Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a film forming blend of different acyl gellan gums with starch having similar textural and functional properties compared to gelatin. Films prepared using such blends have a high modulus and excellent strength and elongation. The present invention also relates to soft capsules prepared using such blends or films, which have good sealability.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a blend of a physically induced starch hydrolysate, a plasticizer, and a gelling agent. Such blend produces an excellent film with low brittleness. Further, essentially gelatin-free hard capsules may be made with such blends.

Abstract: A ferrofluid seal apparatus incorporating a multi-stage ferrofluid rotary seal adapted to provide a ferrofluid pressure-type seal about a shaft element extending between a first environment and a second environment, a first magnetic fluid disposed at one stage of the multi-stage rotary seal that faces the first environment, and a second magnetic fluid disposed at another stage of the multi-stage rotary seal that faces the second environment.

Abstract: A ferrofluid seal incorporates a metal seal comprised of two knife-edges and a flat metal washer is formed between a pole piece and the housing at the axial interface between the parts. One knife edge is machined into the inner face of the housing flange and the other knife edge is machined into the opposing pole piece face. This metal seal effectively seals the pole piece to the housing with a seal suitable for ultra high vacuum applications.

Abstract: A magnetic assembly for a multistage magnetic fluid rotary seal has a shaft, an annular permanent magnet, at least one pole piece and a radial gap formed between the shaft and the pole piece. The shaft and the pole piece have a plurality of trapezoidal-shaped ridges in opposing, non-contacting relationship forming the radial gap. The trapezoidal-shaped ridges have a flat top portion facing the radial gap and tapered sides that diverge away from the top portion.

Abstract: An air conditioner system to provide cooling or heating to a flexible material-based device includes a ventilated portion located within a flexible material body, a thermoelectric module with heat exchanges on opposite sides, an air stream source, and a power source. The ventilated portion has two chambers formed between a flexible material inner layer, an intermediate layer and a flexible material outer layer with a plurality of air vents in each of the flexible material inner and outer layers. Each of the heat exchangers is in fluid communication with one of the chambers. The air stream source provides an air flow through the heat exchangers into the chambers and out through the plurality of vent holes. The power source provides power to at least the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: A ferrofluid seal apparatus incorporating a multi-stage ferrofluid rotary seal adapted to provide a ferrofluid pressure-type seal about a shaft element extending between a first environment and a second environment, a first magnetic fluid disposed at one stage of the multi-stage rotary seal that faces the first environment, and a second magnetic fluid disposed at another stage of the multi-stage rotary seal that faces the second environment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a release composition for molds and formers used in the production of natural and synthetic latex articles. The release coating contains a water-borne, high Tg polymer formed from at least one hydrophobic monomer and at least one hydrophilic monomer, where the Tg of the polymer is at least −10° C. One advantage of the release composition is that it is compatible with a coagulant solution used in the formation of latex gloves. Articles formed using the release coating have good anti-blocking properties.

Abstract: A reactivatable adhesive that may be used on high speed case and carton sealing lines contains an energy absorbing ingredient that is capable of reactivating upon exposure to ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a two-side treated formed rubber article having a polymer coating on the outer surface; and a chlorinated inner surface. It is also related to a process for making gloves using a polymer as a mold release and anti-blocking agent on the outside of the glove, and a chlorination of the glove inside surface. The rubber article can be formed as a powder-free glove.

Abstract: In a ferrofluid seal that supports a pressure differential between a low pressure side and a high pressure side, a reservoir is created between a first seal stage at the low pressure side and its adjacent seal stage. The volume of the reservoir is relatively large compared to the volumes of the interstage areas between the other seal stages. In addition, a controlled leakage path bypasses the first stage from the reservoir to the low-pressure area. The leakage rate through the bypass path is controlled so that gas in the reservoir leaks to the low-pressure area relatively slowly, for example, the bypass path might equalize the pressure across the first stage over a five-minute interval. This arrangement prevents a seal stage burst from disgorging a large gas volume into the low-pressure side.

Abstract: A moisture monitoring device is provided having a resonant tag and a remote detector. The resonant tag comprises a plastic substrate having holes punched through it, a capacitor plate on one side that is connected to a second capacitor plate and inductor coils on the other side. The resonant tag comprises a live LC circuit having a natural resonant frequency that does not activate the detector. The resonant tag is affixed to absorbing materials in a diaper or other sanitary undergarment. Upon the introduction of moisture into the circuit, the resonant frequency is eliminated as the circuit is deactivated and an alarm in the detector is triggered. At this point it would be apparent to a parent or caretaker that the diaper is wet and in need of replacement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a polymer coating composition having a dispersant, microbeads and a high Tg polymer with a Tg of greater than −10° C. for the inner coating on natural and synthetic rubber articles, particularly for latex gloves. The coating for rubber articles, provides an inner surface coating that reduces friction between the latex and the hand to allow convenient donning. They are deliverable from aqueous solution.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a two-side treated formed rubber article having a polymer coating on the outer surface; and a chlorinated inner surface. It is also related to a process for making gloves using a polymer as a mold release and anti-blocking agent on the outside of the glove, and a chlorination of the glove inside surface. The rubber article can be formed as a powder-free glove.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a release composition for molds and formers used in the production of natural and synthetic latex articles. The release coating contains a water-borne, high Tg polymer formed from at least one hydrophobic monomer and at least one hydrophilic monomer, where the Tg of the polymer is at least −10° C. One advantage of the release composition is that it is compatible with a coagulant solution used in the formation of latex gloves.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a release composition for molds and formers used in the production of natural and synthetic latex articles. The release coating contains a water-borne, high Tg polymer formed from at least one hydrophobic monomer and at least one hydrophilic monomer, where the Tg of the polymer is at least −10° C. One advantage of the release composition is that it is compatible with a coagulant solution used in the formation of latex gloves.

Abstract: A pull head of a Czochralski crystal puller is mounted on a receiving chamber via a mounting apparatus that provides for pull head alignment. The mounting apparatus has a top plate for secured to the receiving chamber, a bottom plate for supporting the pull head, and an adjustment mechanism disposed on the bottom plate for adjustably positioning the top plate with respect to the bottom plate, and, thus, the puller head with respect to the receiving chamber. Accordingly, the pull head can be adjusted with respect to the crucible rotation axis and can be positioned in order to insure that its rotation axis is substantially vertical.

Abstract: A solenoid with liquid in the gaps between a moving and stationary element is disclosed that includes a secondary kick-back spring used to overcome the viscosity and surface tension effects of the liquid in the gap during the de-energizing phase of the solenoid action. Various secondary spring designs as well as surface shapes of the butt or plunger ends are possible in order to decrease the contact surface area of the ends of either the moving or stationary elements used in the solenoid and also are also used to decrease the viscosity and surface tension effects of the liquid.

Abstract: A method of and system for determining the melt-level in a crystal growing system. A rangefinder emits a signal to reflect off the melt. The reflected signal is directed to a retroreflector. The retroreflector redirects the signal along a parallel path back to the melt surface. The redirected signal is reflected off the melt surface back to the rangefinder, where it is analyzed to determine the distance traveled by the signal. From this, changes in melt-level are determined and the melt-level may be appropriately controlled.

Abstract: A method for mounting the pull head of a CZ crystal puller includes the steps of mounting the pull head on a frame which is supported independently from the crystal puller receiving chamber. In particular, the pull head is mounted on a rigid frame which is supported by the same surface that supports the melt charge crucible. The pull head is then aligned relative to the rigid frame, rather than to the receiving chamber, and can be accurately aligned with the crucible rotation axis and positioned in order to insure that its rotation axis is vertical. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of mounting the pull head on a plate which engages alignment pins attached to the rigid frame. The alignment pins insure proper alignment of the pull head relative to the frame. When the receiving chamber is raised to allow the crystal to be removed, the plate is engaged by the receiving chamber and lifted off the alignment pins so that the pull head moves with the receiving chamber.