Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to new materials for storing, protecting, selectively releasing, and applying active ingredients (e.g. pharmaceuticals and other chemicals). In certain embodiments, the invention provides materials impregnated with water-soluble polymer particles which contain active ingredients which may be selectively released and dispensed in response to contact with water or another liquid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods that relate to a biopolymer medium for growing plants. In certain embodiments, the biopolymer growth medium comprises or consists essentially of polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) or a mixture of them. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of producing a biopolymer growth medium.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a laminated foam product, wherein the adhesive binding the foam to the laminate comprises the mixture from which the foam is made. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods for making a laminated foam product. A third aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for making a laminated foam product.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed that relate to a biopolymer medium for growing plants. In certain embodiments, the biopolymer growth medium comprises or consists essentially of polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) or a mixture of them. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of producing a biopolymer growth medium.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to new materials for storing, protecting, selectively releasing, and applying active ingredients (e.g. pharmaceuticals and other chemicals). In certain embodiments, the invention provides materials impregnated with water-soluble polymer particles which contain active ingredients which may be selectively released and dispensed in response to contact with water or another liquid.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a laminated foam product, wherein the adhesive binding the foam to the laminate comprises the mixture from which the foam is made. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods for making a laminated foam product. A third aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for making a laminated foam product.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for filling trays with polymerized growth medium. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of filling a tray with polymerized growth medium using an apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a tray and its modifications for housing growth plugs in a stabilizing environment. A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method of forming trays for housing growth plugs, comprising the steps of extruding plastic through a die and cutting the extruded plastic periodically at an angle perpendicular to the direction of extrusion.

Abstract: A reticulated hydrophilic foam substrate and bonded active surface particle powder composite filter material is generated by foam polymerization of a prepolymer phase with an aqueous phase. The reticulated hydrophilic foam substrate is characterized by relatively low pressure drop and low resistance to flow through the foam substrate. The prepolymer phase is a hydrophilic polyurethane prepolymer receptive to the aqueous phase for foam polymerization upon mixing with the aqueous phase. The aqueous phase in turn is a pourable and flowable slurry mixture of water, active surface particle powder, and surfactant wetting agent. The aqueous phase includes sufficient water or other evaporable liquid to provide a protective liquid layer or coating over the active surfaces of the powder particles.

Abstract: Compositions and methods that relate to a biopolymer medium for growing plants. In certain embodiments, the biopolymer growth medium comprises or consists essentially of polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) or a mixture of them. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of producing a biopolymer growth medium.