Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical cell comprising a lithium-based anode and a sulfur-based cathode and an electrolyte, wherein the cathode material comprises a polymeric binder, wherein the binder comprises ammonium functional groups. In one aspect, the polymeric binder comprises ammonium chloride functional groups.

Abstract: A locking system for a disconnect switch mounted to a utility pole. The locking system includes an attachment assembly mounted to the disconnect switch. The attachment assembly has an attachment body with a groove, and a locking arm disposed within the groove and pivotable between an open configuration and a locked configuration. A trigger mechanism extends through the locking arm and selectively secures the locking arm in the locked configuration. The locking system also has a lock assembly mounted to the attachment assembly, which has a lock body defining a central aperture for receiving a key therein. The lock assembly has a rotatable cam disposed at an end of the central aperture. The cam engages the key upon being rotated thereby. When it rotates, the cam engages the trigger mechanism to selectively secure the locking arm in the locked configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functionalized copolymers of isoolefins and olefinic monomers, particularly to azidated copolymers. The present invention also relates to methods of preparing such azidated copolymers. The functionalized copolymers are used in various technology areas such as surface modification, adhesion, drug delivery, compatibilization of polymer blends or motor oil and fuel additives, and in providing clean cured products without contaminant leaching and/or side products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to curing of polymers, particularly to self curing of polymers. The present invention provides a process for curing of copolymers of isoolefins and olefinic monomers. The process includes the step of reacting the copolymer with an azidation reagent to form an azidated copolymer and then heating the azidated copolymer at a suitable temperature to cure the polymer.

Abstract: A locking system for a disconnect switch mounted to a utility pole. The locking system includes an attachment assembly mounted to the disconnect switch. The attachment assembly has an attachment body with a groove, and a locking arm disposed within the groove and pivotable between an open configuration and a locked configuration. A trigger mechanism extends through the locking arm and selectively secures the locking arm in the locked configuration. The locking system also has a lock assembly mounted to the attachment assembly, which has a lock body defining a central aperture for receiving a key therein. The lock assembly has a rotatable cam disposed at an end of the central aperture. The cam engages the key upon being rotated thereby. When it rotates, the cam engages the trigger mechanism to selectively secure the locking arm in the locked configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functionalized copolymers of isoolefins and olefinic monomers, particularly to azidated copolymers. The present invention also relates to methods of preparing such azidated copolymers. The functionalized copolymers are used in various technology areas such as surface modification, adhesion, drug delivery, compatibilization of polymer blends or motor oil and fuel additives, and in providing clean cured products without contaminant leaching and/or side products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to curing of polymers, particularly to self curing of polymers. The present invention provides a process for curing of copolymers of isoolefins and olefinic monomers. The process includes the step of reacting the copolymer with an azidation reagent to form an azidated copolymer and then heating the azidated copolymer at a suitable temperature to cure the polymer.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of arborescent polymers comprises epoxidation of a first polymer and grafting thereto a second polymer having groups reactive to the epoxide groups on the first polymer. The epoxidation and grafting steps can be repeated. In an additional embodiment, the present invention provides a one-pot method for the synthesis of arborescent polymers. In a reaction pot, a first polymer is copolymerized and then reacted with an activating compound in order to generate a polyfunctional macroinitiator. Monomers are then added to the reaction pot, the monomers having functional groups reactive towards reactive sites on the first polymer.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of branched graft polymers comprises acylating a first polymer and grafting thereto a second polymer, the second polymer having reactive groups capable of being bound to the acyl groups on the first polymer. The acylation and grafting steps can be repeated to produce graft polymers having a dendritic architecture. The invention also provides polymers produced by the above process, which may be simple branched (comb) polymers, or dendritic polymers.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of branched graft polymers comprises acylating a first polymer and grafting thereto a second polymer, the second polymer having reactive groups capable of being bound to the acyl groups on the first polymer. The acylation and grafting steps can be repeated to produce graft polymers having a dendritic architecture. The invention also provides polymers produced by the above process, which may be simple branched (comb) polymers, or dendritic polymers.

Abstract: A solarium includes window panel frames for supporting a plurality of window panels. Each window panel frame comprises a set of frame members defining a first surface, a diametrically opposed second surface, and a pair of third surfaces extending therebetween. The third surfaces define a third surface connecting recess positioned adjacent their corresponding intersection with the first surfaces. The window panels are made of thin and flexible sheets of material, such as heat shrinkable polymeric resin. A panel locking component is attached to the marginal edges of the window panels. The panels are undersized relative to the window frames when not mounted thereto, are secured to the window panel frame using the panel locking components, and then heat shrunk to a tensed state.