Abstract: The invention relates to thermoplastic compositions in which (A) an isotactic polypropylene, optionally containing comonomer, with a melting point of at least 110° C. and (B) a polyamide, (A) and (B) constituting at least 70 wt %, are blended with (C) at least 2 wt % of a grafted functionalized propylene-based elastomer having isotactic crystallinity and containing at least 0.25 wt % of MAH-derived units based on the total weight of (C). Optionally (D) an ungrafted polyolefin may be added with a melting point of less than 100° C., (C) and (D) combined being at least 8 wt % and the wt % of (A), (B), (C) and (D) being calculated on the basis of the total polymer weight of the thermoplastic composition.

Abstract: A composition including two components is provided. When the two components are admixed in the method of the invention a polymer-modified gypsum composition is provided. The admixture exhibits a useful balance of setting time and stability.

Abstract: A device for removing an abrasive disk from a rotary sander of the type having a disk-shaped sanding pad with upper and lower surfaces that are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The device includes a frame having a pair of elongated guide rails secured to the frame. Each guide rail has an elongated guide surface adapted to abut against the upper surface of the sanding pad on opposite sides of the sanding pad. At least one blade is secured to the frame so that the blade lies in a plane parallel to the guide surfaces and is spaced from the guide surfaces by the predetermined distance corresponding to the thickness of the sanding pad. In use, the sanding pad is moved along the guide rails by a robot so that the upper surface of the sanding pad slides along the guide surfaces. In doing so, the blade engages the sanding pad between its lower surface and its attached abrasive disk thus removing the abrasive disk from the sanding pad.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to synthetic polymers, generally with improved balance of processability, resilience and durability. These polymers are generally of the ethylene, alpha-olefin, diene terpolymer type.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to synthetic polymers, generally with improved balance of processability, resilience and durability. These polymers are generally of the ethylene, alpha-olefin, diene terpolymer type.

Abstract: A fast drying traffic paint which includes at least 0.1% by weight, based on the weight of the paint composition, of fibers is disclosed. The paint exhibits reduced cracking during drying.A method for reducing the degree of surface cracking in a fast drying traffic paint during drying is also disclosed. The method comprises incorporating into the paint at least 0.1% by weight, based on the weight of the paint composition, of fibers.Use of at least 0.1% by weight, based on the weight of the paint composition, of fibers in a fast drying traffic paint to reduce the degree of surface cracking during drying of the paint is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wood substitute turning blank and method of making the same is described. The turning blank includes a body having an outer shell of relatively low tensile strength material positioned about a rotational axis of the body. An inner core of relatively high tensile strength material is positioned along the rotational axis of the body. The high tensile strength of the inner core allows this turning blank to be turned at high speed on a lathe or the like. The high tensile strength of the core enhances the overall tensile strength of the finished product.

Abstract: Methods of diagnosing peripheral nerve damage, including diagnosing and monitoring chronic back and cervical pain are disclosed. The methods involve subjecting a body fluid sample from a patient suspected of having chronic lumbar or cervical pain and peripheral nerve damage to two-dimensional electrophoresis or an immunoassay and measuring relative amounts of protein or proteins which increase or decrease in concentration as compared to a standard control. A preferred method employs an Apo-E variant as a marker of peripheral nerve damage. Also disclosed are kits for use with the diagnostic methods.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Azalea plant named `Sweet Lorraine` particularly characterized by its unique small leaves, its very tight internode space, and a compact, dense, and vigorous growth habit.