superstructure, which in some cases includes horizontal pipes. The jack base may, in some embodiments, be symmetrical top to bottom so as to be useable on either side of a pipe and easily rotatable to either position.

Abstract: A container and dispensing method for mixing and dispensing a set of ingredients. The container includes a tube having a dispensing end and a filling end, the filling end being sealed by a first plunger. The container includes a second plunger between the dispensing end and the first plunger that separate the interior into a first cavity and a second cavity, each cavity holding at least one ingredient. The second plunger includes a breakable membrane portion. A mixing apparatus is inserted through the dispensing end, pierces the membrane portion, and urges the second plunger towards the first plunger, causing the ingredients between the plungers to flow through the pierced membrane portion and combine. The mixing apparatus feature expandable flanges, and may be driven with a rotating force to mix the combined ingredients within the tube. The first plunger is then used to dispense the mixture through the dispensing end.