Abstract: The present invention is directed to a PDP device fabricated by using photosensitive thick film conductor compositions wherein a black electrode is present between the substrate and a conductor arrangement electrode. Also, the invention is directed to methods for fabricating the PDP device.

Abstract: After undergoing overcharge abuse, non-aqueous rechargeable lithium batteries can be left in a relatively hazardous state of charge, representing a safety concern with respect to subsequent thermal or mechanical abuse. Electrolyte additives which electrochemically form conductive polymers can be used to create a short circuit inside the battery as a result of overcharge abuse and automatically discharge the battery internally. The invention is particularly suitable for batteries equipped with electrical disconnect devices which cannot be discharged externally after the disconnect has activated. Aromatic compounds such as biphenyl are particularly suitable additives.

Abstract: Improved photovoltaic cells utilizing for a semiconductor layer, titanium dioxide powders, consisting of porous particles, ranging in size from 0.1 to 10 microns (10.sup.-6 meters), and possess relatively high bulk density combined with high surface area.

Abstract: The invention provides a process that can be used for producing a bis-glycolate ester of 5-sulfo isophthalate metal salt. The process comprises contacting a 5-sulfo isophthalate a metal salt or a dialkyl ester of 5-sulfo isophthalate metal salt, in the presence of a catalyst, with a glycol. The catalyst comprises (1) a titanium compound, a solubility promoter, a phosphorus source, and optionally a solvent, (2) a titanium compound, a complexing agent, a phosphorus source, and optionally a solvent, a sulfonic acid, or combinations thereof, or (3) combinations of (1) and (2). The solubility promoter can be selected from the group consisting of ortho silicates, ortho zirconates and combinations thereof. The phosphorus source is selected from the group consisting of a phosphonic acid, a phosphinic acid, a phosphine, and combinations of two or more thereof. The complexing agent can be selected from the group consisting of hydroxycarboxylic acids, aminocarboxylic acids, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A two-part coating system comprises a first part comprising a blend of an aliphatic polyisocyanate with a non-reactive resin or a liquid epoxide resin and a second part comprising an aromatic polyamine, such that the two parts when mixed together and applied to a surface form a rapid-setting impervious coating. The coating system is suitable for application by spraying using equipment in which the two parts of the system are first combined at the point of spraying, at the spray head. In particular the system may be used to apply an impermeable lining to the internal surfaces of pipelines, for example by means of a centrifugal spinning head.

Abstract: Non-aqueous rechargeable lithium batteries can be protected against overcharge abuse by incorporating small amounts of suitable additives into the electrolyte. Additives selected from the group consisting of phenyl-R-phenyl compounds wherein R is an aliphatic hydrocarbon, fluorine substituted biphenyl compounds, and 3-thiopheneacetonitrile can provide superior cycling performance along with satisfactory overcharge protection in high voltage lithium ion batteries. 2,2-diphenylpropane can be a preferred gassing agent additive in batteries equipped with electrical disconnect devices.

Abstract: Through functional complementation of an Escherichia coli auxotroph, 3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone 4-phosphate synthase (DS), an indispensable enzyme of the riboflavin biosynthetic pathway of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea, has been cloned. This invention relates to the isolation of the nucleic acid fragment that encodes the fungal DS protein. In addition, the invention also relates to the construction of chimeric genes encoding all or a portion of the Magnaporthe grisea DS protein, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein the expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of Magnaporthe grisea DS in a transformed host cell. Finally, the invention also relates the use of the Magnaporthe grisea DS protein as a tool for identifying chemical agents that could be useful as fungicides, antibiotics, or herbicides.

Abstract: This invention relates to aqueous cleaning formulations useful in the cleaning of textile fabrics such as carpets and upholstery. The cleaning formulations comprise a) detergent, b) fluorochemical soil-resist agent, c) stain-resist agent, and d) a stable aqueous dispersion of inorganic particulate matter selected from the group consisting of clay, colloidal silica, colloidal alumina, titanium dioxide, and mixtures thereof. The detergent, the fluorochemical soil-resist agent, the stain-resist agent and the inorganic particulate matter each have a flash point that is at least 100.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved sheet products and specifically to improved nonwoven sheet products made from highly oriented plexifilamentary film-fibril webs. The improved sheet products have high opacity and strength with a much wider range of porosity or Gurley Hill Porosity Values. In particular, sheet products made in accordance with the present invention have considerably higher Gurley Hill Porosity Values than similar weight sheet products subject to the same finishing treatments in accordance with prior known sheet materials. Similarly, sheet products made in accordance with the present invention can be made which have much lower Gurley Hill Porosity Values than prior sheet materials. The invention includes numerous methods and data characterizing the webs and sheets that form the improved sheet materials.

Abstract: A self-aligning steering system for a vehicle having a steering wheel and a plurality of front wheels. The invention has a hydraulic fluid circulation means responsive to the steering wheel and a left and a right hydraulic cylinder for maneuvering the front wheels in response to the hydraulic fluid circulation system. The hydraulic cylinders have an internal fluid release system such that the volume of hydraulic fluid in the left and the right hydraulic cylinders is equalized through the hydraulic fluid circulation means. Equal hydraulic fluid volume ensures that the front wheels are in alignment.

Abstract: An element containing, in order: a first strippable substrate; a substantially transparent, non-photosensitive, polymeric isolation layer having a coating weight of 10 to 150 mg/dm.sup.2 ; an essentially non-photosensitive, non-tacky organic layer having a coating weight of 25 to 200 mg/dm.sup.2 ; a pigmented photosensitive, preferably photopolymerizable layer; and a second different strippable substrate adjacent the photosensitive layer, wherein the photosensitive layer upon imagewise exposure to actinic radiation exhibits a lowered peel force relative to a system which does not have a polymeric isolation layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of aspartic acid via a fermentation process for the preparation of ammonia fumarate, wherein the pH of the fermentation broth is controlled by the addition of a calcium base to produce a calcium fumarate precipitate, characterized in that ammonium fumarate is produced by separating the precipitated calcium fumarate from the fermentation broth, and reacting the same with a reagent selected from ammonia, ammonium carbonate, ammonia in combination with CO.sub.2 and mixtures therefore, to form ammonium fumarate and a co-product selected from calcium carbonate and calcium hydroxide, wherein the energy of indirect neutralization of fumaric acid by ammonia serves as the driving force for the conversion of calcium fumarate to the desired ammonium fumarate product and for the regeneration of a calcium base reagent, and wherein diammonium fumarate is enzymatically converted to ammonium aspartate and acidulated to from aspartic acid.

Abstract: The invention shows pipe cleaning apparatuses for oil and gas pipelines in which a shield with a cleaning apparatus is moved forward by a liquid flow in the pipeline. The shield forms one or more apertures in the pipeline for a passing liquid flow in order to build up a predetermined pressure and is provided at its rear end with a braking apparatus which prevents undesirably large speeds of advance in that at least one clamping element adheres momentarily to the pipe wall and moves relative to the braking apparatus. This movement is kinematically transmitted to a hydraulic displacer which produces a secondary liquid flow that is braked via at least one throttle point and thus determines the speed between the shield and the pipe wall.

Abstract: Exposing to visible light atom transfer radical polymerizations of vinyl monomers that use transition metal compounds often results in faster polymerizations and/or the need for less transition metal compound. Disclosed is a process for the polymerization of vinyl monomers by atom transfer radical polymerization using a first compound containing a transition metal and a second compound capable of radically transferring an atom or group to said first compound, wherein the improvement comprises, irradiating with visible light with an intensity of at least about 5 mW/cm.sup.2 a liquid in which said polymerization is taking place. The polymers made are useful for molding resins and coatings.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for the copolymerization of formaldehyde with cyclic ethers, the process comprising combining in a hydrocarbon solvent a cyclic ether, a cationic initiator comprising an anion formed from tetraphenyl borate derivatives, and mixtures thereof, and a cation, and anhydrous formaldehyde. These initiators provide high activity, high cyclic ether incorporation rates, and stability while minimizing the production of by-products.

Abstract: A process for making a substantially uniform composition of short aramid fibers and polymer wherein the fibers are provided with a significant moisture content to improve handling characteristics and are partially dried and opened by shear forces in an extruder before contact with the polymer in the extruder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of polyamide polymers via prepolymer formation in a reactor system comprising a reactor, flasher and separator, crystallization of the prepolymer under controlled temperature conditions and the subsequent conversion of these crystallized prepolymers to high molecular weight polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning gas for use in a medical procedure, such as endoscopy, the gas being received into the apparatus from a gas source. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port. A humidification means comprising at least one water-retainer layer is disposed within the chamber in the path of travel of the gas for humidifying the gas as it passes through the chamber. A humidity sensor is disposed within the chamber that senses the humidity of the gas exiting the chamber. A monitoring circuit is connected to the humidity sensor that detects when the chamber requires a recharge of liquid based on the humidity of the gas in the chamber, and generates a recharge signal indicative thereof. A charging port on the housing provides access into the chamber to recharge the chamber with water. A heating element and temperature sensor are also disposed within the chamber. A control circuit further regulates the temperature of the gas exiting the chamber.