Abstract: An improved method for manufacturing poly(hexamethylene adipamide), i.e. nylon 6,6, by reacting monomethyl adipate with hexamethylenediamine in an approximately equimolar ratio in the presence of water at a temperature of 100 to 165.degree. C. while simultaneous distilling off of a stoichiometric amount of methanol. The resulting aqueous intermediate product is then heated to 200 to 260.degree. C. while distilling off substantially all water at a pressure of 150 to 250 psig (1.03 .times.10.sup.6 to 1.72 .times.10.sup.6 Pa) followed by reducing the pressure to atmospheric pressure and increasing the temperature to 270 to 280.degree. C. to polycondense the distillate residue. Such a process is useful in producing high purity commercial grade poly(hexamethylene adipamide) that advantageously avoids problems caused by N-methylation of the polyamide.

Abstract: An improved two step (dual stage catalysis) aqueous hydrogenation process and a novel trimetallic hydrogenation catalysts consisting essentially of highly dispersed, reduced ruthenium and rhenium metals in the presence of a third metal tin on carbon support particular useful in the second stage of the process. Such process and catalyst exhibit high conversion rates in aqueous solution hydrogenation of hydrogenatable precursors (e.g., maleic acid, succinic acid, corresponding esters, .gamma.-butyrolactone, etc.) to tetrahydrofuran, .gamma.-butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol and mixtures thereof wherein the relative molar ratio of 1,4-butanediol to tetrahydrofuran products being produced can be controlled.

Abstract: A modular transaction station, comprising a frame; a monocoque counter assembly secured to the frame; and a pair of mounting sleeves extending about at least a portion of the periphery of the frame. The first mounting sleeve is secured to the frame, and the second mounting sleeve is securable to at least one of the frame and the first mounting sleeve, such that the transaction station may be secured within an opening in a wall with a portion of the wall bounding the opening positioned between the first and second mounting sleeves.

Abstract: A thermoplastic housing has a chamber open at one end and a bottom wall at the other end. A thermoplastic rotor is locked axially in the chamber by a snap fitting ridge and groove. A one or more bores are in the housing bottom wall in communication with the chamber. The rotor has a central boss with one or more bores aligned with the housing bores in an initial position of the rotor and includes an outer ring with axially depending radially flexible pawls which engage housing ratchet teeth in the chamber. The pawls and teeth rotationally lock the rotor relative to the housing in one direction while seal filament segments inserted in the aligned bores are twisted about each other or about a post in the cavity. The rotor is rotated relative to the housing manually by finger gripped-flanges attached to the rotor and to the housing. The rotor ring and boss are spaced by a weakening groove which causes the boss to permanently separate from the ring when the filament is pulled in an attempt to defeat the seal.

Abstract: A device to hold soap flakes and the like includes a container body having a dispensing meter built into the container. The container has front, rear, and side walls that form an opening at the top. Vertical walls within the container define baffles that allow powder to flow into a dosing compartment for dispensing from the container. A removable cover seals the top of the container and has an opening through which soap powder is dispensed.

Abstract: A solid surface material is provided with a thin layer of filled polymer integrally formed with a backing of bubble-filled polymer, without an interface or transition zone in the polymer matrix.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a flash spun plexifilamentary strand material comprising blends of thermoplastic material including polyethylene and polypropylene, the resulting strand has a unique morphology comprising a three dimensional integral plexus of semicrystalline fibrous elements.

Abstract: A method and an associated apparatus for cleaning an inner wall of a mold part includes forming a chamber between displaced mold parts by introducing a casing between the mold parts. The casing enclosures a blasting device for introducing a blasting nozzle which directs a cleaning jet at the inner wall. The chamber encapsulates noise and particles which are produced during the cleaning process.

Abstract: A system for locking caps, to be used especially in those tanks containing inflammable liquids, said cap (10) comprising a body (11) which is seated over a tank nozzle (2), an articulating lock arm (14) bearing a respective lock displaceable between locking and releasing positions relative to the tank nozzle upon the corresponding angular movement of the lock arm, an arm activating assembly provided in the cap body (11) and whereto a drive shaft (51) is mounted in a freely rotating manner and to which torque is selectively applied, an impelling piston (15) coupled to lock arm (14) and being axially displaced between corresponding locking and releasing positions of the lock arm (14); an electromagnetic clutch causing the selective axial displacement of the impelling piston (15) between operational limit positions upon the rotation of the drive shaft (51) and comprising a coupling means displaceable between engaging and disengaging position; coil means (60) causing the displacement of the coupling means to the

Abstract: An improved hammock includes a body supporting member for a user to lie on, suspension cords, retainer rings and ropes for attachment to an external support structure. The cords interconnect the rings and body supporting member at longitudinal end portions thereof so that the body supporting member may be suspended from the external support structure. A pair of spreader bars positioned adjacent the longitudinal end portions of the body supporting member are provided with spaced apertures which receive the suspension cords therein and laterally space apart the cords in order to laterally extend the body supporting member to provide full and adequate lateral support to the user. The spreader bars are laterally curved outwardly and are split proximal to or at the apertures into upper and lower members to provide open access to the apertures so that the cords may be inserted into the apertures when the upper and lower members are separated.

Abstract: Highly fluorinated epoxides are reacted with dihalogens in the presence of metal and metal containing reaction promoters to give dihalofluoromethanes and their homologues.

Abstract: A fabric made using a para-aramid yarn is disclosed having increased cut resistance and maintained comfort wherein the yarn has low twist and the staple fibers in the yarn have high linear density.

Abstract: Catalyst comprising a perfluorinated ion-exchange microcomposite can be reactivated upon contact with at least one cleaning agent, such as an oxidizing agent, organic solvent, supercritical fluid or detergent. The process may further comprise heating prior to, during or after contact followed by washing with water and/or an organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell having split fluid and current feed. Specifically, the cathode or anode inlet and outlet fluid may be fed from both, rather than from just one end of the electrolyzer. Alternatively, or additionally, the current may be fed to the anode or cathode side of the cell at one point, but may be removed from the opposite end of cell at two points. By feeding the fluid from both ends of the electrolyzer, the internal shunt current within each manifold is reduced, while the active area in the electrolyzer is increased without increasing the overall area of the current distributors. By removing the current from the electrolyzer at two points rather than just one, the voltage required by the electrolyzer may be reduced by half than if the current were removed at just one point.

Abstract: The exercise helmet of the present invention includes an outer shell which would preferably be constructed of a sturdy plastic, and an inner shell which would function as an impact absorbing liner. Support plates are provided at the sides of the helmet to support shafts which extend outwardly from the support plates. Weighted plates may be placed on the shafts to provide resistance for exercise when the helmet is worn. A yoke accessory is provided for attachment to a cable of a conventional weight machine, for providing resistance instead of the weighted plates. An adjustable chin strap is provided for securing the helmet more securely to a wearer's head, and for increasing the exercise effect on facial muscles.

Abstract: Silver-containing fibers are disclosed having silver particles intermingled with domains of sulfonated polyaniline in a continuous phase of poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide).