Abstract: Aqueous polyurethane dispersions and coatings and heat-activatable adhesives made from the dispersions are disclosed. The dispersions include a polyurethane reaction product of a polyester polyol and a polyisocyanate. The polyester polyol comprises recurring units of at least one C2-C6 aliphatic diol, at least one aliphatic or cycloaliphatic C4-C10 dicarboxylic acid, and an aromatic diacid source, which can be recycled PET. The dispersion is formulated using 1 to 3 moles of an acid-functional diol per mole of polyester polyol. Dispersions for the adhesives are produced at NCO/OH molar ratios within the range of 0.90 to 0.98. The adhesives successfully bond a wide range of plastic and metal materials, often demonstrating substrate failure, even with steel. This contrasts with commercial adhesives such as EVA that exhibit only adhesive failure with the same substrates.

Abstract: Aqueous polyurethane dispersions and coatings and heat-activatable adhesives made from the dispersions are disclosed. The dispersions include a polyurethane reaction product of a polyester polyol and a polyisocyanate. The polyester polyol comprises recurring units of at least one C2-C6 aliphatic diol, at least one aliphatic or cycloaliphatic C4-C10 dicarboxylic acid, and an aromatic diacid source, which can be recycled PET. The dispersion is formulated using 1 to 3 moles of an acid-functional diol per mole of polyester polyol. Dispersions for the adhesives are produced at NCO/OH molar ratios within the range of 0.90 to 0.98. The adhesives successfully bond a wide range of plastic and metal materials, often demonstrating substrate failure, even with steel. This contrasts with commercial adhesives such as EVA that exhibit only adhesive failure with the same substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coatings, particularly high performance coatings, containing a polyester polyol comprising recurring units derived from a polyacid source, poly(bisphenol-A carbonate) (PBAC), and a glycol. The PBAC is preferably recycled poly(bisphenol-A carbonate) (rPBAC). These coatings provide improved salt spray and stain resistance along with a variety of other coating performance attributes. The polyols can contain a significant recycle and biobased content, making them sustainable alternatives to petroleum based polyols.

Abstract: Semi-crystalline polyester polyols and their use in reactive hot-melt adhesives are disclosed. The polyols comprise recurring units of a C2-C10 aliphatic diol, a C8-C24 aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, and 1 to 20 wt. % of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid source, a polycarbonate, or a combination thereof. The polyols have a hydroxyl number within the range of 14 to 112 mg KOH/g. Reactive hot-melt adhesives from the polyols and composite structures produced using the adhesives are also disclosed. A minor proportion of aromatic dicarboxylic acid, polycarbonate content in the polyester polyol surprisingly improves the properties of reactive hot-melt adhesives when compared with a commercial hot-melt adhesive or an adhesive formulated using an all-aliphatic polyester polyol. The adhesives are useful for bonding a wide variety of substrates, including paper, wood, glass, ceramics, plastics, and metals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coatings, particularly high performance coatings, containing a polyester polyol comprising recurring units derived from a polyacid source, poly(bisphenol-A carbonate) (PBAC), and a glycol. The PBAC is preferably recycled poly(bisphenol-A carbonate) (rPBAC). These coatings provide improved salt spray and stain resistance along with a variety of other coating performance attributes. The polyols can contain a significant recycle and biobased content, making them sustainable alternatives to petroleum based polyols.

Abstract: Semi-crystalline polyester polyols and their use in reactive hot-melt adhesives are disclosed. The polyols comprise recurring units of a C2-C10 aliphatic diol, a C8-C24 aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, and 1 to 20 wt. % of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid source, a polycarbonate, or a combination thereof. The polyols have a hydroxyl number within the range of 14 to 112 mg KOH/g. Reactive hot-melt adhesives from the polyols and composite structures produced using the adhesives are also disclosed. A minor proportion of aromatic dicarboxylic acid, polycarbonate content in the polyester polyol surprisingly improves the properties of reactive hot-melt adhesives when compared with a commercial hot-melt adhesive or an adhesive formulated using an all-aliphatic polyester polyol. The adhesives are useful for bonding a wide variety of substrates, including paper, wood, glass, ceramics, plastics, and metals.

Abstract: A hand held instrument for evaluation of cutaneous sensory perception includes a body member, a rotatable head, and a testing element such as a monofilament projecting from the head member wherein the head member and the body are rotatably engaged for positioning the head member with its projecting testing element at a substantially right angle from the body and for alternatively positioning the head member with its projecting testing element in a non-testing position with the testing element extending in a protected position within an elongate channel of the body. The instrument further includes a guard member or sleeve in cooperative engagement with the body and head member to cover the elongate channel in a first non-testing position and to uncover the elongate channel in a second testing position.

Abstract: A hand held instrument for evaluation of cutaneous sensory perception includes a body member, a rotatable head, and a testing element such as a monofilament projecting from the head member wherein the head member and the body are rotatably engaged for positioning the head member with its projecting testing element at a substantially right angle from the body and for alternatively positioning the head member with its projecting testing element in a non-testing position with the testing element extending in a protected position within an elongate channel of the body. The instrument further includes a guard member or sleeve in cooperative engagement with the body and head member to cover the elongate channel in a first non-testing position and to uncover the elongate channel in a second testing position. The guard member may be rotated, pivoted, flipped, or otherwise manipulated from the non-testing position to the testing position.

Abstract: A hand held instrument for evaluation of cutaneous sensory perception includes a body member, a rotatable head, and a testing element such as a monofilament projecting from the head member wherein the head member and the body are rotatably engaged for positioning the head member with its projecting testing element at a substantially right angle from the body and for alternatively positioning the head member with its projecting testing element in a non-testing position with the testing element extending in a protected position within an elongate channel of the body. The instrument further includes a guard member or sleeve in cooperative engagement with the body and head member to cover the elongate channel in a first non-testing position and to uncover the elongate channel in a second testing position.

Abstract: A pressure vessel 10 comprises a container 13 for storing contents under pressure, a head section 11 and a base section 12. The head section 11 and base section 12 locate on opposing ends of the container 13 and each have projecting fingers 22, preferably five, which engage around the container 13. A retaining ring 14 locates around the container 13 and holds the fingers 22 in place. The head section 11, base section 12 and ring 14 all serve to resist expansion of the container 13. The pressure vessel may serve to store beverages such as beer.

Abstract: An improved rolling pin constructed of a solid metallic substance is disclosed. The rolling pin is preferably constructed of an aluminum substance. The rolling pin includes a main body having a solid shaft that tapers to two opposing ends. Each end includes a ball shaped handle. The rolling pin may then be powder coated to provide a unique metallic coating. The rolling pin is contoured and weighted to provide outstanding controlling characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering dual point pressure sensations to a subject to provide not only tactile sensory forces, but also precise gradations of these forces in a single hand-held unit. The operator can, by varying the distance between extensions, know exactly when a subject feels a dual point sensation in order to evaluate peripheral nerve sensory function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering single point pressure sensations to a subject, to provide not only tactile sensory forces, but also precise gradations of these forces in a single hand-held unit. The operator can, by watching for the beginning of a bend in the monofilament probe, know exactly when the proper pressure for the test in progress has been applied. The device further comprises means to vary the angle at which the monofilament is delivered relative to the body portion by providing a choice of interchangeable tip members. The device enables a wide useful range of standardized force reading while substantially reducing the number of components required to accomplish meaningful diagnosis.

Abstract: A tactile sensory testing element for determining peripheral nerve sensory function in which commonly used monofilament is exchanged with nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy which is more dependable in conducting such tests.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a computer mouse of the type having a ball that spins within a chamber in contact with two horizontal rollers in mutually perpendicular planes. The method includes removing the ball from the chamber, inserting the cylindrical end of a cleaning tool having a pile material thereon axially into the chamber, and moving the end of the tool axially to turn the rollers, and rotating the end the tool about its axis to rub the rollers. The tool of the present invention, which is adapted for use with the method of this invention, includes a cylindrical end having a diameter adapted to be inserted inside the chamber, and a pile covering on the cylindrical end projecting sufficiently from the surface of the end to frictionally engage the rollers so that axial movement of the tool end causes the rollers to turn and rotation of the tool end rubs the rollers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bouncing putty with low density and other desirable properties. The density is preferably between 0.33 and 0.95 g/cc, preferably between about 0.5 and 0.75 g/cc and particularly preferably about 0.6 g/cc. Borosilicone rubber base is mixed with density-reducing filler, preferably in the form of thermoplastic microspheres. Addition of a thinning agent reduces stiffness and addition of a lubricating oil improves the handling characteristics. A moisture scavenger can be added to maintain the characteristics of the bouncing putty even if some moisture is absorbed during use. A polarity modifier such as glycerine can be added to soften the putty. If desired, a colorant can be added as well.