Abstract: Compositions and methods for making a novel liquid gel mixture comprising at least one flexible polymer carrier, parachlorobenzotrifluoride, optional thermally-conductive materials, and optional performance-enhancing additives; using the liquid gel mixture for making surface-infused layers on layering substrates; and using combinations of surface-infused gel layer and layering substrate in cushioning foams and mattresses. Layering substrates are surface-infused with a liquid gel mixture and may be compressed to increase the penetration depth of liquid gel mixture into the substrate layer surface. This compositions may be used in mattresses, mattress topper pads, pillows, bedding products, furniture upholstery, pet beds, medical cushioning foams, seat cushions and backs, automotive foam, sports cushioning, transportation cushioning, headrests, arm rests, personal protective equipment, toys, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and combinations for making and using one or more thermally conductive cellular foam layers comprising flexible cellular foam and metallic material particulates, and said thermally-conductive cellular foam layers may be located on, under, or in cushioning foams and mattresses or placed between on, under, within, or between other layering substrates to increase the overall cooling capability of the composite. The thermally conductive foam may be used in mattresses, pillows, bedding products, medical cushioning foams, and similar materials used in bedding environments.

Abstract: Combinations of gelatinous elastomer and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing a plasticized triblock copolymer resin and/or a diblock copolymer resin at least partially cured into gel particles into a mixture of polyurethane foam forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The plasticized copolymer resin is polymerized to form a cured gelatinous elastomer or gel, which is then reduced in size, for instance to give an average particle size of 10 millimeters or less. Polymerizing the polyol and the isocyanate forms polyurethane foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to at least partially melt the styrene-portion of the triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking and in some cases integrating the triblock copolymer within the polyurethane polymer matrix. The gel component has higher heat capacity than polyurethane foam and thus has good thermal conductivity and acts as a heat sink.

Abstract: Combinations of open cell flexible foams with polyurethane gel-like polymers, in forms such as layers of different forms and shapes, solid sheets, perforated sheets, and particles, and methods of making the combinations are described using a variety of procedures. Alternatively, the resin to make the polyurethane gel-like polymers may be infused into the polyurethane foams. The open cell flexible foam may partially or wholly comprise polyurethane foam and latex foam.

Abstract: Combinations of gelatinous elastomer containing one or more phase change materials, known as “phase change gel”, and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing at least partially cured phase change gel particles comprising plasticized triblock copolymer resin and/or diblock copolymer resin and one or more phase change materials, into a mixture of polyurethane foam-forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The phase change gel can be crosslinked to form a cured gelatinous gel, which is then reduced in size before introduction. After the foam-forming components polymerize to make polyurethane foam, the phase change gel particles are discrete visible particles dispersed throughout the foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to at least partially melt the styrene-portion of the triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a method for managing a hydrocarbon asset. The method includes creating an interactive community of agents, wherein each agent comprises code and functional data structures configured to direct a processor to access resource on a network. At least one of the agents is configured to be a workflow agent, wherein the work-flow agent is configured to pursue a plan to accomplish a goal. The work-flow agent is provided with sensors to determine environmental conditions. The workflow agent is provided with the ability to communicate with other intelligent agents. The workflow agent is configured to select the plan based, at least in part, on information obtained from the sensors.