Abstract: A deck system for cargo compartment may including one or more of the following features: a first deck; a second deck, where at least one of the first deck and the second deck divide the cargo compartment into an upper sub-compartment and a lower sub-compartment; and an actuator that is mechanically coupled to the second deck, where operation of the actuator causes at least a portion of the second deck to move vertically relative to the first deck within the cargo compartment.

Abstract: Encapsulated base catalysts in the presence of Michael donors and acceptors result in compositions useful as adhesives, sealants, coatings, elastomers, films, and foams by providing unprecedented control over pot-life and cure rate in a two-part or multi-component system and allowing for use as a one-part composition. Encapsulated catalysts prevent premature reaction of the various reactants during storage and processing and yet, upon the rupture of the capsules by a pre-determined event such as the application of heat, pressure, or solvation, produce rapid cure. Use of encapsulated catalysts gives unprecedented control over pot-life and cure rate over compositions previously contemplated. As such the use of encapsulated catalysts also results in the potential for one-part Michael addition compositions previously not known. The use of encapsulated catalysts also allows for faster green strength development by providing for a very rapid cure upon rupture of the capsules.

Abstract: A functional composition is provided that comprises at least one multi-functional Michael acceptor, at least one multi-functional Michael donor, and at least one weakly basic catalyst.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising: at least one multi-functional Michael donor, at least one multi-functional Michael acceptor, and at least one reaction promoter, wherein the at least one reaction promoter is applied to at least one substrate or is included in one or more compositions applied to at least one substrate.

Abstract: Functional mixtures and polymer compositions are provided, each comprising at least one multi-functional Michael acceptor, at least one multi-functional Michael donor, in which at least 20% of either the donor or acceptor or a combination of the donor and acceptor is derived from bio-based materials and at least one catalyst.

Abstract: A functional mixture is provided that comprises at least one multi-functional Michael acceptor, at least one multi-functional Michael donor, and at least one weakly basic catalyst.

Abstract: Methods of bonding substrates, forming foams, and forming elastomers are provided, using compositions cured by the Michael addition reaction.

Abstract: A curable mixture is provided that is substantially free of volatile nonreactive compounds. Also provided is a method for making such curable mixtures, and a method of bonding substrates with such curable mixtures.

Abstract: A modeling dough comprising a polar polymeric resin, water, a gellant, and a filler provides a dough resistant to flaking, cracking, and crumbling. In the disclosed invention, the polymeric resin is gelled, thereby providing a water-based resin system that is not sticky yet very ductile. After the dough is air-dried, the components are bound into a solid, durable product. The filler accounts for a large portion of the volume of the dough, so the overall volume is not greatly affected by water loss upon drying. The dough is water-based and easy to wash from skin, carpets, and other surfaces. Dyes and pigments can be easily incorporated into the formula. The dried product is sandable and paintable.

Abstract: Nonwoven assemblies bonded with water dispersible or sensitive hot melt adhesives comprising 50-100 parts of a graft copolymer of about 40-85% of at least one vinyl monomer and about 15-60% of at least one water soluble polyalkylene oxide polymer, and about 0-50 parts by weight of tackifying resin. The compositions may also be employed as water sensitive binders in the manufacture of the nonwoven. Vinyl acetate is the preferred vinyl monomer whereas ethylene oxide homo- or copolymers are the preferred polyalkylene oxide. The use of tackifying resin is optional and may be undesirable for many of the applications.

Abstract: Hot melt adhesive compositions are prepared from 20 to 90% by weight of a linear polyester of 3-hydroxybutyric and 3-hydroxyvaleric acids containing 9 to 35% of the hydroxyvalerate component; 10 to 80% by weight of a polar tackifier having a Ring and Ball softening (as described by ASTM E-26) greater than about 60.degree. C.; 0 to 50% by weight of a plasticizer; 0 to 30% by weight of a wax diluent and 0-3% by weight of a stabilizer; 0-20% of a compatible polymer. By utilizing a naturally occurring, thermoplastic, biodegradable copolymer as the base polymer, these adhesives advance the state of the art of hot melt adhesives by alleviating the dependence on petroleum based materials and by allowing for the development of hot melt adhesives which either degrade naturally after coming in contact with the soil or which can be composted.