Abstract: A filter device for filtering a fluid, in particular for filtering the air flowing into the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The filter element (10; 60) including filter material (12; 62) with a border (14; 64) and a filter element frame (20; 70) connected with the filter material (12; 62) and extending at least partly along the border (14; 64), the filter element frame (20; 70) being provided with a projecting resilient sealing lip (24; 74) for abutting a device (42, 44, 48) receiving the filter element (10; 60), the sealing lip (24; 74) having at least one bending section (26) of a first thickness (30) facing the filter element frame (20; 70) and at least one enlarged section (28) adjoining the at least one bending section (26) and facing away from the filter material (12; 62), at least a part (40) of the enlarged section being of a second thickness (32) greater than the first thickness (30) in the at least one bending section (26).

Abstract: A force module useful in moving individual malpositioned teeth or entire dental arches during orthodontic therapy includes an elongated body with couplings at each end of the body for connection to selected orthodontic appliances. In certain embodiments, the body has an enlarged middle section to reduce likelihood of fracture. In other embodiments, the body has a recurve portion. Optionally, the module includes couplings that have a sleeve portion for receiving end sections of the body and an arm portion connected to each sleeve portion, and the arm portions extend at an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A respiratory program is disclosed which fully integrates the development and maintenance of a workplace respiratory protection program. The respiratory program (i) provides the forms which are useful in developing and maintaining a workplace respiratory protection program, (ii) facilitates the training of employees which is necessary to ensure that the workplace respiratory protection program is effective, (iii) includes the database which is necessary to provide all of the knowledge required during the development and maintenance of a workplace respiratory protection program, (iv) permits customization of the workplace respiratory protection program, (v) allows the employer and employees to read the knowledge provided by a fully informative workplace respiratory protection program, and (vi) assists the employer in preparing for an audit of the workplace respiratory protection program.

Abstract: A method of radiochemical analysis comprises the steps of providing a solid phase extraction sheet material comprising ion-specific sorptive or reactive particles and a porous matrix as carrier for the particles, and providing a fluid including an ion-containing radiochemical analyte comprising the specific ion, contacting the sheet material with the fluid for a time sufficient for the particles to selectively extract the analyte from the fluid, and analyzing the sheet material in a direct mode for quantitative or qualitative data relating to the radiochemical analyte. Solid phase extraction sheet materials and methods for their preparation are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a soft nonwoven fibrous loop material for use in hook and loop fastening systems. The nonwoven fibrous loop material of the invention contains an open fibrous loop layer comprised predominately of polypropylene polymer, copolymer or blend fibers. The nonwoven fibrous loop layer material is autogeneously bonded to a backing layer formed of polypropylene polymers or copolymers having a percent isotacticity of less than 70%, optionally with additional layers present provided so that the overall nonwoven fibrous loop material is a laminate having a circular bend stiffness of less than about 9 Newton and having tensile strength of at least 1500 g/2.54 cm-width.

Abstract: A diaper construction is provided with an external porous reinforcement strip at the front part of the outside of the diaper, which strip provides reinforcement against an adhesive fastening tab and provides an oil-contamination tolerant adhesion surface.

Abstract: An anisotropic elastic web, particularly an anisotropic elastic film layer having a machine direction and a cross direction and having a thickness of from 20 to 300 microns formed of an extruded blend of a block copolymer elastomer portion and a polyolefin polymer portion blended in a ratio of from 10:1 to 0.4:1, respectively. The elastomer portion generally is a block copolymer elastomer formed of A blocks and B blocks, the A blocks are formed predominately of monoalkenyl arene and the B blocks are formed predominately of conjugated diene. The polyolefin portion is comprised predominately of an inelastic fiber forming polyolefin polymer, copolymer or blend. The anisotropic film layer has a F10 force Ratio (MD to CD) of at least 1.5. This anisotropic elastic web is usable in a variety of garment applications where an elastic is supplied in roll form and requires strength in a machine direction and elastic properties in a cross direction.

Abstract: Nonwoven articles having high durability and absorbent-characteristics, and their methods of manufacture, are presented. One preferred article is characterized by(a) a nonwoven web comprised of organic fibers comprised of polymers having a plurality of pendant hydroxyl groups; and(b) a binder comprising an at least partially crosslinked and at least partially hydrolyzed polymeric resin having a plurality of pendant resin hydroxyl groups, the resin crosslinked by a crosslinking agent, the crosslinking agent selected from the group consisting of organic titanates and amorphous metal oxides, the polymeric resin derived from monomers selected from the group consisting of monomers within the general formula ##STR1## wherein: X is selected from the group consisting of Si(OR.sup.4 OR.sup.5 OR.sup.6) and O(CO)R.sup.7 ; andR.sup.1 -R.sup.7 inclusive are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and organic radicals having from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, inclusive, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Visible light cured polymerizable thiol-ene compositions comprising at least one monomer or oligomer having a plurality of free-radically polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated groups, at least one compound having a plurality of thiol groups, at least one acyl phosphine oxide photoinitiator and optional adjuvants, such as stabilizers, pigments, fillers, and polymerization inhibitors are disclosed. The polymerized compositions are useful, as protective coatings, or anti-chip coatings or as repair putties on exterior coated substrates such as plastics, wood and metal, especially for the automotive and marine industries.

Abstract: A thermoformable add-on EMI shielding sheet comprising a carrier material selected from polymeric films and fibrous webs having the capability of becoming porous when thermoformed, having a metal mat at least partially embedded therein, comprising a plurality of fine, randomly-oriented metal fibers, the carrier material having a softening temperature lower than the highest temperature reached during the thermoforming process.

Abstract: There is provided a block, segmented or graft copolymer having polyorganosiloxane segments and self-associating hard segments, which copolymer is capable of forming a solid, generally non-tacky release coating without the requirement of curing. The release coating comprises the polyorganosiloxane copolymer admixed with an MQ resin wherein the amount of MQ resin is generally between 1 and 30 weight percent of the polyorganosiloxane content preferably 1 to 20 weight percent. The MQ resin modifies the copolymer release material to have a higher release than the copolymer itself, generally at least 10 percent and preferable at least 20 percent up to 50 percent or higher with the readhesion values decreasing by 50 percent or less, preferably 40 percent or less.

Abstract: A viral barrier composite of a thermoplastic film thermally bonded on at least one side thereof to a breathable thermoplastic web, and method for making the same. The viral barrier composite has viral barrier properties, a moisture vapor transmission rate of at least 700 g/m.sup.2 /24 hours and a bond strength between the thermoplastic film and breathable thermoplastic web of at least 0.07N/cm. The viral barrier composite is formed by calendering an assembly comprising a thermoplastic film and a breathable thermoplastic web between a smooth roll and a pattern roll. The viral barrier composite may be used for constructing articles of protective apparel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sprayable guide coat composition for use in the detection of defects on surfaces and its method of use in surface finishing processes. The composition contains anti-loading agents which improve abrasive cut and life of the abrasive article (such as sandpaper) that it is used in conjunction with. The composition also improves quality and speed of removing surface defects by providing a fast drying coating.

Abstract: A non-flowing composition and method for treatment of bacterial vaginosis are disclosed. An afflicted vagina is treated with a therapeutically effective but relatively low dose of metronidazole in a composition that includes a buffer system maintaining the composition at a pH value in the range of about 3.75 to about 4.25. The composition can also be used for prophylactic purposes.

Abstract: A transparent optical film made of a polymeric material has a first smooth surface and a second structured surface for providing a simulated beveled appearance. The structured surface of the film is formed of a plurality of spaced parallel grooves, each groove being formed by a first facet which is substantially perpendicular to the first smooth surface and a second facet which makes an angle between 1 to 60 degrees with the first smooth surface. The film may be affixed to glass, the adhesive applied to the first smooth surface or the second structured surface, to simulate beveled glass. Further, a leaded glass appearance or beveled mirror appearance may be simulated by vapor coating the optical film.

Abstract: A pouch especially adapted for packaging small articles such as orthodontic appliances includes a pair of sheets that are joined together. In one embodiment, one sheet of the pouch extends beyond the other sheet in order to provide additional space for text or other information. In another embodiment, the pouch includes a tamper evident indicator and a recloseable section so that the pouch can be reused. In another embodiment, a line of perforations extends across the pouch and across an orthodontic archwire packaged in the pouch, so that the archwire can be grasped with a tool when the package is opened along the perforations without directly contacting the user.

Abstract: A device for delivering an aerosol, comprising: a casing member, a valve stem, and a diaphragm. The diaphragm is made of an ethylene-propylene-diene rubber ("EPDM") and is stable to dimensional change when exposed to 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane or 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoroethane.

Abstract: There is provided a loop fastening material for engaging a suitable male mechanical fastening element for a backing substrate of an oriented sheet material having a first face and a second face and substantially continuously attached to at least the first face a plurality of discrete, multi-filament transversely expanded yarns, such yarn filaments providing open loop structures. The yarns are expanded by transverse orientation of the backing to which it has been previously attached by extrusion bonding, adhesive bonding or the like. The resulting loop fastener provides a low cost, readily manufactured loop having good fastening properties to hook materials.

Abstract: A brightness enhanced reflective polarizer includes a reflective polarizer and a structured surface material.