Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing an aqueous solution of FeCl.sub.3. The process involves the steps of: (a) reacting an ore material comprising titanium and iron with chlorine and coke to form a metal chloride vapor stream comprising titanium tetrachloride, ferrous chloride, ferric chloride and unreacted coke and ore solids; (b) cooling the metal chloride vapor stream to a temperature in the range of 350 to 500.degree. C. to condense at least some of the ferrous chloride; (c) separating the condensed ferrous chloride and the unreacted coke and ore solids from the metal chloride vapor stream; (d) cooling the metal chloride vapor stream to a temperature in the range of 180 to 240.degree. C. to form a precipitate comprising ferric chloride; and (e) adding the precipitate to water to form an aqueous solution comprising ferric chloride. The resulting aqueous solution has a high FeCl.sub.3 content, and can be used in wastewater treatment applications.

Abstract: All surfaces of yarn formed of polymeric monofilament fibers are coated with a layer of electroless nickel which can also include an electrolytic metal such as copper on the nickel. The yarn is passed through an electroless Ni aqueous bath under little or no tension so that the electroless Ni can coat all of the monofilament surface substantially uniformly. The nickel coated yarn then can be coated with electrolytic metal such as copper in an electrolytic metal plating step.

Abstract: An electrolyte level monitor used in combination with a battery having multiple cells. The monitor includes a circuit having an indicator which operates when the electrolyte level is at or above the minimum acceptable electrolyte level. The circuit is connected across cells of the battery to provide a potential to operate the monitor.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition comprising a graft copolymer characterized by carboxylic-acid or amine functional macromonomers attached at a terminal end thereof to a polymeric backbone, wherein the macromonomers are grafted in an aqueous carrier in which the carboxylic-acid or amine functional groups have been neutralized. Such compositions provide improved properties for an automotive finish.

Abstract: Monofilaments with split ends. The monofilaments can be used to form toothbrush bristles having flagged or feathered tips. Each of the monofilaments has a plurality of internal fusion lines and at least four voids, wherein the voids comprise between 5 and 20% of the cross-sectional area of the monofilaments. Preferably, the monofilaments each have a diameter in a range of 0.0025 to 0.012 inches, and have a hexalocular or an octalocular configuration. The monofilaments are manufactured by extruding a plurality of thermoplastic polymeric streams, rotating a plurality of cutting blades above 1000 rpm, and placing a plurality of cutting blades in contact with end portions of the plurality of thermoplastic polymeric streams to form split ends.

Abstract: A simple device adaptable for the storage, dispensing and installation of split shot sinker on a fishing line. Two construction methods are disclosed allowing assembly from molded components or using commercially available tubular stock material. The unit, regardless of construction method, is capable of mechanically delivering one of the properly aligned sinkers to a dispensing position. From the dispensing position, subsequent manipulation closes the sinker on a fishing line. A single contact element allows insertion of sinkers into the unit, retention of the sinkers within the unit and provides for the application of a controlled pressure to close the slot of each sinker. Deployment of this single contact element may be singular or in opposing sets. Removal tools allow release of attached sinkers from fishing line for reuse within the unit for reattachment to a fishing line. Attachment of the unit to other fishing equipment is possible for ease of handling and ready accessibility.

Abstract: A tunnel effect sensor, suitable for determining the topography of a surface, arm for exploring the profile of a surface of the sample by scanning it along two axes. The arm includes a tactile point that can be moved in a direction normal to the surface to be explored and a tunnel point near a tunnel electrode attached to the substrate. A control loop controls the distance between the tunnel point and its electrode. The position of the feeler arm is adjusted by means of the control loop and two actuators operating on the feeler arm in opposite directions. The feeler arm can therefore effect a virtual pivoting movement about the tunnel point. As a result, the sample-holder does not need to be moved along the measurement axis during measurements. Applications include atomic force microscopes.

Abstract: A nonwoven bulky composite sheet material has first and second vapor permeable layers on opposite sides of a third layer of a bulky, flexible material. The third layer has a thickness in the range of 0.3 to 3.0 mm before being bonded between said first and second layers. The first layer, the second layer and the third layer are bonded together to form a flexible composite sheet with a thickness of at least 0.3 3 mm and a moisture vapor transmission of at least 100 g/m.sup.2 in 24 hours.

Abstract: Adducts of vinyldioxo compounds comprising a crosslinkable silyl-functional terminal group are disclosed. Such adducts are useful for preparing curable coating compositions.

Abstract: Copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro(ethyl vinyl ether) having perfluoro(ethyl vinyl ether) content of at least 3 wt % exhibit excellent toughness even at melt viscosities of no greater than 25.times.10.sup.3 Pa.s. The copolymers can advantageously be made by aqueous dispersion copolymerization of the monomers in the absence of alkaline buffer and preferably in the absence of organic solvent.

Abstract: A method for making a stretch leather laminate of stretch fabric and stretchable leather so that the high-stretch directions of the fabric and the leather are substantially aligned in a preselected region of the leather. Finished articles containing such laminates are also provided.

Abstract: Readily processible cluster compositions of vanadium and phosphorus are precursors to vanadium-phosphorus catalysts including vanadyl pyrophosphate and vanadylbis(metaphosphate).

Abstract: This invention concerns a modified porous microcomposite comprising a perfluorinated ion-exchange polymer entrapped within and highly dispersed throughout a network of inorganic oxide wherein the network and optionally the pendant groups of the polymer have been modified with a Lewis acid. These modified microcomposites can be used in catalyst compositions for various chemical processes, such as in the alkylation or acylation of aromatics.

Abstract: The invention concerns processes for the preparation of fluoroolefins, including a process for the deiodofluorination of an iodine containing fluorocarbon comprising contacting said iodine containing fluorocarbon with a fluoroolefin in the presence of an aluminum chlorofluoride catalyst.

Abstract: An improved extender device for adjusting the length of a watch or bracelet band is provided. The extender element of the invention comprises a body having a width no greater than the distance measured between the sidewalls of the main watch link and shell, a coupling member formed at one end of the body and having a width substantially equal to the width of the shell, and at least one guide element formed at the other end of the body for accommodating a spring-loaded pushpin. The pin is received between the corresponding sidewall openings of the shell as the shell overlies and otherwise receives the body of the extender element.

Abstract: A laser diode package assembly is described. Besides a laser diode, the package assembly has an optical fiber section having an end located to receive the light output from the laser diode. The optical fiber section also has a fiber grating designed to operate as a bandpass filter. The fiber grating inside the package assembly not only narrows the output wavelength from the laser diode, but also increases the lifetime of the laser diode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to holographic multicolor optical elements for use as multicolor filters in liquid crystal displays and methods of making the elements. The elements can be used as multicolor reflective or transmission filters The elements can have one, two, three or more holographic recording film layers Each layer comprises at least first and second pixel volumes containing holographic mirrors and preferably third pixel volumes containing a holographic mirror.

Abstract: Spherical particles of a copolymer composition comprising a crosslinker and/or coating additive(s) the particles being especially useful for coating various substrates; and an improved process for making such particles comprising forming the copolymer and unreacted crosslinker and/or other additives in a coating matrix.

Abstract: Incorporation of certain phosphorus compounds in conjunction with certain multivalent metal compounds into a polyamide melt or a polyamide manufacturing polymerization process results in a polyamide having improved color properties.

Abstract: Modified starches prepared by cooking an amphoteric or cationic starch and an anionic, amphoteric, or cationic polyacrylamide have utility as a retention aid in the manufacture of paper.