Abstract: Provided is a polychloroprene latex extremely favorable in adhesive properties. The present invention relates to a method of producing a polychloroprene latex, comprising polymerizing chloroprene or a mixture of chloroprene and a monomer copolymerizable with chloroprene in an aqueous medium containing a surfactant at a concentration of lower than its critical micelle concentration (CMC) and a polymer dispersant of a metal salt of aromatic sulfonic acid formalin condensate added thereto. The polymer dispersant for use is preferably a metal salt of aromatic sulfonic acid formalin condensate. The polychloroprene latex obtained can be used as an adhesive.

Abstract: A nanocomposite including: a matrix including a polyimide; and surface-modified inorganic oxide particles disposed in the matrix, wherein a surface of a particle of the surface-modified inorganic oxide particles is modified with an imide functional group.

Abstract: A microreactor device comprises: a microchannel that sends one or more fluids; and a section that isolates vibrations to a first portion of the microchannel.

Abstract: Provided is a polychloroprene latex extremely superior in adhesion properties. According to the present invention, chloroprene or a mixture of chloroprene and a monomer copolymerizable with chloroprene is polymerized in the presence of a surfactant in an aqueous medium, in which the surfactant's concentration is lower than its critical micelle concentration (CMC) to obtain a polychloroprene latex. The polychloroprene latex produced according to the present invention is extremely superior in adhesion properties and others and give a smaller amount of deposits during production.

Abstract: Provided is a polychloroprene latex extremely favorable in adhesive properties. The present invention relates to a method of producing a polychloroprene latex, comprising polymerizing chloroprene or a mixture of chloroprene and a monomer copolymerizable with chloroprene in an aqueous medium containing a surfactant at a concentration of lower than its critical micelle concentration (CMC) and a polymer dispersant of a metal salt of aromatic sulfonic acid formalin condensate added thereto. The polymer dispersant for use is preferably a metal salt of aromatic sulfonic acid formalin condensate. The polychloroprene latex obtained can be used as an adhesive.

Abstract: A powder of a titanate compound of an alkaline earth metal (MTiO3: M is one or two or more selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr, Ca and Mg), having an average particle diameter of 50 nm or smaller, an average aspect ratio of 1.0 to 1.2 and a refractive index of 1.8 to 2.6, is useful as a high-refractive index powder.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming mechanism including: an image carrier containing a lubricant in a photosensitive layer that is formed on a surface of the image carrier, and on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a developing section developing the electrostatic latent image into a visible image by a developer that contains the lubricant; and a cleaning member formed with a first layer that contacts the photosensitive layer, and a second layer that is formed of a material having a lower modulus of repulsion elasticity than the first layer and that is layered with the first layer and that does not contact the surface of the image carrier.

Abstract: A handlebar assembly is provided for a vehicle such as a motorcycle. The handlebar assembly includes a base, a left arm, a left handle, a right arm, and a right handle. The left and right arms are attached to the base and are rotatable with respect to the base about respective left and right arm axes. The left and right handles are respectively attached to the left and right arms and are respectively rotatable with respect to the left and right arms about left and right handle axes. Vehicles including the handlebar assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surface emitting semiconductor laser includes a substrate, a lower reflective mirror formed on the substrate, an active layer formed on the lower reflective mirror, an upper reflective mirror formed on the active layer, an optical mode controlling layer formed between the lower reflective mirror and the upper reflective mirror, and a current confining layer formed between the lower reflective mirror and the upper reflective mirror. The active layer emits light. The upper reflective mirror forms a resonator between the lower reflective mirror and the upper reflective mirror. In the optical mode controlling layer, an opening is formed for selectively absorbing or reflecting off light that is emitted in the active layer. The optical mode controlling layer optically controls mode of laser light. The current confining layer confines current that is applied during driving.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a frame and a flexible drive member. The frame is provided with an aperture. An engine is attached to the frame and is configured to selectively rotate a drive sprocket. A driven sprocket is attached to a rear wheel. A flexible drive member operably couples the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket and, in doing so, passes through the aperture in the frame. Methods of manufacturing a motorcycle are also provided.

Abstract: A surface emitting semiconductor laser includes a substrate, a lower reflective mirror formed on the substrate, an active layer formed on the lower reflective mirror, an upper reflective mirror formed on the active layer, an optical mode controlling layer formed between the lower reflective mirror and the upper reflective mirror, and a current confining layer formed between the lower reflective mirror and the upper reflective mirror. The active layer emits light. The upper reflective mirror forms a resonator between the lower reflective mirror and the upper reflective mirror. In the optical mode controlling layer, an opening is formed for selectively absorbing or reflecting off light that is emitted in the active layer. The optical mode controlling layer optically controls mode of laser light. The current confining layer confines current that is applied during driving.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a fork assembly and a headlight. The fork assembly is provided with a cavity. The headlight is at least partially disposed within the cavity in the fork assembly and is configured to selectively provide illumination ahead of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A motorcycle includes a frame, a fork, a from wheel, an upper arm, a lower arm, a handlebar, and a suspension element. The fork is pivotable with respect to the frame about a steering axis. The front wheel is rotatably coupled with the fork. The upper arm and the lower arm are each pivotally coupled with each of the fork and the frame. The handlebar is pivotally coupled with the frame and is configured to facilitate steering of the front wheel. The suspension element is coupled with each of the frame and the fork.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a motorcycle includes a muffler configured for attachment at a location substantially beneath a motorcycle engine. The muffler includes a first input port and a second input port. A first exhaust pipe has a first longitudinal length. The first exhaust pipe is configured for extending between and connecting the first input port and a first exhaust port of a first motorcycle engine cylinder while being substantially entirely disposed forwardly of a motorcycle engine. A second exhaust pipe has a second longitudinal length substantially equal to the first longitudinal length. The second exhaust pipe is configured for extending between and connecting the second input port and a second exhaust port of a second motorcycle engine cylinder. A motorcycle including an exhaust system is also provided.

Abstract: A wheel includes a hub, a rim, and spokes. The hub includes inner attachment portions and is configured to support the wheel about a rotational axis. The spokes are attached to the hub and the rim and are together configured to radially support the rim with respect to the hub. In one embodiment, the spokes are attached to the hub with fasteners extending into threaded apertures in the hub, and the spokes are attached to the rim with fasteners extending in a direction parallel with the rotational axis. In another embodiment, respective ones of the spokes, which are attached to a common inner attachment portion of the hub, are not attached to adjacent outer attachment portions of the rim. Vehicles and methods of manufacturing a wheel are also provided.