Abstract: A lid assembly that can be placed on a pan having a bottom surface that is configured for placement on a burner of the stove top with one or more foods to be cooked supported above an inner bottom surface of the pan by a rack. The lid assembly covers the pan and thereby encloses the one or more foods to be cooked and the rack within a cavity defined by the pan and the lid assembly. An air flow generator mounted on a shaft that extends through a cover portion of the lid from a motor disposed on an opposite side of the cover portion rotates the shaft to produce airflow within the cavity. The lid assembly cooks foods in less time and using less energy than normally required with a conventional oven.

Abstract: The present invention relates to self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions and methods of making and using the same. Self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions are formed by admixing a dispersion concentrate including a chemical blowing agent and a compatible carrier (liquid or molten) with a molten base hot melt adhesive composition at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the chemical blowing agent. The resolidified material is processed through a device that heats the material above the decomposition temperature of the chemical agent and cools it below such temperature before being dispensed. The device preferably includes sensors and a controller configured to prevent the material from accumulating an adverse thermal history during processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions and methods of making and using the same. Self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions are formed by admixing a dispersion concentrate including a chemical blowing agent and a compatible carrier (liquid or molten) with a molten base hot melt adhesive composition at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the chemical blowing agent. The resolidified material is processed through a device that heats the material above the decomposition temperature of the chemical agent and cools it below such temperature before being dispensed. The device preferably includes sensors and a controller configured to prevent the material from accumulating an adverse thermal history during processing.

Abstract: A lid assembly that can be placed on a pan having a bottom surface that is configured for placement on a burner of the stove top with one or more foods to be cooked supported above an inner bottom surface of the pan by a rack. The lid assembly covers the pan and thereby encloses the one or more foods to be cooked and the rack within a cavity defined by the pan and the lid assembly. An air flow generator mounted on a shaft that extends through a cover portion of the lid from a motor disposed on an opposite side of the cover portion rotates the shaft to produce airflow within the cavity. The lid assembly cooks foods in less time and using less energy than normally required with a conventional oven.

Abstract: The present invention relates to self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions and methods of making and using the same. Self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions are formed by admixing a dispersion concentrate including a chemical blowing agent and a compatible carrier (liquid or molten) with a molten base hot melt adhesive composition at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the chemical blowing agent. The resolidified material is processed through a device that heats the material above the decomposition temperature of the chemical agent and cools it below such temperature before being dispensed. The device preferably includes sensors and a controller configured to prevent the material from accumulating an adverse thermal history during processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions and methods of making and using the same. Self-foaming hot melt adhesive compositions are formed by admixing a dispersion concentrate including a chemical blowing agent and a compatible carrier (liquid or molten) with a molten base hot melt adhesive composition at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the chemical blowing agent. The resolidified material is processed through a device that heats the material above the decomposition temperature of the chemical agent and cools it below such temperature before being dispensed. The device preferably includes sensors and a controller configured to prevent the material from accumulating an adverse thermal history during processing.

Abstract: Energy-activated room temperature-pumpable polymer compositions, devices for activating and processing the same into solid cellular or non-cellular polymeric materials that can be used as adhesives, sealants, coatings or gasket materials, and methods of making and using the same. The compositions according to the invention include solid particles that include one or more polymers, which are emulsified, dispersed or suspended in a liquid carrier together with at least one processing aid, such as a reactive blowing agent, a low molecular weight surfactant, a high molecular weight surfactant, one or more compounds found in latex paint, starch, cellulosic derived products and combinations of two or more thereof. The processing aids provide various benefits including, for example, reduced density, improved process hygiene, improved foam stability, faster bonding times and/or lower processing temperatures.

Abstract: Energy-activated room temperature-pumpable polymer compositions, devices for activating and processing the same into solid cellular or non-cellular polymeric materials that can be used as adhesives, sealants, coatings or gasket materials, and methods of making and using the same. The compositions according to the invention include solid particles that include one or more polymers, which are emulsified, dispersed or suspended in a liquid carrier together with at least one processing aid, such as a reactive blowing agent, a low molecular weight surfactant, a high molecular weight surfactant, one or more compounds found in latex paint, starch, cellulosic derived products and combinations of two or more thereof. The processing aids provide various benefits including, for example, reduced density, improved process hygiene, improved foam stability, faster bonding times and/or lower processing temperatures.

Abstract: Energy-activated room temperature-pumpable polymer compositions, devices for activating and processing the same into solid cellular or non-cellular polymeric materials that can be used as adhesives, sealants, coatings or gasket materials, and methods of making and using the same. The compositions according to the invention include solid particles that include one or more polymers, which are emulsified, dispersed or suspended in a liquid carrier together with at least one processing aid, such as a reactive blowing agent, a low molecular weight surfactant, a high molecular weight surfactant, one or more compounds found in latex paint, starch, cellulosic derived products and combinations of two or more thereof. The processing aids provide various benefits including, for example, reduced density, improved process hygiene, improved foam stability, faster bonding times and/or lower processing temperatures.

Abstract: A humidifier assembly for connection to a supply plenum duct of a forced-air HVAC system through which an air flow passes when a blower associated with the forced-air HVAC system is in operation. The humidifier assembly includes an air-permeable water-saturable media member having a supply air intake side and an opposing humidified air exhaust side, and a housing adapted to hold the media member within the supply plenum duct such that the media member divides the air flow into a first portion that passes alongside the supply air intake side of the media member and a second portion that passes alongside the humidified air exhaust side of the media member.

Abstract: Energy-activated room temperature-pumpable polymer compositions, devices for activating and processing the same into solid cellular or non-cellular polymeric materials that can be used as adhesives, sealants, coatings or gasket materials, and methods of making and using the same. The compositions according to the invention include solid particles that include one or more polymers, which are emulsified, dispersed or suspended in a liquid carrier together with at least one processing aid, such as a reactive blowing agent, a low molecular weight surfactant, a high molecular weight surfactant, one or more compounds found in latex paint, starch, cellulosic derived products and combinations of two or more thereof. The processing aids provide various benefits including, for example, reduced density, improved process hygiene, improved foam stability, faster bonding times and/or lower processing temperatures.

Abstract: A composition that includes first solid particles including a first polymer, second solid particles including a second polymer, and a liquid into which the first solid particles and the second solid particles are dispersed, wherein the composition is a pumpable liquid dispersion at room temperature, wherein the first polymer, the second polymer and the liquid become compatible and form a substantially homogeneous molten blend when the pumpable liquid dispersion is heated and mixed, wherein the substantially homogeneous molten blend forms a fused thermoplastic solid when the substantially homogeneous molten blend cools to a solidification temperature, wherein the liquid is retained in the fused thermoplastic solid and wherein the first polymer is at least partially incompatible with the liquid retained in the fused thermoplastic solid.

Abstract: A multi-function heat exchanger for use with a dispensing gun for dispensing hybrid plastisol hot melt material, the heat exchanger having an elongated tubular high temperature heater assembly having a front end hydraulically connected to an inlet port of a dispensing gun and a rear end connected to a heat dissipating assembly which in turn is connected to the outlet end of a supply hose for providing hybrid plastisol material which is liquid at room temperature and under sufficient hydraulic pressure to move the plastisol material through the heat dissipating assembly and the high temperature heater assembly into the dispensing gun when the gun is operated. The heater assembly has a heat source providing sufficient heat to turn the plastisol into a molten liquid as it passes into the dispensing gun. The heat dissipating assembly prevents heat from the high temperature heater assembly from migrating back into the plastisol supply hose.

Abstract: A composition that includes first solid particles including a first polymer, second solid particles including a second polymer, and a liquid into which the first solid particles and the second solid particles are dispersed, wherein the composition is a pumpable liquid dispersion at room temperature, wherein the first polymer, the second polymer and the liquid become compatible and form a substantially homogeneous molten blend when the pumpable liquid dispersion is heated and mixed, wherein the substantially homogeneous molten blend forms a fused thermoplastic solid when the substantially homogeneous molten blend cools to a solidification temperature, wherein the liquid is retained in the fused thermoplastic solid and wherein the first polymer is at least partially incompatible with the liquid retained in the fused thermoplastic solid.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions that include: a first component that includes a polymeric adhesive material that is a solid at room temperature; a second component that is a different material than the first component and is a solid at room temperature; and a third component that is a liquid at room temperature. The adhesive compositions are in the form of (i) a liquid dispersion when stored at temperatures from about room temperature up to about 140° F., (ii) a molten blend when heated above about 300° F. and mixed, and (iii) a solid adhesive when the molten blend cools to a temperature below about 140° F. The second component substantially minimizes exuding of the liquid from the solid adhesive.

Abstract: A method of producing adhered substrates that includes: providing an adhesive composition that is a liquid dispersion when stored at temperatures from about room temperature up to about 140° F., becomes a molten solution when heated to a temperature above about 300° F. and mixed, and then becomes a non-exuding thermoplastic solid adhesive upon cooling below a temperature of about 140° F.; heating and mixing the liquid dispersion at a temperature above about 300° F. to form the molten blend; disposing the molten blend between the substrates to be adhered to each other; and retaining the molten blend between the substrates to be adhered to each other for a set time during which the molten blend cools to form the solid adhesive that adheres the substrates to each other.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions that include: a first component that includes a polymeric adhesive material that is a solid at room temperature; a second component that is a different material than the first component and is a solid at room temperature; and a third component that is a liquid at room temperature. The adhesive compositions are in the form of (i) a liquid dispersion when stored at temperatures from about room temperature up to about 140° F., (ii) a molten blend when heated above about 300° F. and mixed, and (iii) a solid adhesive when the molten blend cools to a temperature below about 140° F. The second component substantially minimizes exuding of the liquid from the solid adhesive.

Abstract: A multiple component adhesive composition is comprised of a polymeric reinforcing phase component and an adsorbent phase component, both as heterogeneously dispersed particulates in an adsorbed liquid component. The reinforcing phase component is substantially incompatible with the liquid component, the adsorbent phase component is compatible or substantially more compatible with the liquid component than is the reinforcing phase component, and the reinforcing phase and adsorbent phase components are partially compatible with one another. The composition has the rheological characteristics of a liquid dispersion and is capable of forming a molten blend at elevated temperatures that solidifies into a solid adhesive upon cooling. Hot-melt or other liquid compositions may also include nanoparticles at least partially exfoliated as a result of shear mixing.

Abstract: A system and method automatically plays programming selections corresponding to the user's preferences as specified in a playlist. The user can create a playlist and transfer the playlist to a receiver. The receiver scans the content in all of the channels that are being broadcast to the receiver to determine if any of the programming matches the selections on the playlist. If there is a match, the receiver automatically tunes the receiver to the matching program.

Abstract: A multi-function heat exchanger for use with a dispensing gun for dispensing hybrid plastisol hot melt material, the heat exchanger having an elongated tubular high temperature heater assembly having a front end hydraulically connected to an inlet port of a dispensing gun and a rear end connected to a heat dissipating assembly which in turn is connected to the outlet end of a supply hose for providing hybrid plastisol material which is liquid at room temperature and under sufficient hydraulic pressure to move the plastisol material through the heat dissipating assembly and the high temperature heater assembly into the dispensing gun when the gun is operated. The heater assembly has a heat source providing sufficient heat to turn the plastisol into a molten liquid as it passes into the dispensing gun. The heat dissipating assembly prevents heat from the high temperature heater assembly from migrating back into the plastisol supply hose.