Abstract: A disconnectable flow connector for connecting a fluid-containing flexible bag (1) to a fluid supply line (100) is sufficiently airtight so as to allow dispensing of fluids, especially adhesives, which are highly reactive on contact with even the least quantity of air. The bag (1) has a spout (2, 3) with a pierceable membrane (5). A valve (10) has a tapering end which can pierce and then seal the membrane, an aperture (13) at the tip, and a valve plunger (14) operable so as to be retractable from the aperture (13) to an open (fluid flow) position independently of the piercing action. A fluid pressure mechanism is provided for driving fluid from the flexible bag (1) through the flow connector to the fluid supply line (100). The mechanism consists of a housing (30,31,32,33) for containing the bag (1) and a housing end wall (34) which is moveable along the length of the housing. The bag (1) has no tendency to collapse or fold in on itself.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition (3) comprising:(i) a ferrofluid comprising a colloidal suspension (4) of ferromagnetic particles in a non-magnetic carrier liquid, and(ii) a plurality of electrically-conductive particles (5) having substantially uniform sizes and shapes, dispersed in the ferrofluid.Various types of substantially non-magnetic electrically-conductive particles (5) are described. Application of a substantially uniform magnetic field by magnet means (8) to the composition (3) causes the electrically-conductive particles (5) to form a regular pattern (9). The composition is used for providing anisotropic conductive pathways (9a, 9b) between two sets of conductors (2a, 2b; 7a, 7b) in the electronics industry.The composition may be a curable adhesive composition which bonds the conductors. Alternatively or in addition the electrically-conductive particles may have a latent adhesive property e.g. the particles may be solder particles.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting elongate members axially into receiving means has elongate member supply means to support and supply the elongate members continuously side-by-side substantially upright in a line. Indexed means serves to supply the receiving means relative to a delivery position and associated delivery means for insertion of the elongate members at least partially into the receiving means. A rotary indexed transfer wheel has spaced edge slots to receive and retain the elongate members in transferring said elongate members between the supply means therefor and said delivery position.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a number of interrelated methods for the production of random and ordered arrays of particles as well as films containing the same. In another aspect, the present invention relates to the random and ordered arrays of particles and films prepared therefrom. The ordered arrays are obtained by the use of ferrofluid compositions which may be curable, solidifiable or non-curing/non-solidifiable. Especially preferred arrays and films contain electrically conductive particles for use in electronic applications for effecting contact between leads or pads.

Abstract: A disconnectable flow connector for connecting a fluid-containing flexible bag (1) to a fluid supply line (100) is sufficiently airtight so as to allow dispensing of fluids, especially adhesives, which are highly reactive on contact with even the least quantity of air. The bag (1) has a spout (2, 3) with a pierceable membrane (5). A valve (10) has a tapering end which can pierce and then seal the membrane, an aperture (13) at the tip, and a valve plunger (14) operable so as to be retractable from the aperture (13) to an open (fluid flow) position independently of the piercing action. A fluid pressure mechanism is provided for driving fluid from the flexible bag (1) through the flow connector to the fluid supply line (100). The mechanism consists of a housing (30,31,32,33) for containing the bag (1) and a housing end wall (34) which is moveable along the length of the housing. The bag (1) has no tendency to collapse or fold in on itself.

Abstract: An anisotropically-conductive film or a substrate having a surface coated with an anisotropically-conductive coating, said film or coating being formed by solidifying a composition comprising(i) a solidifiable ferrofluid composition, the ferrofluid comprising a colloidal suspension of ferromagnetic particles in a non-magnetic carrier, and(ii) a plurality of electrically-conductive particles, dispersed in the ferrofluid,the electrically-conductive particles having been arrayed in a non-random pattern by application of a substantially uniform magnetic field to the composition in a liquid state and having been locked in position by solidification of the composition. The composition is solidified in an A-stage, usually involving a primary cure. In end-use application of the film or coating, the composition usually undergoes a B-stage or secondary cure. The film or coated substrate is an article of manufacture for bonding conductors in the electronics industry.

Abstract: An applicator is described which is sealed to a very high degree against any ingress of air and is therefore suitable for use with adhesives which react strongly with air.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising:(i) a ferrofluid comprising a colloidal suspension of ferromagnetic particles in a non-magnetic carrier liquid, and(ii) a plurality of electrically-conductive particles having substantially uniform sizes and shapes, dispersed in the ferrofluid.Various types of substantially non-magnetic electrically-conductive particles are described. Application of a substantially uniform magnetic field by magnet means to the composition causes the electrically-conductive particles to form a regular pattern. The composition is used for providing anisotropic conductive pathways between two sets of conductors in the electronics industry.The composition may be a curable adhesive composition which bonds the conductors. Alternatively or in addition the electrically-conductive particles may have a latent adhesive property e.g. the particles may be solder particles.The ferrofluid may be a colloidal suspension of ferromagnetic particles in a liquid monomer.

Abstract: A one-part, air-activatable, polymerizable composition comprising:(a) at least one free-radically polymerizable monomer, and(b) an activator system for effective polymerization of the free-radically polymerizable monomer, said activator system comprising at least one auto-oxidizable compound of a formula which includes the structure I: ##STR1## where x is 0 or 1, and where the lines representing unfilled valencies indicate bonds to carbon, hydrogen or hetero atoms, alone or in combination with a weak acid;with the proviso that:when x=0, the nitrogen atom in structure I is not bonded to a second nitrogen atom;and when x=1 there is a structure I in the compound in which the >C.dbd.C>moiety does not form part of a phenyl ring;with the proviso that the composition does not contain a peroxide, or a peroxide precursor which produces peroxide in the absence of air or any ingredient which is a significant source of radicals in the absence of air.

Abstract: A storage stable anaerobic composition which does not require constant aeration with a viscosity between 50,000 to 5,000,000 mPa.s and a volume expansion of between about 1 to 20% due to the creation within the composition by aeration of stable, uniform, microcellular foam.

Abstract: A one-component air-activatable polymerisable adhesive composition comprising:(a) a free-radically polymerisable monomer, and an activator system for effective polymerisation of the free-radically polymerisable monomer, said activator system comprising:(b) an autoxidisable compound which is a dihydropyridine (other than a stabilised 1,4-dihydropyridine)(c) a tetrazo le having the formula III ##STR1## wherein R.sup.8 is selected from hydrogen and hydrocarbyl groups, and (d) a soluble ionic salt,with the proviso that the composition does not contain a peroxide, or a peroxide precursor which produces peroxide in the absence of air or any ingredient which is a significant source of radicals in the absence of air, the composition having been prepared under anaerobic conditions and stored under anaerobic conditions.

Abstract: A curable cyanoacrylate adhesive composition intended for medical and/or veterinary uses is sterilized in liquid form by gamma irradiation. The composition comprisesa) a cyanoacrylate monomerb) a combination of an anionic stabilizer and a free-radical stabilizer in amounts effective to stabilize the composition during irradiation and to stabilize the sterilized composition during storage prior to cure, wherein the free radical stabilizer is a selected phenolic antioxidant (but not including hydroquinone).The preferred free radical stabilizer is butylated hydroxyanisole. After irradiation the cyanoacrylate monomer is substantially ungelled.

Abstract: A one-part, air-activatable, polymerizable composition comprising:(a) at least one free-radically polymerizable monomer, and(b) an activator system for effective polymerization of the free-radically polymerizable monomer, said activator system comprising at least one auto-oxidizable compound of a formula which includes the structure I: ##STR1## where x is 0 or 1, and where the lines representing unfilled valencies indicate bonds to carbon, hydrogen or hetero atoms, alone or in combination with a weak acid;with the proviso that:when x=0, the nitrogen atom in structure I is not bonded to a second nitrogen atom;and when x=1 there is a structure I in the compound in which the >C.dbd.C< moiety does not form part of a phenyl ring;with the proviso that the composition does not contain a peroxide, or a peroxide precursor which produces peroxide in the absence of air or any ingredient which is a significant source of radicals in the absence of air.

Abstract: A one-component air-activatable polymerizable adhesive composition comprising:(a) a free-radically polymerizable monomer, and an activator system for effective polymerization of the free-radically polymerizable monomer, said activator system comprising:(b) an autoxidizable compound which is a dihydropyridine (other than a stabilized 1,4-dihydropyridine)(c) an onium salt selected from diazonium, iodonium and sulfonium salts which do not interfere with polymerization, and(d) a soluble ionic salt, with the proviso that the composition does not contain a peroxide, or a peroxide precursor which produces peroxide in the absence of air or any ingredient which is a significant source of radicals in the absence of air.Exemplary onium salts are diaryl iodonium, triarylsulfonium and aryl diazonium salts.

Abstract: Curable norbornene-thiol compositions are stabilized by addition of a non-acidic Nitroso compound.

Abstract: Calixarene and oxacalixarene derivatives of the formula IV: ##STR1## wherein m'+m"=0-8n=0-8m'.gtoreq.1/2(m'+m")3.ltoreq.m'+m"+n.ltoreq.8if n=0, m'+m".gtoreq.4R.sup.3 is H, halogen, or hydrocarbyl, aryl, hydrocarbylaryl or a substituted derivative thereof and R.sup.3 may be the same or different on each aryl group;R.sup.15 is H or hydrocarbyl, aryl, hydrocarbylaryl or a substituted derivative thereof;X is selected from ##STR2## wherein R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 which may be the same or different are H or hydrocarbyl (including a cycloaliphatic ring formed by R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 together), aryl, hydrocarbylaryl or a substituted derivative thereof; R.sup.9 is --OH, --NH.sub.2, --NHC(O)NH.sub.2 or --NHAr, wherein Ar is aryl or a substituted derivative thereof,n' is 0 or 1.Use of the compounds for sequestration of metals is also described.

Abstract: A method of forming liquid crystal alignment layers of high tilt angle, said method comprising preparing a polymeric film of a monomer of the formula IV: ##STR1## wherein X and Y are strong electron withdrawing groups, optionally substituted with or containing Si or Ti, and A is --H or --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 or, provided that X and Y are both --CN, A may be --R.sup.2 or --CH.dbd.CHR.sup.2 wherein R.sup.2 is hydrocarbyl, aryl or alkaryl; exposing said polymeric film to ultraviolet radiation for sufficient period of time to photochemically modify the polymer and, thereafter, subjecting the modified polymer to a heat treatment in the range of 100.degree.-400.degree. C. for at least 5 seconds.

Abstract: A photoresist coating for use in microlithography comprises a polymer of a monomer of the formula ##STR1## wherein X and Y are strong electron withdrawing groups and R.sup.4 is H or, providing that X and Y are both --CN, R.sup.4 may be aliphatic hydrocarbyl, aryl or alkaryl. Preferred monomers are of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.7 is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alkyl or C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alkenyl group, more particularly ethyl 2-cyanopenta-2,4-dienoate or allyl 2-cyanopenta-2,4-dienoate.Methods for applying a resist coating by vapor deposition of these monomers and exposure to radiation are described. A positive or negative tone image can be produced, depending upon the imaging method employed.

Abstract: A method of forming high-temperature resistant polymers by a 2 step curing process comprising(a) curing a polymerizable composition at least one aromatic compound having alpha and/or beta instruction which is not substantially reactive under the curing condition of step a, particularly allyl or properyl, and(b) heating the cured composition of step a in the presence of acid to form a crosslinked resin.

Abstract: A method of forming a gasket in situ between two components which includes injecting into a groove in at least one of said components a curable composition including:one or more free-radical polymerizable vinyl esters, and ingredients of a rapid free-radical cure system therefor,the cure system being inactivated prior to injection of the composition,and the composition having a viscosity at 25.degree. C. in the range from 200 to 500,000 mPas;and permitting the composition to cure.The composition can be a two part composition wherein the first part contains a prepolymer, monomer and activator and the second part a prepolymer, monomer and activator. The composition can also include two expansion reactants, each in a separate part of the composition prior to injection, which react to form a gas in situ in the composition. The gasketing composition is suitable for use in engines and other machines e.g. in industrial manufacturing plants.