Abstract: The invention relates to polyketal compounds. The compounds are synthesized by the selective ketalization of oxocarboxylic acids, e.g. keto acids and semialdehydes, and esters thereof with tetrols and higher polyols that products two or more cyclic ketal ester moieties per molecule, wherein the cyclic ketal moieties are situated in a bis-, tris-, or polyketal conformation. The invention further relates to applications of these compounds and subsequent reactions thereof.

Abstract: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) flosses have abrasives added to the floss fiber that increase the abrasion to teeth surfaces, and thus result in a floss that provides enhanced cleaning of surfaces of teeth that face interstices between teeth. Floss fiber is formed by loading a PTFE resin with an abrasive filler. The PTFE resin and filler are processed to form a floss fiber with a surface that provide enhanced abrasion properties.

Abstract: A system and method of constructing a substantially decorative article without the need for fasteners. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the decorative article is a woven basket. One or more retainers are provided to retain the material used to construct the outer surface of the decorative article. Each retainer is provided with a channel for receiving one end of the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article. The channels are able to retain the ends of the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article without the need for fasteners. If the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article is sufficiently rigid, the decorative article will be self-supporting. If the material used to construct the surface of the decorative article is not sufficiently self-supporting, supports may be located between the retainers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a decorative article that is adapted to securely receive a decorative material without the use of nails, staples, screws, bolts, or adhesives. In general, the decorative article is comprised of a top side, a bottom side, a channel which separates the top side from the bottom side, and a material. The material is laid on the top side, and an adequate part of the material extends beyond the top side and into channel. The material is then secured to the decorative article simply by tucking the part of the material into the channel. The contact between the part of the material and the channel is sufficient to hold the part of the material in the channel without the use of nails, staples, screws, bolts, or adhesives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a basket lid that is adapted to securely receive a decorative material without the use of nails, staples, screws, bolts, or adhesives. In general, the basket lid is comprised of a top side, a bottom side, a channel which separates the top side from the bottom side, and a material. The material is laid on the top side, and an adequate part of the material extends beyond the top side and into channel. The material is then secured to the basket lid simply by tucking the part of the material into the channel. The contact between the part of the material and the channel is sufficient to hold the part of the material in the channel without the use of nails, staples, screws, bolts, or adhesives.

Abstract: A process for sealing roof seams in a corrugated sloped metal roof comprises applying elongated strips of a flexible hot melt thermoplastic bituminous composite material to the seams and the edges of the roof surface immediately adjacent thereto but not over the whole roof surface. The bituminous composite material has an elevated operating temperature of about 500.degree.-600.degree. F. or greater. The bituminous composite material is heated to at least a point wherein the material becomes soft and semi-molten so as to conform to the surface of the roof and the convolutions of the corrugations and bonds to the roof surface. Prior to applying the bituminous composite material, a compatible metal primer is applied to the roof seams. The bituminous composite material is troweled into shape while it is still hot. An alternative application method comprises applying the material between overlapping roof sheets.