Abstract: Disclosed are ionomer compositions neutralized by a combination of cesium and potassium that have antistatic properties. Also disclosed are articles, including laminates and monolayer or multilayer structures comprising such compositions to which neither powders nor dusts easily adhere electrostatically.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which comprises a mixture of a poly(trimethylene terephthalate) polymer composition, a nucleating agent, and an ethylene copolymer. Also disclosed in a method for reducing the melt viscosity of nucleated poly(trimethylene terephthalate) polymer composition.

Abstract: A curable thermoplastic elastomeric blend comprising: (a) from 15 to 60 weight percent of a polyalkylene phthalate polyester polymer or copolymer and; (b) from 40 to 85 weight percent of a poly(meth)acrylate or polyethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate rubber in combination with an effective amount of peroxide free-radical initiator and an organic multiolefinic coagent to cross-link which upon extrusion or injection molding dynamically cross-link producing a melt processible thermoplastic elastomeric composition having a polyalkylene phthalate polyester polymer or copolymer continuous phase and of a cross-linked polyacrylate or polyethylene/acrylate rubber dispersed phase. Such compositions are useful in the manufacture of rubber parts having excellent resistance to lubricating oils and greases.

Abstract: Disclosed are films obtained from blends of ethylene copolymers with organic acid salt-modified potassium ionomeric copolymers. The films of the present invention can be welded using RF energy.

Abstract: Disclosed are films obtained from blends of ethylene copolymers with organic acid salt-modified potassium ionomeric copolymers. The films of the present invention can be welded using RF energy.

Abstract: Disclosed are ionomer compositions neutralized by a combination of cesium and potassium that have antistatic properties. Also disclosed are articles, including laminates and monolayer or multilayer structures comprising such compositions to which neither powders nor dusts easily adhere electrostatically.

Abstract: Disclosed are soft polymer compositions comprising an ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer and a crystalline polyolefin, such as polypropylene homopolymers or polypropylene copolymers, wherein the ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has a higher melt viscosity than the polyolefin. Also disclosed are such compositions modified by materials that improve the scratch-and-mar properties of the blends, the preparation and use of these compositions in such processes as extrusion and injection molding, and articles made from these compositions.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which comprises a mixture of a poly(trimethylene terephthalate) polymer composition, a nucleating agent, and an ethylene copolymer. Also disclosed in a method for reducing the melt viscosity of nucleated poly(trimethylene terephthalate) polymer composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyamide potassium ionomer polyol compositions that have antistatic properties. Also disclosed are articles, including laminates and monolayer or multilayer structures comprising such compositions to which neither powders nor dusts easily adhere electrostatically.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyester compositions comprising a polyester polymer, such as poly(lactic acid), and an impact modifier comprising a tubular reactor produced ethylene copolymer derived from monomers (a) ethylene; (b) one or more olefins of the formula CH2?C(R1)CO2R2, where R1 is hydrogen or an alkyl group with 2-8 carbon atoms and R2 is an alkyl group with 1-8 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, or butyl; and (c) one or more olefins of the formula CH2?C(R3)CO2R4, where R3 is hydrogen or an alkyl group with 1-6 carbon atoms, such as methyl, and R4 is glycidyl.

Abstract: Disclosed are films obtained from blends of ethylene copolymers with organic acid salt-modified potassium ionomeric copolymers. The films of the present invention can be welded using RF energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising, consisting essentially of, consisting of, or produced from polyvinyl chloride, filler, and an impact strength-retaining amount of an elastomer wherein the modifier is or includes an ethylene copolymer, or acid anhydride- or acid monoester-modified polyolefin, or combinations thereof. Also disclosed is a process comprising combining an impact strength-retaining amount of an elastomer to a blend that comprises or is produced by combining a rigid PVC formulation and one or more fillers. The combining is carried out under a condition sufficient to prevent or minimize the reduction of impact strength of the blend, to reduce the molten viscosity of the blend, or to minimize the loss in stiffness (flexural modulus) of the blend, in comparison to the unmodified blend.

Abstract: Disclosed are polyamide potassium ionomer polyol compositions that have antistatic properties. Also disclosed are articles, including laminates and monolayer or multilayer structures comprising such compositions to which neither powders nor dusts easily adhere electrostatically.

Abstract: Disclosed are films, tapes, and melt-spun fibers comprising or prepared from a composition comprising (a) at least one polyamide polymer; and (b) from about 0.1 to 20 weight % of at least one ethylene copolymer such as ethylene/vinyl acetate dipolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate terpolymers, ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate dipolymers, ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, functionalized ethylene copolymers, ethylene/acid copolymers, and salts thereof. The films, tapes and fibers exhibit improved tensile properties such as tensile strength and elongation at break compared to nonmodified polyamide compositions. Also disclosed are nonwoven textiles comprising or prepared from the oriented melt-spun fibers.

Abstract: A method for determining an identity of an entity responsible for billing a called party of an alternatively billed telephone call is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a telephone number, the telephone number being associated with the called party. An initial entity identifier is acquired, the initial entity identifier being an OCN associated with the telephone number. Additional steps may be made in response to the telephone number wherein more accurate information is gathered and utilized to ensure the reliable determination of the identity of the entity responsible for ultimately billing the called party.

Abstract: A method for determining an identity of an entity responsible for billing a called party of an alternatively billed telephone call is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a telephone number, the telephone number being associated with the called party. An initial entity identifier is acquired, the initial entity identifier being an OCN associated with the telephone number. Additional steps may be made in response to the telephone number wherein more accurate information is gathered and utilized to ensure the reliable determination of the identity of the entity responsible for ultimately billing the called party.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an intubation set is provided having an improved connector between the tube and a probe. In a preferred embodiment, the connector includes a deformable sleeve which at one end receives an end of the tube and at the other end is tapered to converge on the probe where it is permanently attached. The tube contains a solid insert which can be set in a compound such as silicone rubber and the sleeve is deformed radially inwardly to trap part of the tube containing the insert thereby locking the tube to the sleeve and hence to the probe. A method of making the intubation set is also provided. The invention also provides an improved intubation set for use in intubating the canaliculi without probing a healthy nasolacrimal duct.

Abstract: The invention provides a probe set having at least one probe of a light wire which can be resiliently deflected to pass from the nasolacrimal duct to the nasal inferior meatus. The probe has an enlarged and rounded distal end portion to limit the possibility of damage to tissue when the probe is inserted. A very flexible tube of minimal rigidity is engaged over a proximal end of the probe and a heat shrunk sleeve is attached to join the tube to the probe. Preferably the sleeve has a main portion containing a first end portion containing part of the probe adjacent the tube, a second end portion containing a part of the tube adjacent said end of the probe, and a main portion containing the ends of the probe and the tube. The sleeve applies a compressive radial pressure to attach the tube to the probe and defines a transition portion between the first end portion and the main portion of the sleeve to minimise the possibility of snagging as the probe set is advanced into the lacrimal duct.

Abstract: Devices, kits and methods for non-suture end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis of tubular tissue members employ tubular connection members having clip retaining elements comprising annular groove or flanges in the connection members; and spring clips which comprise a ring-shaped body with separable opposed ends whereby a circular opening defined by the body can be enlarged; the opposed ends have handling elements to facilitate handling of the clips and separation of the opposed ends; specially developed instruments facilitate use of the devices and the anastomosis procedure can be completed much more rapidly than with conventional techniques and has the significant advantage of intima to intima contact at the site of anastomosis with no foreign material exposed to the lumen of the vessels being joined.

Abstract: Devices, and methods for non-suture end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis of tubular tissue members employ tubular connection members having clip retaining elements comprising annular grooves or flanges in the connection members; and spring clips which comprise a ring-shaped body with separable opposed ends whereby a circular opening defined by the body can be enlarged; the opposed ends have handling elements to facilitate handling of the clips and separation of the opposed ends; specially developed instruments facilitate use of the devices and the anastomosis procedure can be completed much more rapidly than with conventional techniques and has the significant advantage of intima to intima contact at the site of anastomosis with no foreign material exposed to the lumen of the vessels being joined.