Abstract: A coupling (10) for plastic pipe (100, 101, 102, 103) which is adapted to be embedded in a concrete floor (300) and to form part of a fluid flow path with the pipe (100 to 103) is described. In particular, the coupling (10) includes a tube (11), preferably integrally molded of plastic, with (1) an integral annular rim (17) inside the coupling (10) with parallel shoulders (18 and 19) perpendicular to a longitudinal cylindrical axis (14) of the tube (11) and with an annular face (20) parallel to the axis between the shoulders (18 and 19), (2) an attachment means, preferably an annular flange (21) with tabs (22) for nails (500) or the like, at one end of the tube (11) adapted to be secured to a form such as a wooden form for pouring the concrete floor (300) around the pipe (100 to 103) and coupling (10) and (3) a removable cover (23) at the end of the tube (11) adjacent the attachment means (21) and adapted to prevent poured cement (300) from entering the inside of the tube (11).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing reinforced elements includes the steps of providing a lattice-like mesh of threads lying in a first plane, applying a plurality of reinforcing fibers so that they extend in planes located at angles to the first plane in which the mesh of threads lies, and embedding the lattice-like mesh with the thus-applied fibers into a bulk of cement. A reinforced concrete element includes a bulk of cement and a reinforcing structure comprising a lattice-like mesh of threads and a plurality of fibers located in planes which are inclined to the plane of the mesh. The reinforcing fibers may extend normal or be inclined to the plane of the mesh of threads. They may be prefixed to the same before the embedding step.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for molding generally cubical building modules of concrete, the apparatus comprising both internal and external movable mounted molding components and preferably including mechanisms for advancing the components into molding positions and for withdrawing the components from the molding position upon completion of the molding of a module. The method involves the use of such molding components and contemplates certain sequences in the advancement and withdrawal of the molding components for different portions of the modules.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for molding generally cubical building modules of concrete, the apparatus comprising both internal and external movably mounted molding components and preferably including mechanisms for advancing the components into molding position and for withdrawing the components from the molding position upon completion of the molding of a module. The method involves the use of such molding components and contemplates certain sequences in the advancement and withdrawal of the molding components for different portions of the modules. The outside mold parts comprise superimposed horizontal strips and alternative screw jack and reciprocating rod devices are provided for mounting and sequentially advancing and withdrawing the outside mold strips. Provision is further made for subjecting the concrete cast in the side walls to vibration.

Abstract: Method for the production of cementitious compositions and aggregate derivatives of said compositions, and cementitious compositions and aggregates produced by said method, wherein fluidized bed combustion residue and pozzolanic material, such as pulverized coal combustion system fly ash, are incorporated in a cementitious mix. The mix is cast into desired shape and cured. If desired, the shape may then be crushed so as to result in a fluidized bed combustion residue-fly ash aggregate material or the shape may be used by itself.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming and laying paving blocks in which interchangeable grids are provided of dissimilar configuration comprising a plurality of mould cavities each enclosing one or more fixed centers of the modules of the pattern, whatever is in the conformation of the said grids. The modular and transformable ramming assembly comprises a plurality of fixed securing points distributed to correspond to the fixed centers of the modules of the mould pattern and intended for the removable fitting of ramming plates of forms and dimensions analogous with those of the underlying cavities of the selected grid. The changing of forms and/or dimensions of the moulded paving stones or slabs is effected by replacing one grid by another differently conformed grid and by fixing new removable ramming plates corresponding to the forms and/or dimensions of the cavities of the new grid, by means of the said fixing points.

Abstract: In order to manufacture a casting nozzle plate assembly, e.g., a sliding closure of a slide plate and collector nozzle, without having to further machine the working surface of one assembly a mold is arranged on a trued slab. A refractory concrete is poured into the mold while the mold is vibrated. The concrete is allowed to harden before being separated from trued slab. The resulting assembly has a smooth work (e.g., sliding) surface for contact with another element.

Abstract: Masonry units are cured in a kiln having a gaseous atmosphere including water vapor. A portion of this atmosphere is withdrawn and mixed with a flowing stream of heated water. This mixture is injected into a body of water disposed within the kiln at a plurality of spaced apart locations and beneath the surface of the body of water whereupon the gaseous atmosphere is heated and rises to and escapes from the surface of the body of water in the form of bubbles. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus for withdrawal of atmosphere from the kiln includes an aspirator incorporated in a conduit which also circulates heated water to the body of water within the kiln.

Abstract: An improved process for the manufacture of shaped articles from water-hardening materials reinforced with multiple layers of a fibrillated organic film. A plurality of networks are formed from fibrillated organic films and are simultaneously advanced into contact with a water-hardening material to form a composite layer of the networks impregnated with the water-hardening material. This layer is thereafter formed into the desired configuration for the shaped article, and allowed to set. The average number of meshes within the networks with a minimum of two per square centimeter and the number of networks within the layer are such that the average number of meshes per cubic centimeter of the final shaped article is at least 100.

Abstract: A method of producing a composite element by securing a plurality of sheet members to a support with their rear main faces in contact with the support. The method includes placing the sheets on a jig in a desired relationship and one or more fluid, settable substances are applied to the rear main faces thereof and allowed to set to form a support structure for the sheets.

Abstract: A gypsum moldings as building materials having high strength is obtained by use of fibrous .alpha.-calcium sulfate hemihydrate as a raw material.There are two methods manufacturing the said gypsum moldings. One of them is the wet method and the other is the dry method.The wet method essentially consists of mixing fibrous .alpha.-calcium sulfate hemihydrate suspension with reinforcers et al., papering and dehydrating the resulting mixed suspension, with or without pressing the resulting wet mat, curing and drying the mat to obtain a gypsum moldings as building materials having high strength.The dry method is roughly divided into two methods. One of them comprises adding water to fibrous .alpha.-calcium sulfate hemihydrate and molding the resulting wet hemihydrate, and the other comprises molding fibrous .alpha.-calcium sulfate hemihydrate and adding water to the resulting moldings.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a healed stucco having lowered water demand without loss of normal strength development potential which comprises, while blending a small amount of water with the calcined gypsum, simultaneously or substantially simultaneously grinding the calcined gypsum so as to increase the surface area of the calcined gypsum particles while incorporating about 1-10% by weight of the calcined gypsum of free water.

Abstract: The invention relates to thermally insulating, fire resistant material and its production.A problem associated with fire resistant material comprising refractory material and a binder is the tendency, in use, of the material to disintegrate due to bond failure. In the invention, hollow particles of a glass or of a ceramic are combined with a binder to give a material where the proportions of binder are such that the material is capable of deformation at high temperatures (e.g. up to 1100.degree. C.) without fracture or loss of cohesion. A specific example consists of 93% by weight of hollow spherical particles of pulverized fuel ash and 7% by weight of sodium silicate binder. The material is particularly useful in the protection of steel structures.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for making concrete conduit. The method of this invention pertains to forming a conduit mat of material on a form, advancing the formed conduit mat of material from the form, fastening the conduit mat together, cutting the conduit into desired lengths, applying concrete on the conduit mat, working the concrete from both the inside and outside of the conduit mat to form smooth surfaces on both surfaces of the concreted conduit mat and curing the concreted conduit mat to form concrete conduit. In one embodiment of this invention, the method is performed from a mobile base which moves forward as the concrete conduit is continuously made and layed on the ground or underwater.

Abstract: A plurality of moulds each including a side frame and a hollow bed overlying the side frame are vertically stacked with sealing members interposed between the beds and the side frames for hermetically sealing the moulds. While the pressure in the moulds is being reduced a hydraulic substance such as cememt is poured into the moulds. The poured hydraulic substance is heat cured to produce solid articles releasable from the moulds. An empty mould is added to one side of the stack while a mould containing the cured substance is removed from the other side of the stack. Alternatively, the process can be carried out according to a batch system. The moulds may be packed with aggregate, fittings or means for interconnecting the articles.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced cementitious sheet is formed by first co-mixing in an air current reinforcing fibers such as glass fibers, and cementitious mineral materials in finely particulate form such as calcium sulfate hemihydrate, both in substantially dry form, depositing the mixture on a moving foraminous surface by means of the air current to form a sheet, applying water as by spraying in at least an amount which is stoichiometrically sufficient to hydrate the calcium sulfate hemihydrate to the dihydrate form and to provide the necessary degree of plasticity to the mixture, densifying the sheet by compression, and setting and drying the sheet. A pair of sheets may be utilized as face sheets and, prior to setting, combined with a core formed of for example a calcium sulfate hemihydrate slurry, and the sheets and core then set and dried to form a paper-free gypsum board having excellent strength, surface hardness, and fire-resistant properties.

Abstract: A method for producing sand-lime bricks of low bulk density and having a green strength of at least 1 kp/cm.sup.2 in which at least 1% by weight of cement is added to a mixture of sand, lime and water and the mixture is then compacted in molds by vibration or under a pressure of less than 150 kp/cm.sup.2 to form bricks which are subsequently cured.

Abstract: Concrete products possessing properties far excelling those of conventional autoclaved concrete products are obtained by placing fresh concrete mix in molding frames adapted to withstand elevated temperatures and increased pressure, closing the filled molding frames airtightly, and heating the molding frames and the concrete mix held therein while inhibiting completely the leakage of water from within the molding frames and thereby allowing the concrete mix inside the molding frames to be cured while in a state of being maintained at elevated temperatures under increased pressure.

Abstract: To calcium lignin sulfonate is added a formulation of ammonium or sodium linear alcohol ether sulfate in a ratio to form an additive to calcined gypsum slurry which will reduce the water requirement and the heat needed to cure the wallboard made from the slurry.

Abstract: A solar collector panel is made from glass fiber reinforced concrete using a dissolvable core of polymer foam to form the internal passageways. The core is dissolved in a solution of solvent and polymer which impregnates and coats the concrete surfaces of the passageways to seal the passageways and to isolate the concrete from the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: A cement bonded agglomerate containing boron wherein the setting time of the flowable mixture is essentially unchanged is prepared by dissolving a boron compound or compounds, such as boric acid or borax, in water. Next, adding a sufficient amount of a water soluble calcium compound, such as hydrated lime, to chemically react with substantially all of the dissolved boron, the reaction forming an insoluble calcium borate compound which forms a slurry with the water. This slurry is then mixed with material to be agglomerated and cement and poured into a mold. The mold can either produce individual shaped pieces ready for use or a slab which can be broken into the proper size pieces.

Abstract: Method for horizontally casting a panel, preferably a non-composite insulated panel of reinforced concrete of substantial area and thickness in a heated mold. The mold is part of a rotating mechanism and lift frame for rotating and vertically stacking the panel when the panel is partially cured.Reinforcing steel is put into a heated mold. A layer of concrete is poured into the mold, forced into close and intimate contact with the mold and through the reinforcing steel by means of a traveling auger, striker plate and vibrating screed; insulation board and shear connectors are placed in the mold, further reinforcing steel is then placed in the mold, and a second layer of concrete is poured into the mold and forced through the reinforcing steel by means of the traveling auger, striking plate and vibrating screed, which at the same time as they force the concrete through the steel, produce a smooth finish on the non-mold contacting surface of the concrete panel.

Abstract: Reinforced facings, including reinforcing webs entrained in hydraulic cement via a slurry bath, adhere to a nailable lightweight aggregate cementitious core to form a panel web. The reinforced web is formed on abutting conveyed carrier sheets, and the web is transversely cut, between the sheets, while moving or when stopped, in response to sensing of the sheets. The cut panels, on respective sheets are stacked for curing without damaging the panel edges and in a manner to minimize panel flex. Slurry bath, facing applicators, and cutter and stacking apparatus are included.

Abstract: An article is cast from a composition comprising a binding agent containing, by weight, from 90% to 10% calcined gypsum and from 10% to 90% Portland cement mixed with water to produce a fluid mixture which is caused to flow into a mould or other supporting device and is there allowed to set. To increase the durability of the cast article in the presence of moisture, sodium carbonate in an amount up to 5% by weight of the dry weight of the cement is added to the composition. The sodium carbonate is preferably present in an amount between 0.1% and 0.5% of the dry weight of the cement and the composition preferably also contains an acrylic resin emulsion in an amount from 0.25% to 4% of the dry weight of the gypsum and cement in the composition and a pigment such as iron oxide, titanium oxide or cobalt oxide in an amount from 0.25% to 4% by weight of the dry weight of the gypsum and cement in the composition.

Abstract: The strength of portland cement concrete structures which incorporate alkali metal or alkaline earth polysulfides is increased by heating the structures at temperatures above 110.degree. C.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for precasting concrete products wherein dry mix is deposited in casting cavities defined by mating upper and base form sections, vibrated and/or pressure compacted, and the upper form section removed immediately for curing of a free standing green cast product. A single upper form section cooperates with a number of base sections and the latter are used to transport the green cast products for curing. Automatically separable base section parts may also be employed for the transport of cured products. Forms are adapted for fork lift handling and include high intensity vibrators, sight openings for ascertaining a cavity full condition, closure plates for fill openings, pressure applying and finishing devices, and sectionalized construction for various size products. Casting machine includes mix delivery apparatus and form handling apparatus for upper and base form sections for automated casting and transfer of green cast products for curing.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry of calcium silicate hydrate which is formed by heating a siliceous source and a calcareous source in water to react them and which has the specific property is shaped with a press filter molding and cured by a steam curing under steam pressure to cause a transformation of the calcium silicate hydrate whereby a calcium silicate shaped product having low bulk density and high mechanical strength is obtained. The calcium silicate shaped product is suitable as a lagging product or a heat insulator.

Abstract: A method of improving the surface characteristics of a formed article of magnesium oxychloride or magnesium oxysulfate cement is shown in which molded articles of magnesium oxychloride or magnesium oxysulfate are treated with water at temperatures of 90.degree. F. to 212.degree. F. (32.2.degree. C. to 100.degree. C.) for periods of 1 to 30 minutes or longer to prevent the formed article from efflorescing.

Abstract: A tripling or more in the production rate of precast concrete building units utilizing reusable mold forms is achieved by casting the units vertically on a wheeled base between separable vertical mold forms. The partially cured poured concrete unit is horizontally transported on the wheeled base from between the separated molds to complete the curing independently thereof, the forms being immediately serviceable with another wheeled base for molding another unit.A building is erected on a concrete slab foundation using a plurality of precast concrete units in the form of L-shaped walls positioned as corner structure and spaced intermediate exterior wall elements and as interior partitions and roof supports.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of fire protection materials, in which an aqueous alkali metal silicate solution is dried to a water content of from 6 to 40% and the resulting powder is thermoplastically molded to form sheets, tapes or strips. These can be fitted into openings and passages of building units; in the event of a fire they eliminate water and form a stable, heat-insulating foam.

Abstract: A brick press is disclosed having a turntable carrying a plurality of molds angularly spaced from each other and having equipment associated therewith establishing a plurality of series of operating stations, each series including at least a precompression station, a compression station and an ejection station. The molds carried by the turntable are provided with replaceable liners. A material handling and feed system is also disclosed, providing for preparation of particulate or granular materials to be charged into the molds.

Abstract: A fire door core in which the major ingredient is expanded perlite and including, as minor ingredients, set gypsum, set hydraulic cement and an organic binder, and having a density of no greater than about 30 lbs. per cubic foot, and preferably including unexpanded vermiculite, clay, and fibrous reinforcements, and a process for making said fire door core, and also a fire door including said core.

Abstract: The apparatus produces pressed cement tiles by forming and pressing the tiles in molds and stripping the pressed tiles from the molds. The stripped tiles are deposited, in superimposed relation, on a stripping tray or "shovel" and the thus-supported tiles are subjected to subsequent treatments. A rotary table or platform carries several molds which are cyclically moved through several stages to form and press the tiles, and the tile receiving tray is positioned at a discharge station to have several pressed tiles stripped from the molds and superimposed in a pile on the tray. Alternatively, an intermediate tray is reciprocable radially between a first position, beneath the stripping element, to receive a pressed tile, and a second position retracted from the rotary platform.

Abstract: Pipes of short length are moulded in a vertical pipe-making machine by locating a series of rings in a circular mould to divide the length of the mould into several compartments, the compartments are filled with settable material, to form a pipe with the rings embedded in it, and the pipe is divided into short lengths by removing the rings. The rings are held in position by stops projected through the wall of the mould into the moulding space, which are withdrawn prior to demoulding. The rings and reinforcement cages are assembled on a jig that is withdrawn before the pipe is moulded.

Abstract: A composition is described for formation of shaped insulating articles compatible with and resistant to molten aluminum. The composition comprises calcium aluminate cement, chrysotile fibers, cryolite, inorganic filler, and, preferably, refractory fiber. Shaped articles, especially elongated troughs and flat boards, made from the composition are also described. In addition, extrusion, press molding, and similar shaping processes for formation of the articles are described.

Abstract: A method for agglomerating particulate steel mill wastes such as roll scale and coke fines, and for utilizing the agglomerate in a metallurgical furnace. The wastes are mixed with Portland cement and cast into slabs which are thereafter broken and screened to a size which can be charged into a metallurgical furnace by automatic handling and weighing systems.

Abstract: Concrete products having a high strength after a short hardening time are manufactured by adding sodium sulphate to a conventional concrete mixture in a quantity of 0.1 - 5 per cent by weight of the cement. The concrete shall be kept at a temperature of 30.degree.- 90.degree. C. during the mixing process. The cast concrete shall be held at 30.degree.- 90.degree. C. for at least two hours.

Abstract: A molding station having packer heads is positioned between a pair of stripping stations having ejectors and a mold box having first and second mold sections is movable between first and second positions with the ejectors at the one stripping station registering with the one mold section and the packer heads registering with the other mold section and at the second position the ejectors at the other stripping station registering with the other mold section and the packer heads registering with the first mold section. The completed molded product is ejected as the mold box is raised and the molded product is formed as the mold box is lowered. The mold box is raised and lowered between top and bottom table halves and when in the lowered position is movable between the first and second positions on rails having legs adapted to engage a stationary support when the lower table half is lowered a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A decorative coating layer, unified with the succulent and fragile surface of a concrete board, is formed by a method comprising laminating an inorganic and hydraulic coating material on the surface of an unhardened concrete board placed in a mold, and immediately thereafter heat-curing the thus coated concrete board. According to this method, beautifully dressed precast concrete boards can be mass-produced by a shortened process with improved efficiency of operation.

Abstract: A method of producing an inorganic substance board, wherein after preparation, such as by use of paper making process, the board is hardened in an autoclave with saturated steam at a high temperature, high pressure and for a suitable length of time, and after hardening, subjecting the board to one or more drying cycles comprising a vacuum treatment at 60 to 300 Torrs, for a suitable length of time to enable the core of the board to reach a suitable temperature, the application of saturated steam at 2 to 12 Kg/cm.sup.2 pressure and 120 to 190.degree. C temperature for a period of time sufficient to allow the core to reach a suitable temperature. The number of cycles is preferably 10 or less. Advantageously, the inventive drying treatment prevents efflorescence and warping of the boards.

Abstract: Prefabricated building components such as panels, roofing units, and floor blocks and a method and machinery for producing the same. The prefabricated components are obtained by casting in form a mix containing granules of expanded polystyrene or other suitable light thermal and sound insulating material which is bonded to cement by adhesive. Depending upon their particular application, the components may be used for either load bearing or non-load bearing purposes.

Abstract: An improved "pre-autoclaving" process for the formation of fiber-reinforced calcium silicate hydrate bodies (such as thermal insulation) is disclosed. The improvement comprises first cooling the crystal slurry from the reactor in a heat exchanger and then metering the cooled slurry through a venturi to reduce the pressure and control the flow rate.

Abstract: A molded gypsum product comprises a matrix of crystalline gypsum and reinforcing fibers of glass fiber and asbestos fiber uniformly distributed in said matrix in a multi-layer structure having at least one higher density layer and at least one lower density layer which is continuously adjacent to said higher density layer and having an average apparent bulk density of 0.3 to 0.9 g/cc.

Abstract: A method and mould for manufacturing concrete elements by means of a turnable mould, whereby the concrete is cast in a main mould when the latter is in horizontal position while the mould is at the same time vibrated. The mould has a closed construction and is used in such a way that, at the casting stage, the second half of the mould construction, which is hinged in relation to the main mold, is in vertical position. Thereafter the mould construction is closed which causes a pressure on the concrete, whereby any excess concrete is extruded through the slit between the mould halves. Then the entire mould construction is turned into vertical position while continuing the vibration so as to eliminate any air that has moved to the outer surfaces of the element. The mould construction is turned further by 90.degree. so that said second half of the mould, which comprises a frame and an auxiliary mould fastened inside the frame, remains underneath.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing shaped objects from cement wherein cement is wetted with an aqueous solution of an acetone-formaldehyde resin, optionally including a water-soluble alcohol, the wet mixture molded to the desired shape and then cured preferably at a temperature within the range of 30.degree. C to 100.degree. C, wherein the bending strength of the finished product is improved by incorporating a metal soap in the composite prior to molding the wet mixture.Also disclosed is an improved composition of matter comprising Portland cement, an acetone-formaldehyde resin and a metal soap, and optionally containing an inorganic aggregate.

Abstract: The invention provides a process of producing lightweight concrete units, which may or may not be reinforced, which comprises making a mix including cementitious material, fine and, optionally, coarse aggregate, water and material for aerating the mix, preferably aluminium powder and alkali; inserting the mix into a mould and allowing the mix to set into a block in the mould; stripping the mould, and autoclaving the block. In this process, in accordance with the invention, the mix is inserted into the mould before the aeration of the mix is completed and without completely filling the mould, the mould is provided with a closure which allows gas but not solids to escape, and the mix is allowed to expand to fill the mould and set under pressure produced by its own aeration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for the manufacture of concrete products in which a mixture comprised of cement, aggregate, a vinyl acetate-dibutyl maleate copolymer and an amount of water sufficient to make a relatively dry mixture is initially compressed into the desired configuration. This compressed-shaped article is then cured in a chamber charged with carbon dioxide gas to provide a fully cured concrete product having excellent physical properties. The method and apparatus of this invention is especially useful in the manufacture of terrazzo panels and the like.

Abstract: An improved process for producing calcined gypsum which comprises continuously treating a mass of calcined gypsum by adding, with thorough blending agitation, small metered portions of water to result in the incorporation of about 1-8% free water in the mass by weight of the gypsum, allowing the blended mass to heal the calcium sulfate hemihydrate surface fissures and thereafter continuously supplying the treated gypsum mass into gypsum board production.

Abstract: A cement panel reinforced with fibers comprising a base plate composed predominantly of inorganic fibers and a cement, an inner waterproof layer of a synthetic resin formed on a surface of the base plate, a coloring material layer composed predominantly of a cement and a pigment and formed on the inner waterproof layer, and a surface waterproof layer of a synthetic resin formed on the coloring material layer. The synthetic resin of the inner waterproof layer, having penetrated into both the base plate and the coloring material layer and solidified, gives a fastener effect, bonding them together.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method of manufacturing porous concrete products in which there is first formed an at least approximately parallelepipedic body of concrete mass which is plastic at a given stage but still shape permanent, whereafter said body resting on a first support surface, while the concrete mass is still plastic, is divided into a multiplicity of slabs by means of horizontal cuts, the thickness of each slab being much smaller than the original height of the body, whereafter a multiplicity of the thus obtained slabs are charged to an autoclave in which they are steam-cured in a group resting on a further support surface. The invention is characterized in that one slab at a time is lifted from the remaining body resting on the first support surface and is transferred, while being turned through 90.degree., to the further support surface on which surface the transferred slabs are placed on one long-side edge thereof in mutually spaced apart relationship.