Abstract: Processes for utilizing various emulsion polymerization procedures for preparing aqueous nanocomposite dispersions are disclosed. The disclosed processes include both in-situ polymerizations in the presence of at least partially exfoliated, lightly modified clays as well as admixtures of polymer dispersions with at least partially exfoliated, lightly modified clay dispersions. The disclosed nanocomposite dispersions are useful for preparing a variety of materials, such as coatings, adhesives, caulks, sealants, plastics additives, and thermoplastic resins. Processes for preparing polymer nanocomposite powders and use of these powders as plastic resin and plastics additives are also disclosed.

Abstract: An active antenna power interface circuit couples a supply voltage from a radio receiver to an antenna feed. The circuit comprises a DC power input and a power switching element connected in series between the DC power input and the antenna feed. The power switching element has a control input for selecting a conducting state or a nonconducting state of the power switching element. A high side voltage sensor senses a first voltage proportional to a voltage at the DC power input. A low side voltage sensor senses a second voltage proportional to a voltage at the antenna feed. A controller is coupled to the control input and to the voltage sensors. The controller places the power switching element into the conducting state, samples the first and second voltages, calculates a voltage difference in response to the first and second voltages, compares the voltage difference to an upper limit and a lower limit.

Abstract: Creamy, reduced fat, low-moisture lipid-based fillings. The fillings comprise: (a) at least about 20% non-digestible lipid; and (b) from about 0.5% to about 35% crystallizing lipid. The fillings can additionally comprise other suitable optional ingredients. The filling has a water activity of less than about 0.6 and has at least about 20% less digestible fat than a comparable full-fat lipid-based filling. In one embodiment, a cheese filling comprises: (a) from about 20% to about 60% non-digestible lipid; (b) from about 0.5% to about 35% crystallizing lipid; (c) from about 20% to about 75% dehydrated cheese powder; and (d) from about 0% to about 55% bulking agent. The fillings can be used with any suitable substrate, but are especially suitable for use in random packed food products, especially sandwich biscuits. Sandwich biscuits made with the fillings adhere well to the biscuits so that the sandwich biscuits are not misaligned, smeared, or subject to splitting or decapping in production or after storage.

Abstract: The apparatus for separating and measuring mixed fluids, specifically the separation of crude oil and water and the volumetric measurement of each of the mixed fluids using a mechanical portable device primarily involving a separation vessel, an adjustable float within the vessel which allows the fluid of less specific gravity to be released from the top of the separation vessel through an upper pipeline, the heavier specific gravity fluid to be released from the bottom of the separation vessel through a lower pipeline, with fluid volume meters on each of the pipelines to measure the liquid flowing through the respective pipelines, the apparatus presented as a portable unit transferable from one pumping device to another, allowing for an accurate measurement of the fluids being extracted by the pumping devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical combinations of opioid and non-opioid analgesics in an intimate admixture with an analgesic from a series of N-acylated 4-hydroxyphenylamine derivatives, linked via an alkylene bridge to the nitrogen atom of a 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one 1,1-dioxide group and methods for their use to alleviate pain in mammals. The analgesic combinations exhibit enhanced analgesic potency and are free from antipyretic activity, do not suppress blood coagulation, and have little hepatotoxic effect.

Abstract: Sets of fluid premixes useful for adhesives and caulks are provided. Also provided are methods of providing adhesive lines and a caulk lines using the sets of premixes. Further provided are ranges of adhesives and caulks based on the adhesive and caulk lines. Utilizing these methods the manufacturer, seller, or user can to adjust the adhesive or caulk at the point of manufacture, sale, or use to suit the processing and end-use conditions, in addition to the other benefits offered by delayed product differentiation.

Abstract: Sets of prepaints useful for forming a road-marking paint line are provided. Also provided are methods which permit the person applying the road-marking paint to vary the properties of the road-marking paint at the application point to suit the ambient conditions, including temperature, humidity, traffic flow and the like.

Abstract: An in-bed toe tent frame designed to keep bedding off the toes of a person lying on his or her back on a standard bed. The frame includes a flat lower support frame which extends transversely across the bed between the mattress and box spring. The opposite ends of the lower support frame extend upward over the opposite sides of the mattress and selectively connect to two hub assemblies. The two hub assemblies hold an upper support frame in a transversely aligned, elevated position over the mattress. Bedding placed over the upper support frame is then elevated over the user's feet when sleeping. The hub assemblies allow the upper support frame to be adjusted to different heights to produce different tent sizes. The hubs also allow the upper support frame to be rotated toward the foot of the bed for compact storage.

Abstract: An aqueous composition including an aqueous dispersion of polymeric nanoparticles having a mean diameter of from 1 to 50 nanometers, the particles including, as polymerized units, at least one multi-ethylenically-unsaturated monomer and at least one ethylenically unsaturated water soluble monomer is discloseded. Certain embodiments of the composition include pigment particles and other polymer particles. The aqueous compositions include aqueous coating compositions.

Abstract: New aqueous PNP dispersions are disclosed. A method of preparing an aqueous PNP dispersion from solvent-based PNPs having a diameter in the range of from 1 to 50 nanometers is disclosed. An associative thickener composition based on PNPs having an average of at least two phobes extending from the surface of said PNPs is also disclosed. The aqueous PNP dispersions are useful in aqueous-based industrial and consumer products, such as latex paint.

Abstract: A nonaqueous composition including a nonaqueous medium, a polymer soluble in the nonaqueous medium, and a dispersion of polymeric nanoparticles having a mean diameter of from 1 to 50 nanometers, the particles including, as polymerized units, at least one multiethylenically unsaturated monomer and, in certain embodiments, at least one polar ethylenically unsaturated monomer is provided. A method for providing a coating including the nonaqueous composition and the coating so prepared are also provided.

Abstract: A tinting composition containing a colorant component is disclosed. In addition, a method of improving the viscosity stability of a composition upon the addition of a colorant component employing an associative thickener, a macromolecular organic compound having a hydrophobic cavity, a dispersing resin and combinations thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: Sets of fluid premixes useful for adhesives and caulks are provided. Also provided are methods of providing adhesive lines and a caulk lines using the sets of premixes. Further provided are ranges of adhesives and caulks based on the adhesive and caulk lines. Utilizing these methods the manufacturer, seller, or user can to adjust the adhesive or caulk at the point of manufacture, sale, or use to suit the processing and end-use conditions, in addition to the other benefits offered by delayed product differentiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the addition of &agr;-methyl styrene, isobutanol and/or isopropanol to reduce vapor pressure, improve k-factor, enhance the solubility of the blowing agent in the premix and/or improve the processing characteristics of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate closed-cell foams prepared with a blowing agent comprising a hydrofluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An aqueous composition suitable for use, when dry, as an improved coating is provided including an aqueous emulsion polymer, the polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) from greater than 20° C. to 80° C., formed by the free radical polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated nonionic acrylic monomer and 0-7.5%, by weight based on the total weight of the polymer, ethylenically unsaturated acid monomer in the presence of 0.01-1.0%, by weight based on the total weight of the polymer, t-alkyl hydroperoxide, t-alkyl peroxide, or t-alkyl perester wherein the t-alkyl group includes at least 5 Carbon atoms and, optionally, at least one other oxidant. A method of preparing the emulsion polymer, a method for providing a coated substrate wherein the coating contains the emulsion polymer having a Tg from −20° C. to 80° C., and a method for improving the scrub resistance of a coating by including the emulsion polymer having a Tg from −20° C. to 80° C.

Abstract: A mounting system for a compressible conveyor belt drive roller comprises lower and upper bearing assemblies, and in accordance with a first embodiment, a jack screw mechanism is provided for engaging the upper bearing assembly so as to cause axial movement of the upper bearing assembly toward and away from the lower bearing assembly. As a result of such axial movement, the compressible conveyor belt drive roller is axially compressed or expanded so as to accordingly cause radial expansion and contraction of the drive roller. The radial expansion and contraction of the drive roller alters the circumferential extent of the drive roller which alters the conveying speed of a conveyor belt operatively engaged with the outer peripheral surface of the drive roller such that the conveyance speed of the conveyor belt can be synchronized with the conveyance speed of an oppositely disposed paired or companioned conveyor belt.

Abstract: A method of improving the yield and vigor of agronomic plants, in particular leguminous plants such as soybeans, involves treating such plants and/or the propagation material of plants with a composition that includes an active agent, such as a fungicide, that has no significant activity against fungal plant pathogens of the treated plant. When the plant is not wheat, a preferred agent of this type is 4,5-dimethyl-N-(2-propenyl)-2-(trimethylsilyl)-3-thiophenecarboxamide (silthiofam). Plants and plant propagation material, such as seeds, that have been treated by the novel method are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides the bovine melanocortin 4 receptor protein (MC4-R), peptide and polypeptide fragments thereof, as well as nucleic acids encoding these molecules. Also provided are recombinant vectors comprising these nucleic acids, and recombinant host cells containing such vectors. Also provided are methods for identifying selective agonists and antagonists of bovine MC4-R, compounds that modulate the activity or expression of the bovine MC4-R, and methods for modifying body weight in bovine animals utilizing the bovine MC4-R as the target for intervention.

Abstract: The invention relates to the addition of &agr;-methyl styrene, isobutanol and/or isopropanol to reduce vapor pressure, improve k-factor, enhance the solubility of the blowing agent in the premix and/or improve the processing characteristics of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate closed-cell foams prepared with a blowing agent comprising a hydrofluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An aqueous composition suitable for use, when dry, as an improved coating is provided including an aqueous emulsion polymer, the polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) from greater than 20° C. to 80° C., formed by the free radical polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated nonionic acrylic monomer and 0-7.5%, by weight based on the total weight of the polymer, ethylenically unsaturated acid monomer in the presence of 0.01-1.0%, by weight based on the total weight of the polymer, t-alkyl hydroperoxide, t-alkyl peroxide, or t-alkyl perester wherein the t-alkyl group includes at least 5 Carbon atoms and, optionally, at least one other oxidant. A method of preparing the emulsion polymer is also provided.