Abstract: A portable electronic data management and transport system includes a base unit and a wireless remote unit. The wireless remote unit can incorporate a graphic tablet digitizer for signaling signature data to a personal computer.

Abstract: Novel modifying agents contain a sharply-melting crystalline polymer ingredient, preferably a side chain crystalline (SCC) ingredient, and an active chemical ingredient. Such modifying agents, especially when in the form of particles, can be placed in contact with a matrix, will not modify the matrix below the crystalline melting point Tp, but will rapidly modify the matrix above Tp. The active chemical ingredient can react with the matrix, catalyze a reaction of the matrix, or inhibit a reaction of the matrix. Particularly useful compositions are polymer precursors which are storage-stable at low temperatures but which are rapidly converted to crosslinked resins when heated to temperatures above Tp, optionally in the presence of light.

Abstract: A check valve for a fluidic system includes a fluidic conduit having an inlet with a first particle barrier, an outlet with a second particle barrier and a fluid chamber between the inlet and the outlet; and at least one particle disposed in the fluid chamber, the particle or particles aggregating at the first particle barrier to form a first hydrodynamic resistance when a first fluid pressure at the inlet is less than a second fluid pressure at the outlet, the particle or particles aggregating at the second particle barrier to form a second hydrodynamic resistance when the first fluid pressure is greater than the second fluid pressure.

Abstract: A portable hand-held blood sampling device having a self-filling capability includes a blood separation filter. The filter has a plurality of pores sized to permit passage of selected blood constituents such as blood plasma through the device. The device has a separated blood conduit that extends beyond the outlet of the device and is shaped for easy penetration into a self-sealing septum of a blood analyzer. An annular shield extends from the device outlet beyond the conduit to prevent inadvertent contact of the conduit by a user.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards a handpiece assembly for use with air abrasion apparatuses used in a wide spectrum of applications and industries. This handpiece assembly comprises the following components: (1) a handle comprising a proximal end and a distal end; the distal end also comprising an attachment means for attaching the handle of the handpiece assembly to the air abrasion apparatus; (2) a quick-releasing and quick-connecting socket comprising a male portion and a female portion; and (3) a nozzle comprising a proximal end and a distal end; the distal end of the nozzle provides the male portion of the socket and the proximal end of the handle provides the female portion of the socket. The distal end of the nozzle also fits into the proximal end of the handle to form the quick-releasing and quick connecting socket. This novel handpiece assembly may further comprise an articulating socket located towards the proximal end of the nozzle.

Abstract: A composition for removing ink, paint, and other coatings that is substantially non-toxic, non-caustic, non-volatile, biodegradable, meets regulation standards, and has a low disposal cost. The composition comprises an alcohol in an amount from about 5% to about 60% by volume; a terpene containing liquid in an amount from about 5% to about 60% by volume; a sufficient amount of mixing agent for mixing the terpene containing liquid in water; and water.

Abstract: Novel gas-permeable membranes which are particularly useful in the packaging of fresh cut fruit and vegetables, and other respiring biological materials. The membranes comprise a microporous film or other gas-permeable substrate and, coated on the substrate, a layer of a block copolymer having a heat of fusion of at least 5 J/g and containing polysiloxane polymeric blocks and crystalline polymeric blocks having a melting point of −5 to 40° C.

Abstract: Shrinkage of cured resins is reduced by mixing the crosslinkable resin with a low profile additive (LPA). The LPA is in the form of particles which comprise an SCC polymer (or a similar crystalline polymer which melts over a narrow temperature range). The system is cured at a temperature above the melting point of the crystalline polymer (Tp), and the system and the LPA are such that at least part of the LPA remains as a separate phase in the curable resin at temperatures below Tp. It is believed that at least part of the crystalline polymer remains as a separate phase in the resin as it cures. Preferably at least part of the crystalline polymer forms a separate phase in the cured polymer after it has cooled.

Abstract: The rheological properties of a crosslinkable resin system are modified by the presence of a side chain crystalline (SCC) polymer (or a similar crystalline polymer which melts over a narrow temperature range). The polymer dissolves in the curable system at temperatures above the melting point of the crystalline polymer (Tp), but when the system is then cooled to a temperature below Tp, at least partially forms a separate phase in the curable system. Below Tp, this separate phase substantially increases the viscosity of the curable system (i.e. makes it thicker than the same system without the crystalline polymer). This is particularly valuable for sheet molding composites (SMCs) in which the increase in viscosity makes the composites less tacky, and for dry film resists (DFRs). Above Tp, the curable system containing the dissolved crystalline polymer has a viscosity which is substantially less than its viscosity below Tp.

Abstract: A guide for guiding a power tool such as a circular saw has a planar deck, and two shoulders extending from opposed edges of the deck in diametrically opposite directions. The deck is provided with mounting fasteners for securely attaching the saw to the guide. There is an aperture in the deck for receiving the circular saw, the aperture being off center. By attaching the power tool to opposite sides of the guide it is possible to obtain straight cuts of different widths.

Abstract: Novel gas-permeable membranes which are particularly useful in the packaging of fresh cut fruit and vegetables, and other respiring biological materials. The membranes have an O2 permeability of at least 775,000 ml/m2.atm.24 hrs, a P10 ratio of at least 1.3, and a ratio of CO2 permeability to O2 permeability (R) of at least 1.5, and are made by forming thin polymeric coatings on microporous polymeric films. Preferred coating polymers are side chain crystalline polymers. Preferred microporous films contain inorganic fillers, particularly such films based on ultrahigh molecular weight polyetheylene or polypropylene. FIG. 1 illustrates how O2 permeability an R ratio vary for different coating polymers and microporous films.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modeling paste comprising a latent material which can be applied as a thick layer to a substrate and which after activation rapidly crosslinks to a machinable surface.

Abstract: Orthopedic casts which comprise an elastically deformed support which is held in its elastically deformed state by a solid casting composition. After the cast has been placed around a patient's limb, it is heated to soften the casting composition, thus permitting recovery of the cast into conforming contact with the limb. The support can for example be a fabric knitted from elastomeric fibers and glass fiber yarns. The casting composition can for example comprise polycaprolactone and/or a side chain crystallizable polymer, which melts at 45.degree.-60.degree. C. A padded liner can be placed between the cast and the limb. Recovery of the cast is preferably carried out by means of a hot air gun.

Abstract: Orthopedic casts which comprise an elastically deformed support which is held in its elastically deformed state by a solid casting composition. After the cast has been placed around a patient's limb, it is heated to soften the casting composition, thus permitting recovery of the cast into conforming contact with the limb. The support can for example be a fabric knitted from elastomeric fibers and glass fiber yarns. The casting composition can for example comprise polycaprolactone and/or a side chain crystallizable polymer, which melts at 45.degree.-60.degree. C. A padded liner can be placed between the cast and the limb. Recovery of the cast is preferably carried out by means of a hot air gun.

Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) containing side chain crystalline (SCC) blocks. The SCC blocks my be hard (A) blocks or the soft (B) blocks (or both) in the TPE. Some of these TPEs are novel, e.g. those in which A blocks are SCC blocks, and the B blocks are polyethers, polyacrylates, polyamides, polyurethanes or polysiloxanes. The SCC-containing TPEs are particularly useful as matrix materials for other components which are dispersed therein, e.g. energetic solids and other thermally responsive materials.