Abstract: This invention is directed towards additives for improving the thermal stability of polymers. The additives comprise low water solubility particles of transition metal compounds which are surface functionalized. A specific additive for nylons utilizes surface functionalized Cul particles and may also contain alkali metal halides.

Abstract: Compositions having antimicrobial activity contain surface functionalized particles comprising an inorganic copper salt which has low water solubility. These types of inorganic salts may also be introduced in porous particles to yield antimicrobial compositions. The compositions may optionally comprise additional antimicrobial agents, salts with high water solubility, organic acids, salts of organic acids and their esters. The compositions may be added to various fluids used in the petroleum extraction industry, or used as coatings on components used in this industry. These antimicrobial materials may be used for reducing both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria and are also useful for reducing corrosion of ferrous components caused by anaerobic bacteria. Although such compositions may be used for any antimicrobial application, and some of the other important uses of these compositions are in wound care, personal care and waste processing.

Abstract: Compositions having antimicrobial activity contain surface functionalized particles comprising a copper salt which has low water solubility. The compositions may be added to the articles of manufacture to provide antimicrobial properties. The articles of manufacture include liquid and solid products. These liquids or solids include dispersions, creams, gels, coatings and any thermoplastic or thermosetting, polymer components.

Abstract: Compositions having antimicrobial activity contain surface functionalized particles comprising an inorganic copper salt which has low water solubility. These types of inorganic salts may also be introduced in porous particles to yield antimicrobial compositions. The compositions may optionally comprise additional antimicrobial agents, salts with high water solubility, organic acids, salts of organic acids and their esters. The compositions may be added to various fluids used in the petroleum extraction industry, or used as coatings on components used in this industry. These antimicrobial materials may be used for reducing both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria and are also useful for reducing corrosion of ferrous components caused by anaerobic bacteria. Although such compositions may be used for any antimicrobial application, and some of the other important uses of these compositions are in wound care, personal care and waste processing.

Abstract: Compositions having antimicrobial activity contain surface functionalized particles comprising a copper salt which has low water solubility. The compositions may be added to the articles of manufacture to provide antimicrobial properties. The articles of manufacture include liquid and solid products. These liquids or solids include dispersions, creams, gels, coatings and any thermoplastic or thermosetting, polymer components.

Abstract: Compositions having antimicrobial activity contain surface functionalized particles comprising a copper salt which has low water solubility. The compositions may be added to the articles of manufacture to provide antimicrobial properties. The articles of manufacture include liquid and solid products. These liquids or solids include dispersions, creams, gels, coatings and any thermoplastic or thermosetting, polymer components.

Abstract: Compositions having antimicrobial activity contain surface functionalized particles comprising an inorganic copper salt which has low water solubility. These types of inorganic salts may also be introduced in porous particles to yield antimicrobial compositions. The compositions may optionally comprise additional antimicrobial agents, salts with high water solubility, organic acids, salts of organic acids and their esters. The compositions may be added to various fluids used in the petroleum extraction industry, or used as coatings on components used in this industry. These antimicrobial materials may be used for reducing both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria and are also useful for reducing corrosion of ferrous components caused by anaerobic bacteria. Although such compositions may be used for any antimicrobial application, and some of the other important uses of these compositions are in wound care, personal care and waste processing.

Abstract: Compositions having antimicrobial activity contain particles comprising at least one inorganic copper salt; and at least one functionalizing agent in contact with the particles, the functionalizing agent stabilizing the particle in a carrier such that an antimicrobially effective amount of ions are released into the environment of a microbe. The average size of the particles ranges from about 1000 nm to about 3 nm. Preferred copper salts include copper iodide, copper bromide and copper chloride, most preferred being copper iodide. Preferred functionalizing agents comprise materials with a molecular weight of 60 or above, which include amino acids, other acidic materials, thiols, hydrophilic polymers, emulsions of hydrophobic polymers and surfactants. The functionalized particles are preferably made by a grinding process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a composition having antimicrobial activity comprising particles comprising at least one inorganic copper salt; and at least one functionalizing agent in contact with the particles, the functionalizing agent stabilizing the particle in a carrier such that an antimicrobially effective amount of ions are released into the environment of a microbe. The average size of the particles ranges from about 1000 nm to about 4 nm. Preferred copper salts include copper iodide, copper bromide and copper chloride. Preferred functionalizing agents include amino acids, thiols, hydrophilic polymers emulsions of hydrophobic polymers and surfactants.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a composition having antimicrobial activity comprising particles comprising at least one inorganic copper salt; and at least one functionalizing agent in contact with the particles, the functionalizing agent stabilizing the particle in a carrier such that an antimicrobially effective amount of ions are released into the environment of a microbe. The average size of the particles ranges from about 1000 nm to about 4 nm. Preferred copper salts include copper iodide, copper bromide and copper chloride. Preferred functionalizing agents include amino acids, thiols, hydrophilic polymers emulsions of hydrophobic polymers and surfactants.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a composition having antimicrobial activity comprising particles comprising at least one inorganic copper salt; and at least one functionalizing agent in contact with the particles, the functionalizing agent stabilizing the particle in a carrier such that an antimicrobially effective amount of ions are released into the environment of a microbe. The average size of the particles ranges from about 1000 nm to about 4 nm. Preferred copper salts include copper iodide, copper bromide and copper chloride. Preferred functionalizing agents include amino acids, thiols, hydrophilic polymers emulsions of hydrophobic polymers and surfactants.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a composition having antimicrobial activity comprising particles comprising at least one inorganic copper salt; and at least one functionalizing agent in contact with the particles, the functionalizing agent stabilizing the particle in a carrier such that an antimicrobially effective amount of ions are released into the environment of a microbe. The average size of the particles ranges from about 1000 nm to about 4 nm. Preferred copper salts include copper iodide, copper bromide and copper chloride. Preferred functionalizing agents include amino acids, thiols, hydrophilic polymers emulsions of hydrophobic polymers and surfactants.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a composition having antimicrobial activity comprising particles comprising at least one inorganic copper salt; and at least one functionalizing agent in contact with the particles, the functionalizing agent stabilizing the particle in a carrier such that an antimicrobially effective amount of ions are released into the environment of a microbe. The average size of the particles ranges from about 1000 nm to about 4 nm. Preferred copper salts include copper iodide, copper bromide and copper chloride. Preferred functionalizing agents include amino acids, thiols, hydrophilic polymers emulsions of hydrophobic polymers and surfactants.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a composition having antimicrobial activity comprising particles comprising at least one inorganic copper salt; and at least one functionalizing agent in contact with the particles, the functionalizing agent stabilizing the particle in a carrier such that an antimicrobially effective amount of ions are released into the environment of a microbe. The average size of the particles ranges from about 1000 nm to about 4 nm. Preferred copper salts include copper iodide, copper bromide and copper chloride. Preferred functionalizing agents include amino acids, thiols, hydrophilic polymers emulsions of hydrophobic polymers and surfactants.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a composition having antimicrobial activity comprising particles comprising at least one inorganic copper salt; and at least one functionalizing agent in contact with the particles, the functionalizing agent stabilizing the particle in a carrier such that an antimicrobially effective amount of ions are released into the environment of a microbe. The average size of the particles ranges from about 1000 nm to about 4 nm. Preferred copper salts include copper iodide, copper bromide and copper chloride. Preferred functionalizing agents include amino acids, thiols, hydrophilic polymers, emulsions of hydrophobic polymers and surfactants.

Abstract: A chewable, biodegradable article for use as a pet toy comprises a matrix made of a natural polymer, a synthetic organic polymer or a mixture thereof, a natural or synthetic fibrous material that comprises fibers and that is bonded chemically or physically with the matrix material, and, optionally, includes one or more microbe inhibiting agents that inhibit the growth of microbes in or on the article. The presence of the fibrous material inhibits formation of sharp edges upon breakage when the article is chewed, thereby rendering the article safer when used by pets. Also disclosed are processes for manufacturing the above article.

Abstract: A chewable, biodegradable article for use as a pet toy comprises a matrix made of a natural polymer, a synthetic organic polymer or a mixture thereof, a natural or synthetic fibrous material that comprises fibers and that is bonded chemically or physically with the matrix material, and, optionally, includes one or more microbe inhibiting agents that inhibit the growth of microbes in or on the article. The presence of the fibrous material inhibits formation of sharp edges upon breakage when the article is chewed, thereby rendering the article safer when used by pets. Also disclosed are processes for manufacturing the above article.

Abstract: Method is provided for preparing PbO-based ceramics by mixing metal cations in alkanolamines and then adding the mixture to lead carboxylates in alcohol, to obtain ceramic solutions or gels therefrom. The metal cations are sourced from metal alkoxides, chelates and salts and include metals of Ti, Zr and La. The above solutions and gels can be employed to form PbO-based powders, fibers and films, e.g. films of PZT and PLZT, which find electrical and optical applications such as ferroelectric memory and dielectric waveguides. The invention resides in the above method and resulting PbO ceramics which have e.g. films of considerably higher dielectric constants than previously known in the art.

Abstract: A harness and restraining system for transporting an animal comfortably and safely in a vehicle. The harness comprises forward and rearward loops connected together by connecting portions and a pair of quick release fastener elements on the harness to accept one end of a leash and a restraining strap. The restraining strap is constructed to be attached to a standard automobile seat belt system.

Abstract: A strap fastener assembly which comprises a flat rigid plate-like member and a flexible strap. The plate-like member has an opening extending therethrough in the form of two elongated slots which intersect with each other to form an acute angle. One of the slots is wider than the other. The strap has a thickened portion which prevents it from being pulled through the slot of lesser width but on movement of the strap to the other slot, its thickened portion can be pulled through that other slot.