Abstract: Microwave absorbing composite comprising at least two zones of material capable of absorbing microwave energy, each set of said two zones being separated by one zone of material transparent to or transmissive of microwave energy. The microwave energy absorbing zones are selected such that the composite is incapable of arcing in a microwave oven whereof the maximum power output does not exceed 2000 watts at a frequency of 2.45 GHz.The composite of this invention can be used for such purposes as crisping, browning, or otherwise heating food products, as a material for packaging, or as a package venting material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated dispensing of liquid materials onto a workpiece. The automated dispensing apparatus has a nozzle assembly which includes a flexible tube that is surrounded by a coil spring. The apparatus may be programmed to slide the nozzle assembly along a surface of a workpiece as liquid materials are discharged from the tube. The spring prevents kinking of the tube and protects the tube from abrasive damage, and also biases the lower end of the tube toward a position in contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: A brush including a laminate having a handle end portion adapted for manual engagement, and an opposite head end portion; and a plurality of rows of bristles having end portions adhered between adjacent plies in the head end portion of the laminate and projecting outwardly. The brush is formed from pieces of oriented polymeric film, portions of which are adhered to individual plies to be incorporated in the laminate and have portions projecting from the plies separated into bristles before the plies are laminated to form the brush. Lamination is done by driving moisture out of pasteboard layers coated with dried water activatable adhesive by exposure to radio freqeuncy energy which activates the adhesive to form the laminate.

Abstract: Multiple-connector tape has a flexible backing carrying a pattern of longitudinally electrically conductive stripes, each having an overlying adhesive band, each edge of which precisely follows an edge of the underlying conductive stripe. The adhesive bands may contain silver particles having thicknesses exceeding that of the adhesive between particles so that the terminals of an electrical device can be electrically connected through the particles to the longitudinally conductive stripes when the tape is adhered by its adhesive to the device. Electrical connections can be made in the absence of such particles when the stripes are metal foil having embossings which protrude through the adhesive.

Abstract: Infra-red sensitizing dyes for silver halide having a mucleus of the general formula: ##STR1## in which: Q represents Cl or Br,R.sup.3 represents an alkyl or substituted alkyl,n is 0, 1, 2 or 3,X is an anion of molecular weight up to 400 which may be incorporated in one R.sup.3 group.

Abstract: Photopolymerizable compositions comprising:(1) at least one vinyl monomer capable of undergoing free radical polymerization,(2) a visible light or ultraviolet light responsive photoinitiator system comprising:(a) a diaryliodonium salt,(b) a pigment, insoluble in the photopolymerizable composition, said pigment also serving as a sensitizer,(c) one or more electron donating compounds, and, optionally,(3) adjuvants.The three component photoinitiator system of this invention can increase, by several orders of magnitude, the rate of ultraviolet light or visible light photocuring of vinyl monomers.

Abstract: An article can be releasably attached to a fabric or other foraminous substrate by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape fastener, the backing of which has an array of bluntly pointed stems protruding beyond the pressure-sensitive adhesive. The back face of the fastener can have an adhesive layer by which it can be adhered to a sanitary napkin, and the napkin can be releasably attached to an undergarment by allowing the stems to penetrate into openings in the fabric of the undergarment until the pressure-sensitive adhesive becomes releasably bonded to the fabric. The fastener can be more supple and less obtrusive than are "Velcro" fasteners and can be produced at significantly lower cost.

Abstract: Photocurable restorative materials for making dental restorations usually are highly filled with fillers such as amorphous silica, quartz or glass powder having limited translucency to curing radiation. Thus the underside of the restoration may not become adequately photocured. Better curing at the underside is achieved by applying a coating of fluorescent or reflective material beneath the restorative material. When exposing the restorative material to radiant curing energy, the resulting fluorescence or reflectance by the coating enhances the degree of cure of the underside of the restoration.

Abstract: A microporous particulate-filled thermoplastic polymeric article is provided. The article can be in the form of a film, a fiber, or a tube. The article has a thermoplastic polymeric structure having a plurality of interconnected passageways to provide a network of communicating pores. The microporous structure contains discrete submicron or low micron-sized particulate filler, the particulate filler being substantially non-agglomerated.

Abstract: Microsphere-based retroreflective articles having exceptionally high retroreflective brightness, particularly at divergence angles of up to 0.5.degree. may be made by selection of microspheres having defined combinations of average diameter and average refractive index.

Abstract: A moldable composiion comprising a mixture of magnesia, alumina, and silicon carbide powders or agglomerates thereof, the powders having an overall average size of at most 5.0 micrometers, preferably an average size in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 micrometers, optionally a polymeric binder, optionally a fluxing agent, and optionally a plasticizer or lubricant which exhibits litle or no controlled dimensional stability upon being fired to a cordierite ceramic material in a novel process. The process involves incorporation of silicon carbide powder into the moldable composition and the reaction of this silicon carbide upon firing to produce silicon dioxide. The cordierite ceramic material is useful where the dimensions of a shaped or molded part must be preserved after firing, as, for example, in the preparation of dental articles or as a mold for casting metals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nearly fully dense, microcrystalline, composite ceramic abrasive particle comprising grains of alumina, gamma-aluminum oxynitride and, optionally, a Periodic Group IVB metal nitride in the system Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ALON/Group IVB metal nitride. In another aspect, two different processes for making an abrasive particle such as an abrasive grit, comprising a multiphase mixture of microcrystalline components in this system using sol gel techniques and pressureless reaction-sintering, are disclosed.

Abstract: A refillable tape dispenser including opposed hub portions adapted to project axially into and journal the core of a roll of tape. Each of the hub portions includes cam surfaces having ends ending at an inner surface, which cam surfaces are disposed generally parallel to a first direction in which tape is withdrawn from the dispenser and diverge away from opposite sides of the inner surface. Movement of the tape roll toward the inner surfaces of the opposed hub portions in a direction normal to the first direction will cause the tape roll to engage the cam surfaces and move one hub portion to a release position until the hub portions are aligned with and enter the central opening in the core under the influence of biasing toward that position, whereupon end surfaces of plate like parts of the hub portions will retain and journal the core around the hub portions during withdrawal of tape in the first direction.

Abstract: An elastomeric nonwoven absorbent web is provided. The web comprises a nonwoven fibrous matrix of elastomeric melt-blown small diameter fibers and absorbent staple fibers or absorbent particulate material, wicking staple fibers, and bulking staple fibers dispersed throughout the matrix. This web is particularly useful in an absorbent elastomeric wound dressing. The wound dressing has a fluid permeable, compliant, low adherency wound contacting layer, an intermediate conformable, fluid-absorbent element, i.e., the elastomeric nonwoven absorbent web, and a soft, compliant cover layer.

Abstract: Articles comprise a body made of hydrophobic synthetic partially open-cell material at least partially covered with a layer of hydrophilic material. The body of each article is characterized by the fact that it has a specific surface at least equal to about 40 cm.sup.2 /cm.sup.3, and at least about 25% of its internal and external surface has a surface energy at least equal to about 73.times.10.sup.-7 newton/meter. The articles find use as sponges, so-called suede type materials, and wiping clothes. The sponges may be used for wiping, cleaning and other household or industrial uses.

Abstract: This invention provides fluorine-containing polymers having a plurality of thioorgano groups. These polymers are prepared by reacting a fluoropolymer precursor with one or more, organic, thiolate compounds thereby modifying the fluoropolymer precursor by grafting onto its backbone the thioorgano groups. Said thioorgano groups may contain functional moieties that modify the cure properties, bulk properties or compatibility of the thioorgano fluoropolymer precursor. This invention also provides shaped or formed cured articles, coatings and solutions comprising the thioorgano fluoropolymers, and blends thereof with other compatible polymers.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive composite with a delivery system having particular benefit in application of very thin backings such as high moisture vapor permeable films widely used as medical dressings is disclosed. The composite has a backing coated with adhesive on at least a portion of the backing and liner over the adhesive. At least one edge of the backing is a delivery strip which is separable from the remainder of the backing. The liner is securely adhered to the delivery strip and releaseably adhered to the remainder of the adhesive coated backing. The bond between the a liner and the delivery strip is strong enough that the delivery strip will separate from the remainder of the backing before it will separate from the liner.

Abstract: A bone stapler including a staple cartridge that, when removed from the stapler, insures that no staple can remain in the stapler, and is held in place by a rotatable locking member that in one position can pass through an opening in a wall of the stapler and can then be rotated to hold the cartridge in place.