Abstract: A process for preparing a fiber reinforced polymeric foam composite includes introducing a foamable mixture into a low binder expandable fiber mat and then expanding the foamable mixture into a polymeric foam between top and bottom facing sheets such that the fibers of the low binder fiber mat become dispersed within the polymeric foam, wherein the low binder fiber mat is part of a composite web that further comprises a support web. Such a composite web is particularly useful for preparing reinforced polymeric foam composites that contain a fiber reinforced polymeric foam having a thickness of greater than two inches (5.08 centimeters) and fibers substantially distributed therein.

Abstract: A system identifies one or more devices having faults in a communication loop. The system includes an interface, a decision module, and a connection processor. The interface is configured for sending requests for information to each device of the communication loop and for receiving responses to the requests. The devices may include computer disk drives for use in a storage system. The requests may include Read-Link Status (RLS) commands sent to the computer disk drives. The RLS commands may provide diagnostics of the disk drives connected to the loop. The decision module is communicatively connected to the interface for weighting the responses of each device to identify the devices having the faults. The responses may be weighted based on the relative potential for disrupting operability of the system. The communication loop may include an FC loop that allows communications between a host system and the computer disk drives.

Abstract: A spacer and sealant assembly comprising a stretchable sealant support member having a planar surface bounded by first and second edges wherein said first and second edges have at least one pleated portion, a plastic shim having at least one undulating portion in contact with said first and second edges of said stretchable sealant support member so that said at least one pleated portion is oriented concavedly inward into said at least one undulating portion of said shim, a sealant joined to at least said first and second edges of said sealant support member.

Abstract: A personal cleansing system for substantially dry wiping articles is described suitable for use in a shower environment, utilizing a shell enclosing the wiping articles having a dispensing slot formed along the shell, a closure means, and a support device secured to the shell.

Abstract: A communication system for locating a user of a personnel communication device. The personal communication device includes transmission circuitry, reception circuitry, and a controller. The controller activates an emergency mode wherein the reception circuitry is tuned to a first predetermined channel. Upon reception of a first predetermined signal, on the first predetermined channel, the transmission circuitry is activated to transmit a second predetermined signal on a second predetermined channel. A transmit and receive device, carried by rescue personal, includes transmission circuitry that transmits the first predetermined signal on the first predetermined channel and receives the second predetermined signal on the second predetermined channel. The transmit and receive device also preferably has a signal strength meter to assist with location of the personal communication device.

Abstract: A spacer assembly is disclosed having a spacer with a cross-section varying in a repeating manner along a longitudinal axis and an adhesive sealant at least partially encapsulating the spacer. Also, a moisture vapor barrier may be provided as well as a desiccated topcoat.

Abstract: A dispenser for the wipes is described suitable for use in a shower environment, utilizing a shell having opposed top and bottom ends and, in a preferred embodiment, a support device connected to the shell for securing the dispenser to an outside surface. In another embodiment, the dispenser prevents water spray from the shower from contaminating the wipes contained therein. The bottom end has a dispensing slot with a length dimension greater than a width dimension and a finger-access opening to enable the user to urge wipes in the direction of the dispensing slot. The inventive wipe dispenser also is conveniently refilled with disposable wipes.

Abstract: A spacer and sealant strip comprising a sealant support member having a longitudinal axis and a planer surface bounded by first and second edges, a stiffener cooperating with said sealant support member, a shim in contact with said stiffener and said sealant support member, and a sealant.

Abstract: A personal cleansing system for substantially dry wiping articles is described suitable for use in a shower environment, utilizing a shell enclosing the wiping articles having a dispensing slot formed along the shell, a closure means, and a support device secured to the shell.

Abstract: A dispenser for the wipes is described suitable for use in a shower environment, utilizing a shell having opposed top and bottom ends and, in a preferred embodiment, a support device connected to the shell for securing the dispenser to an outside surface. In another embodiment, the dispenser prevents water spray from the shower from contaminating the wipes contained therein. The bottom end has a dispensing slot with a length dimension greater than a width dimension and a finger-access opening to enable the user to urge wipes in the direction of the dispensing slot. The inventive wipe dispenser also is conveniently refilled with disposable wipes.

Abstract: A disposable wipes refill kit is described which comprises an outer container and a plurality of individual stacked wipes. In one embodiment the outer container has opposed end panels and a peripheral surface interposed between the two end panels, wherein at least one of the end panels is openable exposing a part of the leading edge of a plurality of wipes. In a second embodiment, the outer container has an upper portion extending from the base and being detachable along a line of weakness which exposes a part of the leading edge of a plurality of wipes.

Abstract: A dual container wherein two chambers are secured together by at least two different adhering agents to maintain integrity over a range of temperatures. The adhering agents may be used to adhere other objects together as well. Preferably, the adhering agents are hot melts.

Abstract: An exemplary storage system for maintaining content (e.g. a Web site) for a shared network (e.g. the World Wide Web) includes content servers (e.g. Web servers) and storage devices connected together in a storage area network (SAN). A production server is used to develop new data to update the content of the Web site. The production server distributes the new data through the SAN to the storage devices, bypassing the Web servers. The Web servers are not involved in transferring the new data, so the Web servers preferably remain primarily dedicated to servicing Web page accesses from users across the Web.

Abstract: A game board requiring strategy and providing the element of chance includes a playing surface having a fixed path section and a path altering section providing a route from at least one area to at least one finishing area and including a plurality of game piece positions along route determining placement of a number of game pieces. The playing surface overlies a king section having at least one actuator for moving the path altering section to a determined position based upon the outcome of a random number generator. A method for playing a game using the game board is also described herein.

Abstract: A composite structure comprising a preformed flexible laminate in adhering contact with at least a first and second transparent or translucent panel members such as would be useful as an insulated glass unit. The flexible laminate contains an undulating spacer element either partially or totally embedded within a core material and has a polymeric coating on at least one surface thereof. The flexible laminate effectively seals the interior of the panel structure from air and/or moisture and maintains a desired distance between the panels. A multi-cavity extrusion die for forming the preformed flexible laminate has a core cavity for receiving the core material as well as the undulating continuous spacer element. Converging walls within the core cavity serve to embed at least one side of the spacer element in the core material and a land area forms a desired shape or configuration wherein the spacer element undulation is maintained.

Abstract: A container for dispensing two products kept separate prior to application, for example, surfactant and skin benefit agent. The container comprising two chambers, adhered to each other. Although the chambers are essentially identical when viewed from their respective distal walls, they are adhered to each other at an offset so that from any view, both chambers can be seen. Preferably, the chambers include in their proximal walls complementary raised and recessed portions, e.g., protuberances and depressions, which assist the alignment of the chambers in an offset. A closure preferably comprises a peripheral flange and a wall extending transversely of the flange and including at least two product egress openings. Product egress channels on the underside of the transverse wall may lead to the product egress openings. Preferably attached to the closure base, for example by a hinge, is a closure cover.