Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process wherein zein fibers are prepared by mixing zein and water, preferably btween 0.degree. C. and 18.degree. C., to form a free-flowing, particulate mixture; heating the mixture to a temperature of about 45.degree. C. to about 80.degree. C. while simultaneously extruding the mixture through a spinneret to form zein fibers which are subsequently treated with a formaldehyde stabilizing solution and drawn. This process obviates the need for environmentally unfriendly alkaline solutions and acid coagulating baths.

Abstract: A spatter shielding and vapor venting device for a frying pan comprising a transparent lid to enable visual observation of cooking, a peripheral venting gap to release generated fumes and vapors, a vertical hollow cylindrical wall to rapidly return condensed oil to frying pan, a handle to hold the device steady, a horizontal flange to facilitate placement on rims of frying pans of varying sizes, a vertical cylindrical flange to restrict lateral motion and to shield the contact area between the horizontal flange and frying pan rim, a vertical window opening for the introduction, removal, stirring and turning over of food, a hands-free opening and automatic closing window cover means to effectively shield the window opening even while performing said cooking operations.

Abstract: Polymeric composite materials having a decreasing concentration gradient of polymer matrix from the material's surface to the material's interior and a process for making such materials, whereby polymer matrix is extracted from the interior of the material in such a manner that the matrix concentration at the material's surface increases.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel processes for preparing polypeptide solutions and spinning them into fibers. The process involves dissolving a polypeptide in a solvent system comprising lithium thiocyanate (LiSCN) and a liquefied phenol selected from the group consisting of phenol, m-chlorophenol, m-fluorophenol, and m-bromophenol or mixtures thereof. The solutions may be spun using certain wet spinning and dry-jet wet spinning methods. The process is especially useful for making silk fibroin fibers.

Abstract: Polymeric composite materials having a decreasing concentration gradient of polymer matrix from the material's surface to the material's interior. The composite is produced by a process whereby polymer matrix is extracted from the interior of the material in such a manner that the matrix concentration at the material's surface increases.

Abstract: As-spun fibers from certain spinnable dopes of poly-p-phenylenebenzobisthiazole, poly-p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole, or poly-2,5-benzoxazole and thermoplastic polymers in certain mixed solvents are provided.

Abstract: Fibrids of poly-p-phenylenebenzobisthiazole, poly-p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole, or poly-2,5-benzoxazole and thermoplastic polymers in certain mixed solvents are provided.

Abstract: Spinnable dopes of poly-p-phenylenebenzobisthiazole, poly-p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole, or poly-2,5-benzoxazole and thermoplastic or intractable polymers in certain mixed solvents are provided.

Abstract: A scraping brush with the free ends of the bristles having feet or disc shaped terminal members, which provide the latching or anchoring surfaces by which paint scales or other scales are pried or pulled loose when the scraping brush, in which the bristles are attached, is swept over the scales.

Abstract: Poly(p-phenylenebenzobisthiazole) (PBT) fiber which is at least partially insoluble in methanesulfonic acid at room temperature. The fiber is prepared by heat treatment of PBT fiber, for a time sufficient to make it at least partially insoluble in methanesulfonic acid, at temperatures of 550.degree. C. (e.g., for 600 seconds) to 780.degree. C. (e.g., for 18 seconds).