Abstract: A method of identifying a blockage at the receiving opening of a pipetting needle which at or in the proximity of the receiving opening has an electrode (E1) or is itself in the form of an electrode (E1), in an analysis apparatus when taking liquid from a liquid-containing vessel and/or when delivering liquid into a liquid-containing vessel, in which the pipetting needle is displaced in such a way that the receiving opening is immersed in the liquid in the liquid-containing vessel, an amount of liquid is sucked up into the pipetting needle or delivered from the pipetting needle, the pipetting needle is further displaced in such a way that the receiving opening comes out of the liquid in the liquid-containing vessel, during the displacement of the pipetting needle the capacitances (Kmeasurement) between the electrode (E1) and a counter-electrode (E2) are detected in dependence on the position of the pipetting needle, the detected capacitances (Kmeasurement) are compared to predetermined reference values (Kr

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of automatically metering and mixing liquids effectively as quickly as possible and in few steps. The following steps: a) dispensing the liquid from a needle into the vessel, wherein the operation begins when the needle is at starting position (S), the dispensing operation is continued while the needle is moved in a vertical direction down toward end position (E), wherein the starting position is at a spacing from the bottom of the vessel; b) sucking up a part of the liquid present in the vessel while the needle is in the end position (E); c) moving the needle in a vertical direction to the starting position (S); and d) dispensing the liquid from the needle, wherein the dispensing begins when the needle is at starting position (S), dispensing operation is continued while the needle is moved in a vertical direction downwardly in the direction of the end position (E), and dispensing operation ends when the needle is at end position (E).

Abstract: The invention provides processes for coating the surface of substrates such as a sheet, film, foam, fiber, etc., with a curable liquid resin or solution of curable resin, then in one embodiment, stably attaching a superabsorbent polymeric powder to such resin, and then curing the resin to form a coated superabsorbent product. Such substrates may include polymeric materials. Other process embodiments utilizing curable and thermoplastic resinous powders may be used instead of curable liquid resins and resulting products are included in the invention. The coated product may be utilized for water and nutrient retention in combination with irrigation, erosion control, to direct plant root growth, and to clean up standing water and petroleum spills.

Abstract: A low temperature curable coating powder comprising an epoxy functional resin is cured with styrene maleimide in combination with at least one other curing agent such as dicyandiamide, imidazole, or an imidazole adduct. The combination of three curing agents such styrene maleimide, dicyandiamide, and an imidazole or imidazole adduct is useful for achieving gloss control. The coating powder may be curable at temperatures of 300° F. or lower. The coating of heat-sensitive and non-conductive substrates is facilitated with use of such coating powder, although other substrates, such as metal may be coated in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for coating the surface of substrates such as a sheet, film, foam, fiber, etc., with a curable liquid resin or solution of curable resin, then in one embodiment, stably attaching a superabsorbent polymeric powder to such resin, and then curing the resin to form a coated superabsorbent product. Such substrates may include polymeric materials. Other process embodiments utilizing curable and thermoplastic resinous powders may be used instead of curable liquid resins and resulting products are included in the invention. The coated product may be utilized for water and nutrient retention in combination with irrigation, erosion control, to direct plant root growth, and to clean up standing water and petroleum spills.

Abstract: A powder metallurgy method for making valve guides for use in internal combustion engines advantageously utilizes uniaxial side pressing to form compacts. Such compacts are subsequently sintered, formed into a cylindrical shape, and then hollowed to form a valve guide. The valve guides exhibit improved uniformity and density and hardness from end to end of the valve guide when contrasted to powder metal valve guides formed with uniaxial end pressing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for filling and sealing underground voids and the like with use of a grout comprising aggregate coated with a water-activated expanded hydrophobic polymeric resin, such as polyurethane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a coating powder base composition having a viscosity of between about 2 to about 85 Pa·s and including a particulate organic pigment tinting agent. Such base composition can be produced in large batches and then smaller portions of such batches can be mixed with a tinting agent comprising solid organic pigment particles characterized by a maximum surface index of about 50 to obtain a desired color for the final coating powder. The invention also includes methods for making such coating powders as well as for coating substrates using such coating powders.

Abstract: Coating powders having a low curing temperature are comprised of an acid functional acrylic resin having an acid number between about 40 and 220, triglycidyl isocyanurate, and a curing catalyst comprising tetrabutyl ammonium bromide. Such coating powders have a stoichiometry of acid groups to epoxy groups of between about 0.5 and 2.0. Low curing temperature coating powders comprising an acrylic resin, a polyester resin, an epoxy functional crosslinking agent, and a curing catalyst exhibit good flexibility properties following application to a substrate and curing. Good flexibility may also be achieved by incorporating blended epoxy crosslinking agents into acrylic resins alone or into blended acrylic and polyester resins. Such blended crosslinking agents should have an epoxy functionality of from about 2 to about 6 and an equivalent weight of from about 100 to about 700.

Abstract: A composite handle for grooming implements provides improved control during use. Such handle has a rigid and a flexible portion that facilitates use of the implement, especially when a user has a weak or impaired grip.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for coating the surface of substrates such as a sheet, film, foam, fiber, etc., with a curable liquid resin or solution of curable resin, then in one embodiment, stably attaching a superabsorbent polymeric powder to such resin, and then curing the resin to form a coated superabsorbent product. Such substrates may include polymeric materials. Other process embodiments utilizing curable and thermoplastic resinous powders may be used instead of curable liquid resins and resulting products are included in the invention. The coated product has reduced particle agglomeration and particle loss due to the curing or melting steps. The thin, superabsorbent powder adhered, films may be used as an absorbent core for a wide variety of absorbent products. The product can be interposed between sheets to form disposable absorbent products such as diapers, bandages, water and nutrient retention elements, erosion control devices and elements thereof, etc.

Abstract: A laminate and insulation board containing such laminate and a method of making the board are disclosed. The products are useful for residences and light commercial buildings. Such boards possess high strength, excellent structural integrity, and excellent oxygen and water vapor barrier properties.

Abstract: A mixing system employing a rotary blade mixing assembly designed to mix liquid-like, resinous powders with a particulate tinting agent or other additive to produce a uniform, homogeneous powder is disclosed. The mixing system includes a mixing container that may be inverted up to 180° and includes a rotary blade mixing assembly having at least two sets of mixing blades connected to a central shaft and arranged in parallel planes, each set having at least two mixing blades which are connected to the central shaft. Each blade is pitched at an angle to about 20° to about 45° from horizontal as measured following a 180° inversion of the mixing container. Use of the method of the invention is advantageous when uniform color of the final coating powder is desired.