Abstract: Shoes for use in demanding applications, primarily athletics, are made from a three-dimensional fiber network that is semi-rigid and resilient. The fiber network is made from a textile fabric that has an array of projections made from the same fabric rising from the plane of the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention describes a fiber material for use in mastic asphalt in roadbuilding for stabilizing the binder during transport, storage and incorporation, said fiber material being a macromolecular product including at least 95% of polyethylene terephthalate, the diameter of the individual fibers being .gtoreq.0.1 mm, the length to diameter ratio exceeding 5 on average, and the particle size distribution, measured as sieve passthrough as per the draft code of practice for the supply and testing of stabilizing materials in asphalt road construction in line with TP Min-StB Part 6.3.2, producing a proportion of at least 90% for the fractions .ltoreq.0.71 mm and at least 70% for the fractions .ltoreq.0.4 mm, and this product being manufactured by comminution from waste materials based on polyethylene terephthalate monofilaments.

Abstract: A low wear polymeric composition exhibiting improved surface wear resistance and coefficients of friction characterized as a melt blend of a thermoplastic polymer and a lubricating system containing PTFE, pentaerythritol tetrastearate and fine particle, stearate coated calcium carbonate, a hindered amine, N,N'-ethylene bis-stearamide, and calcium ricinoleate. The composition is suitable for the preparation of shaped articles for use in fricitional environments.

Abstract: The surface of an aromatic liquid crystalline polyester film is modified to have improved adhesion by: (a) applying an adhesion-promoting coating to the film; (b) subsequently heating the film to a temperature above the melting point of the polyester; and, (c) applying pressure to the heated film. Preferably, the film is placed between two portions of a release film (e.g. a polyimide) prior to applying pressure.

Abstract: Cast padding materials and padding and lining materials for other orthopedic devices are made from three dimensional fiber networks which are semi-rigid and dimensionally stable. The fiber networks are made from textile fabrics that have projections and optional depressions which are compressible and return to their original shape after being compressed. The fiber networks are made by the thermo-mechanical deformation of textile fabrics that are in turn made from thermoplastic fibers.

Abstract: This invention discloses improved lightpipes for backlighting applications in liquid crystal display devices. The lightpipes comprise transparent polymers with scattering centers. A preferred composition for such lightpipes comprises a cycloolefin polymer containing scattering centers from suitable elastomers and inorganic fillers. The inventive lightpipes offer superior scattering efficiency as well as spatial uniformity of scattering and uniformity of scattering across a wide wavelength range.

Abstract: A purification process for cyclic formals, in which water is efficiently removed from a crude cyclic formal, namely, a mixture of a cyclic formal and water which is difficult to be separated from the mixture, thereby obtaining a cyclic formal of high purity which contains only a very small amount of water.The purification process for cyclic formals is characterized by the steps of supplying a mixture of a cyclic formal and water into a distillation tower, effecting distillation while supplying a hydrophilic solvent (A) having a boiling point from 180.degree. to 250.degree. C. into the distillation tower at a position higher than the supply position of the mixture, and taking out a purified cyclic formal as a distillate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for reducing the amount of acetaldehyde generated when polyethylene terephthalate (PET) chip is subjected to high temperatures in order to render the PET chip suitable for making food containers, particularly beverage bottles. This process comprises the addition of primary and secondary antioxidants either prior to or after the PET polycondensation reaction in order to reduce the amount of regenerated acetaldehyde produced by the polymer. The polyethylene terephthalate produced by this process reduces regenerated acetaldehyde by at least 25% in comparison to control resin produced without antioxidants, while maintaining suitable color for use as clear glass replacement. There is also disclosed a process for molding a PET preform wherein the polymer prepared as described above is melted, formed into the desired preform shape, and solidified by cooling. This preform can then be reheated above its glass transition temperature and molded into the desired container shape.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for reducing the number of gels generated in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin. Gels are crosslinked polymers created by thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation induced during polymer production. The instant process comprises the addition of primary and secondary antioxidants prior to the PET polycondensation reaction in order to reduce the amount of thermal degradation which occurs. The polyethylene terephthalate produced by this process formed approximately 25 to 90% fewer gels while maintaining physical properties suitable for use in fiber, film, and molding applications.

Abstract: A composition of matter having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 -R.sub.14, M, l, m, and n are defined herein and which have application as MRI contrasting agents.

Abstract: This invention discloses laminates comprising dyed liquid crystalline polymer based polarizers in the middle with a non-peelable, non-liquid crystalline polymeric cover layers, prepared by a process of coextrusion. The laminates are suitable to prepare liquid crystal display devices therefrom. An illustrative laminate comprises a dyed liquid crystal polymer as the polarizing film with polyethylene terephthalate as the cover layers.

Abstract: A method of performing an NMR diagnostic procedure in a patient in need of the same comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of an NMR diagnostic medium and then exposing the patient to an NMR measurement step to which the diagnostic medium is responsive thereby imaging at least a portion of the patient's body, wherein the diagnostic medium comprises a composition of matter which contains a compound which has the structural formula: ##STR1## wherein R, R.sub.1 -R.sub.10 and M are defined herein.

Abstract: This invention discloses novel liquid crystal display devices containing polarizers which comprise a liquid crystal polymer and a dichroic absorber. Also disclosed is a process to construct the liquid crystal display devices.

Abstract: A film having a roughened surface. The film is made of an LCP and has surface recessions covering at least about 25% of the area of the surface. The film is made by pressing an embossing means against the film surface at a temperature about 15.degree.-75.degree. C. below the melting point of the polymer. The embossed film has improved resistance to abrasion.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for preparing selected N-acyl-aminodiacids such as lauroyl glutamic acid.

Abstract: A process for improving the processability of poly(arylene sulfide) in melt spinning operations by treatment with a barium-containing compound and, optionally, a lubricant is disclosed.

Abstract: Novel precursors of ligands or use in MRI contrast agents and which have the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.2-R.sub.10 are defined herein.

Abstract: A composition of matter having the following ##STR1## wherein R, R.sub.1 -R.sub.10 and M are defined herein.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of preparing substituted and unsubstituted N-hydroxy-2-aminobutane diacid derivatives which can be dehydrated to 2-aminobut-2-ene dioic acid derivatives, which can be subsequently converted to pyridine and quinoline derivatives.

Abstract: A process for preparing bis alkylene glycol esters of an alkali metal salt of 5-sulfoisophthalic acid. The subject compound is useful in preparing modified polyesters which can be dyed with basic or cationic dyes. The process is economical and low cost since intermediate reaction products are not purified.