Abstract: A repellent agent composition including an aqueous continuous phase and a graft copolymer dispersed in the aqueous continuous phase. The graft copolymer has a water soluble polymer trunk having hydroxyl groups and branches having fluorinated groups bonded to the polymer trunk at a carbon atom substituted with a hydroxyl group. Also disclosed is a method of making the graft copolymer and a substrate treated with the repellent composition.

Abstract: Energy-activated room temperature-pumpable polymer compositions, devices for activating and processing the same into solid cellular or non-cellular polymeric materials that can be used as adhesives, sealants, coatings or gasket materials, and methods of making and using the same. The compositions according to the invention include solid particles that include one or more polymers, which are emulsified, dispersed or suspended in a liquid carrier together with at least one processing aid, such as a reactive blowing agent, a low molecular weight surfactant, a high molecular weight surfactant, one or more compounds found in latex paint, starch, cellulosic derived products and combinations of two or more thereof. The processing aids provide various benefits including, for example, reduced density, improved process hygiene, improved foam stability, faster bonding times and/or lower processing temperatures.

Abstract: This invention provides emulsions and adhesives comprising proteins that can be isolated from a variety of sources including renewable plant biomass, and methods of making and using such emulsions and adhesives.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to protein-containing polyurethane foams, methods and compositions for making the polyurethane foams, and articles comprising the polyurethane foams.

Abstract: A composition that includes first solid particles including a first polymer, second solid particles including a second polymer, and a liquid into which the first solid particles and the second solid particles are dispersed, wherein the composition is a pumpable liquid dispersion at room temperature, wherein the first polymer, the second polymer and the liquid become compatible and form a substantially homogeneous molten blend when the pumpable liquid dispersion is heated and mixed, wherein the substantially homogeneous molten blend forms a fused thermoplastic solid when the substantially homogeneous molten blend cools to a solidification temperature, wherein the liquid is retained in the fused thermoplastic solid and wherein the first polymer is at least partially incompatible with the liquid retained in the fused thermoplastic solid.

Abstract: A wall-mounted docking station for a portable computer connects the portable computer to a media entertainment system. The media entertainment system can have multiple zones throughout a room and/or a building, and can play audio, video, images, or other media stored on the portable computer to any zone or a combination of zones. Preferably, the docking station also provides power to the portable computer, and could optionally provide both power and data connectivity over a power line.

Abstract: A composition that includes first solid particles including a first polymer, second solid particles including a second polymer, and a liquid into which the first solid particles and the second solid particles are dispersed, wherein the composition is a pumpable liquid dispersion at room temperature, wherein the first polymer, the second polymer and the liquid become compatible and form a substantially homogeneous molten blend when the pumpable liquid dispersion is heated and mixed, wherein the substantially homogeneous molten blend forms a fused thermoplastic solid when the substantially homogeneous molten blend cools to a solidification temperature, wherein the liquid is retained in the fused thermoplastic solid and wherein the first polymer is at least partially incompatible with the liquid retained in the fused thermoplastic solid.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions that include: a first component that includes a polymeric adhesive material that is a solid at room temperature; a second component that is a different material than the first component and is a solid at room temperature; and a third component that is a liquid at room temperature. The adhesive compositions are in the form of (i) a liquid dispersion when stored at temperatures from about room temperature up to about 140° F., (ii) a molten blend when heated above about 300° F. and mixed, and (iii) a solid adhesive when the molten blend cools to a temperature below about 140° F. The second component substantially minimizes exuding of the liquid from the solid adhesive.

Abstract: A repellent agent composition including an aqueous continuous phase and a graft copolymer dispersed in the aqueous continuous phase. The graft copolymer has a water soluble polymer trunk having hydroxyl groups and branches having fluorinated groups bonded to the polymer trunk at a carbon atom substituted with a hydroxyl group. Also disclosed is a method of making the graft copolymer and a substrate treated with the repellent composition.

Abstract: An improved musical instrument string combines the attributes of superior corrosion resistance, low stiffness, and long life during storage and end use. Superior corrosion resistance is achieved through surface treatment of wound strings with an organosilane compound, where the preferred winding is a copper alloy such as phosphor bronze, and the preferred organosilane surface treatment comprises an aminotrialkoxysilane such as N-2-aminoethyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane.

Abstract: A rack with a rack body and a releasable locking portion holds two or more drinking vessels. The rack body includes a first and second locating devices, and a capture device to releasably capture the releasable locking portion. The releasable locking portion includes a first engagement device to engage with the capture device, and a second engagement device to engage with a second sector of each vessel base such that each vessel is prevented from moving in two perpendicular directions as a consequence of interaction between the vessel base, the second engagement device, and the first locating device, and is prevented from moving in a third perpendicular direction as a consequence of interaction between the second locating device and the upstanding portion.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions that include: a first component that includes a polymeric adhesive material that is a solid at room temperature; a second component that is a different material than the first component and is a solid at room temperature; and a third component that is a liquid at room temperature. The adhesive compositions are in the form of (i) a liquid dispersion when stored at temperatures from about room temperature up to about 140° F., (ii) a molten blend when heated above about 300° F. and mixed, and (iii) a solid adhesive when the molten blend cools to a temperature below about 140° F. The second component substantially minimizes exuding of the liquid from the solid adhesive.

Abstract: A method of producing adhered substrates that includes: providing an adhesive composition that is a liquid dispersion when stored at temperatures from about room temperature up to about 140° F., becomes a molten solution when heated to a temperature above about 300° F. and mixed, and then becomes a non-exuding thermoplastic solid adhesive upon cooling below a temperature of about 140° F.; heating and mixing the liquid dispersion at a temperature above about 300° F. to form the molten blend; disposing the molten blend between the substrates to be adhered to each other; and retaining the molten blend between the substrates to be adhered to each other for a set time during which the molten blend cools to form the solid adhesive that adheres the substrates to each other.

Abstract: The invention provides cosmetic compositions containing powders that are surface treated with organophosphonic acid compounds, where the surface treated particulates are simultaneously hydrophobic and lipophilic. The invention also provides (a) methods for preparing cosmetic compositions containing said powders, and (b) methods for preparing cosmetic compositions containing said powders where the powders have been treated via a volatile organic solvent-free manufacturing process.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides a coated substrate comprising a substrate, a radiation-cured coating or a thermally-cured on at least a portion of the substrate, wherein the coating comprises an inherent macroscopic texture. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a pre-cured coating mixture comprising a radiation-curable resin and an initiator, or a thermally-curable resin and thermal initiator, wherein the radiation- or thermally-curable resin and the respective initiator form a pre-cured coating mixture capable of forming a macroscopic texture upon application of the mixture on a substrate. In another embodiment the present invention provides a pre-cured coating mixture comprising a radiation- or thermally-curable resin, an initiator, and texture-producing particles having an effective size to provide a macroscopic texture upon application of the mixture on a substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining, in-vivo, characteristics of sub-surface tissues or fluids in the human or animal body are disclosed. Incident radiation is supplied at one or more entry regions on a surface, and light is collected from one or more collection regions spaced from the entry regions. Raman features are detected in the collected light and depth related information derived therefrom.

Abstract: A multiple component adhesive composition is comprised of a polymeric reinforcing phase component and an adsorbent phase component, both as heterogeneously dispersed particulates in an adsorbed liquid component. The reinforcing phase component is substantially incompatible with the liquid component, the adsorbent phase component is compatible or substantially more compatible with the liquid component than is the reinforcing phase component, and the reinforcing phase and adsorbent phase components are partially compatible with one another. The composition has the rheological characteristics of a liquid dispersion and is capable of forming a molten blend at elevated temperatures that solidifies into a solid adhesive upon cooling. Hot-melt or other liquid compositions may also include nanoparticles at least partially exfoliated as a result of shear mixing.

Abstract: A method of applying an adhesive to a substrate is comprised of supplying a liquid adhesive composition, exposing the liquid adhesive composition to an increased temperature sufficient to form a molten adhesive composition, and dispensing the molten adhesive composition onto a substrate. The liquid adhesive composition may be comprised of a polymeric reinforcing phase component and an adsorbent phase component, both as heterogeneously dispersed particulates in an adsorbed liquid component. The reinforcing phase component is substantially incompatible with the liquid component, the adsorbent phase component is compatible or substantially more compatible with the liquid component than is the reinforcing phase component, and the reinforcing phase and adsorbent phase components are partially compatible with one another. Hot-melt or other liquid compositions may also include nanoparticles at least partially exfoliated as a result of shear mixing.

Abstract: A ceiling lamp junction box assembly is composed of a base and an outer shell combined of two half portions that interlockingly combine to enclose electronic components contained therein. In addition, a protective plate is placed in a recess defined in the bottom of the outer shell to protect the electronic components and the outer shell during installation of the junction box. A dovetail portion present on the outer surface of the outer shell combines with a slot defined in the base to help improve rotational stability.

Abstract: Polyisocyanate-prepolymer based adhesives for the preparation of adhesive bonded lignocellulosic composite articles are provided. The adhesives comprise the reaction products of a polyisocyanate composition, an amine initiated polyahl, and a hydrocarbon backbone polyahl, wherein the adhesive composition contains free organically bound isocyanate groups. Further provided is a process for using the adhesives and lignocellulosic composite articles produced therewith.