Abstract: A one-part polysulfide sealant composition comprises a mercaptan-terminated liquid polysulfide, an oxidising agent to cure the catalyst a desiccant such as a molecular sieve, to keep the composition dry and thus prevent premature activation of the catalyst, and a cure accelerator having an acrylate or methacrylate functionality of 2 or more, preferably an acrylated liquid polysulfide or a polyfunctional methacrylate monomer. The use of this accelerator avoids the need for toxic amounts of barium oxide desiccant and substantially shortens the tack-free time on curing.

Abstract: A device is provided for ignition of a pyrotechnic or hybrid inflator for use in motor vehicles by the input of energy provided by a laser source. The laser energy is conducted through an optical fibre and an optical window in the inflator housing where the ignition of a propellant initiator is triggered. This apparatus eliminates the potential for ignition of the inflator by radio frequency energy or static electricity acting on the electrical squib which is standardly used to ignite an inflator. This design further simplifies the igniter assembly for use in an inflator.

Abstract: A microbicidal solution for resin compositions including a phenoxarsine compound and a liquid plasticizer with an organophosphite or organophosphonate cosolvent. Further, this invention relates to a microbicidal compositions comprising a liquid plasticizer and a microbicidal compound dissolved in an alkyl, aryl, or alkyl-aryl phosphite; or an alkyl, aryl, or alkyl-aryl phosphonate cosolvent.

Abstract: Deinked paper pulp is subjected to bleaching with sulfite or bisulfite ions and a reducing agent, preferably sodium bisulfite and sodium borohydride in aqueous alkaline solution. To assist the removal of ink particles, steam is bubbled through the pulp causing the ink particles to rise to the surface as a black foam which can be continuously removed.

Abstract: A device for measuring the diameter and circumference of a flexible circular object which includes two movable gauge pieces. The flexible circular object to be measured is place between the two gauge pieces and compressed thus forcing the object to be measured to conform to the shape of the gauge. The distance separating the gauge pieces is measured and is compared to the gap produced by a reference. The length of separation is converted to diameter and circumference measurements by appropriate means.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the manufacture of chemical vapor deposition deposited structures which comprises supplying a solid zinc metal continuously to a heated retort at a controlled rate. The retort is a body of refractory material having a top and a bottom and a traverse cross section which decreases from the top to the bottom of the retort. The zinc is melted, vaporized, and conveyed to a chemical vapor deposition zone defined by a number of heated mandrel plates where it is reacted with either hydrogen sulfide or hydrogen selenide to form a chemical vapor deposited structure. The process and apparatus provide for improved control over the evaporation rate of zinc and a reduction in the furnace volume needed to melt and vaporize the zinc.

Abstract: A pump device for metering and/or feeding liquid materials, particularly colorants and plasticizers for molded plastics. The pump consists of a linear metering tube which is straight throughout of length of the compression zone, thereby reducing stress and fatigue on the tube, thus prolonging tube life. The metering tube is compressed by compression rollers attached to an endless drive belt which moves within a track cut into a housing. In another embodiment of this invention, wherein the linear metering tube is inclined slightly, stresses on the tube are distributed over the tube by the gradual compression of the tube. The pump provides for simple, precise, long-life dispensing of polymer additives.

Abstract: A device is provided for increasing the surface area of the gas generant used in an automotive safety air bag module. Depending on crash conditions, the surface area of the gas generant is increased by shattering the gas generant wafers. One embodiment utilizes a squib having a high brisant zone which upon activation shatters the gas generant wafers. Alternatively, a dual function squib is used which can produce mechanical forces which force a breaking object to impact on the gas generating wafers thereby shattering them and increasing the surface area of the gas generant.

Abstract: An improved horn switch assembly for use on the steering wheel of a motor vehicle, which horn switch assembly can be activated by pressing on the module cover. The novel horn switch assembly is attached to the bottom of the air bag module. The horn switch assembly comprises a horn switch located between the module housing of the air bag module and a second support bracket for attaching the module to a vehicle steering wheel. This novel horn switch assembly permits servicing or replacement of the horn switches without exposing the internal components of the air bag module.

Abstract: A clamping device for clamping an automotive air bag to an air bag inflator. The clamping device includes an annular ring and a module housing wherein walls are attached perpendicular to the bodies of the clamping members at their inflator-side boundaries. When the periphery of the gas inlet opening is placed between the walls and the bodies of the clamping members the air bag is held in place by both radial and axial clamping thus securing the air bag during deployment. Undersized fastener openings in the module housing in conjunction with radial clamping provide clamping of the air bag during assembly of the air bag module without installation and securing of the inflator.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a partially cured polysulphide composition is provided, the curing of which is completed upon exposure of the composition to atmospheric moisture. The process comprises mixing a prepolymer with a water activatable curing agent and subjecting the composition to a partial cure with water. The reaction is then stopped by rapid dehydration after the initial induction stage of the reaction prior to the rapid increase in the viscosity of the composition. Curing of the composition is then completed by exposing the composition to atmospheric moisture.

Abstract: An improved process for reacting a mercaptanterminated aliphatic polysulfide resin with excess epichlorohydrin in the presence of alkali to form an expoxidized polysulfide is disclosed. The reaction takes place in the absence of a solvent such as ethyl alcohol or ether, which will form an inseparable azeotrope with epichlorohydrin and water. The reaction is carried out at a temperature and pressure sufficient to distill away epichlorohydrin and by-product water. The water and epichlorohydrin are separated and the epichlorohydrin is returned to the pot during the reaction. After the reaction is complete, the epichlorohydrin is stripped, leaving an epoxidized polysulfide, by-product sodium chloride, and residual alkali. The epoxidized polysulfide is dissolved in a work-up solvent and filtered to remove sodium chloride and alkali. Then the work-up solvent is stripped, leaving a purified product.