Abstract: An actuator for controlling the operation of an apparatus comprises a panel (16) and an acoustic sensor (26). The panel provides a partition within a building structure, while the acoustic sensor is adapted to detect acoustic waves propagating through the panel. When a user exerts pressure against the panel, the sensor detects the acoustic waves that are formed and emits signals for controlling the operation of an apparatus, such as a doorbell, a light source, a television, a sound system, a ventilation system, a window blind, a radio or an alarm.

Abstract: The invention relates to biocidal granules composed of a mineral core coated with at least one porous inorganic layer including at least one organic compound capable of limiting or preventing the growth of microorganisms, in particular of algae. The invention also relates to a sol-gel process for the preparation of the biocidal granules and to the use of these biocidal granules in building materials, in particular shingles and siding coatings.

Abstract: Polymer composite roofing materials are provided which contain resin, and about 20-75 wt. % fillers and additives, in which the fillers contain at least one bulk filler for reducing the amount of resin needed to make the roofing material, and at least one aesthetically functional filler for providing the roofing material with an aesthetic appearance. The bulk filler and the aesthetically functional filler of this embodiment are non-toxic, resistant to microbial attack, and have a Mohs hardness of less than about 5.

Abstract: An actuator for controlling the operation of an apparatus comprises a panel (16) and an acoustic sensor (26). The panel provides a partition within a building structure, while the acoustic sensor is adapted to detect acoustic waves propagating through the panel. When a user exerts pressure against the panel, the sensor detects the acoustic waves that are formed and emits signals for controlling the operation of an apparatus, such as a doorbell, a light source, a television, a sound system, a ventilation system, a window blind, a radio or an alarm.

Abstract: Polymer composite roofing materials are provided which contain resin, and about 20-75 wt. % fillers and additives, in which the fillers contain at least one bulk filler for reducing the amount of resin needed to make the roofing material, and at least one aesthetically functional filler for providing the roofing material with an aesthetic appearance. The bulk filler and the aesthetically functional filler of this embodiment are non-toxic, resistant to microbial attack, and have a Mohs hardness of less than about 5.

Abstract: Polymer composite roofing materials are provided which contain resin, and about 20-75 wt. % fillers and additives, in which the fillers contain at least one bulk filler for reducing the amount of resin needed to make the roofing material, and at least one aesthetically functional filler for providing the roofing material with an aesthetic appearance. The bulk filler and the aesthetically functional filler of this embodiment are non-toxic, resistant to microbial attack, and have a Mohs hardness of less than about 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to biocidal granules composed of a mineral core coated with at least one porous inorganic layer including at least one organic compound capable of limiting or preventing the growth of microorganisms, in particular of algae. The invention also relates to a sol-gel process for the preparation of said biocidal granules and to the use of these biocidal granules in building materials, in particular shingles and siding coatings.

Abstract: Polymer composite roofing materials are provided which contain resin, and about 20-75 wt. % fillers and additives, in which the fillers contain at least one bulk filler for reducing the amount of resin needed to make the roofing material, and at least one aesthetically functional filler for providing the roofing material with an aesthetic appearance. The bulk filler and the aesthetically functional filler of this embodiment are non-toxic, resistant to microbial attack, and have a Mohs hardness of less than about 5.

Abstract: Polymer composite building materials are provided which contain resin, and about 20-75 wt. % fillers and additives, in which the fillers contain at least one bulk filler for reducing the amount of resin needed to make the building material, and at least one aesthetically functional filler for providing the building material with an aesthetic appearance. The bulk filler and the aesthetically functional filler of this embodiment are non-toxic, resistant to microbial attack, and have a Mohs hardness of less than about 5.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a polyolefin fiber for the reinforcement of products based on fibers and a hydraulic-setting substance, characterized in that it includes a size carrying a function which assists the fiberizing operation, a function in which the fiber can be wetted by the composition of the hydraulic-setting substance, and a function of promoting adhesion to the hydraulic-setting substance. The fiber is used as reinforcing fiber in a product based on fibers and a hydraulic-setting substance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sizing composition consisting of a solution comprising less than 5% by weight of solvent and comprising a curable base system, said system comprising at least 50% by weight of a mixture of: one or more components containing at least one isocyanate reactive functional group; one or more components containing at least one hydroxyl reactive functional group; and optionally, one or more components containing at least one amine reactive functional group. A subject of the invention is also the glass strands coated with the aforementioned sizing composition. The glass strands obtained can be used to reinforce organic or inorganic materials.

Abstract: A glass yarn sizing composition consisting of a solution having a viscosity of at most 400 cP and including less than 5 wt. % of solvent and at least one basic heat-polymerisable system which includes at least 60 wt. % of components having a molecular weight of less than 750, and at least 60 wt. % of a mixture of one or more components having at least one epoxy reactive function, and one or more components having at least one (preferably primary or secondary) amine reactive function, wherein the amount of components having at least one amine reactive function represents at least 6 wt. % of the composition. A method using said composition, and the resulting yarns coated with said composition, are also disclosed.