Abstract: The present invention generally relates to resins and uses thereof in composite materials and products. The present invention also relates to extraction processes for obtaining resins from plants and plant materials. The invention also relates to resin extracts obtained from a plant of the genus Triodia, commonly known as Spinifex, processes for obtaining resins, modified resins and composite products incorporating resins.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring operation of a circuit having a DC power supply, a load, and a switch element connecting the DC power supply to the load. The system includes a capacitive element coupling a first input node of a sensor element to a first interconnection node of the circuit between a first voltage supply terminal of the DC power supply and the load. The system also includes a grounding structure coupling a second input node of the sensor element to a ground plane isolated from the DC power supply. In the system, the grounding structure is positioned with respect to a second interconnection node of the circuit, between a second voltage supply terminal of the DC power supply and the load, so as to define a stray capacitance for carrying a transient signal resulting from the opening or closing of the switch element, which can be detected through the sensor element for monitoring the current switch state of the switch element.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to resins and uses thereof in composite materials and products. The present invention also relates to extraction processes for obtaining resins from plants and plant materials. The invention also relates to resin extracts obtained from a plant of the genus Triodia, commonly known as Spinifex, processes for obtaining resins, modified resins and composite products incorporating resins.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring operation of a circuit having a DC power supply, a load, and a switch element connecting the DC power supply to the load. The system includes a capacitive element coupling a first input node of a sensor element to a first interconnection node of the circuit between a first voltage supply terminal of the DC power supply and the load. The system also includes a grounding structure coupling a second input node of the sensor element to a ground plane isolated from the DC power supply. In the system, the grounding structure is positioned with respect to a second interconnection node of the circuit, between a second voltage supply terminal of the DC power supply and the load, so as to define a stray capacitance for carrying a transient signal resulting from the opening or closing of the switch element, which can be detected through the sensor element for monitoring the current switch state of the switch element.

Abstract: A directional antenna is provided that utilizes an existing light source or simple reflector having a beam directing reflective surface and a transparent cover for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic radio waves. In an aspect, an information signal is impressed across a conductive material formed to a transparent cover and the reflective surface directs electromagnetic radio waves in a predetermined direction. Beam pattern, gain, polarization and wavelength can be selected through the design and positioning of the conductive material from the reflective surface for providing an effective resonant antenna. The radiated information signal may be used to detect an object or communicate with a receiver. The light source or reflector can be attached to a fixed structure or to a mobile vehicle. In the case of a mobile vehicle, the antenna is fully concealed. In an aspect, material costs, manufacturing costs and assembly costs are reduced as compared to presently available antennas.

Abstract: A directional antenna is provided that transmits an information signal to a light source having a beam directing reflective surface. In an aspect, the information signal is impressed across a light filament and the reflective surface directs the electromagnetic radio waves in a predetermined direction. The radiated information signal may be used to detect an object or communicate with a receiver. The light source can be attached to a fixed structure or to mobile vehicle. In the case of a mobile vehicle, the antenna is fully concealed and can operate with an unmodified, factory installed vehicle headlight. In an aspect, material costs, manufacturing costs and assembly costs are reduced as compared to presently available antennas.

Abstract: Passive balanced probes are disclosed for use with a signal analysis device. The probes are very low cost relative to typical commercially available probes and provide an extremely flat response over a frequency range of approximately 0 to at least 1.5 gigahertz. The probes include a probe body constructed primarily from conventional components, a first surface mount resistor electrically connected between a probe tip and a center conductor, and two surface mount resistors electrically connected and parallel between the center conductor and a conductive shield. The probes further include a coaxial cable for connection to an instrument combiner or other instrument connection device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to inventive methods for inactivating viral pathogens in which the steps of the methods include: (a) providing a virucidal composition comprising a liquid media containing less than 1% weight per volume cetylpyridinium chloride; and (b) contacting the virucidal composition with a surface targeted for disinfection. This disclosure further relates to inventive virucidal compositions, in which the compositions include: (a) a liquid media; (b) cetylpyridinium chloride in solution in the liquid media at a concentration of less than 1% weight per volume; (c) an extender; and (d) an enhancer.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to inventive methods for inactivating viral pathogens in which the steps of the methods include: (a) providing a virucidal composition comprising a liquid media containing less than 1% weight per volume cetylpyridinium chloride; and (b) contacting the virucidal composition with a surface targeted for disinfection. This disclosure further relates to inventive virucidal compositions, in which the compositions include: (a) a liquid media; (b) cetylpyridinium chloride in solution in the liquid media at a concentration of less than 1% weight per volume; (c) an extender; and (d) an enhancer.

Abstract: A novel gypsum board having antifungal properties is disclosed. The board comprises a gypsum core, front and back paper facings and an antifungal agent effective at inhibiting fungal growth. A preferred antifungal agent is cetyl pyridinium chloride. The antifungal agent can be present in the gypsum core and/or on one or both of the paper facings. In addition, the antifungal agent may be encapsulated in a material that releases the antifungal agent over time and/or upon exposure to moisture. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the aforementioned antifungal gypsum board.

Abstract: A novel gypsum board having antifungal properties is disclosed. The board comprises a gypsum core, front and back paper facings and an antifungal agent effective at inhibiting fungal growth. A preferred antifungal agent is cetyl pyridinium chloride. The antifungal agent can be present in the gypsum core and/or on one or both of the paper facings. In addition, the antifungal agent may be encapsulated in a material that releases the antifungal agent over time and/or upon exposure to moisture. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the aforementioned antifungal gypsum board.

Abstract: Plant wastes such as rice hulls which are high in cellulose and silica are converted into a slurry of water and a silicate cross-linked cellulose poller by digestion under heat and pressure in the presence of sodium ions and a sulfite. The slurry is treated with conventional foaming agents to form a foamed product expanded in volume which may be formed into any desired shape or size by extrusion, molding or casting. The composition of the product of the conversion process is represented by the formula C.sub.7 H.sub.12 O.sub.7 (OCH.sub.3.2 NaHSiO.sub.3).