Abstract: An atmospheric pressure process for the continuous production of polyester is disclosed wherein a melt of bis(3-hydroxy propyl) terephthalate, or its low molecular oligomers, obtained by esterifying terephthalic acid or transesterifying dimethyl terephthalate with propylene glycol, is intimately contacted with an inert gas to facilitate polymerization and removal of the reaction by-products. The propylene glycol evolved and the inert gas are recycled.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for dispersion of cellulose based fibers in water. The raw material, which particularly may be recycled paper, is first wetted with water. By a combination of addition of hydrocolloid which binds water, and strong kneading at high solid content, the mixture is transformed into a modulable paste. The high viscosity of the paste effectively conveys the shear forces of the kneading machine to make the fibers flexible and tear them apart. When the kneading is terminated, the hydrocolloid prevents the fibers from reassociation into fiber bundles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for hydrocyanation comprising reacting a nonconjugated, ethylenically unsaturated compound in a two phase process solvent with HCN in the presence of a Lewis acid promoter and a catalyst system comprising zero-valent nickel and an organic phosphorous containing ligand having the structure (PR.sub.2).sub.n R' where n is an integer from 1 to 2, R and R' are organic residues which may be the same or different and where the R or R' contain at least one C9 to C40 aliphatic group positioned as a tail extending away from the primary ligand structure rendering the ligand lipophilic.

Abstract: A sealing device for dust- and liquid-aspirating machines, comprising an electric motor provided with a shaft, to a cantilevered free end whereof an axial suction impeller is fixed, the impeller being contained in a casing wherein one or more delivery ducts are formed peripherally. The device further comprises an axially perforated disk-shaped element associated with the shaft, interposed between the motor and the casing, and having a perimetric surface shaped so as to form at least two successive tapering regions between which a change in diameter is interposed and forms a step, the configuration of the disk-shaped element being adapted to repel the liquid by centrifugal action and to dissipate its energy in association with the facing surface of a flanged sealing element having a hollow section that encapsulates part of the electric motor, and a flange connected to the casing upon assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying non-gravitational pressure to a surface includes a frame structure having a longitudinal axis, a pair of connecting members coupled to the frame structure along parallel axes normal to the longitudinal axis of the frame structure, vacuum fasteners coupled to the connecting members to secure the frame structure on an underlying surface, a vacuum pump mounted on the frame structure for activating the vacuum fasteners and a positive pressure pump mounted on the frame structure for inflating a collapsible diaphragm to apply pressure to the underlying surface. The apparatus is useful for applying doublers to aircraft components to repair localized damage.

Abstract: Water-based makeup compositions and methods for their preparation are disclosed. The compositions comprise a water-dispersible pigment having a nonionic coating, a lipid vesicle comprising one or more lipid components, and a cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous carrier, and possess unusual stability at low pH. A method for the preparation of such water-based makeup compositions is disclosed as well.

Abstract: Novel polymer-bound oligopeptides exhibiting antimicrobial activity have been develop. The oligopeptides are unique amino acid sequences that form amphiphilic helices.

Abstract: This invention concerns polymers, having fluoroalkoxy side chains, which are made by a novel process comprising reacting a polymer containing hydroxyl groups, especially poly(vinyl alcohol), with a fluorinated olefin in the presence of a base. The resulting polymers are useful in coatings, as in optical wave guides, and antireflective coatings and in other optical devices.

Abstract: Products prepared by reacting polyisocyanates with alkenyl or alkynyl compounds; then with perfluoroalkyl iodides & dehydroiodinating the product.

Abstract: An integrated sealing system for automatic transmission made up of a sole part composed essentially of annular structural metal element (10), suitable for assembling in the annular space between the main shaft (1) and semi-shaft of the wheel set (2) and casing (3) of the automatic transmission; and a set of rubber sealing elements to seal all the interstices in that area of the automotive vehicle mechanism, incorporated in the annular structural element (10) formed by radial sealing element (dynamic sealing) (11)-(12); and surface sealing (static sealing); the radial sealing element (11)-(12) consists on the whole of: a first element (11) composed of a rim (20) which seals against the main shaft (1) with a garter type spring (21) to absorb radial efforts; flanges (22) to protect the spring from being released; in addition, the radial sealing element (11)-(12) has a second element (12) consisting of: a rim (25) which seals against the wheel set semi-shaft (2), and a rim (26) that seals against the deflector (2

Abstract: This invention relates to the controlled molecular weight production of macromonomers and polymers with terminal conjugated double bonds from starting monomers including, but not limited to substituted butadienes. The terminal diene end thus produced is also a potential reaction site for further polymerization or functionalization. The molecular weight is controlled by use of Co chain transfer catalysts and appropriate process conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding all or a substantial portion of Vernonia galamenensis fatty acid modifying enzymes. The invention also relates to the construction of chimeric genes encoding all or a portion of Vernonia galamenensis fatty acid modifying enzymes, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of a Vernonia galamenensis fatty acid modifying enzymes in a transformed host cells.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for changing the fluorine content of halogenated hydrocarbons containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, in the presence of a multiphase catalyst, which is characterized by preparing certain single phase solid catalyst precursors containing two metal components (e.g., a divalent component of Mn, Co, Zn, Mg and/or Cd and a trivalent component of Al, Ga, Cr and/or V) which have structures that collapse at about 600.degree. C. or less; and producing said catalyst by heating the precursor to produce a multiphase composition wherein a phase containing one of the metal components is homogeneously dispersed with a phase containing the other metal component, and at least when the precursor contains no fluoride, contacting said multiphase composition with a vaporizable fluorine-containing fluorination compound at a temperature of from about 200.degree. C. to 450.degree. C. Also disclosed are single phase fluoride compositions having the formula MM'F.sub.5 (H.sub.2 O).sub.

Abstract: In plant for the production and processing of an aromatic carboxylic acid such as terephthalic acid, at least some of the plant components (especially those exposed to an acidic reaction medium at elevated temperatures and pressures in excess of 180.degree. C. and 8 bara respectively) are fabricated from duplex stainless steels and the conditions under which such plant components are exposed to the reaction medium are controlled to maintain a low corrosion rate.

Abstract: A motor vehicle transport cover is made of a vapor permeable, water impermeable, synthetic nonwoven sheet. The transport cover includes a mechanism for firmly attaching the nonwoven sheet in a position on a motor vehicle that covers substantially all of the roof, hood, and front bumper fascia of the vehicle and remains attached at air speeds along the major axis of the vehicle of at least 50 mph. The attachment mechanism is readily releasable and it leaves no visible adhesive residue on the vehicle at the moment the nonwoven sheet is removed from the vehicle. The transport cover may be a unitary cover that covers substanstially all of the finished surfaces of a covered vehicle. The transport cover does not prevent driver access to a covered vehicle and it does not unduly obstruct the view of a driver of a covered vehicle.

Abstract: A process for forming a dispersion of polytetrafluoroethylene particles in a liquid containing a dispersant by passing the mixture through a plurality of nozzles within a liquid-jet interaction chamber at a pressure of to deagglomerate and stabilize the polytetrafluoroethylene particles.

Abstract: A structual support-or joist-suspendable storage case. An open-top box unit is suspended for pivotal motion and fixation between rafters, joists, etc. The suspension and movement mechanism includes hooks and, optionally, detents (or studs). In the preferred embodiment, only identical hooks are used in braces or pair-assemblies, one of each pair mounted to a side of the box unit, and its complement fixed to a structural element in a position best suited to receive the box-mounted device. Two or more of the assemblies are featured per unit. Alternatively, the assemblies may consist of a hook and studded hook combination where either hook or studded hook is placed on the box and its complement is fixed to a structural element.

Abstract: Methods and systems for forming hinged starch-bound matrices. Starch-based compositions are molded between heated molds in order to form a cellular matrix and also to remove the water from the starch-based compositions in order to form a binding matrix of solidified starch. The molding apparatus is configured to form one or more creases within the hinge area in order to define one or more lines upon which the hinge will bend. The molding apparatus is also configured such that the region of the mold corresponding to the inner surface of the hinge area will transfer heat more slowly to the inner hinge surface, resulting in reduced thickness of the skin of the inner hinge. This increases the collapsibility, or ability of the inner surface of the hinge to fold or buckle, during the bending action. This in turn reduces the bending radius of hinge such that the hinging action exerts less strain on the outer surface of the hinge.

Abstract: A crosslapper is disclosed utilizing at least one foraminous transporting belt to permit rapid escape of entrained air during fast operation of wide-bed machinery.