Abstract: A prophylaxis cup formed of a silicone elastomer having perlite particles incorporated therein as an abrasive material. The silicone elastomer and perlite particles are processed in a 3-roll mill so that the perlite particles have a predetermined size and are uniformly dispersed throughout the prophylaxis cup. As the prophylaxis cup is used to clean and polish teeth, the prophylaxis cup disintegrates upon contact with the teeth releasing the perlite particles which act as a cleaning and polishing agent between the prophylaxis cup and the teeth.

Abstract: A process for producing organic acid di- or tri-esters, particularly citric acid tri-esters, with the available acid groups esterified using countercurrent reactive distillation using acid catalysts in a structured packing is described. In the reactive distillation an organic acid di- or tri-ester is formed by chemical reaction and purified to its final state within the single column. Organic acid di- or tri-esters are produced at relatively low cost, with less waste production in by-products of the reaction, and in a less complicated manner than prior processes. Organic acid di- and tri-esters have uses as solvents, as plasticizers and in conversion products.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of hydroxyl substituted anthraquinones is described. The process couples a phthalic anhydride (substituted or unsubstituted) to benzene ring moiety substituted with at least two hydroxyl groups. Remaining hydroxy groups were converted to methoxy groups in some anthraquinones. The compounds are particularly useful for the treatment of parasitic diseases. Also, a method of treating or preventing malaria, filariasis schistosomiasis and other parasitic diseases using anthraquinones.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation device having a curvable portion and internal optics or a viewing device which facilitate the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient. The device has a handle and a trigger. When the trigger is squeezed the curvable portion curves in a controlled manner from a fully straight configuration.

Abstract: A process for producing organic acid esters using continuous countercurrent reactive distillation using acid catalysts in a structured packing in a single column (10) is described. In the reactive distillation an organic acid ester is formed by chemical reaction and can be purified to its final state within the single column. Organic acid esters are produced at relatively low cost, with less waste production, and in a less complicated manner than prior processes. Organic acid ester have uses as solvents, as intermediate chemicals, and in consumer products.

Abstract: Blended compositions and methods for the production of thermoset compositions of soy meal, which has been treated to remove non-thermoplastic materials associated with soy beans, and natural rubber. Also provided is a method for the preparation of a prepared granular soy meal by blowing a gas through a stream of granular natural soy meal to remove hulls and cellulose fiber materials which are lighter than the granular soy meal to provide the prepared granular soy meal for the compositions. The compositions are elastic and can be used in place of rubber bands and the like.

Abstract: A foamed starch-polyester graft copolymer and chemically modified starch-polyester graft copolymer composition comprising a chemically modified starch or chemically modified starch-nanoclay product is described. The composition can be produced continuously in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder in the presence of a blowing agent. The foams are biodegradable.

Abstract: A polyolefin composition containing elastomers (plasticizers), crystalline polypropylene, modified by mixing with polybutene-1 and a coupling agent and a bicyclic dicarboxyl acid salt nucleating agent and/or a lubricant which comprises an unsaturated fatty acid ester which acts as a surface modifier in a molded article is described. The composition is adapted to be used with pigments to make finished molded articles which have an appearance of paint covered by a clear coat and which are scratch resistant and have good low temperature (?30° C.) impact properties.

Abstract: A starch-polyester graft copolymer and chemically modified starch-polyester graft copolymer composition comprising a chemically modified starch or chemically modified starch-nanoclay product is described. The composition can be produced continuously in a twin-screw co-rotating extruder. The starch-polyester graft copolymer can be solvent cast, melt cast and blown into clear transparent film particularly for use in single use disposable applications and can be biodegradable.

Abstract: A fluid injection and removal system to inject or remove fluids from a landfill or contaminated area. The system allows for treatment of waste in the landfill or the contaminated area. The fluid injection and removal system includes a permeable layer and at least one perforated pipe. The permeable layer enables essentially uniform distribution of the fluid into the underlying waste or contaminated area. The fluid injection and removal system can be combined with a leachate collection system to create a leachate recirculation system for use in a landfill. The leachate collection system includes at least one perforated collection pipe embedded in a drainage layer. Sensors can be provided in the permeable layer to enable the change in the physical characteristics of the waste adjacent the permeable layer to be monitored.

Abstract: A bioadhesive composition from distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) is produced by reaction with an aqueous solution of a base, particularly, sodium hydroxide. Optionally, urea is included with the base. The bioadhesive composition is filtered as a solution from the residue of the reaction with the base. The bioadhesive composition s particularly useful as a boxboard glue.

Abstract: An adjustable fulcrum for use with a pry bar to provide the pry bar with leverage to lift or move an object. A tool for lifting or moving an object including a pry bar with a fulcrum member. The fulcrum member has a body with slots in the sidewall of the body. The slots extend part of the length of the body of the fulcrum member between the ends of the body parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fulcrum member. One (1) end of the slots is open to allow for easily mounting the fulcrum member on the pry bar. The fulcrum member is mounted on the pry bar so that the pry bar extends through two (2) of the slots of the fulcrum member.

Abstract: Specific polymer blends of polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and poly-(butylenes adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) as a fatty acid quaternary ammonium modified clay. The blends are particularly useful for barrier packaging.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of propylene glycol from glycerol by a high pressure and temperature hydrogenation reaction is described. In a particular embodiment, a base is present in the solvent mixture with an alkanol or ether of the alkanol. The reaction progresses over a transition metal catalyst. Propylene glycol is used for antifreeze and deicing compositions.

Abstract: A device for accumulation of vapor analytes incorporating nanotubes grown by CVD is described. The devices are used in sensors and as a preconcentrator for a gas chromatograph.

Abstract: Wood particles or fibers and a maleated polyolefin are used to produce a composite in absence of a non-maleated polyolefin. The composite has properties enabling use in homes and avoiding the risk of formaldehyde based adhesives or other hazardous air pollutants.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of new polyols from a natural oil is described. The process involves ozone cleavage of double bonds in the fatty acid chains of the oils along with coupling of a di or polyol to the cleaved ends of the molecules resulting from the cleavage with a base. The resulting polyols are as intermediates for polymers.