Abstract: Embodiments are provided that provide for efficient production of highly pure natural I-menthol. In some embodiments, a method for preparing natural I-menthol involves providing crude mentha oil in a crystallizer and gradually reducing the temperature of the crystallizer in a step-wise manner, thereby producing highly pure crystals in less than two weeks. The methods disclosed herein are suitable for pharmaceutical GMP.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided that provide for efficient production of highly pure natural I-menthol. In some embodiments, a method for preparing natural I-menthol involves providing crude mentha oil in a crystallizer and gradually reducing the temperature of the crystallizer in a step-wise manner, thereby producing highly pure crystals in less than two weeks. The methods disclosed herein are suitable for pharmaceutical GMP.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided that provide for efficient production of highly pure natural I-menthol. In some embodiments, a method for preparing natural I-menthol involves providing crude mentha oil in a crystallizer and gradually reducing the temperature of the crystallizer in a step-wise manner, thereby producing highly pure crystals in less than two weeks. The methods disclosed herein are suitable for pharmaceutical GMP.

Abstract: The invention provide a gum base composition which has an excellent chewing texture and is disintegratable and biodegradable comprising biodegradable ingredients, including a lactic acid polymer comprising a poly-L-lactic acid polymer and/or other lactic acid polymers having a glass transition temperature higher than 50° C. in an amount of from 5% by weight to 60% by weight, and an emulsifying plasticizer in an amount of from 1% by weight to 20% by weight. The weight average molecular weight of the lactic acid polymer to be used is preferably 50,000 to 200,000.

Abstract: A temporary marking material comprises a thermally-expansible layer containing a binder, a pigment and thermally-expansible microballs, and a pavement marker comprises the temporary marking material. Both the temporary marking material and the pavement maker hardly peel off or move during the use, and when they become unnecessary, they can be easily peeled off by heating from the structure in a short time by virtue of the expanded microballs. When the temporary marking material is in practical use, the thermally-expansible layer is disposed on the surface of a structure. The pavement marker is disposed on the pavement as part of a surface of the structure.

Abstract: A marking material for use on a surface, the marking material including a binder material and a thermal-sensitive pigment. The marking material exhibits a first color different from a surface color. Upon being heated to a temperature of at least about 70° C., the marking material undergoes an irreversible color change from the first color to a second color. The second color renders the marking material effectively invisible to an observer. A marker and a method of using the marker are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provide a gum base composition which has an excellent chewing texture and is disintegratable and biodegradable comprising biodegradable ingredients, including a lactic acid polymer comprising a poly-L-lactic acid polymer and/or other lactic acid polymers having a glass transition temperature higher than 50° C. in an amount of from 5% by weight to 60% by weight, and an emulsifying plasticizer in an amount of from 1% by weight to 20% by weight. The weight average molecular weight of the lactic acid polymer to be used is preferably 50,000 to 200,000.

Abstract: An adhesive which is a reaction product of polymerizing, and curing or crosslinking a monomer component containing 80-85 wt % of an alkyl (meth)acrylate ester monomer with an alkyl group of 1-18 carbon atoms and 15-20 wt % of an unsaturated monomer with at least one polar functional group, and which has a gel percentage of 50-85% after curing or crosslinking.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patch for beautification comprising a support and an adhesive mass, wherein the adhesive mass contains active components that have a skin-refreshing effect, a skin-clearing effect and/or a slenderizing effect. The active component of the patch for beautification of the present invention having at least one of a skin-refreshing effect, a skin-clearing effect and a slenderizing effect can effectively and sustainedly act on a desired site of the body.

Abstract: A retroreflective graphic article bearing a fluorescent legend comprising a retroreflective base sheet, an image layer containing one or more pigments and one or more fluorescent dyes and a dye-receiving layer containing fluorescent dye which migrated from the image layer. Also, a method for making such articles is provided.

Abstract: An imaging element is disposed on a front surface of a retroreflective sheeting to form an image-displaying sheeting. The imaging element includes a light-transmitting prismatic sheeting that has a surface provided with a plurality of parallel prisms. The imaging element also includes an adhesive layer that adheres the prismatic sheeting to the front surface of the retroreflective sheeting. At least a portion of the imaging element is shaped in the form of indicia. In some cases the prismatic sheeting itself is shaped in the form of indicia. In other cases the imaging element includes a light-transmitting colored layer disposed on the front surface of the retroreflective sheeting and shaped in the form of indicia. In the latter case, the prismatic sheeting can be shaped as before to match the indicia-shaped colored layer, or it can extend continuously across the entire retroreflective sheeting.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting have a multitude of retroreflective elements that include a layer of optical elements and a reflective element(s) that is positioned functionally behind the optical elements. The retroreflective elements are supported by a polymeric layer, and an adhesive layer positioned below the support layer. The adhesive layer contains a polyurethane crosslinked by at least an isocyanate compound. The polyurethane is polymerized from a component containing a polyol having at least one alkyl side chain in a molecule, and the adhesive has (i) a storage modulus of about 2.times.10.sup.7 to 8.times.10.sup.7 dyne per square centimeter when measured in a tensile mode at a frequency of 35 Hz and 25.degree. C., and (ii) a softening point of about 80.degree. C. to less than 200.degree. C.

Abstract: An encapsulated lens retroreflective sheeting that has a bonding layer that consists essentially of a thermoplastic polyurethane resin that has a softening point of 70.degree. C. to 200.degree. C. The bonding layer is sealed to a light transmissible surface protective layer by a multitude of bonds that form spaces between the protective layer and the bonding layer. Retroreflective elements are partially embedded in the bonding layer and interface with air in the spaces. An encapsulated lens retroreflective sheeting of this construction can be adhered to a highly plasticized plastic surface and maintain high adhesion force for an extended duration while at the same time maintaining good retroreflective performance.

Abstract: Encapsulated-lens retroreflective sheeting comprising (1) a layer of binder material having a layer of retroreflective elements partially embedded in its top surface; (2) a transparent cover sheet disposed in spaced relation from the layer of retroreflective elements; (3) a network of narrow intersecting bonds comprising binder material embossed from the layer of binder material into contact with the cover sheet so as to adhere the layer of binder material and cover sheet together and form a plurality of cells within which retroreflective elements are hermetically sealed; the embossing of the layer of binder material leaving the bottom surface of the layer of binder material with an embossed configuration; and (4) a support sheet lastingly and directly adhered to said bottom surface of the layer of binder material and embossed with the layer of binder material so as to follow the embossed configuration of said bottom surface.