Abstract: Materials have at least one layer comprising a mixture of thermoplastic and other fibers. This latter layer may be thermobonded together and then densified along at least a section of the eventual peripheral edge margin of an article to be formed from the material. Thermoplastic material-containing cover sheets may also be secured to the core and densified in this manner. The entire eventual peripheral edge margin of the article is typically densified. The material is cut within the densified region or slightly outside the densified region to provide a soft peripheral edge. Absorbent materials may be thermobonded within the layer and surrounded by a densified edge to fix them within the article. The composite materials are used in manufacturing infant car seat liners and other articles. In addition, sections of the material may be densified and provided with weakened areas, such as perforations, to enable users to selectively separate the articles along the perforations.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of preserving plants which achieves reduced bleeding of the preservative material when the plants are subjected to elevated humidity conditions. The method comprises perfusing the plants with an aqueous preservative composition in which the preservative is primarily an alkylene oxide oligomer, 1,3-butanediol, or 1,4-butanediol. Preferred alkylene oxide oligomers are di- and polyethylene glycols in the molecular weight range of about 200-1500 and di- and polypropylene glycols with an average molecular weight below about 450. The preferred materials may be used with lesser amounts of secondary humectant materials selected from glycerol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, magnesium chloride or magnesium bromide hexahydrate, and water soluble cycle phosphonate esters. Plants are conventionally treated by perfusing an aqeous treatment solution into the vascular system through a cut stem or other incision which exposes the xylem.

Abstract: A returned tread for use on an open portion of a stairway having a stair tread constructed of wood and a return nosing joined on at least one side edge of the stair tread so as to form an exposed shaped or mitered joint on a forward side edge portion of the assembly. The surface of the nosing which opposes the stair tread and the side edge of the stair tread are joined along at least a part of their adjoining surfaces by tongue and groove construction. A single finishing nail, wood screw or other suitable fastener secures the nosing to the stair tread at a position just rearward of the exposed joint. As a result, the stair tread and nosing will not slide relative to one another at the position of the fastener or in a region next to the fastener that includes the exposed joint as the rest of the stair tread expands and contracts in width over a range due to ambient temperature and humidity changes.