Abstract: A device and a method for heating and curing artificial stone with microwave are provided. The device includes a microwave curing cavity, within which an incompletely cured artificial stone is placed, and microwave is used to heat the artificial stone to completely cure the artificial stone; wherein, a frequency of the microwave is in a range of 300˜1120 MHz. The present disclosure provides a separately designed microwave curing cavity, and utilizes 300˜1120 MHz microwave having a large penetrating depth, to realize a rapid curing of a large-sized artificial stone.

Abstract: In a microwave heating device of the present disclosure, inverter unit drives first and second microwave generators. Cooling unit cools first and second microwave generators and inverter unit. First and second waveguides supplies, to cavity, microwaves generated by first and second microwave generators. First and second microwave generators are disposed side by side in a right-left direction below a bottom surface of cavity. Inverter unit and cooling fan are disposed from the first and second microwave generators toward a front side in order, and first and second waveguides are provided so as to extend in a front-back direction from first and second microwave generators, respectively. According to the present disclosure, the microwave heating device can be further downsized in a right-left direction.

Abstract: In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for operating molten carbonate fuel cells with processes for cement production. The systems and methods can provide process improvements including increased efficiency, reduction of carbon emissions per ton of product produced, and simplified capture of the carbon emissions as an integrated part of the system. The number of separate processes and the complexity of the overall production system can be reduced while providing flexibility in fuel feed stock and the various chemical, heat, and electrical outputs needed to power the processes.

Abstract: To produce cement clinker by baking of raw meal in a kiln, use is conventionally made of a raw meal preheater in which the heat of the flue gas emerging from the kiln is transferred to the raw meal. In order to remove impurities which accumulate in circulation between the kiln and the raw meal preheater, a part of the flue gas is extracted from the kiln, bypassing the raw meal preheater. The heat generated during the baking of cement clinker can be used particularly efficiently if the flue gases extracted and diverted past the raw meal pre-heater are used in a boiler to generate hot steam which can subsequently be expanded in a turbine.

Abstract: The invention provides conductive concrete suitable for commercial and large-scale production. The conductive concrete uses carbonaceous particles as conductive phase, to achieve concrete with resistivities as low as 2 &OHgr;cm and compressive strengths over 30 Mpa (both measured at 28 days).

Abstract: Described herein is the use of a combination of organic additives that is particularly advantageous for the preparation of cementitious compositions having a high conservation of the degree of white, which contain in mass a photocatalyst that is able to oxidize, in the presence of light, air and ambient humidity, pollutant substances present in the environment, the said photocatalyst being, in particular, titanium dioxide prevalently in the form of anatase. The above combination of additives comprises the following: a melamine resin; a cellulose ether; a polymer chosen from among an ethylene polymer, an acrylic polymer, and a terpolymer comprising as co-monomers at least one ester of acrylic acid with an alcohol and at least one ester of vinyl alcohol with a carboxylic acid, or alternatively, an acrylic, styrene or butadiene latex; and a chemically modified starch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing single layer tiles or slabs from a mixture of a granulated stone material having a selected particle size, and from a slurry formed by cement, a quantity of between 0.25 and 0.36 parts by weight of water relative to the weight of cement, and a plasticizer for cementitious slurries, in which the quantity of slurry added is slightly in excess of the quantity corresponding to the void fraction of the granulated material, in forming mould, containing a layer of predetermined thickness of the mixture, to be subjected to a first very short deaeration step under the effect of a very high vacuum and to a subsequent vibration step under a lower vacuum, after which the mould goes on to seeing and hardness steps.

Abstract: A method of blocking geopathic radiation is provided that includes identifying a location at which the blocking of geopathic radiation is desired. The method further includes positioning a layer of material including mica between a source of the geopathic radiation and the identified location, such that the geopathic radiation is at least partially prevented from being transmitted to the identified location.

Abstract: Production of an anti-microbial effect in an alcohol or water based electrolyte is achieved by preparing silver materials that form complex ions other than Ag.sup.+, Ag.sup.2+, or Ag.sup.3+, and which produce an anti-microbial effect that is greater than that produced by an equivalent amount of silver as Ag.sup.+. Exemplary complex silver ions produced include Ag(CN).sub.2.sup.-, AgCN(.sub.aq)(ion pair), Ag(NH.sub.3).sub.2.sup.+, AgCl.sub.2.sup.-, Ag(OH).sub.2.sup.-, Ag.sub.2 (OH).sub.3.sup.-, Ag.sub.3 (OH).sub.4.sup.-, and Ag(S.sub.2 O.sub.3).sub.2.sup.3-. The silver materials may be prepared as powders or as solutions or suspensions containing the complex silver ions. The silver materials might also be prepared as coatings, foils, powders, or fine grain or nanocrystalline powders, which are formed with atomic disorder to provide sustained release of the complex silver ions.

Abstract: A CO.sub.2 pre-curing period is used prior to accelerated (steam or high-pressure steam) curing of cement and concrete products in order to: (1) prepare the products to withstand the high temperature and vapor pressure in the accelerated curing environment without microcracking and damage; and (2) incorporate the advantages of carbonation reactions in terms of dimensional stability, chemical stability, increased strength and hardness, and improved abrasion resistance into cement and concrete products without substantially modifying the conventional procedures of accelerated curing. Depending on the moisture content of the product, the invention may accomplish CO.sub.2 pre-curing by first drying the product (e.g. at slightly elevated temperature) and then expose it to a carbon dioxide-rich environment. Vigorous reactions of cement paste in the presence of carbon dioxide provide the products with enhanced strength, integrity and chemical and dimensional stability in a relatively short time period.

Abstract: Methods for on-site remediation of contaminated natural resources and fabrication of construction products therefrom. A mobile treatment facility is provided at the site of the contaminated natural resources. Contaminated sediment, soil, pulp and/or liquids are obtained from the site and processed on-site to obtain a variety of construction materials, including coarse and fine particulate material, bricks, concrete products, pellets and aggregate material. Coarse, sand-like materials are fabricated from decontaminated clay-based based materials and used in the fabrication of concrete products. Waste streams are combined to optimize their mutually neutralizing properties. Contaminants such as inorganics and heavy metals are immobilized as water-insoluble complexes in the matrix of the resulting products. Organic contaminants are volatilized and/or burned off, and thermochemical reactions of inorganic contaminants are induced, in a high-temperature irradiation treatment.

Abstract: Anti-microbial coatings and method of forming same on medical devices are provided. The coatings are formed by depositing a biocompatible metal by vapor deposition techniques to produce atomic disorder in the coating such that a sustained release of metal ions sufficient to produce an anti-microbial effect is achieved. Preferred deposition conditions to achieve atomic disorder include a lower than normal substrate temperature, and one or more of a higher than normal working gas pressure and a lower than normal angle of incidence of coating flux. Anti-microbial powders formed by mechanical working to produce atomic disorder are also provided. The invention extends to other metal coatings and powders similarly formed so as to provide enhanced solubility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydraulically bonded cement compositions and methods. More particularly, the present invention is directed to novel compositions and methods of hydrating hydraulic cement without mechanical mixing of the cement and water. The present invention includes materials prepared by manipulating under pressure powdered hydraulic cement compositions using known or novel powder packing, casting, or expanding techniques, such that air within the powdered hydraulic cement is substantially removed while the cement is formed into a self-supporting near net final position. Thereafter, the formed hydraulic cement is hydrated without mechanical mixing of the cement and water.

Abstract: Incorporation of solid removable aggregates into powdered cement which later completely dissolve, evaporate, volatilize, or melt leaving voids in the cement composition is discussed. Cementitious articles are prepared by manipulating powdered hydraulic cement or cement paste compositions into mechanically self-supporting structures of a predetermined configuration and thereafter hydrating the hydraulic cement compositions without mechanical mixing of the cement and water.

Abstract: Portland cement particles having the characteristics of slow hardening is oduced by a process of heat treating portland cement particles in the temperature range from 1500.degree. to 3000.degree. C. for from 0.5 to 10 seconds and cooling to obtain particles containing an amorphous, glassy shell as an outside layer.

Abstract: A process for producing fibrous composite materials from feed stock formed reliminarily from a gypsum binder and chopped cellulose fibers, and saturating the mixture with water to the extent of at least 1.2 times its normal hydrated state, and beating the material to provide a fleece that is then spread on a flat surface and subjected to pressure for a sufficient length of time to drive out a substantial portion of the moisture from the product. The compression step is carried out long enough to achieve a bulk density of approximately 9/10 the dry bulk density of the components prior to hydration.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a fiber-reinforced slag gypsum cement lightweight hardened product. The method consists essentially of mixing (1) from 5 to 140 parts by weight of aggregates having a maximum size of not larger than 2000 .mu.m to (2) 100 parts by weight of a mixture which comprises 100 parts by weight of Portland cement, (3) from 20 to 350 parts by weight of slag fine powder which has a fineness ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 cm.sup.2 /g as Blaine's specific surface area, (4) from 0 to 20 parts by weight of lime, (5) from 20 to 100 parts by weight of calcium aluminate and gypsum fine powder, (6) 0.01 to 1.5 parts of a setting retardant; mixing water, prefoamed foams and reinforcing fibers with the mixture to obtain a slurry; subjecting the slurry to molding to obtain a molded product; removing the molded product to obtain a hardened product; and curing the hardened product with steam.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making electrically conductive concrete articles ed for electromagnetic shielding, the invention also includes the articles of manufacture formed according to the method. Concrete articles formed according to the method of the invention are reinforced with magnetized metallic fibers, preferably steel fibers, a substantial portion of the fibers contacting nearby fibers to provide electrical continuity through the article. Contact between fibers is enhanced according to the invention by vibration of the concrete/fiber mix during forming of the electrically conductive concrete article.

Abstract: A method is described for making concrete from an initially dry mixture including Portland cement, a fine aggregate, and a coarse aggregate. The method is effective for curing mixtures which contain rubble, as well as for mixtures which contain primarily virgin aggregate. In the method, substantially dry steam is introduced to the mixture at elevated temperature and pressure. Air injection may be utilized to further increase the pressure. An improved concrete is also described. The concrete exhibits unexpectedly high compressive strength.

Abstract: The present inventions relates to a method for the controlled hardening of cid-setting cements and binders by first providing an acid-setting binder within a selected mold. Mixing with the binder an electrolyte to form a paste or slurry within the mold. Subjecting the paste or slurry mixture to electrolysis for a selected period of time or until the binder is sufficiently hardened whereby a hardened article is produced. Finally, removing the produced article from the mold.

Abstract: The setting or hardening reaction of binders and cements of the types which are alkali-activated or acid-activated is controlled by forming a paste of the binder or cement and a salt which, under electrolysis forms the activating agent, placing the paste in a mold, providing two electrodes, one of which may be the mold, in contact with the paste, and passing an electric current between the electrodes to generate the activating agent by electrolysis.

Abstract: Process for the accelerated drying of cement mixes includes the application to the cement mixes of electromagnetic microwaves. The device for the accelerated drying of cement mixes includes a chamber in the form of a tunnel, defined by a supporting framework in which are accommodated cement mixes, preferably on a casting bed, and microwave generator, in the form of a plurality of magnetrons supported by vertically adjustable cross members. The magnetrons are provided with telescopingly adjustable waveguides having an outlet in the chamber, and the supporting framework is slidable on a track.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cementitious composition comprisinga) uniformally fluidising in a container, particles of a substantially dry powdered cementitious composition by creating aerial motion of the particles by rotational motion perpendicular to the fall of the particles,b) at the same time uniformally spraying the particles with 0.1 to 10 parts by weight (per 100 parts of cementitious composition) of water, optionally containing a cement admixture, andc) mixing the particles and the water intensively by shearing forces.

Abstract: A method of mixing materials includes a fluid medium, such as an aqueous fluid or a gas, continuously introduced into a mixing column for a time sufficient to allow the fluid to at least substantially fill the column. A predetermined amount of at least one primary material is introduced into the upper end of the mixing column. The primary material is permitted to descend through the fluid medium at a predetermined rate. Secondary materials are introduced into the mixing column through at least one end or through at least one position along the side of the mixing column at an angle and velocity sufficient to cause the secondary materials to intimately contact the primary material along its path of descent through the fluid medium so that the primary and secondary materials are continuously mingled as they descend through the fluid medium until they reach the lower end of the mixing column.