Abstract: This invention relates to a coating for seeds comprising a polymeric material, a method of making and using the coating for improving the adherence of seeds to sloped surfaces, and seeds containing said coating. The invention also relates to a horticulture system for distributing the coated seeds to landscaping and/or agricultural surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cleaning composition encased within a film material. The film-encased cleaning composition is useful for cleaning appliances, such as washing machines.

Abstract: Wound care devices having a topically applied silver-based antimicrobial finish are provided. The finish comprises at least one silver ion-containing compound and at least one binder compound. The finish may be applied to a target substrate, such as a fiber, fabric, film, foam, hydrogel, or hydrocolloid to provide a single layer antimicrobial wound care device. Alternatively, a silver-containing layer may be combined with one or more additional layers of target substrate to provide a composite antimicrobial wound care device. The device may also contain an odor-absorbing component capable of reducing or eliminating odors that are inherently associated with infectious wounds. Also provided is a method for making the wound care device and a composition of matter comprising the silver-based antimicrobial finish.

Abstract: This invention relates to solid cleaning compositions and the method for using the solid compositions to clean appliances and other soiled surfaces. The solid cleaning composition is generally comprised of a majority by weight of a cleaning active system; ingredients for forming the cleaning active system into a solid form; and optionally, a fragrance. The solid cleaning composition is ideally suited for reducing and/or eliminating microbial growth, including biofilm growth, contained within and/or on appliances, particularly those appliances that have water contact surfaces such as washing machines and dishwashers. The solid cleaning composition further provides reduction and/or elimination of undesirable odor and staining typically associated with such microbial growth.

Abstract: Wound care devices having a topically applied silver-based antimicrobial finish are provided. The finish comprises at least one silver ion-containing compound and at least one binder compound. The finish may be applied to a target substrate, such as a fiber, fabric, film, foam, hydrogel, or hydrocolloid to provide a single layer antimicrobial wound care device. Alternatively, a silver-containing layer may be combined with one or more additional layers of target substrate to provide a composite antimicrobial wound care device. The device may also contain an odor-absorbing component capable of reducing or eliminating odors that are inherently associated with infectious wounds. Also provided is a method for making the wound care device and a composition of matter comprising the silver-based antimicrobial finish.

Abstract: Floor covering products, such as carpets, carpet tiles, floor mats, and the like, which comprise very specific antimicrobial adhesive latex formulations therein are provided. Such formulations comprise, as the only antimicrobial active ingredients, certain inorganic antimicrobial compounds, such as, preferably, silver-containing ion-exchange, glass, and/or zeolite compounds. Such latexes exhibit excellent adhesive and antimicrobial qualities and, since they do not contain any added organic bactericides (and thus no bactericide VOCs), do not release any such organic bactericides upon exposure to high processing temperatures.

Abstract: Polyurethane films containing certain silver-based antimicrobial formulations therein are provided. Such formulations comprise antimicrobial compounds, such as, preferably silver-containing ion-exchange resins, such as zirconium phosphate, glass, or zeolite compounds. The inventive films exhibit excellent antimicrobial qualities as well as surprisingly good color characteristics. As a result, antimicrobial films are provided which may be transparent or easily colored without the production of undesirable browning and/or yellowing within the target film.

Abstract: Polyurethane elastomer yams (particularly spandex) containing certain silver-based antimicrobial formulations therein are provided. This invention relates to polyurethane elastomer yams (particularly spandex) containing certain silver-based antimicrobial formulations therein. Such formulations comprise antimicrobial compounds, such as, preferably, triclosan and/or silver-containing ion-exchange resins, such as zirconium phosphate, glass, and/or zeolite compounds. The inventive spandex yarns exhibit excellent antimicrobial qualities as well as surprisingly good anti-tack/frictional characteristics. As a result, antimicrobial spandex yams are provided which exhibit ease in processing, particularly in further knitting, weaving, etc., to produce fabrics therefrom. Such fabrics are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: Polyurethane elastomer yarns (particularly spandex) containing certain silver-based antimicrobial formulations therein are provided. This invention relates to polyurethane elastomer yarns (particularly spandex) containing certain silver-based antimicrobial formulations therein. Such formulations comprise antimicrobial compounds, such as, preferably, triclosan and/or silver-containing ion-exchange resins, such as zirconium phosphate, glass, and/or zeolite compounds. The inventive spandex yarns exhibit excellent antimicrobial qualities as well as surprisingly good anti-tack/frictional characteristics. As a result, antimicrobial spandex yarns are provided which exhibit ease in processing, particularly in further knitting, weaving, etc., to produce fabrics therefrom. Such fabrics are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: Broadly defined adhesive latex formula s exhibiting antimicrobial properties. Such formulations comprise certain antimicrobial compounds, such as, preferably, metal-containing ion-exchange and/or zeolite compounds, are provided. The inventive latex formulations must also exhibit substantially uniform characteristics (such a similar viscosity and/or appearance throughout) in order to provide a functionally and aestheticially pleasing formulation for utilization within any number of applications. In order to provide such an inventive latex formulation, it has been found that compounding of all the base ingredients (polymer, antimicrobial agent, fillers) must be undertaken prior to the final thickening step, which ultimately produces the desired latex. The specific method of producing such formulations is also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A lubricant finish for high speed twisting of textile yarns is provided which incorporates an alkenyl succinic acid, or an anhydride, ester or salt of the acid.

Abstract: A fiber finish composition, which may be applied as an aqueous emulsion, is provided having:(a) from 50 to 95 parts by weight of a silahydrocarbon lubricant;(b) from 5 to 50 parts by weight of an emulsifier selected from:(i) ethoxylated C.sub.12 -C.sub.36 branched alcohols;(ii) alkoxylated polyhydric alcohols having at least 3 hydroxyl sites which are esterified with C.sub.12 -C.sub.36 fatty acids;(iii) alkoxylated glycerol esters of C.sub.12 -C.sub.36 fatty acids having at least one hydroxyl functionality;(c) up to 10 parts by weight of an ionic emulsifier; and(d) up to 5 parts by weight of an antisling additive.

Abstract: A fiber finish composition, which may be applied as an aqueous emulsion, is provided having:(a) from 70 to 95 parts by weight of a polyalphaolefin oil;(b) from 5 to 30 parts by weight of an emulsifier selected from:(i) ethoxylated C.sub.12 -C.sub.36 branched alcohols;(ii) alkoxylated polyhydric alcohols having at least 3 hydroxyl sites which are esterified with C.sub.12 -C.sub.36 fatty acids;(iii) alkoxyated glycerol esters of C.sub.12 -C.sub.36 fatty acids having at least one hydroxyl functionality.