Abstract: Novel monoamidine, monoamidoxime and bisamidine curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators are provided for use with perfluoroelastomeric compositions as well as novel synthesis methods for making monoamidine- and monoamidoxime-based curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators. Also provided are diphenyl-based curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators having sufficiently high molecular weight such that the melting temperature of the curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators is no greater than about 240° C., and more preferably no greater than about 230° C.

Abstract: Compositions including at least one curable fluoropolymer are disclosed which include at least one functional group for crosslinking the fluoropolymer, a curative capable of crosslinking the at least one fluoropolymer selected from the group consisting of functionalized biphenyl-based compounds, various monoamidine and monoamidoxime compounds as well as bisamidine compounds and combinations thereof; and at least one cure accelerator which may be an organic peroxide or an organic peroxide in combination with a colorant. Adhesive fluoroelastomeric compositions comprising colorants are also provided. The compositions described provide beneficial physical properties, increased plasma resistance, unique adhesive properties and/or reduced contamination associated with use of external adhesives. Methods for forming articles which incorporate fluoroelastomers bonded to metallic surfaces are also provided.

Abstract: A glass-to-meal seal for use in high temperature and high pressure environments is described. The glass-to-metal seals includes an optical fiber having a metallized portion, the metallized portion having an outer dimension; an object having a high strength, corrosion-resistant alloy, the object having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a bore, the bore having a dimension larger than the outer dimension of the metallized portion of the optical fiber; and a hardened solder material disposed between the metallized portion of the optical fiber and the inner surface of the bore, such that a hermetic seal is provided between the metallized portion of the optical fiber and the inner surface of the bore; wherein the solder includes a substance having a melting temperature greater than about 250° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are portable, easy-to-install apparatuses for detecting and containing fluid leaked or otherwise discharged from a fluid-filled device and for facilitating testing and maintenance of the apparatus and fluid-filled devices. In one aspect of the disclosed invention, upon sensing a fluid discharge, the apparatus activates audible and/or visual alarms and directs the discharged fluid to a predetermined drainage area to prevent damage to areas surrounding the fluid-filled device. In another aspect of the present invention, no plumbing or electrical wiring is required to install the apparatus, thereby allowing an unskilled individual to easily and inexpensively install the apparatus. In yet another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may be easily located since it is not dependent on gravity or a drainage pipe for discharge of the fluid. Furthermore, the apparatus optionally includes an integral leveling mechanism to accommodate leveling of the apparatus when placed on uneven surfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically configuring, managing, and maintaining a network device or VPN using a public network such as the Internet. Initial configuration of a network device or VPN occurs upon a user entering minimal information via a simple HTML page. After receipt of this minimal information, the present invention automatically configures the network device or VPN without user intervention. Thereafter, a user may modify the network device or VPN configuration via an easy-to-use and easy-to-understand graphical user interface. Parameters are presented such that a user simply checks and unchecks boxes, or clicks on radio buttons, to configure network device parameters. Upon completion of the selection, the user clicks on save, and the configuration is automatically modified. In addition, upon a significant change to any network device, the changed network device automatically initiates reconfiguration of the network device or VPN with zero input from a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically configuring, managing, and maintaining a network device or VPN using a public network such as the Internet. Initial configuration of a network device or VPN occurs upon a user entering minimal information via a simple HTML page. After receipt of this minimal information, the present invention automatically configures the network device or VPN without user intervention. Thereafter, a user may modify the network device or VPN configuration via an easy-to-use and easy-to-understand graphical user interface. Parameters are presented such that a user simply checks and unchecks boxes, or clicks on radio buttons, to configure network device parameters. Upon completion of the selection, the user clicks on save, and the configuration is automatically modified. In addition, upon a significant change to any network device, the changed network device automatically initiates reconfiguration of the network device or VPN with zero input from a user.

Abstract: A seal assembly seals first and second operational surfaces spaced apart by a gap. The first surface includes a seal groove having a base surface and first and second side surfaces. A sealing element in the seal groove has a foot portion extending parallel to the base surface which engages the second operational surface. A leg portion extending from the foot portion toward the base surface has first and second surfaces. A back-up ring adjacent to the sealing element prevents extrusion of the sealing element into the gap. A first side of the back-up ring mates with the second surface of the leg portion, and a second side mates with one of the first and second side surfaces of the seal groove. An energizer element located between the base surface and the foot portion applies uniform pressure to the leg and foot portions when the energizer element is compressed.

Abstract: Tire pyrolysis systems and processes are provided which include feeding tire shreds to a pyrolysis reactor, pyrolyzing the shreds in a pyrolysis reactor to produce a hydrocarbon-containing gas stream and carbon-containing solid, removing the carbon-containing solid from the reactor, directing the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream into a separator, contacting the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream with an oil spray in the separator thereby washing particulate from the hydrocarbon-containing gas stream and condensing a portion of the gas stream to oil, removing and cooling the oil from the separator, directing non-condensed gas from the gas stream away from the separator, and directing a portion of the cooled oil removed from the separator to an inlet of the separator for use as the separator oil spray.

Abstract: A novel biological indicator system to detect the effectiveness of a sterilization treatment for assessing the viability of and/or changes in bacterial spores exposed to sterilization or disinfection by multi-angle light scattering thereby detecting a change in the spores as indicators of spore viability and the efficacy of the sterilization or disinfection.

Abstract: A melamine ring containing copolymer and a method of manufacturing a melamine ring containing copolymer are described. The method includes mixing melamine and cashew nut shell liquid, heating the mixture, and reacting the mixture for about 4 to 6 hours. The melamine ring containing copolymer can have a dynamic viscosity of about 0.5×104 P to about 3×104 P or a viscosity that continues to increase upon heating.

Abstract: A running board for a passenger car or light truck is assembled from an upper molded thermoplastic section or component having a Class A automotive finish and a lower component or section having reinforcing ribs and mounting brackets. The upper section includes three layers: a paint film having a Class A automotive finish, a thin layer of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and a thick layer of polypropylene. The lower section is homogeneous and may be a plastic such as TPO, polypropylene or high-density polyethylene (HDPE), for example, which may contain chopped, randomly oriented glass reinforcing fibers. The two sections are secured to one another about their peripheries by autogenous bonding.

Abstract: A method of fabricating composite vehicle panels includes the steps of forming a first, upper panel having a depending peripheral lip, forming a second, lower panel of laid up woven mat or strips of a fibrous material such as fiberglass or carbon fibers and a plastic resin to form a corrugated panel having a depending peripheral lip, placing an adhesive on the raised portions of the corrugations and the peripheral lip of the second panel and securing the panels together at the corrugations and about their peripheral lips.

Abstract: Polyol polyester polymers are provided which are useful for personal care formulations and products containing such formulations. The polyol polyester polymers include a reaction product of at least one polyfunctional alcohol, at least one polyfunctional carboxylic acid and at least one monofunctional carboxylic acid, wherein the polyfunctional alcohol includes about two to about ten carbon atoms, the polyfunctional carboxylic acid includes one to about thirty-six carbon atoms and the monofunctional carboxylic acid includes about four to about twenty-four carbon atoms. Such polyol polyester polymers can have a dynamic viscosity at 25° C. of about 200 to about 5000 centipoise and a hydroxyl value of about 40 to about 300 KOH/g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-thrombogenic, physically well-tolerated polymer and its use for manufacturing sheaths and films as a component of therapeutic devices for preventing excessive cell proliferation. Furthermore, it relates to films made from the polymer as well as wrappings for medical devices such as stents. It also relates to medical devices that are enclosed by a film or wrapping according to the invention.

Abstract: A hermetic pressure connector which provides a pressure-tight, electrically conductive connection through a hole in a bulkhead. The connector includes a transverse support member having a high pressure side and an opposite low pressure side. A passage extends through the transverse support member between the opposite sides. A conductor pin having an axial portion extends through the passage. An insulating sleeve surrounds at least the axial portion of the conductor pin, thereby electrically insulating the transverse support member from the conductor pin. A molded connected body surrounds at least a central portion of the conductor pin at least at one of the high and low pressure sides to thereby mechanically support the conductor pin in the passage. The molded connector body is directly sealingly engaged with the conductor pin, the insulating sleeve and the transverse support member.

Abstract: Novel monoamidine, monoamidoxime and bisamidine curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators are provided for use with perfluoroelastomeric compositions as well as novel synthesis methods for making monoamidine- and monoamidoxime-based curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators. Also provided are diphenyl-based curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators having sufficiently high molecular weight such that the melting temperature of the curatives, co-curatives and cure accelerators is no greater than about 240° C., and more preferably no greater than about 230° C.