Abstract: Embodiments generate computer based models, e.g., computer aided design (CAD) models, of materials. One such embodiment selects at least one section of a model representing a unit of a material. In turn, at least one physical or chemical property of the model is estimated based upon a proposed modification to the selected at least one section of the model and a proposed modification to a remainder of the model representing the unit of material. This selecting and estimating is iterated until the estimated at least one physical or chemical property conforms to a user specification of the at least one physical or chemical property. In this way, such an embodiment creates a model of a subject material that conforms to user specified physical and chemical properties.

Abstract: Embodiments generate computer based models, e.g., computer aided design (CAD) models, of materials. One such embodiment selects at least one section of a model representing a unit of a material. In turn, at least one physical or chemical property of the model is estimated based upon a proposed modification to the selected at least one section of the model and a proposed modification to a remainder of the model representing the unit of material. This selecting and estimating is iterated until the estimated at least one physical or chemical property conforms to a user specification of the at least one physical or chemical property. In this way, such an embodiment creates a model of a subject material that conforms to user specified physical and chemical properties.

Abstract: Water-resistant, protein-based powder adhesive compositions and methods for preparing them are provided. The adhesives are prepared by denaturing a vegetable protein, such as soy flour to the “preferred adhesive state”, co-polymerizing with one or more reactive cross-linking agents and spray-drying or freeze-drying the composition to preserve the preferred adhesive state. The adhesives exhibit superior water resistance, and can be used to bond wood substrates, such as panels or laminate, or in the preparation of composite materials.

Abstract: Water-resistant, protein-based adhesive dispersion compositions and methods for preparing them are provided. The adhesive dispersions are prepared by copolymerizing a denatured vegetable protein, such as soy flour, that has been functionalized with methylol groups with one or more reactive comonomers, and preparing an acidic dispersion of the adhesive. The adhesive dispersions exhibit superior water resistance, and can be used to bond wood substrates, such as panels or laminate, or in the preparation of composite materials.

Abstract: Water-resistant, protein-based adhesive compositions and methods for preparing them are provided. The adhesives are prepared by copolymerizing a denatured vegetable protein, such as soy flour, that has been functionalized with methylol groups with one or more reactive comonomers. The adhesives exhibit superior water resistance, and can be used to bond wood substrates, such as panels or laminate, or in the preparation of composite materials.

Abstract: Extender apparatus for a caulking gun having an axially displaceable piston, a front face having an opening therein, and a trigger mechanism for incrementally advancing the piston along a predetermined longitudinal axis, the extender including: an elongated skeletal frame for supporting a cartridge of caulking compound; the frame having a planar rear wall having an opening therein and a planar front wall having an opening therein; an adapter for connecting the frame to the front face of the caulking gun; an adjustable pivot for adjusting the relationship of the frame to the front face of the gun; a flexible shaft mounting an auxiliary piston on its forwardmost end; a connector fixed to the rearmost end of the flexible shaft for connecting the piston of the gun in a manner whereby the flexible shaft may be advanced incrementally by the incremental movement of the gun piston; and whereby the auxiliary piston is adapted to extrude caulking compound from the cartridge.