Abstract: A buffing and polishing pad or other structure uses extremely fine microfibers of less than 1 denier. Preferred fibers are less than 0.7 denier, and in some cases considerably less. The currently most preferred embodiment is 50% fiber having 0.5 denier and 50% fiber having 0.3 denier. Preferred fibers have an average fiber length of between about 70 and about 90 mm, and most preferably about 80 mm. The fibers can be any suitable material, natural or synthetic, including especially polyester. A layer of the fibers is preferably made on a circular knitting machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to elastomeric compositions for use as temporary or semi-permanent protective coatings. The coatings are particularly useful to protect objects in transit. In certain embodiments, the compositions are based on monomer units of isoprene or isoprene derivatives. Preferably, the compositions include a reinforcement agent encapsulated in the polymer to reinforce the polymer structure, making it more resistant to environmental conditions, including heat and chemicals. Example reinforcement agents include particles of clays, ceramics, and/or nano-particles.

Abstract: A buffing and polishing pad or other structure uses extremely fine microfibers of less than 1 denier. Preferred fibers are less than 0.7 denier, and in some cases considerably less. The currently most preferred embodiment is 50% fiber having 0.5 denier and 50% fiber having 0.3 denier. Preferred fibers have an average fiber length of between about 70 and about 90 mm, and most preferably about 80 mm. The fibers can be any suitable material, natural or synthetic, including especially polyester. The fibers are preferably made on a circular knitting machine.

Abstract: Unitary casting devices are provided for making casts and splints. In one embodiment, the device includes a padding layer for contact with the patient, a non-hydrophilic, water-permeable inner protective layer juxtaposed against the padding layer, a casting layer comprising a liquid-activatable casting material placed along the inner protective layer, a liquid-impermeable, water vapor permeable first outer protective layer juxtaposed against the casting layer and a non-hydrophilic, water-permeable second outer protective layer juxtaposed against the first outer protective layer. The device also includes means for holding the layers together to form a unitary device. In other embodiments of the unitary device, the device further includes inner and outer water containment layers including a liquid-impermeable, water vapor permeable material such that the device need not be immersible, but may contain its own supply of activating liquid or have liquid introduced into the device.