Abstract: A copolymer of nylon 6 (caprolactam mer units) and nylon 12 (dodecanolactam mer units) and/or nylon 11 (undecanolactam mer units), which has been modified to provide improved physical properties, such as flex modulus, elastic modulus, and yield strength, serves as a layer of a hose suited to use in airbrake applications. The modified copolymer is resistant to degradation by zinc chloride and moisture and thus may be used as a peripheral layer of the hose in place of a conventional protective layer comprising a pure polyamide, such as nylon 11 or 12. Alternatively, the modified copolymer may be used as a tie layer for rendering a peripheral layer comprising nylon 12 or 11 compatible with a layer of nylon 6, allowing the less expensive nylon 6 material to comprise the bulk of the hose thickness. The layer includes a compatibilizer, such as a maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene, and may also include plasticizers and impact modifiers.

Abstract: A compounded alloy of nylon 6 and nylon 12 serves as a layer of a hose suited to use in airbrake materials. The alloy is resistant to degradation by zinc chloride and moisture and thus may be used as a peripheral layer of the hose in place of a conventional protective layer comprising a pure polyamide, such as nylon 11 or 12. Alternatively, the alloy may be used as a tie layer for rendering a peripheral layer comprising nylon 12 compatible with a layer of nylon 6, allowing the less expensive nylon 6 material to comprise the bulk of the hose thickness. The alloy includes a compatibilizer, such as a maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene in sufficient amount to render the alloy compatible with adjacent layers, thus avoiding the need for an intermediate layer of an adhesive. One or more of plasticizers and impact modifiers are preferably also present in the alloy to provide improved strength and flexural characteristics.

Abstract: An optically transparent glazing measures about 3 to 5 mm in total thickness, and has an interlayer film, the interlayer film comprises at least two polymeric film layers: a core film layer having a modulus of at least 25,000 psi (173 MPa) and a surface film layer having a maximum modulus of 15,000 (104 MPa) at 50 to 10,000 Hz and 20° C.; and the glazing is characterized by an acoustical barrier insulating capacity at least equivalent to that of a 3.85 mm thick monolithic pane of glass. The glazing also has an Articulation Index value of less than 64.2% at 50 to 10,000 Hz, a sharpness value of less than 150 at 50 to 10,000 Hz, a penetration resistance of at least 9 meters in test method ECE R43, A6 4.2, and a maximum haze of 4%. The interlayer film has a bending stiffness of at least 0.01 Pa*m3. The surface film layer has a maximum tan delta of 0.6 at 50 to 10,000 Hz and 20° C. The interlayer film preferably comprises one core film layer of between 1.0 and 1.

Abstract: Fluid handling devices comprise a body having a fluid passage therethrough and a fluid inlet and outlet at passage ends. The body is formed from a non-metallic material in a number of different forms, e.g., pipe fittings, pipes, valves and the like. The body includes weldable stubs that extend outwardly therefrom that are designed to facilitate welded attachment with the weldable stubs of an adjacent fluid handling device. To facilitate accurate rotational positioning of the device vis-a-vis other adjacent devices, one or more alignment marks are positioned along the device surface. The alignment marks are positioned on the device to provide an indication of rotational position of the device about an axis running through at least one of the weldable stubs. In one embodiment, the alignment marks are integral with and placed along an outside surface of the device body. In another embodiment, the alignment marks are integral with and placed along an outside surface of the weld stubs.