Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for rapidly calculating the surface displacement that results from an arbitrarily shaped load on the surface of a layered substrate. Some embodiments include sparse direct calculations of surface displacement in combination with interpolation methods for estimating surface displacement at other points. Some embodiments include methods for reducing computer time required for calculating surface displacement caused by an arbitrarily shaped load on a layered surface.

Abstract: Various multi-purpose cleaning compositions and the method for using the multi-purpose cleaning compositions are provided. In one embodiment the present invention, the multi-purpose cleaning composition comprises, by weight, from about 10% to about 90% by weight potassium pyrophosphate and from about 90% to about 10% by weight of at least one Group 1 lauryl sulfate. In another embodiment of the present invention, the multi-purpose cleaning composition includes solvent and comprises from about 1% to about 25% by weight of at least one Group 1 pyrophosphate, from about 1% to about 25% by weight of at least one surfactant, and from about 50% to about 98% by weight of at least one solvent. The multi-purpose cleaning compositions of the present invention can be used on various surfaces for improved cleaning of a variety of stains and soils and while also being safe to use and environmentally benign.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to syntheses of cyclolinear networks. Two novel cyclic siloxanes were used as starting materials. The cyclic siloxanes are self-condensed and co-condensed with silanol-terminated polydimethylsiloxane to vinyl-terminated cyclolinear polymers. Cyclolinear networks can be synthesized by hydrosilylation of vinyl-terminated cyclolinear polyorganosiloxanes with a copolymer of dimethylsiloxane and methylhydrosiloxane.

Abstract: A method, combination or apparatus for compensating for or predicting the shift in the human perception of color which occurs when the color is seen on a small surface area as compared with when it is seen extending over of large surface area. The compensation or prediction is performed by increasing (compensation) or decreasing (prediction) the lightness and chroma of the color in a specified way. The invention allows choosers of color to take account of the shifts when making their choice of colors and is useful in choosing colors for paints, plastics, textiles or illuminated surfaces.

Abstract: A consolidated and coordinated gift wrap and packaging display holds and presents articles for decorative gift wrapping in a spectral and thematic arrangement. The consolidated display includes a plurality of modules, each module displaying a plurality of gift wrap items which are coordinated in color, theme or both, so that the modules are visually distinct among the consolidated display. Each module may contain rolled gift wrap, folded gift wrap, small and large gift bags, ribbon on rolls or in stands, gift cards, novelties or gift wrap accessories. The visual distinction of each module within the display draws consumers to the desired type of gift wrap presentation, and the dense arrangement of coordinated and complimentary gift wrap items encourages selection and purchase of a complete gift wrap ensemble.

Abstract: An aqueous dispersion of polyurethane-addition polymer hybrid particles, where the isocyanates used to make the polyurethane polymer portion of the particles comprise a mixture of aromatic polyisocyanate and aliphatic polyisocyanate wherein the aromatic isocyanate is free of sterically hindered isocyanate moieties. The dispersions are suitable for use in coatings, including varnishes, paints, inks and adhesives.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for measuring interfacial stick-slip transitions (SST) and an improved constant-force shear capable of measuring interfacial SST. Some embodiments are capable of measuring SST under simple shear conditions and/or in highly entangled polymer melts. Some embodiments include the application of a constant shearing force to a polymer sample.

Abstract: 7-ethynyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane and related methods are presented. Manufacturing 7-ethynyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane includes the steps of: (1) reducing alkyl 2,4,9-trithiaadamantane-7-carboxylate to produce 7-hydroxymethyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane; (2) oxidizing 7-hydroxymethyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane to produces 7-carbonyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane; and (3) reacting 7-carbonyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane with Ohira-Bestmann reagent to produces 7-ethynyl-2,4,9-trithiaadamantane. Molecular wires having 2,4,9-trithiaadamantane surface anchors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A powered maneuverable and retractable trailer jack adapted for attachment to a tongue of a trailer has an external sleeve, a gear rack on an exterior of the external sleeve, a housing containing at least one gear engaged with the gear rack and operative to move the external sleeve relative to the housing, the housing including a mount configured for attachment to the tongue of a trailer whereby the external sleeve is laterally offset relative to the tongue of a trailer, an internal rod within the external sleeve, the internal rod extending through a wheel fork at a lower distal end of the internal rod and the external sleeve and attached to a drive gear which is engaged with a shaft gear upon a drive shaft rotationally mounted in the wheel fork, and a drive sprocket attached to the drive shaft, a wheel mounted upon an axle rotationally mounted within the wheel fork, and a wheel sprocket attached to the axle proximate to the wheel, and a chain which extends continuously from the wheel sprocket to the drive sp

Abstract: A system and method for charging and thus extending the life of an electrical storage device is disclosed. The system provides for developing an essentialized cell model structure of the electrical storage device; determining model parameters for charge-discharge data of the structure; and determining charge-discharge behavior of the structure in a voltage-charge plane. The method also includes measuring voltage values of the structure based upon the charge-discharge behavior; and deriving an instantaneous damage rate from the measured voltage values. The method further includes developing a charging profile based upon the instantaneous damage rate, wherein the charging profile optimizes a charging current with respect to the damage per cycle so as to extend the overall life of the electrical storage device. The method also includes the ability of the system to track the parameters of the electrical storage device as the device changes with time.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for making sol-gel ceramic nanofibers, and the compositions resulting from practicing such method. Fibers so formed can be used for fabricating filter media and a wide variety of other ceramic fiber structures and devices.