text:
FBA--Starke, FL and FBA TOTY
Kevin rolled to victory again.
GC at Starke and TOTY!
WTG Kevin and Clara!
Big Congrats to Rub for moving to 2nd in TOTY with the RGC at Starke.
Brent (Smokin' Gator) judged this one.
I missed it for the first time in 3 years.
Good contest to wrap up the year in the FBA.
Stolen from the FBA web site:
3rd Annual Beefcember Fest - Starke, Florida
November 30 - December 1, 2007
27 teams, 100% FBA certified judges
Grand Champion: HomeBBQ.com - 763.56665
Reserve: Swamp Boys - 750.91667
3rd - Mount Dora BBQ Company - 750.33332
4th - Jus Fer Fun - 748.48334
5th - Budmeisters - 742.36666
6th - Bubba Chuck - 740.18332
7th - GB's BBQ - 733.30000
8th - Prime Time Smokers - 732.68334
9th - Munchees Smokehouse - 728.01667
10th - Barbeque Crew - 727.56667
1st - Swamp Boys
2nd - Jus Fer Fun
3rd - HomeBBQ.com
4th - Budmeisters
5th - Munchees Smokehouse
6th - Seriously Smokin'
7th - Mount Dora BBQ Company
8th - Big Green Eggs and Ham
9th - Bub-Ba-Q
10th - Prime Time Smokers
1st - Huff-n-Puff
2nd - swamp Boys
3rd - Big Green Eggs and Ham
4th - Mount Dora BBQ Company
5th - Bubba Chuck
6th - HomeBBQ.com
7th - Space Coast Pit Crew
8th - GB's BBQ
9th - Big Papa's Country Kitchen
10th - Jus Fer Fun
1st - HomeBBQ.com
2nd - Space Coast Pit Crew
3rd - Bub-Ba-Q
4th - Mount Dora BBQ Company
5th - Jus Fer Fun
6th - Budmeisters
7th - Pork Pi
8th - Bubba Chuck
9th - Barbeque Crew
10th - Wolfe Brothers BBQ
1st - HomeBBQ.com
2nd - Jus Fer Fun
3rd - Mount Dora BBQ Company
4th - Swamp Boys
5th - Bubba Chuck
6th - Budmeisters
7th - Seriously Smokin'
8th - Huff-n-Puff
9th - Munchees Smokehouse
10th - Prime Time Smokers
Team of the Year--FBA
Congrats to all!
Isn't that two years in a row for HomeBBQ ?
I sure wish FLA was closer to Massachusetts, I'd love to cook FBA events.
That is like 5 in a row for Kevin.
How does he do it????
Well, he cooks most of the contests (normally 20 plus per year).
AND---Kevin can cook!!!!!!!:lol:
Always near, if not at, the top of the results, week after week.
You come on down--I will put up the equipment (CheKeeta) and you can cook to your heart's content!
That offer is valid for any team that wants to come on down and try to cook against Kevin, Rub, Jimmy, Big Daddy, and the rest of the guys/gals down here.
They are too farkin' good as cooks for me to compete against---try your luck!
Thanks you guys, and congratulations to Kevin for another great year!
Michelle, I made the trip up for a contest in your neck of the woods (Har-pooooon!) this year, time for you guys to come on down. What Tim can't come up with, I'll find for you. :biggrin:
And good to see you again Brent. Thanks for stopping by.
Thx Tim, Rub, and Michelle...
And Michelle, definately come on down... I think you would enjoy it also...
Way to go to Kevin, Rub, Smokin Cracker, Big Daddy, and the Space Coast Pit Crew. Top four TOTY are all Brethren and five of the top ten. You make us all proud.
I can tell you from judging at Starke there was a lot of great cooking going on. To be consistent enough in all the meats to get those GC and RGC walks amazes me. You guys all rock.
BTW Rub... Let's go to Orlando and watch the Gators stomp a swamp hole in Michigan!!! I'll cook for the tailgate. All you have to do is drink (and I know you can hold up your end of that deal!!!).
Congrats Kevin on GC and Team of the year, Rub Congrants you sandbagging (SOB)
Congrats Kevin, you the man! Dang Shane thats a little ruff on Rub ain't it? Never mind it is Rub he can take it.:biggrin:
Barbeque Crew
Ahhh, good friends, good friends. 8-)
Brent, I'll be getting with my SO and see what's in store...
|All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:14 AM.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2015, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
2003 -2012 © BBQ-Brethren Inc. All rights reserved. All Content and Flaming Pig Logo are registered and protected under U.S and International Copyright and Trademarks. Content Within this Website Is Property of BBQ Brethren Inc. Reproduction or alteration is strictly prohibited.


text:
Picture - Prince William at Hamilton Airport Hamilton New Zealand, Saturday 12th April 2014
Prince William Duke of Cambridge - Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Hamilton Airport where they are met by Mayor of Hamilton Julie Hardaker. While there Prince William visited Pacific Aerospace in Hamilton. - Hamilton, New Zealand - Saturday 12th April 2014
« PREV · Prince William Gallery · NEXT »
+ More: Prince William Pictures
+ Photo Album: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge New Zealand Tour

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Human Dignity.
When you donate to Giving The Basics you are providing those in need with the necessities of life that most take for granted like toothpaste, toilet paper, diapers and other personal hygiene products. Your donation goes directly to a local member charity where it's given directly to families and individuals in need.
We immediately impact four groups of people with our deliveries: senior citizens, the homeless, the working poor and the unemployed.


text:
Tagged with "logo"Edit
These uses specifically include examples of logos. For a broader look at identity design, see the Branding/Identity category.
IDCNY Sign System1987
- Massimo Vignelli
- Vignelli Associates
- Janice Carapellucci
Contributed by Stephen Coles
Contribute to the Collection
Fonts in Use is a collaborative project. Create an account and submit your own work or other examples of typography.
Les Misérables (Musical and Film) Logo1985
- Ignition Print
- Russ Eglin
Contributed by Stephen Coles
Staff Pick
The Story of Our Friend, the Fat Face1826
- Paul Rand
- Herbert Bayer
- Bruno Munari
Contributed by Jennifer Kennard


text:
Despite Taiwan Ties, China's Xi Likely to Maintain Cross-Strait Continuity
At the Chinese Communist Party's once-in-a-decade leadership reshuffle currently taking place in Beijing, outgoing party General Secretary and Chinese President Hu Jintao warned party cadres that the CCP's very survival depended on its ability to rein in corruption. But on the party's "core interest" of Taiwan, Hu displayed noticeably less urgency.
Hu's approach to Taiwan policy, which has combined opposition to independence with an outreach to all sectors of the island's civil society, led to spectacularly improved ties between the former arch enemies. In his address to the party congress last week, Hu reiterated calls for peaceful unification, military confidence building measures and the signing of a China-Taiwan peace agreement. ...
To read the rest, sign up to try World Politics Review
Free Trial
Sign up for two weeks of free access with your credit card. Cancel any time during the free trial and you will be charged nothing.
Request a free trial for your office or school. Everyone at a given site can get access through our institutional subscriptions.
- Global Insights: Spoilers Emerge as Iran Nuclear Talks Reach Delicate Endgame
- China Doubles Down on Nuclear Energy, at Home and Abroad
- Afghanistan's Ghani Builds Regional Momentum for Taliban Talks
- The Realist Prism: U.S. and West Should Not Count Russia's Putin Out Just Yet
- Sirisena's Promised Reforms Help Reset Sri Lanka-India Ties—for Now


text:
Marlowe Flatware by Lenox
A distinctive wood grain design on the handles sets Gorham Marlowe stainless steel flatware apart from other patterns. The design is well suited for everyday use, as well as for more sophisticated dining occasions.See Marlowe Individual Pieces
quick view
Marlowe 65-piece Stainless Flatware Set
$340.00 $169.95
*Prices reflect all savings. Offer excludes kate spade new york, Donna Karan, & Marchesa purchases.


text:
- Shopping Bag ( 0 items )
Posted October 25, 2009
The Hierophant of the New Weird strikes again
NB: I received an ARC of this book via the Amazon Vine Program
Jeff Vandermeer is the Hierophant of the the "New Weird", an avant-garde branch of modern fantasy that uses phantasmagorical imagery and horror in an often urban secondary fantasy world. China Mieville's Perdido Street Station may be the most commercially successful of this branch of fantasy, but Vandermeer has done more than any author (and editor) in forming the New Weird style of fantasy.
He started it in earnest with (deliberately confusing) two versions of City of Saints and Madmen, a collection of stories (and in the second iteration, stories and other miscellany) set in his secondary world of Ambergris. Next came Shriek, an Afterword, another book set in Ambergris, a more proper novel although with bizarre stylistic conventions.
And now there is Finch. Ambergris has changed from the time of Saints and Shriek. The Gray caps have risen, taking advantage of the civil war between two Houses to take the city for themselves, changing it in their fungal ways, and building some sort of secret project. Rebels scheme in and on the outskirts the ruined city. Ordinary people try to just survive an increasingly bizarre landscape. And just *what* are the Gray Caps going to do now??
Enter into this Finch. That's not his real name, and in a sense not his real identity, but that's the one he uses as a detective in employ of the Gray Caps and the Partials (the fungally transformed humans) who serve them. He claims he is not a detective, but it is what he does in this new order. What starts out as an investigation of a murder turns into a conspiracy and a tangled web of secrets and revelations that unwind not only Finch, but Ambergris itself.
While this is a more proper novel than many of his previous efforts (even more so than Shriek), the sensibilities and ideas explored in previous works are in full force here. Ambergris has fallen from its previous heights, a fuzzy, spore laden shell of its former self. The already weird Ambergris of previous novels is radically transformed in this novel. And as much as Finch, his fellow detectives, contacts, and lover, the city is a character.
Noir, horror, New Weird, phantasmagorical fantasy. Ambergris is one of the most vividly realized cities in modern fantasy. Its a place you wouldn't want to live, but its definitely a place that you will want to visit. While reading the previous volumes aren't strictly necessary, I think that a reader would be very much lost at sea if they haven't done so. But for those readers ready for a dose of the New Weird, laced with noir, and a detective mystery, Ambergris awaits you.It'll get under your skin, and transform you. In a good way. Promise.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Posted May 13, 2010
A complex, immersive look at a frayed, occupied city, through the eyes of a weary detective caught up in a far-reaching, game-changing case.
A creative, strange, unusual mix of genres (sci-fi, horror, war, detective noir, near-apocalyptic). The characters were well fleshed out and complex, making reasonable choices in unreasonable circumstances. I am not a fan of the hard-boiled detective genre, or the obligatory testosterone-fueled beat-downs that seem to come with it, but the violence has a reasonable role in this difficult-to-predict plot.Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
The clipped writing style, even though apparently meticulously constructed, takes some getting used to, and is at times distracting.
Throughout is a good mix of the immediate concerns of Finch, the force of the spectrum of history (from the recent to the distant past) of this alternative-earth city, and the bigger picture of the vulnerable occupation of Ambergris by the gray caps.
While this the third book dealing with Ambergris, a reader can start here without having read the others.
Fascinating, involved and compelling.
Posted December 25, 2009
No text was provided for this review.
Posted April 6, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Posted September 13, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Posted February 20, 2010
No text was provided for this review.


text: "She's just heaven! She's so kind and so stylish. Every time I would see her wear a new nail polish color, I'd be like, 'I'm going to wear green nail polish like her!' But then, damn, it doesn't make me look like Blake Lively. So close!" Pitch Perfect star Anna Kendrick gushes over blonde beauty Blake Lively, who she became pals with while filming new film The Voices with the actress' husband Ryan Reynolds.


text:
Your cart is empty!
Alcohol Denatured, Water (Eau), Acrylates Crosspolymer, Prunus Serotina Bark Extract (Wild Cherry), Amino Methyl Propanol, Potassium Hydroxide, Fragrance (Parfum), Triethyl Citrate, PEG 12 Dimethicone, Panthenol.
I using this brand for years. I knew the quality of the product before using it. It holds strong and long. Great to use as a styling hair spray. Simply spray and style and spray to hold. This product is pretty good on damp days.
This super shine mist gives hair a luminous shine. I like this product. It makes my hair look so silky and shiny without making it oily. Put it on while your hair is wet then blow it dry. It's go a nice scent too. I love to use it regular.........
No more itchy eyes and scalp. Great hold on thick, wire-y hair. No residue. Highly recommend. Price is right.
The product pictured is not the product you will receive in the mail. They only have the "new" formula (Black cap, Flexible Control, with picture of bamboo on label) with the Bamboo gummy junk in it. I was so thrilled to find a product I could not buy in stores anymore only to end up with seven cans of this glue. By the time I pay to ship it back I may as well give it away. Customer Service is off in some distant land so forget meaningful communication.
Caution! If you are looking specifically for the five star "Super Hold" Tresemme hair spray, this is NOT it. They will send you the four star, green label, spray that is just not the same excellent product as the "Super Hold" spray.
St.Ives swiss formula invigorating apricot scrub for all skin types - 10 oz
Our Price:$3.92
Neutrogena oil-free acne wash cleanser pump salicylic acid acne treatment - 9.1 oz
Our Price:$7.04
Banana boat deep tanning oil spray, spf 8, 8 oz
Our Price:$7.11
Aussie 3 minute miracle reconstructor, deep conditioning - 8 Oz
Our Price:$3.45
John Frieda Frizz-Ease smooth start repairing shampoo for damaged hair, 10 oz
Our Price:$4.24
Natrol Biotin 1000mcg tablets for healthy hair and nails - 100 ea
Our Price:$4.88


text:
If selected for publication, it will appear as soon as possible on Haaretz.com.
Israeli film on Haredi divorce wows Cannes crowd
'Gett' is powerful, but 'Boreg,' the other Israeli film that debuted at the Cannes Film Festival, falls flat.
Text size
Two Israeli films debuted at the Cannes International Film Festival, which runs from May 14 to 24: one about an ultra-Orthdox Jewish woman and one about a Israeli artist and a Palestinian woman.
register with haaretz
Send >
Like us on Facebook and get articles directly in your news feed


text:
AUSTIN, Texas ? The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has distributed to Texans affected by Hurricane Ike more than $466 million for housing assistance and to help pay for other disaster-related expenses. Officials from the Texas Governor?s Division of Emergency Management and FEMA caution recipients to use their funds wisely and for the purposes intended.
Distributed by check or direct deposit, funds for housing and other needs assistance are intended to help residents meet basic disaster-related needs, replace losses in personal property and begin rebuilding their lives. ?If an applicant uses payments on anything other than what the funds are intended for, the applicant might not be able to receive future disaster assistance or may have to repay funds.
Disaster assistance may include grants to help pay for minimal temporary repairs on damaged homes, temporary housing, or other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources. Some designated payments may be issued to cover losses for household items, disaster-related medical expenses or other disaster-related needs or losses. A letter explaining a payment?s purpose will arrive within a day or two of the check or direct deposit payment.
Grant recipients are urged to keep receipts of their disaster spending for three years to demonstrate how the money was used to meet disaster-related needs. They are required to sign a declaration and a release certifying all funds will be spent for their intended purposes. If a recipient receives an insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, he or she must reimburse FEMA. Random audits may be done to confirm funds were spent properly.
The deadline to register with FEMA for assistance is Feb. 6. Texans who had damage or uninsured losses and have not yet registered can do so online at www.fema.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired. Both numbers are available 6 a.m. to midnight daily. A listing of recovery centers is available at www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/dr1791_drc_list.htm
FEMA coordinates the federal government?s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.


text:
Amber Rose1 January 1982, USA
33 years
Kanye West
Amber Rose is an American model and former exotic dancer. Her fame rised when she started dating Kanye West in 2008. She´s been in a "Louis Vuitton" ad featuring Kanye West's new line of sneakers. Amber Rose has also been in several music videos, in for example a Ludacris video.
RSS feed with Amber Rose
Red Carpet
Check Out All The Stars At The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards!
Monday 8:29 AM, 25/08/2014
It was a real star-studded evening last night when the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards was held in California. We spotted most of the A-listers rocking the red carpet, and if you guys missed the gala - click on the pics and check out all the pictures!
Tags: Red Carpet / Hot News
Latest news
How Amber Rose Works Out With Her Son!
Thursday 10:04 AM, 03/07/2014
Amber Rose is back in shape after her pregnancy and now she reveals some of her best tips to get rid of that baby weight. Her best one is to...READ MORE ▶
Tags: Amber Rose / Celebrity children
Red Carpet
Check Out The Red Carpet Pics From The 2014 BET Awards!
Monday 4:56 PM, 30/06/2014
Tags: Red Carpet
Amber Rose, Wiz Khalifa And Their Son Sebastian Out On A Walk!
Thursday 10:57 PM, 30/01/2014
Amber Rose Must Be One Of Hollywood's Coolest Moms!
Monday 10:46 PM, 27/01/2014
Wiz Khalifa And Amber Rose Went To Jay Z's Concert Last Night!
Wednesday 11:15 AM, 11/12/2013


text:
Home » Local Voices » Scene in Manchester
Veterans with disabilities enjoy NH weekend bass fishing tournament
Nearly 100 volunteers assisted throughout the weekend. The facility was provided free of charge by camp owner Nat Greenburg. The accommodations and activities are provided to participants free of charge.
The nonprofit organization seeks to advocate for paralyzed veterans and individuals with disabilities and has more than 1,000 members, according to its website.
- Last week's Rare Bird Alert - 0
- Romney, Fallon betting stakes: Ice cream at 'The Bubble' - 0
- Black Label Society goes 'UnBlackened' at the Casino Ballroom - 0
- Closing the season in style - 0
- NH Club Briefs: Bedford student wins French oratorical contest - 0
- Tom Chapin is talking numbers: specifically, '70' - 0
- NH Club Notes: Danbury Grange to host benefit for fire victim - 0
- St. Patrick celebrations culminate with Manchester parade - 0
- Adam Ezra Group brings road trip to Granite State this spring - 0
Stacey Cole's Nature Talks: Trees and people share remarkable resemblanceREADER COMMENTS: 0
Last week's Rare Bird Alert
Closing the season in style
On your mark, get set — gather sap
Craftsmen's gallery offers 'Spring Fever'
City 'losing ground' to poverty
Cruz: I can rally the right
George Will: Remembrances of Clintons past
Conference courts young conservatives


text:
IMSA, the sanctioning body of American sportscar racing, and Le Mans 24 Hours organizer the ACO have agreed a long-term extension to their strategic alliance.
Colin Braun qualified the No. 54 ORECA FLM09 in second place with a time of 1:55.327
Motorsport.com discussed the rapid progression of the GTD Viper squad with Ben Keating.
The grid has been set for the 12 hour endurance classic.
The team looks for back-to-back Sebring victories and consecutive wins on the Tudor United SportsCar Championship circuit.
TRG-AMR team drivers Christina Nielsen, James Davison, and Brandon Davis are heading to Florida with one place in mind - the top step of the podium.
Development is underway on the DeltaWing GT concept.
Three out of four sessions have been led by Ligier.
The DeltaWing continues to fight an uphill battle with their innovative and unique race car.
Could this be the weekend of the Ligier with Krohn Racing leading the charge?
Two Ligier teams go to the top in the second session.
Competition at Sebring will be fast and furious...
João Barbosa wasted no time in taking the Mustang Sampling NO. 5 Corvette Daytona Prototype to the top of the charts on Thursday morning.
The Risi team history at Sebring is impressive.
On-track action is underway at Sebring.
The actor/racer had to choose between commitments.
Find here the comprehensive results for the 12 Hours of Sebring. We will update this page as soon as new results are in. Just click on any session name to have the full results.
The exciting action of the 2015 Cooper Tires Prototype Lites Powered by Mazda gets underway with two rounds March 18-20 at Sebring International Raceway.
Turner Motorsport pilot set to campaign No. 97 BMW Z4 in historic 12 Hours of Sebring.
Eight previous class victories at North America's oldest sports car race.
Young American seeking payback after late-race Daytona heartbreak
Michael Shank Racing with Curb/Agajanian is eager to take on the iconic circuit with its new Honda-powered Ligier JS P2.
Z4 GTLM CSL Homage Livery unveiled at 2015 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
The switch is effective immediately.


text:
U.S. oil trains delivered more than 13.5 million barrels of crude oil from the Midwest to the East Coast in January, according to government data that gives a first
Maersk Line, the world's largest container company, has selected Transas Marine for ECDIS implementation on more than 100 vessels, Transas announced today. The
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, edged higher on Monday as rates rose for vessels across all segments.
Dutch gas network operator Gasunie and tank storage service provider Vopak said on Monday that the expansion of their Gate liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Rotterdam has begun.
Maersk Line selected Transas Marine for ECDIS implementation on more than 100 vessels.
The contract features Transas state-of-the-art Navi-Sailor ECDIS 4000


text:
Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:
Get the Facts
Transgender Health and HIV...to collect epidemiological data for the transgender population. In 2002, "FTM" and "MTF" became gender reporting options in publicly funded HIV counselling and testing sites in California. Transgender persons have the overall highest HIV diagnosis rate (6.3%) of any group in the state, higher than that of MSM (4.8%). Over half of these cases are in the San Francisco Bay Area; one-third are in Los Angeles and Southern California. African...
Ask the Experts
Time to set safe sex straight! (COMING OUT OF THE CLOSET, 2011)Dear Dr Bob, I am so thankful you are here but its time to set people like me straight! I have just had oral sex with an unknown individual at a bathhouse.I have had similar scares before but very lucky! Why I keep putting myself through this...
Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.
The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation...with appropriate qualifying statements regarding the degree of risk involved. See the chapter devoted to oral sex in the archives of this forum. Oral sex, while not 100% safe, is for some folks "safe enough." Every individual needs to decide what... Read more »
Taking Truvada and need for practicing safer sex (TRUVADA PrEP, 2010)I am HIV-. If I decide to take Truvada to lessen my chances of getting the virus from HIV+ partners, do I need to use condoms or will taking the medication be enough.
Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.
The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation...to ongoing condom or sterile syringe use. In developed nations, PrEP may only be shown to be cost-effective in individuals at highest risk for HIV infection. But just as we have fought to make sure that ARVs are available to HIV-positive people... Read more »
I am very scaredDear Dr. Frascino, please help me. My name is Carlos, Im 26 years old.I am gay, recently out of the closet, experiencing for the first time my gaylife.A month ago, I had sex with 4 different men (a guy in different days, in a perdiod of 2...
Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.
The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation...can offer you other than a dose of reality by reiterating the facts. Unprotected sex places you at risk for STDs, including HIV. Unprotected receptive anal sex carries the highest risk of all sexual practices. Those are the facts, but I doubt I'm... Read more »
confused about risksWhat do you think about this study in the following link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10430236&dopt=AbstractIt puts both receptive oral and insertive anal in the same risk category (0.04 to 0.06...
Response from Brian Conway, M.D.
University of British Columbia...should also be addressed by interventions targeting high-risk homosexual and bisexual men.This paper reinforces the fact that the highest risk behavior is receptive anal intecourse which, according to this paper, amy carry a risk of transmission... Read more »
Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States: Demographic and Behavioral Characteristics and Prevalence of HIV and HSV-2 Infection: Results From National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2006... The team undertook the current study to describe demographic and behavioral characteristics, together with HIV and herpes simplex virus type 2 infections, among men who have sex with men (MSM) identified through a population-based nationally Read more »
Australia: HIV/AIDS Data Prompt New Warning on Safe Sex...Association for Healthy Communities," said Young. "Of all HIV notifications last year in Queensland, 88 percent were in males, and the highest notification rates were in the 25-34 years age group." According to Young, the figures emphasize the... Read more »
Number of New HIV Cases in Wisconsin Rises 9 Percent in 2006... The Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) recently reported a 9 percent increase in new HIV diagnoses, from 373 in 2005 to 408 in 2006. More than half the new diagnoses -- 226 -- were in residents living in the southeastern Read more »
HIV-Positive Activists and Allies Confront DC Government to Demand a Massive Scale-Up of Resources to Address DC's HIV Emergency...related deaths. The Nation's Capital has an HIV infection rate and an AIDS death rate far above the national average and among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. DC Fights Back, Campaign to End AIDS, and allies demand that the DC Government,... Read more »
Connect With Others
HIV Infections ARE RISING!
Posted by bradford, 7 Replies...million). The population of sub-Saharan Africa will be 19% lower. In the United States, there are 980,000 people living with HIV/AIDS and 45,000 newly infected. In Canada, 65,000 people are infected with HIV. The rates of infection among our... Read more »
front line
Posted by Anonymous...universal access to HIV prevention and treatment. Avahan, the foundation's $200-million India AIDS Initiative, works in the six highest-prevalence states in India to expand access to comprehensive prevention services, with particular... Read more »
Heterosexual AIDS?
Posted by Anonymous, 8 Replies...It kind of struck me the other day that I know of no heterosexuals that have gotten AIDS. Why is this? Why do gay men only get it. I know that they say that heteros get it to but I really Read more »
Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply...Hello and an advance thank you to those who reply! I have a few relatively complicated questions about the transmission of the HIV virus. First, these "odds" that are quoted, are these concerning the chance of seroconversion assuming that HIV has... Read more »
Resource Centers
Guides for People With HIV


text:
Image Unavailable
- Sorry, this item is not available in
- Image not available
- To view this video download Flash Player
|List Price:
|$9.07 & FREE Shipping on orders over $35. Details
|You Save:
|$10.92 (55%)
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
I truly loved watching the Tortoise once again beat the old overconfident Hare, and thanks to the shiper I can see it over and over again.Published 4 months ago by Big Al in Sunny Florida
My 8 year old son and we love these early Disney cartoons, as you can see how much the philosophy develops over the decades. Read morePublished 14 months ago by Teacher
Got this mostly for the Tortoise and the Hare along with Paul Bunyan - the two oldest Silly Symphony pieces are also interesting. Read morePublished 15 months ago by Jason Crockett
this was an early rendition of this story. it is not up to the normal standards of Disney animated films. drawings appear to have been done by amatures.... Read morePublished 19 months ago by CELIAJO09


text:
HOME NBA Miami Heat Gear Miami Heat Mens Miami Heat Mens Collectibles Sale Items Product ID: 1563689
Main Content
Order as many items as you like with our $4.99 flat rate shipping.
This item ships within one business day.
Order as many items as you like with our $4.99 flat rate shipping.
Need it faster?
Cheer on your Miami Heat with this LeBron James bobblehead! This new accessory will be the perfect addition to your desk, car or fancave! This limited edition Miami Heat bobblehead features four non-skid buttons on the bottom.
- Measures approximately 4" x 7.5" x 2.75"
- Four non-skid buttons on bottom
- Limited edition
- Made of resin
- Spring action bobble head
- Springy logo
- Officially licensed
- Material: 100% Resin
Special event items are produced by manufacturers only after the outcome of a game or event. These are advanced sale items and will ship immediately after they are received in our warehouse.
Manufacturer direct items are shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items are not available for international or expedited shipping.
Customized items can be personalized with options such as your name, your favorite number, and/or designs. Some options may be limited by league rules.


text:
The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent articles such as diapers and sanitary napkins which are provided with adhesives for attachment of the article to the skin. In particular the present invention relates to adhesives which provide secure attachment and are pleasing to the skin upon application, yet cause no discomfort upon removal. In particular the present invention relates to an adhesive which provide secure attachment under moist and wet skin conditions and which maintains adhesive peel strength even under exposure to excess water.
1. An adhesive for a disposable absorbent article:
said disposable absorbent article comprising a wearer facing surface and a garment facing surface opposed thereto;
said adhesive covering at least a portion of said wearer facing surface;
said adhesive having an initial peel strength (PI);
wherein said adhesive has a final peel strength (PF) after exposure to water;
wherein the ratio of PI to PF is in the range of 2:1 to 2:4;
wherein said adhesive comprises at least one non-emulsified homogeneous phase or at least one emulsified phase wherein all of said phases have a thickness greater than 50 μm;
wherein said adhesive has a water absorption capacity of at least 3% by weight of said adhesive; and,
wherein said adhesive comprises at least 3% water after one hour of equilibration at 50% relative humidity.
2. The adhesive of
3. The adhesive of
4. The adhesive of
5. The adhesive of
said adhesive is provided as a layer having a thickness C in millimeters;
wherein said adhesive has a viscous modulus at a temperature of 25� C. (G″25(100 rad/sec)); and,
wherein said viscous modulus (G″25(100 rad/sec)) is defined by the equation:
6. The adhesive of
said viscous modulus (G″25(100 rad/sec)) is defined by the equation:
7. The adhesive of
said adhesive has an elastic modulus at a temperature of 37� C. (G′37(1 rad/sec)) and a viscous modulus at a temperature of 37� C. (G″37(1 rad/sec));
wherein G′37(1 rad/sec) ranges from 500 Pa to 20000 Pa;
wherein G″37(1 rad/sec) ranges from 100 Pa to 15000 Pa; and,
wherein the ratio G′37(1 rad/sec)/G″37(1 rad/sec) ranges from 1 to 30.
8. The adhesive of
G′37(1 rad/sec) ranges from 700 Pa to 15000 Pa; and,
wherein G″37(1 rad/sec) ranges from 100 Pa to 10000 Pa.
9. The adhesive of
G′37(1 rad/sec) ranges from 1000 Pa to 10000 Pa; and,
wherein G″37(1 rad/sec) range from 300 Pa to 5000 Pa.
10. The adhesive of
11. The adhesive of
12. The adhesive of
a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyacrylics, sulphonated polymers, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl pyrrolidine, polyethylene oxide, and mixtures thereof; and,
a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of polyhydric alcohols, polyethylene glycols, sorbitol, water, and mixtures thereof.
13. The adhesive of
14. The adhesive of
15. The adhesive of
16. The adhesive of
17. The adhesive of
18. The adhesive of
19. The adhesive of
20. The adhesive of
21. The adhesive of
This application is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/US00/02706 filed on Feb. 2, 2000 and published in English, which claims priority to EP Application No. 99102048, filed on Feb. 2, 1999.
The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, tampons, perspiration pads, adult incontinence devices and the like to be attached directly to the skin of the wearer. The articles utilise an improved adhesive so as to facilitate easy application and removal of the article from the wearer, whilst ensuring maintenance of the article in the desired position. In particular the adhesives provide attachment on moist and wet skin for the entire period of wear, including circumstances or periods of wear during which the adhesive is exposed to excess amounts of liquids.
The present invention relates to adhesives which are particularly useful to absorbent articles for absorption of body liquids which naturally emanate from a body without a wound. For example to attach sanitary napkins or pantiliners in the genital region. Also incontinence devices which are worn e.g. in the genital region or perspiration pads which are worn in the arm pit region of a person can suitably employ the adhesive of the present invention.
Such adhesives have been generally disclosed in for example U.S. statutory invention registration H1602 or WO 96/33683 and WO 95/16424. The latter discloses sanitary articles having a topical adhesive which is applied on the wearer facing side of a sanitary napkin along the entire periphery. WO 96/13238 discloses a topical adhesive which is described in terms of frequency dependency. EP-638 303 discloses the use of a topical adhesive on side cuffs of sanitary napkins in order to keep the cuffs in an upright position. Swiss publication CH-643730 discloses the use of a very long sanitary napkin having chamfered outer edges with a topical adhesive at the four corners of the outer edges in order to provide a topical adhesive area well outside the region of pubic hair growth.
However all of these disclosures typically disclose a product which is designed to be utilised in combination with an undergarment and hence the degree of adhesion actually provided is very low and is not designed to withstand any excessive pressure. Moreover the adhesive is only discussed in general terms or concentrates on the area of application of the adhesive to the article. The nature of adhesive per se other than the basic physical requirements such as pressure sensitivity are not discussed in particular with reference to the chemical composition or the adhesive criteria.
The prior art in the general field of adhesives for attachment to the skin is particularly developed in the field of articles such as band-aids, plasters and bandages. These articles are however typically applied in an emergency situation, where for example, a cut into the skin of the wearer has occurred and absorption of the body liquids emanating from a wound is desired. In this context performance aspects of the article such as easy application and use of the product, comfortable wear as well as painless removal, and discreteness are again subordinate, to other criteria in this case such as sterility, healing support, and mechanical protection of the wound. Also such wound covering absorbent articles are mostly adhered to the skin where prior to application of the absorbent article bodily hair can be removed or where little hair grows.
In order to provide the desired level of adhesion of such bandages, the prior art typically discloses the utilisation of certain adhesives having very high cohesive strengths such as rubber based adhesives and acrylics. These adhesives are then applied as thick layers to maximise the adhesive force by which the bandage is secured to the skin of the wearer.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,146 discloses hydrophilic elastomeric pressure sensitive adhesives suitable for use with ostomy devices, bandages, ulcer pads, sanitary napkins, diapers, and althetic padding. The adhesive comprises at least 1 uradiation cross linked organic polymer and an adhesive plasticizer.
GB 2 115 431 discloses adhesives for bandages, wounds or burn dressings, EKG adhesives, sanitary napkins, diapers and ulcer pads. The adhesive comprises an uradiation cross-linked organic polymer such as polyvinylpyrrolodine and an adhesive plasticizer.
However, for application such as absorbent articles it is important that the adhesive has a skin compatible composition and not be harsh or aggressive towards the skin or cause skin irritation or inflammation. Also it is preferred if the adhesive is compliant with the skin of the wearer such that maximum skin surface contact between the adhesive and the skin is achieved. Moreover, it is also desirable to provide an adhesive such that the absorbent article can be readily removed from the wearer, without the wearer experiencing any unacceptable pain level. This is particularly important under circumstances, where the article is removed and reapplication of the article once or even a number of times is required for example to allow for urination and or to ensure the application of such articles on sensitive skin and wearer groups such as infants. However, on the other hand the desired level of adhesion, albeit painless should of course also be maintained during such multiple applications of the article.
The problem of achieving the desired adhesion level is further exacerbated under wet skin conditions. Typically, prior to the placement of the article the skin is cleaned and is usually as a result moist. The currently available adhesives, such as hydrocolloids, however often do not immediately strongly adhere to the skin and may need to be held in place until sufficient minimum adhesion occurs. Moreover, the overall adhesive ability of such adhesives tends to be significantly reduced on wet skin surfaces per se, so that the article will typically not remain attached to the skin during wearer if any pressure is exerted onto the article, for example by the movement of the wearer.
Moist and wet skin however is not just a problem which is prevalent at the article application stage as a significant amount of moisture is also generated during the use of the article from the wearer by perspiration and from bodily fluids. Under such circumstances currently available adhesives typically cannot absorb this moisture and again the adhesive strength is reduced to such an extent that the article will often become detached under exertion of pressure during wear. It is hence very important to provide an adhesive which provides both initial adhesion and maintenance of its adhesive strength on wet skin. Moreover, it is also another important factor for the product performance that the adhesive is also stable to exposure to excess quantities of liquid such as water, urine and menstrual fluids and will also not loose its adhesive strength under such circumstances.
None of the prior art in the field of absorbent articles however even recognises or addresses the problem of providing these articles with an adhesive which meets these criteria, in particular adhesives which adhere to wet skin and are stable and maintain their adhesiveness even when exposed to excessive amounts of liquid.
Adhesion to wet skin is addressed for example in WO 98/03208 which discloses medical pressure sensitive adhesives which can adhere to dry or wet skin and which comprise a mixture of hydrophilic (meth)acrylate copolymer containing tertiaryamino groups, a hydrophilic (meth)acrylate copolymer containing carboxyl groups, carboxylic acids and a crosslinking system. However this document does not discuss adhesion after exposure to excess liquid.
Hence there still exists a need to disposable absorbent articles having an adhesive for the secure attachment and painless removal of the article from the skin suitable for use of sensitive skin of an infant and or of the genitalia and it is thus an object of the present invention to provide such an article.
It is another objective of the present invention to provide an adhesive that exhibits an ability to adhere to skin upon reapplication, particularly multiple reapplication for example when the article is removed for urination purposes or is misplaced, whilst still allowing painless removal.
It is yet a further objective of the present invention that the adhesive will adhere to moist or wet skin, independent of whether this is direct application of the article onto wet skin, or moisture which is generated on the skin surface during the wearing period of the article. In particular it is an objective of the present invention to provide an adhesive which is liquid stable particularly to water and urine, such that the adhesion properties will not be significantly effected in the presence thereof over the period of wear of the article.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an adhesive which upon removal from the skin of the wearer leaves no residues. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an adhesive which does not cause a cold or otherwise unacceptable temperature sensation upon application to the wearer.
An additional object of the present invention to provide an adhesive which provides flexibility, stretchability and contractability so that it is able to adapt to the contours of the body during all bodily movements and hence be comfortable for the wearer of the article, whilst still having sufficient adhesive capacity to ensure secure attachment during use.
It has now been surprisingly found that the above drawbacks will be substantially alleviated by providing the absorbent article with an adhesive as defined hereinafter. The adhesive provides secure attachment, is pleasing to the skin upon application, and yet causes no discomfort upon removal and maintains its adhesive strength over the period of wear even under exposure to excess liquids.
Any disposable absorbent article known in the art can be provided with the adhesive according to the present invention. According to the present invention the adhesive is provided so as to have an initial peel strength (PI) under normal ambient conditions and a final peel strength (PF) after exposure to water according to the test method described herein, whereby the ratio of PI to PF is from 2:1 to 2:4 preferably from 2:1.25 to 2:2.5 and has a water absorption capacity as defined in the test herein of at least 3% by weight of said adhesive.
The adhesive allows attachment of disposal absorbent articles to the skin of the wearer, the adhesive being provided as a layer having a certain thickness or calliper C measured in millimeters (mm), typically on at least part of the wearer facing surface of the article.
Detailed analysis of the sequence of common situations occurring from the application of absorbent articles to the time of removal of such articles has shown that specific adhesive characteristics need to be preferably satisfied in order to achieve the desired performance objectives, in particular to secure initial attachment, secure attachment during use and painless removal after wear. The characteristics which have been considered in this context are the elastic modulus describing the elastic behaviour of the material and the viscous modulus which describes the viscous behaviour of the adhesive material.
The viscous behaviour of the adhesive can be interpreted to represent an indication of the ability of the adhesive to quickly attach and securely adhere to a particular surface. The elastic behaviour can be interpreted as an indication of the �hardness� behaviour of the adhesive. Its value is also important for good initial attachment. Their combination is believed to be an indicator of the required force upon removal. The relation between elastic and viscous modulus is considered to be an indication on which fraction of the removal energy will be dissipated within the adhesive and which fraction is available to trigger the actual removal.
In order to provide adhesives for secure initial and prolonged attachment and easy/painless removal the relation between the elastic modulus and the viscous modulus as well as their dynamic behaviour is also of importance.
The adhesive has an elastic modulus at a temperature of 37� C. (100� Fahrenheit) abbreviated G′37, a viscous modulus at a temperature of 37� C. (100� Fahrenheit) of G″37, and a viscous modulus at a temperature of 25� C. (77� Fahrenheit) of G″25.
The adhesive according to the present invention preferably satisfies the following conditions;
Provided the above rheological conditions are satisfied the adhesives will also satisfy conditions such as sufficient cohesiveness (to prevent residue of adhesive on the skin) which are important for commercial use of such adhesives and apparent to those skilled in the art. Adhesive compositions which satisfy the above criteria can be used as adhesives for the article provided they also satisfy the common requirements of being safe for use on human or animal skin during use and generally after disposal of the article.
Often the criteria of hygienic appearance such that adhesive compositions which are transparent or white upon application are preferred.
It has been determined that the relation between the thickness or calliper C, measured in millimeters (mm), of the layer in which the adhesive is provided, typically onto at least a portion of the wearer facing surface of the article, and the viscous modulus G″25 at about 100 rad/sec of the adhesive, is relevant to the scope of providing an easy and painless removal from the wearer's skin of such a adhesive applied on at least a portion of the wearer facing surface of an absorbent article for attachment of said article to the skin of a wearer.
The adhesive of the present invention is thus preferably provided as a layer having a thickness C such that the viscous modulus G″25 (100 rad/sec) and the thickness C preferably satisfy the following empirical equation:
and preferably also the following empirical equation:
According to the present invention the adhesive can be utilised on disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence devices, perspiration pads and tampons. The word �skin� according to the present invention does not only relate to the specific derma of the user but includes the mucous tissue as well as the hair which is typically found in the genital region.
Due to the nature and environment in which such disposable absorbent articles are utilised it is an essential feature that the adhesive has a water absorption capacity as defined in the test herein of at least 3% by weight of said adhesive (so that the adhesive adheres directly onto wet or moist skin). In addition it is also essential that the adhesive maintain its adhesive strength in the presence of excess liquid. In particular, the ratio of the peel strength of the adhesive as determined in the test methods herein should most preferably be maintained at a constant value such that the ratio of initial peel strength (PI) and the final peel strength (PF) is from 2.0:1 to 2:4, preferably from 2:1.25 to 2:2.50, most preferably from 2.0:1.5 to 2.0:2.5. Typically for disposable absorbent articles the initial peel strength for dry and more preferably also for wet skin should be from 0.1N/cm to 5.0N/cm, preferably from 0.5N/cm to 3.0N/cm.
It is further also preferable that the adhesive in addition to maintaining its peel strength over a period of time even in the presence of water also absorbs less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 7% water. Whilst not intending to being bound by theory, it is believed that in order to obtain direct adhesion onto wet skin and maintain constant adhesion performance over a period of wear, even when exposed to excess liquids or high humidity the ability of the adhesive to absorb water needs to be considered. In particular, it has been identified that, not only the absolute ability of the adhesive needs to be considered, but also the rate of water absorption in order to provide an adhesive meeting the above identified performance parameters.
For example hydrocolloid adhesives which are known in the art comprising a 3-dimensional rubber matrix and colloidal absorbent particles dispersed therein are only able to absorb limited amounts of water through the colloidal particles themselves and not the matrix itself. In addition the rate at which water is absorbent is slow. Hence these prior art adhesives do not adhere to wet surfaces.
Prior art hydrogel adhesives on the other hand are able to not only absorb large quantities of water but also at a very fast rate. As a result such adhesives may be able to adhere, to wet surfaces, however due to the combination of fast rate of absorption and large absolute water uptake, these adhesives loose their adhesive strength rapidly in the presence of excess water or high humidity.
Accordingly the adhesives of the present invention exhibit both an ability to adhere directly to wet skin, by having a minimum absolute water absorption ability in combination with a rate of absorption such that the peel strength remains within defined levels over the period of wear.
The adhesive is provided with the preferred pattern, typically on the wearer facing surface of the article, as a layer having a thickness or calliper C that is preferably constant. The layer can be preferably continuous or alternatively discontinuous, e.g. in form of dots, spirals, or stripes.
Even though adhesives are used like pressure sensitive adhesives on human skin hair and mucous tissues, it is understood that the topical adhesive compositions could only with difficulty be considered typical pressure sensitive adhesives (referred to as PSA hereinafter) on the basis of the most characteristic rheological behaviours identifying such materials.
In fact as the person skilled in the art of adhesives knows, the most characteristic feature that distinguishes a PSA from other substances that can temporarily adhere objects (e.g. water between two glass plates could) is the fact that their rheological parameters and especially the Elastic Modulus G′ vary greatly with the frequency of applied stresses. More in particular, G′ of PSA can increase over some orders of magnitude, while the frequency of applied stresses varies from typical bonding frequency to typical debonding frequency, i.e. 1 rad/s to 100 rad/s as indicated below.
As a first consequence, it is therefore inadmissible to define materials intended for use as �adhesives� by giving values of rheological parameters and especially of G′ at a fixed value of frequency. This can be misleading because in the absence of other characteristics it will include materials which have no practical value. It is hence necessary that rheological characterisation must be on the basis of dynamic considerations. This not only applies to the Elastic Modulus G′ but also to the viscous modulus G″ and hence also for tan (d)=G″/G′.
It is well known that typical PSAs have not only a high variation of G′ across the considered frequencies, but also that there is an even higher variation of G″ which can get close or become even higher than the value of G′, i.e. tan (d) becomes about or even greater than 1, in particular at the frequencies that are typical of debonding.
Without wishing to be bound by theory this can be interpreted as meaning that a high fraction of the energy applied for the debonding is dissipated within the adhesive (so it is not effective in causing the debonding) and through the interface of the adhesive and the skin, while this fact causes macroscopically the recording of a very high level of adhesive force.
As indicated above materials useful as adhesives according to the present invention have Theological characteristics which are measured at a reference temperature of 37� C. (as usual body temperature of humans) and in a range of frequencies. It has been found that upon application of a disposable absorbent article with a adhesive the adhesive contact is formed at a low frequency, while debonding happens at the speed of removing the article. This speed is expressed as a frequency of 100 rad/s, while the low frequency of forming the adhesive bond has been found to be on the order of 1 rad/s. Therefore, the frequency range for use according to the present invention is between 1 and 100 rad/s.
In order to provide good conditions of bonding, i.e. at a frequency of about 1 rad/sec, the absolute values of the elastic modulus should not be too high, otherwise the adhesive is too hard and it is not able to intimately join or mold to the surface to which it is expected to adhere. It is also important to have a low absolute value of G″ in order to have good cohesion while the material remains soft and capable of gently adhering to skin.
The ratio of G′37 (1 rad/sec) over G″37 (1 rad/sec) is important to ensure that these two values are balanced upon adhesion to the skin.
Importantly, the ratio of
needs to be large enough to ensure that the dynamic behaviour of both the elastic and the viscous module are maintained in a relationship which provides secure adhesion and painless and easy removal.
Finally the person skilled in the art will also recognise that the Glass Transition Temperature Tg of the adhesive composition, the specific heat capacity, and the specific heat conductivity are parameters which are useful to more fully define the group of useful adhesives.
The following set of characteristics should preferably be satisfied for the adhesive of the present invention:
The value of the ratio of G′37/G″37 at least for the frequency range above 1 rads/up to 100 rads/s should preferably be not less than 0.5, preferably from 0.7 to 10 and most preferably from 1 to 7.
The rheological behaviour can also be related to the values of the Glass Transition Temperature Tg. For topical adhesives according to the present invention Tg should preferably be less than 0� C., more preferably less than −5� C. and most preferably less than −10� C.
In order to provide adhesive compositions which satisfy the requirements of the above rheological and physical characteristics of an adhesive any medically suitable substantially water insoluble pressure sensitive adhesives comprising a polymer which forms a 3-dimensional matrix meeting the these characteristics may be utilised.
According to the present invention the 3 dimensional matrix also referred to herein as a gel, comprise as an essential component, a polymer which can be physically or chemically cross linked. The polymer may be naturally or synthetically derived. The uncrosslinked polymer includes repeating units or monomers derived from vinyl alcohols, vinyl ethers and their copolymers, carboxy vinyl monomer, vinyl ester monomers, esters of carboxy vinyl monomers, vinyl amide monomers, anionic vinyl monomers, hydroxy vinyl monomers, cationic vinyl monomers containing amines or quaternary groups, N-vinyl lactam monomer, polyethylene oxides, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyurethanes, acrylics such as methyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, methoxydiethoxyethyl methacrylate and hydroxydiethoxyethyl methacrylate, acrylamides, and sulphonated polymers such as acrylamide sulphonated polymers for example 2 acrylamido methylpropane sulphonic acid and acrylic (3-sulphopropyl) ester acid, and mixtures thereof. Also acrylonitrile, methacrylamide, N,N,-dimethylacrylamide, acrylic esters such as methyl, ethyl and butyl acrylates. Alternatively, the uncrosslinked polymer may be a homopolymer or copolymer of a polyvinyl ether, or a copolymer derived from a half ester of maleic ester. Similarly any other compatible polymer monomer units may be used as copolymers such as for example polyvinyl alcohol and polyacrylic acid or ethylene and vinyl acetate.
As another alternative, the polymers may be block copolymer thermoplastic elastomers such as ABA block copolymers such as styrene-olefin-styrene block copolymers or ethylene-propylene block copolymers. More preferably such polymers include hydrogenated grade styrol/ethylene-butylene/styrol (SEBS), styrene/isoprene/styrene (SIS), and styrol/ethylene-propylene/styrol (SEPS).
Particularly preferred polymers are acrylics, sulphonated polymers such as acrylamide sulphonated polymers, vinyl alcohols, vinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide and mixtures thereof. Most preferred are nitrogen containing polymers.
According to the present invention the 3 dimensional adhesive matrix also essentially comprises a plasticiser, which is preferably a liquid at room temperature. This material is selected such that the polymer may be solubilized or dispersed within the plasticiser. For embodiments wherein irradiation cross linking is to be carried out, the plasticiser must also be irradiation cross linking compatible such that it does not inhibit the irradiation cross linking process of the polymer. The plasticiser may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic.
Suitable plasticisers include water, alcohols, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerol and sorbitol, and glycols and ether glycols such as mono- or diethers of polyalkylene gylcol, mono- or diester polyalkylene glycols, polyethylene glycols (typically up to a molecular weight of about 600), glycolates, glycerol, sorbitan esters, esters of citric and tartaric acid, imidazoline derived amphoteric surfactants, lactams, amides, polyamides, quaternary ammonium compounds, esters such phthalates, adipates, stearates, palmitates, sebacates, or myristates, and combinations thereof. Particularly preferred are polyhydric alcohols, polyethylene glycol (with a molecular weight up to about 600), glycerol, sorbitol, water and mixtures thereof.
Typically the adhesive comprises a ratio of polymer to plasticiser by weight of from 1:100 to 100:1, more preferably from 50:1 to 1:50. However, the exact amounts and ratios of the polymer and plasticiser will depend to a large extent on the exact nature of polymer and plasticisers utilised and can be readily selected by the skilled person in the art. For example a high molecular weight polymer material will require a greater amount of plasticiser than a low molecular weight polymer.
Other common additives known in the art such as preservatives, antioxidants, pigments, mineral fillers and mixtures thereof may also be comprised within the adhesive composition in quantities up to 10% by weight each respectively.
According to the present invention the polymer component of the adhesive can be physically or chemically cross-linked in order to form the 3 dimensional matrix. Physical cross linking refers to polymers having cross links which are not chemical covalent bonds but are of a physical nature such that there are areas in the 3 dimensional matrix having high crystallinity or areas having a high glass transition temperature. Chemical cross-linking refers to polymers which are linked chemical bonds. Preferably the polymer is chemically cross-linked by radiation techniques such as thermal-, E beam-, UV-, gamma or micro-wave radiation. Preferably, the polymer comprises less than 10% hydrocolloid particles by weight of the adhesive, and more preferably the polymer comprises less than 5% hydrocolloid particles by weight of the adhesive.
In addition when chemical crosslinks are formed in the system, a polyfunctional cross linker and/or a free radical initiator may be present in the premix to initiate the crosslinking upon irradiation. Such an initiator can be present in quantities up to 5% by weight, preferably from 0.02% to 2%, more preferably from 0.02% to 0.2%. Suitable photoinitiators include type I-α-hydroxy-betones and benzilidimethyl-betols e.g. Irgocure 651 which are believed to on irradiation to form benzoyl radicals that initiate polymerization. Particularly preferred is I-hydroxycyclohexylphenylketone (available under the trade name Irgacure 184 from Ciba Speciality Chemicals). In addition from 0.02% to 2% of thermal initiators may also be used.
The resulting adhesive compositions are mainly hydrophilic. Hydrophobic and mixed phase compositions are dependant upon the nature of the components of the adhesive. In addition a mixture of monomers whether hydrophilic or both hydrophobic and hydrophilic may result in a single phase or mixed phase of at least 2 phases. Preferably, the adhesives of the present invention are mixed phase hydrophilic hydrophobic.
A mixture of monomers which may result in 1, 2 or more phases are preferred. Mixed phase adhesives are compositions in which both hydrophobic and hydrophilic components, preferably in both plasticisers and polymers, form two or more separate phases. In such cases an emulsifier is preferably present at a suitable level to form stable emulsions between the incompatible phases.
Whilst not intending to be bound by theory it is believed that the improved peel strength liquid stability particularly with respect to water of the adhesives is obtained from a monomer mix comprising both hydrophilic e.g. polar and/or ionic monomers preferably anionic water soluble monomer and hydrophobic i.e nonionic monomers. Preferably the ratio of hydrophilic monomers to hydrophobic monomers should be in the range of from 5:1 to 1:5 and preferably from 3:1 to 1:3, preferably from 2:1 to 1:2. The hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of a monomer component is always relative to the other component. Typically prior art hydrogel adhesives comprise hydrophilic monomers only, as a consequence of which they have a high rate of water absorption and do not maintain adhesion after exposure to excess liquid. Whilst not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that the presence of a hydrophobic component in the adhesive matrix reduces the rate of absorption of water of the adhesive. As a result the distribution of the water absorbed by the adhesive is more uniform. Consequently a water film is not generated between the surface of the skin and the adhesive, which if present, prevents the formation of bonds between skin and adhesive and thus the adhesive capacity of the adhesive itself.
Thus the invention seeks to provide a homogeneously dispersed reaction mixture comprising both hydrophobic and hydrophilic components which, on polymerisation separates into a biphasic or a multiphasic structure. The phases have in some cases been observed to have a thickness of about 100 microns +/−50 microns. The reaction mixture may contain one or more surface active agents which may assist or promote phase separation but in the course of polymersation become anistropically distributed between the result phases.
The presence of a hydrophobic monomer or polymer may be necessary in the initial homogenous dispersion in order to more effectively promote phase separation.
Suitable preferred hydrophilic monomers are acrylic acid, and salts thereof, 2-acrylamido methylpropane sulphonic acid, acrylic (3-sulphopropyl) ester acid and salts thereof and combinations thereof. Suitable hydrophobic monomer components are acrylamide, acrylonitrile, methyl-, ethyl-, butyl hexyl, iso octyl- and isodecyl acrylates and methacrylate, vinyl ethers, vinyl pyrrolidine, gylcidyl acrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, tehra-hydrofurfuryl acrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, vinyl propionate and vinyl butyrate, and combinations thereof. Particularly preferred are ethoxy ethyl acrylate or butyl acrylate.
When the adhesive comprises a hydrophobic component, such as butyl acrylate as well as a hydrophilic monomer (i.e. the aforesaid water soluble ionic monomer), such as NaAMPS, the nonionic water soluble monomer, for example NNDMA, acts as a so-called �reactive solvent bridge� to provide intimate mixing of the various seemingly incompatible components of the reaction mixture prior to polymerisation. The reaction mixture thus has a homogenous structure containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic components that are intimately mixed, as the NNDMA acts as a solvent for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials, providing a clear compatible coating solution or dispersion. As the reactive solvent bridge is polymerised and thus essentially removed from the reaction mixture the stability of the system is adversely affected and the compatible coating solutions or dispersions undergo phase separation so as to provide a biphasic structure.
In certain circumstances the reaction mixture preferably comprises from 3% to 20%, and more preferably from 8% to 18% by weight of the reaction mixture, of a stabilised polymer dispersion that is used to provide a stable phase separated system. The polymer preferably comprises any of the following either alone or in combination: vinylacetate dioctyl maleate copolymer or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. Ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer is preferred, such as that marketed under the trade name DM137 by Harlow Chemicals.
The adhesive is thus typically formed by polymerising an aqueous reaction comprising from 5 to 50%, preferably from 30% to 50% by weight of the reaction mixture, of hydrophilic monomer, i.e. an ionic water soluble monomer, from 10% to 50%, preferably from 15% to 45% by weight of the reaction mixture, of a plasticiser (other than water), from 10% to 50%, preferably from 15% to 30% more preferably from 15% to 25% by weight of the reaction mixture, of a hydrophobic nonionic monomer, i.e. nonionic water soluble monomer, from 3 to 40%, by weight of the reaction mixture, of water.
In preparing adhesive compositions in accordance with the invention, the ingredients will usually be mixed to provide a reaction mixture in the form of an initial pre-gel aqueous based liquid formulation, and this is then converted into a gel by a free radical polymerisation reaction. This may be achieved for example using conventional thermal initiators and/or photoinitiators or by ionizing radiation. Photoinitiation is a preferred method and will usually be applied by subjecting the pre-gel reaction mixture containing an appropriate photoinitiation agent to UV light after it has been spread or coated as a layer on siliconised release paper or other solid substrate. The incident UV intensity, at a wavelength in the range from 240 to 420 nm, is ideally substantially 40 mW/cm2. The processing will generally be carried out in a controlled manner involving a precise predetermined sequence of mixing and thermal treatment or history.
The UV irradiation time scale should ideally be less than 60 seconds, and preferably less than 10 seconds to form a gel with better than 95% conversion of the monomers and for conversion better than 99.95% exposure to UV light less than 60 seconds and preferably less than 40 seconds is preferred. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the extent of irradiation will be dependent on the thickness of the reaction mixture, concentration of photoinitiator and nature of substrate on to which the reaction mixture is coated and the source of UV.
These timings are for medium pressure mercury arc lamps as the source of UV operating at 100 W/cm. The intensity of UV @ 254 nm and 313 nm reaching the surface of the substrate is approximately 150 μW/cm2 and 750 μW/cm2. For a given lamp UV intensity in a function of the operating power and distance of the reaction mixture from the UV source.
In order to minimize and preferably eliminate the presence of any residual monomers it is important to ensure that the reaction is complete. This is dependent upon a number of factors such as the substrate onto which the adhesive is applied, the type and intensity of the ultra violet light and the number of ultra violet light passes. Preferably the conversion of the hydrophilic monomers present such as NaAMPS should be 98%, preferably 99.0% most preferably 99.9% so that the amount of monomer within the adhesive is 4600 microg/g or less, preferably 2300 microg/g or less, most preferably 230 microg/g or less. Similarly, the conversion of the hydrophobic monomers present such as NNDMA should be 99%, preferably 99.9%, most preferably 99.99% so that the amount of monomer present in the adhesive is 2200 microg/g or less, preferably 220 microg/g or less, most preferably 22 microg/g or less.
The adhesive is provided, typically on at least a portion of the wearer facing surface of the article, as a layer having a thickness or calliper C that is preferably constant, or that alternatively can vary over the surface of application of the adhesive.
When considering particularly the removal phase of an adhesive composition for attachment to the skin of a wearer, it is commonly recognised that good conditions of removal, i.e. at a frequency of about 100 rad/sec, of the adhesive applied to at least part of the wearer facing surface of the article, are achieved when the adhesive can be easily removed from the skin, and particularly from the bodily hair that may be located on this area of the skin, where the article contacts the body, without causing pain to the wearer, therefore without adhering too hard upon removal, to the skin and the hair of the wearer. Moreover, a good removal implies that the adhesive does not leave residues on the skin or on the hair. The relationship between the thickness or calliper C measured in millimeters (mm) of the layer of the adhesive typically onto at least part of the wearer's facing surface of the absorbent article and the viscous modulus G″25 at 25� C. at about 100 rad/sec of the adhesive gives an indication of painless and easy removal of the adhesive from the skin.
Without being bound to any theory, it is believed that for higher values of G″25 at 100 rad/sec, which overall correspond to a higher adhesiveness of the composition, a thicker calliper or thickness C of the adhesive layer is needed so that the energy applied for the removal is more evenly distributed within the mass of the adhesive, and is therefore transferred smoothly to the skin, so avoiding peaks of energy that typically cause the pain sensation to the wearer. In other words, thinner layers of the adhesive necessitate an adhesive with a lower G″25 at 100 rad/sec to achieve a reduced pain sensation upon removal of the article.
According to the present invention, the adhesive is preferably provided as a layer having a thickness C such that the viscous modulus G″25 (100 rad/sec) and the thickness C of the adhesive layer satisfy the following empirical equation:
G″ 25≦[(7.00+C)�3000]Pa
and preferably the following empirical equation:
While in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the thickness C of the adhesive layer is constant, such an adhesive layer can also have different thicknesses in different portions of the wearer facing surface where it is applied, provided that the above mentioned relationship between C and G″25 is in any case satisfied in each portion.
In order to evaluate the effect of the thickness C of the adhesive layer in its relationship with the viscous modulus G″25 (100 rad/sec) of the adhesive of the present invention on the removal of the adhesive used for the attachment of a article to the skin of a wearer, a Removal Pain Grade Test has been developed. In this test the adhesion of standard substrates, on which the same adhesive has been provided in layers having different thicknesses, on the skin of the forearm of members of a sensory panel is achieved, and upon successive removal the pain is evaluated in terms of pain grade as described herein after.
Absorbent articles in which the adhesive according to the present invention can be used, can be made by any of the ways usual in the art. The application of the adhesive to the wearer facing surface, typically the topsheet surface of an absorbent article should not cause major problems to those skilled in the art since it can be provided by any well known techniques commonly used to apply adhesives. Most preferably the adhesive is provided in a pattern of small incremental areas such as dots or similar.
The adhesive is applied on at least portion of the wearer facing surface of disposable absorbent articles in a layer having a thickness or caliper that is preferably constant, or that alternatively can vary over the surface interested by the application of the adhesive. The adhesive can be applied to the wearer facing surface of the article by any means known in the art such as slot coating, spiral or bead application or printing. Typically the adhesive is applied at a basis weight of from 20 g/m2 to 2500 g/m2, preferably from 500 g/m2 to 2000 g/m2, most preferably from 700 g/m2 to 1500 g/m2 depending in the end use envisioned.
If possible, the article also provides breathability by being at least water vapour permeable, preferably air permeable to prevent stuffiness. Breathability, if not supported by the adhesive as such, can be limited to the area of the article where no adhesive is applied.
The adhesive on an article is preferably protected prior to use. This protection can be provided by a release liner such as a siliconised or surfactant treated paper, providing easy release for the selected adhesive.
This invention can be used beneficially on disposable absorbent articles which are applied directly to the skin of a user. The article usually exhibits absorbency for bodily fluids, the protection of the user's garments from soiling, is comfortable to the user, and is easy to produce and to package. The disposable absorbent article is described below by reference to a sanitary napkin or catamenial, however diapers, panty liners, adult incontinence articles, tampons or perspiration pads are also included under the term disposable absorbent articles. The term �sanitary napkin�, as used herein, refers to an article which is worn by females adjacent to the pudendal region and which is intended to absorb and contain the various body fluids which are discharged from the body (e.g., vaginal discharges, menses, and/or urine) and which is intended to be discarded after a single use. A disposable absorbent article is preferably thin, more preferably between 1 and 5 mm thick and either substantially flat prior to use or in a preshaped form.
The terms �joined� or �affixed�, as used herein, encompasses configurations whereby a first member is directly connected to a second member and configurations whereby a first member is indirectly connected to a second member by connecting the first member to intermediate members which in turn are connected to the second member.
The sanitary napkin has two main surfaces, a body contacting or wearer facing surface on which the adhesive is applied and a garment facing or contacting surface. In a one preferred embodiment a sanitary napkin of the present invention comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet. In an alternative embodiment, the sanitary napkin or panty liner may utilize the adhesive to absorb quantities of liquid up to amounts of about 10 g, such that a separate core and topsheet are not required. Such products preferably have a backsheet as described below.
The topsheet is compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. The topsheet also can have elastic characteristics allowing it to be stretched in one or two directions in portions of the topsheet or throughout its extension. Further, the topsheet is fluid pervious permitting fluids (e.g., menses and/or urine) to readily penetrate through its thickness.
Preferred topsheets for use in the present invention are typically selected from high loft nonwoven topsheets and apertured formed film topsheets. Apertured formed films are especially preferred for the topsheets because they are pervious to body exudates and yet non absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow fluids to pass back through and rewet the wearer's skin. Thus, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the wearer remains dry, thereby reducing body soiling and creating a more comfortable feel for the wearer. Suitable formed films are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,929,135; 4,324,246; 4,342,314; 4,463,045; and 5,006,394. Particularly preferred micro apertured formed film topsheets are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,609,518 and 4,629,643. A preferred topsheet for the present invention comprises the formed film described in one or more of the above patents and marketed on sanitary napkins by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as �DRI-WEAVE�.
Adhesives are most suitably used on topsheets having not a homogeneous distribution of liquid passage ways but only a portion of the topsheet comprising liquid passage ways oriented such that they result in a centrally permeable and peripherally impermeable topsheet for liquids.
Another alternative are so called hybrid topsheets which incorporate fibrous and film like structures particularly useful embodiments of such hybrid topsheets are disclosed in PCT publications WO 93/09744; WO 93/11725 or WO 93/11726.
When referring to the topsheet a multi layer structure or a mono layer structure is contemplated. The hybrid topsheet mentioned above is such a multi layer design but other multi layer topsheets such as primary and secondary topsheet designs are also considered.
The absorbent core also can comprise multiple layers and provides fluid storage and distribution function.
Positioned in fluid communication with, and typically underlying the topsheet is the absorbent core. The core can comprise any usual absorbent material or combinations thereof. It preferably comprises absorbent gelling materials usually referred to as �hydrogel�, �superabsorbent�, �hydrocolloid� materials in combination with suitable carriers.
Suitable absorbent gelling materials for use herein will most often comprise a substantially water-insoluble, slightly cross-linked, partially neutralised, polymeric gelling material. This material forms a hydrogel upon contact with water. Such polymer materials can be prepared form polymerizable, unsaturated, acid-containing monomers, such as acrylic acid, which are well known in the art.
Suitable carriers include materials which are conventionally utilised in absorbent structures such as natural, modified or synthetic fibers, particularly modified or non-modified cellulose fibers, in the form of fluff and/or tissues. Suitable carriers can be used together with the absorbent gelling material, however, they can also be used alone or in combinations. Most preferred are tissue or tissue laminates in the context of sanitary napkins/panty liners.
An embodiment of the core, particularly useful in the application of the present invention, comprises a double layer tissue laminate formed by folding the tissue onto itself. These layers can be joined to each other. Absorbent gelling material or other optional material can be comprised between the layers.
The absorbent core can include optional components normally present in absorbent webs such as odor control agents, in particular suitable zeolites.
The backsheet primarily prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core from wetting articles that contact the absorbent product such as underpants, pants, pyjamas and undergarments. The backsheet is preferably impervious to liquids (e.g. menses and/or urine) and usually manufactured from a thin plastic film.
The backsheet typically extends across the whole of the absorbent core and can extend onto and form part of the topsheet by folding around the absorbent core. Thereby a topsheet configuration as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314, column 16, lines 47-62 can be achieved without the requirement to selectively aperture the topsheet.
Preferably, the backsheet also provides breathability to the absorbent article by being at least water vapour permeable, preferably air permeable. The backsheet can be a laminate material e.g. of a combination of microporous film and/or non-woven material, and/or apertured formed film. Breathability if desired can be limited to the periphery or the center of the backsheet or it can be across the whole backsheet.
According to the present invention the adhesive as described herein may also find application to attach other articles to the skin. The adhesives may for example find utility to adhere functional articles which adhere to the skin such as cosmetic or pharmaceutical delivery articles which provide a substance to the skin such as skin treatment substances, cream, lotions, hormones, vitamins, deodorants, drugs; cosmetic or pharmaceutical delivery articles provide a substance to emanate away from the skin such as insecticides, inhalation drugs, perfumes and; functional articles which are not necessarily attached to the skin, but which require a high residence time on the skin such as decorative cosmetics, (lipstick, eye shadow, stage make-up) and cleaning articles (hand cleaners, face masks and hygienic pore cleansers). Such articles are preferably non-absorbent for bodily liquids.
The adhesive may also in addition find application to attach articles to the skin such as protective articles such as genital-, knee- or elbow-protectors or bandages; clothing such as bras, surgical gowns, or parts of garments during fitting at a tailor; nasal plasters; prosthesis such as breast replacements or wigs; cold wraps e.g. to provide pain relief from bruises and to reduce swelling; thermal wraps comprising thermal cells as disclosed for example in WO97/36968 and WO97/493 61 to provide relief of temporary and chronic pain such as neck wraps as disclosed in for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,728,146, knee wraps exemplified in WO97/01311, and back wraps as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,318; hearing aids; protective face masks (for the reduction or prevention of inhalation of noxious substances); ornamental articles such as jewelry, earrings, guises, tattoos; goggles or other eye wear; ostomy devices, tapes, bandages, dressings of general utility, wound healing and wound management devices; and biomedical skin electrodes such as ECG, EMG, EEG, TENS electrosurgery, defibrillation, EMS and electrodes for facial/beauty applications; and fixation products and/or devices intended to affix patient catheters, tubing leadwires cables etc.
The Removal Pain Grade Test is utilized to evaluate the pain during removal from the skin of a wearer of a sample provided with a layer of a adhesive and previously attached to the wearer's skin. The test specifically evaluates the pain upon removal of each sample as compared to the pain obtained by removing a reference sample constituted by a commercial strong medical plaster.
Sample Preparation.
The test is performed on rectangular samples 60�20 mm made of a polyester film 23 μm thick, such as that sold by Effegidi S.p.A. of Colorno (Parma, Italy), provided on one side with a continuous layer of the adhesive having the selected thickness. The reference sample is a 60�20 mm sample of an adhesive non woven fabric available from Beiersdorf A. G. Hamburg, Germany under the Tradename Fixomull stretch.
Test Method.
A panel of six graders is selected for the test. The test is performed in a climatically controlled laboratory maintained at a temperature of 23� C. and a Relative Humidity of 50%. No special treatment of the wearer's skin is required beyond normal cleaning/washing with water and soap. The skin is then allowed to dry for at least two hours before the test to allow the skin to reach equilibrium with the room conditions. Different adhesive are evaluated in the test in comparison with the reference sample R. Each sample is applied by hand by an operator to the inner part of the grader's forearm, being centred between the wrist and the elbow, with the short side of the sample aligned with the length of the arm. The operator exerts on each sample with the palm of the hand the same pressure that is typically applied to cause a medical plaster to adhere to the skin. Each sample is worn for the prescribed time, and then it is removed from the grader's skin by the operator with a slow and smooth pull.
Four series of one reference sample R and the test samples are each applied, worn and then removed from the wearer's skin; each sample is worn for one minute, with a 5 minute wait between two subsequent samples of the same series, and a 15 minute wait between two different subsequent series. The reference sample R is always applied, worn and removed as the first sample of its respective series. The sequence of application/wear/removal of the test samples in each of the first three series is random, provided that no repetition in each series is allowed, and that no sequence is repeated in the first three series. In the fourth series one of the test samples is tested twice, the reference R always being the first one. Overall each sample has to be tested an equal number of times (24 times).
The graders were asked to evaluate each sample using a pain scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 corresponds to no pain and 10 corresponds to the pain upon removal of the reference sample R. The pain values for each sample were obtained as a mean of 24 observations.
The results collected from the test were analysed by a statistical analysis program �Comparison of Population Means�Paired Samples�, that showed that the differences between the pain values of the samples are statistically significant.
This is a quantitative method to determine the average peel force required to remove a skin at a specified peel angle and speed.
Test Procedure
A) Tensil Tester Settings:
B) Skin Condition and Preparation
The sample is peel from the forearm. There are 3 conditions of the skin that are tested:
1) Dry: The forearm is untreated and not wiped prior to test or between repetitions.
2) Wet: To one cotton disk (Demak'up diameter 5.5 cm, weight about 0.6 g), 3 ml of distilled water is added. Next the disk is then wiped with a light pressure 3 times over the test area on the forearm. (The test area of the forearm is a rectangle approximately 2 cm wider and longer than the adhesive area).
C) Sample Preparation
1. Allow the samples to adjust to conditioned room (23 �2� Celsius and 50�2% RH) for about 1 hr.
2. Prepare rectangular adhesive samples 260 mm �2 length and 20 mm �2 wide.
3. Attach on the sample surface the polyester film (using the transfer adhesive to attach the polyester to the substrate surface).
4. Each test specimen should be prepared individually and tested immediately.
5. Remove the release paper from the adhesive without touching it. Attach one end to the skin (see section B).
6. Roll the Steel Roller for 160 mm along the adhesive strip, once in each direction.
D) Test Environment
There are 2 environments the adhesive can be tested in:
1 ) Conditioned Room as described in C1.
2) Wet Environment. Here, after step C4, the specimen is taken and put in a humidity controlled oven for 3 hours at 85 degC. It is then taken out and steps C5, C6 are carried out.
E) Execution
1 minute after Step C6, take the free end of the specimen (approx. 100 mm long) and insert it in the upper end of the adhesion testing machine. Ensure the specimen is at a 90 degree angle to the forearm. Start the testing machine.
F) Report
Report the average of the peel strength of 5 tests. The single values are the base to calculate the standard deviation between the samples.
Test Sample
1 gram of a hydrogel sample is taken and emersed in 100 ml 0.9% saline water.
The sample is left in the saline at 40 degC for 24 hours.
An aliquot of the liquid is diluted and analysed by electrospray LC/MS/MS.
Calibration Sample
1 gram of reference monomers (eg NaAmps) are dissolved in 100 ml 0.9% saline water.
An aliquot of the liquid is diluted and analysed by electrospray LC/MS/MS.
The concentration of the test and calibration sample are determined by linear regression analysis using a software package such as VG Mass Lynx.
The following is the general description to prepare 20 kg of the adhesive at room temperature and pressure. 250 ml of triethanolamine is placed in a 80 1 plastic beaker and stirred. N,N,-dimethylacrylate (NNDMA) is added to the beaker and stirred. Glycerol is then added and the entire mixture is stirred for 5 minutes. Sodium 2 acrylamide 2 methyl propane sulphonic acid (NaAMPS) is then added and the mixture stirred for 5 minutes. The crosslinker is then added and the mixture is again stirred for at least 30 minutes. The mixture is then extruded onto a substrate material prior to UV curing. The UV curing consists of 2-4 passes under a bank of 3 UV lights.
The reference material is prepared as above, except that the NNDMA is replaced by acrylic (3 sulphopropyl) ester acid SPA and the mixture is stirred for 24 hrs. at 53� C. prior to UV curing.
All formulations detailed below were coated onto a polyurethane foam (EV 1700X from Caligen) at a coat weight of 0.8 to 1.6 kg per square meter and cured by expose to ultraviolet radiation emitted from a medium pressure mercury are lamp operating at 100 w/cm power for 10 seconds.
Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image


text:
You worked hard to personalize your house ... now help buyers visualize how they'll turn it into their dream home
Find Top-Rated Saint Louis Home Stagers
Angie's List helps you hire the best - and avoid the rest!
Home Stagers to Avoid
Top Rated Home Stagers
Prevent buyer's remorse with us
- Over 3 million people trust Angie's List to help make the right choice
- Be informed to avoid costly mistakes
- Shop with us to ensure a fair price
- Our complaint resolution team will help if a project goes bad
Over 587 reviews for
Saint Louis Home Stagers from people just like you.
Shop, Search and Save from anywhere!
- Offers are exclusively provided by highly rated companies
- Angie's List members have access to exclusive discounts on local services
- Shop, schedule, and stay on top of progress from any device
- Our 30 Day Refund Guarantee means you can buy with confidence!
Only $995 for Unlimited Interior Design Consultation...Homemade Design
Only $239 for Unlimited Interior Design Consultation...Homemade Design
$299 Closet Redesign and Professional InstallationYour New Closet
Over 2 million people trust Angie's List.
- Your Membership Includes:
- Instant access to top rated businesses covering 700+ services
- Our Complaint Resolution Team to help when a project goes bad
- On-the-go access to our iPhone, Android, & iPad apps
Access to trusted reviews, the best Home Stagers and exclusive discounts!
Real Member ReviewsMemberships allow Angie's List to certify that all reviews are real reviews from real members—no fake, bogus, or anonymous reviews here!
DealsAngie's List is a Community that you'll use time after time. Research who to hire, learn tips and tricks, and consult with your neighbors
Instant Community AccessMembers can choose from tons of deals and discounts for projects they need to do, like 30% off exterior home painting!
Complaint ResolutionIf a project goes badly, Angie's List has a complaint resolution team standing by to help you.
Featured Deal in Saint Louis
Just $49 for 30 Minute Design Consultation...
Local Articles in Saint Louis
While spring may be home-buying season, sellers listing a house for sale in winter may be at an advantage, with fewer competing properties and these tips.
Customizing can make your home difficult to sell. For wide buyer appeal, let consumer demand guide you. Don't eliminate a room or change the function of a space.
If you're considering renting out a property or having trouble landing tenants, check out these six tips to help your property rise above the competition.
Angie's Answers
Home Staging reviews in Saint Louis
All Home Stagers in Saint Louis
3-D Contracting & Design, Inc.
Abernathy Development Company
Saint Louis
Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc.
Bernie Lee Gray, Sr. Real Estate
St. Louis
Brandywyne Studio
Caroline Wefel-Fort
D & E Home Repair
Designs by Rebecca, llc.
Diane Rosen Interiors LLC
Saint Louis
Digital Plus LLC
Dodge Moving & Storage Co Inc
St Louis
Saint Louis
Essence Interiors
Essential Designs
Saint Charles
Exactly Cleaning & Contracting
Saint Louis
First Impressions Home Staging
Saint Louis
Fixed Assets LLC
Flynn Malir Upholstery & Interior Design Llc
Gateway Construction Solutions
St. Louis
Gateway Interior Design
Saint Louis
Heather Hannick Designs
Homemade Design
Interior Makeovers By Anne O'Callaghan
Jill Seidner Interior Design
Joshua Horn, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Gundaker
Saint Louis
Lance Aaron/ Professional Online Portrait Artist
Lj Interior Designs
Marcia Moore Design
Saint Louis
Murals and More Dreamscapes
National Business Furniture
Neighborhood Helpers
Organize Your Life Today Inc
Quick Witte's Remodeling
RE/MAX Results
Saint Louis
Realty Executives of St Louis
Saint Louis
Remodel STL - Saint Louis Mo Construction
Saint Louis
S&K Interiors
S. Marie Designs
Sherwin Williams
Slumberland Furniture
Saint Louis
SPARKLE Your Right Hand Helper
St. Louis
Stress Less Move Managers, LLC
Suz Staging Company
Saint Louis
The Design Connection Group LLC
Saint Peters
There's no place likeHome Decorllc
Therese Palmer PC @ RE/MAX Suburban
Working Mother's Helper
Shop Local Home Staging Services in Saint Louis
- Unique Furniture Makers
Only $995 for Unlimited Interior Design Consultation...Homemade DesignMember Price$995 $2045VIEW
- Unique Furniture Makers
Only $239 for Unlimited Interior Design Consultation...Homemade DesignMember Price$239 $349VIEW
- Closet Designers
$299 Closet Redesign and Professional InstallationYour New ClosetMember Price$299 $650VIEW
- Interior Designers
$59 Designer Renovation ConsultationNEXT Project StudioMember Price$59 $300VIEW
- Movers
$200 for Two Hours of Moving LaborReloProMember Price$200 $200VIEW
- Movers
$570 for a Three Person Moving Crew for Three...ReloProMember Price$570 $600VIEW
- Movers
$475 for a Two Person Moving Crew for Four...ReloProMember Price$475 $500VIEW
- Movers
$475 for a Three Person Moving Crew for Two...ReloProMember Price$475 $500VIEW
Join Angie's List to get the best local reviews in Saint Louis.
- Instant access to reviews for 700+ services
- Exclusive service discounts - up to 70 percent off!
- Top-notch support from our live call center


text:
Apply by May 15 for Bar Foundation Board Positions
Each year, new members can be appointed to the Foundation's Board to
serve three-year terms. Board members oversee policies, fundraising, and the
annual grant review process. Board members are limited to serving two
consecutive three-year terms. To be eligible to serve on the HCBF Board of
Directors, individuals must be current Hennepin County
Bar Association members. Applications for this year's openings are due by May 15, 2015.
More information and application >>
HCBA's Diversity, Professionalism, and Advancement of Justice Awards: Nominations Due 3/31
These annual awards highlight individuals and firms making a significant contribution to the profession and to the advancement of justice. Awards will presented at the HCBA Annual Meeting in May. The awards panels welcome nominations for the following:
2015 nomination forms must be received by March 31.
Nomination forms and lists of past recipients >>
Your President Reports: Disability & Diversity: "I Didn't Know That."
Not so long ago (meaning, I'm rather new to this particular topic), I had the chance to pitch in on a few disability-related projects. Along the way, I kept saying to my new-found co-conspirators: "I didn't know that!" Accurate, to say the least. In fact, we ended up thinking that the most apt title for my presentations would be: "I didn't know that." It's a common refrain. Hence, this column Read More >>
Bar Memorial, April 22:
A Special Session of District Court Remembering Attorneys Who Passed Away
Each April, the HCBA remembers, honors, and celebrates the lives of members of the profession who passed away during the previous year. This is a special opportunity for all of us to join with those who have recently lost a family member.
More Information >>
Ask a New Lawyer: Social Networking
Get Answers to All of the Social Media Questions You Didn't Know You Had! Join us on April 2, for the next event in the highly-regarded Vintage Lawyer/New Lawyer series.
These always-popular networking opportunities are not to be missed. This
session aims to build generational bridges by breaking down technology
barriers. New lawyers will act as digital tour guides for social
networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Vine, Snapchat, and
others. Vintage lawyers will also have the option of requesting a "tech
mentor" from the new lawyers ranks.
Thursday, April 2, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
at Stinson Leonard Street.
More information and RSVP >>