Abstract: A polymer composition is disclosed which includes poly(lactic acid), poly(3-hydroxypropionate), and optionally other biopolymers. This polymeric composition exhibits significant improvements in crystallization rate, as compared to poly(lactic acid) which has not been melt blended with poly(3-hydroxypropionate). Molded articles, particularly injection molded articles, which are formed from the aforementioned polymer composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: An extruded foam excelling in environmental friendliness and having biodegradability; and a stable process for producing the same. There is provided a process for producing an extruded foam of P3HA resin, characterized by melt-kneading a copolymer (poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate), P3HA) having at least one type of repeating unit of the formula: —O—CHR—CH2—CO— (1) (wherein R is an alkyl group represented by CnH2n+1 and n is an integer of 1 to 15) produced by a microorganism, a volatile foaming agent, a fatty acid amide compound and/or liquid paraffin to thereby obtain a mixture and extruding the mixture through molding die into a low-pressure zone.

Abstract: A computer implemented system is provided in order to manage the exchange of information through three databases. The system is particularly useful for an appraisal management environment or other environments, which require an exchange between individuals in two or more categories such as consumers and appraisers. According to the preferred configuration, the system manages a database of real estate appraisals job postings. Each posting is stored in a job record, and the system is capable of searching on a plurality of keys in the consumer record to identify a real estate appraiser job record suitable to a particular appraiser. The system then facilitates creation of an appraisal record and designation of the appraisal record for an accessible appraisal base or a selected job record. The system permits query of a job base in order to identify real estate appraisals jobs for appraisers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a textile material comprising a tightly woven paper fabric having a backing applied on only one side. The tight weave allows the backing to be applied as a liquid, whereupon curing cause the liquid to harden. The backing confers additional strength and durability to the paper fabric and allows mass production of paper fabrics by the formation of a continuous sheet that can be cut to desired dimensions and shapes without fraying at the edges. The present invention also provides methods for forming tightly woven fabrics and for applying a backing onto this fabric.

Abstract: An electronic interlock for locking a file cabinet (10, 100) and for limiting the number of drawers (14, 114) to be accessed at any given time. An input keyboard (20, 120) receives an input code to be compared with a prestored access code. If the codes do not match, an unlock signal is not produced. If the input code matches the access code, a processor (28, 148) renders the storage assembly (10, 110) accessible. The processor (28, 128) will receive a drawer selection number from the input keyboard (20, 120) user and will unlock a lock (16, 116) associated with the selected drawer (14, 114). Sensors (34, 134) sense the position of the drawers (14, 114) and disable the processor (28, 128) when one of the drawers (14, 114) is in the open position.

Abstract: A file storage assembly having a string or stack of elements vertically disposed along one side to allow only one drawer to be opened at a time. A shaft (48) having inclined cam surfaces (50,52) at opposite ends is associated with each drawer and includes a pinion (44) rotated by engagement with a rack (46) on the drawer during opening of the drawer. Upon rotation of the shaft (48), the cam surfaces (50,52) at the ends thereof vertically move the shafts (48) of the other drawers to vertically move one of a pair of locking lugs (64) on the shafts (48) into horizontal alignment with a lug (78) on the drawer (38) to prevent opening of all other drawers. A key projection (66) extends from the housing between each pair of lugs (64) upon rotation of the shaft (48) during opening movement of the drawer to prevent vertical movement of the operative shaft (48).

Abstract: A file storage assembly having a string or stack of elements vertically disposed along one side to allow only one drawer to be opened at a time. A shaft (48) having inclined cam surfaces (50,52) at opposite ends is associated with each drawer and includes a pinion (44) rotated by engagement with a rack (46) on the drawer during opening of the drawer. Upon rotation of the shaft (48), the cam surfaces (50,52) at the ends thereof vertically move the shafts (48) of the other drawers to vertically move one of a pair of locking lugs (64) on the shafts (48) into horizontal alignment with a lug (78) on the drawer (38) to prevent opening of all other drawers. A key projection (66) extends from the housing between each pair of lugs (64) upon rotation of the shaft (48) during opening movement of the drawer to prevent vertical movement of the operative shaft (48).