Abstract: A curable film-forming composition is provided, comprising: (a) a polymeric binder comprising reactive functional groups; (b) a curing agent comprising functional groups that are reactive with the reactive functional groups of (a); and (c) a polysiloxane resin comprising aromatic functional groups and terminal active hydrogen groups. In certain examples of the present invention, the polymeric binder (a) comprises an acrylic polyol prepared from a monomer mixture comprising a hydroxyl functional monomer, and the curable film-forming composition further comprises a rheology modifier comprising: (1) a non-aqueous dispersion of an internally crosslinked organic polymer; (2) a silica dispersion; and/or (3) a reaction product of an amine and an isocyanate. Also provided are coated substrates that include the curable film-forming compositions described above and methods for forming a composite coating on a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and apparatus for formation of a fluid-entangled laminate web. The laminate web includes a support layer and a nonwoven projection web having a plurality of projections which are preferably hollow. The laminate web also includes a plurality of apertures interspersed with the projections. As a result of the fluid-entangling process, entangling fluid is directed through the support layer and into the projection web which is situated on a forming surface. The force of the entangling fluid causes the two layers to be joined to one another and the fluid causes a portion of the fibers in the projection web to be forced into openings present in a forming surface thereby forming the hollow projections. The force of the entangling fluid also causes the fibers of the two layers to be moved around protrusions present in the forming surface thereby forming the apertures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and apparatus for formation of a fluid-entangled laminate web. The laminate web includes a support layer and a nonwoven projection web having a plurality of projections which are preferably hollow. The laminate web also includes a plurality of apertures interspersed with the projections. As a result of the fluid-entangling process, entangling fluid is directed through the support layer and into the projection web which is situated on a forming surface. The force of the entangling fluid causes the two layers to be joined to one another and the fluid causes a portion of the fibers in the projection web to be forced into openings present in a forming surface thereby forming the hollow projections. The force of the entangling fluid also causes the fibers of the two layers to be moved around protrusions present in the forming surface thereby forming the apertures.

Abstract: A curable film-forming composition is provided, comprising: (a) a polymeric binder comprising reactive functional groups; (b) a curing agent comprising functional groups that are reactive with the reactive functional groups of (a); and (c) a polysiloxane resin comprising aromatic functional groups and terminal active hydrogen groups. In certain examples of the present invention, the polymeric binder (a) comprises an acrylic polyol prepared from a monomer mixture comprising a hydroxyl functional monomer, and the curable film-forming composition further comprises a rheology modifier comprising: (1) a non-aqueous dispersion of an internally crosslinked organic polymer; (2) a silica dispersion; and/or (3) a reaction product of an amine and an isocyanate. Also provided are coated substrates that include the curable film-forming compositions described above and methods for forming a composite coating on a substrate.

Abstract: A curable film-forming composition is provided, comprising: (a) an acrylic polyol prepared from a monomer mixture comprising a hydroxyl functional monomer, wherein the hydroxyl functional monomer comprises a hydroxyalkyl group with an alkyl chain of at least four carbon atoms; (b) a rheology modifier comprising: (1) a non-aqueous dispersion of an internally crosslinked organic polymer; and (2) a reaction product of an amine and an isocyanate; and (c) a curing agent comprising functional groups that are reactive with hydroxyl functional groups. Also provided are a multi-component composite coating that includes the curable film-forming composition described above and methods for forming a composite coating on a substrate.

Abstract: A self-irrigating planter system that waters vegetation on a regular schedule using hollow upright supports to convey the water from a pump and reservoir to multiple organic-shaped pods that are attached to the upright supports in a tiered manner, and which uses gravity to deliver water so as to provide sustained plant growth and a healthier living environment with reduced energy usage.

Abstract: Automobile steering linkage systems and methods are provided in the various embodiments of the present invention. Some embodiments of the present invention can be used in heavy-duty automobiles for steering linkage toe-adjustment systems, and other embodiments can be utilized in other automobiles. An automobile steering linkage system can comprise a first rod and a unitary second rod. The first rod can be coupled between a first point and a first wheel, and the length of the first rod can be altered. The second rod can be coupled to the first wheel and a second wheel, and an eccentric ball stud can couple the second rod to the second wheel to alter the distance between the first wheel and the second wheel thus providing an automobile toe-adjustment system. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: Automobile steering linkage systems and methods are provided in the various embodiments of the present invention. Some embodiments of the present invention can be used in heavy-duty automobiles for steering linkage toe-adjustment systems, and other embodiments can be utilized in other automobiles. An automobile steering linkage system can comprise a first rod and a unitary second rod. The first rod can be coupled between a first point and a first wheel, and the length of the first rod can be altered. The second rod can be coupled to the first wheel and a second wheel, and an eccentric ball stud can couple the second rod to the second wheel to alter the distance between the first wheel and the second wheel thus providing an automobile toe-adjustment system. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: A sign support structure, such as for supporting a distress flag or any other information-carrying flag. The structure comprises an elongated main shaft which is secured at a lower end to a support base having a magnet therein. A flat support surface is provided under the support base whereby the base can be attached to any metal surface such as the roof top or door of a car. A coupling element is removably secured to an upper end of the main shaft and has a transverse support shaft secured thereto. The coupling element also has an axial bore opening in a lower end thereof to receive a free end portion of the upper end of the main shaft. Furthermore, the coupling element has a second bore disposed transverse to the axial bore and above a base of the axial bore and above the axial bore and below the transverse support shaft for receiving the free end portion of the main shaft when the support structure is in a storage position.