Patents Assigned to The Smithsonian Institution
  • Patent number: 6258882
    Abstract: Polish formulations are provided which comprise: a) an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent comprising 0-10% aromatic hydrocarbons; b) an acrylic resin; and c) a wax product that is thermoplastic, transparent, a solid at room temperature and has a melting/softening point of about 60° to about 90° C.; wherein wt:wt ratio of said acrylic resin and wax is about 1:3 to about 1:8 and the wt:wt ratio of said resin and wax to said solvent is about 1:1 to about 1:9. The formulations function as surface polishes that can be used on any hard surface including wood, metal, stone, and other non-porous surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: The Smithsonian Institution
    Inventor: Melvin Joseph Wachowiak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6156108
    Abstract: Water in oil emulsion formulations comprise:a) from about 55% to about 65% by weight of the formulation of an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent comprising a maximum of 10% aromatic hydrocarbons;b) from about 15% to about 25% by weight of a wax product which is emulsifiable, possesses a polar component and has a melting/softening point in the range of from 60.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C.;c) from about 1% to about 5% by weight of an emulsifier;d) from 0 to about 0.5% by weight of a resin; ande) about 13% to about 18% by weight water, with the proviso that the combination of solvent and wax products comprises at least about 75% of the total composition. The formulations are useful as surface polishes that can be used on any hard surface including wood, metal, stone, and other non-porous surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: The Smithsonian Institution
    Inventor: Melvin Joseph Wachowiak, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4333263
    Abstract: A method of producing an algal turf for use as a scrubber of carbon dioxide, nutrients and pollutants as well as biomass production is disclosed. A growing surface for spores or benthic microalgae is provided on a water surface. The growing surface is subjected to periodic water surge action to promote metabolite cellular-ambient water exchange and light is provided, natural or artificial to promote growth. The growing turf is harvested before being overgrown by larger macroalgae.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1982
    Assignee: The Smithsonian Institution
    Inventor: Walter H. Adey