Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polymer blend membranes comprising a functional polymer based on sulfonated aryl polymers, a reinforcing polymer based on aminated or nitrated polyether sulfones and/or polyether ether sulfone and a plasticizer, and also their use as polymer electrolyte membrane in fuel cells, in particular in low-temperature fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a membrane contactor for debubbling (or degassing) a liguid. The membrane contactor comprises a perforated core tube, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes surrounding the tubes and having an end, a tube sheet affixing the end of the plurality of hollow fiber membranes to the core tube, and a shell surrounding the plurality of hollow fiber membranes and the tube sheet. A lumen side is defined by an internal surface of the membranes. A shell side is defined by the perforated core tube, an external surface of said membrane, and the shell. The membrane is a single layered, skinned, polymethylpentene hollow fiber microporous membrane. The skin is on the shell side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ionically and covalently cross-linked polymers and polymer membranes having recurrent units of the general formula (1), wherein Q is a link, oxygen, sulfur, (2) or (3) and the R radical is a divalent radical of an aromatic or heteroaromatic compound, and which are characterized in that a) R radical comprises at least partially substituents of general formula (4A), (4B), (4C), (4D), (4E), (4F), (4G) and/or (4H), b) R radical comprises at least partially substituents of the general formula (5A) and/or (5B) and/or the R radical is at least partially a group of the general formula (5C) and/or (5D) and c) the R radical comprises at least partially bridges of the general formula (6) linking at least to R radicals together, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, M, X, Y, Z and m having the herein-mentioned meanings.

Abstract: Battery separators made of a wettable, uniform mat of melt blown fibers. The melt blown fibers are thermally bonded to one another. These fibers are made of a thermoplastic material. The fibers have a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 13 microns (&mgr;) and lengths greater than 12 millimeters (mm). The mat has a basis weight ranging from 6 to 160 grams per square meter (g/m2), a thickness of less than 75 microns (&mgr;), and an average pore size of 0.3 to 50 microns (&mgr;).

Abstract: A method for removing a pin from a battery assembly by the step of providing a separator comprising: a microporous membrane having an exterior surface portion of polypropylene, the polypropylene including at least 50 ppm of metallic stearate, preferably calcium stearate Static and being adapted to exhibit a pin removal force ≦7100 g.

Abstract: A prosthetic ligament includes a cord of thermotropic liquid crystal filaments. The cord preferably comprises multi-filament thermotropic liquid crystal filaments. The cord has an eye spliced at each of its ends.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to dyed fabric blends of aramid fibers and flame resistant (FR) cellulosic fibers, which retains a substantial amount of its strength and durability after dyeing. The dyeing process comprises the steps of: providing a fabric comprising a blend of aramid fibers and cellulosic fibers, dyeing the cellulosic fibers of the fabric, and dyeing the aramid fibers of the fabric. Dyeing of the aramid fibers being preformed with low agitation, an aryl ester carrier, and, preferably, at a temperature between 100-110° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for debubbling an ink. The method comprises the steps of: providing an ink having an entrained gas; providing a membrane contactor comprising a plurality of integrally asymmetric hollow fiber microporous membranes; a membrane defining within the contactor a lumen side and a shell side; providing a vacuum source; passing the gas entrained ink through the shell side of the contactor; applying the vacuum source to the lumen side of the contactor; and debubbling the gas entrained ink across the membrane.

Abstract: A lug brushing assembly (10) that brushes the lugs of battery plates in an in-line manner so as to eliminate extra battery plate handling procedures. The lug brushing assembly (10) more effectively cleans the lugs of battery plates without causing excessive wearing of the brushes or abrasion on the lugs.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment is to a battery separator for a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery. The separator includes a wettable, resilient nonwoven web having two spunbond layers sandwiching a melt blown layer. The web has a puncture strength of greater than 6 newtons, a tensile strength of greater than 200 newtons/meter, and an average pore size of less than 20 microns.

Abstract: A device (10) for removal of gas bubbles and dissolves gasses from fluids delivered into a patient during medical procedures is disclosed. A housing (20) having a number of gas permeable hollow fibers (50) passing therethrough is provided. The infused fluid is introduced through the interior lumens of the hollow fibers (50), and entrained or dissolved gasses are drawn through the fiber walls to the outer or shell side of the fibers. A vacuum may be drawn on the housing through a vent (32) to enhance gas removal. A passage (70) is optionally provided through the device to allow a tool or other device to be passed therethrough.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to the use of lignin in thermoplastics (such as: ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)). In the first aspect of the invention, lignins are added to a lead acid battery separator comprising a microporous membrane including an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a filler, and a processing oil. In the second aspect of the invention, lignins are used as a processing aid in thermoplastics.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a separator for a battery having a zinc electrode. The first embodiment of the separator comprises a microporous membrane and a coating on at least one surface of the membrane. The coating comprises a mixture of cellulose acetate and a surfactant. The surfactant has an active ingredient selected from the group of organic ethers. The second embodiment of the separator consists essentially of a microporous membrane having an effective average pore size of less than 0.045 microns, having a thickness less than 1.5 mils, having an electrical resistance of less or equal to 30 milliohms-inch2, and being adapted for wetting by an aqueous electrolyte.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a separator for a high energy rechargeable lithium battery and the corresponding battery. The separator includes a ceramic composite layer and a polymeric microporous layer. The ceramic layers includes a mixture of inorganic particles and a matrix material. The ceramic layer is adapted, at least, to block dendrite growth and to prevent electronic shorting. The polymeric layer is adapted, at least, to block ionic flow between the anode and the cathode in the event of thermal runaway.

Abstract: A membrane contactor degasses a liquid. A liquid having a dissolved gas is introduced into a contactor which is connected to a vacuum source. The contactor has a perforated core, a plurality of hollow fiber membranes, a tube sheet affixing each end of the fibers, and a shell having a liquid egress. The shell encloses the fibers, the tube sheet, and the core. The hollow fiber lumens are in fluid communication with the vacuum source. Liquid enters the contactor via the core's open end radially exits the core, crosses over the membranes within the shell, and exits the contactor by the liquid egress. The dissolved gas thereby diffuses from the liquid across the membrane into the lumen. The liquid exiting may have a dissolved gas content to less than 1 ppb.

Abstract: A battery separator is a polypropylene microporous membrane, made from a beta-nucleated precursor, and having an electrical resistance of less than 30 ohms-inches per mil, and a puncture strength of greater than 400 grams-force per mil. mil.

Abstract: The present invention is to a process for blood oxygenation using a microporous fiber membrane. The use of the hollow fiber allows improvements in plasma break through results. The oxygenator includes a housing and microporous membrane cartridge. The cartridge comprises a microporous hollow fiber membrane having a wall thickness greater than 30 microns and having a bubble point of ≧150 psig.

Abstract: A battery separator for a gel electrolyte battery includes a microporous membrane; and an adherent coating thereon, or a gel-forming coating thereon, the gel-forming coating including a gel-forming polymer and a plasticizer. The gel-forming polymer is preferably a poly(vinylidene fluoride:hexafluoropropylene) copolymer, and the plasticizer is preferably an ester.

Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a polyolefin extruded tube, a polyolefin flange overmolded onto the tube, and a cap engaged to the flange. In the overmolding process, a polyolefin material is overmolded unto a polyolefin substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hydrophilic polyolefin article comprising a polyolefin article having a coating containing a surfactant and an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer.