Abstract: A method for producing a stretch-thinned elastic article having dimensional stability over time and at elevated temperatures in which a thermoplastic block copolymer is melt-processed into a stretchable article such as a film or fiber. The article is then conditioned at an elevated temperature greater than or equal to a glass transition temperature (Tg) of a hard phase of the thermoplastic block copolymer. The article is stretch-thinned at the elevated temperature to a desired percentage stretch, forming a stretch-thinned article, after which it is cooled to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the hard phase of the thermoplastic block copolymer. Films produced by this method are suitable for use in durable and disposable articles including personal care articles such as diapers, incontinence wear, training pants, and feminine care articles, as well as wound dressings, wipes, towels, napkins, and protective apparel.

Abstract: A stent-graft including a stent member having an inner surface and an outer surface, a generally tubular graft member and a coupling member that couples the stent member to the graft member. The coupling member, which is the preferred embodiment is in the form of a ribbon, covers only a portion of the inner or outer surface of the stent member and secures the stent member and graft member to one another. Alternatively, the coupling member can be described as interconnecting less than entirely the inner or outer surface of the graft member to the stent member. With this construction, regions of the stent member do not interfere with the coupling member. Shear stresses between the stent member and the coupling member and the risk of tearing the graft or coupling member or delamination therebetween may be reduced as compared to a fully enveloped stent member. This construction also provides improved flexibility and kink resistance.

Abstract: A method for producing a stretch-thinned elastic article having dimensional stability over time and at elevated temperatures in which a thermoplastic block copolymer is melt-processed into a stretchable article such as a film or fiber. The article is then conditioned at an elevated temperature greater than or equal to a glass transition temperature (Tg) of a hard phase of the thermoplastic block copolymer. The article is stretch-thinned at the elevated temperature to a desired percentage stretch, forming a stretch-thinned article, after which it is cooled to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the hard phase of the thermoplastic block copolymer. Films produced by this method are suitable for use in durable and disposable articles including personal care articles such as diapers, incontinence wear, training pants, and feminine care articles, as well as wound dressings, wipes, towels, napkins, and protective apparel.

Abstract: A rotary plate feeder valve for use in pressurized pneumatic conveying systems. The valve comprises a rotary plate that is fed from a central inlet and has one or more discharge outlets. Material transfer is controlled by rotary plate speed, depth of deposit of material from the inlet onto the rotary plate, and by plows that move in or out along the rotary plate thus plowing material from the plate into an associated discharge port. Due to high clearances within the valve, the valve may be used with abrasive materials, delicate materials and foodstuffs.

Abstract: A separable fastening system including a first component having a cavity into which a second component can be inserted. At least one wall inside the cavity can have a surface that releasably attaches to at least one side of the second component. The releasably attachable surfaces can include hooks and loops. This fastening system is particularly beneficial when used in absorbent articles.

Abstract: There is provided a hook and loop attachment means made up of a hook portion and a loop portion where the loop and/or the hook portion is convex and is underlain by a resilient material or hollow area. The hook and loop attachment means is useful in the attachment of personal care products.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having reduced outer cover dampness are provided and include a hydrophobic barrier layer positioned between an absorbent core and a breathable liquid impervious outer cover. The hydrophobic barrier layer, such as one or more layers of nonwoven webs, has a thickness of at least 0.03 cm and a hydrohead value of at least 18 millibars. The hydrophobic barrier layer does not significantly reduce the water-vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the absorbent article when the absorbent core is dry yet significantly reduces the overall WVTR of the absorbent article once the absorbent core is wet. Thus, an absorbent article is provided having a WVTR that exceeds about 1500 grams/square meter 24 hours when dry and yet is less than 15,000 grams/square meter 24 hours when wet.

Abstract: A stent-graft including a stent member having an inner surface and an outer surface, a generally tubular graft member and a coupling member that couples the stent member to the graft member. The coupling member, which is the preferred embodiment is in the form of a ribbon, covers only a portion of the inner or outer surface of the stent member and secures the stent member and graft member to one another. Alternatively, the coupling member can be to described as interconnecting less than entirely the inner or outer surface of the graft member to the stent member. With this construction, regions of the stent member do not interfere with the coupling member. Shear stresses between the stent member and the coupling member and the risk of tearing the graft or coupling member or delamination therebetween may be reduced as compared to a fully enveloped stent member. This construction also provides improved flexibility and kink resistance.

Abstract: A stent-graft including a stent member having an inner surface and an outer surface, a generally tubular graft member and a coupling member that couples the stent member to the graft member. The coupling member, which is the preferred embodiment is in the form of a ribbon, covers only a portion of the inner or outer surface of the stent member and secures the stent member and graft member to one another. Alternatively, the coupling member can be described as interconnecting less than entirely the inner or outer surface of the graft member to the stent member. With this construction, regions of the stent member do not interfere with the coupling member. Shear stresses between the stent member and the coupling member and the risk of tearing the graft or coupling member or delamination therebetween may be reduced as compared to a fully enveloped stent member. This construction also provides improved flexibility and kink resistance.

Abstract: A novel wire bundle bounding method that meets the requirements of aerospace specifications is disclosed as well as a novel cable tie used in the method. The method starts with a bundle of wires and the cable tie. The cable tie has a strap body and a locking head with first and second strap passages. The first and second strap passages each have a pawl that locks in the same direction. The strap body is then wrapped around at least one of the wires and then inserted through the first strap passage. Then the strap body is wrapped around the bundle and then inserted through the second strap passage. The strap body is then tightened and the residual strap portion clipped.

Abstract: A stent-graft including a stent member having an inner surface and an outer surface, a generally tubular graft member and a coupling member that couples the stent member to the graft member. The coupling member, which is the preferred embodiment is in the form of a ribbon, covers only a portion of the inner or outer surface of the stent member and secures the stent member and graft member to one another. Alternatively, the coupling member can be described as interconnecting less than entirely the inner or outer surface of the graft member to the stent member. With this construction, regions of the stent member do not interfere with the coupling member. Shear stresses between the stent member and the coupling member and the risk of tearing the graft or coupling member or delamination therebetween may be reduced as compared to a fully enveloped stent member. This construction also provides improved flexibility and kink resistance.

Abstract: A rotary plate feeder valve for use in pressurized pneumatic conveying systems. The valve comprises a rotary plate that is fed from a central inlet and has one or more discharge outlets. Material transfer is controlled by rotary plate speed, depth of deposit of material from the inlet onto the rotary plate, and by plows that move in or out along the rotary plate thus plowing material from the plate into an associated discharge port. Due to high clearances within the valve, the valve may be used with abrasive materials, delicate materials and foodstuffs.

Abstract: A stent-graft including a stent member having an inner surface and an outer surface, a generally tubular graft member and a coupling member that couples the stent member to the graft member. The coupling member, which in the preferred embodiment is in the form of a ribbon, covers only a portion of the inner or outer surface of the stent member and secures the stent member and graft member to one another. Alternatively, the coupling member can be described as interconnecting less than entirely the inner or outer surface of the graft member to the stent member. With this construction, regions of the stent member do not interfere with the coupling member. Shear stresses between the stent member and the coupling member and the risk of tearing the graft or coupling member or delamination therebetween may be reduced as compared to a fully enveloped stent member. This construction also provides improved flexibility and kink resistance.

Abstract: A rotary cutter head includes integral clamping members for releasably securing cutting blades in recesses formed in the cutter head. Each clamping member is formed with a free end portion which defines one side of the recess. An end of the clamping member located oppositely of the free end portion is integrally connected to the cutter head and defines a resilient hinge portion. The free end portion is resiliently biased by the integral hinge portion to a position which allows the blade to be slidably received in the recess. Threaded fasteners are operable to cause the free end portion to pivot about the hinge portion and to drive the free end portion toward an oppositely located side of the recess so as to clamp the blade in the recess.

Abstract: Alkali metal terminated organic polymers are reacted with silicon containing compounds having aliphatic unsaturation to produce a new class of reactive silylated organic polymers. These silylated organic polymers can in turn be reacted with cyclic siloxanes to produce silylated organic-organopolysiloxane block copolymers which are useful as protective coatings, surfactants and as elastomers.

Abstract: A release composition for bituminous materials comprising a mixture of an organopolysiloxane and an aminofunctional silicon fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing thiofunctional polysiloxane polymers which comprises reacting a disiloxane and/or a hydroxy or hydrocarbonoxy containing silane or siloxane with a cyclic trisiloxane in the presence of an acid catalyst wherein at least one of the above organosilicon compounds contain a thiol group. These thiofunctional polysiloxane polymers are useful as metal protectants and as release agents, especially on metal substrates.

Abstract: In order to prevent breakage of a quartz fluidized bed reactor utilized in the production of silicon, the reactor is cooled as soon as a thin layer of silicon is formed on the reactor walls and then reheated to continue silicon growth. In this manner, the thin layer of silicon shatters and forms a weak foundation for subsequent silicon deposition on the reactor wall when the silicon deposition is continued. Subsequently deposited silicon on the walls continuously peels off without breaking the reactor.

Abstract: Improved detergent resistant polish compositions can be prepared by adding novel aminofunctional silicon fluids obtained from an equilibration process to conventional polish compositions. Polishes having improved rub-out and gloss may be obtained by adding the aminofunctional silicon fluid and hydroxyl-terminated organopolysiloxanes and/or silicone resins to the polish compositions.