Abstract: A shoe management apparatus including a receiving portion defining a receiving space for receiving shoes therein, a first supply portion for guiding flow of a fluid towards the receiving portion, the first supply portion including a stationary duct disposed above the receiving space, a flexible duct connected to the stationary duct and able to rotate to change shape, a rotatable duct connected to the flexible duct and a first driver connected to the rotatable duct and for generating a rotational force to rotate the rotatable duct.

Abstract: A leather finishing agent that can enhance the mechanical properties and ultraviolet resistance of leather and a preparation method thereof are disclosed that relate to the field of leather additives. It was prepared by using polyphenol as raw material, hexamethylene tetramine as auxiliary agent, and a protonic acid as solvent, then heating and adding water for hydrolysis and dispersion. The method has the advantages of low production cost, simple process, high preparation efficiency, green production process and environmental protection. The leather finishing agent can be used in the finishing section after leather tanning. After finishing, the mechanical properties of the leather were significantly enhanced, and its UV resistance was also significantly improved.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic leathers, artificial epidermal layers, artificial dermal layers, layered structures, products produced therefrom and methods of producing the same.

Abstract: A biofabricated material containing a network of crosslinked collagen fibrils is disclosed. This material is composed of collagen which is also a major component of natural leather and is produced by a process of fibrillation of collagen molecules into fibrils, crosslinking the fibrils and lubricating the crosslinked fibrils. Unlike natural leathers, this biofabricated material exhibits non-anisotropic (not directionally dependent) physical properties, for example, a sheet of biofabricated material can have substantially the same elasticity or tensile strength when stretched or stressed in different directions. Unlike natural leather, it has a uniform texture that facilitates uniform uptake of dyes and coatings. Aesthetically, it produces a uniform and consistent grain for ease of manufacturability. It can have substantially identical grain, texture and other aesthetic properties on both sides distinct from natural leather where the grain increases from one side (e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic leathers, artificial epidermal layers, artificial dermal layers, layered structures, products produced therefrom and methods of producing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to aviscosifier useful for oilfield fluids, especially high TDS fluids and heavy brines, comprising: at least a zwitterionic polymer, prepared by inverse emulsion polymerization of: monomers A comprising a betaine group; nonionic monomers B monomers C including a metal ion crosslinkable group with a molar ratio of the monomers A to the monomers B between 4/96 and 40/60; and at least a metal ion compound leading to the crosslinking of the groups carried by monomers C.

Abstract: A biofabricated material containing a network of crosslinked collagen fibrils is disclosed. This material is composed of collagen which is also a major component of natural leather and is produced by a process of fibrillation of collagen molecules into fibrils, crosslinking the fibrils and lubricating the crosslinked fibrils. Unlike natural leathers, this biofabricated material exhibits non-anisotropic (not directionally dependent) physical properties, for example, a sheet of biofabricated material can have substantially the same elasticity or tensile strength when stretched or stressed in different directions. Unlike natural leather, it has a uniform texture that facilitates uniform uptake of dyes and coatings. Aesthetically, it produces a uniform and consistent grain for ease of manufacturability. It can have substantially identical grain, texture and other aesthetic properties on both sides distinct from natural leather where the grain increases from one side (e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic leathers, artificial epidermal layers, artificial dermal layers, layered structures, products produced therefrom and methods of producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for retanning leather comprising the steps of: a) providing tanned or pre-tanned leather b) treating the tanned leather of step a) with a composition comprising hollow microspheres, preferably as an aqueous composition, the hollow microspheres have a true density of from 0.01 to 0.10 g/cm3 (25° C.) and/or a bulk density of the dry powder of 0.005 to 0.06 g/cm3 (25° C.), c) drying, whereby the temperature of the leather during drying does not exceed 75° C. as well as to leather obtained by said process.

Abstract: Tanned leather, skin or pelt is produced by non-metal tanning, comprising the step of tanning a bated hide, skin or pelt with a tanning agent (A), the tanning agent (A) being at least a mixture of compounds of formula (I) and formula (II), wherein Hal signifies fluorine or chlorine, R1 signifies hydrogen, C1-8-alkyl or an alkyleneoxy radical of formula (III), —(—C2-3 alkylene-O—)q—H??(III) R2 signifies a) phenyl, mono- or di-substituted with SO3M or COOM and optionally substituted also with hydroxyl or C1-4-alkyl or C1-4-alkoxy, or b) naphthyl, mono- or di- or tri-substituted with SO3M and optionally substituted also with hydroxyl, or c) C1-8-alkylene, substituted with (SO3M) or (COOM), or d) a radical of formula (IV), —(—C2-3 alkylene-O—)p—Y??(IV) e) or a radical of formula (IVa), —(C2-3 alkylene-O)p—C2-3 alkylene-SO2CH2CH2O—Y??(IVa) m signifies 1 or 2, p signifies 0 or 1, Y signifies hydrogen or —SO3M, q is of from 1 to 10, M signifies hydrogen or an alkali metal cation or an am

Abstract: Engineered animal skin, hide, and leather comprising a plurality of layers of collagen formed by cultured animal collagen-producing (e.g., skin) cells. Layers may be formed by elongate multicellular bodies comprising a plurality of cultured animal cells that are adhered and/or cohered to one another; wherein the elongate multicellular bodies are arranged to form a substantially planar layer for use in formation of engineered animal skin, hide, and leather. Further described herein are methods of forming engineered animal skin, hide, and leather utilizing said layers of animal collagen-producing cells.

Abstract: Tanned leather, skin or pelt is produced by non-metal tanning, comprising the step of tanning a bated hide, skin or pelt with a tanning agent (A), the tanning agent (A) being at least one compound of formula (I), wherein Hal signifies chlorine or fluorine, X signifies N or CR Y signifies hydrogen, C1-8-alkyl, C1-4-alkyl-carbonyl, C1-4-alkyl-sulphonyl or a radical of formula (Ia), or (Ib) —(—C2-3 alkylene-O—)q—H??(Ib) R signifies hydrogen or chlorine, q is 1 to 10 and M signifies hydrogen or an alkali metal cation or an ammonium cation, the ammonium cation being a protonated tertiary amine or a quaternary ammonium cation, in a tanning bath, the tanning bath having a pH of from 6 to 10 at the beginning of the tanning step.

Abstract: Tanned leather, skin or pelt is produced by non-metal tanning, comprising the step of tanning a bated hide, skin or pelt with a tanning agent (A), the tanning agent (A) being at least one compound of formula (I), R—NH—Y—SO2—Z??(I), wherein R signifies a radical of formula wherein Hal signifies fluorine or chlorine, X signifies N or CR1, Y signifies an aliphatic, araliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbonic bridge which may optionally be interrupted by a heteroatom or heteroatomic group, Z signifies vinyl, ?-chloroethyl, ?-phosphatoethyl or ?-sulphatoethyl R1 signifies hydrogen or Cl, in a tanning bath, the tanning bath having a pH of from 6 to 10 at the beginning of tanning step.

Abstract: Tanned leather, skin or pelt is produced by non-metal tanning, comprising the step of tanning a bated hide, skin or pelt with a tanning agent (A), the tanning agent (A) being at least one compound of formula (I), wherein X signifies fluorine, chlorine and/or (+NR3)0-1, wherein R is a substituted C1 to C6 alkyl group or an unsubstituted C1 to C6 alkyl group, an unsubstituted C6 to C10 aryl group or a substituted C6 to C10 aryl group or a C5 to C6 heteroaryl group, R1 signifies hydrogen, C1-8-alkyl or an alkyleneoxy radical of formula (Ia), -(—C2-3alkylene-O—)q-H??(Ia) R2 signifies hydrogen or hydroxy, m signifies 1, 2 or 3, q is of from 1 to 10, M signifies hydrogen or an alkali metal cation or an ammonium cation, the ammonium cation being a protonated tertiary amine or a quaternary ammonium cation, in a tanning bath, the tanning bath having a pH of from 6 to 10 at the beginning of tanning step.

Abstract: A leather obtained by a (1) pre-treatment before tanning, (2) tanning process where glutaraldehyde is used as a tanning agent, (3) process where a re-tanning agent is used which is constituted by synthetic tannin, resin and aluminum, of which the synthetic tannin is constituted by (a) condensation product of aromatic sulfonic acid with formaldehyde or mixture of aromatic sulfonic acid and condensation product of aromatic sulfonic acid with formaldehyde, (b) methylene cyclic polymer of aromatic sulfonic acid with hydroxy aromatic compound or mixture of aromatic sulfonic acid and methylene cyclic polymer of aromatic sulfonic acid with hydroxy aromatic compound and (c) glyoxal, while the resin is constituted by (a) acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid ester or methacrylic acid ester polymer(s) and mixture thereof, and copolymer(s) thereof or mixture thereof and (b) polycondensation product of melamine with formaldehyde, wherein the re-tanning agent having the aforementioned composition is used to perform

Abstract: D-Isoascorbic acid or one of its salts, as such or as a constituent of a liquid or solid formulation, is an effective agent for reducing the amount of Cr(VI) compounds in leathers tanned with Cr(III) salts by treatment of the leather in an aqueous liquor after tanning or finishing or of a commodity article with an aqueous solution.

Abstract: Leather in form of hides or articles of leather or other articles comprised of similarly behaving material is introduced (for purposes of this application all of these articles of leather jointly referred to as “hides”) into rotating drum or stirring vessel or other form of similar device where it undergoes spraying with chemicals and drying to desired humidity to be followed by drying and another treatment of milling in rotating drum.

Abstract: Bioprosthetic tissues are treated by immersing or otherwise contacting fixed, unfixed or partially fixed tissue with a glutaraldehyde solution that has previously been heat-treated or pH adjusted prior to its contact with the tissue. The prior heat treating or pH adjustment of the glutaraldehyde solution causes its free aldehyde concentration to decrease by about 25% or more, preferably by as much as 50%, and allows a “stabilized” glutaraldehyde solution to be obtained at the desired concentration and pH for an optimal fixation of the tissue at high or low temperature. This treatment results in a decrease in the tissue's propensity to calcify after being implanted within the body of a human or animal patient.

Abstract: A process for retanning leather has been found, which is characterized in that a) a tanned leather is treated in aqueous liquor in the presence of hollow microspheres filled with blowing agent, b) the leather obtained according to a) is dried after further optional retanning steps and c1) treated with steam at 80 to 120° C., in particular at 80 to 100° C., or c2) with infrared radiation having a wavelength of 0.7 to 100 ?m, it also being possible for a finishing step b1) and/or a milling step b2) to follow at a time after the drying step b).

Abstract: A leather finishing process in which, in pertinent part, a warm water milling step is added after the base coat is applied to “crust” leather and cured. The warm water contains at least one dye fixation agent including but not limited to about 0.1-2.0% by weight of formic acid. Moreover, the base coat itself is an aqueous base coat containing at least two polymers such as an acrylic salt or a polyurethane salt. Between the polymeric constituents of the base coat, the acid fixation agent, and the use of the warm water milling step after the base coat has been applied and dried, a surprisingly natural feel to the leather is attained without loss of excellent adhesion, wear-resistance and other properties when the leather is completely finished.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for fixation of biological tissue and/or post-fixation treatment of such tissue that result in modified tissues with reduced susceptibility to in vitro calcification when used in prosthetic devices. The invention also relates to calcification resistant biological tissue and to methods of using such tissue.

Abstract: Chromium-free leather having a waterproofness, measured as penetration time according to DIN 53338 , of at least 30 min.

Abstract: The invention relates to control fungal growth on tanned hides, using cyanodithiocarbimates of formula (I): X is a halogen; R is a substituted or unsubstituted C1–C14 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C2–C14 alkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C2–C14 alkynyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted group defined by Y—Ar—(CH2)m— or by Z—(CH2)n—; Ar is a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group selected from phenyl, or naphthyl; Y is H, halogen, NO2, R1, R1O, R1R2N; Z is NC, R1O, R1OC(O), R1OCH2CH2(OCH2CH2)p m ranges from 0 to 3; n ranges from 0 to 3; p ranges from 0 to 3; and R1 and R2 are independently H, substituted or unsubstituted C1–C5 alkyl.

Abstract: Chromium-free leather having a waterproofness, measured as penetration time according to DIN 53338, of at least 30 min.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel leather making process whereby the post-tanning wet operations are done prior to tanning stage itself to make leather in eco-friendly manner in substantially shorter duration. The present process reduces the number of required steps for leather processing and the pollution load generated in comparison to conventional leather processing.

Abstract: A mixture of THP and a moderator is used to tan leather. The moderator is selected from metaphosphates and polyhydroxy or polypyrolidyl compounds such as glycerol, carboxydrates PVA or PVP.

Abstract: A material is impregnated into leather by incorporating the material into micro-capsules and then applying said micro-capsules to said leather material by means of a suitable process. A roller coating process is described in which the material is applied to a roller under which said leather material passes whilst compressed. Alternatively, the micro-capsules may be applied to said leather by drumming-in in a wet process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements in the processing of animal skins to create leather and results in improved leather quality, in terms of softness, and markedly increased area yield. According to the present invention there is provided a process for improving area yield and/or softness of leather which comprises treating chromium (III) or aldehyde tanned skins with an enzyme composition which is a mixture of at least one protease and at least one elastase. The invention applies particularly, although not exclusively, to clothing leather and upholstery leather production.

Abstract: A leather made beneficially interactive with the human body through the insertion of rare earth elements and/or ceramics into its fiber matrix for use in garments, footwear, gloves or upholstery. A tanned leather having an internal fiber matrix has fine particles of rare earth elements and/or ceramics trapped and imbedded into the internal fiber matrix of the leather in sufficient amount to reflect and amplify infrared radiation. The trapped particles receive short wave infrared radiation from a human body and from the surrounding environment and reflect and amply them and convert the short wavelength infrared radiation into long wavelength infrared radiation that penetrates more deeply into human flesh with the beneficial results of increased blood flow, cellular activity and healing. In addition, a layer of phase change materials can be added to the surface of the leather to provide a temperature stabilizing material.