Abstract: Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) containing side chain crystalline (SCC) blocks. The SCC blocks my be hard (A) blocks or the soft (B) blocks (or both) in the TPE. Some of these TPEs are novel, e.g. those in which A blocks are SCC blocks, and the B blocks are polyethers, polyacrylates, polyamides, polyurethanes or polysiloxanes. The SCC-containing TPEs are particularly useful as matrix materials for other components which are dispersed therein, e.g. energetic solids and other thermally responsive materials.

Abstract: A bag pack comprises a plurality of easy open handle bags. The bags are easy to open because the exterior surfaces of the bags are cold-welded together so that when one bag is pulled from the pack, the adjacent next bag is at least partly open. The external surfaces of the bags are not welded to the internal surfaces of the bags during the pressure welding process, because the material that forms the external surface of the bag is treated with a corona discharge, which renders the external surface more susceptible to cold weldings. Optionally a static charge is induced on the bags so that each bag is at a different voltage than the adjacent bags so the bags attract each other, and the panels of each individual bag repel each other, to contribute to the easy open feature.

Abstract: A solid, porous catalyst for the selective oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to sulfur has the atomic proportions covered by the formula Fe.sub.A Mg.sub.B Zn.sub.C Cr.sub.D wherein A has a value of 0.5 to 10, B has a value of 0.1 to 1, C has a value of 0 to 1, and D has a value of 0 to 1, where B+C=1. The catalyst is used by passing a gas stream comprising hydrogen sulfide and oxygen over the catalyst at a temperature above the dew point of sulfur and up to no more than 300.degree. C.

Abstract: Medical devices which are currently proposed to use elements made form shape memory alloys may be improved by the use of stress-induced martensite alloy elements instead. The use of stress-induced martensite decreases the temperature sensitivity of the devices, thereby making them easier to install and/or remove.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting an analyte from a liquid sample, comprises a microcolumn having a microparticulate media therein, the media being sandwiched between two compression layers. Preferably, the compression layers comprise a binder-free glass fiber, held in the microcolumn by upper and lower polypropylene mesh.

Abstract: A labeled pipe fitting and a method for applying labels to the outer surface of a pipe fitting which is covered with a layer of oil that resists labelling with an adhesive backed label is provided. The label, which is imprinted with indicia relating to the pipe fitting, is secured onto the pipe fitting with a substantially transparent plastic tube which is shrunk with heat around the pipe fitting and the label.

Abstract: Electrical shocking apparatus includes an electrical conductive means having an outer face which can be selectively electrically energized. There is an elongated housing attached to the electrical conductive means. The elongated housing extends for at least about twice as long as the electrical conductive means. The conductive means includes a series of spaced arms radiating from the center to which the elongated housing is also connected with the conductive means. The housing has insulation means so that it is isolated from the conductive means. The conductive means with multiple radiating arms can be used as a physical prod, a physical hook and also to impart electrical shock to a person in contact with a conductive means. This can subdue and immobilize for arrest or defense. The arms are mounted so that sparking is effected between the conductive means and across the arms.

Abstract: Controlling a customer voltage and VAR flow in a power transmission and distribution system includes measuring first voltages in a power line directed to a first location related to customers. Both the customer voltage and the VAR flow for the network is determined in relation to the number of capacitors associated with the first location which are switched in or out of the network. The measured voltages are communicated to a voltage control. Voltage deviations of the measured first voltage are determined relative to a predetermined voltage range intended to be present at the first locations. Switching the capacitor means into or out of the network is determined by the voltage control in accordance with a voltage rise table. A VAR flow controller is responsive to the voltage at the first locations, the effect of the VAR generation by the capacitors and the change of VAR generation by the capacitor. A decrease in voltage at the customers saves energy use.

Abstract: Pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) compositions containing a crystalline polymeric additive having an M.sub.w of less than 25,000 and a melting point (T.sub.a) greater than 23.degree. C., preferably 30.degree. to 60.degree. , and PSA composites of a backing, preferably a flexible backing, with such a PSA composition coated thereon. The presence of the additive causes the PSA to lose adhesive strength when heated to T.sub.a. The base resin of the PSA is preferably a polyacrylate or a styrene/butadiene copolymer. The additive, which is preferably present in amount 1 to 35%, e.g. 5 to 30%, is preferably a side chain crystallizable (SCC) polymer.