Abstract: A method of preserving waterlogged materials and more specifically, preserving artifacts that have been submerged in water for long periods of time. A method of treating waterlogged materials that have been subjected to preservation techniques using polyethylene glycol as the preservative, and a method of restoring such materials from the deleterious effects of the glycol.

Abstract: A process is provided for continuously applying a substantially uniform and smooth filler of a water-based filler material to underlying wood substrates. The process comprises introducing the underlying wood substrates into a filler application area. Then, the initial temperature of the outer surface of the underlying wood substrates is determined. Prior to applying the water-based filler material, the initial temperature of said water-based filler material is determined. Prior to applying same to said underlying wood substrates, the initial temperature of the water-based filler material is continuously adjusted, based on the initial temperature of the underlying wood substrate, so that the final temperature of the water-based filler material of the outer surface of the underlying substrate is maintained. The water-based filler material is continuously applied to the outer surface of the underlying wood substrates in the filler application area.

Abstract: Wood veneers having enhanced strength and/or stiffness, wood products made therefrom, and methods for manufacturing such veneers and wood products are disclosed. A treated veneer having enhanced strength and stiffness has a population of compacted wood cells extending across at least a portion of the length and width dimensions and into the thickness dimension of the veneer to confer an increased density level, and thus increased strength and/or stiffness levels, to the veneer. Interspersed in the compacted wood cells is a non-saturating loading level of a cured rigid thermoset material which maintains compaction of the compacted cells even after prolonged soaking in water. The preferred loading level is just what is required to maintain compaction of the cells. The preferred thermoset material is polyurea which is formed from a polyisocyanate resin applied to at least one major surface of the veneer followed by hot-pressing the veneer.

Abstract: Wood and other cellulose-based products are preserved with a water-based treating solution containing a phenolic resin prepolymer such as phenol formaldehyde resin prepolymer, a resorcinol formaldehyde resin prepolymer and water. The treatment is carried out by exposing the wood or other cellulose-based product, while submerged in the treating solution, to one or more cycles of reduced pressure (i.e. vacuum) and elevated pressure.

Abstract: This invention is a method for the protection of wood and other lignocellulosic materials from attack by micro-organisms with the use of iodates. The method consists of treating wood or other lignocellulosic material by soaking it in a solution of iodate for a period of time ranging from three hours to seven days at temperatures between 20.degree. C. and 50.degree. C. The treated material is then removed from the solution and dried. Wood treated with this method shows resistance to attack by wood-degrading micro-organisms. Furthermore, the iodates are resistant to leaching from the wood and other lignocellulosic materials after such treatment.

Abstract: A wood preservative composition which contains poly ethylene oxide along with poly vinyl pyrrolidone is applied to wood in a four-step process. In the first step, moisture and excess resin are removed from the wood. In the second step, the preservative composition is applied to the wood by pressure injection. In the third step, the container for the wood is drained and excess solution is transferred to a holding tank. In the fourth step, a catalyst, either heat or a low-pH composition, is applied to the wood to cause chemical bonding of the preservatives within and with the wood. As a part of the fourth step, excess moisture is removed from the wood by subjecting the wood to a vacuum to draw out excess moisture and then subjecting the wood to a flow of desiccated air which absorbs the moisture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating an interior surface in which a spinning vaned plate is used to apply a low-water-content mortar-like substance to an interior surface, such as a manhole, wetwell or similar structure. A tank containing the mortar-like substance is positioned above the vaned plate, and a valve is located between the tank and the vaned plate for controlling the flow of mortar-like substance from the tank to the spinning vaned plate. An agitating element such as a vibrator head is associated with the tank for inducing the mortar-like substance to flow freely. The apparatus may be lowered into a structure, and the mortar-like substance applied to the interior walls without a worker having to enter the structure.

Abstract: A method of treating moisture containing wood including the step of exposing the timber or wood to a vaporous azeotrope of an organ-boron component and an alcohol at a temperature below the alcohol's boiling point. The organ-boron compound hydrolyses with the moisture to form boric acid in the timber or board.

Abstract: A wood product is protectively coated while maintaining the appearance of wood without discoloration by applying to the surface of a dry wood member a sealer coating containing a cyclic epoxy and an anhydride and curing the sealer, while reacting, at least a portion of the epoxy with lignin in the wood and at least a portion of the anhydride with cellulose and lignin in the wood, to bind the sealer to the wood, and cross linking cellulose, followed by applying a protective coating over the sealer before the sealer has been cured completely to bind the protective coating to the sealer. The protective coating provides a barrier to UV penetration and increases the durability of the surface.

Abstract: A process brings out a high contrast in natural grain of a naturally pale wood via infrared irradiation having a wavelength which is as long as possible. This infrared radiation can come from a conventional infrared emitter or, more preferably, from a carbon dioxide laser. Due to the contact-free heating near the surface which is effective in a stagnant ambient atmosphere, the new wood part of the grain is browned, while the harder old wood part remains essentially unbrowned. This causes the natural grain of the wood to stand out in contrast. Due to the contact-free and turbulence-free mode of operation of the heating, the grain pattern produced is uniform. Any scratches or chatter marks in the wood are simply covered over and remain invisible.

Abstract: An agent for impregnating solid wood by the pressure process, based on a water-dilutable formulation of a copper salt, excess alkanolamine and, if required, a salt with a fungicidal anion, has a pH of not less than 8 in the concentration usually employed and corresponding to about 1-5% by weight of non-aqueous components in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an antireflection solution having as a main film-forming component thereof a hydrolytic derivative of a silicic ester and to a method for the treatment with the antireflection solution. The antireflection solution and the method for the treatment therewith are characterized by the fact that the hydrolytic derivative of silicic ester is obtained by causing a mixture consisting of the silicic ester and hydrolyzing water added thereto in an amount exceeding the chemical equivalent relative to the silicic ester to be hydrolyzed in the presence of a solvent compatible with both of the components of the mixture and further subjecting the resultant hydrolyzate to conversion into a colloid solution under the condition of pH 3 to 7. Owing to the characteristics mentioned above, the present invention permits the antireflection film produced by thermally solidifying an applied layer of the antireflection solution at a low temperature in the neighborhood of 100.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention comprises a process for the preservation of timber with a boron based compound, such as trimethyl borate. The timer is dried to a low moisture content, is then subjected to a vapor of the boron compound in a suitable treatment vessel, and after vapor treatment is steam conditioned to return the moisture content of the timber to a normal working level. The vapor treatment is preferably carried out under heat and reduced pressure. Timber preserved by the process is also claimed.

Abstract: A method for both preserving and coloring wood which comprises in a first step contacting the wood with a liquid composition containing a biocidally effective amount of a copper compound, and in a second step contacting the wood with a liquid composition containing a biocidally effective amount of a dithiocarbamate compound selected from the group consisting of alkyl dithiocarbamates, alkylene dithiocarbamates and soluble salts thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curable filler composition which resists absorption into a porous substrate, particularly one derived from wood, comprising: (1) a liquid, ungelled binder of an unsaturated polyester resin having number average molecular weight of from 500 to 3,000 derived from an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or anhydride thereof, the unsaturated polyester resin having been reacted with a hydroxyl-containing amine selected from the group consisting of an alkanol amine having a secondary amino group, an alkanol amine having a primary amino group and a mixture thereof, (2) one or more ethylenically unsaturated compounds different from and cocurable with the unsaturated polyester resin, (3) pigment, (4) a free radical initiator, and (5) optionally a carrier solvent for the filler composition.Disclosed is a method of minimizing absorption of a filler composition into a warm or hot porous substrate.

Abstract: A method for artificially ageing wood in which the surface of the wood is subjected to the action of at least one jet of high velocity, high temperature gas, whereby the surface of the wood is scorched, and wherein a lacquer is subsequently applied to the treated surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mask (100) for use in x-ray photolithographic processes includes the step of coating a silicon wafer (10) with a layer of boron nitride (12). A masking substance (14) is used to coat one side of the boron nitride coated wafer, and the boron nitride is etched off of the other side of the wafer. The wafer (10) is then bonded to a pyrex ring (16) using a field assisted thermal bonding process. During the field assisted thermal bonding process, the silicon (11) is bonded directly to the pyrex (16). Then, a zirconium layer (24) is used to cover the mask and is selectively etched where it is desired to remove a circular portion of the silicon. Thereafter the silicon is subjected to a semianisotropic etch. The remaining structure includes a pyrex ring bonded to a silicon ring across which a layer of boron nitride is stretched. The layer of boron nitride is subjected to an annealing process and is then coated with an x-ray opaque material.

Abstract: Wood that is especially suited for the manufacture of resonating bodies, is improved according to a process in which small amounts of reactive components of thermosetting polymers are introduced into the wood shortly before or during a heat treatment under pressure.

Abstract: A base plate including an upward projecting peripheral rim and slots on the edge of the rim. The plate consists of a first, preferably flat unit made of wood and a second component connected to it and made of solid wood in the form of a composite frame consisting of three or more parts. Each part of the frame is dried to a very low moisture content and then heat-treated so that the pith fibers are sealed by resin released from the wood. The surface of each part of the frame is also treated with varnish or a similar substance which seals the surface pores of the wood. Each part of the frame is so arranged that the grain of the wood coincides essentially with the height direction of the plate. A reinforcing element prevents the warping of the wood caused by internal stresses in the wooden material.

Abstract: A method for using alkanolamine-carboxylic acid salts as a coating for friction materials which during use contact, at least part of the time, rustable metals. The method comprises contacting the friction material with an aqueous solution comprising at least about 0.05 weight alkanolamine-carboxylic acid salts being the reaction product of:(i) alkanolamine; and(ii) C.sub.4 -C.sub.20 carboxylic acid;and thereafter evaporating water from the aqueous coating on the friction material so as to leave the friction material with a coating comprising alkanolamine-carboxylic acid salts. Friction materials coated by above method are also claimed.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing stabilized elementary particles of lignocellulose material includes, in sequence, the following operations: mechanically reducing with a cutter, crushing with a hammer mill, grading, subjecting to heat treatment by passage in a rotary furnace at a temperature decreasing from 800.degree. C. to 75.degree. C., subjecting to chemical impregnation-absorption-precipitation treatment by successive actions on a hot product and by spraying of a soluble calcium salt and a silicate, drying, and stabilizing. The invention finds use in the fields of construction, agriculture, horticulture, and related fields.

Abstract: A process for treating wood substrate, including textured hardboard having surface irregularities consisting of high ridge areas protruding above the surface, with a low viscosity aqueous coating to produce a coated article having substantially uniform film thickness. A substantially uniform film can be obtained by preheating the substrate (about 250.degree. to 400.degree. F.), flooding the surface with the aqueous coating, partially dewatering and affixing the coating to the surface by coalescence and removing the excess coating. It is necessary to critically control the substrate temperature and time in which the coating remains in contact with the heated substrate before the excess coating is removed using an air knife.

Abstract: This invention is a fire retardant compound and the method for preparing the same. The combined fire retardant properties of the final composition are greater than the fire retardant properties of the individual ingredients. When formulated and treated in accordance with the present invention, wood products such as paneling and flooring, fabric products such as cotton, wool and rayon and the like which are normally flammable are for all practical purposes noncombustible. Not only are the flame retardant properties of the present invention highly unusual but also the smoke inhibiting factor in each case is extremely low and way below that which would normally be anticipated.

Abstract: The emission of formaldehyde from particle board bound with carbamide resin is reduced by coating the boards, during their manufacture and subsequent to pressing the same, with at least one ammonium compound which decomposes thermally at the temperature of the boards during the conditioning period, whereafter the boards are stacked and stored for conditioning.

Abstract: An arrangement for processing ligno-cellulose containing particles for the manufacture of wood-product plates. These have layers of oriented chips, and a chipper comminutes raw material. The fine material and dust are separated by a sifting device, and the sifted chips are provided with binder material by a gluing device. The chipper produces more chips of as great a length as possible than are required for forming of at least one cover layer of a mat. Behind the chipper, there are provided a wet-chip bunker and a dryer. The sifter separates the chips, obtained after removal of the fine material and the dust, into two fractions. The chip composition of one of these fractions, during the processing time, constantly contains chips which are as long as possible and which are more than that required for forming the mat layer. The other fraction has shorter chips obtained during chipping, and both fractions are present each in at least one bunker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preserving wood, in particular hardwoods, against attack by living organisms, e.g. fungi and insects, which destroy wood. In particular, the present invention provides a one or two step process for preserving wood against fungal and/or insect attack. The fungicide treatment step comprises introducing a copper solution or a copper solution into wood. The insecticide treatment step comprises introducing a chromium and arsenic solution into wood. If the pH of the wood system is controlled, both steps may be carried out simultaneously so as to preserve the wood against fungal and insect attack. Alternatively, the insecticide treatment step may follow the fungicide treatment. Where only protection against fungus is desired, the process comprises introducing copper and arsenic solution into wood. On the other hand, if only an insecticide treatment is required, the process comprises only the abovementioned insecticide treatment step.

Abstract: A method of absorbing resin into part of a panel of particleboard to provide local strength increases in that part. The method comprises subjecting the part to an electric field, immersing the panel in the resin; and then resubjecting the panel to the electric field to cure the resin. A particleboard panel is also disclosed. The panel has a main body with a specific gravity in the range 0.2 to 0.5 but at least one area on its periphery has a specific gravity in the range 0.7 to 1.0. The one area is impregnated with a synthetic resin. The panel is particularly useful in door production as it is strong but cheap.

Abstract: An improved technique for making the finished shell of a violin. The wood used in the construction of a violin shell is subjected to a heating and treating process which improves the sound properties of the wood in a completed violin. The wood is first subjected to a temperature of 180.degree. F. to 350.degree. F. for a period of 1 to 2 months and then coated with iodine and again heated to a temperature of 300.degree. for a period of 2 to 7 days until the wood becomes charcoal-like. The wood is then scraped and varnished to produce the finished shell of a violin.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bamboo rod reinforcement member for concrete comprises roughening a surface of the rod to expose the cortex, dipping the rod in a bath of molten sulfur, and drying the hot-dipped rod to form a substantially continuous coating of crystallized sulfur to prevent moisture absorption and swelling of the rod.

Abstract: The improved composition of the present invention can be set, in accordance with the present method, to a high temperature, corrosion resistant protective covering or coating on various types of substrates. The set covering is hard and tenacious, yet flexible and durable. Compressed wood products incorporating the same are fireproof, impervious to termites, fungus, dry rot, will not absorb moisture, are shape retaining and durable. The composition includes a thermosetting phenolic resin adhesive, leveling or bodying agents in the form of modified montmorillonite clay and silicone-containing resin, ceramic glaze material, and high temperature paint powder comprising selected thermosetting material such as polyester, epoxy, a mixture of polyester and epoxy, or acrylic resin, usually with a coloring agent. After the composition is applied to a clean substrate, it is cured to a hard, set, fully protective state by heating it at at least about 150.degree. C. for at least about one hour.

Abstract: Novel 18.xi.-, 19.xi.- and 20.xi.-hydroxy-prostaglandin derivatives of the formula I ##STR1## wherein the dotted line in the position 8-12 indicates the optional presence of a double bond, the waved lines in position 15 indicate that the hydroxyl group and the group R.sub.4 are either in .alpha.- or .beta.-position and Z represents a --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 -- or a cis --CH.dbd.CH-- group, and wherein R represents one of the groups: ##STR2## (wherein the waved lines indicate that the hydroxyl groups are either in .alpha.- or .beta.-position and R.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl or ethyl group), R.sub.2 represents either an oxygen atom or a hydrogen atom and an .alpha.- or .beta.-hydroxyl group, R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group and R.sub.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, with the proviso that when simultaneously, R.sub.1, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each represents a hydrogen atom, R.sub.

Abstract: Fireproofing of wood and the variety of hardwoods typically utilized in the manufacture of furniture is provided by a process of controlled permeation of a solution composed of a combination of a halide salt of a Group I or Group II metal of the Periodic Table of Elements and an ammonium salt which upon impregnation precipitates in the cellular structure of the treated wood. Controlled permeation of furniture wood to a depth of about 1/8 of an inch to 3 inches is provided by evacuating and expanding the cellular structure of the wood by utilizing a vacuum chamber, or a heat chamber for heating the wood to temperatures of about 220.degree. F. or a combination thereof to activate the surface and a portion of the subsurface of the cellular structure of the wood for absorption and adsorption of the solution of fire retardant compounds providing a controlled impregnation of the furniture hardwood.

Abstract: A method of forming a prechar-layer on wood to cause it to become fire and rot retardant. In an air or a low oxygen concentration atmosphere the wood is uniformly charred at a depth of at least 3 millimeters by a high-intensity radiant heat panel. Normally the heat panel is spaced from and moved with respect to the wood. The relative velocity of the wood past the radiant panel and the panel's emitted heat flux are used to control the depth of charring. Preferably fire and/or rot retard chemicals and/or treatments are added to the formed charred layer to further increase the wood's fire and rot retardancy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for introducing holes or straight or circular slots approximately normal to the surface in the vicinity of the surface of round timber and to an approximately predetermined depth for the purpose of facilitating the penetration of impregnating means into the surface zones of the timber to better protect against chemical and biological attacks.

Abstract: An improved wood textile bobbin which is provided with two layers of protective coatings, the first layer being made up of ricinoleate diphenyl methane diisocyanate prepolymer (MDI) trifunctional polyether polyol (TPP), and the second layer being composed of MDI, TPP, acrylic copolymer, and to a process for producing such a bobbin.

Abstract: The reaction of cellulosic materials with butylene oxide under mildly alkaline conditions to increase resistance to fungi while improving dimensional stability. Wood is first dried and then submerged in a treating chamber containing a solution of butylene oxide and triethylamine. The chamber is heated and subjected to pressure, after which time the solution is drained and vacuum is applied to remove remaining excess reagent.

Abstract: Particles of metallic sodium or potassium are placed on a wood substrate which has been pre-heated. When the wood substrate is introduced subsequently into a steam zone the sodium or potassium, as the case may be, reacts exothermally with the water vapor, melts and burns, charring the wood in localized regions. The particles of sodium or potassium are confined by grains of sand which are subsequently brushed away with any loose charcoal to produce a distressed surface to the wood.

Abstract: A method of forming a bright-drying floor finish on a resilient flooring comprising applying a polish containing an aqueous dispersion of fine particles of a resin with a Tg of 30.degree. to 80.degree.C to a flooring, preferably a resilient flooring, with at least one of said polish or said flooring having been preheated to a temperature above the glass transition (Tg) temperature of said resin, and drying said polish to produce said bright-drying floor finish.

Abstract: Wood can be rendered fire resistant by impregnating the wood with a solution of a monomer, such as a phenol, and a fire-inhibiting salt, drying the wood and thereafter treating the wood with a solution of a second monomer, such as formaldehyde, polymerizable with the first monomer. Heating to dryness causes polymerization of the monomers. The fire resistant properties of wood treated this way are not affected by exposure to moisture. Prior to the first impregnation, after the first impregnation and after treatment with the second monomer the wood being treated is dried to a moisture content below about 4%.