Abstract: An adhesive assembly is provided having a temperature-sensitive adhesive composition coated on the surface of a selected substrate. The adhesive composition is nontacky or slightly tacky at room temperature, but is aggressively tacky at skin temperature. The assemblies include adhesive tapes, bandages, films and the like.

Abstract: Coated organisms and particularly coated seeds are provided wherein the coating is comprised of one or more polymeric materials which form a coating having a temperature-dependent permeability with respect to a material such as water permeability. The polymeric materials used in making the coatings are relatively impermeable to the material such as water at cooler temperatures (less than optimum growth or germination temperatures) and relatively permeable at higher temperatures (at or greater than optimum growth or germination temperatures). The variable permeability of the coating prevents imbibition at lower temperatures and allows it at higher temperatures. Accordingly, coated seeds can be planted early in a planting season and undergo imbibition followed by germination under favorable moisture and temperature conditions.

Abstract: The microcapsules of the invention are comprised of crystallizable polymers which are preferably side-chain crystallizable polymers or cross-linked, side-chain crystallizable polymers having a specific first order transition point or "melt" temperature. The polymers are caused to form microcapsules and thereby encapsulate one or more compounds generally referred to herein as an active ingredient such as a herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, or fertilizer. The polymer of the microcapsule surrounds the active ingredient separating it from the outside environment. Crystallizable polymers used herein have temperature-dependent permeabilities with respect to a given component such that this component is kept out of contact with the active ingredient at a temperature below a given first order transition point and (due to increased permeability) is allowed to contact the active ingredient at a temperature at or above the transition point.

Abstract: Temperature-controlled diffusional active agent dispensers that use a side-chain crystallizable polymer in a form that is not free to flow above its melt temperature as a rate-controlling matrix are disclosed. The polymer may be crosslinked to render it nonflowable, be supported, or grafted to a permeable support. Elements that facilitate or permit heating by radiation or electrical conductance/inductance may be included in the dispenser. At temperatures below the melt temperature of the polymer, the polymer is substantially impermeable to the agent. At tempertures at or above the melt temperature the polymer is substantially permeable to the agent.

Abstract: A molluscicidal device in the form of a chemophysical barrier which is placed in the path of molluscs (e.g., between their habitat and an area to be protected from infestation). The device comprises a solid body, typically in the form of a sheet or continuous length strip made of a thermoplastic water-insoluble polymer in which is dispersed a molluscicidal agent. The dimensions of the body, the nature of the agent, and the concentration of the agent on the surface of the body are such as to cause any mollusc that attempts to cross the body to be immobilized, whereby it remains on the body and receives a lethal dose of the agent.