Abstract: Controlled release compositions of matter are disclosed comprising complexes for treating a population of one or more aquatic organisms in a column of water. The complexes comprise at least one system wherein the system comprises at least one bioactive agent as a component selected for treating a population of aquatic organisms, at least one carrier component, and at least one coating component for regulating the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water or at least one bioactive agent and one joint-function component that can serve as both a carrier and coating to regulate the controlled release rate and release profile of the bioactive agent in water, with or without optional binder components and/or additional formulation materials. The components are selected to sink or float so that the complexes will permeate and/or remain in any planar or volumetric segment of a water column for a period of time that is sufficient to effectively treat a population of aquatic organisms.

Abstract: A stopper for containers, such as wine bottles, comprises:

Abstract: Biodegradable and edible composites for use as feed packaging containers are provided. Broadly, the composites are formed from a mixture comprising fiber mixed with a non-petroleum based, biodegradable adhesive formed by modifying a starch, protein, or protein-rich flour. The mixture has a moisture content of less than about 20% by weight, based upon the total weight of the mixture taken as 100% by weight. The mixture is then molded at pressures of from about 150-600 psi and temperatures of from about 150-500° F. to yield a final composite having a compressive strength of at least about 5 MPa. Preferred fibers include those derived from straw, corn stalks, sorghum stalks, soybean hulls, and peanut hulls. Preferred modifiers include NaOH, urea sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, and guanidine hydrochloride.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polyester resin composition comprising (A) 10 to 90% by weight of a polyethylene terephthalate polymer having 100 to 75 mole % of ethylene terephthalate units and (B) 90 to 10% by weight of a polyester resin wherein the polyester resin composition when molded into a sheet has an oxygen permeability coefficient of 3.0 or less cc-mm/m2day·atm. The polyester resin composition of the present invention gives a molded product which is outstanding in transparency, gas barrier property, ultraviolet-screening property and impact strength and therefore suitable as a reduced pressure blood-collecting tube.

Abstract: A biodegradable, water dispersible shaped core product useful in winding or rolling and storage of paper goods is provided by extruding starch which has a particle size of 800 to 1200 microns into an expanded, closed cell starch product.

Abstract: A porous body of polysaccharide or polysaccharide-clay composite having fine pores, consisting essentially of a freeze-dried product of (a) an aqueous solution of at least one polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of starch, sodium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose, or its derivative, or (b) a composite sol comprising such an aqueous solution and a clay sol.

Abstract: A decorative receptacle for retaining at least one decorative bobby pin. The decorative bobby pin has opposed first and second ends wherein a decorative element is disposed on the first end thereof. The receptacle further includes a container with an open end in communication with an interior chamber. Disposed within the interior chamber is a quantity of retention material, such as moss. The retention material is adapted to maintain the bobby pin in a substantially vertical orientation upon the advancement of the second end thereinto. Additionally, the retention material maintains the first end of the bobby pin and the decorative element disposed thereon above the open end of the container. Typically, the decorative element attached to the bobby pin is a silk flower and the container is a terra cotta pot. Therefore, when multiple bobby pins are inserted into the pot, a simulated pot or bouquet of flowers is created.

Abstract: A bag for wrapping food items is formed of a composite material including at least one first layer of cellulose-containing material having a specific weight of from 15 to 40 g/m2 and a second layer having a thickness of from 6 to 20 &mgr;m. The composite material has perforations therein. A ratio of the total area occupied by the perforations to a total surface area of the composite material is from 1/150 to 1/250. The second layer may be formed of polyethylene and may be temperature resistant to an elevated temperature. The composite material may be formed of at least one sheet having edges joined along a seam. The bag may have a window therein formed of transparent or translucent material.