Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing oxy-diphthalic anhydrides, which comprises reacting a halo-phthalic anhydride represented by the formula (1): where Hal represents F, Cl, Br or I, with a carbonate salt selected from the group consisting of lithium carbonate, sodium carbonate, magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate in a solvent to prepare oxy-diphthalic anhydrides represented by the formula (2):

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing spherical polyamide having an average grain diameter of 100 .mu.m or less which comprises polymerizing monomers for preparing the polyamide under heating at a temperature higher than the melting points of the monomers and the polyamide while melting the monomers in a polymerization medium under stirring whereby dispersing the formed polyamide with fine particles in the polymerization medium and then cooling the resulting mixture.

Abstract: A process for preparing a vinyl isothiocyanate comprises contacting a halogen-substituted allyl thiocyanate, in solution and at an elevated temperature, with an acidic material which is either an acid or a halide or oxyhalide of an inorganic acid. The halogen-substituted allyl thiocyanate may be prepared from a dihalogenated alkene. The vinyl isothiocyanate may subsequently be converted to a thiazole.

Abstract: A process for preparing an aliphatic thioamide entails reacting a nitrile compound of the general formulaR.sub.1 R.sub.2 R.sub.3 C--CN,wherein R.sub.1 denotes a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms or an aryl radical and R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 each denotes a hydrogen atom containing from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, with hydrogen sulphide, in the presence as catalyst of an aliphatic amine of the general formulaR.sub.4 R.sub.5 R.sub.6 N,wherein R.sub.4 denotes an alkyl radical containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms and R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 each denotes a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, in a water-miscible polar solvent.

Abstract: A new and improved laparoscopic trocar and sleeve assembly in which the trocar is provided with a transparent tip and accommodates a light telescope for supplying a video console so that while the trocar is being surgically inserted through the abdominal wall and into the abdominal cavity, visualization on the video console will be possible to avoid injury to blood vessels in the abdominal cavity wall or injury to any of the internal organs located in the abdominal cavity. Once clear visualization is established, conventional laparoscopic procedures can be carried out safely.

Abstract: A flame resistant fire barrier fabric comprising a preformed self-extinguishing thermoplastic face fabric laminated to an underlying glass fabric wherein the glass fibers are coated with a thin adherent encapsulating coating, and wherein the encapsulating coating substantially minimizes fiber to fiber self abrasion.

Abstract: A thermosetting cross-linked imide resin formed from the reaction of an amine having the formula ##STR1## wherein E and F are trivalent and tetravalent groups, respectively, and A is a divalent group with at least 2 carbon atoms; with an N,N'-bis-imide of an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid having the formula: ##STR2## wherein B is a divalent group containing a --C.dbd.C-- bond, and A' is a divalent group with at least two carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an opaque binder system containing a core-shell polymer and polymeric binder. The system is prepared and blended in-situ and demonstrates improvement in contrast ratio and scrub properties over corresponding compositions wherein the core-shell polymer is separately produced and subsequently blended with a binder polymer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a stain resistant flame retardant insulating composition that is stain resistant under conditions of natural aging, heat aging, or exposure to gases such as hydrogen sulfide or methane. The inventive insulating composition remains substantially white in color under elevated heating and combustion temperature conditions. The stain resistant electrical insulating composition of the present invention is also flame retardant and has a polymer system comprising ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and polyethylene. The composition also utilizes a vinyl silane component as a coupling agent, peroxide cross-linking agents, fillers, and a three part stabilizing system.

Abstract: Thermoplastic dynamically partially cured blends of monoolefin copolymer rubber (such as EPM or EPDM rubber) with a polyolefin resin (such as polypropylene, polyethylene) exhibit good physical properties and are reprocessable. The dynamic partial cure of the blend is effected by heating the blend with a curative such as a peroxide while shearing the blend. The blends are elastomeric and are used to make molded or extruded articles which have good physical properties without requiring vulcanization.