Abstract: To provide a material composed mainly of a material derived from dragon fruit having to provide a supplement, a drug, a cosmetic or a food produced by using the material. The invention provides a material derived from dragon fruit, especially, a powder of dragon fruit, and a supplement, a drug, a cosmetic or a food containing the above material as a component.

Abstract: To provide a material composed mainly of a material derived from dragon fruit having to provide a supplement, a drug, a cosmetic or a food produced by using the material. The invention provides a material derived from dragon fruit, especially, a powder of dragon fruit, and a supplement, a drug, a cosmetic or a food containing the above material as a component.

Abstract: An article made from polyvinyl chloride/wood composite having a natural wood grain finish and a method for creating the article. The natural wood grain finish is created on the article by applying multiple paint transfers onto the polyvinyl chloride/wood composite. The paint is transferred by a series of printing rollers having a wood grain pattern. Optionally, the polyvinyl chloride/wood composite can be painted with a base-coat of a hydrocarbon-based paint before applying the multiple paint transfers. This method is especially suited for manufacturing window blind slats.

Abstract: An article made from polyvinyl chloride/wood composite having a natural wood grain finish and a method for creating the article. The natural wood grain finish is created on the article by applying multiple paint transfers onto the polyvinyl chloride/wood composite. The paint is transferred by a series of printing rollers having a wood grain pattern. Optionally, the polyvinyl chloride/wood composite can be painted with a base-coat of a hydrocarbon-based paint before applying the multiple paint transfers. This method is especially suited for manufacturing window blind slats.

Abstract: A slatted closure, such as a shutter or bi-fold door, comprising a plurality of slats to cover the interior of the closure, two slat retainers to hold the slats in a prefabricated assembly, two vertical stiles and at least two horizontal rails, with each vertical stile having a channel formed along one side edge of the stile to receive and hold the prefabricated assembly of slats and slat retainers and the horizontal rails. The slats can either be fixed in place or movable to allow opening and closing of the slats.

Abstract: Methods for painting or staining articles made from PVC/wood composite, especially window blind slats. In one method of the present invention, the PVC/wood composite article is painted by applying a base coat of a hydrocarbon-based paint, at least partially drying the base coat, applying a top coat of a hydrocarbon-based paint, and drying the top coat. The base coat improves the adhesion of the top coat to the PVC/wood composite. In another embodiment, the article made from PVC/wood composite is stained by first applying a hydrocarbon-based stain, removing the excess stain, and allowing the stain to dry. Finally, a hydrocarbon-based clear lacquer is applied over the stained article and allowed to dry.

Abstract: Extruded foamed plastic doors having two side stiles and a top and bottom rail forming a generally rectangular configuration and having horizontal vanes covering the interior of the door. The stiles have indentations along their interior edge for receiving the vanes and holding the vanes in a permanently fixed position relative to the stiles and rails when the stiles and rails are assembled into a rectangular configuration.

Abstract: Extruded foamed plastic doors having two side stiles and a top and bottom rail forming a generally rectangular configuration and having horizontal vanes covering the interior of the door. The stiles have indentations along their interior edge for receiving the vanes and holding the vanes in a permanently fixed position relative to the stiles and rails when the stiles and rails are assembled into a rectangular configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/wood composition and more particularly to a PVC/wood composite suitable for the manufacture of window blinds and other PVC/wood products. A compound containing wood powder is added to a PVC base, and a high concentration of titanium oxide, e.g., from about 5 to about 20 wt %, is added to the mixture to make it white. Additional pigments can be added to make the formulation any desired color.

Abstract: Extruded plastic doors having two side stiles and a top and bottom rail forming a generally rectangular configuration and having horizontal vanes covering the interior of the door. The stiles have mating indentations along their interior edge for receiving the vanes and holding the vanes in a permanently fixed position relative to the stiles and rails when the stiles and rails are assembled into a rectangular configuration. The stiles, rails and vanes are formed by an extrusion process so as to have a substantially hollow interior with reinforcing cross-members.