Abstract: A concrete wall forming system including interconnected mold units that include a top surface containing a first portion bond beam form, a first top ledge, a first top lip seal portion, a second top ledge, and a second top lip seal portion; a bottom surface containing a second portion bond beam form, a first bottom ledge, a first bottom lip seal portion, a second bottom ledge, and a second bottom lip seal portion; and two or more column forms extending from the top depression to the bottom depression. The first top lip seal portion and first bottom lip seal portion and second top lip seal portion and second bottom lip seal portion are adapted to form a seal between two mold units such that the bond beam form portions are combined to form a bond beam form. The system can be used to form an insulated concrete wall.

Abstract: A lightweight ready-mix concrete composition that contains 8-20 volume percent cement, 11-50 volume percent sand, 10-31 volume percent prepuff particles, 9-40 volume percent coarse aggregate, and 10-22 volume percent water, where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent. The prepuff particles have an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.02 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3. The slump value of the composition measured according to ASTM C 143 is from 2 to 8 inches. After the lightweight ready-mix concrete composition is set for 28 days, it has a compressive strength of at least 1400 psi as tested according to ASTM C39.

Abstract: A lightweight cementitious composition containing from 22 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition and from 10 to 78 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, where after the lightweight cementitious composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39. The cementitious composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles and can be included as a layer on wall panels and floor panels and can be used in insulated concrete forms. Aspects of the lightweight cementitious composition can be used to make lightweight structural units.

Abstract: A labeled expanded resin container that includes pre-expanded resin beads molded in a shape having a sidewall with an outer surface and a base; and a label formed from a label material capable of maintaining an electrostatic charge disposed over at least a portion of the outer surface of the sidewall of the container. The container has a rim strength that is at least 50% greater than the rim strength of a container that does not contain a label, where the containers are otherwise made using the same equipment. After a liquid at 50° F. (10° C.) is placed in the container and the container is exposed to conditions of 86° F. (30° C.) and 60% relative humidity for 30 minutes, less than 2 ml of moisture condenses on the outer surface of the container.

Abstract: A lightweight ready-mix concrete composition that contains 8-20 volume percent cement, 11-50 volume percent sand, 10-31 volume percent prepuff particles, 9-40 volume percent coarse aggregate, and 10-22 volume percent water, where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent. The prepuff particles have an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.02 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3. The slump value of the composition measured according to ASTM C 143 is from 2 to 8 inches. After the lightweight ready-mix concrete composition is set for 28 days, it has a compressive strength of at least 1400 psi as tested according to ASTM C39.

Abstract: A device and method for producing labeled expanded resin containers; the method including applying a label sheet, formed from a label material capable of maintaining an electrostatic charge, to an inner wall of female portions of two-part molds, positioning one or more male portions of the two-part molds in contact with the corresponding female portions to form one or more mold cavities; adding expandable resin beads or pre-expanded resin beads to the mold cavities; applying a sufficient amount of heat for a sufficient length of time to the mold cavities to effect expansion of the expandable resin beads or pre-expanded resin beads to form labeled containers; cooling the labeled containers; and removing the labeled containers from the mold cavities. The labels on the external wall of the labeled containers present a smooth circumferential surface.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete composition containing from 10 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition, from 10 to 90 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, and from 0 to 50 volume percent of aggregate, where the particles contain an antimicrobial agent; where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent, and where after the lightweight concrete composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39 after seven days. The concrete composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, dining tables, counter surfaces, bench tops, and/or examination tables as well as other articles.

Abstract: A lightweight concrete composition containing from 10 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition, from 10 to 90 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, and from 0 to 50 volume percent of aggregate; where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent, and where after the lightweight concrete composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39 after seven days. The concrete composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles.

Abstract: A lightweight cementitious composition containing from 10 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition, from 10 to 90 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, and from 10 to 50 volume percent of sand and/or other fine aggregate, where at least a portion of the sand and/or fine aggregate has a fineness modulus of less than 2; where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent, and where after the lightweight cementitious composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39 after seven days. The cementitious composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles.

Abstract: A lightweight cementitious composition containing from 22 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition and from 10 to 78 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, where after the lightweight cementitious composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39. The cementitious composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles and can be included as a layer on wall panels and floor panels and can be used in insulated concrete forms. Aspects of the lightweight cementitious composition can be used to make lightweight structural units.