Abstract: An expandable tree-shaped device is formed from a sheet of material which includes a central apex and a plurality of spaced apart spiral strips extending therefrom, with the spiral strips being substantially coaxial to the central apex and to one another. The central apex and the spiral strips, in the operative position, are positioned in a vertically spaced, tiered array, with the central apex at an uppermost position such that the tiered array is configured to have a generally conical tree-shape. A plurality of connecting segments join each spiral strip or tier of the array to a next adjacent spiral strip or tier of the array to form a unitary structure. The width of each spiral strip increases proportionately with the increase in radial distance from the central point.

Abstract: The present invention concerns treated fibrous porous material having a defined nanostructure comprising reactive sites thereon, wherein said fibrous porous material is treated with a low viscosity organic solution comprising organic solvent, isocyanate component unsaturated resin and optionally additional additives. The treated fibrous porous material is further mixed with a resin to form a composite. The composite may be formed by various methods of mixing and molding. The invention is further directed to various composites made therefrom. The fibrous porous material is selected from the group comprising cellulose, lignin, synthetic ceramics, porous metal nanopowders, kaolin, bio fibers and porous powders of biological origin or their mixtures. The resin may be any polymer virgin or scrap obtained from industrial or domestic waste, and is selected from thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers.

Abstract: An article is coated with a multi-layer decorative and protective coating having the appearance of stainless steel. The coating comprises a polymeric basecoat layer on the surface of said article and vapor deposited on the polymeric basecoat layer a stack layer containing layers of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy alternating with layers containing the reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, nitrogen and oxygen. Over the stack layer is vapor deposited at relatively low pressures a protective color layer comprised of the reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, oxygen and nitrogen wherein the total nitrogen and oxygen content of these reaction products is from about 4 to about 32 atomic percent, with the nitrogen content being at least about 3 atomic percent.

Abstract: A composite elastic material useful for prosthetic applications is constituted of at least one cured silicone elastomer layer containing silicone oil and hollow microspheres dispersed throughout the elastomer layer. An elasticized fabric layer may be intimately bonded to one side of the silicone elastomer layer and the composite elastic material may be incorporated in various prosthetic appliances, including suction liners and sealing sleeves. When used in a suction liner, the composite elastic material may be molded to provide a thicker anterior wall and a thinner posterior wall with a smooth transition between the anterior and posterior walls. The composite elastic material covered with an elasticized fabric may be used as a sealing sleeve between a prosthetic device and a residual limb. The composite elastic material may contain one or more skin treating agents blended into the silicone elastomer.

Abstract: A one-step method of imparting breathability and elasticity to a film includes coextruding elastic fibers within a matrix of a filled, semi-rigid film structure. Once the elastic fibers are within the film structure, the film can be stretched to impart breathability, while the elastic fibers provide elasticity. Furthermore, the elastic fibers can include an absorbent material. The resulting breathable, elastic film is particularly useful in diapers and other personal care products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a Three Dimensional Printing materials systems and method that satisfies the need for a quick, reliable, safe, and inexpensive method for producing both appearance models and small numbers of functional parts in an office environment. The method of the present invention includes building cross-sectional portions of a three-dimensional article, and assembling the individual cross-sectional areas in a layer-wise fashion to form a final article. The individual cross-sectional areas are built by using an ink-jet printhead to deliver an aqueous solvent to an adhesive particulate mixture, causing the particles of the mixture to adhere together, and to previous cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: A conductive paste comprising conductive powder and low-melting glass frit, wherein the low-melting glass frit constituting the conductive paste crystallizes crystals during firing to increase the resistivity of the conductive paste.

Abstract: This invention relates to an annealable electrodeposited copper foil having a substantially uniform unoriented grain structure that is essentially columnar grain free, said foil being characterized by a fatigue ductility of at least about 25% after being annealed at 177.degree. C. for 15 minutes. In one embodiment, the foil is annealed, said foil being characterized by a fatigue ductility of at least about 65%. The invention also relates to a process for making an electrodeposited copper foil using an electrolyte solution characterized by a critical concentration of chloride ions of up to about 5 ppm and organic additives of up to about 0.2 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a warmer in the form of a sheet shaped heat generating body which is obtained using a warming composition that generates heat when in contact with air, in which the warming composition can be easily dispersed and held in a uniform arrangement, and in which the warming composition is prevented from leaking; and provides a method for manufacturing such a sheet. The sheet shaped heat generating body pertaining to the present invention is obtained by supporting a warming composition and a heat-fusible adhesive powder on a nonwoven fabric (a), superposing a nonwoven fabric (b) on the upper surface, heating and pressing the assembly with the aid of a molding press, and impregnating the resulting sheet with water or an aqueous solution of an inorganic electrolyte.