Abstract: A blend, a batt, and a process for making the batt from the blend is disclosed. The blend and batt are made from a uniform combination of cotton and copolyester binder fibers wherein the binder fibers have a melting temperature of 230.degree. to 340.degree. F.

Abstract: A photonic array bus provides a connectorless, computer backplane-like communication systems for advanced data processing and communications systems requiring operation rates exceeding 1 gigahertz. Components of a multiple component advanced data processing or communications system are coupled to pairs of laser transmitters and laser receivers. The laser transmitter and receiver pairs are arrayed in a coplanar circular fashion about a central disperser lens. A laser transmitter emits a laser beam incident on the central disperser lens. The central disperser lens disperses the laser beam into a coplanar array of laser beams illuminating the laser receivers. Multiple channel operation is achieved by "stacking" along the length of the disperser lens coplanar arrays of pairs of laser transmitters and receivers.

Abstract: A support for an external rearview mirror for motor vehicles that comprises a support rod having an intermediate vetical portion for supporting the mirror and upper and lower transverse portions extending substantially horizontally from opposite ends of the vertical portion. Upper and lower base arrangements connected with respective free ends of the upper and lower transverse portions for attaching the support to a vehicle body. The upper transverse portion is pivotally attached to the upper base arrangement and the lower transverse portion of the support rod is fixedly attached to the lower base arrangement. The lower base arrangement includes a stabilizing mechanism for the mirror support.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for flash-spinning plexifilamentary film-fibril strands of fiber-forming polyolefin from a small group halocarbon liquids that, if released to the atmosphere, present a greatly reduced ozone depletion hazard, as compared to the halocarbon currently-used commercially for making the strands. The preferred halocarbon for this purpose is 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for hydroentangling continuous polyolefin filament fibers to form a fabric web. The fibers are supported on a 60 to 150 mesh screen and passed under high pressure water jets operating at at least 2000 psi and providing a total impact energy of at least 0.7 MJ-N/Kg to entangle the fibers. Preferably, the hydroentangled web is thereafter passed under finer finishing water jets operating at a pressure of between 300 to 1200 psi to redistribute the fibers. If desired, a finish may be applied to the entangled web. The resulting hydroentangled web has considerably increased visual uniformity, opacity, softness, comfort, strength and barrier properties compared to prior art webs thereby making it particularly useful as a disposable industrial garment.

Abstract: A plurality of individual marks are imprinted in the surface of an object to form a plurality of substantially linear, rectangular arrays of preselected width in the surface of the object. Each imprinted substantially linear, rectangular array is spaced a preselected distance from each adjacent imprinted, substantially linear, rectangular array to provide a space of preselected width. The preselected width substantially linear, rectangular arrays and preselected width spaces are combined in alternating fashion to provide a bar code message in the surface of the object.

Abstract: Ketoester of the formula ##STR1## .alpha.-carboxylate-.omega.-acyl fluoride of the formula ##STR2## vinyl ether of the formula ##STR3## divinyl ether of the formula ##STR4## allyl ether of the formula ##STR5## and film-forming copolymers, useful as molding resins, of the vinyl ether and/or the divinyl ether or the allyl ether and a fluorinated vinyl monomer, for example, tetrafluoroethylene, wherein, in the above formulas, n is 0 to 6, p is 0 to 7, X is CO.sub.2 M, CO.sub.2 R, CO.sub.2 H, CONH.sub.2, COF, COCl or Cn, M is alkali metal, ammonium or quaternary ammonium and R is C.sub.1-8 alkyl, selected copolymers, after hydrolysis, being water-wettable and dyeable, exhibiting ion-exchange properties and being useful in curable fluoroelastomer compositions and, in film form, as the membrane in a chloroalkali electrolysis cell.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for encouraging maximal plant growth which method and apparatus comprise a light filter which prevents the natural decay of plant growth stimulating materials by absorption of UV radiation while permitting photosynthesis to occur with blue light in the absence of attendant heat generating and dehydrating radiations caused by green, yellow and infra-red light. The objective is made possible according to the preferred embodiment of the invention by interposing separately, continuously, or discontinuously, a combination of filters made of solid material between the sun and the growing plants which block out radiation in those wave lengths which are either physiologically harmful or which retard growth, but do not inhibit those wavelengths which are necessary for photosynthesis, metabolism, differentiation and development.

Abstract: Connector formed by the juxtapositioning of modules whose bases (1a, 1b, 1c) have dimensions similar to those of a surface mounted component, so as to be able to gripped and positioned by the same machine, and have connecting elements passing therethrough with one of their ends bent back under the base, characterized in that the modules are not mechanically fixed to each other and held solely by soldering the bent back ends (5b) of the connecting elements on tracks (6) of a printed circuit (7).

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing high tenacity, high modulus, para-aramid fibers by application of cyclic tensioning forces to such fibers in the newly-spun, wet, state before they have been dried.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a special class of sulfonic and phosphonic acids, and salts of the acids, to give improved nucleation for foam extrusion of thermoplastics using either dissolved gas or chemical blowing agents to produce foam.

Abstract: A laminated foam mattress for reducing or relieving the pressure exerted against a user of the mattress. The matress includes an upper and a lower layer of polyurethane foam each of which is laminated to a middle layer of a different polyurethane foam. The upper and lower layers feature a polyurethane foam which is of a higher density than the middle layer. The upper and lower layers also include a higher initial softness ratio than the middle layer. The middle layer has higher 5, 25 and 65% indentation load deflection values (ILD) than the corresponding ILD values for the upper and lower layers which is attributable to the firm support provided by the middle layer. The middle layer is preferably about twice as thick as the upper and lower layers. The upper and lower layers each include a checkerboard-like upper surface. The combination of layers provides for a reduction in pressure points especially in those areas most susceptible to skin ulcers such as the hip and heel.

Abstract: Azeotropic mixtures of 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoro-3-methoxypropane with methanol or isopropanol or n-propanol, the azeotropic mixtures being useful in solvent cleaning applications.

Abstract: An extension pipe for raising the elevation of a shower head comprising an S-shaped length of pipe having external threads on each end thereof, the lower end being a straight horizontal section of pipe and the upper end being directed downwardly from about 15.degree. to about 45.degree. below horizontal.

Abstract: A process for preparing arylene sulfide polymers which comprises the steps of contacting at least one alkali metal hydroxide, water and at least one lactam to form a first mixture comprising an alkali metal aminoalkanoate, water and lactam, and subsequently contacting said first mixture with at least one sulfur source selected from the group consisting of alkali metal bisulfides, thiolactams, and hydrogen sulfide under reaction conditions of time and temperature sufficient to produce a second mixture comprising a polymerizable complex of an alkali metal aminolkanoate and the sulfur source, lactam, water and metal impurities; separating at least a portion of the metal impurities from the second mixture to form a third mixture; contacting at least one dihaloaromatic compound with the third mixture to produce a polymerization mixture; subjecting the polymerization mixture to polymerization conditions of time and temperature sufficient to produce the arylene sulfide polymer; and recovering the arylene sulfide pol

Abstract: The electrical terminals of a plunger switch are held in slots and extend into a housing for the switch substantially along the entire length of the housing. An electrical bridging contact operates between the terminals through movement of a plunger axially movable in the switch. A cap assembly for the housing includes a seal to seal the switch elements from the environment. Spring biased ears extend from the cap of the cup assembly and have notches which engage lugs formed on the housing to secure the cap assembly to the housing. Spring tabs extend from the housing to engage a base member to hold the switch. The spring tabs also trap the ears in their engaged position when the tabs engage the base.

Abstract: The azeotropic mixture of 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoro-3-methoxypropane and 2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropanol-1, and the use of such azeotropic mixture as: a cleaning agent, a blowing agent, a refrigerant, an aerosol propellant, a heat transfer medium, a fire extinguishing agent, a gaseous dielectric and a power cycle working fluid is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatically preparing one or more stacks of sheets, each stack having at least two substantially straight edges that meet to define a corner and, specifically, where preparing constitutes corner rounding, notching, hole punching or edge marking the stack.

Abstract: A primer composition having a low VOC content and containing solvents, a film forming binder and pigments and the binder contains about(1) 30-65% by weight, based on the weight of the binder, of a hydroxyl containing polyester copolymer having a hydroxy number of about 100-300 and a number average molecular weight of about 300-3,000 and being the esterification product of an alkylene glycol, a branched chain polyol, a cycloaliphatic dicarboxylic acid, an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and an aromatic dicarboxylic acid or anhydride thereof;(2) 5-20% by weight, based on the weight of the binder, of a reactive plasticizer; and(3) 30-50% by weight, based on the weight of the binder, of a monomeric fully alkylated melamine formaldehyde crosslinking agent.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is provided a protective glove for use with protective coveralls of the type having an outer shell fabric of woven aramid fabric covered by a liquid impervious layer and an inner, multilayer thermally insulating liner fabric of at least one layer of low density nonwoven fabric fastened to a woven fabric. The protective glove includes an outer glove fabricated by sewing from the outer shell fabric of the coveralls. A liner glove is provided within the outer glove and is fabricated by sewing from the multilayer liner fabric of the coveralls. The inner and outer gloves are attached together at the cuffs but is otherwise unattached to the outer glove. The protective glove also includes a continuous intermediate glove fabricated from a waterproof breathable expanded polymeric membrane which is provided between the outer glove and the inner glove.