Abstract: A dual-pane thermal window unit comprises two non-intersecting or, preferably, substantially parallel, spaced window panes, mounted in a window frame, a first of the panes having affixed thereto a first wall of an electro-optical liquid crystal cell providing a selected light transmittance, and a second of said panes delimiting, with a second wall of said cell, a space providing a thermal break. Each of the first and second walls comprises an electrically conductive film composed of plastic and having sufficient supporting strength to maintain the structural integrity of the cell. The window is light weight, economical to manufacture and efficient and reliable in operation.

Abstract: Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers of high tenacity and modulus shrink controlled amounts at temperatures in the range of 100.degree.-155.degree. C. Fabrics and twisted multifilament yarns of these fibers are heat-shrunk or heat-set at these temperatures.

Abstract: Output efficiency in optical parametric mixing of at least two source laser beams to produce new frequencies representing the sum or difference of the source beams--where at least one source beam has two or more longitudinal modes--is improved by employing two non-linear mixing media (preferably mixing crystals), recovering the unconverted light of the original frequencies from the first mixing medium, separating it into its spectral components, delaying one of the separated components with respect to the other, and combining the separated components in the second mixing medium for conversion into a further frequency-shifted product beam.

Abstract: This invention is directed to novel random copolymers and implantable devices fabricated therefrom.

Abstract: Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene fibers of high tenacity and modulus shrink controlled amounts at temperatures in the range of 100.degree.-145.degree. C. Fabrics and twisted multifilament yarns of these fibers are heat-shrunk or heat-set at these temperatures.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for blow molding polyamide compositions where the molten polyamide includes an effective amount of one or more aryl phosphoryl azide compounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for charging a rechargeable battery especially lead-acid batteries. In this method, the open circuit voltage of the battery is measured and the minimum number of cells is estimated from this value. The battery is then charged at any charge rate and at a constant current until the battery voltage is substantially equal to the estimated number of cells multiplied by a voltage which is characteristic of the battery, and thereafter the battery is charged at any charge rate and at the aforesaid battery voltage until the current decreases to some predetermined value. The foregoing steps are repeated alternatively until a constant or substantially constant value for the estimate number of cells is obtained. Thereafter, the battery is charged at a voltage equal to the number of cells multiplied by the characteristic voltage of the battery until the current reaches a predetermined value and then the battery is charged at some predetermined current for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method of forming films of superconducting ceramics is disclosed. The method involves electrodepositing a mixture of metals of the type which can be oxidized into superconducting ceramic. Thereafter, the metals deposited are oxidized to form the superconducting ceramic deposit. Deposits made by this method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for forming random copolymers which comprises forming a polymer melt containing one or more polyamides and one or more acidic or basic inorganic materials, such as ammonium bisulfate, ammonium biphosphate and sodium biphosphate; and heating said melt for a period of time sufficient to form the desired amount of the copolymer. The random copolymers may be fabricated into films or other products which have desirable properties, and can be useful in making injection molded or extruded products of improved properties.

Abstract: The present invention is a fiber comprising cyanato group containing phenolic resin comprising repeating units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein p is 0 or an integer of one or more, q is 0 or an integer of 1 or more, X is a radical selected from the group consisting of: --CH.sub.2 --, --CO--, --SO.sub.2 --, ##STR2## and R is the same or different and is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl radicals. The fiber of the present invention can be made a phenolic triazine derived from the cyanato group containing phenolic resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a phenolic resin, as for example phenol formaldehyde, an active hydrogen containing polymer as for example a polyamide, and a curing agent, such as a polyepoxide.

Abstract: A broadly wavelength-tunable laser is provided which comprises as the laser medium a single crystal of MBO.sub.3 :Cr.sup.3+, where M is selected from the group of Sc, In and Lu. The laser may be operated over a broad temperature range from cryogenic temperatures to elevated temperatures. Emission is in a spectral range from red to infrared, and the laser is useful in the fields of defense, communications, isotope separation, photochemistry, etc.

Abstract: A simple, compact, and rugged laser comprises a solid transparent housing with two cavities. A laser medium is embedded in one cavity and a pump lamp in the other. By choosing for the housing and lamp envelope materials having thermal expansion coefficient similar to that of the laser medium, high power operation is feasible. An optional reflecting coating on the exterior of the housing enhances efficiency. A filter coating on the lamp envelope eliminates unwanted components of lamp radiation.

Abstract: The present invention is a cyanato group containing phenolic resin of the formula: ##STR1## wherein n is 0 or an integer of one or more, and R is the same or different and is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl radicals. The advancement over the art is that the resin of the present invention is stable and has a long shelf life. This is indicated by the gel time of greater than 1 minute, preferably greater than 2 minutes, more preferably greater than 10 minutes, and most preferably greater than 20 minutes at 155.degree. C. Alternately, the improved phenolic triazine resin of the present invention can be characterized as having a thermal stability indicated by thermal decomposition temperature of at least 400.degree. C. and preferably of at least 450.degree. C. as measured by Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA).

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for conditioning the surfaces of polyester and polyamide materials for electroless plating of a metal coating thereon by exposing such materials to a composition comprising a solvent system containing water, and one or more substantially water-soluble organic solvents and an effective amount of solvated hydroxide ions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of poly(vinyl alcohol) having a weight average molecular weight of at least about 0.4.times.10.sup.6 by polymerizing vinyl acetate at a temperature of from about 0.degree. C. to about 40.degree. C. in the presence of an azo free radical polymerization initiator essentially in the absence of ultraviolet radiation to form an essentially linear poly(vinyl acetate) having a weight average molecular weight of at least about 1.0.times.10.sup.6 and thereafter hydrolyzing the poly(vinyl acetate) to form the desired poly(vinyl alcohol).

Abstract: A diagnostic reagent is disclosed which is capable of binding to a target nucleotide sequence which is bound to a labeled polynucleotide in a target binding region which is at least partially co-extensive with the target binding region in the probe polynucleotide which is capable of binding to the target nucleotide sequence. A method is disclosed in which the reagent is contacted with a sample and with a capturing polynucleotide under conditions such that target nucleotide which may be present in the sample binds to the probe polynucleotide and displaces labeled polynucleotide from the reagent complex, and the capturing polynucleotide binds selectively to the displaced labeled polynucleotide in the region of the labeled polynucleotide that had been bound to the probe polynucleotide. Determination of the displaced nucleotide gives a value which is a function of the presence and concentration of target nucleotide in the sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel anode for use in batteries, and to batteries containing the anode, which anode comprises one or more anode active materials and an elastomeric binder.

Abstract: A kit and method for detecting lithium ions in a sample. The kit includes a lithium ion selective color indicator which is a leuco precursor of an arylmethane dye dispersed in a matrix. In use, the color indicator is contacted with a sample and any color change therein is monitored. A color change in the indicator indicates the presence of lithium ions in the sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel electrodes for use in batteries, and to batteries containing the electrodes, which electrodes comprise a conjugated backbone polymer which has been predoped with an anionic or cationic dopant prior to fabrication into a battery.