Abstract: A composition for making a cast, thermoformable sheet or slab, comprising: a syrup comprising: about 30-40% SSI—acrylic pre-polymerized syrup by weight at 20% solids; about 30-40% MMA—methyl methacrylate by weight; about 2-3% BA—Butyl acrylate by weight; about 1-15% by weight acrylic chips; and about 1-15% by weight rigid particles with a mean diameter of about 0.5-2000 ?m. The rigid particles may preferably comprise a polymeric material such as poly allyl diglycol carbonate particles. A method for producing a thermoformed article having a textured surface comprising mixing the syrup as above; swelling the acrylic chips; degassing the syrup; heating the syrup; casting the syrup into a sheet; and thermoforming the cast sheet against a mold.

Abstract: A composition for making a cast, thermoformable sheet or slab, comprising: a syrup comprising: about 30-40% SSI—acrylic pre-polymerized syrup by weight at 20% solids; about 30-40% MMA—methyl methacrylate by weight; about 2-3% BA—Butyl acrylate by weight; about 1-15% by weight acrylic chips; and about 1-15% by weight rigid particles with a mean diameter of about 0.5-2000 ?m. The rigid particles may preferably comprise a polymeric material such as poly allyl diglycol carbonate particles. A method for producing a thermoformed article having a textured surface comprising mixing the syrup as above; swelling the acrylic chips; degassing the syrup; heating the syrup; casting the syrup into a sheet; and thermoforming the cast sheet against a mold.

Abstract: A locking retractor is disclosed, as are stretchers and cots using the retractor to secure a patient. The retractor includes structure for locking the retractor spool to prevent rotation in both directions. However, a cam is coupled to the shaft and is arranged relative to the locking structure to prevent the spool from locking during an initial portion of the spool's rotation, until a first locking point is reached. Once the first locking point has been reached, a clutch prevents the locking structure from engaging while the spool is still rotating, but the locking structure will engage to lock the spool in both directions once active rotation stops. A user-actuatable lever is provided externally that disengages the locking structure when actuated to allow the spool to extend and retract freely.

Abstract: A composition for making a cast, thermoformable sheet or slab, comprising: a syrup comprising: about 30-40% SSI—acrylic pre-polymerized syrup at 20% solids; about 30-40% MMA—methyl methacrylate; about 2-3% BA—Butyl acrylate; about 1-15% acrylic chips; and about 1-15% rigid particles with a mean diameter of about 0.5-2000 ?m. The rigid particles may preferably comprise a polymeric material such as poly allyl diglycol carbonate particles. A method for producing a thermoformed article having a textured surface comprising mixing the syrup as above; swelling the acrylic chips; degassing the syrup; heating the syrup; casting the syrup into a sheet; and thermoforming the cast sheet against a mold.

Abstract: A locking retractor is disclosed, as are stretchers and cots using the retractor to secure a patient. The retractor includes structure for locking the retractor spool to prevent rotation in both directions. However, a cam is coupled to the shaft and is arranged relative to the locking structure to prevent the spool from locking during an initial portion of the spool's rotation, until a first locking point is reached. Once the first locking point has been reached, a clutch prevents the locking structure from engaging while the spool is still rotating, but the locking structure will engage to lock the spool in both directions once active rotation stops. A user-actuatable lever is provided externally that disengages the locking structure when actuated to allow the spool to extend and retract freely.