Abstract: A building block that is releasably attachable to another block of compatible design by wedging the tongue of one block into the groove of another block, without the need for any intermediate adhesives, bonding materials or any other means of holding the blocks together. The block includes a body, an outwardly-extending tapered tongue, and two inner surfaces that form a tapered groove therebetween. The tongue and groove have substantially the same taper. The top of the tongue is wider than the bottom of the groove. The base of the tongue is wider than the opening of the groove. A tongue and groove joint is also disclosed as well as methods for forming a tongue and groove joint. A base which includes a plurality of spaced-apart tongues and grooves is provided for use in supporting a plurality of building blocks thereon.

Abstract: A building block that is releasably attachable to another block of compatible design by wedging the tongue of one block into the groove of another block, without the need for any intermediate adhesives, bonding materials or any other means of holding the blocks together. The block includes a body, an outwardly-extending tapered tongue, and two inner surfaces that form a tapered groove therebetween. The tongue and groove have substantially the same taper. The top of the tongue is wider than the bottom of the groove. The base of the tongue is wider than the opening of the groove. A tongue and groove joint is also disclosed as well as methods for forming a tongue and groove joint. A base which includes a plurality of spaced-apart tongues and grooves is provided for use in supporting a plurality of building blocks thereon.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stain removing composition comprising (A) from about 5 to about 80 percent by weight of a polyol having from 2 to about 6 carbon atoms and 2 to about 6 hydroxyl groups, (b) from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight ammonia, (C) from 1 to about 20 percent by weight of an ester, and (D) water. The compositions may additionally contain (E) a cleaner or surfactant. The invention also includes methods of removing stains from textiles. The stain removing compositions are effective in removing food dyes while not reacting with aniline (textile) dyes. The stain remover works on delicate fabrics, including silks. The stain removing compositions are environmentally safe and are free of chlorinated and petroleum distillate solvents.

Abstract: This invention relates to the cleaning composition comprising a mixture of (A) at least about 10% by weight of a terpene, (B) from about 1% to about 20% by weight of a polyalkoxylated alcohol, an alkyl or alkenyl succinate, or mixtures thereof, and (C) water, wherein the mixture has an acidic pH and methods of using the same. These compositions have improved grease cutting and rust inhibiting abilities.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for recovering an ester-soluble thermoplastic resin comprising the steps of (1) crushing a shaped thermoplastic resin, (2) contacting the crushed thermoplastic resin with an ester to form a mixture, and (3) recovering the thermoplastic resin from the mixture by removing the ester or precipitating the thermoplastic resin. This invention also relates to a process for removing ester-insoluble impurities from the thermoplastic resin. The process uses non-halogenated and hydrocarbon free solvents to recover thermoplastic resins. This invention provides a means to recover shaped thermoplastic resin without adversely affecting the thermoplastic resin, such as its molecular weight.

Abstract: A solid phase binding member for the detection of an analyte in a test sample is described. The binding member comprises: (1) a solid support having micropores; (2) a polymer reversibly water-soluble before its application to the solid support; and (3) a ligand covalently attached to the polymer, the ligand interacting specifically with the analyte. The solid support can have micropores throughout or on its surface, and can be rayon, paper, fabric, plastic, agarose or polyacrylamide beads, glass, microcrystalline cellulose, or acid-treated plastic. The polymer can be carrageenan or sodium alginate. The ligand can be an antibody, a univalent antigen-binding fragment of an antibody, an antigen, a hapten, an enzyme, a hormone, or a single-stranded nucleic acid. Methods of use of the binding member are also described involving incorporation into a test device. The test device can be a dip stick, a hollow vessel, a slide, or a porous bead.