The invention relates to a method for monitoring the security of an area, a corresponding security monitor device and a wireless access device. The method comprises steps of: determining whether there is at least one first mobile device accessing a wireless access device that serves said area; starting to monitor a breach of security conditions, if there is no at least one first mobile device accessing the wireless access device; and, generating an alarm signal and sending said signal to one of said at least one first mobile device, if the breach of security conditions is detected. With this method, it does not need the host to turn on the security monitoring device every time he leaves home and effectively eliminates the possibility of forgetting to turn on the security monitoring procedure by the user, making the security device more reliable and convenient.

A home anti-theft system is the last and the most important line for residential security. It utilizes automatic security electronic equipments in guarding areas, to identify illegal invasions, alarm and warn at the area, and inform the owners or even the police of the illegal invasions in real time.
A typical anti-theft system with wireless communication is disclosed in US2011/0149078, which comprises a video camera, a force/wave sensor, a microphone, and a wireless communication component. For example, the sensor is used to distinguish between a loud noise such as a siren and the sound of breaking glass, and interprets the broken glass as a type of security breach. Then the anti-theft system may use a wireless session to send an alarm signal to a designated destination, such as by means of a wireless communication SIM card.
Whether it is a GSM Sim-card or any other kind of Sim-card that is used to send the alarm signal, this unit will cost a lot and could be the main cost of the home anti-theft system, especially when real time audio or video contents are included in the alarm signal. The high cost will prevent customers from using such an anti-theft system. In addition, the whole anti-theft system should be started manually by its host. But if the host forgets to start the system sometimes, the whole system will have no use. Therefore there is a need of a more reliable method for monitoring the home security without intervention of its user.

Home security system using wireless communication


A soil thickness/depth determining system and method may be used to predict soil depth/thickness.

In various industries and endeavors, it is desirable to know the thickness of soil in a particular area. For example, in the constructions industry, it is often quite important to know the depth of soil (soil thickness) in a particular area. In most situations, the soil is excavated in order to determine the soil thickness, which is very costly and time consuming. Alternatively, expensive ground radar may be used to determine soil depth. Thus, the technical problem currently existing is that it is prohibitively expensive or infeasible to be able to accurately determine soil depth at a location. It is desirable to be able to determine soil thickness/depth using a technical solution and it is to this end that the disclosure is directed.

Soil depth measurement system and method


A method and apparatus for directly connecting very large data streams from an archive command into a backup data system using an “intelligent process.” An output stream is piped into an intelligent pipe-reading process and distributed over a set of temporary data stores built from raw storage resources. A pipe interface process supervises backup of each filled data store, while the remaining output stream continues to be piped into another available data store. The backup system completes archiving of the datastream, keeping a catalog of the datastream storage locations. To retrieve the data, the intelligent process is run in reverse as a pipe-writing process, requesting data from the backup system. Retrieved data traverses the data stores from the backup system and are pumped into the pipe-writing process for delivery to the pipe output file identified by the retrieve or import command.

As large computing enterprises continue their migration from centralized mainframes and volumes of data on direct access storage devices (DASD) and serial tape drives, the reliance upon open systems database technology has increased. The ability to quickly adapt mass storage systems to new platforms, while retaining high performance and reliability will remain key elements for system integrators.
In earlier times, rooms full of DASD and tape drives were maintained by legions of storage operators who physically mounted and unmounted tapes and disk packs and moved them to and from libraries according to daily schedules and batch job instructions. Technology improvements allowed the use of self-contained "mass storage" units, using robotic arms to move archived storage media to and from the drive mechanisms in a matter of seconds. Further developments of storage media have enabled a cache model in which large masses of data are held in offline resources and smaller portions can be uploaded to the high-speed cache as necessary. Data availability has also been increased through the use of arrays of mirrored databases, either single or multi-threaded, for multiple simultaneous access capabilities.
Even with mirrored systems, operational concerns often require that the magnetic or other storage media be archived or "backed up." There are also occasional system re-organizations or restructuring during which a database may be converted by copying it out in one format ("export") and copying it back in ("import") with a different format, or into a different structure. Back-up issues will also arise when converting from one database management system (DBMS) to another, or sharing databases. Application programs themselves may also request the operating system to make a large "save" of data files, usually after a modification is made to the file. Backing up of large volumes of data can be a time consuming and resource intensive operation. Mass storage systems, disadvantageously may be unavailable while large back-up operations are performed.
FIG. 1 illustrates a typical system in which a host computer 10 is connected to a backup system 12 and a storage system 14. Creating a physical backup of the entire database 24 of the storage system 14 often requires a large investment of time and resources. In an open, networked array of storage devices, a physical backup of a database may be handled by arranging for a DBMS 22, such as provided by Oracle Corporation, to communicate with a dedicated back-up system 12, such as the EMC Data Manager, from EMC Corporation of Hopkinton, Mass. The DBMS system vendor often supplies an Application Programming Interface (API) 20 that can be installed in the host computer to handle the scheduling of the regular backups. The DBMS system typically reads the data from the database via the local DASD interface (such as SCSI bus), and delivers a buffer of data through the API. The application running the backup may be customized or optimized for the particular mass storage system selected, such as the EMC Data Manager (EDM) which is optimized to run with EMC's Symmetrix storage system(s). The EMC backup application, or something similar, take the necessary steps to send the data over the network using a connection-oriented protocol such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). The receiving backup system then sends the data to a mass storage unit 18, such as to write the data to an archive tape 18A. The major drawbacks of physical backup include that logical structures, such as tables of data cannot be backed up. Further, data cannot be transferred between machines of differing operating systems. Additionally, data blocks cannot be reorganized into a more efficient layout.
Many of the major DBMS companies also provide a more generalized facility in which the data is exported as a standardized file, such as in ASCII format, as part of a so-called "logical backup." The ASCII format permits the file to be imported into most other systems, without insurmountable compatibility problems. However, presently DMBS companies generally do not provide the API necessary for a customer to properly handle the data stream generated by the logical backup. The result is that many of the DBMSs generate very large backup files that have to be stored locally until they can be written to an archive device.
To overcome this disadvantage, some customers create their own primitive solution by attaching a physical tape drive to the machine. The logical backup data stream is then directed into a process that Unix calls a "pipe," buffered, and then directed ("piped") by another Unix command such as one that writes the data to the local tape drive 16, a DASD, or other demountable, writable media. A Unix pipe can be thought of as a FIFO (first-in first-out) data file having one process writing data into it serially and another process serially reading data out. When the pipe is "empty," the reading process simply waits for more data to be written by the other process. Other non-Unix operating systems such as DOS and Windows NT emulate the Unix pipe in various ways with similar results. Logical data streams are thus directed from a database export into another process that disposes of the data to the physical storage media, thus freeing up storage resources.
This primitive solution has several disadvantages. For one thing, it requires a physical tape drive 16 to be attached to the computer host 10 generating the backup. Alternatively, the logical backup could be piped to a command that writes the data onto disk or equivalent. However, this solution would require each such machine to have huge amounts of excess storage capacity. In either case, additional operations personnel must be assigned to handling the tapes and disks, and maintaining the drives. Extra storage devices, media libraries, and personnel also take up extra space in the facility. Another alternative would be to pipe the logical backup data stream into the network interface and send it to a different machine having a DASD or tape. When dealing with very large databases, these solutions could break down entirely, due to the operational difficulties of maintaining the necessary physical media, or open network connections.
The named pipe provides a standard mechanism that can be used by processes that do not have to share a common process origin for process-to-process-to-device transfers of large amounts of data. The data sent to the named pipe can be read by any authorized process that knows the name of the named pipe. In particular, named pipes are used in conjunction with the Oracle DBMS import/export utility to perform the logical backup/restores necessary to restructure or reorganize very large data bases (VLDBs). Typically, the user creates a named pipe and runs an export utility specifying the named pipe as the output device. The DBMS sees the pipe as a regular file. Another process, including for example Oracle DBMS commands such as dd (convert and copy a file), cpio (copy files in and out), rsh (execute command on a remote system), etc., then reads from the other end of the pipe and writes the data to actual media or the network. This technique is used to write export data to local disk/tape or over the network to available disk/tape on another machine.
As mentioned, a disadvantage of the existing methods is the large amount of time it takes to perform backups, during which the database may be partially or completely offline due to read/write interlocks. Some of this delay can be reduced by segmenting export/backup files, and running several processes in parallel. Even though the logical backup process can be segmented into parallel streams by some DBMSs, the implementations may be proprietary and not necessarily adaptable for import to another DBMS. Also, disadvantageously, a dedicated disk or dedicated tape is required. Further, in known implementations, there is an inability to catalog multiple versions.
VLDB reorganization and restructuring are major operations for which there is no known highly efficient solution. Current solutions do not use the data management services of an Enterprise Data Management Tool (such as EDM). A VLDB administrator has the ability to divide large tables into separate physical partitions. The partitions can be backed up, stored, exported and imported separately from the rest of the table. Customers consider this a critical feature that should be heavily used. Existing backup systems and APIs do not have the ability to export or import partitions in parallel using all available tape drives. Any API solution would be necessarily proprietary to the DBMS vendor, and not generalizable to other systems.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Method and apparatus for storage and retrieval of very large databases using a direct pipe


The present invention provides a crosslinking agent having reactive benzoxazine groups which is the ungelled reaction product of (a) at least one mono-hydroxy aromatic compound and (b) at least one aminotriazine compound having one or less non-alkylated NH group present in a molar ratio of reactant (a) to reactant (b) ranging from 1.0 to 3.0: 1.0, provided that where reactant (a) is a single ring monohydroxy aromatic compound, the molar ratio of reactant (a) to reactant (b) ranges from 1.0 to 1.8:1.0 and from 2.2 to 3.0:1.0. The crosslinking agent is essentially free of hydroxyl functionality and has a glass transition temperature of at least 25xc2x0 C. The present invention is further directed to a method for preparing the above-described crosslinking agent. Also provided is a curable powder coating composition comprising a solid particulate, film-forming mixture of (A) a polymer having functional groups reactive with aminotriazine and/or benzoxazine groups, the polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 30xc2x0 C.; and (B) the previously described crosslinking agent. Multilayer composite coating compositions are also provided including a base coat deposited from a film-forming composition and a topcoat over the base coat. The topcoat is deposited from the curable powder coating composition described above. The present invention further provides coated substrates.

The present invention relates to crosslinkers based on aminoplast resins and mono-hydroxy aromatic compounds, to a method for preparing such crosslinking agents and to curable powder coating compositions containing such crosslinkers.
In recent years, powder coatings have become increasingly popular because these coatings are inherently low in volatile organic content (xe2x80x9cVOCxe2x80x9d), which significantly reduces emissions of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere during application and curing processes.
Hydroxyl, carboxyl, carbamate and/or epoxy functional resins, such as acrylic and polyester resins having relatively high glass transition temperatures (xe2x80x9cTgxe2x80x9d), are commonly used as main film-forming polymers for these coatings. The relatively high Tg of such acrylic polymer systems provides powder coatings having good storage stability. However, when exposed to the extreme temperatures which can be encountered during shipping and/or storage in many geographic areas, even better powder coating stability is desired.
Aminoplast resins are well known in the art as low cost crosslinking agents for hydroxyl, carboxyl and/or carbamate functional polymers in conventional liquid coating compositions. Common aminoplast resins are based on condensation products of formaldehyde with an amino- or amido-group carrying substance. Condensation products obtained from the reaction of alcohols and formaldehyde with melamine, urea or benzoguanamine are most commonly used in liquid coating compositions where they provide enhanced coating properties such as exterior durability, chemical resistance and mar resistance. Such aminoplast resins typically are in liquid form and, as such, generally are not suitable for use in curable powder coating compositions.
The alkoxylated aldehyde condensates of glycoluril, which are solid products, are the aminoplast resins most commonly employed as crosslinking agents in powder coating compositions. Although in solid form, these materials nonetheless can depress the Tg of the powder coating composition significantly, even when combined with high Tg film-forming polymers such as the acrylic polymers described above. Such a depression in Tg also can result in poor powder stability.
Moreover, the use of conventional aminoplast resins in curable powder coating compositions can result in the phenomenon commonly referred to as xe2x80x9cgassingxe2x80x9d. xe2x80x9cGassingxe2x80x9d occurs as a result of vaporization of the alcohol generated in the thermally induced aminoplast crosslinking reaction. The alcohol vapor is driven off through the coating film upon heating and, as the viscosity of the coating increases during the curing process, pinholes or craters are formed as gases escape through coating surface.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,904,623, 4,189,421 and 4,217,377 disclose a solid, non-gelled low molecular weight addition reaction product and a method for preparing the reaction product. The addition reaction product is suitable for use as a crosslinking agent in powder coating compositions when combined with polymers having various reactive functional groups. The crosslinking agent is the reaction product of 1.8 to 2.2 moles of a monohydroxy-, single-ring aromatic compound, for example phenol, and 1.0 mole of an alkoxymethyl aminotriazine compound, such as hexakis (methoxymethyl) aminotriazine.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,393,181 discloses solid, adducts prepared from aminotriazine compounds and a large excess of polyhydric phenols. The adducts, due to their phenolic functionality, are useful as crosslinking agents for epoxy resins in powder coating compositions when used in conjunction with a curing agent accelerator such as an imidazole or benzimidazole.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,759,854 discloses heat-fusible powder coating compositions comprising a crosslinker prepared by pre-reacting a thermosetting polyester resin and a suitable conventional aminoplast crosslinking resin such as a condensation product of an aldehyde with melamine, urea or benzoguanamine.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,302,462 discloses a similar process for preparing a partially cured powder coating crosslinker. The crosslinker is prepared by partially reacting a less than stoichiometric amount of methoxymethyl aminotriazine with a linear, hydroxyl-terminated polyester.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,980,732 discloses a process for preparing a curable powder resin composition having a sintering temperature above 40xc2x0 C. The method comprises partially reacting a methylolamino compound with an aliphatic alcohol and an aliphatic diamide to produce an aminoplast condensate with a Tg ranging from xe2x88x9210xc2x0 C. to 100xc2x0 C. and blending the aminoplast condensate with an acrylic or polyester resin having a glass transition temperature ranging from 60xc2x0 C. to 100xc2x0 C.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,045 discloses a powder coating composition comprising a solid crosslinking agent having a softening point ranging from 50xc2x0 C. to 120xc2x0 C. and prepared by heating 40 to 75% by weight of an acrylic polyol and 60 to 25% by weight of an alkoxyaminotriazine at 50xc2x0 to 120xc2x0, and a base resin having a softening point ranging from 60xc2x0 C. to 130xc2x0 C.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,230,829 discloses a solid crosslinking agent having a softening point of 50xc2x0 C. to 120xc2x0 C. and prepared by heating 40 to 70% by weight of a polyester polyol and 60 to 30% by weight of an alkoxyaminotriazine.
While the above-described prior art aminoplast-based crosslinkers for powder coating compositions provide some improvement in xe2x80x9cgassingxe2x80x9d and powder stability over their liquid aminoplast counterparts, the powder coating compositions containing these crosslinkers can, nonetheless, exhibit some of the aforementioned deficiencies. In addition, most of the crosslinkers disclosed in the prior art are high molecular weight, partially cured and, hence, unstable mixtures. Further, the crosslinkers described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,904,623, 4,189,421, and 4,217,377 contain a significant amount of unreacted phenol impurity, which significantly limit their use in the powder coatings industry.
Thus, there remains a need for an aminoplast crosslinking agent suitable for use in curable powder coating compositions which provides a storage stable powder composition having the desirable coating properties usually associated with aminoplast-based liquid coatings without causing coating surface defects due to xe2x80x9cgassingxe2x80x9d.
In accordance with the present invention, provided is a crosslinking agent having reactive benzoxazine groups comprising the ungelled reaction product of (a) at least one mono-hydroxy aromatic compound having the following structure (I):
wherein R1 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group, COOR5 where R5 represents H or a monovalent hydrocarbon group, NO2, halogen or XR4, where X represents O or S and R4 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R3, R3xe2x80x2, R2 and R2xe2x80x2 can be the same or different and each independently represents a substituent selected from H, a monovalent hydrocarbon group, COOR5, NO2, halogen and XR4, provided that at least one of R3 and R3xe2x80x2 is H; or, when R3 is other than H (i.e., xe2x80x9cnon-hydrogen substitutedxe2x80x9d) and R3xe2x80x2 is H, R1 and R2 taken together, R1 and R2xe2x80x2 taken together, or R2 taken together with the non-hydrogen substituted R3 represent fused aliphatic or aromatic ring structures; or, when R3xe2x80x2 is non-hydrogen substituted and R3 is H, R1 and R2 taken together, R1 and R2xe2x80x2 taken together, or R2xe2x80x2 taken together with the non-hydrogen substituted R3xe2x80x2 represent fused aliphatic or aromatic ring structures; and (b) at least one aminotriazine compound having one or less non-alkylated NH group. Reactants (a) and (b) are present in a molar ratio of reactant (a) to reactant (b) ranging from 1.0 to 3.0: 1.0, provided that where reactant (a) is a single ring monohydroxy aromatic compound, the molar ratio of reactant (a) to reactant (b) ranges from 1.0 to 1.8:1.0 and from 2.2 to 3.0:1.0, wherein the crosslinking agent is essentially free of hydroxyl functionality and has a glass transition temperature of at least 25xc2x0 C.
The present invention is further directed to a method for preparing the above-described crosslinking agent. The method comprises the steps of (1) combining (a) at least one mono-hydroxy aromatic compound having the structure (I) where R1, R2, R2xe2x80x2, R3 and R3xe2x80x2 are as described above for that structure and (b) at least one aminotriazine compound having one or less non-alkylated NH group, in a molar ratio of (a) to (b) ranging from 1.0 to 3.0:1.0, provided that where reactant (a) is a single ring monohydroxy aromatic compound, the molar ratio of reactant (a) to reactant (b) ranges from 1.0 to 1.8:1.0 and from 2.2 to 3.0:1.0, to form a reaction admixture; (2) heating the reaction admixture of step (1) to a temperature ranging from 90xc2x0 C. to 135xc2x0 C.; and (3) maintaining the temperature achieved in step (2) for a time sufficient to produce an ungelled reaction product having a glass transition temperature of at least 25xc2x0 C. which is essentially free of hydroxyl functionality as determined by infrared spectroscopy.
The present invention is also directed to a curable powder coating composition comprising a solid particulate, film-forming mixture of (A) a polymer having functional groups reactive with benzoxazine groups, the polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 30xc2x0 C.; and (B) the previously described crosslinking agent.
Multilayer composite coating compositions are also provided. The multilayer composite coating composition comprises a base coat deposited from a film-forming composition and a topcoat over the base coat. The topcoat is deposited from the curable powder coating composition described above.
The present invention further provides coated substrates.
Other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term xe2x80x9cabout.xe2x80x9d Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical values, however, inherently contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Also, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of xe2x80x9c1 to 10xe2x80x9d is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1 and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10.
As mentioned above, the crosslinking agent of the present invention comprises the ungelled reaction product of (a) at least one mono-hydroxy aromatic compound having the structure (I) as described above, and (b) at least one aminotriazine compound having one or less non-alkylated NH group (described in detail below).
By xe2x80x9cungelledxe2x80x9d is meant that the reaction product can be dissolved in a suitable solvent or resin and has an intrinsic viscosity when so dissolved. The intrinsic viscosity of the reaction product is an indication of its molecular weight. A gelled reaction product, on the other hand, since it is of essentially infinitely high molecular weight, will have an intrinsic viscosity too high to measure. Moreover, the reaction product can be melted, solidified and remelted.
The substituent group R1 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon, COOR5 where R5 represents H or a monovalent hydrocarbon group, NO2, halogen or XR4, where X represents O or S and R4 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group, preferably having 1 to 8 carbon atoms.
By xe2x80x9cmonovalent hydrocarbon groupxe2x80x9d is meant an organic group containing essentially carbon and hydrogen. The hydrocarbon groups may be aliphatic, aromatic, cyclic or acyclic and may contain from 1 to 24 (in the case of aromatic from 3 to 24) carbon atoms. Optionally, the hydrocarbon groups can be heteroatomic hydrocarbon groups, that is, the hydrocarbon groups can be substituted with heteroatoms, typically oxygen or nitrogen. Non-limiting examples of such monovalent hydrocarbon groups include alkyl, alkoxyl, aryl, alkylaryl or alkoxyaryl groups.
By xe2x80x9calkylxe2x80x9d is meant acyclic or cyclic alkyl groups having a carbon chain length of from C1 to C25. By xe2x80x9calkoxylxe2x80x9d is meant an alkyl group containing at least one oxygen atom, such as an ether oxygen, and having a carbon chain length of from C2 to C25, preferably of from C2 to C8. By alkylaryl is meant an acyclic alkyl group having a carbon chain length of from C2 to C25 and containing at least one aryl group, preferably phenyl. The aryl group(s) may optionally be substituted. Suitable substituent groups can include hydroxyl, benzyl, carboxylic acid and aliphatic groups.
The substituent groups R3, R3xe2x80x2, R2 and R2xe2x80x2 can be the same or different and each independently represents a substituent selected from H, monovalent hydrocarbon groups, COOR5 where R5 represents H or a monovalent hydrocarbon group, NO2, halogen and XR4 where X represents O or S and R4 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group, preferably having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, provided that at least one of R3 and R3xe2x80x2 is H. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, R3 and R3xe2x80x2 both represent H.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, R1 is an aryl group and R2, R2xe2x80x2, R3 and R3xe2x80x2 are the same or different and each independently represents H, monovalent hydrocarbon groups, COOR5 where R5 represents H or a monovalent hydrocarbon group, NO2, halogen and XR4 where X represents O or S and R4 represents a monovalent hydrocarbon group, preferably having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, provided that at least one of R3 and R3xe2x80x2 is H.
Non-limiting examples of mono-hydroxy aromatic compounds suitable for use as reactant (a) in the present invention include p-cresol, 4-methoxyphenol, 4-tert-butyl phenol, 4-nitrophenol, 4-fluorophenol, 2-phenyl phenol, 4-phenyl phenol, 1-naphthol, and 2-naphthol. The preferred mono-hydroxy aromatic compound comprises 4-phenyl phenol.
Alternatively, when R3 represents a substituent other than H (i.e., is xe2x80x9cnon-hydrogen substitutedxe2x80x9d) and R3xe2x80x2 is H, R1 and R2 taken together, R1 and R2xe2x80x2 taken together, or R2 taken together with the non-hydrogen substituted R3 represent fused aliphatic or aromatic ring structures; or when R3xe2x80x2 is non-hydrogen substituted and R3 is H, R1 and R2 taken together, R1 and R2xe2x80x2 taken together, or R2xe2x80x2 taken together with the non-hydrogen substituted R3xe2x80x2 represent fused aliphatic or aromatic ring structures.
In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, R1 represents an electron-withdrawing group selected from aryl, alkylaryl, alkoxy, COOH, NO2 and halogen.
As previously mentioned, the crosslinking agent of the present invention comprises the reaction product of at least one mono-hydroxy aromatic compound as reactant (a) (as described above) and, as reactant (b), at least one aminotriazine compound having one or less non-alkylated NH group. The aminotriazine compound (b) which has one or less non-alkylated NH bond per triazine ring can include aminoplast resins such as alkoxyalkyl derivatives of melamine, benzoguanimine, acetoguanamine, formoguanamine, spiroguanamine and the like. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aminotriazine compound (b) comprises a (methoxymethyl) aminotriazine compound, for example, (methoxymethyl) melamine.
Aminoplast resins are based on the condensation products of formaldehyde, with an amino- or amido-group carrying substance. Condensation products obtained from the reaction of alcohols and formaldehyde with melamine, urea or benzoguanamine are most common and preferred herein. However, condensation products of other amines and amides can also be employed, for example, aldehyde condensates of triazines, diazines, triazoles, guanadines, guanamines and alkyl- and aryl-substituted derivatives of such compounds, including alkyl- and aryl-substituted ureas and alkyl- and aryl-substituted melamines. Some examples of such compounds are N,Nxe2x80x2-dimethyl urea, benzourea, dicyandiamide, formaguanamine, acetoguanamine, glycoluril, ammeline, 2-chloro-4,6-diamino-1,3,5-triazine, 6-methyl-2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazine, 3,5-diaminotriazole, triaminopyrimidine, 2-mercapto-4,6-diaminopyrimidine and 3,4,6-tris(ethylamino)-1,3,5 triazine.
While the aldehyde employed is most often formaldehyde, other similar condensation products can be made from other aldehydes, for example acetaldehyde, crotonaldehyde, acrolein, benzaldehyde, furfural and glyoxal.
The aminoplast resins preferably contain methylol or other alkylol groups, and in most instances, at least a portion of these alkylol groups are etherified by a reaction with an alcohol. Any monohydric alcohol can be employed for this purpose, including such alcohols as methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, heptanol and others, as well as, benzyl alcohol and other aromatic alcohols, cyclic alcohols such as cyclohexanol, monoethers of glycols, and halogen-substituted or other substituted alcohols, such as 3-chloropropanol and butoxyethanol. Commonly employed aminoplast resins are substantially alkylated with methanol or butanol.
Preferred aminoplast resins for use as the aminotriazine compound (B) in the preparation of the crosslinking agent of the present invention are the highly alkylated, low imino aminoplast resins which have a degree of polymerization (xe2x80x9cDPxe2x80x9d) of less than 1.5. Generally, the number average degree of polymerization is defined as the average number of structural units per polymer chain (see George Odian, Principles of Polymerization, John Wiley and Sons (1991)). For purposes of the present invention, a DP of 1.0 would indicate a complete monomeric triazine structure, while a DP of 2.0 indicates two triazine rings joined by a methylene or methylene-oxy bridge. It should be understood that the DP values reported herein and in the claims represent average DP values as determined by gel permeation chromatography data.
Preferred aminotriazine compounds include modified melamine-formaldehyde resin, for example RESIMENE(copyright) CE-7103 commercially available from Solutia, Inc. and CYMEL(copyright) 300; ethylated-methylated benzoguanimine-formaldehyde resin, for example CYMEL(copyright) 1123; and methylated-butylated melamine-formaldehyde resin, for example CYMEL(copyright) 1135, both of which are commercially available from Cytec Industries, Inc.
The present invention is also directed to a method for preparing the above-described crosslinking agent. The mono-hydroxy aromatic compound (a) and the aminotriazine compound (b) generally are combined in a suitably equipped reaction vessel, typically with a suitable solvent and an appropriate strong acid as catalyst. Any suitable solvent can be used, with aromatic solvents being preferred. Non-limiting examples of suitable aromatic solvents include xylene, toluene, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples of strong acids suitable for use as a catalyst include, but are not limited to, para-toluene sulfonic acid and dodecyl benzene sulfonic acid. Normal condensation techniques as are well-known in the art can be used.
The reaction admixture is heated to a temperature ranging from 90xc2x0 C. to 135xc2x0 C., preferably from 100xc2x0 C. to 120xc2x0 C., and held at that temperature for a period sufficient to obtain an ungelled product having a Tg of at least 25xc2x0 C. The reaction is terminated when the end point (i.e., the disappearance of the OH signal) is detected by infrared spectroscopy.
It should be understood that the molar ratio of reactant (a) to reactant (b) can range from 1.0 to 4.0: 1.0, more preferably from 1 to 3:1.0 with the proviso that where reactant (a) is a single ring monohydroxy aromatic compound, the molar ratio of reactant (a) to reactant (b) ranges from 1.0 to 1.8:1.0 and from 2.2 to 3.0:1.0. Also, it should be noted that for purposes of the present invention, the theoretical molecular weight of the monomeric aminotriazine compound (that is, where DP=1) is used to calculate the xe2x80x9cmolar ratioxe2x80x9d.
Depending on the molar ratio, the resulting crosslinkers may contain different amounts of residual aminotriazine functionality. For example, in practice, one mole of mono-hydroxy aromatic compound (a) typically consumes two moles of reactive functionality of the aminotriazine compound (b). The above-described reaction typically results in a crosslinking agent having both reactive aminotriazine groups and benzoxazine groups. Theoretically, at a molar ratio of reactant (a) to reactant (b) of 3.0:1.0, all of the aminotriazine functionality will be consumed. A higher ratio of reactant (a) to reactant (b) typically is not desired because it can result in a crosslinking agent having residual OH functionality.
Preferably, in the preparation of the crosslinking agent of the present invention the mono-hydroxy aromatic compound (a) and the aminotriazine compound (b) are combined in a molar ratio such that the mono-hydroxy aromatic compound (a) is in excess. This results in a stable crosslinking agent which is essentially free of hydroxyl functionality. The reaction is monitored for the disappearance of hydroxyl functionality relative to an internal standard via infrared spectroscopy (i.e., the hydroxyl signal is compared to the signal of a structure which will remain essentially unchanged as the reaction proceeds to completion, for example, the C-H stretch signal).
The mechanism for the benzoxazine ring formation includes an electrophilic aromatic substitution followed by 0-alkylation, which is assisted by the formation of the benzoxazine ring structure. It should be understood that formation of the benzoxazine ring structure at the ortho-position is preferable because such a reaction at the para-position can result in an undesirable increase in molecular weight and, ultimately, gellation of the reaction.
To prevent gellation, the substituent groups on the mono-hydroxy aromatic ring should be such that the first aromatic substitution occurs at the position ortho to the phenolic OH group and the remaining positions are deactivated or blocked with respect to further electrophilic substitution reaction, or at least made to react slower than the subsequent O-alkylation reaction. To ensure that the remaining positions on the ring are deactivated with respect to further electrophilic substitution, the substituent group R. preferably represents an electron-withdrawing group.
By xe2x80x9celectron-withdrawing groupxe2x80x9d is meant herein a substituent group which is capable of withdrawing electrons from the aromatic ring, destabilizing charge and thereby substantially deactivating all remaining positions of the aromatic ring to further electrophilic substitution. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the substituent R1 represents an electron-withdrawing group selected from aryl, alkylaryl, alkoxy, COOH, NO2 and halogen. The benzoxazine structures formed in the syntheses described above can be confirmed by NMR spectroscopy data.
By way of example, the reaction of a monomeric hexa(methoxymethyl) melamine with monohydroxy aromatic compound, for example, phenol, is represented structurally below.
The reaction product depicted above is the theoretical product resulting from the above-described condensation reaction where the molar ratio of reactant (a) to reactant (b) is 3:1. This theoretical reaction product would contain only reactive benzoxazine groups. As mentioned above, in practice, however, the reaction typically results in a crosslinking agent having both reactive aminotriazine groups and benzoxazine groups.
The crosslinking agent of the present invention typically has a glass transition temperature of at least 25xc2x0 C., preferably at least 30xc2x0 C., more preferably at least 35xc2x0 C., and even more preferably at least 40xc2x0 C. Also, the crosslinking agent typically has a glass transition temperature less than 100xc2x0 C., preferably less than 85xc2x0 C., more preferably less than 75xc2x0 C., and even more preferably less than 70xc2x0 C. The glass transition temperature of the crosslinking agent can range between any combination of these values, inclusive of the recited values. The Tg of the crosslinking agent can be measured experimentally using differential scanning calorimetry (rate of heating 10xc2x0 C. per minute, Tg taken at the first inflection point). Unless otherwise indicated, the stated Tg as used herein refers to the measured Tg.
The present invention is also directed to curable powder coating compositions comprising (A) a polymer having functional groups reactive with benzoxazine groups (as well as aminotriazine groups) and having a glass transition temperature of at least 30xc2x0 C., and (B) the crosslinking agent described above. Curable powder coatings are particulate compositions that are solid and free flowing at ambient room temperature. As mentioned above, the curable powder coating compositions of the present invention comprise, as a first component (A), at least one reactive functional group-containing polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least 30xc2x0 C., e.g., a hydroxyl and/or an epoxide functional acrylic polymer, and as a second component (B), the crosslinking agent described above. The components (A) and (B) of the curable powder coating composition may each independently comprise one or more functional species, and are each present in amounts sufficient to provide cured coatings having a desirable combination of physical properties, e.g., smoothness, optical clarity, scratch resistance, solvent resistance and hardness.
As used herein, the term xe2x80x9creactivexe2x80x9d refers to a functional group that forms a covalent bond with another functional group under suitable reaction conditions.
As used herein, the term xe2x80x9ccurexe2x80x9d as used in connection with a composition, e.g., xe2x80x9ca curable composition,xe2x80x9d shall mean that any crosslinkable components of the composition are at least partially crosslinked. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the crosslink density of the crosslinkable components, i.e., the degree of crosslinking, ranges from 5% to 100% of complete crosslinking. In other embodiments, the crosslink density ranges from 35% to 85% of full crosslinking. In other embodiments, the crosslink density ranges from 50% to 85% of full crosslinking. One skilled in the art will understand that the presence and degree of crosslinking, i.e., the crosslink density, can be determined by a variety of methods, such as dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) using a Polymer Laboratories MK III DMTA analyzer conducted under nitrogen. This method determines the glass transition temperature and crosslink density of free films of coatings or polymers. These physical properties of a cured material are related to the structure of the crosslinked network.
According to this method, the length, width, and thickness of a sample to be analyzed are first measured, the sample is tightly mounted to the Polymer Laboratories MK III apparatus, and the dimensional measurements are entered into the apparatus. A thermal scan is run at a heating rate of 3xc2x0 C./min, a frequency of 1 Hz, a strain of 120%, and a static force of 0.01N, and sample measurements occur every two seconds. The mode of deformation, glass transition temperature, and crosslink density of the sample can be determined according to this method. Higher crosslink density valves indicate a higher degree of crosslinking in the coating.
Also, as used herein, the term xe2x80x9cpolymerxe2x80x9d is meant to refer to oligomers and both homopolymers and copolymers. Unless stated otherwise, as used in the specification and the claims, molecular weights are number average molecular weights for polymeric materials indicated as xe2x80x9cMnxe2x80x9d and obtained by gel permeation chromatography using a polystyrene standard in an art-recognized manner.
The polymer (A) can be any of a variety of polymers having aminoplast-reactive functional groups as are well known in the art, so long as the Tg of the polymer is sufficiently high to permit the formation of a stable, solid particulate composition. The Tg of the polymer (A) typically is at least 30xc2x0 C., preferably at least 40xc2x0 C., more preferably at least 50xc2x0 C. The Tg of the polymer (A) also typically is less than 130xc2x0 C., preferably less than 100xc2x0 C., more preferably less than 80xc2x0 C. The Tg of the functional group-containing polymer (A) can range between any combination of these values inclusive of the recited values.
Non-limiting examples of polymers having alkoxyalkyl aminotriazine and/or benzoxazine-reactive functional groups useful in the curable powder coating compositions of the invention as the polymer (A) include those selected from the group consisting of acrylic, polyester, polyurethane, polyepoxide and polyether polymers. The polymer (A) can comprise a wide variety of alkoxyalkyl aminotriazine and/or benzoxazine-reactive functional groups, for example hydroxyl, carboxyl, anhydride, epoxy, thiol, phenolic, amine and/or amide functional groups. The polymer (A) preferably comprises alkoxyalkyl aminotriazine/benzoxazine-reactive functional groups selected the group consisting of hydroxyl, epoxy, carboxyl and/or carbamate functional groups, with hydroxyl and/or carbamate functional groups being preferred.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the polymer (A) comprises hydroxyl and/or carbamate functional groups. Hydroxyl and/or carbamate functional group-containing acrylic polymers and/or polyester polymers are preferred. In another embodiment of the invention, the polymer (A) comprises epoxy and/or hydroxyl functional groups.
Suitable functional group-containing acrylic polymers include copolymers prepared from one or more alkyl esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and, optionally, one or more other polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomers. Suitable alkyl esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid include methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate. As used herein, by xe2x80x9c(meth)acrylatexe2x80x9d and like terms is meant both methacrylates and acrylates. Ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid functional monomers, for example acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid, can also be used when a carboxylic acid functional acrylic polymer is desired. Amide functional acrylic polymers can be formed by polymerizing ethylenically unsaturated acrylamide monomers, such as N-butoxymethyl acrylamide and N-butoxyethyl acrylamide with other polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomers. Non-limiting examples of suitable other polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomers include vinyl aromatic compounds, such as styrene and vinyl toluene; nitriles, such as acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile; vinyl and vinylidene halides, such as vinyl chloride and vinylidene fluoride and vinyl esters, such as vinyl acetate.
In one embodiment, the acrylic polymers contain hydroxyl functionality which can be incorporated into the acrylic polymer through the use of hydroxyl functional monomers such as hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate and hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate which may be copolymerized with the other acrylic monomers mentioned above.
The acrylic polymer can be prepared from ethylenically unsaturated, beta-hydroxy ester functional monomers. Such monomers are derived from the reaction of an ethylenically unsaturated acid functional monomer, such as monocarboxylic acids, for example, acrylic acid, and an epoxy compound which does not participate in the free radical initiated polymerization with the unsaturated acid monomer. Examples of such epoxy compounds are glycidyl ethers and esters. Suitable glycidyl ethers include glycidyl ethers of alcohols and phenols, such as butyl glycidyl ether, octyl glycidyl ether, phenyl glycidyl ether and the like. Suitable glycidyl esters include those which are commercially available from Shell Chemical Company under the tradename CARDURA(copyright) E; and from Exxon Chemical Company under the tradename GLYDEXX(copyright) xe2x88x9210.
Alternatively, the beta-hydroxy ester functional monomers are prepared from an ethylenically unsaturated, epoxy functional monomer, for example glycidyl methacrylate and allyl glycidyl ether, and a saturated carboxylic acid, such as a saturated monocarboxylic acid, for example, isostearic acid.
The hydroxyl group-containing acrylic polymers useful in the compositions of the present invention typically have a hydroxyl value ranging from 5 to 150, preferably from 10 to 100, and more preferably from 20 to 150.
The acrylic polymer is typically prepared by solution polymerization techniques in the presence of suitable initiators such as organic peroxides or azo compounds, for example, benzoyl peroxide or N,N-azobis(isobutylronitrile). The polymerization can be carried out in an organic solution in which the monomers are soluble by techniques conventional in the art.
Pendent and/or terminal carbamate functional groups can be incorporated into the acrylic polymer by copolymerizing the acrylic monomer with a carbamate functional vinyl monomer, such as a carbamate functional alkyl ester of methacrylic acid. These carbamate functional alkyl esters are prepared by reacting, for example, a hydroxyalkyl carbamate, such as the reaction product of ammonia and ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate, with methacrylic anhydride. Other carbamate functional vinyl monomers can include the reaction product of hydroxyethyl methacrylate, isophorone diisocyanate and hydroxypropyl carbamate. Still other carbamate functional vinyl monomers may be used, such as the reaction product of isocyanic acid (HNCO) with a hydroxyl functional acrylic or methacrylic monomer such as hydroxyethyl acrylate, and those carbamate functional vinyl monomers described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,479,328.
As is preferred, carbamate groups can also be incorporated into the acrylic polymer by a xe2x80x9ctranscarbamoylationxe2x80x9d reaction in which a hydroxyl functional acrylic polymer is reacted with a low molecular weight carbamate derived from an alcohol or a glycol ether. The carbamate groups exchange with the hydroxyl groups yielding the carbamate functional acrylic polymer and the original alcohol or glycol ether.
The low molecular weight carbamate functional material derived from an alcohol or glycol ether is first prepared by reacting the alcohol or glycol ether with urea in the presence of a catalyst such as butyl stannoic acid. Suitable alcohols include lower molecular weight aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, cyclohexanol, 2-ethylhexanol and 3-methylbutanol. Suitable glycol ethers include ethylene glycol methyl ether and propylene glycol methyl ether. Propylene glycol methyl ether is preferred.
Also, hydroxyl functional acrylic polymers can be reacted with isocyanic acid yielding pendent carbamate groups. Note that the production of isocyanic acid is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,913. Likewise, hydroxyl functional acrylic polymers can be reacted with urea to give an acrylic polymer with pendent carbamate groups.
Epoxide functional acrylic polymers are typically prepared by polymerizing one or more epoxide functional ethylenically unsaturated monomers, e.g., glycidyl (meth)acrylate and allyl glycidyl ether, with one or more ethylenically unsaturated monomers that are free of epoxide functionality, e.g., methyl (meth)acrylate, isobornyl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate and styrene. Examples of epoxide functional ethylenically unsaturated monomers that may be used in the preparation of epoxide functional acrylic polymers include, but are not limited to, glycidyl (meth)acrylate, 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl (meth)acrylate and allyl glycidyl ether. Examples of ethylenically unsaturated monomers that are free of epoxide functionality include those described above as well as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,407,707 at column 2, lines 17 through 56, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. In one embodiment of the present invention, the epoxide functional acrylic polymer is prepared from a majority of (meth)acrylate monomers.
The functional group-containing acrylic polymer typically has a Mn ranging from 500 to 30,000 and preferably from 1000 to 5000. If carbamate functional, the acrylic polymer typically has a calculated carbamate equivalent weight typically within the range of 15 to 150, and preferably less than 50, based on equivalents of reactive carbamate groups.
Non-limiting examples of functional group-containing polyester polymers suitable for use as the polymer (A) in the curable powder coating compositions of the present invention can include linear or branched polyesters having hydroxyl, carboxyl and/or carbamate functionality. Such polyester polymers are generally prepared by the polyesterification of a polycarboxylic acid or anhydride thereof with polyols and/or an epoxide using techniques known to those skilled in the art. Usually, the polycarboxylic acids and polyols are aliphatic or aromatic dibasic acids and diols.
Transesterification of polycarboxylic acid esters using conventional techniques is also possible.
The polyols which usually are employed in making the polyester (or the polyurethane polymer, as described below) include alkylene glycols, such as ethylene glycol and other diols, such as neopentyl glycol, hydrogenated Bisphenol A, cyclohexanediol, butyl ethyl propane diol, trimethyl pentane diol, cyclohexanedimethanol, caprolactonediol, for example, the reaction product of epsilon-caprolactone and ethylene glycol, hydroxy-alkylated bisphenols, polyether glycols, for example, poly(oxytetramethylene) glycol and the like. Polyols of higher functionality may also be used. Examples include trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, tris-hydroxyethylisocyanurate and the like. Branched polyols, such as trimethylolpropane, are preferred for use in the preparation of the polyester.
The acid component used to prepare the polyester polymer can include, primarily, monomeric carboxylic acids or anhydrides thereof having 2 to 18 carbon atoms per molecule. Among the acids which are useful are cycloaliphatic acids and anhydrides, such as phthalic acid, isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid, tetrahydrophthalic acid, hexahydrophthalic acid, methylhexahydrophthalic acid, 1,3-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid and 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid. Other suitable acids include adipic acid, azelaic acid, sebacic acid, maleic acid, glutaric acid, decanoic diacid, dodecanoic diacid and other dicarboxylic acids of various types. The polyester may include minor amounts of monobasic acids such as benzoic acid, stearic acid, acetic acid and oleic acid. Also, there may be employed higher carboxylic acids, such as trimellitic acid and tricarballylic acid. Where acids are referred to above, it is understood that anhydrides thereof which exist may be used in place of the acid. Also, lower alkyl esters of diacids such as dimethyl glutarate and dimethyl terephthalate can be used. Because it is readily available and low in cost, terephthalic acid is preferred.
Pendent and/or terminal carbamate functional groups may be incorporated into the polyester by first forming a hydroxyalkyl carbamate which can be reacted with the polyacids and polyols used in forming the polyester. The hydroxyalkyl carbamate is condensed with acid functionality on the polyester yielding carbamate functionality. Carbamate functional groups may also be incorporated into the polyester by reacting a hydroxyl functional polyester with a low molecular weight carbamate functional material via a transcarbamoylation process similar to the one described above in connection with the incorporation of carbamate groups into the acrylic polymers or by reacting isocyanic acid with a hydroxyl functional polyester.
Epoxide functional polyesters can be prepared by art-recognized methods, which typically include first preparing a hydroxy functional polyester that is then reacted with epichlorohydrin. Polyesters having hydroxy functionality may be prepared by art-recognized methods, which include reacting carboxylic acids (and/or esters thereof) having acid (or ester) functionalities of at least 2, and polyols having hydroxy functionalities of at least 2. As is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the molar equivalents ratio of carboxylic acid groups to hydroxy groups of the reactants is selected such that the resulting polyester has hydroxy functionality and the desired molecular weight.
The functional group-containing polyester polymer typically has a Mn ranging from 500 to 30,000, preferably about 1000 to 5000. If carbamate functional, the polyester polymer typically has a calculated carbamate equivalent weight within the range of 15 to 150, preferably 20 to 75, based on equivalents of reactive pendent or terminal carbamate groups.
Non-limiting examples of suitable polyurethane polymers having pendent and/or terminal hydroxyl and/or carbamate functional groups include the polymeric reaction products of polyols, which are prepared by reacting the polyester polyols or acrylic polyols, such as those mentioned above, with a polyisocyanate such that the OH/NCO equivalent ratio is greater than 1:1 such that free hydroxyl groups are present in the product. Such reactions employ typical conditions for urethane formation, for example, temperatures of 60xc2x0 C. to 90xc2x0 C. and up to ambient pressure, as known to those skilled in the art.
The organic polyisocyanates which can be used to prepare the functional group-containing polyurethane polymer include aliphatic or aromatic polyisocyanates or a mixture of the two. Diisocyanates are preferred, although higher polyisocyanates can be used in place of or in combination with diisocyanates.
Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates include 4,4xe2x80x2-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and toluene diisocyanate. Examples of suitable aliphatic diisocyanates include straight chain aliphatic diisocyanates, such as 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate and trimethyl hexamethylene. Also, cycloaliphatic diisocyanates can be employed. Examples include isophorone diisocyanate, tetramethyl xylenediisocyanate and 4,4xe2x80x2-methylene-bis-(cyclohexyl isocyanate). Examples of suitable higher polyisocyanates include 1,2,4-benzene triisocyanate and polymethylene polyphenyl isocyanate.
Terminal and/or pendent carbamate functional groups can be incorporated into the polyurethane by reacting a polyisocyanate with a polyester polyol containing the terminal/pendent carbamate groups. Alternatively, carbamate functional groups can be incorporated into the polyurethane by reacting a polyisocyanate with a polyester polyol and a hydroxyalkyl carbamate or isocyanic acid as separate reactants. Carbamate functional groups can also be incorporated into the polyurethane by reacting a hydroxyl functional polyurethane with a low molecular weight carbamate functional material via a transcarbamoylation process similar to the one described above in connection with the incorporation of carbamate groups into the acrylic polymer.
The hydroxyl and/or carbamate functional group-containing polyurethane polymers typically have a Mn ranging from 500 to 20,000, preferably from 1000 to 5000. If carbamate functional, the polyurethane polymer typically has a carbamate equivalent weight within the range of 15 to 150, preferably 20 to 75, based on equivalents of reactive pendent or terminal carbamate groups.
Although generally not preferred, for some applications it may be desirable to employ a functional group-containing polyether polymer in the curable powder coating compositions of the present invention. Suitable hydroxyl and/or carbamate functional polyether polymers can be prepared by reacting a polyether polyol with urea under reaction conditions well known to those skilled in the art. More preferably, the polyether polymer is prepared by a transcarbamoylation reaction similar to the reaction described above in connection with the incorporation of carbamate groups into the acrylic polymers.
Examples of polyether polyols are polyalkylene ether polyols which include those having the following structural formulae (II) and (III):
where the substituent R1 is hydrogen or lower alkyl containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms including mixed substituents, n is typically from 2 to 6, and m is from 8 to 100 or higher. Note that the hydroxyl groups, as shown in structures (II) and (III) above, are terminal to the molecules. Included are poly(oxytetramethylene) glycols, poly(oxytetraethylene) glycols, poly(oxy-1,2-propylene) glycols and poly(oxy-1,2-butylene) glycols.
Also useful are polyether polyols formed from oxyalkylation of various polyols, for example, diols, such as ethylene glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, Bisphenol A and the like, or other higher polyols, such as trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol and the like. Polyols of higher functionality which can be utilized as indicated can be made, for instance, by oxyalkylation of compounds, such as sucrose or sorbitol. One commonly utilized oxyalkylation method is reaction of a polyol with an alkylene oxide, for example, propylene or ethylene oxide, in the presence of a conventional acidic or basic catalyst as known to those skilled in the art. Typical oxyalkylation reaction conditions may be employed. Preferred polyethers include those sold under the names TERATHANE(copyright) and TERACOL(copyright), available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Inc. and POLYMEG(copyright), available from Q O Chemicals, Inc., a subsidiary of Great Lakes Chemical Corp.
Epoxide functional polyethers can be prepared from a hydroxy functional monomer, e.g., a diol, and an epoxide functional monomer, and/or a monomer having both hydroxy and epoxide functionality. Suitable epoxide functional polyethers include, but are not limited to, those based on 4,4xe2x80x2-isopropylidenediphenol (Bisphenol A), a specific example of which is EPON(copyright) RESIN 2002 available commercially from Shell Chemicals.
Suitable functional group-containing polyether polymers typically have a number average molecular weight (Mn) ranging from 500 to 30,000 and preferably from 1000 to 5000. If carbamate functional, the polyether polymers have a carbamate equivalent weight of within the range of 15 to 150, preferably 25 to 75, based on equivalents of reactive pendent and/or terminal carbamate groups and the solids of the polyether polymer.
It should be understood that the preferred carbamate functional group-containing polymers typically contain residual hydroxyl functional groups which provide additional crosslinking sites. Preferably, the carbamatelhydroxyl functional group-containing polymer (A) has a residual hydroxyl value ranging from 0.5 to 10, more preferably from 1 to 10, and even more preferably from 2 to 10 (mg KOH per gram).
The functional group-containing polymer (A) typically is present in the curable powder coating compositions of the present invention in an amount ranging from at least 5 percent by weight, preferably at least 20 percent by weight, more preferably at least 30 percent by weight, and even more preferably at least 40 percent by weight based on the total weight of the film-forming composition. The functional group-containing polymer (A) also typically is present in the curable powder coating compositions of the present invention in an amount less than 90 percent by weight, preferably less than 85 percent by weight, more preferably less than 80 percent by weight, and even more preferably less than 70 percent by weight based on the total weight of the curable powder coating composition. The amount of the functional group-containing polymer (A) present in the powder coating compositions of the present invention can range between any combination of these values inclusive of the recited values.
As mentioned above, the powder coating compositions of the present invention further comprise, as component (B), the crosslinking agent described above. The crosslinking agent (B) typically is present in the powder coating compositions of the present invention in an amount ranging from at least 5 percent by weight, preferably at least 10 percent by weight, more preferably at least 15 percent by weight, and even more preferably at least 20 percent by weight based on the total weight of the powder coating composition. The crosslinking agent (B) also typically is present in the powder coating compositions of the present invention in an amount less than 90 percent by weight, preferably less than 70 percent by weight, more preferably less than 50 percent by weight, and even more preferably less than 25 percent by weight based on the total weight of the powder coating composition. The amount of the crosslinking agent (B) present in the powder coating compositions of the present invention can range between any combination of these values inclusive of the recited values.
If desired, the curable powder coating compositions of the present invention also can include an adjuvant curing agent which is different from the crosslinking agent (B). The adjuvant curing agent can be any compound having functional groups reactive with the functional groups of the polymer (A) described above. Non-limiting examples of suitable adjuvant curing agents include, for example, blocked isocyanates, triazine compounds, glycoluril resins, and mixtures thereof.
The blocked isocyanates suitable for use as the adjuvant curing agent in the powder coating compositions of the invention are known compounds and can be obtained from commercial sources or may be prepared according to published procedures. Upon being heated to cure the curable powder coating compositions, the isocyanates are unblocked and the isocyanate groups become available to react with the functional groups of the polymer (A).
Any suitable aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic alkyl monoalcohol known to those skilled in the art can be used as a blocking agent for the isocyanate. Other suitable blocking agents include oximes and lactams. Non-limiting examples of suitable blocked isocyanate curing agents include those based on isophorone diisocyanate blocked with xcex5-caprolactam; toluene 2,4-toluene diisocyanate blocked with xcex5-caprolactam; or phenol-blocked hexamethylene diisocyanate. The blocked isocyanates mentioned immediately above are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,793 at column 3, lines 1 to 36. Preferred blocked isocyanate curing agents include BF-1530, which is the reaction product of epsilon- caprolactam blocked T1890, a trimerized isophorone diisocyanate (xe2x80x9cIPDIxe2x80x9d) with an isocyanate equivalent weight of 280, and BF-1540, a uretidione of IPDI with an isocyanate equivalent weight of 280, all of which are available from Creanova of Somerset, N.J.
Conventional aminoplast crosslinkers can be used as the adjuvant curing agent provided that the Tg of the coating is not lowered to an undesirable extent. A particularly preferred class of aminoplast resins include aldehyde condensates of glycoluril, such as those described above. Glycoluril resins suitable for use as the adjuvant curing agent in the curable powder coating compositions of the invention include POWDERLINK(copyright) 1174 commercially available from Cytec Industries, Inc. of Stamford, Conn.
When employed, the adjuvant curing agent typically is present in the curable powder coating compositions of the present invention in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 20 percent by weight, and preferably from 1 to 15 percent by weight based on the total weight of the curable powder coating composition.
Also suitable for use as an adjuvant curing agent in the curable powder coating compositions of the present invention are triazine compounds, such as the tricarbamoyl triazine compounds described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,541. When used, the triazine curing agent is typically present in the powder coating composition of the present invention in an amount ranging up to about 20 percent by weight, and preferably from about 1 to 20 percent by weight, percent by weight based on the total weight of the powder coating composition.
Mixtures of the above-described curing agents also can be used advantageously.
Also, it should be understood that for purposes of the present invention, the curable powder coating compositions which contain epoxy group-containing polymers typically also include an epoxide-reactive curing (i.e., crosslinking) agent, preferably an acid functional curing agent, in addition to the crosslinking agent (B). A secondary hydroxyl group can be generated upon reaction of each epoxy functional group with a functional group of the epoxide-reactive curing agent. These secondary hydroxyl groups are then available for subsequent reaction with the aminoplast-based crosslinking agent (B).
Epoxide-reactive curing agents which can be used in curable powder coating compositions comprising an epoxide functional polymer can have functional groups selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, thiol, primary amines, secondary amines, acid (e.g. carboxylic acid) and mixtures thereof. Useful epoxide reactive curing agents having amine functionality include, for example, dicyandiamide and substituted dicyandiamides. Preferably, the epoxide reactive curing agent has carboxylic acid groups.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the epoxide reactive crosslinking agent has carboxylic acid functionality and is substantially crystalline. By xe2x80x9ccrystallinexe2x80x9d is meant that the co-reactant contains at least some crystalline domains, and correspondingly may contain some amorphous domains. While not necessary, it is preferred that the epoxide reactive crosslinking agent have a melt viscosity less than that of the epoxy functional polymer (i.e., at the same temperature). As used herein and in the claims, by xe2x80x9cepoxide reactive crosslinking agentxe2x80x9d is meant that the epoxide reactive crosslinking agent has at least two functional groups that are reactive with epoxide functionality.
Preferably, the epoxide reactive crosslinking agent is a carboxylic acid functional curing agent, which contains from 4 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples of carboxylic acid functional crosslinking agents useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, dodecanedioic acid, azelaic acid, adipic acid, 1,6-hexanedioic acid, succinic acid, pimelic acid, sebasic acid, maleic acid, citric acid, itaconic acid, aconitic acid and mixtures thereof.
Other suitable carboxylic acid functional curing agents include those represented by the following general formula (IV),
In general formula (IV), R is the residue of a polyol, E is a divalent linking group having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and n is an integer of from 2 to 10. Examples of polyols from which R of general formula (IV) may be derived include, but are not limited to, ethylene glycol, di(ethylene glycol), trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, pentaerythritol, di-trimethylolpropane, di-pentaerythritol and mixtures thereof. Divalent linking groups from which E may be selected include, but are not limited to, methylene, ethylene, propylene, isopropylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene, heptylene, octylene, nonylene, decylene, cyclohexylene, e.g., 1,2-cyclohexylene, substituted cyclohexylene, e.g., 4-methyl-1,2-cyclohexylene, phenylene, e.g., 1,2-phenylene, and substituted phenylene, e.g., 4-methyl-1,2-phenylene and 4-carboxylic acid-1,2-phenylene. The divalent linking group E is preferably aliphatic.
The curing agent represented by general formula (IV) is typically prepared from a polyol and a dibasic acid or cyclic anhydride. For example, trimethylol propane and hexahydro-4-methylphthalic anhydride are reacted together in a molar ratio of 1:3 respectively, to form a carboxylic acid functional curing agent. This particular curing agent can be described with reference to general formula (IV) as follows, R is the residue of trimethylol propane, E is the divalent linking group 4-methyl-1,2-cyclohexylene, and n is 3. Carboxylic acid functional curing agents described herein with reference to general formula (IV) also are meant to include any unreacted starting materials and/or co-products, e.g., oligomeric species, resulting from their preparation and contained therein.
Curable powder coating compositions comprising an epoxide functional polymer and an epoxide reactive curing agent can also include one or more cure catalysts as are well known in the art for catalyzing the reaction between the reactive functional groups of the crosslinking agent and the epoxide groups of the polymer. Examples of cure catalysts for use with acid functional crosslinking agents include tertiary amines, e.g., methyl dicocoamine, and tin compounds, e.g., triphenyl tin hydroxide. When employed, the curing catalyst is typically present in the curable powder coating composition in an amount of less than 5 percent by weight, e.g., from 0.25 percent by weight to 2.0 percent by weight, based on total weight of the composition.
Curable powder coating compositions comprising epoxide functional polymers and epoxide reactive curing agents typically have present therein epoxide functional polymer in an amount ranging from 2 percent to 50 percent by weight, based on total weight of the composition, e.g., from 70 percent to 85 percent by weight, based on total weight of the composition. The epoxide reactive curing agent is typically present in the curable powder coating composition in an amount corresponding to the balance of these recited ranges, i.e., 5 to 40, particularly 15 to 30, percent by weight. The equivalent ratio of epoxide equivalents in the epoxide functional polymer to the equivalents of reactive functional groups in the curing agent is typically from 0.5:1 to 2:1, e.g., from 0.8:1 to 1.5:1.
Curable powder coating compositions of the present invention comprising an epoxide functional polymer as reactant (A) and an epoxide reactive curing agent typically contain the crosslinking agent (B) in an amount ranging from 2 to 50 weight percent, preferably from 3 to 40 weight percent and more preferably from 5 to 20 weight percent based on total weight of the powder coating composition.
The curable powder coating compositions of the present invention can further include additives as are commonly known in the art. Typical additives include benzoin, used to reduce entrapped air or volatiles; flow aids or flow control agents which aid in the formation of a smooth and/or glossy surface, for example, MODAFLOW(copyright) available from Monsanto Chemical Co., waxes such as MICROWAX(copyright) C available from Hoechst, fillers such as calcium carbonate, barium sulfate and the like; colorants, such as pigments (e.g., carbon black or Shepard Black pigments) and dyes; UV light stabilizers such as TINUVIN(copyright) 123 or TINUVIN(copyright) 900 available from cytec Industries, Inc. and catalysts to promote the various crosslinking reactions.
Such additives are typically present in the curable powder coating compositions of the present invention in an amount ranging from 5 to 50 weight percent based on total weight of the powder coating composition.
The curable powder coating compositions of the invention are typically prepared by blending the functional group-containing polymer (A) and the crosslinking agent (B), along with any adjuvants, additives and catalyst, if employed, for approximately 1 minute in a Henschel blade blender. The powder is then extruded through a Baker-Perkins twin screw extruder at a temperature ranging from 70xc2x0 F. to 130xc2x0 F. (21.1xc2x0 C. to 54.4xc2x0 C.). The finished powder then can be classified to an appropriate particle size, typically between 20 and 200 microns, in a cyclone grinder/sifter.
The curable powder coating compositions of the invention can be applied to a variety of substrates including metallic substrates, for example, aluminum and steel substrates, and non-metallic substrates, for example, thermoplastic or thermoset composite substrates. The curable powder coating compositions are typically applied by spraying, and in the case of a metal substrate, by electrostatic spraying which is preferred, or by the use of a fluidized bed. The powder coating can be applied in a single sweep or in several passes to provide a film having a thickness after cure of from about 1 to 10 mils (25 to 250 micrometers), usually about 2 to 4 mils (50 to 100 micrometers).
Generally, after application of the curable powder coating composition, the powder coated substrate is heated to a temperature sufficient to cure the coating, typically to a temperature ranging from 250xc2x0 F. to 500xc2x0 F. (121.10xc2x0 C. to 260.0xc2x0 C.) for 1 to 60 minutes, and preferably from 300xc2x0 F. to 400xc2x0 F. (148.9xc2x0 C. to 204.40xc2x0 C.) for 15 to 30 minutes.
The curable powder coating composition can be applied as a primer or primer surfacer, or as a topcoat, for example, a xe2x80x9cmonocoatxe2x80x9d. The curable powder coating composition of the invention also can be advantageously employed as a topcoat in a multi-component composite coating composition. Such a multi-component composite coating composition generally comprises a basecoat deposited from a film-forming composition and a topcoat applied over the base coat, the topcoat being deposited from the curable powder coating composition of the present invention as described above. In a preferred embodiment, the multi-component composite coating composition is a color-plus-clear system where the basecoat is deposited from a pigmented film-forming coating composition and the topcoat is deposited from a curable powder coating composition which is substantially pigment-free, i.e., a clear coat.
The film-forming composition from which the basecoat is deposited can be any of the compositions useful in coatings applications for example, in automotive applications where color-plus-clear systems are most often used. A film-forming composition conventionally comprises a resinous binder and a pigment to serve as a colorant. Particularly useful resinous binders include acrylic polymers, polyesters including alkyds, and polyurethanes.
The resinous binders for the base coat can be organic solvent-based materials, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,220,679. Water-based coating compositions, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,403,003; 4,147,679; and 5,071,904, also can be used as the base coat composition.
As mentioned above, the base coat compositions also contain pigments of various types as colorants. Suitable metallic pigments include aluminum flake, bronze flake, copper flake and the like. Other examples of suitable pigments include mica, iron oxides, lead oxides, carbon black, titanium dioxide, talc, as well as a variety of color pigments.
Optional ingredients for the base coat film-forming compositions include those which are well known in the art of surface coatings and include surfactants, flow control agents, thixotropic agents, fillers, anti-gassing agents, organic co-solvents, catalysts and other suitable adjuvants.
The base coat film-forming compositions can be applied to the substrate by any of the conventional coating techniques, such as brushing, spraying, dipping or flowing, but they are most often spray-applied. The usual spray techniques and equipment for air spraying, airless spraying and electrostatic spraying can be used.
The base coat film-forming compositions are typically applied to the substrate such that a cured base coat having a film thickness ranging from 0.5 to 4 mils (12.5 to 100 micrometers) is formed thereon.
After forming a film of the base coat on the substrate, the base coat can be cured or alternatively given a drying step in which solvent, i.e., organic solvent and/or water, is driven off by heating or an air drying step before application of the clear coat. Suitable drying conditions will depend on the particular base coat film-forming composition and on the ambient humidity with certain water-based compositions. In general, a drying time ranging from 1 to 15 minutes at a temperature of 75xc2x0 F. to 200xc2x0 F. (21xc2x0 C. to 93xc2x0 C.) is adequate.
The curable powder topcoating composition can be applied over at least a portion of the base coat by any of the methods of application described above. As discussed above, the clear coat can be applied to a cured or a dried base coat before the base coat has been cured. In the latter case, the clear coat and the base coat are cured simultaneously.

Aminoplast-based crosslinkers and powder coating compositions containing such crosslinkers


A light wavelength conversion module including a substrate, a first light wavelength conversion layer, and a first light transmissive layer is provided. The substrate has a light passing-through area and a first light wavelength conversion area. The first light wavelength conversion layer is located at the first light wavelength conversion area and between the first light transmissive layer and the substrate. The first light wavelength conversion layer is suitable for converting a coherent light beam into a first conversion light beam, wherein wavelengths of the coherent light beam and the first conversion light beam are different from each other. An illumination system and a projection apparatus are also provided.

Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an optical module, an optical system, and a displaying apparatus, and particularly to a light wavelength conversion module, an illumination system, and a projection apparatus.
Description of Related Art
With advances in display technology, an ultra high pressure lamp (UHP lamp) which emits white light may be employed with a color wheel in a projection apparatus to produce red light, green light, and blue light sequentially, which allows colored display images to be provided by the projection apparatus. In addition, the projection apparatus with light emitting diodes (LEDs) which emit red light, green light, and blue light as a light source has been developed recently. However, luminous efficiencies of the LEDs are between 5% and 12%, which are far less than a luminous efficiency of a laser diode that is more than 25%. Therefore, in recent years, laser light source with a fluorescent wheel has been gradually developed as the light source of the projection apparatus.
However, the existing laser projection apparatuses generally have a problem of poor color rendering property. The main reason is that emission spectra of the fluorescent powders used in the laser projection apparatuses are mainly between 490 nm to 580 nm, and such fluorescent powders have poor performance over 600 nm. Therefore, the display images displayed by the laser projection apparatuses are insufficient in performance of red light. The color rendering property of the laser projection apparatuses are improved mainly through additionally disposing red light emitting diodes in the laser projection apparatuses currently on the market. However, such methods need additional light emitting diodes and other coupling elements, and thus increase the costs. Different illumination systems are disclosed respectively in R.O.C. Patent No. 201239508 and U.S. Publication No. 20120102126. A fluorescent powder-converting type of a light-emitting apparatus is disclosed in China Patent No. 102272953. A fluorescent powder layer, a forming method thereof, and equipment for forming the fluorescent powder layer are disclosed in China Patent No. 102272954.

Light wavelength conversion module, illumination system, and projection apparatus


The invention relates to a manganese steel insert to a railroad track switch point of the type designed to have a planar coupling system within both the web of the rail and the switch point of the insert, instead of the conventional curved coupling surface in use at the present. This is achieved by means of an attachment of the same material as the insert (or other steel) on the insert contact surfaces, thus achieving precision plane surfaces during the machining phase.

1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an improved insert for switch points in railroad tracks. More particularly, the improvement of the present invention relates to changing the contact surfaces of both the point insert and the switch-point rail such that, instead of the conventional, curved contact surface, flat surfaces are provided.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In order to divert railroad rolling stock from one set of tracks to a separate set of tracks, switches must be provided. A switch set includes a pair of switch points, a set of switch slide plates, main and connecting rods, and a manually or power-actuated switch stand. To be operated within the U.S., these switches must comply with the specifications set out in the American Railway Engineering Association Portfolio Trackwork Plans, Plan No. 220-52. In these switches, a point insert abuts a switch-point rail along the web of the rail. Since the web of the rail is by long established design principles a curved surface, the mating surface of the point insert is also curved such that a curved contact surface is produced between them. Due to the curved surfaces, conventional point inserts and switch-point rails must be custom fitted to each other, thereby increasing the overall cost of switches since when one part wears out, usually the insert, the whole assembly must be replaced.
There has long been a need for an improved point for split switches which would provide more precise coupling between the point insert and the switch-point rail while providing for extended life of the overall switch by implementation of design features on both the point insert and the switch-point rail which would render each part readily exchangeable once the original part became worn.

Interchangeable insert for railroad switches


A mobile cart used for effecting a plurality of pediatric functions is disclosed. The cart is constructed of stainless steel and has a substantially rectangular frame and walls which form an enclosed housing having a plurality of storage shelves and drawers therein. The housing is mounted on four casters for mobility. A combination examining, weighing, measuring, and treating table for receiving infants thereon is slidably mounted on the upper surface of the housing and is movable between a closed position on the upper surface and an open position completely removed from the upper surface. In the open position, the table is supported on a handle attached to the housing. A bath basin is positioned below the upper surface of the housing, and is accessible through an opening in the upper surface when the table is in the open position. A digital scale is positioned in the housing and connected to the table for weighing the infants. Water and cleaning agent handling equipment are provided within the housing to supply water and cleaning agents to and remove them from the bath basin.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of the invention relates to multi-functional health care apparatuses, and more particularly to a mobile pediatrics cart which is configured to provide a self-contained, easily-accessible and safe apparatus for receiving, measuring, weighing, examining, bathing, and otherwise treating infants in a single, uncongested work station.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Pediatric care in hospital maternity wards is conventionally practiced in designated areas thereof. More specifically, a plurality of fixed and separate work stations for individually performing each pediatric function such as measuring, weighing, examining, bathing, or otherwise treating the infants are provided in those designated areas. In some instances, hospitals employ mobile bathing carts. However, none of these carts are equipped to preform the other previously noted and usual pediatric functions.
As such, it may be appreciated that there continues to be a need for a new and improved mobile pediatrics cart which addresses both the problems of ease of use, portability, and effectiveness in construction, and in this respect, the present invention fulfills this need.


An adaptive power control method for a CDMA mobile radio telephone system is disclosed which operates similarly to a fixed increment and decrement power control method in the portion where the slope of the channel signal due to a fading effect is steep when the transmission power of a mobile station is adjusted. In the portion where the slope of the channel signal is gentle, like the peak portion of the channel signal, the granular noise can be improved by using the Jayant's equations. In accordance with the present invention, the fading effect in the mobile radio channel can be efficiently compensated without giving much load to a forward link since a mobile station determines the variation of the backward channel signal by using the statistical characteristics of a power control command (1 bit) transmitted from a base station. Further, an amount of interferences among a plurality of users can be reduced because the variation (variance) of a receiving power at the base station caused by the fading effect in each mobile station is made small. Thus, the overall performance of the system can be significantly improved in accordance with the present invention.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an adaptive power control method for a code division multiple access (CDMA) mobile radio telephone system.
2. Description of the Related Art
With a fixed increment and decrement closed circuit power control method as used in the conventional IS-95, and the like, the structure of the control circuit can be simplified. However, the conventional method has a drawback that a power increment and decrement adjustment is made unnecessarily large when the variation of a channel signal is small while it is too small when the variation of the channel signal is large.

Adaptive power control method for a CDMA mobile radio telephone system

Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute


Disclosed embodiments provide techniques that alleviate the challenges healthcare leaders face in the administration and management of provider compensation. Disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods that automate calculating and adjudicating, and monitoring provider compensation while providing real-time feedback to administrators and providers on performance under the compensation methodology. The automation allows organizations to increase transparency while providing secure access to information, allowing for more robust discussion of alternatives and alignment between the enterprise and providers. Thus, disclosed embodiments serve to ensure compliance, enable transparency, and empower validation throughout the provider compensation process.

Healthcare provider administration can be an extremely complex task. There are many important policy, regulatory, and legal details that must be tracked in order to properly acquire a new provider into a firm. This process is referred to as "onboarding." Details for onboarding can include verification and confirmation, medical licenses, malpractice insurance applications, controlled substance certificates, and more.
For the purposes of this disclosure, a provider is a physician or Advanced Practice Provider (APP), which includes Nurse Practitioners, and/or Physician Assistants. Provider compensation is another aspect of provider administration that can be quite complex. There are a variety of different compensation models that may be used for providers. For the purposes of this disclosure, a compensation model is a set of criteria to determine payment to providers. As examples, compensation models can include an equal salary model. In this model, the profits of the practice are distributed equally to all providers, regardless of their individual contributions to the revenues of the practice. Another possible provider compensation model is a productivity model. In this model, the provider compensation is based on work relative value unit (wRVU) productivity. In some variations of this model, there is a base salary for providers, with a portion of the total compensation based on the provider's own productivity, patient volume, or other metrics based on the activities they perform. Yet another compensation model is the straight salary model. This model features a fixed payment, typically disbursed monthly, pay period wise or bimonthly. Yet another compensation model is a salary plus productivity bonus model. This model provides a base salary plus a productivity bonus. The productivity bonus may be based on a variety of factors. One commonly applied metric is the work relative value unit (wRVU). An wRVU is applied to the various Current Procedural Terminology® (CPT) codes used to describe and bill professional services. Yet another compensation model is a salary plus incentive model. In this model, other factors are used to determine the provider bonus. These factors can include peer review, patient satisfaction, and/or the results of participation in quality programs such as the Provider Quality Reporting System (PQRS). The aforementioned compensation models are exemplary, and other models are possible. Some compensation models may be combinations of the aforementioned models. Thus, properly computing an appropriate provider compensation can be a challenging task.
Provider administration is an integral, but often underappreciated aspect of the health care system. It enables hospitals and medical practices to acquire and retain top medical talent, while also playing an important role in the management of health care costs. The task is challenging due to the many legal, regulatory, and policy factors that can impact provider administration. It is therefore desirable to have improvements in provider administration to provide enhanced efficiency, automation and reliability for these processes.

Provider compensation management and administration system


An infant seat arranged for selective mounting onto a door member, as typically found within portable bathroom stalls, includes a housing arranged for mounting to the door utilizing straps or selectively a hook from the door inserted within a rear opening of the housing. A housing lid is arranged for opening to an orthogonal orientation relative to the housing floor, wherein cushions mounted within the housing and the lid and harness structure is arranged to secure an infant relative to the stall door.

1. Field of the Invention
The field of invention relates to infant seat structure, and more particularly pertains to a new and improved portable infant seat wherein the same is arranged to provide for a manner of positioning an infant within a lavatory environment to maintain a sanitary environment for the infant.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Infant seats of various types are utilized throughout the prior art, such as exemplified in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,818,016; 4,948,120; and 4,844,537.
The infant seat structure of the instant invention is arranged to address deficiencies of the prior art by providing for an infant seat that may be portably manipulated and transported for positioning within a public lavatory environment to provide for a sanitary seating condition for an infant and in this respect, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.


Disclosed is a method of a mold-spraying apparatus for use with a molding apparatus. The mold-spraying apparatus has: (i) a spray nozzle, (ii) a rotatable shaft being supportive of the spray nozzle, and (ii) a camming surface. The method includes: (a) engaging the rotatable shaft with the camming surface, and (b) moving the camming surface so that the rotatable shaft may rotate.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,603 (Inventor: Disimone; Published: 1990-12-11) discloses a device for removal of moldings from injection-molding machines. The device utilizes a suction cup rotating about a vertical shaft to hold and remove the molding.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,968 (Inventor: Renkl et al; Published: 2001-02-27) discloses preparing mold walls ready for the next molding cycle after removal of molded part.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,463 (Inventor: Jordan et al; Published: 2005-02-22) discloses a spraying system for applying one or more materials to an open mold within a molding machine. The spraying system has a spray head, a manipulator, a supply of materials, a conduit, a pressure-boosting device, and a control device.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,669 (Inventor: Suzuki et al; Published: 2005-09-06) discloses injection molding of metal products that involves heating a tip of hot runner, spraying a lubricant onto a molding surface and metering material, simultaneously between mold clamping and pressurizing processes.

Mold-spraying apparatus of molding system


Methods of controlling arthropod pests by dispersing spinosyn compositions in the form of aerosols, fogs, smokes, or vapors are disclosed.

One commonly used method for eliminating pests is fumigation. Fumigants are widely used for the disinfestation, and protection against infestation, that is required to protect greenhouse plants, particulate materials (such as grain) and other stored produce (such as tobacco and foodstuff), and spaces (such as buildings). However, because of the need for high volatility in fumigant use, only a small number of chemicals are routinely used.
The term "fumigant" as used herein refers to an insecticide composition that can be volatilized in the form of ultra small volume droplets (smokes) or vapors to control pests in storage bins, buildings, greenhouses, ships, rail cars, stored products, on foods, plants, other living organisms, or in any closed areas which are prone to attack by pests, i.e., pest infestation. The term "fumigation" refers to the use of such dispersed insecticide compositions to control pests.
Droplet size determines how long pesticide droplets remain suspended in the air, the number of droplets that will be produced from a given volume of pesticide and the size of the treated surface or area that will be covered by each droplet. The following categories should be distinguished:    a. Coarse sprays, with droplets measuring 400 microns or more in diameter;    b. Fine sprays, with droplets of from 100 to 400 microns in diameter;    c. Mists, with droplets from 50 to 100 microns;    d. Aerosols, fogs, and ultra-low volume (ULV) fogs or smokes with particles or droplets ranging from 0.1 to 50 microns in diameter (which are produced by injection of the pesticide into blasts of hot air (thermal fog), mixing with a liquefied gas and released through a small orifice (aerosol), atomized through very fine nozzles, or spun off high-speed rotors);    f. Vapors, in which all particles are less than 0.001 microns in diameter (produced by heat generators).    g. Gasses.