Abstract: Polymeric composites are produced by melt processing biobased polymers with an acrylated silicone polyether at temperatures that promote free radical reactions between the bio-based polymer and the acrylated silicone polyether. The bio-based compositions have an excellent balance of mechanical properties and are suitable for flame retardant applications.

Abstract: A composition comprising 65 to 90 weight percent kraft chemical wood pulp fibers and a thermoplastic polymer and a method of making the composition.

Abstract: A polymeric matrix is melt processed with reactive monomers or oligomers that are miscible in the polymeric matrix. Upon initial melt processing and mixing, the reactive monomers or oligomers contained within the resulting polymeric matrix are cured with actinic radiation to form a polymeric alloy. The alloy of the polymeric matrix and the cured polymer possesses a non-Cequilibrium morphology and a surface energy that is effectively secured for a desired application and use after subsequent compounding.

Abstract: A moisture scavenger composition to address the processing of moisture sensitive materials or high moisture content materials in melt processable feed stocks. The moisture scavenger includes a desiccant, an elastomeric dispersant, and an optional hydrophillic synergist.

Abstract: A razor cartridge dispenser including a unitarily molded member having compartments in horizontal sequence and a reopenable package member covering the molded member. The individual compartments include a blade portion cavity, a connection portion cavity and a cammed latch on a flexible arm. The blade portion cavity has an upper opening, bottom, top and front walls, a closed side wall and an open side wall. The top and bottom walls are substantially parallel, with the front wall at a right angle thereto, and extend in the direction of the upper opening at an angle to the horizontal disposition of the compartments. The connection portion cavity has top and bottom openings, forward and rearward walls, a closed side wall and an open side wall, where the bottom opening cooperates with the upper opening of the blade portion cavity. The package member includes a reclosable flap to access the compartments.

Abstract: Controlling exogenous polyamines may be used, in some aspects, as an adjunctive strategy to chemoprevention with polyamine inhibitory agents, for example, anti-carcinoma combination therapies comprising ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) inhibitor and a spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase expression agonist, optionally based on a patient's ODC1 promoter genotype. Assessing a tissue polyamine level or tissue polyamine flux may be used in some aspects, for predicting the efficacy of an anti-carcinoma combination therapy comprising, for example, an ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) inhibitor and an agent that modulates the polyamine pathway to reduce overall cellular polyamine content.

Abstract: Microfabricated particles are dispersed throughout a matrix to create a composite. The microfabricated particles are engineered to a specific structure and composition to enhance the physical attributes of a composite material. The microfabricated particles are generated by forming a profile extrudate. A profile extrudate is an article of indefinite length that has a cross sectional profile of a desired structure with micro-scale dimensions. Upon or after formation, the profile extrudate may be divided along its length into a plurality of microfabricated particles.

Abstract: A method and system of using a common set of coils to provide at least two of magnetic flux, heat and degaussing in a mobile platform are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, the method involves oscillation of current in the coils at a frequency higher than a defined pointing requirement to provide heat. In accordance with another aspect, the coil functions as a degausser by energizing the coil with an oscillating current that decreases in amplitude over time.

Abstract: Medication errors happen frequently in hospital, home, and pharmacy environments. A medication verification and dispensing system provides protection against such errors. The apparatus includes a guide tube that receives a medication and imaging device(s) adjacent to the guide tube that take image(s) of the medication. The imaging devices(s) and light source(s) are oriented for capturing images that reveal markings, color, size, shape, etc., of the medication. A verification system uses a signature of the image to identify the medication or compares the image(s) to reference images to identify the medication and to a prescription record of the patient to ensure it is a correct medication, dose, amount, timing, etc., for administration. If the medication is correct, it is dispensed into a dispensing vessel that locks the medication inside, but unlocks when it recognizes a unique patient identifier worn by a patient that is a correct recipient for the medication.

Abstract: The present invention enhances the optical features of aerostats. The invention utilizes a barrier film having at least one layer containing optically enhancing elements. Aerostats formed from the barrier film possess unique aesthetic features.

Abstract: A composition comprising 65 to 90 weight percent kraft chemical wood pulp fibers and a thermoplastic polymer and a method of making the composition.

Abstract: A compatibilizer blend having at least one compatibilizer and at least one desiccant to address the presence of certain interfering components, such as water, in a polymeric matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for improving the melt processing of polymeric materials, and more particularly to the use of compatibilized polymer processing additives to enhance the melt processing of polymeric matrices.

Abstract: Hyper-branched biodegradable polymers are produced by melt processing biodegradable polymers with a branching agent at temperatures that promote free radical reactions between the biodegradable polymer and the branching agent. The biodegradable compositions have an excellent balance of mechanical properties and are suitable for flame retardant applications.

Abstract: Microfabricated particles are dispersed throughout a matrix to create a composite. The microfabricated particles are engineered to a specific structure and composition to enhance the physical attributes of a composite material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing high strength composites. In one embodiment, a polymer matrix and a naturally-occurring inorganic material are melt processed to produce a high strength composite. In a preferred embodiment, the naturally-occurring inorganic material is volcanic ash. High strength composites of this invention have particular utility as building materials and automotive components.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for producing polymeric composites containing reinforcing additives. In one embodiment, a filler is also included in the formulation. Articles produced from the reinforcing additives and the composites of this invention are useful as building materials and automotive components.

Abstract: Formation of an aerostat through the application of a pressure sensitive adhesive onto one or more barrier films at the desired point of bonding between the films. The adhesive is applied about the periphery prior to the point of bonding the two barrier films together. The method of the present invention results in aerostats with a bond line at the edge of the desired shape. The reduced weight, in comparison to conventional practices employing a heat sealing layer, enables intricate designs and smaller volume aerostats.