Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an absorbent composite from continuous tow is disclosed. The method and apparatus includes the steps of or means for spreading a crimped tow; de-registering the crimped tow; shaping the de-registered tow to a substantially rectangular cross-section; and distributing a particulate onto the shaped tow. The method and apparatus also include the step of or means for introducing a crimped tow from a bale, wherein the tow's travel through de-registering, shaping, and particulate distribution, defines a vertical plane and the bale is located off the vertical plane.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for production of recombinant human proteins, in which Tetrahymena cells are transformed with recombinant DNA containing at least one functional gene that codes for a human protein, the recombinant Tetrahymena cells are cultured, in which the gene that codes for a human protein is expressed and the proteins are then isolated. The present invention also concerns a corresponding method, in which the gene that codes for a human protein contains a human leader sequence that leads to secretion of the expressed protein.

Abstract: A large diameter rope having improved fatigue life on a sheave, pulley, or drum is disclosed. This rope includes a blend of HMPE filaments and liquid crystal polymer filaments selected from the group of lyotropic polymer filaments and thermotropic polymer filaments. The rope may be constructed as a braided rope, a wire-lay rope, or a parallel core rope.

Abstract: A transportable water treatment system comprising: an inlet adapted to receive water having a pressure of between 10 to 60 psig, a primary regenerable filter connected so as to receive water that has flown through the inlet, the primary regenerable filter configured to separate solids from water flowing therethrough, a secondary regenerable filter, the secondary regenerable filter connected downstream from the primary regenerable filter, and a chemical feed unit connected downstream of said secondary regenerable filter, the chemical feed unit configured to treat water flowing through introduction of chemicals to the water, a water discharge pipe adapted to discharge treated water from the chemical feed unit, where said inlet, the primary regenerable filter, the secondary regenerable filter, the chemical feed unit, and the discharge pipe make up a transportable water treatment and the transportable water treatment is adapted to fit within a bed of a sub-compact pickup truck.

Abstract: A cigarette filter tow is a cellulose acetate tow having a high uncrimping energy (UCE) and a low fly. In one embodiment, the average UCE is greater than 280 and the average fly is less than or equal to 0.030 grams per 30 minutes. In another embodiment, the average UCE is greater than 265 and the average fly is less than or equal to 0.023 grams per 30 minutes. In another embodiment, the average UCE is greater than 250 and the average fly is less than or equal to 0.017 grams per 30 minutes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a battery separator. The battery separator comprises a microporous film having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is bonded to the second portion. The bond has a strength greater than 5 g/in. The film has a thickness less than 1.7 mils, a Gurley of less than 50 sec/10 cc, and a puncture strength of greater than 400 g/mil.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced cementitious material and the fiber used therein are disclosed. The fiber reinforced cementitious material includes a conventional cementitious material and less than 5 pounds per cubic yard of the cementitious material of fibers dispersed therein. The fibers are made of a mixture of a thermoplastic polymer and an organometal compound wherein the metal of the compound is selected from the group consisting of Ti, Si, Zr, Al, and combinations thereof, and the organometal compound comprising less than 10% by weight of said fibers.

Abstract: The instant invention is a separator for a lithium polymer battery. The separator comprises a membrane and a coating. The membrane has a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of micropores extending from the first surface to the second surface. The coating covers the membrane, but does not fill the plurality of micropores. The coating comprises a gel-forming polymer and a plasticizer in a weight ratio of 1:0.5 to 1:3.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel and inexpensive process for the nitration and amination of aryl polymers and also to their use as blend components for producing polymer blend membranes. Such polymer blend membranes are used in membrane processes, in particular as polymeric electrolyte in electromembranes, e.g. for electrodialysis and fuel cells.

Abstract: A novel non-aggressive sulfonating process for aromatic polymers is described. The process encompasses: a). dissolving the aromatic polymer in a substantially anhydrous acid selected from the group consisting of concentrated sulfuric acid, chlorosulfonic acid, and oleum, b) adding an organic solvent which is inert under the conditions of the reaction, c) adding a carboxylic anhydride, d) adding a sulfonating agent, and e) carrying out the sulfonation at a temperature below 25° C. and for a time sufficient to achieve the desired degree of sulfonation.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a battery separator including a microporous polyolefinic membrane having a porosity in a range 30-80%, an average pore size in a range of 0.02-2.0 microns, and being made from a blend of a polyolefin polymer and an oligomer of a polyolefinic polymer.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a secondary lithium battery. The battery includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a separator sandwiched between the electrodes, an electrolyte impregnating the separator and being in a fluid communication with the electrodes, and a metal package adapted for containing the electrodes, the separator, and the electrolyte. One of the electrodes is in thermal contact with the package.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a textile fabric. This fabric is particularly well suited for use as the outer shell fabric of a firefighter's garment. The fabric is a woven fabric of spun yarns and multi-filament yarns. The spun yarn includes a first staple being a polymer selected from the group consisting of PBI or PBO or melamine formaldehyde, and a second staple being an aramid polymer. The multi-filament yarn includes an aramid filament.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a contactor for degrassing a liquid. The contractor includes a perforated core and a microporous membrane fabric wrapped around the core. The fabric includes a polymethyl pentene hollow fiber as a weft fiber and a warp yarn. A tube sheet secures the ends of the wound fiber and a shell encases the tube sheet and fabric. The shell has at least one opening to permit fluid flow through the shell and an end cap. In a further embodiment the invention is directed to a contactor for degrassing a liquid wherein the contactor is adapted to withstand pressures greater than 0.4 MPa and temperatures greater than 50° C.

Abstract: A split resistant microporous membrane is provided for use in preparing a battery separator. The microporous membrane has a TD tensile strength to MD tensile strength ratio of from about 0.12 to about 1.2, preferably from about 0.5 to about 1. The microporous membrane is made by a process which includes the steps of preparing a film precursor by blown film extrusion at a blow-up ratio of at least 1.5, annealing the film precursor, and stretching the resultant annealed film precursor to form the microporous membrane.