Abstract: A process for preparing high density detergent agglomerates having a density of at least 650 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) continuously mixing a detergent surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material into a high speed mixer/densifier to obtain detergent agglomerates, wherein said surfactant paste includes, by weight of said surfactant paste, from about 0.1% to about 50% of a non-aqueous binder, from about 70% to about 95% of a detersive surfactant, and the balance water; (b) mixing the detergent agglomerates in a moderate speed mixer/densifier to further density and agglomerate the detergent agglomerates; and (c) drying said detergent agglomerates so as to form the high density detergent composition. The process may include one or more additional processing steps such as adding a coating agent after the moderate speed mixer/densifier to facilitate and control agglomeration.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at least about 700 g/l up to a bulk density of about 1100 g/l comprising: (a) providing a low density, particulate detergent or component stock comprising an organic surfactant, a water-soluble inorganic salt and, optionally, other materials, the stock having a bulk density of no more than about 600 g/l; (b) subjecting the low density, particulate stock to high-shear agglomeration whereby the particulate stock is subjected to high-shear forces in intimate contact with a liquid consisting essentially of water in an amount and for a time sufficient (1) to fluidize, wet with water, and mechanically mill the stock to a smaller particle size and (2) to partially agglomerate the wetted, milled stock; (c) subjecting the partially agglomerated stock to rotating agglomeration for a time sufficient to produce, when dried, a further agglomerated, granular detergent composition or component having a bulk density of at

Abstract: A method for the production of finely particulate solid chemical products from a molten stock comprises the steps of: (a) feeding the product, as molten stock, to an elongated treatment space, sealed from the ambient; (b) causing the product to flow as a flowable mass within space, while leaving a free portion of said space above the surface of said mass; (c) maintaining in said space an atmosphere that is non-reactive with said product; (d) subjecting said product to a stirring and mixing action by rotary means; (e) concurrently cooling said product as it proceeds along said space, whereby to solidify it; (f) concurrently detaching any product that adheres to surfaces within said space; and (g) discharging the solidified product, in the form of solid particles, from said elongated treatment space.

Abstract: A method for extruding synthetic welding material using a welding device for synthetic welding material for the purpose of producing welding seams is characterized by the following features:a) A plastic wire is drawn by a feed device into the welding device (11, 12, 38) for synthetic welding material;b) The plastic wire is fed by the feed device (11, 12, 38) with a specific advancement into a cutting device (26, 36) of the welding device for synthetic welding material;c) In the cutting device (26, 36), pieces are cut consecutively from the plastic wire while forming essentially even cutting surfaces;d) The advancement of the plastic wire and the cutting frequency of the cutting device (26, 36) are in such a ratio to each other that the cut-off length of the pieces is in the same magnitude as the mean diameter of the plastic wire;e) The pieces are then heated until they are plastified;f) The plastified synthetic material is ejected as synthetic welding material from the welding device for synthetic welding mat

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing high density detergent composition is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material in a high speed mixer/densifier to obtain agglomerates having a Dispersion Index in a range of from about 1 to about 6, whereinDispersion Index=A/BA is the surfactant level in the agglomerates having a particle size of at least 1100 microns, and B is the surfactant level in the agglomerates having a particle size less than about 150 microns; (b) mixing the agglomerates in a moderate speed mixer/densifier to further densify, build-up and agglomerate the agglomerates; and (c) conditioning the agglomerates such that the flow properties of the agglomerates are improved, thereby forming the high density detergent composition.

Abstract: A process for producing a homogeneous phase melt of polyacrylonitrile suitable for extrusion molding and melt spinning, by the steps of preparing polymer/water crumb containing 30-60 wt % of polyacrylonitrile and dewatering the crumb in a molten state with stirring at temperatures above 140.degree. C. and at pressures above autogenous pressure until the concentration of the polymer in the crumb exceeds 70% by weight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus system are disclosed for the beneficiation of kish to produce coarse high purity graphite wherein a concentrate containing at least about 90% carbon is formed, treated with a dilute acid solution, and the pulp then subjected to an adjuvant-assisted attrition to form a novel synthetic flake graphite of 99+ wt. % carbon with at least 70% of the mass retained on +100 mesh, and an overall recovery of graphitic carbon from the feed of greater than 85% by weight.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing low density detergent agglomerates is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) spray drying an aqueous mixture of sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate and a minor amount of a surfactant so as to form spray dried granules containing an inorganic double salt having the formula Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 .multidot.Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 and a minor amount of the surfactant; (b) agglomerating the spray dried granules with a detergent surfactant paste or precursor thereof and adjunct detergent material initially in a high speed mixer and subsequently in a moderate speed mixer to obtain detergent agglomerates, wherein the adjunct detergent material includes an adjunct sodium carbonate material; and (c) drying or cooling the detergent agglomerates so as to form the detergent composition having a density of below about 500 g/l.

Abstract: A process wherein the particle size of high density detergent agglomerates produced via agglomeration of a high active surfactant paste can be effectively and inexpensively controlled. More particularly, the process invention includes the step of regulating the level of carbonate in a highly active surfactant paste which is combined with other detergent ingredients in an agglomeration process. The agglomeration process also includes the step of treating the surfactant paste and other detergent ingredients in a high speed mixer/densifier followed by a low or moderate speed mixer/densifier resulting in detergent agglomerates.

Abstract: A process which includes comminuting a first thermoplastic material, e.g. polypropylene, reinforced with short glass fiber (10-400 .mu.m). 100 parts by weight of the comminuted material are mixed with 11-43 parts by weight of chips of a second thermoplastic material, which is reinforced with long glass fiber (about 10-20 mm). The melts of the two thermoplastic materials should be mutually mixable. The mixture is subjected to thermoplastic forming.

Abstract: A loose admixture of polymer pellets and carbon black primary aggregate (together with any other desired fillers) is subjected to a first shear and smear action to incorporate the filler(s) into the polymer and subsequently to additional shear and smear actions to deagglomerate and blend the mixture, all of these actions being carried out at temperatures well below the plasticizing temperature of the polymer so that smearing of the filler(s) into the polymer is facilitated. Each shear and smear assembly is made of similar hammer and anvil components comprising a milling tool acting as a hammer by rotating adjacent an array of stationary pegs acting as anvils. The end face of a milling tool presented to the pegs has oblique surfaces at the downstream ends of its channels and these smear the mixture against the confronting corners of the pegs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of water-dispersible granules which comprises mixing the desired ingredients of the granules to form an extrudable composition, extruding the mixture, and rolling the extrusions to break them down into granules. The process of the invention is particularly suitable for the preparation of water-dispersible granules comprising agricultural chemicals (also known as dry flowables) as the process enables high production rates to be achieved and the products have high suspensibility and rapid dispersion.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of a granular detergent composition comprising:(a) pregranulating at least 40% by weight of a mixture of solid and liquid detergent components, based on the total weight of the solid and liquid cleaning components, in a first low-speed mixer/granulator having mixing tools contained therein, to form a pregranulated detergent mixture; and(b) granulating the pregranulated detergent mixture in a second high-speed mixer/granulator to form a final granular detergent composition.

Abstract: In color printing, and in the fine arts, cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) color inks are known to possess much higher color saturation and brightness than conventional pigment and dyed based inks. However, prior art CLC ink formulations are inconvenient because in the liquid phase they have to be confined in cells, and in the solid phase, they have to be applied at high temperature, and have to be aligned by some means to produce the optimum color. This invention solves the problem encountered in the CLC prior art, by making pre-aligned CLC platelets or flakes of appropriate thickness and size and mixing them in appropriate host fluids producing a novel CLC ink which can be applied at room temperature and without the need for alignment. The new pre-aligned room temperature CLC ink can be used as a substitute for conventional inks in almost all printing and plotting, and manual drawing and painting. Using the notch filter CLC platelets, the brightness is further enhanced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing plastic products from waste materials by: cutting into pieces a thermoplastic material having a loss factor higher than 0.005 such as to have a high absorbence of radio-frequency radiation, mixing the pieces with at least one other particulate material, depositing the mixture on a supporting surface; applying radio-frequency radiation to the mixture sufficient to soften mainly the outer surfaces of the pieces of thermoplastic material by dielectric heating, while applying pressure to the mixture to bond the mixture together by sintering; and removing the sintered mixture from the supporting surface.

Abstract: The present invention employs a main shaft cantilevered from a frame. A die holder is disposed around the outside of the shaft, and in the preferred embodiment rotates by the use of adjustable tapered roller bearings around the shaft. Fixed to the die holder is a die, and the die and die holder define a pelletizing chamber. The shaft supports a roller frame with a plurality of rollers within the pelletizing chamber. The resulting construction is a pelletizer shaft support structure that uses only a single set of bearings. In the preferred embodiment, the main shaft is comprised of an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The inner shaft is located coaxially within the outer shaft and supported within the outer shaft by static bushings. The roller frame and rollers are mounted to the inner shaft. The inner shaft and the outer shaft are both fixed to the frame structure.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing low density detergent agglomerates having a density of below about 500 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste or liquid acid precursor of anionic surfactant and dry starting detergent material in a high speed mixer to obtain detergent agglomerates, wherein the dry starting detergent material includes an inorganic double salt and sodium carbonate in a weight ratio of from about 1:10 to about 10:1; and (b) drying the detergent agglomerates so as to form the low density detergent composition having a density below about 600 g/l.

Abstract: A process for preparing detergent agglomerates for a detergent composition is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) providing a non-linear viscoelastic surfactant paste including, by weight of the surfactant paste, from about 70% to 95% of a detersive surfactant and from about 5% to about 30% of water; (b) regulating the amount of sodium carbonate in the surfactant paste such that the surfactant paste has a Maximum Shear Rate of at least 20 sec.sup.-1 so that the surfactant paste is processable; (c) charging the surfactant paste into a high speed mixer/densifier; (d) inputting from about 1% to about 70% by weight of a detergency builder into the high speed mixer/densifier; and (e) agglomerating the surfactant paste and the builder by treating the surfactant paste and the builder initially in the high speed mixer/densifier and subsequently in a moderate speed mixer/densifier so as to form detergent agglomerates.

Abstract: A continuous process for producing high active, high density detergent granules consists essentially of the following steps:(a) preparing a mixture in a high-speed mixer, the mixture being prepared from components fed to the mixer consisting essentially of the following:(1) from about 15% to about 35% anionic surfactant acid selected from alkylbenzene sulfonic acid and alkyl sulfuric acid and mixtures thereof;(2) from about 5% to about 65% phosphate builder selected from polyphosphates and pyrophosphates and mixtures thereof; and(3) from about 10% to about 65% particulate carbonate selected from sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate and mixtures thereof, the amount of carbonate being at least about 2 times the amount theoretically needed to neutralize the anionic surfactant acid;(b) agglomerating the mixture from step (a) in a moderate-speed mixer; whereby the anionic surfactant acid is neutralized by the carbonate, and the resulting detergent granules have a bulk density of greater than about 550 g/l and

Abstract: A method of producing formable material of dissimilar polymers and the amalgamated product produced thereby in which mixed thermoplastic polymers have a small percentage of blown asphalt combined therewith, the asphalt acting somewhat as a flux to promote commingling and amalgamation of the polymers during processing to form a product as in extrusion and injection molding operations.

Abstract: Novel hollow beads are characterized in that they contain aluminium phosphates optionally containing boron. They can be produced by first drying, at from 20.degree. to 200.degree. C., reaction products of acid aluminium phosphates (and optionally boric acid) with amines, then comminuting them and finally subjecting them to a heat shock of from 200.degree. to 1200.degree. C. Such hollow beads can be used for a great variety of purposes.

Abstract: A process for preparing high density detergent agglomerates having a density of at least 650 g/l is provided. The process includes the steps of: (a) agglomerating an aqueous surfactant paste and dry detergent material in a mixer/densifier so as to form detergent agglomerates having a density of at least about 650 g/l; and (b) inputting air into the mixer/densifier while agglomerating the aqueous surfactant paste and the dry detergent material, wherein the air has a relative humidity below the equilibrium relative humidity of the detergent agglomerates such that at least a minor amount of water from the surfactant paste is absorbed by the air.

Abstract: An apparatus for pre-treatment of thermoplastic synthetic plastics material, for example polyester waste, comprises at least two receptacles (1,13) disposed in series following each other, in each one of which receptacles a comminuting or mixing tool (5) rotates around a vertical axis (4) in the bottom region of the receptacle (1 or 13). At least the downstream receptacle has an evacuation line (18) through which, optionally also a protective gas can be introduced. The receptacles (1,13) are connected to each other by a tube piece (12) in which a shut-off means (20) is disposed so that the vacuum in the downstream receptacle (13) can be maintained without any problem until the shut-off valve (20) is opened, whereupon the vacuum in the receptacle (13) sucks on the material positioned in the upstream receptacle (1).

Abstract: A high active detergent paste composition which is suitable for making detergent granules which have an excellent white appearance making them suitable for use in consumer products. The paste compositions comprise a dye or optical brightener.

Abstract: A particulate plastics material, a polysaccharide and water are fed to an extruder which is operated under such heat and pressure conditions that upon emergence of the extrudate from the extruder die, the extrudate assumes a cross-section greater than that of the exit orifice of the die. The extrudate is then further processed, either by shredding to produce particulate material for feeding to filter-making section of a cigarette making machine, or by forming into smoking article filter rod lengths.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel fine milled form of a known pharmaceutical composition, colestipol hydrochloride. This fine milled form of colestipol hydrochloride yields pharmaceutically elegant dosage forms exhibiting increased potency, including non-gritty oral powders and high dose oral tablets (e.g., 1000 mg tablets). Conventional colestipol hydrochloride was heretofore available in spherical granules which produced less elegant (gritty) oral suspensions and oral tablets with substantially lower doses of drug (e.g., ca 500 mg).

Abstract: To prepare a compacted, granular sodium silicate having an SiO.sub.2 /Na.sub.2 O molar ratio of 1.7:1 to 4.1:1, sodium silicate having a median particle diameter of <500 .mu.m is first mixed with a material increasing its hardness before being converted into pressed granules having particle sizes of 0.1 to 5 mm by compacting, comminution and screening.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resin structure reinforced with long fibers in which a continuous fiber bundle is loosened in a fiber-loosening step and the loosened continuous fiber bundle is impregnated with a resin melt in an impregnation step. The fiber-loosening index S of the loosened continuous fiber bundle represented by equation (I) is within the range of 2.0 to 18.0:S=5.times.10.sup.-2.T/L.1/D (I)in which T is the Tex number of the continuous fiber bundle, D is a diameter (micrometer) of the continuous fibers contained in the fiber bundle, and L is a width (cm) of the continuous fiber bundle. Mechanical properties of the resin structure of the invention and the appearance of the final products are improved. Moreover, further improvements are obtained with respect to the prevention of dropping-off of fiber filaments from the product, smooth operation in the impregnation step, and the production efficiency.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing high density detergent composition is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) continuously charging a detergent surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material into a high speed mixer/densifier to obtain agglomerates; (b) mixing the agglomerates in a moderate speed mixer/densifier to further densify, build-up and agglomerate the agglomerates; (c) feeding the agglomerates into a conditioning apparatus for improving the flow properties of the agglomerates and for separating the agglomerates into a first agglomerate mixture and a second agglomerate mixture; (d) recycling the first agglomerate mixture into the high speed mixer/densifier for further agglomeration; (e) admixing adjunct detergent ingredients to the second agglomerate mixture so as to form the high density detergent composition.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing dense, free-flowing and non-caking alkali metal silicate-based particles which are heat expandable into lightweight particles of a spumiform character. Pursuant to the invention, one provides at a selected temperature a dilatant aqueous gel comprising an alkali metal silicate as the majority non-aqueous component, the silicate being present in the gel in a dissolved state; and the non-aqueous content of the gel being in the range of from about 38 to 65% (w/w). Shearing forces are imposed upon the gel which exceed the flow response characteristics of the gel, whereby the viscosity of the gel becomes sufficiently high to cause a discontinuity in the gel, resulting in disruption into discrete particles. The discrete particles are conditioned while being maintained as separate entities to thereby form a skin on the particles so that they will not agglomerate or coalesce with one another.

Abstract: A process for continuously preparing high density detergent composition is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) continuously charging a detergent surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material into a mixer/densifier for densification and build-up to obtain agglomerates; (b) feeding the agglomerates into a conditioning apparatus for improving the flow properties of the agglomerates and for separating the agglomerates into a first agglomerate mixture and a second agglomerate mixture; (d) recycling the first agglomerate mixture into the mixer/densifier for further agglomeration; (e) admixing adjunct detergent ingredients to the second agglomerate mixture so as to form the high density detergent composition.

Abstract: A process for preparing high density detergent agglomerates having a density of at least 650 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) charging a viscous surfactant paste into a mixer/densifier wherein the surfactant paste has a viscosity of from about 5,000 cps to about 100,000 cps and contains at least about 5% water; (b) adding from about 1% to about 70% of an anhydrous material into the surfactant paste just prior to entrance into the mixer/densifier to absorb at least a minor amount of the water from the surfactant paste; and (c) agglomerating the surfactant paste and the anhydrous material in the mixer/densifier so as to form detergent agglomerates having a density of at least about 650 g/l. The detergent agglomerates have high surfactant levels.

Abstract: A process for the production of abrasive materials by pouring molten abrasive material into the spaces between plates of an assembly of moving cooling plates. The pour is followed by solidification and removal of the poured material (and size reduction of the removed material). The plates are maintained parallel and vertical throughout the pouring, solidification and removal steps, the latter being accomplished by separation of the plates by a conversion wheel. The motion of the plates is then reversed by the wheel to reassemble the plates for a new cycle of pour, solidification and removal.

Abstract: A process for the production of structural and semi-structural composites formed by compressing planar layers of nonwoven preform materials formed from aqueous blends of reinforcing fibers and thin thermoplastic fluoropolymer flake. The flakes have an irregular periphery with microfibrils extending therefrom, having a Canadian Standard Freeness of from 800 to 883. The planar layers which are unconstrained in the in-plane direction are preconsolidated by heating the layer to above the melting point of the fluoropolymer, the applying pressure normal to the plane of the layer causing the fluoropolymer to flow thus orienting the fibers in the plane of the layer. The composites are useful in applications which require higher strength and/or modulus, and where chemical and/or heat resistance is needed, as in chemical processing.

Abstract: Waste parts made of synthetic resin and having a hydrolyzable coating thereon are crushed into chips. The chips are supplied quantitatively to a hydrolyzer apparatus where they are continuously transported through the hydrolyzer with a screw while in contact with steam so as to hydrolyze the coating. The chips with the hydrolyzed coating are dried in a drying furnace and the dried chips are transported to a kneader wherein the hydrolyzed coating is kneaded into chips. The kneaded chips are cooled and then pelletized into pellets in a pelletizing apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of water-dispersible granules which comprises mixing the desired ingredients of the granules to form an extrudable composition, extruding the mixture, and rolling the extrusions to break them down into granules. The process of the invention is particularly suitable for the preparation of water-dispersible granules comprising agricultural chemicals (also known as dry flowables) as the process enables high production rates to be achieved and the products have high suspensibility and rapid dispersion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for controlling the introduction of additives, in the form of a plurality of strands, to a cutter. The strands are cut into pellets, and the pellets are fed to an extruder for making thermoplastic shaped articles. The feeding of the strands to the cutter and extruder involves feeding the strands through a metering device and calculating the feed rate, velocity, and delta position for each strand per feed interval in order to obtain the desired amount of additive in the resulting thermoplastic article.

Abstract: The production process of the present invention can significantly suppress the fuzzing on the surface of the composite material and substantially prevents the accumulation of fractured fibers in the nozzle causative of the breaking of a strand and so on, so that it becomes possible to enhance the take-up speed of the strand and so on, and can provide a long-fiber-reinforced composite material excellent in the dispersion of the fibers in the composite material and the impregnation of a resin. The process comprises impregnating a continuous reinforcing fiber with a molten thermoplastic resin while pulling the fiber, and is characterized in that, after the fiber is impregnated or coated with a molten resin, the resultant fiber is continuously pultruded while squeezing excess resin and the pultruded fiber is passed through a shaping nozzle to regulate the shape to a desired one.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously manufacturing a reinforced, flexible, porous, tubular pipe. The reinforced, flexible porous tubular pipe comprises an extruded porous inner layer, spiral wound open mesh webbing surrounding the porous inner layer, and an extruded porous outer layer. A granular elastomeric material is blended with a polyethylene polymer thermoplastic and an emulsifier, heated and passed through a first extruding means to form a flexible, tubular porous inner layer. The porous inner layer is passed through a quick cooling means, then an open mesh webbing is spirally wound about the porous inner layer. The porous inner layer and the open mesh webbing are then passed through a second extruding means to form a porous outer layer. The reinforced, flexible porous tubular pipe is then cut to length and coiled to suit manufacturing preference.

Abstract: The process of this invention for making strong, discontinuous fibers from a polyolefin includes feeding a solution of polyolefin dissolved in an organic solvent at a pressure that is at least autogenous pressure to a spinneret. Plexifilamentary film-fibril strands are formed by flash spinning, by passing said solution through the exit of the spinneret and into a tunnel at a lower pressure and temperature than the solution, the temperature being greater than the boiling point of the organic solvent. At or subsequent to the exit from the spinneret but inside the tunnel, the strands and solvent are contacted in the tunnel with an inert fluid that has a liquid and a vapor phase, the amount of inert fluid being such that the ratio of the total volumetric flow rate of solvent vapor plus inert fluid vapor to the mass flow rate of the polymer is greater than 4.5 m.sup.3 /kg in the tunnel. The temperature of the inert fluid in the tunnel is 2.degree.-40.degree. C. lower than the melting point of the polymer.

Abstract: A stuffing comprises a plurality of preferably loosely disposed individual stuffing elements of an elastic material. Each stuffing element is shaped as a thin foil-like sheet with at least one curvature. The stuffing is formed from a starting object which preferably comprises a plastic material that is worked in a cold or a hot state to form the stuffing elements. Various semi-manufactured articles of plastics, such as foils, sheets and rods may be used as the stuffing material, and the stuffing elements may moreover be produced directly from a plastics granulate. The stuffing is advantageously used for bedclothes such as eiderdowns and pillows, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and as insulation in houses and thermal installations in general.

Abstract: A drop former includes an outer rotary steel body having circumferentially spaced openings which successively reach a lower discharge position to enable viscous material to drop onto a cooling conveyor from within the outer body. An inner steel body, which can be stationary or rotating, is situated within the outer body to direct viscous material to the openings as the openings reach the discharge portion. An electrical inductive heating coil is situated adjacent one or both of the bodies to inductively heat the body, avoiding excessive heating of the viscous material.

Abstract: Pulverulent ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, alone or as a mixture with other polyethylenes, is compacted into extrudates by extrusion agglomeration under pressure at temperatures of 100.degree. to 150.degree. C. over average residence times in the die of 2 to 40 seconds and at a compression ratio of 1:5 to 1:15, and the extrudates are divided into pellets.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing ultra-fine particles and an apparatus therefor. A particle carrier is moved in a chamber which is decompresed and charged with inert gas. An evaporable material is heated so as to deposit evaporated ultra-fine particles onto a part of the moving particle carrier. The deposited ultra-fine particles are collected from the part of the moving particle carrier while evaporated ultra-fine particles deposit onto another part of the moving particle carrier.

Abstract: Calcined kaolin clay is pelletized in a pelletizer by a process wherein the calcined clay has ammonia added to it, suitably in relatively small amounts such as less than 1% by weight. The pelletized clay is preferably coated with a binder to improve its flowability.

Abstract: Process for preparing shaped bodies of thermoplastic polymers by means of extrusion, injection, or spin molding of granules having a length within the range of from 2 to 100 mm, obtained by cutting a continuous calendered filament constituted by a bundle of fibres impregnated with a thermoplastic polymer in powder form and coated with an outer sheath constituted by a thermoplastic polymer which is the same as, or different from, the polymer which constitutes said powder, and having a melting point equal to or higher than the powder polymer.

Abstract: Degradable particulate absorbent materials and processes for manufacture, wherein the absorbent materials have: i) in most forms of the invention, on the order of not more than 10% by weight inorganic solids or "fillers" and in all cases less than 30% inorganic solids by weight; ii) an open, porous, shot-like fiber structure with low bulk density on the order of not more than 30 lbs./ft..sup.3 and, preferably, in the range of 15 to 18 lbs./ft..sup.3.

Abstract: A device and method for producing pellets from film. A cradle is rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis of rotation to a main frame. An axle arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis holds one or more rolls of film. A plurality of drive rollers pull the film from the rolls while the rolls are rotated on the longitudinal axis twisting the film into a strand. An oven located between the rolls and drive rollers heats the strand to permanently set the twist therein. A pelletizer located aft of the drive rollers cuts the strand into individual pellets. In a modified version, glass roving is extended through the holder past the roll and wrapped with the film into a single strand. In an alternate embodiment, the roll of film is mounted to an axle having a longitudinal axis extending in the same direction as the axis of rotation. The film is pulled axially off the roll and twisted into a strand.

Abstract: Fireproofing compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a hydratable cementitious binder and polystyrene aggregate falling within particular particle size distribution limits. The compositions can also include an air entraining agent and a fibrous material. On addition of water, the compositions form settable, sprayable slurries which can be pumped to the point of application. The slurries are capable of spray application to steel structural members and adhere to the member in the slurried state and after setting. Excellent fire and heat protection is provided to the member despite the organic nature of the polystyrene aggregate.

Abstract: Cementitious compositions useful as lightweight aggregates are formed from a blend of spent bed material from fluidized bed combustion and fly ash. The proportions of the blend are chosen so that ensuing reactions eliminate undesirable constituents. The blend is then mixed with water and formed into a shaped article. The shaped article is preferably either a pellet or a "brick" shape that is later crushed. The shaped articles are cured at ambient temperature while saturated with water. It has been found that if used sufficiently, the resulting aggregate will exhibit minimal dimensional change over time. The aggregate can be certified by also forming standardized test shapes, e.g., cylinders while forming the shaped articles and measuring the properties of the test shapes using standardized techniques including X-ray diffraction.