Abstract: In one embodiment, a liquid dispenser includes a liquid reservoir, a measurement device providing at least one signal indicative of the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid reservoir, an electrically actuated valve coupled to a tube outlet exiting from a bottom of the liquid reservoir, and a processor. The processor is electrically connected to the measurement device and operatively coupled to and controlling operation of the valve. Further, the processor is configured to determine a valve open time for dispensing a requested amount of liquid. The valve open time depends upon a preliminary time based on the requested amount and at least one signal from the measurement device, and an adjustment to the preliminary time based on a difference between a requested amount and a measured amount determined by the measurement device for at least one previous dispense.

Abstract: A micromechanical component comprises a substrate and an active structure which can be deflected in at least one direction relative to the substrate and which has at least a first region and a second region, wherein the first region and the second region are electrically conductive and are rigidly physically connected to one another along a first axis and are electrically insulated from one another by an insulating region. In a method for operating the component, different potentials are applied to the first region and the second region, wherein charges or changes in capacitance brought about by the movement of the active structure can be detected.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a first device and a second device. The first device includes a plate including a plurality of apertures, a membrane disposed opposite to the plate and including a plurality of corrugations facing the plurality of apertures, and a conductive plug extending from the plate through the membrane. The second device includes a substrate and a bond pad disposed over the substrate, wherein the conductive plug is bonded with the bond pad to integrate the first device with the second device, and the plate is an epitaxial (EPI) silicon layer or a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate.

Abstract: A sensor chip combining a substrate comprising at least one CMOS circuit, a MEMS substrate and another substrate comprising at least one CMOS circuit in one package that is vertically stacked is disclosed. The package comprises a sensor chip further comprising a first substrate with a first surface and a second surface comprising at least one CMOS circuit; a MEMS substrate with a first surface and a second surface; and a second substrate comprising at least one CMOS circuit. Where the first surface of the first substrate is attached to a packaging substrate and the second surface of the first substrate is attached to the first surface of the MEMS substrate. The second surface of the MEMS substrate is attached to the second substrate. The first substrate, the MEMS substrate, the second substrate and the packaging substrate are mechanically attached and provided with electrical inter-connects.

Abstract: A display device capable of operating at high speed and with low power consumption is provided. A miniaturized display device occupying a small area is also provided. The display device includes a support; a display portion which includes a pixel; a light-blocking unit which is in the support and includes a light-blocking layer having a first opening overlapping with at least part of the pixel, and a movable light-blocking layer blocking light passing through the first opening; a transistor which is electrically connected to the light-blocking unit and includes an oxide semiconductor film; and a capacitor electrically connected to the transistor.

Abstract: Methods and structures that may be implemented in one example to co-integrate processes for thin-film encapsulation and formation of microelectronic devices and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) such as sensors and actuators. For example, structures having varying characteristics may be fabricated using the same basic process flow by selecting among different process options or modules for use with the basic process flow in order to create the desired structure/s. Various process flow sequences as well as a variety of device design structures may be advantageously enabled by the various disclosed process flow sequences.

Abstract: A method for forming a MEMS device is disclosed. The MEMS device includes a MEMS substrate and a base substrate. The MEMS substrate, where includes a handle layer, a device layer and an insulating layer in between. The method includes the sequential steps of: providing a standoff on the device layer; etching a via through the device layer and the insulating layer; providing a contact layer within the via, wherein the contact layer provides electrical connection between the device layer and the handle layer; providing a bonding layer on the standoff; and bonding the bonding layer to pads on the base substrate.

Abstract: In the method for producing a component, firstly a first layer composite is created which comprises a first substrate made of a conductive material and at least one trench formed therein and filled with insulating material, wherein a first region of the first substrate, at least on a first surface of the first substrate, is electrically insulated laterally from other regions of the first substrate by the trench. A second layer composite is then created, which comprises the first layer composite and a structure layer. The structure layer comprises an active structure of the component and is electrically conductive at least in a first region which in a first region of the first substrate adjoins the first surface of the first substrate and is connected thereto in an electrically conductive manner.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method to enhance heat transfer in the temperature swing adsorption process (TSA) and to an intensified TSA process for gas/liquid purification or bulk separation. Helium is designed as the heat carrier media to directly bring heat/cool to the adsorbent bed during the TSA cycling process. With helium's superior heat conductivity, the time consuming regeneration steps (warming, regeneration and precooling) of TSA process can be significantly reduced and allowing for the TSA process to be intensified.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a carbon nanotube forest laminated body that enables easy production of a carbon nanotube sheet from a carbon nanotube forest and a method of producing a carbon nanotube forest laminated body. The carbon nanotube forest laminated body of the present invention includes a support having an adhesive (sticky) surface and a carbon nanotube forest provided on the surface of the support. The surface of the support has an adhesive strength of 0.01 N/25 mm or more and 2 N/25 mm or less, and the carbon nanotube forest is provided on the surface.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for preparing a suspension of carbon nanotubes in an aqueous solution comprising the following successive steps consisting of subjecting an aqueous solution containing carbon nanotubes and a surfactant to at least one cycle of freezing in liquid nitrogen and thawing; and subjecting said thawed solution to an ultrasound treatment. The present invention also concerns a suspension of carbon nanotubes, and in particular a suspension of long carbon nanotubes, that can be prepared by such a method.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a nanocarbon material includes the steps of: a) supplying an acetylene-based flammable gas into a torch nozzle at a flow rate such that an ignition at the torch nozzle produces a reducing flame in a cooling zone in a chamber; and b) supplying a cooling medium to a nebulizer disposed upstream of the cooling zone to produce nebulized droplets of the cooling medium such that the nebulized droplets come into contact with the reducing flame in the cooling zone to thereby cause carbon nanoparticles to be entrained in the nebulized droplets.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing silicon nanoparticles using ICP includes a gas supply part in which first and second pipes for introducing a respective first and second gas into the plasma reactor therethrough are arranged alternately, the first pipes extending from an inlet of the reactor to a plasma initiation region; a plasma reaction part having an ICP coil wound therearound in which the particles are formed as the gases introduced through the respective pipes undergo a plasma reaction; and a collection part for collecting the particles. The apparatus can fully mix the gases introduced through the first gas supply pipes, thus allowing for uniform plasma reaction between the first and second gas, minimizing plasma expansion to increase plasma density within short retention time, easily controlling the size distribution by quenching and capturing nanoparticles, and improving the production yield by preventing the secondary aggregation of particles with cooling gas.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing molybdenum oxide nanoparticles, including (a) preparing a precursor solution by dissolving a molybdenum salt in a first polar solvent, (b) generating an aerosol by applying ultrasonic waves to the precursor solution, and spraying the aerosol to a pre-heated reactor using a carrier gas, (c) obtaining molybdenum oxide micron-sized particles by pyrolyzing the aerosol, and (d) obtaining molybdenum oxide nanoparticles by dispersing the molybdenum oxide micron-sized particles in a second polar solvent and performing a solvothermal reduction reaction.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing (high purity) hematite for ironmaking, in a process where a mineral acid and an oxidizing agent are added to an ore containing iron and a valuable metal and then the valuable metal is leached under high temperatures and high pressures, comprises the steps of: (1) a high pressure leach step; (2) a preliminary neutralization step; (3) a solid-liquid separation step 1; (4) a neutralization step 1; (5) a neutralization step 2; (6) a solid-liquid separation step 3; (7) seed crystal addition treatment; (8) a solid-liquid separation step 2; and (9) a firing step.

Abstract: A water treatment plant controlling method including: determining whether or not there is a correlation, in water to be treated, between a water quality index and a concentration of a pollution component having no causal relationship with the water quality index, from a result of sample analysis of the water to be treated performed periodically; and (a) under a condition that there is a correlation, statistically analyzing a distribution of measurement values of the water quality index in a previous certain period of the water to be treated, and based on a result of the statistical analysis and the correlation, estimating the concentration of the pollution component of the water to be treated; and determining an operating condition of a water treatment plant for treating the water to be treated, based on the estimated concentration of the pollution component of the water to be treated; or (b) on a condition that a correlation is absent, statistically analyzing a distribution of concentration of the pollution

Abstract: A method of improving the evaporation from surface bodies of water which comprises artificially inducing air flow over a body of water using air jets at an air flow rate of at least 10 m/second while the water partial pressure of air at the surface temperature of the body of water (Pbs) is greater than the water partial pressure of the ambient air at the surface temperature of the body of water (Pas). The rate of evaporation can be materially enhanced by the transfer of geothermal heat from the lower region of the body of water to the surface region by means of a heat exchanger or a heat pipe.

Abstract: A system for spray evaporating water comprising: a wastewater inlet; a pump, where an outlet of the wastewater inlet is fluidly connected to an inlet of the pump and wherein an outlet of the pump is fluidly connected to an inlet of a manifold; a spray nozzle, wherein an outlet of the manifold is fluidly connected to an inlet of the spray nozzle; a container, wherein an upper portion of the container is enclosed with a demister element and wherein the outlet of the spray nozzle discharges into the container; and a discharge outlet, wherein a bottom of the container is fluidly connected to the discharge outlet. A method of spray evaporating water is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for employing softened acidified water sources from an acid regenerated ion exchange resins are disclosed. Various methods of dispensing and/or using the softened acidic water generated by an acid regenerate-able ion exchange resin are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, including water conditioning agents, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods discussed herein may harness geothermal energy from geothermal wells, such as a retrofitted decommissioned well, that may be utilized for water desalination. Hot fluids extracted from the geothermal well may be utilized to generate geothermal energy that can be utilized to power desalination devices to removal minerals and/or salt from produced water from another well. These hot fluids may be recirculated back into the geothermal well to gather heat and to form a closed-looped system that provides thermal energy to the desalination unit. The treated water may be stored for latter agricultural, municipal, and/or other use, or it may be utilized further hydraulic fracturing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for electrochemically producing electrolyzed water in an electrode arrangement (10) which has an anode chamber and a cathode chamber that are separated by an ion-selective membrane (30). The anode chamber is delimited on at least one side by at least one anode (2), and the cathode chamber is delimited on at least one side by at least one cathode (2). In the method: a) water, in particular distilled water or ultra purified water, in which an electrolyte is located, is conducted through the anode chamber, b) water, in particular distilled water or ultra purified water, is conducted through the cathode chamber, c) the water, in particular the distilled water or the ultra-purified water, is mixed and in particular set into a turbulent flow in the anode chamber and/or cathode chamber, and d) an electric voltage is applied to the anode and the cathode such that electrolyzed water is produced in the cathode chamber.

Abstract: The method includes: preparing a liquid having a pH of 9 or more; and generating plasma in or near the liquid to generate a plasma-treated liquid having a pH of 9 or more.

Abstract: An electrolyzing system is provided for producing higher quantities of electrolyzed waters within prescribed pH ranges for optimum usage and which can be operated for producing greater quantities of alkaline electrolyzed water than acidic electrolyzed water consistent with a users requirements. The system includes an electrolytic cartridge having cathode and anode cells each comprising a pair of electrodes disposed in laterally spaced coplanar relation to each other, with a respective ion permeable membrane in spaced relation to the pairs of electrodes. The cells are separated with a common separator plate that maintains the ion permeable membranes in parallel relation with the respective electrodes and which facilitates the communication of brine solution from a brine bath to both cells. The cells further can be operate with staggered input currents and the redirection of electrolyzed water between the cells for optimum control of pH levels of the resulting products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for improved recovery of deionised water from a feed water stream, comprising the steps of (i) delivering the feed water stream in to a capacitive deionisation cell; (ii) measuring the salt concentration of the water exiting the capacitive deionisation cell; (iii) collecting the water exiting the cell, when the salt concentration is lower than a predetermined lower set point, to prepare purified water or rejecting the water exiting the cell when the salt concentration is higher than a predetermined upper set point; wherein the water exiting the cell is recycled with the feed water stream when the salt concentration of the water exiting the cell is between the lower set point and the upper set point. By this process the waste water produced during capacitive deionization can be recycled so as to improve total recovery of water as well as to enhance the life of the electrodes of the capacitive deionisation cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides electrodes for transferring a charge comprising a plurality of members for making electrical contact. The electrodes are suitable for treating aqueous, substantially aqueous and nonaqueous fluids including wastewater, solvents and gases. Water maybe treated using the electrodes to provide higher dissolved oxygen or lower levels of contaminants after treatment. Furthermore, the electrodes may be useful in precipitation reactions such as electrowinning methods. The electrodes may also be capable of altering biological characteristics of organisms such as algae and bacteria.

Abstract: A method and system generate steam for SAGD operation wherein steam generator blowdown water is acidified, cooled and clarified before reuse. Acid Clarification Treatment, or “ACT”, mitigates organic fouling in Once-Through Stream Generators. Lab tests quantitatively and qualitatively show that ACT reduces Total organic carbon (TOC) and ‘bad actors’ TOC, respectively, in blowdown streams.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling flocculation of oil sands fine tailings in a pipeline is provided comprising injecting a polymeric flocculant into a tailings feed being pumped through the pipeline, mixing the polymeric flocculant and tailings feed in the pipeline, and providing one or more adjustable valves in the pipeline that are operable to either reduce the flow area of the adjustable valve to increase shear or dispersed energy when the polymeric flocculant and tailings feed are under-mixed or increase the flow area of the adjustable valve to decrease shear or dispersed energy when the polymeric flocculant and tailings feed are over-mixed.

Abstract: The method includes: preparing a plasma-treated liquid having a pH of 6 or more and 9 or less, the plasma-treated liquid being a liquid that has been treated with plasma generated in or near the liquid; and changing the pH of the plasma-treated liquid to less than 6 or to higher than 9.

Abstract: A method of automatically controlling chloramine concentration in a body of water contained in a reservoir includes: (a) determining residual chloramine concentration in a first water sample obtained from the body of water; (b) automatically engaging a supply of chlorine to add chlorine to the body of water when the residual chloramine concentration in the first water sample is determined to be below a residual chloramine concentration set-point or a first chloramine concentration percentage; (c) determining residual chloramine concentration in a second water sample obtained from the body of water after step (b); and (d) automatically engaging a supply of ammonia and the supply of chlorine to add both ammonia and chlorine to the body of water if the residual chloramine concentration in the second water sample is determined to be below the residual chloramine concentration in the first water sample or a second chloramine concentration percentage.

Abstract: Processes and systems for treatment of wastewater are provided. Some of these systems and processes flow wastewater from an upright infiltrative surface into sand or other soil between opposing infiltrative surfaces and provide for aerobic treatment of the wastewater in the sand or other soil between the opposing infiltrative surfaces. Some of these systems and processes may employ spacing connectors positioned and configured to connect neighboring infiltrative channels.

Abstract: Processes and systems for treatment of wastewater are provided. Some of these systems and processes flow wastewater from an upright infiltrative surface into sand or other soil between opposing infiltrative surfaces and provide for aerobic treatment of the wastewater in the sand or other soil between the opposing infiltrative surfaces. Some of these systems and processes may employ spacing connectors positioned and configured to connect neighboring infiltrative channels.

Abstract: A treatment system for water having contaminants includes a contaminant-removing tank processing the contaminated water, the tank comprising an interior and a floor defining therebelow at least one depression having a conical shape that upwardly expands from a nadir to the floor, a fluidized bed within the at least one depression and defining a lower bed portion, and a manifold fluidically connected to a contaminated water supply and directing the contaminated water towards the nadir of the depression into the lower bed portion of the fluidized bed to act as a bioreactive filter that removes contaminants out from the contaminated water when the contaminated water flows through the fluidized bed and into the interior of the tank.

Abstract: Water treatment equipment for recirculating aquaculture contains: at least one aquaculture tank, an aeration unit, at least one water circulating tank, a plurality of membrane filtering units and a water returning unit. Each aquaculture tank includes plural connecting plate units and a flowing cup; the aeration unit includes a plurality of air supply pipes. Each water circulating tank includes a nitration reacting chamber and an accommodating chamber, and the nitration reacting chamber has a flow tube outwardly extending to the flowing cup and a nitrifying bacteria layer fixed therein. Each membrane filtering unit is a circularly flat membrane and includes a water pipe and plural disc-shaped film bags, wherein each film bag has two filtering films communicating with the water pipe; and the water returning unit is fixed outside each aquaculture tank and includes a pump and a water return tube.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the invention a testing procedure, a processing procedure and a resulting product are provided whereby sewage sludge is primarily or firstly pre-hydrolysed in whole or in part by means other than alkali. The alkali is then added to the pre-hydrolysed product. The pre-hydrolysed product from step one has a reduced potential for further hydrolysis and is more effectively stabilized in step 2 as a liquid biosolids-containing product or BSP. As a result, in accordance with the invention less of the alkali is used up in the step 2 further alkali-based hydrolysis of the pre-hydrolysed product. The pH of the BSP product after the step 2 alkali treatment drops less over the period of storage and the BSP product will be better preserved against microbial regrowth.

Abstract: A glass sheet forming method utilizes first and second upper molds and a lower mold to provide three stage forming. The glass is curved on the upper mold in the first stage but retains straight line elements transverse to the curvature. Transfer of the initially formed glass sheet from the first upper mold to the lower mold then provides the second stage of gravity forming and the glass sheet is then press formed between the second upper mold and the lower mold in the third stage which reduces optical distortion in the central viewing area of the formed glass sheet. In one embodiment the glass sheet is moved horizontally on the lower mold, and in another embodiment the glass sheet is moved horizontally on the first upper mold.

Abstract: A method for cutting a substrate by laser and a laser cutting device are disclosed. The method includes the following steps: engraving a plurality of intercrossed first parallel lines and second parallel lines on a substrate, in which regions for engraving a shape of sub-substrates are encircled between the first parallel lines and the second parallel lines; shaped lines are disposed in the regions; auxiliary split lines are engraved on an outside of the shaped lines; and a minimum distance from end portions of the auxiliary split lines towards the shaped lines to the shaped lines falls within the first default threshold. The method adopts the arrangement of the parallel lines and the auxiliary split lines to help splitting the substrate, and can increase stress rupture points in the process of cutting the substrate, avoid the phenomenon of rupture of the glass substrate in the cutting process, and effectively improve the yield of substrate cutting.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an optical fiber includes drawing an optical fiber preform and forming a bare optical fiber, coating an outer circumference of the bare optical fiber with a coating layer including a resin, and holding the bare optical fiber using one or a plurality of non-contact holding portions at any position between a position where the bare optical fiber is formed and a position where the coating is performed. The non-contact holding portion includes a guide groove which guides the bare optical fiber, and an internal space portion into which a fluid is introduced from an outside, in the guide groove, and an outlet through which the fluid in the internal space portion is blown to float the bare optical fiber in the guide groove is formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glass fiber composition, a glass fiber and a composite material therefrom. The glass fiber composition comprises the following components expressed as percentage by weight: 58-64% SiO2, 14-19% Al203, ?8.8% and <11.8% CaO, 7.5-11% MgO, 0.2-2.7% SrO, 0.1-2% Na2O+K2O, 0.05-0.9% Li2O, 0.05-1% Fe2O3, 0.05-1.1% TiO2 and <0.5% F2, wherein the range of the weight percentage ratio C1=(MgO+SrO)/CaO is 0.75-1.1, and the range of the weight percentage ratio C2=CaO/MgO is less than 1.4. Said composition can effectively inhibit the crystallization tendency of glass, significantly decrease the liquidus temperature and crystallization degree of glass and also has an outstanding glass refractive index and outstanding modulus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anisotropic glass containing, in terms of mol % on the basis of oxides, P2O5 in a content of from 45 mol % to 57 mol %, two or more kinds of alkali metal oxides selected from the group consisting of Li2O, Na2O, K2O, Rb2O, and Cs2O in a total content of from 30 mol % to 54 mol %, and at least one polyvalent element oxide other than P2O5 in a total content of from 0.1 mol % to 20 mol %, and having a birefringence of 30×10?6 or more.

Abstract: An antimony-free glass suitable for use in a frit for producing a hermetically sealed glass package is described. The hermetically sealed glass package, such as an OLED display device, is manufactured by providing a first glass substrate plate and a second glass substrate plate and depositing the antimony-free frit onto the first substrate plate. OLEDs may be deposited on the second glass substrate plate. An irradiation source (e.g., laser, infrared light) is then used to heat the frit which melts and forms a hermetic seal that connects the first glass substrate plate to the second glass substrate plate and also protects the OLEDs. The antimony-free glass has excellent aqueous durability, good flow, low glass transition temperature and low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: Provided are a sizing agent for quartz glass fibers capable of suppressing charging of quartz glass fibers, and suppressing generation of fluff in a production process for quartz glass fibers and a weaving process for a quartz glass cloth, a quartz glass fiber or a quartz glass yarn having applied thereonto the sizing agent, a quartz glass cloth, a prepreg for a printed circuit board, and a product using the quartz glass fiber. The sizing agent for quartz glass fibers includes an aqueous solution containing: a cationic vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion in which a cationic vinyl acetate copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 5,000 to 500,000 is dispersed in water; and starch, in which emulsion particles of the cationic vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion have a 50% diameter on a volume basis of from 0.1 ?m to 5 ?m.

Abstract: A method of forming a glass substrate includes providing a glass substrate having alumina, translating a pulsed laser beam on the glass substrate to form one or more pilot holes, contacting the glass substrate with an etching solution, and providing agitation. The etching solution has a pH from about 0 to about 2.0, and an etch rate is less than about 3 ?m/min. A glass substrate is disclosed having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface in a thickness direction, and at least one hole penetrating the first surface, wherein the at least one hole has been etched by an etching solution. A greatest distance d1 between (1) a first plane that contacts the first surface in regions that do not have the at least one hole or a deviation in a thickness of the substrate surrounding the at least one hole and (2) a surface of the deviation recessed from the first plane is less than or equal to about 0.2 ?m.

Abstract: There are provide a liquid composition for forming a silicon oxide-based cured coating film by the sol-gel method, the liquid composition having excellent storage stability and being capable of forming a coating film excellent in durability, in particular, alkali resistance even after long-term storage. A liquid composition applied on a surface of a substrate and cured by heating to form a coating film, contains: a matrix component containing a hydrolyzable silicon compound whose content is 20 to 60 mass % as a SiO2 content when silicon atoms contained in the matrix component are converted into SiO2 to the total solid content amount in the liquid composition; a functional component containing an ultraviolet absorbent and an infrared absorbent; water; and an acid thermally decomposing at 80° C. or higher and a temperature of the heating or lower, wherein a pH increases between before and after the thermal decomposition of the acid.

Abstract: A radiation curable resin composition, containing (A) urethane oligomer containing the reactants of an aliphatic polyester or polyether diol and a diisocyanate and a monohydric alcohol, or urethane oligomer obtained by reacting the reactants of an aliphatic polyester or polyether diol and a diisocyanate with a monohydric alcohol and then reacting a hydroxyl group-containing (meth)acrylate, and (B) monofunctional acrylic monomer, and the contained quantity of (C) polyfunctional acrylic monomer is 2 mass % or less is described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods for producing construction material utilizing loose pieces of aggregate (30), enzyme producing bacteria, an amount of urea and an amount of calcium ions. A first solution is prepared which includes urease which is formed by enzyme producing bacteria. A second solution is prepared which includes urea and calcium ions. The first and second solutions are added to the loose aggregate (30). The calcium ions contribute to the formation of calcium carbonate wherein the calcium carbonate fills and bonds between at least some of the gaps between the loose pieces of aggregate forming a solid construction material (92).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to reduce the water loss in slurries and solutions used in oil field or gas field operations, for example for drilling, cementing and completion operations by adding a copolymer having a high molecular weight characterized by a K value of at least 300, said copolymer comprising structural units derived from monomers having sulfonic acid or derivative thereof, phosphonic acid or derivative thereof and acrylamide functionality.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method for modifying a hydratable cementitious composition such as concrete or mortar using at least three different, distinct carboxylate polymers, even when clay is present in the concrete or mortar that would otherwise diminish dosage efficiency of polycarboxylate polymer used as dispersant. The three polycarboxylate polymers, designated as Polymer I, Polymer II, and Polymer II, are derived from monomer Components A, B, and C wherein Component A is an unsaturated carboxylic acid, Component B is a polyoxyalkylene, and Component C is an unsaturated carboxylate ester. The component molar ratio ranges for A:B:C are different as between Polymers I and II; while a distinct component molar ratio A:B+C is identified for Polymer III. When treated with these three different polycarboxylate polymers, the hydratable cementitious composition is surprisingly enhanced in terms of initial workability and slump retention, especially if clay is present.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method for modifying a hydratable cementitious composition such as concrete or mortar using at least three different, distinct carboxylate polymers, even when clay is present in the concrete or mortar that would otherwise diminish dosage efficiency of polycarboxylate polymer used as dispersant. The three polycarboxylate polymers, designated as Polymer I, Polymer II, and Polymer II, are derived from monomer Components A, B, and C wherein Component A is an unsaturated carboxylic acid, Component B is a polyoxyalkylene, and Component C is an unsaturated carboxylate ester. The component molar ratio ranges for A:B:C are different as between Polymers I and II; while a distinct component molar ratio A:B+C is identified for Polymer III. When treated with these three different polycarboxylate polymers, the hydratable cementitious composition is surprisingly enhanced in terms of initial workability and slump retention, especially if clay is present.

Abstract: Disclosed are asphalt binder compositions that include an anti-aging additive. The anti-aging additive improves various rheological properties. Methods of making such asphalt binder compositions and pavements are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a processed asphalt suspension is provided. The method includes dry grinding shingle waste material to a particle size of less than 1 cm, forming ground recycled shingle material, introducing virgin asphalt into a heated slurry tank and mixing the ground recycled shingle material with the virgin asphalt in the heated slurry tank, forming a mixed asphalt slurry, introducing the mixed asphalt slurry into a wet grinding machine, and recovering a processed asphalt suspension comprising particles having a size no greater than about 200 microns. Roofing and paving products manufactured from the processed asphalt suspension are also provided.