Abstract: A method of making a foam comprising the following steps. A mixture is created comprising (i) a first reactant comprising triglyceride having acrylate functionality, (ii) a second reactant comprising diacrylate, and (iii) a blowing agent. The mixture is expanded to create a froth. The first and second reactants of the froth are reacted to create the foam.

Abstract: A method of making a foam from a polymerizable resin includes the following steps. A thermally-activated initiator having a temperature below the initiation temperature is combined with an elevated-temperature solution having the polymerizable resin and carbon dioxide at a temperature above a promoted temperature to create a resulting mixture having a temperature above the promoted temperature. The resulting mixture is expanded by decreasing the pressure of the mixture to create a froth having a plurality of cells formed by carbon dioxide that expanded out of solution. The polymerizable resin within the froth is cured to create a foam.

Abstract: A method of making a foam from a polymerizable resin includes the following steps. A thermally-activated initiator having a temperature below the initiation temperature is combined with an elevated-temperature solution having the polymerizable resin and carbon dioxide at a temperature above a promoted temperature to create a resulting mixture having a temperature above the promoted temperature. The resulting mixture is expanded by decreasing the pressure of the mixture to create a froth having a plurality of cells formed by carbon dioxide that expanded out of solution. The polymerizable resin within the froth is cured to create a foam.

Abstract: A method of making a foam comprising the following steps. A mixture is created comprising (i) a first reactant comprising triglyceride having acrylate functionality, (ii) a second reactant comprising diacrylate, and (iii) a blowing agent. The mixture is expanded to create a froth. The first and second reactants of the froth are reacted to create the foam.

Abstract: A method of making a foam from a polymerizable resin includes the following steps. A thermally-activated initiator having a temperature below the initiation temperature is combined with an elevated-temperature solution having the polymerizable resin and carbon dioxide at a temperature above a promoted temperature to create a resulting mixture having a temperature above the promoted temperature. The resulting mixture is expanded by decreasing the pressure of the mixture to create a froth having a plurality of cells formed by carbon dioxide that expanded out of solution. The polymerizable resin within the froth is cured to create a foam.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to method of producing thermoplastic foam from a blend of polyolefin and acrylated epoxidized fatty acid using a phsyical blowing agent. Specifically, the presently disclosed subject matter includes embodiments wherein the acrylated epoxidized fatty acid is added to the polyolefin resin in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 10%, based on the total weight of the resin. The presently disclosed subject matter also includes the foam produced by the disclosed method.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention pertains to a device for mixing and dispensing fluids, which generally includes a housing; a mixing chamber having a first inlet for introducing a first fluid into the mixing chamber, a second inlet for introducing a second fluid into the mixing chamber, and an outlet through which fluid may exit the mixing chamber; and a valving rod received within the mixing chamber and movable between an open position, in which the first and second inlets are in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, a cleaning position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first inlet but does not seal closed the second inlet, and a closed position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first and second inlets.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to method of producing thermoplastic foam from a blend of polyolefin and acrylated epoxidized fatty acid using a phsyical blowing agent. Specifically, the presently disclosed subject matter includes embodiments wherein the acrylated epoxidized fatty acid is added to the polyolefin resin in an amount of from about 0.1% to about 10%, based on the total weight of the resin. The presently disclosed subject matter also includes the foam produced by the disclosed method.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention pertains to a device for mixing and dispensing fluids, which generally includes a housing; a mixing chamber having a first inlet for introducing a first fluid into the mixing chamber, a second inlet for introducing a second fluid into the mixing chamber, and an outlet through which fluid may exit the mixing chamber; and a valving rod received within the mixing chamber and movable between an open position, in which the first and second inlets are in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, a cleaning position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first inlet but does not seal closed the second inlet, and a closed position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first and second inlets.

Abstract: A packaging system for producing a foam-in-bag cushion upon demand includes a bag of flexible plastic film and defining therein an enclosed space which is vented to the outside of the bag, a foam precursor packet positioned at a predetermined location within the enclosed space in the bag and being formed of a barrier material. The packet includes first and second compartments with a first frangible seal separating the first and second compartments which when ruptured will permit the contents of the compartments to be mixed to form a foam cushion and a second frangible seal between one of the compartments and the enclosed space in the bag. A first foam precursor component is contained in the first compartment of the packet and a second foam precursor component is contained in the second compartment of the packet.

Abstract: A packaging system for producing a foam-in-bag cushion upon demand includes a bag of flexible plastic film and defining therein an enclosed space which is vented to the outside of the bag, a foam precursor packet positioned at a predetermined location within the enclosed space in the bag and being formed of a barrier material. The packet includes first and second compartments with a first frangible seal separating the first and second compartments which when ruptured will permit the contents of the compartments to be mixed to form a foam cushion and a second frangible seal between one of the compartments and the enclosed space in the bag. A first foam precursor component is contained in the first compartment of the packet and a second foam precursor component is contained in the second compartment of the packet.

Abstract: A packaging system for producing a foam-in-bag cushion upon demand includes a bag of flexible plastic film and defining therein an enclosed space which is vented to the outside of the bag, a foam precursor packet positioned at a predetermined location within the enclosed space in the bag and being formed of a barrier material. The packet includes first and second compartments with a first frangible seal separating the first and second compartments which when ruptured will permit the contents of the compartments to be mixed to form a foam cushion and a second frangible seal between one of the compartments and the enclosed space in the bag. A first foam precursor component is contained in the first compartment of the packet and a second foam precursor component is contained in the second compartment of the packet.

Abstract: A packaging system for producing a foam-in-bag cushion upon demand includes a bag of flexible plastic film and defining therein an enclosed space which is vented to the outside of the bag, a foam precursor packet positioned at a predetermined location within the enclosed space in the bag and being formed of a barrier material. The packet includes first and second compartments with a first frangible seal separating the first and second compartments which when ruptured will permit the contents of the compartments to be mixed to form a foam cushion and a second frangible seal between one of the compartments and the enclosed space in the bag. A first foam precursor component is contained in the first compartment of the packet and a second foam precursor component is contained in the second compartment of the packet.

Abstract: A packaging system for producing a foam-in-bag cushion upon demand includes a bag of flexible plastic film and defining therein an enclosed space which is vented to the outside of the bag, a foam precursor packet positioned at a predetermined location within the enclosed space in the bag and being formed of a barrier material. The packet includes first and second compartments with a first frangible seal separating the first and second compartments which when ruptured will permit the contents of the compartments to be mixed to form a foam cushion and a second frangible seal between one of the compartments and the enclosed space in the bag. A first foam precursor component is contained in the first compartment of the packet and a second foam precursor component is contained in the second compartment of the packet.

Abstract: A polyol blend is disclosed for making polyurethane foams. The blend includes a first polyol having a functionality of about 2, a hydroxyl number ranging from about 20 to about 90, and an equivalent weight ranging from about 600 to about 2800; a second polyol having a functionality ranging from about 4 to about 8, a hydroxyl number ranging from about 200 to about 600, and an equivalent weight ranging from about 90 to about 280; and a third polyol having a functionality ranging from about 2.5 to about 4, a hydroxyl number ranging from about 15 to about 500, and an equivalent weight ranging from about 180 to about 4000. The polyol blend is capable of reacting with an isocyanate compound in the presence of water to produce a foam having a density ranging from about 0.5 to about 5 pounds/ft.sup.3, a compressive strength ranging from about 3 to about 20 psi, and an airflow ranging from about 10 to about 1000 cc/minute.