Abstract: An end-pumped laser oscillator having an amplifier including a solid-state gain medium. Pump beams, which are generated by two groups of laser diode bars placed between the optical elements defining the optical resonator, are directed onto opposite end surfaces of the solid-state gain medium, which intersect the optical axis of the optical resonator. The laser diode bars of each group are circumferentially distributed about the optical axis in a uniform pattern and at the same distance along the optical axis from the gain medium. One group of diode bars is located to one side of the gain medium and the other group is located to the other side of the gain medium. Pump beam energy is thereby effectively and efficiently directed onto both end surfaces of the solid-state gain medium from a plurality of laser diode bars allowing the output power produced by the gain medium to be scaled to the thermal limits of the gain medium.

Abstract: A process for converting synthesis gas to n-paraffins or higher alcohols utilizes a mixed copper-chromium oxide catalyst. The process allows great flexibility in selecting the product mix by changing catalyst compositions and process conditions.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids from primary aliphatic alcohols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms wherein the reaction is in semi-continuous or continuous mode. Acetic acid is prepared from ethanol in high conversion, selectivity and yield. Acetic acid is useful as a solvent for the manufacture of terephthalic acid and other organic compounds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing domains in ferroelectric crystals from depoling by providing compressive stress along a preferred crystallographic axis.

Abstract: A poly(aryl ether sulfone) blend comprising (a) from about 25 to about 99 percent by weight of a poly(biphenyl ether sulfone) and (b) from about 1 to about 75 percent by weight of a second poly(aryl ether sulfone) comprising bisphenol A moieties.

Abstract: A solar panel for use in a roof mounted array of solar panels, each panel having ridges protruding outwardly and adjacent to the side edges for receiving a standing seam cap between side-adjacent panels. Each solar panel is formed as an integral structure having a photovoltaic module an edge of which is sealed by a base substrate. The base substrate is configured to have lipped top and bottom edges which interlock to form a watertight seal between top-adjacent and bottom-adjacent solar panels. The solar panel array can be mounted on a roof, in place of shingles or the like, to provide environmental protection for the interior of a building.

Abstract: A laser is disclosed comprising: a source of optical pumping radiation; a lasant rod; an input mirror; two quarter-wave plates; polarizing means, adjacent to a quarter-wave plate, for polarizing said lasant light radiated from said rod; second harmonic generating means for producing an output at twice the frequency at which said rod lases; and an output coupler.

Abstract: A catalyzed, continuous vapor phase process to convert a C.sub.2 or higher olefin in combination with methanol to a mixture containing at least one higher molecular weight alcohol, for example, isobutanol, over a magnesium oxide composition. The process also may contain a lower aldehyde and/or ketone in the feed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the addition of H.sub.2 O in acid catalyzed processing of hydrocarbons are disclosed. The H.sub.2 O is added to the hydrocarbons in the form of steam, increasing the quantity of H.sub.2 O dissolved in the acid catalyst after contact of the acid catalyst with the steam-added hydrocarbon feed. Entrained water present in the steam-added hydrocarbon feed can be decanted prior to contacting the acid with the feed.

Abstract: A high performance, environmentally compatible railroad grease effectively lubricates railroad tracks and wheels of railway cars in compliance with environmental rules and regulations. Advantageously, the novel railroad grease is safe for plant life and animals as well as for fish in underground aquifers and nearby streams. The railroad grease desirably comprises a special adhesive polymer and an extreme pressure, anti-wear additive package, preferably a food grade additive package, comprising carbonates combined with sulfates or phosphates.

Abstract: The invention relates to sheet molding compounds having improved viscosity control comprising polyester-polyurethane hybrid resins formed by the reaction of an A side composition and a B side composition. The A side composition comprises a polyfunctional isocyanate compound and a free radical polymerization catalyst. The B side composition comprises a mixture of (i) an ethylenically unsaturated monomer solution having no active hydrogen groups which has dissolved therein about 40-90 weight percent of a substantially water-free, unsaturated polyester polyol having at least one dicarboxylic alkene moiety and having an acid number less than five; and (ii) a methacrylate ester of a C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 alkylene diol.

Abstract: There is provided a method for purifying an organic polycarboxylic acid wherein the amounts of organic monofunctional impurities associated therewith are substantially reduced, which method comprises conducting steam distillation of a stream comprising said polycarboxylic acid. In one embodiment of the method, a reactor effluent comprising a polycarboxylic acid is introduced into a crystallization zone, said effluent being subjected to crystallization and steam distillation coextensively in said crystallization zone.The method of the present invention may be used suitably to purify 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid in a reactor effluent from the hydrogenation of a terephthalic acid by reducing the amounts of 4-methyl-1-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, as well as other organic impurities, contaminating the dicarboxylic acid.There is also provided the polycarboxylic acid purified by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Polynucleotides are labeled with chemiluminescent acridine esters or luminescent lanthanides. Labelling is preferably carried out by incorporating a functional group into a nucleotide or polynucleotide at the C4 position of the pyrimidine portion or the C6 position of the purine portion and bonding a chemiluminescent acridine ester or a luminescent lanthanide to the functional group. The labeled polynucleotides are useful for direct detection of homologous polynucleotide sequences.

Abstract: Polyester-polyurethane hybrid resin molding compositions having a first, soft polyurea phase within a second, more rigid polyester-polyurethane phase are disclosed. The compositions are formed by the reaction of an A side composition and a B side composition. The A side composition comprises a polyfunctional isocyanate compound and a free radical polymerization catalyst. The B side composition comprises a mixture of (i) an ethylenically unsaturated monomer solution having dissolved therein about 40-90 weight percent of a substantially water-free, unsaturated polyester polyol having at least one dicarboxylic alkene moiety and having an acid number less than five; and (ii) a polyfunctional nitrogen-containing compound having at least one active hydrogen atom on each of at least two nitrogen atoms in each molecule, which, when reacted with the A side composition, has a molecular weight sufficient to form the first, soft polyurea phase.

Abstract: This invention relates to flame retardant blends of polysulfone, with polyalkylene phthalate. The present blends are flame retardant, even at thin part thickness.

Abstract: Epoxy resin formulations having improved storage stability comprising epoxys selected from the group consisting of polyglcidyl ethers of polycyclic bridged hydroxy-substituted polyaromatic compounds and N,N,N',N'-tetraglycidyl-bis(4-amino-3-ethylphenyl) methane with from about 6 to about 150 pbw, per hundred parts by weight of the epoxy resin components, of a solid aromatic diamine hardener insoluble in said composition at room temperature in an amount effective to cure said epoxy resin.

Abstract: A process and catalyust are provided for hydrogenation of a hydrocarbon feedstock consisting essentially of material boiling between about 150.degree. F. and about 700.degree. F. which comprises reacting the feedstock with hydrogen at hydrogenation conditions in the presence of a catalyst comprising from about 0.1% to about 2.0% by weight each of palladium and platinum and a support comprising mordenite. The process of the present invention provides substantially improved dearomatization performance, increased desulfurization and denitrogenation, increased distillate product cetane number, increased distllate volume expansion, and utilizes a more durable catalyst.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for the production of insulating styrenic foams comprising use of a blowing agent comprising a C.sub.4 -C.sub.5 alkane, CO.sub.2 and a halogenated ethane selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1-trifuluoroethane, 1-chloro-1, 1-difluoroethane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and mixtures thereof, wherein the halogenated ethane amount is less than 70.0 wt. % of the total blowing agent weight. The invention further comprises the styrenic foams made using the blowing agent composition and a paraffin wax. The method of the invention advantageously eliminates ethylchloride from styrenic foam production methods while limiting use of the halogenated ethane to minimum amounts suitable to produce foams with good insulative properties.

Abstract: A process and catalyst are provided for hydrogenation of a hydrocarbon feedstock consisting essentially of material boiling between about 150.degree. F. and about 700.degree. F. which comprises reacting the feedstock with hydrogen at hydrogenation conditions in the presence of a catalyst comprising hydrogenation metals and a support comprising zeolite Y. The hydrogenation metals comprise from about 0.1 percent to about 2.0 percent by weight each of palladium and platinum calculated as a percnetage of the catalyst. The zeolite Y further comprises sodium in an amount ranging from about 1.5 to about 8.0 percent of the zeolite Y by weight. The process of the present invention provides substantially improved dearomatization performance, increased desulfurization and denitrogenation, increased distillate product cetane number, and increased distillate volume expansion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a catalyst for the fluid bed incineration of a combustible hydrocarbon feedstock. The process comprises contacting the feedstock with a mixture of a fluidized heat transfer media and a combustion promoter catalyst, in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas stream in excess of that required for complete combustion of the carbon monoxide formed, at feedstock combustion conditions. The combustion promoter catalyst consists essentially of particulate with a particle size of greater than 150 microns and includes a promoter metal present in an amount to provide a substantially carbon monoxide-free flue gas.