Abstract: A centrifugal blower is described herein. The centrifugal blower may be a belt-driven geared centrifugal blower. The centrifugal blower may comprise an impeller, an inlet, and an outlet. The impeller pulls air in through the inlet, compresses and speeds up the air, and directs the air out the outlet. A motor may power a pulley system coupled to the belt that, in turn, drives a gear set. The gear set then drives the impeller. A mounting frame for the centrifugal blower may comprise a plurality of mounting holes for increasing the airflow to the gear set for cooling there. A belt tensioner may be coupled to the pulley system for setting a preload in the pulley system. An adjustment system for adjusting the tension provided by the belt tensioner is disclosed.

Abstract: A centrifugal blower is described herein. The centrifugal blower may be a belt-driven geared centrifugal blower. The centrifugal blower may comprise an impeller, an inlet, and an outlet. The impeller pulls air in through the inlet, compresses and speeds up the air, and directs the air out the outlet. A motor may power a pulley system coupled to the belt that, in turn, drives a gear set. The gear set then drives the impeller. A mounting frame for the centrifugal blower may comprise a plurality of mounting holes for increasing the airflow to the gear set for cooling there. A belt tensioner may be coupled to the pulley system for setting a preload in the pulley system. An adjustment system for adjusting the tension provided by the belt tensioner is disclosed.

Abstract: A rigid polyurethane foam includes the reaction product of an isocyanate and an isocyanate reactive component in the presence of a blowing agent. The isocyanate reactive component includes an aromatic polyester polyol, a rigid polyol, and an aliphatic polyester polyol. The rigid polyurethane foam has a tensile adhesion of greater than 35 kPa (5 psi) when disposed on a metal substrate or a polyester, polyurethane, or epoxy coated metal substrate, each having a substrate temperature of greater than 41° C. (105° F.), and tested in accordance with ASTM D1623-09. A method of forming a composite article comprising a substrate and the rigid polyurethane foam includes the steps of combining the isocyanate reactive component and the isocyanate in the presence of the blowing agent to form a reaction mixture and applying the reaction mixture to the substrate having a substrate temperature of greater than 41° C. (105° F.) to form the composite article.

Abstract: A rigid polyurethane foam includes the reaction product of an isocyanate and an isocyanate reactive component in the presence of a blowing agent. The isocyanate reactive component includes an aromatic polyester polyol, a rigid polyol, and an aliphatic polyester polyol. The rigid polyurethane foam has a tensile adhesion of greater than 35 kPa (5 psi) when disposed on a metal substrate or a polyester, polyurethane, or epoxy coated metal substrate, each having a substrate temperature of greater than 41° C. (105° F.), and tested in accordance with ASTM D1623-09. A method of forming a composite article comprising a substrate and the rigid polyurethane foam includes the steps of combining the isocyanate reactive component and the isocyanate in the presence of the blowing agent to form a reaction mixture and applying the reaction mixture to the substrate having a substrate temperature of greater than 41° C. (105° F.) to form the composite article.

Abstract: The present invention provides reactive aqueous or solvent borne compositions comprising one or more low-temperature curing alkylether functional aminoplast resins having an average degree of polymerization of from 1.0 to 2.0, preferably alkylether group containing melamines, one or more hydroxyl group containing resins or polymers, such as acrylics and polyesters, one or more unblocked acid catalysts each having a pKa of 0.25 to 1.0, such as organic sulfonic acids, and one or more volatile amines, e.g. N-dipropylamine, that have a relative evaporation rate (RER) of 50-500, wherein, RER equals (p)(M)/11.6, with p being the vapor pressure of the amine in mm Hg and M being the molecular weight of the amine. The compositions cure at from 60° C. to 135° C., e.g. below 105° C., to form durable coatings suitable for plastic substrates, such as automotive plastics.

Abstract: A composition comprising a first polymeric component comprising chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC); a second polymeric component comprising at least one of (i) a mixture of styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) and an impact modifier, and (ii) a reaction product of the mixture; and a third polymeric component comprising alpha-methylstyrene acrylonitrile (AMSAN). The second and third polymeric components are present in a combined amount of at least about 7 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the composition. The composition has a heat distortion temperature greater than about 180° F. according to ASTM D 648. A composite article comprises a capstock layer comprising a weatherable thermoplastic and a substrate layer comprising the composition.

Abstract: A composite mat and sheet structure for installation atop a subfloor to underlie a layer of hardenable, cementicious material such as gypsum concrete or Portland concrete that is poured atop the composite structure to harden in situ.

Abstract: An active measurement and control system for a material cutting apparatus. The apparatus comprises a cutting tool which may be pivoted for cutting a workpiece in a cutting area at a selectable angle. The cutting area defines a datum plane, and a feed table with a shuttle vise is used to move the workpiece toward the cutting area. A controller controls the feed distance of the shuttle vise and the cutting angle of the tool in response to a signal from a sensor used for sensing a transverse dimension of the workpiece relative to the datum plane. In this way, the feed distance and cutting angle are adjusted to compensate for variations in the transverse dimension. This transverse dimension can include a displacement from the datum plane of a distal and/or proximate surface of the workpiece. A method of cutting a workpiece is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus, a method of using the apparatus, and a method of exercising are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the exercise apparatus comprises an exercise platform comprising a base and a lid, the platform defining an interior space accessible by moving the lid from a closed to an open position with respect to the base, at least one handle associated with the platform for use by a user in moving the exercise apparatus, at least one wheel movably mounted to the base and permitting the platform to be rolled along a surface, at least one riser for use in supporting the platform upon a surface to increase a height thereof and sized to fit within the interior space when not in use, at least one resistive element for selective attachment to the platform for use in an exercise by a user, at least one mount associated with the platform to which the at least one resistive element may be attached, and at least one hand/foot peg for use with the platform.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising one or more than one isotactic, modified polypropylene (MPP) or polypropylene-&agr;-olefin copolymer (MPP copolymer) and one or more than one polymer or resin, wherein said MPP or MPP copolymer is modified with one or more than one carboxyl or anhydride, preferably maleic acid or anhydride, or with one or more than one epoxy or hydroxyl group. Alternatively, the present invention provides a composition comprising an adduct which is the reaction product of one or more than one isotactic, modified polypropylene (MPP) or isotactic, modified polypropylene-&agr;-olefin copolymer (MPP copolymer) with one or more than one carboxyl, anhydride, epoxy or hydroxyl functional reactant, polymer or resin.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus, a method of using the apparatus, and a method of exercising are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the exercise apparatus comprises an exercise platform comprising a base and a lid, the platform defining an interior space accessible by moving the lid from a closed to an open position with respect to the base, at least one handle associated with the platform for use by a user in moving the exercise apparatus, at least one wheel movably mounted to the base and permitting the platform to be rolled along a surface, at least one riser for use in supporting the platform upon a surface to increase a height thereof and sized to fit within the interior space when not in use, at least one resistive element for selective attachment to the platform for use in an exercise by a user, at least one mount associated with the platform to which the at least one resistive element may be attached, and at least one hand/foot peg for use with the platform.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus, a method of using the apparatus, and a method of exercising are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the exercise apparatus comprises an exercise platform comprising a base and a lid, the platform defining an interior space accessible by moving the lid from a closed to an open position with respect to the base, at least one handle associated with the platform for use by a user in moving the exercise apparatus, at least one wheel movably mounted to the base and permitting the platform to be rolled along a surface, at least one riser for use in supporting the platform upon a surface to increase a height thereof and sized to fit within the interior space when not in use, at least one resistive element for selective attachment to the platform for use in an exercise by a user, at least one mount associated with the platform to which the at least one resistive element may be attached, and at least one hand/foot peg for use with the platform.

Abstract: A zero VOC aqueous coating composition comprising a halogen-free propylene/&agr;-olefin copolymer having an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or anhydride grafted thereon, a neutralizing base, a water-dispersible resin containing at least two epoxy groups and an acid catalyst is applied to a plastic substrate comprising a propylene polymer. The dried coating promotes adhesion of a subsequent coating to the polypropylene-based surface of the article.

Abstract: A sprayable, solvent-borne, primer composition for use as a first coat on light-sensitive, automotive plastic parts. The primer serves as a barrier to block ultraviolet light penetration to the underlying substrate and to prevent migration of substrate degradation and by-products up into the topcoat finishes. The primer is a solvent blend of a film-forming crosslinkable polymer resin, a crosslinker for the resin, a catalyst, carbon black pigments surface modified with a polymer dispersant and an organic pigment derivative co-dispersant, crosslinked polymer microgel particles, and U.V. absorbers and optional antioxidants. The surface modification on the carbon black pigments results in higher pigment loadings, which, in turn, imparts U.V. light protection at exceptionally low dry film builds.

Abstract: A sprayable, solvent-borne, primer composition for use as a first coat on light-sensitive, automotive plastic parts. The primer serves as a barrier to block ultraviolet light penetration to the underlying substrate and to prevent migration of substrate degradation and by-products up into the topcoat finishes. The primer is a solvent blend of a film-forming crosslinkable polymer resin, a crosslinker for the resin, a catalyst, carbon black pigments surface modified with a polymer dispersant and an organic pigment derivative co-dispersant, crosslinked polymer microgel particles, and U.V. absorbers and optional antioxidants. The surface modification on the carbon black pigments results in higher pigment loadings, which, in turn, imparts U.V. light protection at exceptionally low dry film builds.

Abstract: A one-coat, waterborne coating system for a polypropylene substrate comprises a mixture of an an acid functional acrylic resin latex, a latex of chlorinated polyolefin resin, and a cross-linking agent reactive with the acid functionality of the acrylic resin.

Abstract: A zero VOC aqueous coating composition comprising a halogen-free propylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymer having an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or anhydride grafted thereon, a base, and a water-dispersible resin containing at least two epoxy groups is applied to a plastic substrate comprising a propylene polymer. The dried coating promotes adhesion of a subsequent coating to the polypropylene-based surface of the article.

Abstract: A self-latching trailer coupler for use with a ballhead coupling post is disclosed. The coupler includes a housing having a forward portion that forms a receiving socket, and a rear portion. A latching member is disposed within the rear portion of the housing and is adapted for movement between a latched and a released position, the movement of the latch member being controllably guided along a complex path by guide pins and guide slots. The latching member has a socket which engages the ballhead when the coupler is positioned over a ballhead. Downward force on the coupler, as would be due to the load on the tongue of a trailer, automatically translates and rotates the latch member to a fully engaged locked position. A self-actuating locking device is provided for locking the latching member in its latched position. In connection with the locking device, a lever for releasing the locking device is also provided.

Abstract: A water-free, water-free reducible primer composition having a volatile organic content of less than 3 pounds per gallon yields a tough, flexible, and weatherable film when applied to metal or plastic substrates. The base resin is a polyester having an acid number of from about 50 to about 60 and a hydroxyl number of from about 160 to about 200. The polyester is the reaction product of from about 0.45 to about 0.5 mole % of adipic acid, from about 0.35 to about 0.4 mole % of neopentyl glycol, and from about 0.15 to about 0.2 mole % of trimethylolpropane.

Abstract: A primer composition, particularly suitable for a highly plasticized polyolefin substrate, comprises a mixture of chlorinated polyolefin and rubberized epoxy resin.