Abstract: An architectural-structure covering including a covering moveable between extended and retracted positions, a rotatable member coupled to the covering, an operating system coupled to the rotatable member, an operating element manipulatable by a user for rotating the rotatable member, and a track coupled to the operating element to restrain the operating element from being moved away from the track. In some embodiments, the operating element is a bead chain including a plurality of beads and a plurality of dog-bone shaped beads including first and second beads wherein the first bead is positioned within, and forms part of, the bead chain and the second bead is positioned within a channel formed in the track.

Abstract: A sealant composition having from about 0.1 to about 90 weight % of a polymer selected from the group consisting of butyls, acrylics, urethanes, polysulfides, and silicone modified polymers, and at least one C4 to C8 alkyl terephthalate.

Abstract: An aqueous composition adhesive composition comprising a vinyl acetate polymer and a plasticizer having the general formula: wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of saturated straight or branched and unsubstituted alkyl or cycloalkyl groups having from 4 to 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Diesters of 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylate are surprisingly more efficient PVC plasticizers and fuse PVC faster and at a lower temperature than similar phthalates or terephthalate diesters. Hydrogenated orthophthalate diesters are slower fusing, i.e., require higher temperatures, than do the corresponding orthophthalate diesters.

Abstract: Low VOC viscosity reducer (LVVR) compounds useful for reducing the viscosity of plastisol compositions. The acrylic plastisol compositions are combined with a viscosity reducing compound which is derived from esters of compounds such as 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentane diol (TMPD).

Abstract: An aqueous composition adhesive composition comprising a vinyl acetate polymer and a plasticizer having the general formula: wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of saturated straight or branched and unsubstituted alkyl or cycloalkyl groups having from 4 to 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nutraceutical composition for supporting body structures and functions in the upper digestive tract. The nutraceutical composition contains an effective amount of (a) an antioxidant having gastric proton pump inhibiting effects, (b an acid neutralizer; and (c) an antibacterial agent effective against Helicobacter pylori. This invention can be used as complimentary therapy with all acid reducing natural substances and pharmaceuticals. Its unique formulation compliments any attempts to reduce the damaging effects of gastric acid and reduce the damaging effects of H. pylori infection of the upper digestive tract.

Abstract: Herbal based compositions for enhancing immunomodulation in mammals are disclosed in which a combination of herbal products and extracts thereof are included for their complementary and substantially simultaneous effect on different parts of the immune cascade. In preferred aspects, the herbal products and extracts thereof include a mixture of Shiitake Mushroom, Aloe Vera Leaf, Brewer's Yeast, Coriolus Mushroom and AHCC (Active Hexose Correlate Compound). Additional aspects include methods of enhancing immunomodulation and methods of increasing the effectiveness of immunomodulators and/or antiangiogenic administering the inventive compositions either alone or in combination with an immunomodulator or anti-angiogenic compound to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to herbal compositions containing the Hoodia gordonii and synergistically enhancing ingredients such as green coffee bean extract. The compositions are useful in controlling obesity and supporting the treatment of various health conditions related thereto, including Syndrome X. Methods of treatment using the compositions described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medicinal composition using nutrients herbs, botanicals and other natural substances for supporting structures and functions in the upper digestive tract, including but not limited to beneficial effects on the lining and functions of esophagus, stomach and duodenum and the treatment of disorders of the digestive tract that are related to excessive secretions of acid and pepsin which affect any tissues of the upper digestive tract. The basis of the invention and method of treatment focuses on the use of natural substances which exert several effects on body structure and function, including but not limited to: immediate neutralization of acid secreted by the human or animal stomach, antioxidant effects on tissues, complimentary actions for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or primary actions on the eradication of H. pylori, delayed effects on the reduction of the secretion of gastric acid by a mechanism of inhibition of the function of gastric proton pumps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to organic polymer compositions, containing liquid ester compositions as plastisizers, said compositions comprising mixtures of esters derived from (a) diethylene glycol and triethylene glycol and (b) benzoic or toluic acid, wherein the freezing point of the ester mixture is below the freezing points of the constituent esters when the relative concentrations of the constituent esters are within specified limits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid compositions comprising mixtures of esters derived from a) diethylene glycol and triethylene glycol and b) benzoic or toluic acid. The freezing point of the ester mixture is below the freezing points of the constituent esters when the relative concentrations of the constituent esters are within specified limits. The invention also relates oils and lubricants containing the present liquid ester compositions as plasticizing additives.