Abstract: Paving compositions and method of producing the same are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a paving composition includes a binder, where the binder includes bitumen, recycled plastic, and a performance enhancement additive. The performance enhancement additive is selected from the group of low molecular weight polyolefin, a glycidyl compound, and a combination thereof. The low molecular weight polyolefin has a weight average molecular weight of from about 500 to about 30,000 Daltons. The glycidyl compound includes an ethylene glycidyl (meth)acrylate polymer with a weight average molecular weight of from about 500 to about 30,000 Daltons.

Abstract: Methods for reducing asphalt pavement thickness are provided. A method for producing thin asphalt pavement includes combining a base asphalt, an oxidized polyolefin, and an aggregate to form an asphalt paving material. A layer of the asphalt paving material is deposited on a substrate layer and compacted to a thickness.

Abstract: A composition intended for application to a low surface energy substrate has added thereto an amount of a copolymer formulation in order to improve the quality of adhesion between the composition and the low surface energy substrate, substrates being coated with such compositions, and associated methods.

Abstract: A device for incorporating a snare effect with an existing drum is formed of a collection of snare wires attached to a mounting configuration. The snare wires are of a length that extends across only a portion of a drum head, with the device attached to an accessible area on an existing drum. In one configuration, the device includes a lever arm that controls the contact between the snare wires and the drum head. The snare device can be attached to the underside of a roto-tom drum (for example), and provide an adjustable pitch snare effect. The snare device can be attached to an exterior portion (tension hoop, for example) or an interior portion (shell) of a shelled drum, and provide the snare effect.

Abstract: A non-blown roofing grade bitumen composition comprising bitumen feedstock, polyolefin having a molecular weight of from about 800 to about 50,000 g/mol, and optionally one or more additives, wherein the softening point of the composition is above 70° C. as determined according to method ASTM D36 and the penetration of the composition is at least about 12 dmm at 25° C. as determined according to method ASTM D5. A method of making the same.

Abstract: Hot melt adhesive compositions which have enhanced adhesion to difficult substrates, particularly at refrigerator/freezer temperatures or at elevated temperatures. The inventive compositions require a base polymer comprising an ethylene vinyl acetate-containing polymer; a tackifier; an adhesion promoting additive comprising at least one semi-crystalline polymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 30,000 daltons or less; and optional wax; and an optional antioxidant. It has been found that the adhesion promoting additive of this invention enhances the adhesion properties of a hot melt adhesive composition having ethylene vinyl acetate-containing polymer, particularly at elevated temperatures or at low refrigerator and freezer temperatures where other conventional adhesives have been unsuccessful.

Abstract: A device for incorporating a snare effect with an existing drum is formed of a collection of snare wires attached to a mounting configuration. The snare wires are of a length that extends across only a portion of a drum head, with the device attached to an accessible area on an existing drum. In one configuration, the device includes a lever arm that controls the contact between the snare wires and the drum head. The snare device can be attached to the underside of a roto-tom drum (for example), and provide an adjustable pitch snare effect. The snare device can be attached to an exterior portion (tension hoop, for example) or an interior portion (shell) of a shelled drum, and provide the snare effect.

Abstract: Hot melt adhesive compositions which have enhanced adhesion to difficult substrates, particularly at refrigerator/freezer temperatures or at elevated temperatures. The inventive compositions require a base polymer comprising an ethylene vinyl acetate-containing polymer; a tackifier; an adhesion promoting additive comprising at least one semi-crystalline polymer having a weight average molecular weight of about 30,000 daltons or less; and optional wax; and an optional antioxidant. It has been found that the adhesion promoting additive of this invention enhances the adhesion properties of a hot melt adhesive composition having ethylene vinyl acetate-containing polymer, particularly at elevated temperatures or at low refrigerator and freezer temperatures where other conventional adhesives have been unsuccessful.

Abstract: Methods for reducing asphalt pavement thickness, for fabricating asphalt paving material with increased aggregate-to-aggregate contact points, and for fabricating asphalt paving materials with improved low temperature cracking performance are provided. A method for reducing asphalt pavement thickness includes combining a base asphalt, an oxidized polyolefin, and an aggregate to form an asphalt paving material. A layer of the asphalt paving material is deposited on a substrate layer and compacted to a thickness that is less than a thickness of a compacted asphalt paving material formed of the aggregate and the base asphalt with no oxidized polyolefin while achieving the same amount or less of high temperature rutting than the compacted asphalt paving material formed of the aggregate and the base asphalt with no oxidized polyolefin.

Abstract: A non-blown roofing grade bitumen composition comprising bitumen feedstock, polyolefin having a molecular weight of from about 800 to about 50,000 g/mol, and optionally one or more additives, wherein the softening point of the composition is above 70° C. as determined according to method ASTM D36 and the penetration of the composition is at least about 12 dmm at 25° C. as determined according to method ASTM D5. A method of making the same.

Abstract: An asphalt paving material comprises an asphalt binder present in an amount of from about 3 to about 8 weight percent of the asphalt paving material. The asphalt binder comprises base asphalt and oxidized polyolefin that is present in an amount of from about 0.25 to about 10 weight percent of the base asphalt. Aggregate is present in an amount of about 92 to about 97 weight percent of the asphalt paving material. The oxidized polyolefin effectively adheres the asphalt binder to the aggregate so as to resist stripping of the asphalt binder from the aggregate caused by moisture.

Abstract: An asphaltic composition comprises base asphalt and a low molecular weight ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. The low molecular weight ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % of the base asphalt.

Abstract: An asphalt paving material comprises an asphalt binder present in an amount of from about 3 to about 8 weight percent of the asphalt paving material. The asphalt binder comprises base asphalt and oxidized polyolefin that is present in an amount of from about 0.25 to about 10 weight percent of the base asphalt. Aggregate is present in an amount of about 92 to about 97 weight percent of the asphalt paving material. The oxidized polyolefin effectively adheres the asphalt binder to the aggregate so as to resist stripping of the asphalt binder from the aggregate caused by moisture.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for advantageously producing maleated polypropylenes having a relatively high percentage of bound maleic anhydride, based on the total amount of maleic anhydride moieties present in the grafting reaction product, and the maleated polypropylenes produced therefrom. The methods produce maleated polypropylenes wherein at least about 60% of the maleic anhydride moieties in the grafting reaction product are bound to the polypropylene.

Abstract: Composite compositions suitable for forming shaped articles which comprise thermoplastic polyolefin binder, cellulose, a solid state maleated polypropylene coupling agent, and a stearate lubricant. Shaped articles may be formed from these compositions by extrusion without undue adverse effects on the extrusion process or adversely affecting the production output. Additive packages for such composite compositions comprise the solid state maleated polypropylene coupling agent and stearate lubricant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microphone stand mounted monitor which is closer to the performer, eliminates the use of precious floor space, uses less power, allows for a lower output volume on the stage and is adjustable in height. The microphone stand mounted monitor includes a cabinet, at least one speaker in the cabinet and a mounting system. The monitor mounts to a microphone stand by sliding the cabinet over a shaft with the microphone adapter removed, so that the shaft is inserted into holes of the cabinet. The holes are positioned so that the cabinet is about waist height of the performer and the speakers of the cabinet are pointed towards the head of a performer. An isolation tube is mounted inside the cabinet between the holes. The isolation tube provides a guide for the shaft and protects the internal parts of the cabinet from the shaft. The isolation tube also aids in sealing the cabinet and preventing leakage of sound from the cabinet.