Abstract: The present invention relates to breathable, waterproof sheet materials comprising a microporous polymeric film and a hydrophilic filler material infiltrated into the pores of the film, and to methods for making such sheet materials. In the methods of the present invention, the liquid hydrophilic material or precursor thereof is infiltrated into the pores of the microporous film after the film has been stretched in the lengthwise direction, but before the film is stretched in the transverse direction. By coating the microporous film prior to the transverse stretching step, superior waterproof sheet materials are obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metering valves and methods for repeatedly delivering a precise amount of a pressurized fluid such as an aerosol. Each metering valve is configured such that the metering chamber exists only upon actuation of the valve stem to dispense a dosage. Thus, the metering chamber is created, filled with aerosol formulation, and emptied during the brief moment that the valve stem is depressed and subsequently released by the user to dispense a dosage. Alternative embodiments of the present invention also include mechanisms for pressure filling an aerosol container through such a metering valve.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode comprised of an electrical terminal member, an ionically conductive layer, a retainer sheet, a medical tape, first and second release liners, and a protective sheet is provided. The base of the electrical terminal member is disposed between the retainer sheet and the ionically conductive layer so that the retainer sheet prevents dislodging of the terminal upon connection and disconnection of a lead-wire. Also disclosed is an economical high speed method of manufacturing electrodes.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode comprising a backing, a biocompatible pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a bonding sheet, an electrical conductor, and an electrolyte composition is shown. The biocompatible PSA coats one surface of the backing. The bonding sheet has first and second faces smaller in surface area then the backing. The first face is bonded to the biocompatible PSA. The electrical conductor has a top face with first and second surfaces. The first surface spans a portion of the bonding sheet and the second surface adheres to the biocompatible PSA. The electrical conductor has a bottom face with a third surface opposing the first surface and a fourth surface opposing the second surface. In electrical contact with the third surface is the electrolyte composition. The electrolyte composition is also, adhered to a portion of bonding sheet. A continuous high speed and low cost method of manufacture is also shown.

Abstract: A curable resin coated sheet useful as an orthopedic bandage which has reduced tack is provided. The resin coated sheet is pre-lubricated with a lubricant which is (a) bonded to the resin, (b) added to the resin or applied to the surface of the coated sheet, or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). The lubricant is present in an amount to reduce the kinetic coefficient of friction of a surface of the coated sheet to less than 1.2.

Abstract: A stethoscope chestpiece has a body member, a tubular shaft, and an indexing detent. The body has a plurality of microphones each of which has a opening at its apex and a central recess. The tubular shaft is rotably secured within the central recess and has an opening in its wall that aligns selectively with one of the openings from the microphones. The sound conveying detent is mounted transversely within the shaft and aligned with the opening in the shaft wall. The indexing detent has a hollow cylindrical element and spring. The hollow cylindrical element has an open bottom and a seat end having an opening. The seat end is beveled and extends beyond the opening in the shaft wall to engage the body. When the seat end is aligned with a selected one of the openings from the microphones it seats to hold the opening from the microphone in alignment with the opening in the seat end to create a sound passageway into the tubular shaft.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is crosslinked between carboxyl groups along one surface by polyvalent cations, thus making that surface substantially tack-free while leaving at least one broad surface of the layer tacky and pressure-sensitive. When a broad surface of the adhesive layer is thus made completely tack-free, the adhesive layer can be wound upon itself in roll form without a backing for convenient storage and shipment. Preferably a low-adhesion backsize coating covers the broad tack-free surface to insure that the adhesive layer can be unwound after prolonged storage without delaminating.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided which is a copolymer of an acrylate monomer which contributes to the visco-elastic properties of the copolymer and a copolymerizable mono-ethylenically unsaturated aromatic ketone comonomer free of ortho-aromatic hydroxyl groups by means of which the copolymer can be crosslinked upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation such that the amount of crosslinking comonomer and the degree of polymerization of the copolymer are controlled to obtain a creep compliance value of at least about 1.2.times.10.sup.-5 cm.sup.2 /dyne, the adhesive exhibits an enhanced level of initial adhesion when applied to skin but resists objectionable adhesion build-up over time. A preferred crosslinking ethylenically unsaturated hydroxyl-free aromatic ketone comonomer is p-acryloxybenzophenone.

Abstract: A skin adhesive coated sheet material is provided which is coated with a polymer that exhibits an enhanced level of initial adhesion when applied to skin but resists objectionable adhesion build up over time. The skin adhesives are comprised of a macromer reinforced acrylate copolymer which has a creep compliance value at least about 1.2.times.10.sup.-5 cm.sup.2 /dyne. A stable chemical complex of iodine, iodide and a pressure-sensitive adhesive is also provided wherein the adhesive has a creep compliance value of at least about 1.0.times.10.sup.-5 cm.sup.2 /dyne measured when the adhesive composition is substantially free of iodine.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode comprised of an electrical terminal member, an ionically conductive layer, a retainer sheet, a medical tape, first and second release liners, and a protective sheet is provided. The base of the electrical terminal member is disposed between the retainer sheet and the ionically conductive layer so that the retainer sheet prevents dislodging of the terminal upon connection and disconnection of a lead-wire. Also, disclosed is an economical high speed method of manufacturing electrodes.

Abstract: Antimicrobial wound dressings are provided comprised of a substrate coated with an antimicrobially effective film of a silver salt. These antimicrobial wound dressings are prepared by vapor coating or sputter coating certain silver salts onto a variety of wound dressing substrates. Preferred silver salts are silver chloride and silver sulfate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microporous materials incorporating a nucleating agent and methods for making the same.

Abstract: New catalysts useful in the curing of a water-curable isocyanate-functional prepolymer are provided. The new catalyst is a new 2,2'-dimorpholinyldialkyl ether. The use of the improved catalyst provides prepolymer/catalyst premix compositions having equivalent or increased shelf stability and which, when water-cured, yield resins having superior early strengths. A method of curing an isocyanate-functional prepolymer and articles useful as orthopedic bandages are also provided.

Abstract: A skin adhesive coated sheet material is provided which is coated with a polymer that exhibits an enhanced level of initial adhesion when applied to skin but resists objectionable adhesion build up over time. The skin adhesives are comprised of a macromer reinforced acrylate copolymer which has a creep compliance value at least about 1.2.times.10.sup.-5 cm.sup.2 /dyne.

Abstract: A curable resin coated sheet useful as an orthopedic bandage which has reduced tack is provided. The resin coated sheet is pre-lubricated with a lubricant which is (a) bonded to the resin, (b) added to the resin or applied to the surface of the coated sheet, or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). The lubricant is present in an amount to reduce the kinetic coefficient of friction of a surface of the coated sheet to less than 1.2.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is crosslinked between carboxyl groups along one surface by polyvalent cations, thus making that surface substantially tack-free while leaving at least one broad surface of the layer tacky and pressure-sensitive. When a broad surface of the adhesive layer is thus made completely tack-free, the adhesive layer can be wound upon itself in roll form without a backing for convenient storage and shipment. Preferably a low-adhesion backsize coating covers the broad tack-free surface to insure that the adhesive layer can be unwound after prolonged storage without delaminating.

Abstract: A novel process for separating high viscosity bitumen from tar sand. The process includes grinding the tar sand to obtain phase disengagement of the bitumen phase from the sand phase and thereafter using flotation techniques to obtain phase separation of the bitumen phase from the sand phase. Phase disengagement is assisted by using a suitable wetting agent such as sodium carbonate or sodium silicate during the grinding step, while the phase separation step is assisted by the inclusion of a promoter oil for the flotation step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing pollutant emissions, and in particular, for reducing NO.sub.x and particulate emissions, from a spreader-stoker-fired furnace and from a fluidized bed combustor. A combustible material of various sized particles is obtained and those smaller particles which would normally combust during the suspension phase of the spreader-stoker-fired furnace or fluidized bed combustor are separated from the larger particles. The larger particles of combustible material are then introduced into the spreader-stoker-fired furnace or fluidized bed combustor and combusted to produce heat.

Abstract: An interior wall system formed from two opposing walls. Each opposing wall is assembled from a plurality of composite wall panels, each wall panel having an exterior surface material and an interior layer of insulating material bonded to one side of the exterior surface material. Each opposing wall is anchored to top and bottom U-shaped support members and adjoining wall panels of each wall are connected by a plurality of retaining clips. The retaining clips may be adjusted in length to accommodate various widths between the opposing walls. Additionally, splines are inserted between the first and second walls along the seams between adjoining wall panels. The wall system also includes a door frame comprising first and second jamb members and a lintel member, each having a spacing member attached to approximately the center thereof. The spacing members are inserted between the opposing walls and are used to anchor the door frame in place.

Abstract: A large scale, industrial system and method for dehydrating fruits, nuts or other produce. The system includes two long air tunnels which are placed end-to-end. Each air tunnel has a conveyor which is used to transport the produce through the air tunnel. As the produce exits one air tunnel, it is dropped from one conveyor onto the other, thus permitting the produce to be turned over before it enters the second air tunnel. Each air tunnel is divided into a number of separate air chambers in which the heated, circulating air is confined so as to reduce heat loss, thus increasing the energy efficiency of the system, and also providing for separate control of the air temperature and humidity levels in each air chamber. Countercirculation of air between adjacent air chambers aids in confining the air through the separate air chambers, as well as the use of resilient flaps which are used to enclose the ends of each air chamber through which the conveyor enters and exits.