Abstract: Co-Ion exchange of the interlayer cations of a layered silicate with a mono-protonated aromatic diamine and an alkyl ammonium ion into the silicate galleries. The presence of the alkyl ammonium ion provides low oligomer melt viscosity during processing. The presence of the diamine allows chemical reaction between the silicate surface modification and the monomers. This reaction strengthens the polymer silicate interface, and ensures irreversible separation of the individual silicate layers. Improved polymer thermal oxidative stability and mechanical properties are obtained.

Abstract: A dummy plug for wiring harnesses is disclosed. The dummy plug is used in an unused connector cavity of the wiring harness, thereby electrically isolating the connector cavity in the wiring harness to prevent short circuits. The dummy plug is substantially flush with the latch arm of the wiring harness, so that a pogo pin can determine whether or not the connector cavity is in use. The dummy plug has a design such that pressure blowout is prevented. A method for plugging an unused connector cavity is also disclosed, the method including the steps of providing a dummy plug having a head, a stem, and a female end, providing a wiring harness having at least one connector cavity and at least one latch arm and inserting the dummy plug into the unused connector cavity so that the female end is substantially flush with the latch arm.

Abstract: A core-shell particle for use as filler in rubber compositions. In one embodiment, the particle comprises a crosslinked core having repeat aromatic vinyl units. During an emulsion polymerization, a crosslinked shell comprising of conjugated diene units is grafted onto the core through residual vinyl units. The polymeric shell provides for better interaction and dispersion of the styrene core in an otherwise immiscible polymer matrix, particularly diene-based polymers. In another embodiment, the core has repeat units of (i) about 0% to about 25% by weight of a conjugated diene unit, (ii) about 70% to about 85% by weight of an aromatic vinyl unit, and (iii) about 15% to about 30% by weight of a crosslinking monomer unit.

Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for risk assessment, including the use of a global computer network. The invention utilizes network-enabled software and a global computer network in order to provide access to continuously updateable information in order to perform a risk assessment. The inventive system allows a user to access risk assessment information and reference data, within the bounds of their security restrictions.

Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for treating glaucoma is described herein. A device for directing aqueous humor from an anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal comprises a seton, and may further comprise a pump operatively connected to the seton. The seton conducts aqueous directly from the anterior chamber to Schlemm's canal so that it can drain directly into the aqueous veins leading to the venous circulation. The seton for lowering intraocular pressure of an associated eye comprises a first tube adapted to be inserted into an associated anterior chamber of the eye; and, two wing tubes extending from the first tube. The two wing tubes are adapted to be inserted into Schlemm's canal. The two wing tubes and the first tube form a substantially continuous passageway, such that aqueous humor flows from the anterior chamber into Schlemm's canal through the substantially continuous passageway.

Abstract: A wire capable of operating at high temperatures and a method of making the same is disclosed. The high temperature wire comprises fiberglass, which surrounds the conductor. The fiberglass insulates the conductor and enables it to operative at relatively high temperatures. The fiberglass is heat-treated without any additional, or in lieu of, other chemical treatment and is sufficiently frangible to be easily removable from the conductor. The frangible fiberglass may be easily stripped away from the conductor without leaving strands which need to be individually removed.

Abstract: A coating system for ferrous and nonferrous metal substrates that provides cathodic protection from corrosion by coating with inherently conductive polymers and sacrificial anodic metal particles. The coating system is formed by a process that includes premixing of the inherently conductive polymer with the anodic metal particles to form a inherently conductive polymer/metal particle complex.

Abstract: A biodegradable penetrating lubricant, comprised of: (A) at least one triglyceride oil of the formula: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are aliphatic hydrocarbyl groups containing from about 7 to about 23 carbon atoms; (B) an organic solvent selected from the group comprising: (1) ethyl lactate, (2) soy methyl ester, (3) at least one mineral spirit, and (4) combinations of 1, 2, and 3; and, (C) an antioxidant. Optionally, the lubricant may further include an additive selected from the group comprising: (D) an anti-wear inhibitor; (E) a corrosion inhibitor; (F) a pour point depressant; and, (G) a component chosen from the group comprising: (1) a food grade tackifier; (2) molybdenum disulfide; and (3) a combination of 1 and 2.

Abstract: A biodegradable penetrating lubricant, comprised of: (A) at least one triglyceride oil of the formula: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are aliphatic hydrocarbyl groups containing from about 7 to about 23 carbon atoms; (B) an organic solvent selected from the group comprising: (1) ethyl lactate, (2) methyl ester, and (3) combinations of 1 and 2; (C) an antioxidant; and, (D) a corrosion inhibitor. Optionally, the lubricant may further an additive selected from the group comprising: (E) a viscosity modifier; (F) an anti-wear inhibitor; and, (G) an emulsifier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a gasket with a molded-in bolt retention means is herein provided. The apparatus includes a gasket carrier encased in a silicone rubber gasket, with the gasket carrier containing a series of holes. The holes in the gasket carrier are preferably in a star-shape and secure the bolt in place when the bolt is pressed through the opening. The method of assembling the gasket is also provided, the method including the steps of encasing the gasket carrier within the gasket, attaching an associated cover to the gasket, sliding the associated bolt through the various openings, and securing the bolt in place.

Abstract: A new and improved children's toy is disclosed having an internal cavity where valuables and the like may be stored. The cavity is easily and repeatedly accessible without damaging the toy. A container is provided for placing the valuables in, and then placing the container into the cavity.

Abstract: A new and improved hinge for use with a refrigerator door. The inventive hinge is a drawn hinge, created by the drawing process. The inventive hinge includes first and second flanges, a pin, and a pin arm. The flanges on each side allow use of a thinner piece of metal in creating a hinge, while retaining the strength of a thicker piece of metal. The pin arm is extended in order to prevent pinching when opening and closing a refrigerator door.

Abstract: A wire capable of operating at high temperatures and a method of making the same is disclosed. The high temperature wire includes fiberglass, which surrounds the conductor. The fiberglass insulates the conductor and enables it to operate at relatively high temperatures. The fiberglass is heat-treated without any additional, or in lieu of, other chemical treatment and is sufficiently frangible to be easily removable from the conductor. The frangible fiberglass may be easily stripped away from the conductor without leaving strands which need to be individually removed.

Abstract: A clutch retaining device for use in a clutch collar and clutch assembly. The clutch retaining device includes multiple cover clips which extend downwardly from the cover and have a substantial L-shape. The clutch collar has corresponding cover clip notches which correspond to the cover clips of the clutch collar cover. The clutch collar assembly includes a first and second clutch collar cover. The entire assembly includes a series of drive springs and drive pins which are compressed in place by the first and second clutch collar covers. A method for assembling the clutch collar assembly is also included. The method includes the steps of inserting drive pins into drive springs into drive pin receptors, aligning cover clips of a clutch cover with cover clip notches on a clutch collar, and connecting the clutch cover to the clutch collar and thereby depressing the drive pins and the drive springs.

Abstract: A wire capable of operating at high temperatures and a method of making the same is disclosed. The high temperature wire comprises fiberglass, which surrounds the conductor. The fiberglass insulates the conductor and enables it to operative at relatively high temperatures. The fiberglass is heat-treated without any additional, or in lieu of, other chemical treatment and is sufficiently frangible to be easily removable from the conductor. The frangible fiberglass may be easily stripped away from the conductor without leaving strands which need to be individually removed.

Abstract: A variable speed mechanism for propelling an associated lawn mowing apparatus has a variable pitch pulley assembly, a belt which connects the variable pitch pulley assembly to a transmission, a control arm assembly for controlling the variable pitch pulley assembly, and a speed selector for selectively adjusting the control arm assembly. The speed selector is positioned corresponding to the desired lawn mowing apparatus ground speed. This creates tension in a cable which moves a control arm. When the control arm is moved, it rotates about a pivot shaft adjusting the position of a bearing cup which, in turn, adjusts the position of the moveable pulley half within variable pitch pulley assembly. Once the pulley assembly has been positioned, the effective belt diameter is set. If the effective belt diameter is increased, the speed supplied to the transmission is increased assuming a fixed pulley size on the transmission input.