Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for externally and noninvasively determining the temperatures of chemical reactions inside a plurality of separate closed vessels that are made of materials that substantially transparent to microwave radiation but that are poor conductors of heat. The method comprises exposing a plurality of substantially microwave-transparent of vessels containing chemical reagents therein to microwave radiation, concurrently measuring the temperature of the reagents inside a first vessel using a first temperature sensor inside the first vessel and while measuring the temperature of the exterior of the first vessel using a second temperature sensor positioned externally to the first vessel, and immediately thereafter successively measuring the temperature of the exterior of the remainder of the vessels using the second sensor.

Abstract: A composition of acetal resin infused with one or more polyglycols to impart an improved tribological property. The composition is produced by mixing a powdered or granulated polyoxymethylene homopolymer (or copolymer) in the range from about 75% to about 95% by weight, with from about 25 to about 5% by weight of one or more polyglycols. Examples disclosed include compositions in which the single polyglycol comprises a polyethylene glycol, an ethylene oxide-propylene glycol monobutyl ether, a diethylene glycol n-butyl ether, an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide polyglycol, and a propylene glycol monobutyl ether. Preferably, if an oil soluble polyglycol is added, either a polyethylene glycol or a propylene glycol monobutyl ether is included to serve as a compatibilizer for the oil soluble polyglycol.

Abstract: Solid lubricant-dispensing plastics containing: polyethylene with a molecular weight of about 200-700,000; an oil; an optional compatibilizing agent for the oil; and, a bleed control agent that controls the rate of release of the oil. Methods are also disclosed for preparing the lubricant-dispensing plastics that have controlled oil release rates that are dependent upon the amount of the bleed control agent, and are adjustable by changing oil viscosity and the initial amount of the oil in the formulation.