Abstract: We disclose a composition containing a polyester comprising about 1 mole part diol units and from about 0.98 mole parts fumaric acid units to about 1.01 mole parts fumaric acid units. In one embodiment, the diol units are 1,3-propanediol units or 1,2-propanediol units. In one embodiment, the polyester is blended with polylactide. In another embodiment, the composition is in a form selected from the group consisting of a plate, a tray, a bowl, a cup, a bowl lid, a cup lid, a fork, a spoon, a knife, a jewel case, and a packaging article. We also disclose a method of manufacturing the composition. The method includes combining about 1 mole part diol, from about 0.98 mole parts fumaric acid to about 1.01 mole parts fumaric acid, and from about 0.0002 mole parts to about 0.0020 mole parts of a polyesterfication catalyst, to yield a combination of diol and fumaric acid; maintaining the combination of diol and fumaric acid under an inert atmosphere at a temperature from about 130° C. to about 190° C.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system that combines basic utilitarian functionality with a bladder system and reinforcing spine providing tactile enjoyment, flexibility, and durability when in use. The bladder system is made of flexible, squeezable, decorative and durable material that is reinforced with either an internal or external spine. The device, which is intended to be used during such activities as athletics, holds and dispenses consumable liquids while providing the user with enjoyment through surface textures, a unique structure, and semi-rigid design qualities.

Abstract: Thermal inkjet inks having at least about 4 percent by weight pigment, a dispersant having moieties of methacrylic acid, poly(propylene glycol)-4-nonylphenyl ether acrylate and poly(ethylene glycol)2,4,6-tris-(1-phenylethyl)phenyl) ether methacrylate; a humectant and a surfactant, preferably ethoxylated 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl 5 decyn-4,7-diol.

Abstract: A combination personal hydration and temperature stabilizing/regulating device that provides for hands free activities. The device, which is intended to be worn around the user's neck, will hold consumable liquids, ice and both heating and cooling devices to promote stability of temperatures of both the liquid and the user.

Abstract: An ink composition comprising: a self-dispersing carbon black, a binder, a stabilizing dye comprising at least as many groups comprising CO2H or COSH as groups comprising SO3H, and an aqueous vehicle. The stabilizing dye can improve the reliability and performance of the ink composition. The addition of the stabilizing dye can reduce or prevent the formation of material that blocks the printhead vias and throats as a result of the presence of a binder in the ink. The ink composition can reduce the amount of maintenance needed to retain all of a printhead's nozzles through the life of the printhead.

Abstract: A position sensor assembly for detecting linear movement of a transmission manual valve is comprised of a set of permanent magnets mounted on a movable carrier and an array of GMR elements located between the juxtaposed magnet poles. The magnet set establishes a high and low magnetic flux field pattern across the GMR elements whose resistance values decrease as they are subjected to the moving magnetic field. The change in resistance is converted to a linear position output signal corresponding to the displacement of the transmission manual valve. The magnet set is moved transversely to the direction of movement of the manual valve. The magnet set is assembled on a magnet carrier that is mechanically linked to the transmission manual valve for which linear position signal is desired.