Abstract: Polymer nanocomposites, nanoparticle-containing organogels utilized in forming the polymer nanocomposites, and methods for forming the polymer nanocomposites and nanoparticle-containing organogels are disclosed. Relatively simple and versatile methods are utilized to form the polymer nanocomposites. The process is based on the format of a three-dimensional network of well-individualized nanoparticles, such nanofibers through gelation thereof with an appropriate non-polymeric solvent. The nanoparticle-containing organogel is subsequently filled with a solution of a desired matrix polymer, the composite is dried and compacted to create the polymer nanocomposite. Polymer nanocomposites can be prepared which exhibit dramatic changes in mechanical properties, such as increased shear modulus, when compared to the neat polymer.

Abstract: In a method for sealing an insulating material for construction applications, the insulating material is sealed with a material sheet including an ionomer so as to provide a vapor retarder for the insulating material.

Abstract: A measuring device for determining flow capacities d(V(z)) of electroconductive liquids having a conductivity LF through a container in the event of vertically (z direction) variable levels. The inventive measuring device is a conductivity measuring device comprising, inter alia, at least two electrodes extending in the z direction. The container and/or the conductivity measuring device is/are embodied in such a way that they can be described by at least one parameter function ƒPI(V(z)) dependent on V(z). At least one of said parameter functions must have an exponential dependence on V(z). A measuring element and a method for determining the total flow capacity d(V).

Abstract: An alkaline concentrated detergent composition for use in cleaning hard surfaces, medical instruments and other metal components (parts, tools, utensils, vessels, equipment) having superior cleaning efficacy at much lower alkali content than traditional alkaline cleaners and enhanced scale control properties even when diluted to about 1/40 ounce per gallon to about 1/10 ounce per gallon in potable water and even in exceptionally hard water. The inventive composition maintains its superior cleaning efficacy and scale control properties during use.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a lens by electromagnetic driving force includes a frame, a barrel, a lens holder, a lens, a kicker, electromagnets and a resilient element. The barrel rotably mounted in the frame includes a first linkage structure. The lens holder includes a second linkage structure and is mounted on the barrel through the first and second linkage structures. The lens is coupled into the lens holder, and the kicker is mounted on an external wall of the barrel, and the electromagnets are mounted at the frame and the kicker respectively. The resilient element is connected to the barrel and the frame. The barrel can be pushed by a repulsion or attraction of a magnetic field produced by electrically conducting the electromagnets, and the first and second linking structures drive the lens holder to move from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A device for processing sheets, rolls or the like, preferably sheets or rolls of corrugated paper, into useful articles. More specifically, the invention relates to a paper wrapping device that can convert a sheet or strip of paper into a useful article comprising a plurality of wrapped paper layers, suitable for use as a support member or a pallet stringer. Also the invention provides a device that contains a conveying unit which transfers a material, such as paper, to a forming unit which produces a core layer and further wraps additional layers in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction around said core in one or more layers to form a support member having a solid wrap of continuous layers.

Abstract: Flame retardant polymeric blend compositions including a synergistic combination of flame retardants, including a halogenated flame retardant and a nanoparticulate, such as an organically modified clay or a natural nanoclay. The compositions are thermoplastic elastomers, include a polyolefin and a styrenic block copolymer, and exhibit high char formation upon burning as well as desirable vertical burn characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, the flame retardants include at least a halogenated flame retardant and a metal oxide.

Abstract: An oxidizing cleaning composition comprises a low concentration of aqueous hydrogen peroxide that is environmentally friendly and has good stability in strong alkaline solutions. The aqueous hydrogen peroxide composition contains a synergistic combination of one or more hydrophilic surfactants having an HLB of 10 or greater, one or more hydrotropes, one or more UV-analyzable surfactants having an aromatic detectable functional group, and optionally a surfactant having an HLB of less than 10. The cleaning composition when mixed with an alkaline compound is very effective in removing dried or baked residues of polymers, modified or natural celluloses starches, natural gels, and the like at low concentrations and temperatures.

Abstract: A displacement device for a fifth wheel traction coupling with two base bars and a fifth wheel traction coupling supporting top part which includes two bearing chocks which are slidingly fixed to the base bars and telescoping in a locked position thereof into each base bar by means locking elements with the aid of a rack rail. The known per se sliding devices are expensive due to the production of the base bars, since the rack rails are provided with a toothed profile prior to be welded. A low-cost sliding device is producible in a simple manner. For this purpose, at least one base bar is provided with spaced rest windows on the axial extension thereof for receiving the locking elements.

Abstract: A device of detecting light reflecting speed and directions includes a light source, a light-guided pulley, a reflector, photo detectors, barriers, a processor and a display unit. The light source generates incident light, the light-guided pulley is located at one side of the light source, and includes a support moving along the pulley track. The reflector is installed on the support to reflect the incident light. The photo detectors detect the incident light reflected by the reflector. The barriers are located at two sides of the light source and make the incident light to be a light beam and travel in straight line direction. The barriers are respectively installed between said photo detectors to isolate the incident light. The processor receives the light signals transmitted from photo detectors and processes the light reflecting speed and directions according to the light signals. The processed result is displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of producing molecular hydrogen, where the methods comprise contacting a solution comprising urea with a urease to produce ammonia, and contacting the ammonia with a first catalyst to produce a first gaseous mixture comprising molecular hydrogen.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a fifth wheel, comprising a displacement device provided with two guide rails placed on the vehicle, in particular on a tractor semi-trailer combination in the longitudinal direction thereof, said guide rails whereon a slide may be installed capable of being moved by means of an actuating device, said actuating device being designed such that, upon a displacement, the positive connection between the guide rails and the slide is maintained. The actuating device, which is designed to move the slide, comprises a first powered device. Additionally, at least one first position sensor is arranged to detect the position of the slide, at least said first position sensor being connected to a control device.

Abstract: A system for connecting supply lines between a tractive vehicle and a semi-trailer that can be coupled to the latter, a semi-trailer coupling and an automatic line coupling system comprising at least one connector jack being situated on the tractive vehicle and the semi-trailer having at least one supply circuit comprising a first supply console for connecting to the tractive vehicle and for receiving a plug-in element that is located on at least one supply line of the tractive vehicle and/or a plug that is configured to fit the connector jack. The aim of the invention is to provide a system for connecting supply lines for tractive vehicles, comprising an automatic line coupling system that permits the coupling of conventional semi-trailers. To achieve this, a second supply console is located on the tractive vehicle and is permanently connected to the connector jack of the line coupling system and the plug-in element can be selectively connected to the first or second supply console.

Abstract: Soft flame retardant thermoplastic compositions that are preferably halogen free and include a styrenic block copolymer having a low modulus, one or more of a polyolefin polymer or copolymer and an acrylate containing polymer or copolymer, one or more of a softener and plasticizer, an inorganic phosphorous-containing flame retardant, and optionally but preferably, a platelet filler such as a nanoclay or an organic modified clay. In a preferred embodiment, the phosphorous-containing flame retardant has a surface coating thereon which reduces sensitivity of the flame retardant to water, and thus reduces the amount of the flame retardant that can leach out in the presence of water, thereby enabling the compositions of the present invention to be utilized outdoors or other environments where exposure to water or high humidity is possible. The hardness of the compositions according to the invention preferably ranges from about Shore A 40 to about Shore A 90.

Abstract: A blend of epoxy resins includes a) an epoxy resin composition derived from the reaction of a liquid epoxy resin, a carboxyl terminated butadiene (CTB), and a carboxyl terminated polybutadiene-acrylonitrile (CTBN) and/or a random and terminal carboxyl functional polybutadiene-acrylonitrile (CTBNX), and b) unreacted epoxy resin. The carboxyl terminated butadiene is miscible with the unreacted epoxy resin and does not separate therefrom even upon aging. Upon cure as with a latent cure agent, a toughened epoxy resin is produced having unexpected good low temperature properties such as peel strength.

Abstract: Compositions including a thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic vulcanizate derived from a styrenic block copolymer having a reactive or crosslinkable hard block including aromatic vinyl repeat units and also preferably a crosslinkable soft block, and a non-olefin thermoplastic polymer or copolymer and preferably a compatibilizer such as the reaction product of a non-olefin thermoplastic polymer and a functionalized polymer such as a maleic anhydride functionalized styrenic block copolymer that is compatible with the styrenic block copolymer having a reactive or crosslinkable hard block, and optionally a linking compound. The vulcanizates are prepared by crosslinking the styrenic block copolymer in the presence of the non-olefin thermoplastic polymer and a suitable crosslinking agent, and optionally the compatibilizer, preferably utilizing dynamic vulcanization.

Abstract: An aqueous, alkaline cleaning composition for use on hard-to-clean soils, encountered in pharmaceutical, personal care, food and cosmetic manufacturing, comprising a source of alkalinity, a biodegradable surfactant system further comprising one or more surfactants, one or more hydrotropes, and a UV-analyzable surfactant, and a biodegradable chelating agent. The composition offers unique advantages of stability over the expected shelf life, low-foaming property, phosphate-free and biodegradable components, and unexpectedly enhanced antimicrobial, including virucidal, activity in one cleaning composition. The UV-analyzable surfactant allows for validation of cleaning processes using known techniques for manufacturers who are required or desire to do so.

Abstract: A partially threaded compression wire with a trocar insertion point is inserted into a first bone fragment and a mating button is crimped into position on the wire to cause compression between the first bone fragment and a second bone fragment. A cannulated instrument applies tension to the wire and crimps the button. In a second embodiment, the wire further includes an internally threaded screw or helix. In the related method, the threaded wire is implanted ante grade or retrograde into the first bone segment and a button is crimped to the wire to apply compression to a second bone segment either cutaneously or percutaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to water blown integral skin polyurethane foams made with a particular isocyanate quasi-prepolymer and resin side ingredients to yield a foam having good overall mechanical properties. The isocyanate quasi-prepolymer component of the present invention comprises from 0.5 weight percent to 30.0 weight percent or less uretonimine-carbodiimide-modified diphenylmethane diisocyanate, from 50 weight percent to 80 weight percent 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and reacted with from 15 weight percent to 40 weight percent of a polyether polyol containing predominately secondary hydroxyl groups and having an average molecular weight from about 2,000 to 10,000, an average functionality from 1.5 to about 3.2, and a hydroxyl number from about 20 to 60, and optionally with a low molecular weight diol in an amount of from 1.0 weight percent to 10 weight percent, the weight percentages based on the weight of the quasi-prepolymer reactants.