Abstract: A system for indicating the operational status and parameters of a cruise control system for use in a human operated vehicle. The system includes apparatus for storing and recalling a preset speed for the cruise control system. The system further includes apparatus for indicating this preset speed to the operator, along with apparatus configured to indicate to the user whether or not the cruise control system is engaged. One embodiment is a system for use with vehicles with digital speedometers. In this embodiment, the system includes digital memory for storing the preset speed, and a digital display configured to show the preset speed and the operational status of the cruise control system. Another embodiment is for use with vehicles having analog speedometers. The analog system includes an array of LEDs and detectors arranged around a speed indicating dial and under the speedometer needle.

Abstract: An optical router switches any of the input optical channels to and from any recipient in response to digital control signal. The optical router enables relaying the optical channels in an assembly of micro-mechanical units. The input optical channels are directed to output optical fiber at predetermined positions in response to the digital control signal.

Abstract: A vinylic copolymer comprising repeat units of A, B and C These copolymers have an acid content of 0.015 to 0.50 milliequivalents per gram of copolymer. Compositions that provide these copolymers in easily handled forms, and cosmetic compositions comprising the copolymer are also provided.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium, comprising a magnetic layer provided on a nonmagnetizable substrate, wherein the magnetic layer comprises a magnetic pigment dispersed in a polymeric binder, the polymeric binder comprising a resin, wherein the resin comprises a nonchlorinated fluorine-containing vinyl copolymer having pendant nitrile groups, pendant hydroxyl groups, and pendant fluorine-containing groups.

Abstract: In an acrylonitrile based retarder, relatively uniform performance is obtained as the angle of incidence varies over a wide range. A toughening material may be blended with an acrylonitrile based polymer to facilitate processing of a retarder and improve mechanical properties of the retarder without compromising the optical performance. A rubber-modified acrylonitrile based retarder which provides relatively uniform wide angle can be fabricated using conventional processing techniques. Such retarders are particularly suited for a number of specific applications which use relatively wide ranges of incidence angles.

Abstract: The invention provides novel macromonomer and carboxyl functional polyurethanes having a high carboxyl content. The invention further provides dispersions, coatings and magnetic recording media comprising these polyurethanes, or blends or copolymers of these polyurethanes with quaternary ammonium compounds. The invention further provides novel dispersions, coatings and magnetic recording media comprising combinations of carboxyl functional polyurethanes having a high carboxyl content with quaternary ammonium polymers.

Abstract: An adhesive backed article, method for its manufacture and a kit including such an article are provided. The article of the invention is provided as an antislip product comprised of a backing and an oil resistant adhesive applied to a major surface of the backing. In one aspect of the invention, an article is provided comprising: a backing having a first and second major surfaces, the first major surface being textured to provide a slip resistant surface; and a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the second major surface of the backing, the adhesive formulated to be resistant to peel in use when exposed to oily environments, the adhesive comprising the polymerized reaction product of (a) acrylic acid; (b) at least one N-vinyl containing monomer; (c) at least one acrylate selected from the group consisting of isooctyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and combinations thereof; (d) optionally, less than about 20 weight % fluoroalkyl siloxane; and (e) optionally, a cross linking agent.

Abstract: A method for preventing explosions in closed tanks which hold flammable liquids and flammable vapors and air above these liquid fuels comprising filling the ullage with a pressurized gas which not only excludes oxygen from the ullage but also prevents transmission of fire initiating sparks. The method further comprises filling the ullage with an electronegative gas alone or in combination with an inert gas or gases. More specifically, the preferred electronegative gas is sulfur hexafluoride (SF.sub.6) which may also be used in combination with CO.sub.2 and/or N.sub.2. More particularly, the method is directed to the prevention of explosions in aircraft fuel tanks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel silicone free copolymer and coating prepared therefrom. The coating which is capable of being written on effectively with both solvent-based and water-based inks is also bleedthrough resistant. A repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive note is capable of effectively adhering to the coating. The invention also provides substrates coated with the coatings and articles such as pads and rolls formed from the coated substrates.

Abstract: In an acrylonitrile based retarder, relatively uniform performance is obtained as the angle of incidence varies over a wide range. A toughening material may be blended with an acrylonitrile based polymer to facilitate processing of a retarder and improve mechanical properties of the retarder without compromising the optical performance. A rubber-modified acrylonitrile based retarder which provides relatively uniform wide angle can be fabricated using conventional processing techniques. Such retarders are particularly suited for a number of specific applications which use relatively wide ranges of incidence angles.

Abstract: An article that is capable of accepting and anchoring printed indicia and yet, maintains good release properties. The article of the present invention is coated with a release agent on a substrate such as paper. Release coatings receptive to toner particles emitted by electrophotoconductive devices comprise a polymer having at least one vinyl polymeric segment having a T.sub.g between -10.degree. C. and 65.degree. C. and at least one siloxane polymeric segment.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions are provided containing vinyl-silicone graft or block copolymers of the formula ##STR1##

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel copolymer and coating prepared therefrom. The coating which is capable of being written on effectively with both solvent-based and water-based inks is also bleedthrough resistant. A repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive note is capable of effectively adhering to the coating. The invention also provides substrates coated with the coatings and articles such as pads formed from the coated substrates.

Abstract: A polymeric binder system useful for a magnetic recording medium, the polymeric binder system and comprising a hard resin component comprising a nonhalogenated vinyl copolymer and a soft resin component comprising a polyurethane having a phosphonate diester group. The binder system is useful for preparing the magnetic layer and/or backside coating of magnetic recording media, in order to provide media that demonstrate an improved combination of such as modulus, Tg, and smoothness.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium, comprising a magnetic layer provided on a nonmagnetizable substrate, wherein the magnetic layer comprises a magnetic pigment dispersed in a polymeric binder, the polymeric binder comprising a resin, wherein the resin comprises a nonchlorinated fluorine-containing vinyl copolymer having pendant nitrile groups, pendant hydroxyl groups, and pendant fluorine-containing groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-halogenated vinyl oligomer wherein the oligomer comprises a plurality of pendant nitrile groups and at least one pendant dispersing group; wherein the oligomer has a glass transition temperature of about 60.degree. to about 105.degree. C. and a number average molecular weight of about 2000 to about 4000 and the equivalent weight of the dispersing group(s) is about 500 to about 50,000. The invention also provides magnetic recording media comprising these dispersants.

Abstract: Blocking is substantially reduced between individual sheets having a thermal adhesive coated thereon by including a release agent with the thermal adhesive. Preferred release agents are materials which have previously been used as low-adhesion backsize (LAB) coatings in pressure-sensitive adhesive applications.

Abstract: A thermographic element containing: (a) a substrate; (b) an image-forming layer coated onto the substrate; and (c) overlaying the image-forming layer, a topcoat layer composed of the reaction product of (1) a polymer composed of interpolymerized units derived from: (i) about 45-65 wt % of vinyl-substituted aromatic monomer; (ii) about 15-30 wt % vinyl monomer containing a pendant nitrile group; (iii) about 5-30 wt % hydroxyl-containing; ethylenically-unsaturated monomer; and (2) a suitable crosslinking agent. A slip agent is optionally used. The topcoat layer provides a thermographic element with high gloss in the imaged areas; has excellent runnability with no chatter in the feed direction of the element; and exhibits no removal of topcoat which prevents formation of printhead-created voids in the imaged areas.

Abstract: Magnetic recording medium, comprising a magnetic layer provided on a nonmagnetizable substrate, wherein the magnetic layer comprises a magnetic pigment dispersed in a polymeric binder. The polymeric binder comprises a nonhalogenated vinyl copolymer, wherein the vinyl copolymer comprises a plurality of pendant nitrile groups, a plurality of pendant hydroxyl groups, and at least one pendant dispersing group. Preferably, the binder also includes a secondary polymer component.

Abstract: A polymeric binder system useful for a magnetic recording medium, the polymeric binder system and comprising a hard resin component comprising a nonhalogenated vinyl copolymer and a soft resin component comprising a polyurethane having a phosphonate diester group. The binder system is useful for preparing the magnetic layer and/or backside coating of magnetic recording media, in order to provide media that demonstrate an improved combination of such as modulus, Tg, and smoothness.