Abstract: A stackable building block 1102 for constructing a masonry wall includes a front section 502 having an outer surface, an inner surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface. The top surface may be divided into a higher surface 1111 positioned between two lower surfaces 1109. The building block also has a rear section 504 substantially parallel to the front section having an outer surface, an inner surface, a bottom surface, and a top surface. Two or more webs 1106 coupling the inner surface of the front section to the inner surface of the rear section have a top surface and a bottom surface. Two or more pairs of lugs 508 may extend above the top surface of the front section and the top surface of the rear section. During manufacturing the higher surface of the top surface is ground to a precision height. During assembly of the stack building block, a thin set mortar, grout or adhesive is used between successive courses.

Abstract: A pallet having a first deck, a second deck, and a plurality of composite block members securing the first and second decks together to form a pallet. The composite block members and lead boards of the first and/or second deck comprise a composite material including about 50%-55% by weight of juniper or conifer particles and about 45%-50% by weight of a plastic component including a major portion of polyethylene.

Abstract: A production line for producing sheets based on hydraulic binder, the production line including in an upstream zone of the production line, marking device for marking a facing material of the preform with a mark; in a downstream zone of the production line, detecting device for detecting the mark made by the marking device; a cutting device; and an actuating device for actuating said cutting device after receiving a detection signal from the detection device.

Abstract: To provide a method of pelletizing friction material that makes it possible to preliminarily form friction materials after pelletizing, and a method of producing preliminarily formed friction material. The method of pelletizing friction material includes the steps of: pressing powdery friction material without heating, in which plurality of materials are mixed, with 0.1 to 5.0 weight-percent of solvent; and grinding the pressed and hardened material. When handling powdery friction material, in which plurality of materials including at least one sticky material are mixed, less than or equal to 5.0 weight-percent of solvent is added in the pressing process. Feeding the pelletized material in a metal mold and pressing the material without heating produce a preliminarily formed friction material.

Abstract: Three-dimensional models can be produced by a sheet deposition method using a sheet material made of water-soluble paper as the depositing material. Each layer of the sheet material is made severable along the contour lines of the three-dimensional model by discharging water using the nozzle of a fluid discharge head onto each layer of the sheet material. A coloring solution is discharged from the fluid discharge head when each layer is deposited to color the sheet material. After the deposition is completed, the unnecessary parts of the sheet material can be pulled away to complete the three-dimensional model. Alternatively, by discharging a setting solution using a nozzle of the fluid discharge head onto each layer of the sheet material, each layer of the sheet material in the section area of the three-dimensional model can be insolubilized, and a color setting solution can be discharged to color and set the colored parts.

Abstract: Method of making an article, the method comprising coalescing a plurality of the glass particles. The article may comprise glass, glass-ceramic, and/or crystalline ceramic. Examples of articles include kitchenware (e.g., plates), dental brackets, and reinforcing fibers, cutting tool inserts, abrasives, and structural components of gas engines, (e.g., valves and bearings).

Abstract: A method of preparing a stable dispersion of flocculated filler particles for use in papermaking processes comprises sequential addition of a first flocculating agent to an aqueous dispersion of filler particles followed by shearing of the dispersion, followed by addition of a second flocculating agent to the dispersion and further shearing of the resultant filler flocs to the desired particle size resulting in shear resistant filler flocs with a defined and controllable size distribution. In addition, a neutralizing coagulant can be added to the dispersion to partially or completely neutralize the charge of the filler before the first flocculating agent is added.

Abstract: A method of applying dry and substantially thermal and acoustical insulation by spraying an air entrained stream of high velocity pils into cavities, including vertical wall cavities, without having to use any insulation securing means is disclosed. A nozzle system is used that comprises a shredder section for reducing the size of the pieces of insulation to pil size and an accelerator section for increasing the velocity of a stream of air suspended pils for improved just-installed insulation integrity or strength.

Abstract: Processes for manufacturing stoppers from mixed material agglomerate are provided. According to one embodiment, a homogenized mass is produced by processing a mixture in which cork power, having particle sizes approximately within a range of 30 to 300 mesh, predominates with agglomerating equipment, the mixture also including rubber or resin, a cross-linking agent and an expander. Rollers are then produced according to a predefined measurement of desired stoppers by passing the homogenized mass through a cylindrical extruder. The rollers are then finished and expanded and reticulated in a press machine. Finally, the rollers are polished and severed to form appropriate dimensional shapes. In one embodiment, the agglomerated and homogenized mass can also be shaped in expanded and cross-linked plates, from which, through drills, molds, and/or other suitable tool equipment, the corks are obtained in the desired measures.

Abstract: Surface coverings, such as vinyl flooring, carpeting and the like, comprising reclaimed VCT material, are disclosed. Vinyl composition tile (VCT) having at least 5% by weight reclaimed vinyl composition tile material which can include a surface adhesive, and filler, where the mixture is a thermoformed solidified material in individual tile form is disclosed. Methods for making these surface covering materials and using them to provide floor coverings are also disclosed. A system for presorting and grinding reclaimed VCT to provide feed material for these and other uses is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high-purity niobium monoxide powder (NbO) produced by a process of combining a mixture of higher niobium oxides and niobium metal powder or granules; heating and reacting the compacted mixture under controlled atmosphere to achieve temperature greater than about 1945° C., at which temperature the NbO is liquid; solidifying the liquid NbO to form a body of material; and fragmenting the body to form NbO particles suitable for application as capacitor anodes. The NbO product is unusually pure in composition and crystallography, and can be used for capacitors and for other electronic applications. The method of production of the NbO is robust, does not require high-purity feedstock, and can reclaim value from waste streams associated with the processing of NbO electronic components. The method of production also can be used to make high-purity NbO2 and mixtures of niobium metal/niobium monoxide and niobium monoxide/niobium dioxide.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a paper product, in which paper (M) in a particular form, and mixed with water, is subjected to pressure to form a compacted mass which involves, or includes, depositing the mix onto a first conveyor belt (10) and then progressively forming the conveyor belt into an upwardly open U-shape configuration and compressing the mix by means of a second conveyor belt (20) guided to progressively enter the first conveyor belt and progressively compact the mix.

Abstract: A unit dose sustained-release oral dosage form containing a plurality of melt-extruded particles, each consisting essentially of a therapeutically active agent, one or more retardants, and an optional water-insoluble binder is disclosed. The particles have a length of from about 0.1 to about 12 mm and can be of varying diameters and each unit dose provides a release of therapeutically active agents over at least about 8 hours. Methods of preparing the unit doses as well as extrusion processes and methods of treatment are also disclosed.

Abstract: An artificial marble using chips made of a low specific gravity material via a lamination or crunch technique to realize a natural stone-like texture, and a process for preparing the artificial marble are disclosed. In one example, a high specific gravity layer containing a high specific gravity inorganic filler is laminated on a low specific gravity layer made of a low specific gravity material to form a flat board, and then, the flat board is crushed to produce chips. In another example, low specific gravity regions made of a low specific gravity material is coated with a high specific gravity slurry containing a high specific gravity inorganic filler, to produce crunch chips. Thereby, a low specific gravity material, which could not be used conventionally, is applicable to the artificial marble, so as to achieve an outer appearance remarkably similar to a texture of natural marbles.

Abstract: Dust-free alkaline earth peroxides are obtained by mixing alkaline earth peroxides with a compacting aid and dry-compacted in a compactor, for example, a roller press. Examples of suitably useful compacting aids include sodium bicarbonate, cellulose, magnesium montanate and cross-linked silicone compounds.

Abstract: A compacted particulate polymer additive composition in a dry granular form formed from a substantially uniform mixture of the following components: (a) at least one particulate sterically-hindered phenolic compound; and (b) one or more particulate polymer additives other than a sterically-hindered phenolic compound; wherein the particles of said composition are held together in compacted dry granular form exclusively or substantially exclusively by contact with dried surfaces of in situ desolvated particles from particles of one or more at least partially solvated components of (a), and optionally by contact with dried surfaces of in situ desolvated particles from particles of one or more at least partially solvated components of (b). Compositions of this type except that there is no component (b) are also described.

Abstract: Particulate absorbent materials having a size and bulk density range that is conducive to provide a litter for animals that do not bury their eliminations. Where the granular material is sufficiently large and dense to not be discharged from a bin containing the granular material. Each granule has a smooth exterior that will not hang on to the hair or hide of the animal discharging their eliminations. Furthers the granules are of sufficient size and weight to not get stuck in the footing of the animal. The preferred characteristics of the material is having a width of 6 mm-12 mm and having an aspect ratio substantially between 1-1 and 1-6 where the granular substance has a bulk density greater than 12 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a chemical mechanical polishing pad, comprising providing a tank with polymeric materials and providing a storage hopper with microspheres having an initial bulk density, wherein the storage hopper further comprises a porous membrane provided over a plenum. The method further provides the steps of connecting a fluidizing gas source to the plenum through a gas inlet line and fluidizing the microspheres and reducing the initial bulk density by feeding gas into the plenum. In addition, the method further provides the steps of providing a delivery system for delivering the polymeric materials and the microspheres to a mixer, forming a mixture of the polymeric materials and the microspheres, pouring the mixture into a mold to form a molded product and cutting the molded product into the polishing pad.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a contoured, consolidated cellulosic article, with variable basis weight, is disclosed. The method employs a former to create a mat having a substantially uniform thickness which is pre-pressed to retain its shape. The pre-pressed mat is then machined along at least one surface to result in a desirable contour. The contoured mat is then consolidated within a secondary press. The secondary press preferably includes platens shaped complementarily to the surfaces of the mat.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus and a method for making and compressing growth medium pots, where the growth medium pots are made as a growth medium pipe, where a tubular wall is formed by the fibre-containing material, where the growth medium pipe contains slightly compressed growth medium. It is the purpose of the invention to achieved an apparatus and a method for cheap and efficient production of firmly compressed growth medium pots, where the growth medium pots are rapidly and efficiently compressed contained in the fibre-containing material.

Abstract: A method for forming an ultrafine particle brittle material at low temperature which includes the steps of applying a mechanical impact force or a pressure to a ultrafine particle brittle material so as to have a percentage in the ultrafine particles having a primary particle diameter less than 50 nm in all the particles of 10 to 90%, subjecting the resulting brittle material to a heat treatment at a temperature not higher than the sintering temperature thereof so as to have the above percentage of 50% or less, and then applying a mechanical impact force not less than the crushing strength to the resultant material, to crush the material, thereby joining the ultrafine particles in the brittle material with one another, to form a formed article of the ultrafine particle brittle material; and an ultrafine particle brittle material for use in the method.

Abstract: A mixed potential electrochemical sensor for the detection of gases has a ceria-based electrolyte with a surface for exposing to the gases to be detected, and with a reference wire electrode and a sensing wire electrode extending through the surface and fixed within the electrolyte as the electrolyte is compressed and sintered. The electrochemical sensor is formed by placing a wire reference electrode and a wire sensing electrode in a die, where each electrode has a first compressed planar section and a second section depending from the first section with the second section of each electrode extending axially within the die. The die is filled with an oxide-electrolyte powder and the powder is pressed within the die with the wire electrodes. The wire-electrodes and the pressed oxide-electrolyte powder are sintered to form a ceramic electrolyte base with a reference wire electrode and a sensing wire electrode depending therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a mineral fiber comprising one or more shaped cavities and a mineral fiber panel prepared by the method and an apparatus for preparing mineral fiber panels comprising one or more shaped cavities. Furthermore the invention relates to uses of the mineral fiber panel comprising one or more shaped cavities.

Abstract: A corrugated wooden fiberboard panel system provides a new structural member for use in the construction of building walls, ceilings, and floors as a substitute for conventional framing members, such as studs and joists.

Abstract: A method for producing a plastic scintillator is disclosed. A plurality of nano-sized particles and one or more dopants can be combined with a plastic material for the formation of a plastic scintillator thereof. The nano-sized particles, the dopant and the plastic material can be combined within the dry inert atmosphere of an extruder to produce a reaction that results in the formation of a plastic scintillator thereof and the deposition of energy within the plastic scintillator, such that the plastic scintillator produces light signifying the detection of a radiative element. The nano-sized particles can be treated with an inert gas prior to processing the nano-sized particles, the dopant and the plastic material utilizing the extruder. The plastic scintillator can be a neutron-sensitive scintillator, x-ray sensitive scintillator and/or a scintillator for the detection of minimum ionizing particles.

Abstract: Used and manufacturing scrap asphalt shingle material processed into a fine material comprising smaller sized pieces of shingle material with a relatively high aggregate content is finish processed into shaped products by grinding and heating the aggregate and smaller sized pieces of asphalt shingle material into a homogenous mixture, extruding the homogenous mixture, and forming the shaped products via molding or cutting the extruded mixture. A surface treatment material may be embedded into a softened surface of the shaped products.

Abstract: A process for preparing perfume film chips comprising inclusions of perfume particles.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sintered magnet includes the steps of producing a green compact of powder for the sintered magnet, machining the green compact with a wire-saw, and sintering the green compact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein-coated micro-crystals and their method of preparation. The protein-coated micro-crystals may find particular application in preparing enzymes for use as biocatalysts; preparation of therapeutic proteins for use in pharmaceutical formulations; production of cleansing agents comprising enzymes; production of paints, varnishes, coatings, films and the like comprising proteins which impart protective and/or antifouling properties; production of films, polymers, inks, coatings, electrodes and/or optical materials comprising proteins for diagnostic kits and/or biosensor applications; use of proteins for studies of molecular recognition, molecular binding and inhibitor binding in non-aqueous media; and preparation of protein based food additives.

Abstract: This invention relates to an environmentally friendly insulating material, or more specifically an insulating mat for insulating buildings, houses etc. and a method for the manufacture thereof. The mat is non-allergenic and almost 100% recyclable, and is characterized in that it consists of fabric remnants which are shredded into shoddy, mixed with a fibrous polyester with a low melting point and flax fibres to form a homogeneous mass, which is then moulded into the desired shape and then heat-treated until the polyester fibres melt, bonding the fabric and flax fibres together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an installation for producing growth substrate blocks, particularly for blocks for cuttings for horticultural use, where loose substrate material is compacted in a forming chamber (18) and thus forms useable block bodies. With the present invention a compulsory moistening of the blocks with suitably heated water is performed, after which these are made ready for use almost immediately, so that an actual conditioning no longer is necessary or can be reduced considerably. The blocks can be moistened and heated from the inside to a desired temperature in a both quick and energy saving way. The moistener, which preferably is water, can contain various additives such as nutrients or the like.

Abstract: Mold apparatus for molded wood strand three-dimensionally carved articles of manufacture using at least one hole punch comprised of a base and a funnel shaped hole-defining portion having a funnel angle of 20 degrees or greater to vertical for producing molded holes at angles of 20 degrees or greater to vertical, to facilitate insertion of items such as a T nut within the molded hole in an assembly-line like fashion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing wood fiberboard by pressing wood fibers which have been treated with binder, in which the wood fibers are boiled and milled at elevated temperature under steam pressure in a refiner unit, subsequently are transferred to a blow-line, then dried and finally pressed under pressure and, if desired, at elevated temperature to produce boards, wherein the treatment with binder is carried out using a multi-component binder, preferably with one component A) containing functional groups which are nonreactive at elevated temperature and a second component B) containing functional groups which are reactive at elevated temperature the component A) being added in the refiner unit at a temperature of from 120° C. to 200° C. prior to the milling step, during the milling step, or shortly after the milling step in the front section of the blow-line and component B) being added at a lower temperature of not more than 150° C.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for making a reinforced fibrous absorbent member, fibrous material is collected on a forming surface to at least partially form the absorbent member. Fibrous material is entangled with a reinforcing web which is overlaid on at least a portion of the partially formed absorbent member. Additional fibrous material is collected on the forming surface to further form the absorbent member whereby at least a portion of the fibrous material forming the absorbent member becomes entangled with at least one of the reinforcing web and the fibrous material entangled with the reinforcing web to secure the reinforcing web within the absorbent member.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for air forming an article having a plurality of superimposed fibrous layers. The layers are formed in substantially discrete forming chambers by depositing fibrous material on a forming surface which moves along an arcuate path through the chambers. A first layer is air-formed on the forming surface as the surface moves through the first forming chamber and a second layer is air-formed over the first layer as the surface moves through the second forming chamber.

Abstract: A method of making a biodegradable non-polluting product includes grinding an agricultural fibrous material to form a particulate material; preparing a binder by mixing formaldehyde with carboxymethyl cellulose and polyvinylalcohol; mixing the particulate material with a stearate and a sulfate to form a first mixture; adding the binder and water to the first mixture to form a second mixture; and forming the second mixture into the non-polluting product. The fibrous material may be an agricultural fibrous waste material. The products made by the method contain no toxic material.

Abstract: A method of fabricating shoe insole is disclosed. The method comprises mixing the material including rice husk and wheat husk about 35 to 60%, natural rubber about 25 to 45%, artificial rubber of 10 to 20%, and occupied 92% above of the insole; mixing product of (a) with an appropriate amount of additive including rubber curing additive and activitized promoter for less than 8%; treating the product of (b) to form plate-like structure as environment friendly material plate; and molding and fixing at elevated temperature to form an insole.

Abstract: A method for making agglomerate particles from a composition comprising at least a radiation curable binder and solid particulates. The method comprises the steps of forcing the composition through a perforated substrate to form agglomerate precursor particles which then separate from the perforated substrate. Then, the particles are irradiated to form soldified, handleable agglomerate particles before being collected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of water-dispersible and water-soluble granules which exhibit superior properties in use while improving their ease and efficiency of manufacture. The process involves forming a particulate pre-mix of the components of the granule without forming a paste and extruding the pre-mix to form the granules.

Abstract: The invention relates to directly compressible tabletting aids with a xylitol content of more than 90% by weight and a content of at least one other polyol of less than 10% by weight, which are produced by co-spray drying or co-fluidized bed granulation. The invention further relates to compositions, formulations and solid forms or compacts which comprise a tabletting aid according to the invention, and to a process for producing the tabletting aids according to the invention.

Abstract: A low cost, glass preform for use in making SRIM molded composite parts is formed by introducing a commercially available, b-stageable thermosetting powder binder either a preformed matting structure or to a continuous glass fiber strand that is subsequently chopped to form a matting structure. The b-stageable thermosetting powder binder will selectively migrate to the junction of two the glass fiber strands contained in the matting at elevated temperatures without crosslinking to adhere the two strands together, therein forming a preform having good retention characteristics. The preform may then be introduced to a mold and combined with a liquid thermosetting matrix resin to form a composite part.

Abstract: Sheets, films, and articles of manufacture from a corn zein resin. A wet corn zein resin is formed including corn zein and a fatty acid, and the wet zein resin is cold rolled into sheets. The sheets are dried, and the dried zein resin is processed to form sheets, films, and/or articles of manufacture.

Abstract: A method of making polymeric particulates wherein polymeric scrap material, virgin polymeric material and mixtures thereof are supplied to intermeshing extruder screws which are rotated to transport the polymeric material along their length and subject the polymeric material to solid state shear pulverization and in-situ polymer compatibilization, if two or more incompatible polymers are present. Uniform pulverized particulates are produced without addition of a compatibilizing agent. The pulverized particulates are directly melt processable (as powder feedstock) and surprisingly yield a substantially homogeneous light color product.

Abstract: A mold for forming wood flakes into a molded wood flake part including a top mold die and a bottom mold die. The top mold die includes a punch for forming a hole in the part, and the bottom mold die includes a punch receiving aperture. The punch includes a tapered upper portion and a cylindrical lower portion for forming the hole in molded parts of varying thicknesses. The punch includes a tapered upper section defining an upper opening of a first radius in a top surface of the molded part and a cylindrical lower section defining an opening of a second radius in a bottom surface of the molded part. The cylindrical lower portion is sufficiently long that the bottom opening in the hole in each part formed will have the same second radius.

Abstract: The invention relates to a simplified production process with which it is possible to obtain carbon blocks, in particular anodes intended for aluminium production using the Hall-Héroult electrolysis process, which have high thermal shock resistance. This process comprises a grain size distribution adjustment operation of a carbon aggregate which includes: a) separating an initial ungraded carbon aggregate AC into a first fraction F1 made up of grains whose sizes are smaller than X, and into a second fraction F2 made up of grains whose sizes are X or greater, X lying between 0.2 and 2 mm; b) crushing B1 the first fraction F1 and part P1 of the second fraction F2 such as to obtain a powder F comprising a controlled proportion of ultra-fine grains; c) mixing the remaining part P2 of fraction F2 and said powder F in proportions with which it is possible to obtain crude carbon blocks whose so-called “Gr/S” ratio between the proportion PGr of grains larger than 0.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel biodegradable block for models, which has excellent workability and machinability and has mechanical properties suitable for models, while surely ensuring its biodegradability. The block is made of a biodegradable plastic material comprising a biodegradable polymer as the base polymer. The biodegradable polymer is a mixture comprising an esterified starch having a degree of substitution (DS) of about 0.4 or more and an esterified cellulose having a DS of about 0.4 or more, in ratio by weight, the former/the latter, of being from 10/0 to 1/9. The plastic material may further contain any of ester plasticizer and organic or inorganic fillers to make the block have desired physical properties.

Abstract: Components are separated from liquid or gaseous media with the aid of a nanocomposite comprising nanoparticles in a matrix, wherein the liquid or gaseous medium is brought into contact with the nanocomposite in such a way that at least part of the components to be separated off is bound to the nanocomposite and the resulting laden nanocomposite is separated from the liquid or gaseous medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an injectable composition of microparticles for the sustained release of a biologically active agent. The microparticles include a biocompatible polymer and a biologically active agent. The invention provides an improved process for the preparation of microparticles, wherein the physical characteristics of the microparticles, for example, the morphology, density and size, are independent of the process used to prepare the initially formed polymer/drug matrix. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a polymer/biologically active agent matrix; (b) compressing the polymer/biologically active agent matrix, thereby forming a compressed matrix; and (c) fragmenting the compressed matrix, thereby forming an injectable microparticle composition. The polymer/drug matrix can be provided by any suitable method.

Abstract: A method for forming a laminated sheet material from a slurry having a liquid component. The method comprising the steps of: applying the slurry to a substrate in successive layers to form a wet sheet of predetermined thickness; applying at least one of the layers by spattering; removing the wet sheet from the substrate; and drying or curing the wet sheet so as to remove at least a substantial proportion of the liquid component and thereby forming the sheet material.

Abstract: A personal respirator has a face mask and is provided with a filter unit comprising a canister housing contiguous layers of novel filter material. The filter material is suitable for both particulate and vapor filtration, and comprises a composite of first and second groups of chopped fibres, the fibres of the first group having a relatively large diameter (about 7×10−6 m) and the second group having a relatively small diameter (about 0.5×10−6 m).