Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for securing a spinal rod to a fixation device such as a pedicle screw or a lamina hook. The device disclosed herein includes a head portion configured to receive a spinal rod, a locking cap configured to engage the head portion and the spinal rod upon rotation of the locking cap relative to the head portion to secure the position of the head portion and the locking cap relative to the spinal rod, and a fastener portion extending from the head portion and configured to engage the spine. The fastener portion of the device can be in the form of a screw, hook or clamp, or any other configuration known in the art.

Abstract: The present invention provides polycarbonate copolymers having improved hydrolytic stability, solvent resistance, or combinations thereof. In particular, certain of the copolymers of the invention have improved resistance to dilute caustic solution. Thus, the copolymers of the present invention are particularly useful as structural elements in applications where such elements routinely come in contact with caustic solutions, such as in automatic dishwashing equipment. Preferred comonomers include 4,4′-biphenol, bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)terephthalamide (“BHPT”), and a bisimide bisphenol obtained by reacting Bisphenol A dianhydride (BPADA) with 4,4′-isopropylidene phenol aniline. The comonomers are utilized along with 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (Bisphenol A) in concentrations in a range between about 1 and about 50 weight percent of the repeating units in the polycarbonate.

Abstract: The present invention provides polycarbonate copolymers having improved hydrolytic stability, solvent resistance, or combinations thereof. In particular, certain of the copolymers of the invention have improved resistance to dilute caustic solution. Thus, the copolymers of the present invention are particularly useful as structural elements in applications where such elements routinely come in contact with caustic solutions, such as in automatic dishwashing equipment. Preferred comonomers include 4,4′-biphenol, bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)terephthalamide (“BHPT”), and a bisimide bisphenol obtained by reacting Bisphenol A dianhydride (BPADA) with 4,4′-isopropylidene phenol aniline. The comonomers are utilized along with 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane (Bisphenol A) in concentrations in a range between about 1 and about 50 weight percent of the repeating units in the polycarbonate.

Abstract: Copolycarbonates containing such structural units as birefringence-reducing or “soft block” units are prepared by conducting a reaction, such as melt polymerization or equilibration, between a precursor polycarbonate and a monomer, polycarbonate oligomer or high molecular weight polycarbonate which is a source of other structural units. The crystallinity of the resulting precursor copolycarbonate or one of the reagents employed in its preparation is enhanced and the precursor copolycarbonate is subjected to solid state polymerization.

Abstract: A process for preparing a polymer composition useful as a prepreg comprises (a) melt-mixing at least one thermoplastic polymer above the glass transition temperature or melt temperature of the thermoplastic polymer with either (i) an uncured epoxy resin or (ii) an epoxy curing agent or a catalyst; (b) melt-mixing above the glass transition temperature or melt temperature of the thermoplastic polymer, the other of (i) an uncured epoxy resin or (ii) an epoxy curing agent or a catalyst to form a substantially uncured but essentially curable and/or polymerizable composition; (c) optionally forming a shaped product from the melt-mixed composition of (b); and (d) fast-curing and/or fast-polymerizing the optionally formed shaped product.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermoplastic blends of polyesteramides and poly(phenylene ether) resins as well as methods for preparing said polyesteramides and polycarbonate blends thereof. Preferred polyesteramides are those comprising amide units of formula (I) ##STR1## and ester units of formula (II) ##STR2## wherein the ratio of (I) to (II) is at least 1:1, and more preferably wherein at least 80% of the units of formula (I) are separated by at least one of the units of formula (II). The thermoplastic blends may additionally contain compatibilizers for the polyesteramide and poly(phenylene ether) resins.

Abstract: Disclosed are blends of polyesteramides and polyester resins, optionally with polycarbonates, as well as methods for preparing said blends thereof. Preferred polyesteramides are those comprising amide units of formula (I): ##STR1## and ester units of formula (II): ##STR2## wherein the ratio of (I) to (II) is at least 1:1, and more preferably wherein at least 80% of the units of formula (I) are separated by at least one of the units of formula (II).

Abstract: The invention relates to a polymer mixture comprising A) a polyarylene sulphide, B) an elastomeric polymer having reactive groups which are capable of reacting with the polyarylene sulphide, the polymer mixture moreover comprising as constituent C) a metal salt of a fatty acid having a melting temperature lower than the compounding temperature of the polymer mixture. The presence of the metal salt C contributes to an improvement of the mechanical properties, in particular the ductility.

Abstract: A printing apparatus applies material to a carrier through a planar screen aving a pattern including a number of lines substantially parallel to a first direction. The screen and carrier are mounted so material forced through the lines of the screen is deposited on the carrier in the same pattern as the pattern of the screen. A blade having an elongated, straight edge is positioned to force the material through the screen onto the carrier. The blade is supported and actuated so that the blade is displaced in a plane parallel to the plane of the screen and in a second direction. The second direction is adjustable to any angle with respect to the first direction, so that the blade can slide parallel to the lines in the screen.

Abstract: A plate is locked in situ on a table that has a guide for controlling the vement of the plate in a predetermined direction. A pair of members are moved between a first position where they are applied to fixedly connect the plate to the guide and a rest position where the plate can be moved. Ramps are inclined relative to the predetermined direction of the guide. The ramps and member are positioned so the member is movable between the first and rest positions along the ramps. The ramps cooperate with the member and are displaceable substantially in the predetermined direction as the plate moves on the guide.