Abstract: The present invention relates to an asphalt product. The asphalt product includes an asphalt binder and a bio-oil blend comprising a mixture of a non-hydrogenated bio-oil and a partially hydrogenated bio-oil, where the bio-oil blend is mixed with the asphalt binder to form an asphalt product having a shear stiffness of 0.20 kPa to 11,000 kPa at a temperature ranging from 25° C. to 85° C. and/or a viscosity of 0.15 Pa·s to 1.50 Pa·s at a temperature ranging from 120° C. to 165° C. The present invention further relates to methods of producing an asphalt product and methods of applying an asphalt product to a surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an asphalt product that comprises an asphalt component and a plurality of pellets comprising a mixture of a ground tire rubber and an elastomeric polymer, where the density difference between the asphalt component and the plurality of pellets is less than 10%. The present invention further relates to a pellet comprising a ground tire rubber (“GTR”) and an elastomeric polymer mixed with the GTR, where the GTR has a density of less than 1.12 g/cm3. Also disclosed are methods of producing improved asphalt and paving a surface.

Abstract: A variable capacity automotive refrigerant compressor is provided with a pressure equalization passage between the crankcase volume and the suction passage in the manifold to prevent a pressure imbalance between the two that could otherwise cause a reduction in crankcase lubricant retention during extended periods of system inactivity.

Abstract: A method of preparing a molded article by means of an in-mold decoration process, is described. The method includes, providing a laminate (4) of a plurality of separate releasable thermoplastic labels (14) superposed over a carrier film (26). A decoration (86) is applied in-line to the exposed second surface (68) of the labels (14), thereby forming a decorated laminate (5). The decorated laminate (5) is forwarded and indexed into a mold (20) such that the exposed first surface (77) of the carrier film (26) abuts at least a portion of the interior surface of the mold, and the decorated second surface (68) of the label (14) faces the interior space of the mold. Plastic material (e.g., thermoplastic material) is injected into the mold against the decorated surface of the label, thus forming a molded article. The carrier film (26) is then separated from the molded article.

Abstract: A method of preparing a molded article by means of an in-mold decoration process, is described. The method includes, providing a laminate (4) of a plurality of separate releasable thermoplastic labels (14) superposed over a carrier film (26). A decoration (86) is applied in-line to the exposed second surface (68) of the labels (14), thereby forming a decorated laminate (5). The decorated laminate (5) is forwarded and indexed into a mold (20) such that the exposed first surface (77) of the carrier film (26) abuts at least a portion of the interior surface of the mold, and the decorated second surface (68) of the label (14) faces the interior space of the mold. Plastic material (e.g., thermoplastic material) is injected into the mold against the decorated surface of the label, thus forming a molded article. The carrier film (26) is then separated from the molded article.