Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a novel and cost effective application of a thermoplastic heat-welding rod for welding thermoplastic standing seam profiles and other similar materials to thermoplastic roofing membrane, and providing secure attachment without roof penetration and profile/membrane separation. In addition, embodiments disclosed herein provide a welding attachment or apparatus for performing such heat-welding of thermoplastic materials. In one embodiment, an apparatus for welding a thermoplastic profile strip to a thermoplastic membrane may comprise a first nozzle configured to direct hot air along a portion of a first longitudinal edge of a horizontal base of a thermoplastic profile strip placed on a thermoplastic membrane. Also, such an apparatus may comprise a second nozzle configured to direct hot air along a portion of a second, opposing longitudinal edge of the thermoplastic profile strip.

Abstract: In accordance with the disclosed principles, a novel thermoplastic profile roofing strip and an apparatus for welding the thermoplastic profile roofing strip to a thermoplastic roofing membrane is disclosed. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic profile roofing strip may comprise a horizontal base extending longitudinally and having a notched profile. In addition, the thermoplastic profile strip may comprise a vertical central portion laterally connected at one edge and normal to the horizontal base. In such embodiments, the vertical central portion extends longitudinally along the horizontal base to provide the improved profile. Related methods of welding a thermoplastic strip to a thermoplastic membrane are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a membrane for use as an outdoor building material comprising a non-reinforced TPO outdoor building material membrane composed of a single ply embossed thermoplastic polyolefin polymer wherein the embossed membrane has a stretchability in the range of about 5 lbf to about 30 lbf, as tested with about a 30-mil thickness sample under the “stretchability test.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a membrane for use as an outdoor building material comprising a non-reinforced TPO outdoor building material membrane composed of a single ply embossed thermoplastic polyolefin polymer wherein the embossed membrane has a stretchability in the range of about 5 lbf to about 30 lbf, as tested with about a 30-mil thickness sample under the “stretchability test.

Abstract: We disclose a method of screening a mammal for a cancer associated with methylation of promoters of tumor-suppressor genes by collecting a sample of a body fluid or tissue of the mammal containing free DNA; isolating the free DNA from the sample; amplifying at least a portion of the promoter of each of a plurality of turner-suppressor genes associated with the cancer from the free DNA, to yield a plurality of amplified promoters; and quantifying methylation of each of the plurality of amplified promoters, to yield a methylation quantity. The method can have a high sensitivity and high specificity and can thus reduce the proportion of unneeded biopsies. It can also be performed with minimal invasiveness and discomfort to a patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a membrane for use as an outdoor building material comprising a non-reinforced TPO outdoor building material membrane composed of a single ply embossed thermoplastic polyolefin polymer wherein the embossed membrane has a stretchability in the range of about 5 lbf to about 30 lbf, as tested with about a 30-mil thickness sample under the “stretchability test.

Abstract: Roofing membranes of single ply heat seamable thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) sheets are made with a metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (MPO) blend. The membranes exhibit superior heat seam peel strengths and low temperature flexibility.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a membrane for use as an outdoor building material comprising a non-reinforced TPO outdoor building material membrane composed of a single ply embossed thermoplastic polyolefin polymer wherein the embossed membrane has a stretchability in the range of about 5 lbf to about 30 lbf, as tested with about a 30-mil thickness sample under the “stretchability test.

Abstract: Roofing membranes of single ply heat seamable thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) sheets are made with a metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (MPO) blend. The membranes exhibit superior heat seam peel strengths and low temperature flexibility.

Abstract: A reduced scrim reinforcement is provided in single ply roofing membranes having excellent wind uplift performance. Also provided is a method for making a roofing membrane having the scrim reinforcement incorporated therein.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing membrane is made by blending a new polypropylene based elastomer (PBE) or plastomer (PBP) and polyolefin copolymers. The new PBE or PBP offers superior flexibility over conventional polypropylene roofing membranes for easy installation. The new narrow molecular weight distribution and broad crystallinity distribution of the PBE or PBP results in excellent heat welding strength and wide heat welding windows of the said TPO membrane.

Abstract: A single ply mechanically embossed roofing membrane in a roll form for use in commercial applications on flat and low pitched roofs. The roofing membrane preferably includes a scrim or reinforcement sheet sandwiched between a top layer and a bottom layer, wherein the bottom layer is completely embossed with various configurations forming alternating ridges and valleys. The embossed roofing membrane improves roll blocking upon installation. The embossed roofing membrane can be installed by fully adhering or mechanically attaching to the roof deck.

Abstract: The present invention is a single ply building membrane comprising a single ply membrane with a base and a cap layer and a top and bottom surface, having a predetermined printed design on the cap layer, and a predetermined texture on at least one surface of the membrane. The membrane may comprise compounds selected from the group consisting of thermoplastics and thermosets. The printed and textured designs may be of a laid roof or siding. The invention includes a method of installing a single ply building membrane on a building surface and a method of manufacturing such membrane.

Abstract: Roofing membranes of single ply heat seamable thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) sheets are made with a metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene (MPO) blend. The membranes exhibit superior heat seam peel strengths and low temperature flexibility.

Abstract: A single ply reinforced roofing membrane having advantageous tensile and seam strength comprising a reinforcement scrim sandwiched between polyolefin cap and base layers, characterized in that at least one of said layers includes a functional polyolefin as additive therein.

Abstract: A single ply reinforced roofing membrane having advantageous tensile and seam strength comprising a reinforcement scrim sandwiched between polyolefin cap and base layers, characterized in that at least one of said layers includes a functional polyolefin as additive therein.