Abstract: Particles of silica-rich plant material are bonded into a rigid unitary body. The silica content of such materials is believed to enter into bonding reactions when the materials are combined with a polymeric resin base material such as PAPI that has been previously converted by reaction with a colloidal gel formed from silica and a basic solution. The resulting product exhibits characteristics superior to most engineered wood products. A theoretical analysis of the bonding chemistry is proposed.

Abstract: Aqueous compositions containing (i.) a salt of the formula: R1COO−X+  (I)  wherein R1 is a C7 to C11 hydrocarbyl group and X is ammonium (NH4+); and (ii.) a diester of the formula: ROOC(CHR2)nCOOR′  (II)  wherein R and R′ are independently selected from a C1 to C8 alkyl group, R2 is hydrogen or a C1-C3 alkyl group, and n is from 5 to 12 are highly effective as non-selective herbicides. In a preferred mode, the diesters are soluble in water saturated solutions containing the ammonium salt. The resulting composition can be diluted with water to render a stable emulsion which may be applied as a non-selective herbicide.

Abstract: Extruded polymeric articles useful for supporting, acoustically isolating and vibrationally dampening a pipe segment in relation to a structural support member, the articles having coextruded unfoamed and foamed polymeric layers and being attachable to the structural support member using nails, screws, formed wire hangers or other similarly effective fasteners. A method for making the subject articles and a system comprising a perforated, coextruded acoustic pipe support strap in combination with a shaped wire hanger for use in suspending a pipe segment from the web portion of a laminated joist having an I-beam cross section are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer thick film (PTF) electroluminescent device generating images described by contact, in which the contact itself closes an open circuit to generate radiation in a pattern in register with the contact. The resulting irradiated image corresponds directly to the contact pattern energizing the radiation. In a preferred embodiment enabled by an electroluminescent system without a back electrode, a fingerprint is disposed to close the open circuit by making contact and thereby serving as a “temporary” back electrode. The electroluminescent then energizes in a pattern in register with the contact (i.e. the fingerprint) to emit a high-resolution image of visible light with high fidelity to the contact. This visible light image may then be directed on to a photosensitive array standard in the art suitable for pixelation and conversion into an electrical signal representative of the image. This signal is available for computerized storage, analysis, processing and comparison.

Abstract: The present invention provides an attachment system that can be used to interface between dissimilar camouflage systems and is particularly useful with ULCANS and LCSS camouflage systems. The present invention provides such compatibility while simultaneously maintaining quick disconnect capabilities with either system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for optically transmitting digital information.

Abstract: A synthetic lubricant for gasoline and diesel engines having a viscosity ranging between about 14.5 and 16.5 cs at 100° C., the lubricant containing from about 55 to about 75 volume percent polyalphaolefin having a viscosity of about 6 to 8 cs at 100° C., an ethylene-propylene copolymer, an ester or diester, a packaged additive, a total base number enhancer and a minor effective amount of an antifoamant. A method of use is also provided whereby the subject lubricant is recirculated through an operating engine while periodically monitoring the total base number and adjusting the total base number to a level of about 12.0 by the addition of a total base number enhancer such as calcium phenate.

Abstract: A soft sided cover for a kennel having a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of side walls forming an enclosure for covering a kennel. The bottom contains an aperture so that the cover can be placed over the kennel to protect the kennel interior from the outside environment. To assist in installing the cover, a detachment mechanism is provided in order to detach a sidewall and the rear wall. This expands the bottom wall aperture. A channel, disposed around the bottom wall aperture, contains a drawstring operable to control the size of said adjustable aperture. Once the cover is installed, the detachment mechanism is used to re-attach the separated walls.

Abstract: An adjustable length over-the-door hanger for hanging a wreath or other hanging objects on a door whose length can be adjusted to position the hanging object at the desired height. The hanger is made of two vertical supports that are held together and where the lower vertical support can slide along the upper vertical support to lengthen or shorten the overall length of the hanger. A track on one support is engaged by a finger on the other support thereby allowing the hanger to be locked into any one of a number of fixed positions corresponding to the desired height for the wreath to be hung on the door. This positioning allows the hanger to be easily adjusted while in place on the door. The hanger has a hook that allows it to hang over the top of the door and another hook at the bottom on which the hanging object can be hung.

Abstract: A tamperproof retractable non-reusable syringe has a one piece hollow outer body with a barrel for a slidable plunger, a transition zone and a smaller diameter nose portion. An elongated needle holder and spring combination is installable from the rear of the outer body, guided into the nose portion and held by cooperating inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces oriented in the direction of retraction at the most constricted part of the transition zone where the nose begins. The plunger has an opening with a dislodgable stopper for receiving parts of the retraction mechanism. The stopper and the head of the needle holder are of significantly reduced diameter from the injection fluid chamber to resist blowing out prematurely. In one embodiment the head of the needle holder is surrounded by a separable retainer member which is slidingly removed by contact with the tip of the plunger after the stopper is mostly or fully removed to avoid cumulation of force required for retraction after the injection.

Abstract: A pet kennel operable between a use position and a nested position. The pet kennel contains an upper portion having a top wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a bottom opening located opposite the top wall. The front wall, rear wall and sidewalls form a lip adjacent the bottom opening. The lower portion contains a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall and an upper opening located opposite the bottom wall. A rim is formed adjacent the upper opening by the first wall, rear wall and the sidewalls. While in the use position, the upper portion lip is mated with the lower portion rim so that the top wall is spaced apart the bottom to form the pet containment area. In the nested position, the upper portion lip mated with the lower portion rim such that the top wall is located adjacent the bottom wall.

Abstract: A self-dispersing particulate composition, in the form of pellets, prills, flakes or granules, containing particles with a first functional component that is a glassy solid with small, dispersed pockets of pressurized gas and, in the same or different particles, a second functional component that is a special-use material having at least one additional utility. Special use materials include, for example, a deicer, a fertilizer, a drain cleaner, an insecticide, a carpet cleaner, and a powdered laundry detergent. Dissolution of the glassy material liberates pressurized gas, causing repositioning of the special-use material.

Abstract: A food products that can be reconstituted for consumption includes flavoring toppings and/or flavoring inclusions that closely simulate commercially available flavored table syrups and flavored toppings in appearance, flavor, and texture. By applying these flavorings, such as flavored syrups, flavored toppings, and/or flavored inclusions, to chemically leavened food products, yeast leavened food products, and unleavened food products, including waffles, pancakes, corn breads, wafers, pastries, cookies, and the like, prior to freezing, the reconstituted food product closely simulates food products comprising commercially available flavored syrups or flavored toppings.

Abstract: A decorating and cutting device includes a housing. A cutting blade and decorating material dispenser are disposed within the housing and are operable to simultaneously dispense decorating material and cut a target material. The cutting blade includes a depth stop for controlling the depth of cut made by the cutting blade.

Abstract: A decorating and cutting device includes a housing. A cutting blade and decorating material dispenser are disposed within the housing and are operable to simultaneously dispense decorating material and cut a target material.

Abstract: The present invention is a polyurethane carpet backing prepared from a polyurethane-forming composition wherein fly ash is included as a filler material. High loadings of fly ash can be obtained without detriment to the process for preparing a polyurethane carpet backing, or adverse effect to the physical properties of the carpet backing.

Abstract: An absorbent dog waste disposal pad holder lacking an underlying bottom wall and having nestable upper and lower frames that cooperate to form a peripheral wall to securely hold the periphery of a disposable, absorbent pad therebetween. Each nestable upper and lower frame comprises first and second frame members. The first and second frame members of the lower frame preferably comprise opposite side ends that interlock to form the lower frame. The first and second frame members of the upper frame preferably comprise ends that abut to form the upper frame. Preferably, the frames of the absorbent dog waste disposal pad holder are generally rectangular shaped, are made of moldable polymeric material and have an inverted U-shaped cross section. A method of assembling the subject absorbent dog waste disposal pad holder is also disclosed.