Abstract: A method is disclosed for casting a concrete product using two or more different grades of concrete mix, in which method predetermined amounts of different grades of concrete mix are delivered at appropriate instants into the feeder hopper of the slip-form casting machine.

Abstract: In a method of constructing a rail track on a concrete slab, the concrete slab is poured around anchor members for fixing tie plates supporting the rails of the rail track. The method includes the following steps: suspending the rails premounted on their tie plates above the location at which the concrete slab is to be poured, each tie plate including a base under which is disposed a temporary tie plate for accurately guiding the anchor members, adjusting the position of the rails, pouring the concrete slab up to the height of the temporary tie plates, raising the rails and removing the temporary tie plates, and accurately positioning the rails premounted on their tie plates on the concrete slab in their final position and fixing the tie plates to the anchor members.

Abstract: A method is provided for use of a concrete composition and an associated apparatus. The method provides for mixing of the concrete material, accelerant powder and, optionally, an associated substance to enable the controlled hardening of the concrete material in a monolithic structure. The apparatus can dispose a slip-plane film to facilitate a relatively continuous process.

Abstract: A method of forming a circumferentially closed wall having the same cross-section over its entire length included providing at least two circumferentially closed inner falseworks each formed of circumferentially closed inner part and a circumferentially closed climbing strip releasably securable to an upper end of the main part. A concrete wall is formed in a plurality of concrete-placing steps, with use of the inner falseworks in more than one step. In a first concrete-placing step, an initial section of a concrete wall is formed. In each subsequent concrete-placing step, a circumferentially closed concrete wall section is formed on an upper end of an already formed section of the concrete wall.

Abstract: A method of constructing a rail track in which a concrete track slab is produced and rail track anchor members are inserted in the track slab by an inserter system mobile along the route of the rail track includes the following steps: using a machine for continuously pouring concrete to produce two concrete walls laterally delimiting the edges of the track slab to be poured; pouring the concrete track slab between the walls; and using the inserter system to insert anchor members in the freshly poured track slab, the tie plate inserter system being adjusted accurately by a measuring station, topographical survey points, a measuring system, and reflectors carried by the inserter system.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a concrete slab in a substantially horizontal slip casting process method, concrete mix is fed into a mold through a delimited cross section moving progressively in the casting process so as to form a concrete product of a desired shape. Onto the surface of the casting bed (1) is placed a core (3, 9, 10, 11) capable of delimiting the cross section of the concrete product (5, 5?) so as to provide an opening or a provision for an opening in the bottom surface of the slab. A core is provided for obtaining an opening or a provision for an opening. The structure and/or material of the core is/are such that the core is capable of yielding in vertical direction. A core may also be a multipart core, the outer part of which becomes detached from the inner part of the core in conjunction with lifting off the concrete slab from the casting bed.

Abstract: A process and plant for laying a pipe in a trench comprising placing a flattened tubular preform in the trench, the perform having a reinforcement surrounding an inner seal, the reinforcement being impregnated with a resin, and inflating the perform in the trench.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component assembly includes providing a first mold assembly comprising a first mold section and a second mold section. The first mold assembly defines a first cavity. A third mold section is then provided. The third mold section and the first mold section combine to define a second mold assembly. The second mold assembly defines a second cavity. A pin is provided and extends from a first mold surface of the first mold section into the first cavity and into a portion of the second cavity. A first material is introduced into the first cavity, thereby producing a first trim component portion. The pin defines a first void portion in the first trim component portion. The second mold section is then replaced with the third mold section to define the second cavity of the second mold assembly. A second material is then introduced into the second cavity, thereby producing a second trim component portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are for fabricating a concrete product in a slip-form casting process, in which method concrete mix is fed into a slip-form mold of a defined cross section moving progressively in the casting process so as to obtain a concrete product of a desired shape. The method includes an interruptible guidance control of the prestressing tendons so as to allow the tendon guides to travel past supplementary parts such as reinforcing steels connected to the prestressing tendons.

Abstract: A method is provided are for fabricating a concrete product in a substantially horizontal slip-form casting process, in which method concrete mix is fed into a slip-form mold of a defined cross section moving progressively in the casting process so as to give a concrete product of a desired shape. The input power need of the concrete mix feed and compaction is measured, whereupon the travel resistance of the casting machine is controlled based on the value of a measured process variable. Therefore, quality variations in a slip-form cast product that are caused by changes in the density of the concrete mix and the travel resistance of the casting machine are eliminated.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for casting a concrete product, in which method the concrete product is cast in an essentially horizontal slipform casting process during which the top surface height and profile of the concrete product being cast is measured continually. Based on the measurement results, the relative proportion of the concrete mix flowing to the upper layer or lower layer of the concrete product is controlled by way of moving or tilting a feed trough (12) located below the concrete mix feed means (2).

Abstract: A contoured wall and method is disclosed for creating the contour and appearance of a wall formed from individual assembled units such as stones. The wall is formed from a plurality of mating form liners each having a reciprocal contoured surface to that of the desired stone wall. The wall is formed from hardenable construction material such as concrete poured between two mold members with the form liners attached to at least one of the mold members. Each of the form liners has a lateral relief mold face adapted to provide a molded surface having the contour of a stone wall. Each lateral relief mold face of the form liners has a latticework non-linear mortar-forming interlocking portion surrounding stone-forming recessed portions. The form liners are positionable in a plurality of arrangements wherein the interlocking portions and recessed portions along the mating edge of each form liner mate along mating edge of the adjacent form liner to form a continuous lateral relief mold face.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for casting hollow-core concrete products, in which method concrete mix is fed into a mold of a delimited cross section traveling on a casting bed. According to the invention, the concrete mix is compacted with the help of vibratory shoes operating downstream of the concrete mix feed means, and the correct shape of the hollow-core cavities is maintained with the help of troweling mandrels.

Abstract: A method for successive concrete of high vertical walls by using a climbing shuttering system having a support structure on which various concrete shuttering elements are loaded hanging downwards. The top supporting carrier and the climbing shuttering system can be supported on completed wall sections. There is at least one lifting device that brings about a relative movement between the too supporting carrier and a lower support carrier of the climbing shuttering system. The shuttering elements can be positioned in a substantially even surface to form a shuttering and at the same time the top supporting carrier can be positioned on the shuttering elements placing them respectively against the walls.

Abstract: A method of constructing a rail track on a concrete slab, in which method the concrete slab is poured around anchor members for fixing tie plates supporting rails of the rail track, includes the following steps: suspending temporary tie plates at the location where the tie plates supporting the rail track are to be placed, the temporary tie plates supporting anchor members to be partly embedded in the concrete and including vents for evacuating air trapped under the bottom face of the temporary tie plate when pouring the concrete slab, pouring a concrete slab up to the height of the temporary tie plates, removing the temporary tie plates after the concrete slab has dried, and placing the tie plates supporting the rails accurately in their final position and fixing the tie plates to the anchor members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for casting a concrete product, in which method the concrete product is cast in an essentially horizontal slipform casting process during which the top surface height and profile of the concrete product being cast is measured continually. Based on the measurement results, the relative proportion of the concrete mix flowing to the upper layer or lower layer of the concrete product is controlled by way of moving or tilting a feed trough (12) located below the concrete mix feed means (2).

Abstract: A concrete-protecting panel with integrated undercut protuberances which has an enhanced resistance to groundwater pressure. The protuberances or wing-element pairs (3) of the plastic panel (1) have spread wing elements (3) which may spread open even further in their top region 3.1. The wing elements 3 are connected to one another by a supporting web 4, of which the height is at least 70% of one wing-element pair. The wing-element pairs 2 are fastened on the base plate 5 of the protuberance-containing panel 1 via a foot widened in an arcuate manner.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for casting a concrete product using two or more different grades of concrete mix, in which method predetermined amounts of different grades of concrete mix are delivered at appropriate instants into the feeder hopper of the slip-form casting machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for fabricating a concrete product in a slip-form casting process, in which method concrete mix is fed into slip-form mold of a defined cross section moving progressevely in the casting process so as to obtain a concrete product of a desired shape. The method is characterized by an interruptible guidance control of the prestressing tendons so as to allow the tendon guides to travel past supplementary parts such as reinforcing steels connected to the prestressing tendons.

Abstract: A concrete form has a pair of opposed upstanding and spaced apart side panels. A space is defined between the side panels. Each side panel has a respective upper edge and a respective lower edge whereby a top opening is defined between the upper edges and a bottom opening is defined between the lower edges. At least one bottom soffit panel is coupled to the form and is movable between a first soffit position closing off the bottom opening and a second soffit position providing access to the space through the bottom opening. At least one transverse top beam is coupled to the form and is movable between a first top beam position across the top opening and a second top beam position providing access to the space through the top opening. A method of setting up the concrete form includes assembling the form, opening the top beam if closed, installing at least one steel reinforcing element within the forming space through the top opening, and closing and securing the top beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for slip-form casting a concrete product, the product being made from at least two different grades of concrete so that the concrete mix grade can be changed in an uninterrupted fashion during casting at a desired point along the length of the casting bed.

Abstract: A method is provided for use of a concrete composition and an associated apparatus. The method provides for mixing of the concrete material, accelerant powder and, optionally, an associated substance to enable the controlled hardening of the concrete material in a monolithic structure. The apparatus can dispose a slip-plane film to facilitate a relatively continuous process.

Abstract: A self-climbing concrete wall form hoist for forming a concrete wall section atop a previously formed wall section has a wall mounting releasably secured to the previously formed wall section, a moveable vertical mast, a channel in the wall mounting which guideably receives the moveable mast, a platform alternatively supported on the mast and on the wall mounting, upper and lower dog latch assemblies mounted on the platform and pivotable between a platform raising position when the mast is supported on the wall mounting and a mast raising position when the platform is supported on the wall mounting, and an extensible and retractable linear actuator interconnecting the upper and lower dog latch assemblies for raising the platform relative to the mast when the dog latch assemblies are in the platform raising position and for raising the mast relative to the platform when the dog latch assemblies are in the mast raising position.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming concrete structures includes a first truss module and a second truss module, as well as a first and a second concrete form. The apparatus further includes a first and a second actuator device. Each first and second actuator device is mounted on the respective first and second truss module, and each first and second actuator device can move the respective first and second form translationally with respect to the respective first and second truss module. A yoke connects the first truss module to the second truss module to thereby place the concrete forms in generally parallel, spaced-apart relationship. A climbing device attached to the yoke can engage a climb rod and can move the apparatus upward along the climb rod.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for impressing three-dimensional patterns in a slip-formed concrete wall. At least one impression roller is provided at the discharge end of a slip form. The impression roller includes an outer periphery, provided with a layer or coating of resilient material. The layer is pre-formed or pre-cast to include an aesthetically pleasing, three-dimensional pattern. The axis of the roller is maintained in parallel relation to the plane of the exposed surface of the wall, with the outer periphery of the roller slightly depressed into the wall surface. As the uncured concrete wall emerges from the slip form, the impression roller places a pattern into the wall surface which corresponds to the pattern on the roller. Movement of the roller along the wall causes the impression roller to rotate, impressing successively formed portions of the wall with the pattern. Additional rollers may be used to impress patterns on the opposing wall surface, as well as the top wall surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming flexible mat structure in the form of spaced, interconnected concrete panels. The mat structure can serve as an erosion control mat along the banks of waterways and within drainage ditches and channels, and can also be utilized to provide temporary or permanent walkways and roadways. A rotatable drum includes peripherally-positioned mold cavities that receive concrete mix from a trough supplied from a source of concrete mix. A grid is fed against the drum periphery and over the mold cavities before the concrete mix is introduced, and after the mix is introduced a web of fibrous material is brought into contact with the concrete-mix-containing mold cavities to overlie the concrete-containing surface of the drum. As the drum rotates the fibrous material with overlying, interconnected concrete panels is deposited on the ground to provide the finished mat structure.

Abstract: A processing mold is suitable for preparing a tire support. One processing mold that is particularly advantageous includes a processing mold having a first mold body opposing a second mold body, and the first and second mold bodies are aligned through a mandrel. In one embodiment, a first mold body includes a locking member suitable for locking the mandrel to the first body. In this embodiment, the mandrel is movable between the first and second mold bodies such that when a processing mold is opened, the first mold body and the mandrel can separate from the second mold body. A method of using a processing mold by aligning a first mold body and a second mold body through a mandrel and a method of releasing a tire support from a processing mold by locking a mandrel to a first mold body and separating the first and second mold bodies are also particularly advantageous.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing a plurality of complimentary flat planar surfaces having apertures forming a figure or object. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of positioning a planar body on a planar surface, applying drywall compound so as to fill the aperture or apertures, allowing the compound to dry partially, removing the planar body, replacing the planar body over the drywall mold, positioning a second planar body and removably attaching the second planar body, spreading drywall compound over the apertures in the second planar body, allowing the compond to dry and removing the first and second planar bodies. The apparatus of the present invention is the equipment required to carry out this method.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for successive concreting of high vertical wall by using a climbing shuttering system having a supporting structure on which various concrete shuttering elements are loaded hanging downwards. Said structure is connected at least to a first top supporting carrier that underprops it. The top supporting carrier has the means to support it laterally to a completed wall section. The climbing shuttering system also has at least one lower supporting carrier that can be supported on a completed wall section. There is at least one lifting device that brings about a relative movement between both supporting carriers. According to the invention, the top supporting carrier is designed to be supported on a substantially even surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing tubular molded products from molding material includes a mold casing and a mold core having a common longitudinal central axis which is vertically disposed. The mold casing and mold core are spaced from one another to define a molding space therebetween. A supply device supplies molding material from above the molding space into the molding space. Treatment apparatus is disposed at treatment zones on the mold core for treating the molding material in the molding space, the treatment including treating the molding material by shaking the molding material or treating the molding material by heating the molding material, or both.

Abstract: The invention concerns a climbing shuttering system having a supporting structure on which various concrete shuttering elements are loaded hanging downwards. Said structure is connected at least to a first top supporting carrier that underprops it. The top supporting carrier has the means, to support it laterally to a completed wall section. The climbing shuttering system also has at least one lower supporting carrier, that can be supported on a completed wall section. There is at least one lifting device that brings about a relative movement between both supporting carriers. According to the invention, the top supporting carrier is designed to be supported on a substantially even surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a shelter from ice or snow. A slip form allows snow or ice to be formed in situ into building blocks that form the shelter. The slip form comprises two vertical side pieces and incorporates an end cap that holds the side pieces together and allows the slip form to separate upon impact rather than fracture. A telescoping pole is attached at one end to one of the side pieces of the slip form, and at the other end to a spike that is driven into the ground to provide a reference point for the construction of the shelter. The telescoping pole incorporates two or more sections. The first section comprises a series of predetermined apertures that receive a tab or pin integrated into the second section of the telescoping pole. The outer diameter of the second section is smaller than the inner diameter of the first section, thus allowing the pole to retract by placing the second section into the first section.

Abstract: A multi-component three dimensional energetic device and the method of maacturing it. The method includes the steps of forming a quantity of an energetic material into a plurality of sheets having relatively no appreciable thickness, and then cutting at least one required shape from the surface of a portion of each of the plurality of sheets to define an opening for at least one inlay of a different material. An inlay of the different material is placed in the openings to form a plurality of stackable shapes that are then bonded together to form the multi-component three dimensional energetic device. The preferred embodiment includes forming the inlay from an energetic material that is different from the sheet energetic material. Optionally a bonding agent may be admixed with at least one of the materials to facilitate bonding to form the device. The bonding agent may or may not be an energetic material, as desired.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a building material includes the steps of directing molten volcanic magma from an underwater volcanic magma vent to a level above sea level via a tube formed from the magma; directing the molten volcanic magma into a mold on a floating barge; cooling the magma in the mold to form a building material; and removing the building material from the mold. The tube is formed by lowering a cap assembly over an underwater flowing volcanic magma vent and raising the cap such that the magam solidifies inside the cap perimeter where it is cold.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system for manufacturing horizontally precast panels of moldable material which panels require shaped surface patterns. More particularly, the invention relates to a system for manufacturing horizontally precast concrete panels formed of concrete, for use in vertical wall systems, with one or more shaped surfaces.

Abstract: A method of blasting using non-nitrogen containing explosives which protect the environment from pollution of nitrogen compounds is provided. The method includes the following steps: (1) combining an oxidizer, a fuel, water, and a binder such that an explosive is formed which is substantially free of nitrogen; (2) placing the explosive in a location selected for blasting; and (3) initiating said explosive. The nitrogen-free oxidizer may be a perchlorate such as sodium perchlorate. Using this method, the explosive may be a water gel, emulsion, a dry explosive, or a liquid oxygen explosive.

Abstract: Nontoxic, biodegradable injection-molded, plastic shotshell components, and method of manufacturing same, the components having a fused degradation composition comprising as its active ingredients polycaprolactone, amide stearate and vegetable oil, the latter two enhancing the degradation activity of the polycaprolactone and imparting injection-moldability thereto.

Abstract: A low energy fuse, comprising a plastic tube with a channel, the channel containing a reactive material able upon ignition to sustain a shock wave within the channel, the tube comprising at least two layers of plastic materials, a first plastic layer closer to the channel and a second plastic layer outside the first layer, at least the second layer containing a major amount of draw orientable polymer resin. The polymer in the second layer is axially oriented to an orientation degree (as defined) of more than 25% and less than 90% and that the polymer of the first layer has an axial orientation degree not exceeding 10% orientation degree units more than that of the second layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of the continuous manufacture of composite pyrotechnic products.A heat-curable liquid binder (3) is mixed with a thickening filler (4) in a mixer (1) so as to obtain a viscous premix (2) which is unreactive at ambient temperature and which can be subsequently mixed with oxidizing fillers (17) to give, after extrusion and chopping, intermediate products (24) which are not yet crosslinked but which have stable geometrical dimensions. The structure of the products (24) is subsequently set by crosslinking the binder in an oven (26).The invention permits the continuous industrial manufacture in series of small crosslinked composite pyrotechnic charges without any "pot life" constraint since the binder does not change at ambient temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a concrete forming system and method permitting a series of stacked concrete slabs to be formed at a work site. The system includes a vertical support member configured to the work surface, concrete form members for defining a desired shape for a concrete slab and horizontal adjustment members for attachment of the form members to the vertical support member. Through use of the system, a series of stacked concrete slabs can be successively poured one on top of the other.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a high performance gun propellant containing an energetic thermoplastic elastomeric binder and a high-energy oxidizer is disclosed. The process includes preparing or obtaining a molding powder of the high-energy oxidizer particles coated with the energetic thermo-plastic elastomeric binder and extruding the molding powder into the desired gun propellant configuration. The high-energy oxidizer has a concentration in the range from 70% to 85%, by weight, and the energetic thermoplastic elastomeric binder has a concentration in the range from 15% to 30%, by weight. The molding powder has a particle size in the range from 200 .mu. to 2000 .mu.. Typical thermoplastic elastomeric binders include oxetane, oxirane, and nitramine backbone polymers, copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Typical high-energy oxidizers include nitramine oxidizers.

Abstract: A mold for casting ground covering, such as a plurality of stepping stones, has a generally polygon concrete molding frame having top and bottom surfaces in parallel planes and divided into openings. The frame is generally square and may include nesting polygonal configurations. Each wall has a plan shape of contiguous line segments connected at obtuse angles. A first diagonal wall extends approximately from the first corner to the third corner, and a second diagonal wall extends approximately from the second corner to the fourth corner. The first perimeter wall is geometrically congruent with the third perimeter wall and the second perimeter wall is geometrically congruent with the fourth perimeter wall. The diagonal walls are geometrically congruent with the second and fourth perimeter walls.

Abstract: A method of formulating high energy explosives and propellants, including e steps of melting the explosive at a temperature just above its melting temperature, admixing and dissolving or plasticizing a binder, and extruding or casting the resultant solution into a useful form for further forming the resulting material into a munitions. The first step in this method includes the use of any high energy explosive material. Examples of these include hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane or CL-20, 1,3,3-trinitroazetidine or TNAZ, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene or S-TNT, 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene or S-TNB, HMX, RDX, butane-trio-trinitrate or BTTN, trimethylolethane trinitrate or TMETN; triethylene glycol dinitrate or TEGDN, bis, 2,2-dinitro propyl acetal/bis 2,2 dinitro propyl formal or BDNPA/F, methyl nitrato ethyl nitramine or methyl NENA, ethyl NENA, mixtures thereof and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for the controlled refining of an emulsion explosive composition is shown. The apparatus includes a pump for pumping the pumpable explosive composition, a conduit for transporting the explosive composition away from the pump, and a refining or shear valve located in the conduit. Also provided is control instrumentation which allows the amount of refining to be monitored. The preferred control instrumentation comprises a first pressure indicator located on an upstream side of said valve, the second pressure indicator located on the downstream side of said valve, and an adjustor associated with the valve to allow the valve to be adjusted to produce a predetermined pressure difference between the first and second pressure indicators.

Abstract: Apparatus for "top-down" construction technique is described. Deck formwork assemblies for each structural concrete slab are lowered and supported from the level above the same. This application describes and claims a support arm portion of the apparatus for transmitting the load of a deck assembly to a vertical column of the building framework.

Abstract: A method for placing concrete on a rock foundation to construct a massive concrete structure, such as a dam, a bridge pier or a foundation of a building, precludes development of cracks in the concrete by thermal stress.

Abstract: A batch process produces unitary grains of propellant material. A constituent mixture of the material is prepared by mixing constituents while heating to at least a predetermined pouring temperature within a permissible temperature range. The constituent mixture is poured into a mold, while vibrating it to avoid voids or interfaces within the material, to cast a block of propellant. The cast block is cured for a predetermined period resulting in a cured, cast block of semirigid yet plasticly deformable material. A hydraulic press with a ram carrying a tubular cutting die is positioned, as by transferring the mold without its bottom to the press bed, for permitting grains to be cut by movement of the press ram by forcing the cutting die into the cast block to cut from the block a grain of the propellant material, then extracting the grain for further use. The cutting cycle is repeated until the cast block has yielded a satisfactory number of grains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for continuous manufacture of pyrotechnic charges containing a silicone binder and to the compositions capable of being used by this process.The following are introduced continuously into an extruder (1):a mixture A of a crosslinkable silicone resin with a crosslinkable silicone gum,a mixture B of oxidizing fillers,a crosslinking agent C which is common to the resin and to the gum.The dough obtained is extruded in the form of fuse strings (3) which are cut into strands (5) which are returned into a second extruder (7) to be extruded and cut into the form of blocks (11) in which the binder is crosslinked in an oven (13).The charges thus obtained find their preferred application in gas pyrotechnic generators for motor vehicle safety.

Abstract: Energetic materials are continuously processed in a twin-screw extruder to provide safe, low-cost, high quality manufacturing of pyrotechnic compositions, gun propellants, and high explosives. The energetic materials are processed by first lacquering the binder and other soluble ingredients in a solvent. The lacquer solution is introduced into a twin-screw extruder. At least one solid reactive material ingredient, such as metal and/or oxidizer particles, is also introduced into the twin-screw extruder. The solid reactive material ingredient and the lacquer solution are mixed within the twin-screw extruder. After mixing, sufficient solvent is removed by heating or by vacuum to permit bulk granulation of the energetic material. Moist energetic material is then granulated using a remote continuous rotary granulator. The energetic material is dried to produce free-flowing granules which may be used as feedstock for further processing.

Abstract: A method for the production of substantially vertical walls, and specifically, walls made of concrete, includes a single sided concrete form used, for example, to form a concrete wall against a preexisting wall or embankment, by pumping concrete into a gap between the form and the preexisting wall or embankment, and raising the form vertically as the pumped concrete settles and drys. The method enables the construction of vertical walls of superior strength in less time as compared to currently available systems.