Abstract: Asphalt packets and methods of making and using asphalt packets are provided. For example, an asphalt packet can be provided that include asphalt that comprises an inner volume and a polymer film outer coating that encapsulates the inner volume of the asphalt. The polymer film outer coating can be non-tacky at ambient temperatures to permit stacking of a plurality of asphalt packets under weight without causing the packets to agglomerate.

Abstract: Mobile mixing devices, mobile mixing systems, and related methods are provided. A mobile mixing device can include a frame and a mixing drum securable to the frame. The mixing drum can include a body that forms an internal cavity and can have a forward end and a bottom end. The mixing drum can also include a mouth at the forward end of the body that provides access to the internal cavity of the mixing drum. The mobile mixing device can include a heater support arm having a heater secured to an end of the heater support arm that is distal from the mixing drum. The mixing drum can be used to process cement material when the heater support arm is in a stow-away position or used to process asphalt when the heater support arm is in a heating position with the heater facing into the mouth of the mixing drum after loading of the asphalt.

Abstract: Asphalt packets and methods of making and using asphalt packets are provided. For example, an asphalt packet can be provided that include asphalt that comprises an inner volume and a polymer film outer coating that encapsulates the inner volume of the asphalt. The polymer film outer coating can be non-tacky at ambient temperatures to permit stacking of a plurality of asphalt packets under weight without causing the packets to agglomerate.

Abstract: Mobile mixing devices, mobile mixing systems, and related methods are provided. A mobile mixing device can include a frame and a mixing drum securable to the frame. The mixing drum can include a body that forms an internal cavity and can have a forward end and a bottom end. The mixing drum can also include a mouth at the forward end of the body that provides access to the internal cavity of the mixing drum. The mobile mixing device can include a heater support arm having a heater secured to an end of the heater support arm that is distal from the mixing drum. The mixing drum can be used to process cement material when the heater support arm is in a stow-away position or asphalt when the heater support arm is in a heating position with the heater facing into the mouth of the mixing drum.

Abstract: A non-tacky asphalt packet in which the surface is coated with a continuous layer of polymer compatible with the asphalt, and which has a surface-to-volume ratio which in the presence of heat makes the asphalt melt in an adequately short time such that when n dispersed in an aggregate mixture allows the asphalt to melt and coat the aggregate uniformly as the aggregate reaches the maximum mix temperature, and prior to degradation of the asphalt due to excessive temperature.

Abstract: Insulated pipe support apparatuses, systems and related methods are disclosed herein. An insulating support body section of support insulation for holding and insulating pipes installed within a structure can include a pipe receiving portion having a mounting side and a receiving side. The mounting side can have a mounting surface being configured to reside adjacent a mounting surface of a structure. At least one channel can be formed within the pipe receiving portion through the receiving side such that the pipe receiving portion forms side walls of the channel, the at least one channel being configured to receive one or more pipes with the side walls of the channels having a strength to support the section of pipe extending through the channel without need for additional weight bearing supports. The insulating support body section can have a thermal conductivity that is less than the thermal conductivity of the pipes that are to be inserted into the respective channels.

Abstract: Insulated pipe support apparatuses, systems and related methods are disclosed herein. An insulating support body section of support insulation for holding and insulating pipes installed within a structure can include a pipe receiving portion having a mounting side and a receiving side. The mounting side can have a mounting surface being configured to reside adjacent a mounting surface of a structure. At least one channel can be formed within the pipe receiving portion through the receiving side such that the pipe receiving portion forms side walls of the channel, the at least one channel being configured to receive one or more pipes with the side walls of the channels having a strength to support the section of pipe extending through the channel without need for additional weight bearing supports. The insulating support body section can have a thermal conductivity that is less than the thermal conductivity of the pipes that are to be inserted into the respective channels.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing hot mix on site utilizing a composition of discrete substances that are capable of being mixed together to form a composite material are disclosed. The composition includes a plurality of pellets of a tacky, deformable material at an ambient temperature dispersed within a flowable fine material. Stone aggregate is placed in a mixing chamber that has been moved within proximity of the location where the hot mix is to be used. At least a portion of the stone aggregate is heated in the mixing chamber to a temperature sufficient to soften the pellets of the tacky, deformable material. The composition of discrete substances is added into the mixing chamber. The mixture of the composition of discrete substances and the stone aggregate is agitated until the pellets of a tacky, deformable material soften and uniformly coat the stone aggregate.

Abstract: Compositions of discrete substances that are capable of being mixed together to form a composite material and methods for making the compositions are disclosed. The composition includes a plurality of pellets of a tacky, deformable material at an ambient temperature dispersed within a flowable fine material. The fine material occupies the interstices between the plurality of pellets in a manner that minimizes pellet to pellet contact.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing hot mix on site utilizing a composition of discrete substances that are capable of being mixed together to form a composite material are disclosed. The composition includes a plurality of pellets of a tacky, deformable material at an ambient temperature dispersed within a flowable fine material. Stone aggregate is placed in a mixing chamber that has been moved within proximity of the location where the hot mix is to be used. At least a portion of the stone aggregate is heated in the mixing chamber to a temperature sufficient to soften the pellets of the tacky, deformable material. The composition of discrete substances is added into the mixing chamber. The mixture of the composition of discrete substances and the stone aggregate is agitated until the pellets of a tacky, deformable material soften and uniformly coat the stone aggregate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying adhesive the edges of a slit tubular body as the tubular body is advanced along a path of travel is provided. The apparatus includes a tape feed for feeding a release tape having an adhesive applied to a surface thereof, a cutting blade for forming a slit having opposing edges in the tubular body such that the cutting blade is interposed between the opposing edges, and a housing member positioned along the path of travel. The housing member is positioned for directing the release tape along the exterior surface of the housing member in a line parallel to the path of travel of the tubular body such that the adhesive is applied to the at least one of the opposing edges of the slit. The housing member is further positioned for covering at least a portion of the cutting blade and separating at least one of the edges of the slit from the cutting blade to reduce frictional engagement of the cutting blade with the tubular body.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hot melt adhesive composition in pellet form. The hot melt adhesive composition is pressure sensitive, having a storage modulus, G′, at 25° C., of less than about 5×106 dynes/cm2. The pellets are coated with a pelletizing aid on the surface at a concentration preferably ranging from about 1 wt-% to about 30 wt-%. The pelletizing aid is a hot melt adhesive component or a material which does not substantially adversely affect the adhesive properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hot melt adhesive composition in pellet form. The hot melt adhesive composition is pressure sensitive, having a storage modulus, G', at 25.degree. C., of less than about 5.times.10.sup.6 dynes/cm.sup.2. The pellets are coated with a pelletizing aid on the surface at a concentration preferably ranging from about 1 wt-% to about 30 wt-%. The pelletizing aid is a hot melt adhesive component or a material which does not substantially adversely affect the adhesive properties. The pellets are free-flowing and have a substantially tack-free surface.

Abstract: Bendable foam-covered rod-like articles and a method and apparatus for their production are described. The method involves feeding an adhesive coated flexible core to an extruder, which in turn extrudes a low density, closed cell foam sheath about the core. The core and sheath composite is then cut into rod-like elements of predetermined length. Each of the rod-like elements is then restrained at a position spaced inwardly from one its ends, and an orificed plate and an element end are axially pressed together such that the core extends through the orifice in the plate and the foam sheath is compressed. The excess core extending through the plate orifice is then cut, and the pressure between the plate and the element is released, such that the foam sheath returns to its original condition, thereby producing a composite in which the core end is recessed into the foam sheath end. The end of the element is finished by sealing, preferably through the application of a hot brand.

Abstract: A polymeric resin composition comprising a polymeric resin in particulate form coated with an additive agent adhered to the surfaces of the resin particles by a coating of thermoplastic adhesive binder between the particles and the agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the temperature of a viscous material flow by traversing at least a portion of the flow stream are provided. The apparatus includes an elongated temperature probe which is linearly translated by a motor which has a position sensing means operatively connected thereto for determining the relative position of the probe during movement thereof. A remote control and indicator is electrically connected to the temperature probe for selectively actuating the probe and providing temperature and corresponding position data relating to movement thereof.

Abstract: An elongate lightweight and readily bendable rod-like article and method of making, wherein the article is adapted to be used for a variety of purposes such as a hair curling rod or wrist bracelet. The article comprises a low density and continuous foam body of closed cell foam, a pliable metallic core extending throughout the length of the body and serving to resiliently maintain the body in any desired bent configuration, adhesive surrounding the metallic core throughout the length thereof and bonding the metallic core to the body so that the body and metallic core are unitized and bend together, the adhesive also serving as a corrosion resistant protective coating on the metallic core, and end caps sealing opposite ends of the body and providing a protective shield for opposite ends of the metallic core.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately metering a viscous material is provided. The apparatus includes an extruder having a drive means, and a gear pump, with the extruder drivingly connected to the gear pump so as to obviate the need for a secondary power system. Three different embodiments of the invention are set forth.

Abstract: Significantly enhanced bending characteristics are provided in a coaxial cable by reducing the stiffness of the tubular sheath in relation to the stiffness of the core. The cable comprises a core including at least one inner conductor and a low loss dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, and an electrically and mechanically continuous tubular metallic sheath closely surrounding the core and being adhesively bonded thereto, the ratio of the stiffness of the core to the stiffness of the tubular sheath being greater than 5.

Abstract: A plastic extrusion apparatus is provided which includes a gear pump for accurately metering the plastic through a die. The apparatus is adapted to process highly viscous plastic material under high temperature and pressure conditions, and the gear pump includes a non-leaking and substantially frictionless seal for the drive shaft. The seal comprises a sleeve surrounding the shaft, and a shallow helical channel formed in the bore of the sleeve, with the helical channel being of a hand such that forward rotation of the shaft results in the plastic which enters the clearance between the shaft and sleeve to be effectively pumped back toward the interior of the housing.