Method for deicing highways using starch-containing compositions and starch-containing compositions especially designed for deicing highways
Abstract
Abstract The invention hereof is a new highway deicing additive and a method for deicing asphalt highways. It has been discovered that a small amount of starch added to the salt/water sprayed on highways provides the unexpected property of retaining salt particles in the top portion of the "voids" in the asphalt roads for a period of 2 to 4 hours. The starch can be incorporated into water by mixing; biocides can be added if the starch/water mixture is to be stored more than 2 days. Salt is added to the water/starch mixture prior to deposition on the road. The new treatment works by increasing the viscosity of the aqueous fluid sprayed on the highway to form a water gel structure on the road providing a "platform" for the salt particles in the top portion of the asphalt. The new additive also reduces the need and cost of "follow-up" salt treatments. The additive and method are particularly useful for the new type of asphalt being used on highways in Europe which has a super-porous structure when laid as a road-bed.
Inventors
- 👤 James Gambino
- 👤 Michel Janssen
- 👤 Hans-Jurgen Pierkes
Bibliographic Details
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-12-14 | 2002-06-15 | 2002-12-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-12-14 | 2006-06-15 | 2006-12-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-12-14 | 2010-06-15 | 2010-12-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |