Abstract: Techniques and methods are provided for isolating nucleic acids from a sample. The methods include adding a chelating agent to the sample to block nucleic acid binding sites on contaminants in the sample; heating the sample to remove hydrocarbons; and lysing the cells using freeze-thaw cycles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for mixing various components of asphalt concrete in a mixer and then dispensing the asphalt concrete from the mixer. While the mixer can include any suitable component, in some instances, it includes a heated container, a mixing mechanism that is configured to mix asphalt and an aggregate to form the asphalt concrete within the heated container, and an auger that is configured to force the asphalt concrete out from the heated container. In some cases, a portion of the auger is disposed in a heated cover. In some cases, the cover further comprises a gate that is configured to open (and close) to allow the asphalt concrete to flow from (and be retained in) the heated container. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: This invention encompasses systems, methods, and apparatuses for low temperature preparation of rubber modified asphalt cement as well as resulting compositions.

Abstract: There is described a hot-mix asphalt plant intended for the production of hot-mix asphalt using a full percentage of milled asphalt product or using cold ingredients and filler charge for producing first grade hot-mix asphalt, comprised of a circular chamber 2 adapted to receive and mix milled asphalt product with solid asphalt additive or to receive and mix the cold ingredients and a filler charge with liquid asphalt cement, provided with a circular tubular coil 104 for circulation of thermal fluid or gas, secured next to the lower side part of the circular chamber 102, adapted with electrical resistors 123 or gas-fueled heaters to produce thermal energy in the form of heat.

Abstract: An asphalt plant for producing a high performance hot mix asphalt product, comprising: RAP material, emulsion added to the RAP, and low energy microwave heating system for processing the RAP emulsion mix.

Abstract: An improved method of making hot mix asphalt, without adding virgin asphalt concrete oil, includes several steps: adding gravel to a container; and heating and rotating the gravel in the container to a suitable temperature for creating the hot asphalt mix. While heated gravel rotates in the container, processed shingles, having a predetermined %/w of AC oil (20%/w on average), are added to a mixing auger along with at least 1 to 2 parts of rejuvenating oil per 100 parts of the processed shingles. The processed shingles and rejuvenating oil are mixed together for about 10 to 20 seconds in the mixing auger creating a slurry of rejuvenated shingles. The slurry of rejuvenated shingles from the mixer auger are then released into the heated and rotating gravel in the container, forming hot mix asphalt with a total oil content of between about 4%/w to 8%/w of the hot mix asphalt, advantageously without adding virgin asphalt concrete oil.

Abstract: A process for preparing an asphalt mixture from recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), virgin aggregate, filler and first and second binder materials, is disclosed. The process comprises steps of transporting RAP through a first drum; transporting virgin aggregate through a second drum; adding a first binder material to the RAP in the first drum to provide treated RAP; supplying the treated RAP, the virgin aggregate, filler and a second binder material to a mixing zone; and mixing to provide the asphalt mixture.

Abstract: A Rotary thermal processor for particulate materials has a rotating drum and a rotating hollow auger. A stationary cylindrical oven with stationary coils surrounds the rotating drum. Hot gas heats a first part of the oven, coil and drum. A rotating hollow auger is heated with hot fluid from the coils. Oven exhaust sweeps evaporated and volatized components of the treated materials to separators and a thermal oxidizer. Cleaned gas from the thermal oxidizer heats a second part of the oven coil and drum and exits a stack. The rotating drum and auger lifts and turns the treated material as it is advanced by the auger.

Abstract: A portable system for heating aggregate material, especially reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), a portable system for producing asphalt, a portable system for continuously repaving roadway, and a method for continuously repaving roadway. Each system includes a conveyor belt, at least one infrared chamber disposed in substantially parallel relation to the conveyor belt at a distance sufficient to allow infrared heating of the aggregate material, a source of fuel, a fuel control in communication with the infrared chamber, and at least one mixer disposed between the infrared chamber and the conveyor belt and dimensioned and disposed relative to the conveyor belt so as to mix the aggregate material during heating and drying.

Abstract: A process for stabilizing plaster includes: a) providing a heated HH-plaster; b) feeding the hot plaster in a moistening device having walls heated to at least 100° C.; c) injecting water and/or steam into the moistening device in conditions that such not yet moistened surfaces of the plaster are exposed to the injected water and/or steam; d) maintaining an atmosphere in the moistening device at a level of the dew point in the range of 75 to 99° C.; e) feeding the moistened blend into a curing device; f) maintaining an atmosphere in the curing device above 75° C. for at least 3 minutes; g) feeding the moistened and cured blend into a drying device; and h) drying the moistened and cured blend. Also an apparatus for moistening ?-hemihydrate plaster includes a rotating drum with lifting blades inside where all walls in contact with the product are externally heated at a temperature above 100° C.

Abstract: The asphalt roofing material is delivered into a treatment chamber of a processor. Hot oil is passed through a jacket surrounding the treatment chamber. Heated asphalt forms a hot solid and/or a liquefied slurry. The hot solid and/or the liquefied slurry is then removed from the treatment chamber. The asphalt roofing material in the treatment chamber can be agitated to promote mixing. The asphalt is heated to a temperature in the range from 200 degrees Fahrenheit to 650 degrees Fahrenheit within the treatment chamber. The solid and/or liquefied slurry is milled after it has been removed from the treatment chamber. The solid and/or the liquefied slurry is cooled after it exits the treatment chamber, preferably to a temperature in the range of approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot solid and/or the liquefied slurry is passed through a hammer mill after the hot solid and/or the liquefied slurry exits the treatment chamber to reduce the particle size of the solid particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally treating concrete during transportation in a concrete mixer truck which includes a unit mounted on the chassis of the concrete mixer truck for providing at least one of a cooling and heating medium; a heat exchanging radiator assembly mounted adjacent to a concrete mixing drum of the concrete mixer truck and configured to receive at least one of the cooling and heating medium from the unit; and a mixing water tank mounted on the concrete mixer truck.

Abstract: Production of diesel oil from hydrocarbon-containing residues in an oil circuit with solids separation and product distillation for the diesel product with energy input by means of pumps and counterrotating agitators and by the use of fully crystallized catalysts of potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium-aluminum silicates, where all surfaces are cleaned continuously by the agitator mechanisms.

Abstract: A modified asphalt Contactor reactor for blending and reacting asphalt cement and modifiers is described; for example, a vertically oriented vessel having an outer shell having an internal surface and an external surface, a lower end and a flat flanged top; an internal circulation tube having a base, a top and an outside surface, wherein the outside surface of the internal circulation tube and the internal surface of the outer shell forms an annulus; a heating jacket having heating oil inlet and a heating oil outlet coupled to the external surface of the outer shell for circulation of heating oil; and a hydraulic head assembly having an impeller coupled to the lower end the vertically oriented vessel wherein the impeller is located near the base of the internal circulation tube, wherein the impeller and the annulus are of sufficient size to facilitate the flow of high viscosity fluids.

Abstract: A foamed asphalt cement nozzle assembly is adapted for use in connection with a mixer for mixing aggregate materials and asphalt cement to make asphalt concrete. The foamed asphalt cement nozzle assembly includes a foamed cement mixing chamber, a first inlet for liquid asphalt cement and a second inlet for water, each of which is in fluid communication with the foamed cement mixing chamber. An outlet for foamed asphalt cement is also provided, which outlet is in fluid communication with both the foamed cement mixing chamber and the mixer. The invention also comprises a method for making asphalt concrete using foamed asphalt cement. The method includes introducing aggregate materials into the mixer and heating the aggregate materials to a temperature at least as high as the boiling point of water but no higher than about 285° F.

Abstract: A drying and mixing plant is provided comprising a tapered inner drum (1) and an oppositely tapered outer drum (4) attached together concentrically and rotated as a unit. A burner (37) directs a hot air stream into the small end (2) of the inner drum (1). Material is fed into the small end of the inner drum, where impellers (40) lift it and drop it into the hot air stream and move the material through the inner drum (1) aided by the downward taper of the inner drum. The material exits the inner drum and enters the outer drum (4) where an additive material is introduced and mixed with the material (42) as both move through the chamber (28) between the inner and outer drums to a material outlet. The receiving end (5) of the outer drum (4) is enclosed in a shroud (12), therefore the air stream is directed through the chamber (28) between the drums, the chamber having an expanding cross section which slows the air down allowing fines to precipitate out.

Abstract: A method of and device for improving the quality of fresh concrete and preventing adhesion and hardening of the mixed fresh concrete in a rotary mixer drum of a concrete mixer truck or a stationary mixer drum of a concrete mixer plant which involves delivering selectively and continuously either cold or warm air into the mixed fresh concrete in the rotary or stationary concrete mixer drum in order to delay the hardening time of the mixed fresh concrete, and to avoid adhesion and hardening of the mixed fresh concrete on a plurality of blades and an inner periphery of the mixer drum.

Abstract: Portable-to-site apparatus is operative to produce ready-to-lay traffic-wear surfacing and/or road etc course materials. A drum-like container is supported for axial rotation within insulation walling of a heating chamber allowing front access to one end closure of the rotatable container and affording operative association with heating means for raising temperature of contents of the container by heat transfer through side walling of the container. Normal operation is with the container sealed and under appropriate control as to time, heating, even rotation. The container is frame-mounted for tilting to aid loading and/or unloading.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus for recording an audio input signal on a recording medium by time base compressing the signal or reproducing the signal from the recording medium is arranged to limit the high band of the audio input signal before compressing the time base thereof and to control the low band cut-off frequency or the degree of suppressing the low band of the signal according to the high band cut-off frequency thereof.

Abstract: This invention describes a heating system for use with a mortar mixing unit. The heating system is comprised of a series of heat exchanging portions used to inhibit freezing of the materials used to prepare mortar in extremely cold weather conditions. The first heat exchanging portion is used to heat the water used to mix mortar. The second heat exchanging portion is used to warm the mixing unit, which contains the water, aggregate, and sand. The third heat exchanging portion is used to warm the aggregate, which is contained in a silo.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a high bulk density particulate detergent composition, of a bulk density greater than 0.7 g./cc. and preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.0 g./cc., includes turbodrying a mixture of synthetic anionic organic detergent, preferably of sodium C.sub.12-13 linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, water, and fabric softening bentonite, in which turbodrying process the mixture is repeatedly subjected to centrifugal and axial forces which create thin films of the mixture, which are pulled apart, due to such forces, to form particles, which are further turbodried and thereby converted to high bulk density particles of substantially globular shape and desired particle sizes. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the mixture charged to the turbodryer is made by turbomixing and aqueous solution, dispersion or paste of anionic detergent with bentonite, and the mixture made thereby is directly turbodried.

Abstract: A portable apparatus adapted for use in filling chuck holes in paved surfaces with a sulphur-based material that has been heated to a plasticized condition. The apparatus includes an electrically heated furnace in which an auger is mounted for the purpose of moving a sulphur-based material through the furnace at a controlled rate (e.g., about 2 feet per minute), such that the material will be elevated to a temperature of above 305 degrees Farenheit (the melting point of sulphur) to produce a tenacious filler material. The furnace is heated by tubular resistance heaters that are bent in a spiral fashion around a mandrel, so that they may be placed in intimate contact with the exterior of a tube which constitutes the core of the furnace. The furnace is fed by a hopper that is mounted above the entry point for the auger, so that dry material may be fed--by gravity--into the furnace whenever a gate-valve mechanism is opened.

Abstract: A cake manufacturing machine that can churn the ingredient for cake with hollow churning claws along the filtered compressed air coming out of the claws and then the ingredient churned can be dropped down in a funnel, then flow doen in aheating device in which the ingredient can be moved in a plurality of aqueezing cylinders by a screwed rod set therein and at the same time heated by hot air flowing into a sealed box containing each squeezing cylinder. The ingredient moved in the squeezing cylinder and half baked during the movement is to be dropped down on a baking plate put on a boving belt of a conveying device and is finally conveyed to a baking oven for complete baking.

Abstract: A reverse flow post-mixer attachment for direct-fixed asphaltic concrete mixers includes a modified discharge box for the downstream end of the drum and an enclosure for the downstream portion of the drum forming a passage along the exterior of the drum. If the smoke point of the liquid asphalt to be added to the material in the drum meets an established standard it is injected into the material upstream of the downstream end of the drum and discharged from the latter end in the normal manner. If the smoke point of the asphalt does not meet the standard, the material exiting the drum is diverted into the passage along the exterior of the drum and the asphalt added there out of the burner stream in the durm. The material and asphalt are then mixed and moved through the passage and finally discharged.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile sealant material apparatus comprising a frame adapted for vehicular movement and bearing a scraped-surface, indirectly-heated jacketed vessel for housing heated, fluid sealant material. Heated fluid heating media is heated in heating unit and pumped by a pump for recirculating through the jacket of the vessel in heat exchange relationship for heating sealant material housed therein and back to the media heating unit. A sealant material outlet line is attached to the vessel for withdrawing heated sealant material from the vessel. The sealant material in the outlet line also is being indirectly heated by the recirculated heating media from the media heating unit. Finally, sealant material pump is attached to the outlet line for selectively applying heated sealant material, e.g. applying crack sealant to cracks in roadways.

Abstract: A reverse flow post-mixer attachment for direct-fixed asphaltic concrete mixers includes a modified discharge box for the downstream end of the drum and an enclosure for the downstream portion of the drum forming a passage along the exterior of the drum. If the smoke point of the liquid asphalt to be added to the material in the drum meets an established standard it is injected into the material upstream of the downstream end of the drum and discharged from the latter end in the normal manner. If the smoke point of the asphalt does not meet the standard, the material exiting the drum is diverted into the passage along the exterior of the drum and the asphalt added there out of the burner stream in the drum. The material and asphalt are then mixed and moved through the passage and finally discharged.

Abstract: A sealant melter/applicator includes a sealant melting chamber, an internal combustion engine having a rotating power output shaft and an hydraulic pump which converts the rotary motion of the engine power output shaft into a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic pump is coupled to selectively energize a first hydraulic motor which rotates a sealant agitator positioned within the sealant melting chamber and a second hydraulic motor which drives a sealant pump for transferring sealant from the melting chamber through an applicator hose to a sealant discharge nozzle. A sealant flow control valve is coupled in series with the applicator hose to regulate the flow of sealant through the sealant discharge nozzle. A flow control valve position sensor is coupled to an hydraulic flow diverter valve. When the sealant flow control valve is placed in the "closed" position, the flow diverter valve directs the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic motor is activate the sealant agitator.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of recycling asphaltic waste shingles. The apparatus includes an elongated conversion tank into which an asphaltic oil, preferably preheated, and shingle tabs are admitted. The shingle tabs are dissociated into substantially liquified and solid shingle materials. The dissociated shingles are agitated with the asphaltic oil to form a slurry which can be drawn off and discharged to a work station. During the agitation, the substantially solid shingle materials are shredded to reduce their size. Preferably, the asphaltic oil is of a higher penetration grade than the asphaltic content of the shingles when in a substantially liquified form.

Abstract: A rotatable drum apparatus for use with a drying kiln or a dry grinding mill has a large gear wheel secured to the periphery of the drum, the drum being heated. In order to minimize the generation of undue stresses between gear wheel and drum due to thermal gradients, the apparatus includes a stationary heat shield extending about the gear in thermal stabilizing relation therewith. The arrangement includes air pressurization within the shield and seal means between stationary and rotary components, to limit the loss of heated air from the enclosure, and to preclude the ingress of air and foreign particles into the enclosure.

Abstract: Method of removing radiant, pulverulent synthetic wastes which are mixed dry with a thermoplastic mass in a kneader and then delivered from a discharge opening of the kneader into a container capable of providing a final storage therefor, while gases and/or vapors are withdrawn from degassing domes of the kneader, which includes delivering fluidic dried wastes by mechanical movement through a metering tube into a degassing dome in the kneader disposed next to the discharge opening, and admitting scavenging gas into the metering tube at least temporarily in direction toward the kneader; and device for carrying out the foregoing method.

Abstract: A bituminous mixture of aggregate and a bituminous binder, especially for road construction or repair is prepared by mixing a batch of still moist aggregate with the bituminous binder in a pressurized mixing container. The gauge pressure in the mixing container is maintained at or just above the saturation pressure of the water adhering to the surfaces of the aggregate, at the desired mixing temperature. Upon completion of the mixing the pressure in the mixing container is reduced to below one bar whereby moisture is removed from the mixture. The present mixing apparatus is rotatable about a hollow axle through which a supply of heating gas is maintained during the mixing. During the removal of the mixture from the mixing container the heating gas may be circulated through the next batch of aggregate being prepared.

Abstract: A process for making asphalt concrete comprises mixing starting materials including aggregate and binder material and optionally, other additives, to a final temperature of about 60.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. in an indirectly heated mixing chamber which is sealed. The moisture content of the asphalt concrete mixture is controlled as a function of the moisture content of the starting materials. Apparatus for performing the process in a continuous or batch operation is also set forth.

Abstract: Worm extruder assembly includes an extruder worm, a steam dome formed as a cylindrical tube disposed transversely to the worm axis, a condenser surrounding the cylindrical tube, a steam outlet line extending from the steam dome to the condenser, and means defining an annular gap connecting the condenser to the cylindrical tube.

Abstract: A closed loop system which includes (1) a drum mixer, (2) a heat source separate from the drum mixer for producing a heated gas, (3) intake and exhaust ducts which channel, respectively, the gas produced by the heat source to the intake end of the drum mixer, and the gas at the discharge end of the drum mixer back to one intake of the heat source, and (4) a fan for maintaining the flow of gas in the system. The gas produced by the heat source is between 700.degree. F. and 2000.degree. F. when it enters the drum mixer at its intake end from the intake duct. Graded aggregates and a bituminous binder are fed into the drum mixer at its intake end. The graded aggregates are mixed with the bituminous binder, in the presence of the heated gas, by rotational action of the drum mixer. The resulting bituminous paving mixture is discharged at the discharge end of the drum mixer, along with exhaust gas, a portion of which is channeled back to one intake of the heat source by the exhaust duct.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a housing having individual compartments for separately storing an epoxy resin material and a reactive hardener for the epoxy resin, a rotatably adjustable housing having a first and second stationary position, an aperture for each compartment disposed in the first position above the level of each material and disposed in the second position below the level of each material and a syringe for each aperture for extracting and dispensing a predetermined measure of each material.

Abstract: An asphalt regenerating apparatus including a drum in which blade means is provided and hot water is contained is disclosed. The asphalt waste is introduced into the drum and heated by the hot water contained in the drum. By revolving the blade means, the heated asphalt waste is subdivided, thereby becoming aggregate particles each having the surface coated with a thin asphalt film.

Abstract: A method of hot mix recycling of old asphaltic concrete paving heats the old pavement, after it has been removed and sized, to a temperature below its firing point and heats fresh aggregate to a greater temperature before combining the two and adding new asphalt. The method is embodied in a drum-mixer type of apparatus modified by inserting a smaller drum in the upstream portion of the large drum. The burner fires into the smaller drum into which the fresh aggregate only is introduced while the old mix (plus additional fresh aggregate in certain cases) is introduced into the annular space between the two drums, the fresh aggregate and the old mix being thereafter combined in the large drum, new asphalt added and the mix further heated.

Abstract: A self-contained mechanism for the preparation handling and application of liquified materials such as coating compounds, joint sealers, crack fillers, waterproofing compounds and the like, is provided with an especially configured materials tank having primary and secondary materials heating devices and a unique engine driven hydraulic system which allows reversible and variable speed operation of the materials mixing, delivery, and cleanout devices and systems.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for continuous preparation of a blend of liquid sulfur in fluid asphalt in specified proportions to provide a dispersion of fine sulfur droplets in the asphalt, particularly suitable for coating onto aggregate to form "hot mix" for asphalt concrete of improved strength.

Abstract: Recycled asphalt-aggregate compositions prepared by adding a suitable amount of make-up asphalt to pieces of the used composition and heating the mixture in a rotating cylindrical drum by tumbling the composition over heated pipes as it is gradually directed towards an output end of the drum, the improvement comprising adding an amount of petroleum hydrocarbon to achieve a laid down asphalt penetration of between 25 and 300 dmn at 77.degree. F. A further embodiment of the improved process comprises venting a mixture of hydrocarbon gases and moisture vaporized from the hot composition mixture at the output end of the apparatus, condensing the moisture and removing it and returning the hydrocarbon gases to a combustion chamber for providing heat to the apparatus tubes.

Abstract: In a heating and mixing apparatus having an elongated cavity and a plurality of heating tubes extending along the length of the cavity, the improvement comprises at least one supporting member for the tubes and lying across the cavity along a plane approximately normal to the axis of the tubes and having a plurality of orifices through which the tubes extend. The support member has at least one opening therein to allow composition to pass therethrough, and preferably a plurality of the supports are spaced along the drum and disposed so that the openings of adjacent supports are not aligned with one another, thereby acting as temporary barriers for the composition as it is drawn gravitationally from one end of the apparatus to the other during heating and mixing process.