Abstract: A method of producing packages of flowable materials may include: passing a plurality of coupled packages through a cutter having a blade with dual cutting edges; and severing adjacent packages in a region proximate ends thereof by a single stroke of the blade so that only one edge of the blade contacts the region. In addition, a cutter may include a housing that is substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis thereof, the housing defining an opening having opposing first and second sections each with an arcuate region proximate a tapered region, the opening further comprising a central region disposed between the first and second sections. The cutter may include a blade with dual cutting edges, the blade disposed proximate the central region of the housing.

Abstract: A composite material is disclosed having a matrix formed of polyethylene terephthalate and cement particles distributed in the matrix. The cement particles may be Portland cement. About 50 wt % or less of the composite material is cement particles. The cement particles have an average particle size of no more than about 100 ?m.

Abstract: The invention is related to a coating delivery system that includes at least one pressure vessel operable in sealed and unsealed conditions, a deliverable substance including a coating component interspersed with at least one of liquefied carbon dioxide and supercritical carbon dioxide, and a pressurizing fluid. The deliverable substance is disposed in a first pressure vessel of the at least one pressure vessel, and the pressurizing fluid directly exerts a pressure on the deliverable substance to effect transport thereof when the pressure vessel is in the unsealed condition. The deliverable substance may be spray discharged.

Abstract: A system for mine roof reinforcement includes a bearing plate and a tubular member with an inner surface, an outer surface, first and second free ends, and an enlarged portion disposed proximate one of the free ends. The system also includes a projectile and an insertion member for being received in the tubular member. In addition, a method for inserting a bolt in rock includes: forming a borehole in rock; placing a bearing plate with an opening therein against the rock so that the opening is aligned with the borehole; disposing a tubular member in the borehole and opening so that an enlarged end of the tubular member abuts the plate; and mechanically expanding the tubular member so that an outer wall thereof frictionally engages the rock.

Abstract: The invention is related to a coating delivery system that includes at least one pressure vessel operable in sealed and unsealed conditions, a deliverable substance including a coating component interspersed with at least one of liquefied carbon dioxide and supercritical carbon dioxide, and a pressurizing fluid. The deliverable substance is disposed in a first pressure vessel of the at least one pressure vessel, and the pressurizing fluid directly exerts a pressure on the deliverable substance to effect transport thereof when the pressure vessel is in the unsealed condition. The deliverable substance may be spray discharged.

Abstract: A low temperature alkali metal electrolysis process is provided. The process comprises carrying out the electrolysis in the presence of a co-electrolyte and an alkali metal halide. The co-electrolyte comprises (1) a nitrogen-containing compound and optionally one ore more Group IB halides, Group IIIA halides, Group VIII halides; (2) a Group IIIA halide, a Group VB halide, or combinations of a Group IIIA halide and a Group VB halide; or (3) water. Also provided is a low temperature electrolysis process, which comprises carrying out the process using a cathode that comprises (1) a liquid alkali metal; (2) an alloy of two or more metals selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, antimony, indium, gallium, thallium, and cadmium; or (3) an electrically conductive liquid solvated alkali metal.

Abstract: A system for mine roof reinforcement includes a bearing plate and a tubular member with an inner surface, an outer surface, first and second free ends, and an enlarged portion disposed proximate one of the free ends. The system also includes a projectile and an insertion member for being received in the tubular member. In addition, a method for inserting a bolt in rock includes: forming a borehole in rock; placing a bearing plate with an opening therein against the rock so that the opening is aligned with the borehole; disposing a tubular member in the borehole and opening so that an enlarged end of the tubular member abuts the plate; and mechanically expanding the tubular member so that an outer wall thereof frictionally engages the rock.

Abstract: A low temperature alkali metal electrolysis process is provided. The process comprises carrying out the electrolysis in the presence of a co-electrolyte and an alkali metal halide. The co-electrolyte comprises (1) a nitrogen-containing compound and optionally one ore more Group IB halides, Group IIIA halides, Group VIII halides; (2) a Group IIIA halide, a Group VB halide, or combinations of a Group IIIA halide and a Group VB halide; or (3) water. Also provided is a low temperature electrolysis process, which comprises carrying out the process using a cathode that comprises (1) a liquid alkali metal; (2) an alloy of two or more metals selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, antimony, indium, gallium, thallium, and cadmium; or (3) an electrically conductive liquid solvated alkali metal.

Abstract: The invention is related to a coating delivery system that includes at least one pressure vessel operable in sealed and unsealed conditions, a deliverable substance including a coating component interspersed with at least one of liquefied carbon dioxide and supercritical carbon dioxide, and a pressurizing fluid. The deliverable substance is disposed in a first pressure vessel of the at least one pressure vessel, and the pressurizing fluid directly exerts a pressure on the deliverable substance to effect transport thereof when the pressure vessel is in the unsealed condition. The deliverable substance may be spray discharged.

Abstract: A composition is provided which comprises a first component, a second component, and a compressible substance in which the first component comprises a peroxide, a liquid which comprises water, and a solid particulate; and the second component comprises a polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a solid particulate. The composition can further comprises a sugar. Also disclosed is a process that can be used for preventing a grouting composition from becoming limp. The process comprises combining a grouting composition with a compressible substance in which the composition comprises a first component and a second component as disclosed above.

Abstract: An composition is provided which comprises a first component and a second component in which the first component comprises a peroxide, a liquid which comprises water, a sugar, and a solid particulate; and the second component comprises a polymer, a crosslinking agent, and a solid particulate. Also disclosed are processes for reducing fluid loss in a grouting composition and for anchoring a reinforcing member in a hole using the composition disclosed above.

Abstract: A low temperature alkali metal electrolysis process is provided. The process comprises carrying out the electrolysis in the presence of a co-electrolyte and an alkali metal halide. The co-electrolyte comprises (1) a nitrogen-containing compound and optionally one ore more Group IB halides, Group IIIA halides, Group VIII halides; (2) a Group IIIA halide, a Group VB halide, or combinations of a Group IIIA halide and a Group VB halide; or (3) water. Also provided is a low temperature electrolysis process, which comprises carrying out the process using a cathode that comprises (1) a liquid alkali metal; (2) an alloy of two or more metals selected from the group consisting of bismuth, lead, tin, antimony, indium, gallium, thallium, and cadmium; or (3) an electrically conductive liquid solvated alkali metal.

Abstract: A low temperature alkali metal electrolysis process for carrying out the electrolysis in the presence of a co-electrolyte and an alkali metal halide. The co-electrolyte comprises (1) a nitrogen-containing compound and optionally one ore more Group IB halides, Group IIIA halides, Group VIII halides; (2) a Group IIIA halide, a Group VB halide, or combinations of a Group IIIA halide and a Group VB halide; or (3) water. Further provided is an electrolyte comprising an alkali metal halide and a co-electrolyte that comprises (1) a nitrogen-containing compound and optionally one ore more Group IB halides, Group IIIA halides, Group VIII halides or (2) a Group IIIA halide, a Group VB halide, or combinations of a Group IIIA halide and a Group VB halide.

Abstract: A continuous process is provided for preparing silica microgels using carbon dioxide as a gel initiator at a pressure of at least about 172 kPa (about 25 psig). Consistent performance of microgel can be produced with varying production rates.

Abstract: Lithium chloride improves electrolytic cell efficiency and performance when included in the electrolyte. Self-aligning cell diaphragms improve cell efficiency and reduce maintenance.

Abstract: Lithium chloride improves electrolytic cell efficiency and performance when included in the electrolyte. Self-aligning cell diaphragms improve cell efficiency and reduce maintenance.

Abstract: Silica deposits formed during a continuous process for preparing polysilicate microgel are removed and purged form the process by elastically deforming the vessel walls, reducing plugging.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell is provided that increases current efficiency in the fused alkali chloride salt electrolysis process for producing chlorine and sodium or lithium by improved design of the cell's product collector, diaphragm and graphite anode.

Abstract: A conductive inflatable member is provided in an electrochemical cell between an electrode and a current for providing uniform contact pressure, and thus uniform electrical contact between the electrode and the current bus. The inflatable member may comprise a pair of flexible plates, where one plate is thinner than the other plate. The cell of the present invention is particularly useful in converting anhydrous hydrogen halide directly to essentially dry halogen gas, such as anhydrous hydrogen chloride to dry chlorine gas, or in converting aqueous hydrogen halide, such as aqueous hydrogen chloride, to wet chlorine gas.

Abstract: A chub cartridge containing a water-bearing blasting agent and having a film wrap of a cross-laminate of oriented film layers has at least one unlaminated zone in the film wrap in the longitudinal direction, or preferably is adapted to form a zone of multiple delaminations along said direction by virtue of scoring, the latter being the site of delamination when the cartridge has end-pressure applied to it with a tamping rod. The different layers fail in different directions along the unlaminated zone, affording a measure of integrity to the cartridge if roughly handled, as well as ease of rupture on tamping. The cartridge also has good abrasion and tear resistance, and dimensional stability.