There is provided an improved system for expired gas analysis indirect analysis indirect calorimetry comprising a unique compliant mixing chamber that is directly connected to a mouthpiece that, itself, is unique in providing enhanced saliva and expired moisture trapping capability. The volume of the inspired and expired gas as well as at least the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations in the expired gas in the mixing chamber are determined. The metabolic rate of the subject is calculated therefrom taking into account the anatomical dead space in the body of the subject. The mixing chamber is compliant, sized to accommodate a single expiration and partially open to the environment. Preferably, the system also includes means to determine the oxygen and carbon dioxide content of the inspired gas as well.
Tagged Superabsorbent Polymers In A Multicomponent Structure
The present invention is an absorbent composite that contains at least two intermixed or segregated superabsorbent polymers, at least one of which is incorporated throughout with a latent indicator that becomes manifest by a developer that is peculiar to the indicator. The invention provides a means of monitoring the performance of accuracy of superabsorbent polymer placement in absorbent structures such as diapers, adult incontinence devices, and sanitary napkins.
Superabsorbent Polymers Having A Slow Rate Of Absorption
Application
#6433058 Aug 13, 2002
Filed
Dec 7, 1999
Inventor
Joseph L. Weir (Midland, MI) ·
Larry R. Wilson (Beaverton, MI)
Superabsorbent polymers having a slow rate of absorption, and a process for their preparation. The superabsorbent polymer has a slow rate of absorption, is crosslinked with a covalent crosslinking agent and the metal of a polyvalent metal salt and has an Absorption Rate Index of at least about 5 minutes. Such polymers are prepared by contacting a substrate water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer particle with a polyvalent metal salt solution under conditions such that there is formed a polymer having an Absorption Rate Index of at least about 5 minutes.
Claim
What is claimed is: 1. A process for the preparation of water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer particles having a slow rate of water absorption, the process comprising contacting a polyvalent metal salt solution with water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer particles under conditions such that the metal salt diffuses into the polymer and that there is formed a polymer having an Absorption Rate Index of at least about 5 minutes and having the metal of the metal salt distributed essentially homogeneously in the polymer particles. 2. The process of claim 1 wherein the Absorption Rate Index is at least 10 minutes. 3. The process of claim 1 wherein the Absorption Rate Index is at least 20 minutes. 4. The process of claim 1 wherein the Absorption Rate Index is at least 30 minutes. 5. The process of claim 1 wherein the polymer is partially neutralized polyacrylic acid. 6.
Designing Dry And Porous Absorbent Composites Containing Super-Absorbent Polymers
Super-absorbent polymer composites and a method for designing the composites are presented. A target weight of aqueous liquid to be absorbed is used in conjunction with a dryness quality value and, optionally, a porosity quality value to define types and masses of both super-absorbent polymer and a substruction meshwork which are intermixed to provide a composite which optimally minimizes free liquid and provides sustained tactile dryness after the targeted weight of aqueous liquid has been absorbed. In one form of the invention, the super-absorbent polymer and/or absorption composite derive from the use of computer-implemented determination of the absorption design-instance parameters.
Resilient Superabsorbent Compositions
Application
#6300275 Oct 9, 2001
Filed
Oct 20, 1999
Inventor
Joseph L. Weir (Midland, MI)
Appl. No.
9/403363
Assignee
The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, MI)
International Classification
B01J 2026
U.S. Classification
502402
Abstract
Superabsorbent polymers having improved gel bed resiliency are prepared by dry blending the polymer with a multivalent metal salt to form a mixture; and contacting the mixture with from about 0. 1 to 10 percent of binder, based on the weight of the mixture.
Universal Fittings
Application
#4712812 Dec 15, 1987
Filed
Sep 2, 1986
Inventor
Joseph W. Weir (Ore City, TX)
Appl. No.
6/902790
Assignee
Joseph W. Weir (Ore City, TX)
International Classification
F16L 2500
U.S. Classification
285177
Abstract
Universal fittings are each characterized by at least one connecting port having stepped internal sleeves of decreasing diameter for receiving and joining or capping plastic or metal pipe of various corresponding diameter. The universal fittings are each capable of connecting or capping pipe of varying outside diameter and are designed to reduce the number of conventional fittings which are currently necessary to join pipe in conventional fashion. A single universal fitting can be used to connect or cap pipe of the same or different diameter by inserting the end of the pipe into one of several internal sleeves which corresponds to or is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the pipe. Universal fittings which are provided according to this invention include elbows, tees, reducers, end caps and couplings, in non-exclusive particular.
