Abstract: Thermosetting and thermoplastic elastomers are provided having magnetic filler packed within the elastomeric matrix and capable of being aligned and energized, before, during or after the molding of the elastomer. The magnetically-filled elastomers therefore provide useful permanent magnetic fields which being physically soft. The magnetic filler is aligned within the elastomeric matrix and energized by subjecting the magnetically-filled elastomer to magnetic energy before, during and/or after molding of the magnetically-filled elastomer. A particularly preferred magnetically-filled elastomer is a magnetically-filled polyurethane elastomer composition wherein the elastomer is the reaction product of a urethane-forming compound having at least two urethane-forming reactive sites, an elasticizing diol or triol, and a diisocyanate reacted in less than stoiciometric amounts to allow for the formation of urethane linkages involving less than about 85% of the urethane-forming reactive sites.

Abstract: Energy dissipating soft polyurethane elastomeric compositions containing any compound that may be magnetically or electro-magnetically aligned to define useful permanent magnetic fields and which may also contain, where desirable, a light-weight filler, are formed by the reaction of an urethane forming polyol containing at least four urethane forming reactive sites and capable of forming stable complexes through free-radicle urethane forming reactive sites, an elasticizing polyol selected from the group comprising diols and triols and a diisocyanate in less than stoiciometric equivalents and resulting in compositions having densities from about 1.2 to 3.8 grams per cc, a compression set of less than 5%, a recovery time of between 10 to about 200 milliseconds and surface hardness of less than about 70 when measured on the Shore 00 scale.

Abstract: A method of preparing a moisture retaining cellulose matrix comprising zeolite bonded fibers hollowed by chemical immersion capable of temporally absorbing suitable and essential plant nutrients that are encased in a gelatinous halo, such that the nutrients do not leach and become polutinous to ground water when introduced to the soil. Such soluble nutrients are made readily available to plant roots that are attracted to each growth complex so formed by cellular polarization. Inert micro-organisms present in the matrix are activated on contact with moisture and ingest the cellulose residue over a growing season, a by-product of this process being humic acid the precursor of humus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light weight energy absorbing and damping device having a predetermined configuration, which is a composite of a foam element, and at least one visco-elastic element, each said visco-elastic element being permanently affixed by chemical bonding in a portion of the device through which energy is normally transmitted. The device may be configured to all or part of a shoe part or insole, a glove, a seat or seat pad, a helmet or helmet liner, a dash-board liner, head support pad or other energy absorbing or protection devices.

Abstract: Shock absorbing structures suitable for footware and the like may utilize a flexible polyurethane of essentially linear structure containing unsatisfied hydroxyl groups and having a compression set of less than 15%, an elongation break of at least 500%, and a recovery which is delayed after compression by at least 0.7 seconds. The structures include a block or layer with one or more fluid cavities, each cavity having one or more relatively small passageways communicating the cavity with the exterior of the block or layer. The cavities may be closed by a separate layer bonded to the block or layer. In footware, the cavities may be strategically located and circular or rectangular in form with the passageways being similarly shaped and extending through the top of the layer or block.