Abstract: A customized musical instrument support for use in supporting a musical instrument on or against a portion of an instrument player's body, includes a universal component having a standardized configuration and attachable to various sized single-type instruments for use by multiple instrument players, and an individually customized element attachable to the universal component. The individually customized element has an individually customized surface contoured corresponding to an impression to substantially fit to the instrument player's contoured body surface which is in proximity to placement of the customized musical instrument support on the instrument player during playing of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A customized musical instrument support for use in supporting a musical instrument on or against a portion of an instrument player's body, includes a universal component having a standardized configuration and attachable to various sized single-type instruments for use by multiple instrument players, and an individually customized element attachable to the universal component. The individually customized element has an individually customized surface contoured corresponding to an impression to substantially fit to the instrument player's contoured body surface which is in proximity to placement of the customized musical instrument support on the instrument player during playing of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A. parasiticus is employed to hydroxylate biphenyls or terphenyls. The hydroxylation reaction is enhanced by gradually adding a carbon source to the culture medium-reaction medium, preferably in an amount to maintain the ammonium level below 300 ppm. during the bioconversion phase. Employment of a mutant strain of A. parasiticus which was isolated following ultraviolet light mutagenesis to reduce its tendency to produce aflatoxins is preferred.

Abstract: A. parasiticus is employed to hydroxylate 2'-hydroxyterphenyl compounds to terphenyltriols, which can be used to form branched polycarbonates. The hydroxylation reaction is enhanced by maintaining a sufficient amount of a carbon source in the culture medium-reaction medium to maintain the ammonium level below 300 ppm. during the bioconversion phase. Employment of a mutant strain of A. parasiticus which was isolated following ultraviolet light mutagenesis to reduce its tendency to produce aflatoxins is preferred.

Abstract: Polyphenylene oxides are prepared by the catalytic reaction of oxygen with a monohydroxyaromatic compound such as 2,6-xylenol in a continuous-flow tubular reactor containing multiple agitated zones. In the case of a copper catalyst system, it is often preferred to pre-mix the non-gaseous constituents of the reaction mixture in an inert atmosphere, and also to use a reactor with various agitator and zone dimensions in various regions.

Abstract: Polyphenylene oxides are prepared by the catalytic reaction of oxygen with at least one monohydroxyaromatic compound in a system which includes an organic solvent and an aqueous phase comprising a solution of at least one inorganic halide salt, preferably sodium bromide. This system enables the reaction to be conducted in the presence of the aqueous phase without deactivating the oxidative coupling catalyst. This system preferably also contains a minor amount of at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of cationic surfactants having an HLB within the range of about 12-15 and amphoteric surfactants. The presence of a surfactant facilitates polymer recovery by promoting formation of readily filterable solid polymer particles in the aqueous system.

Abstract: Polyphenylene oxides are prepared by the catalytic reaction of oxygen with a monohydroxyaromatic compound such as 2,6-xylenol in a solvent for reactants and product, in a two-stage process. The first stage is effected continuously in at least one and preferably not more than two back-mixed (e.g., tank) reactors, and the second stage in one or more batch reactors or, preferably, in a reaction system with limited back-mixing, typically a cylindrical reactor containing multiple agitated zones. In the case of a copper catalyst system, it is also preferred to pre-mix the non-gaseous constituents of the reaction mixture in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: The preparation of polyphenylene oxides by oxidative coupling of monohydroxy aromatic compounds in the presence of a copper-halide-amine catalyst is improved by initially preparing a homogeneous mixture by blending said monohydroxy aromatic compound and the catalyst reagents in the absence of oxygen, and subsequently contacting said mixture with oxygen to produce said polyphenylene oxide. The pre-mixing step enables the preparation of a catalyst of high activity and long life. The improved process is particularly useful for the continuous preparation of polyphenylene oxides.

Abstract: Polyphenylene oxides are prepared by the catalytic reaction of oxygen with a monohydroxy aromatic compound such as 2,6-xylenol in a two-stage continuous process. The first stage is effected in at least one and preferably no more than two tank reactors, and the second stage in a reaction system with limited back-mixing, typically a cylindrical reactor containing multiple agitated zones. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the non-gaseous constituents of the reaction mixture are pre-mixed in an inert atmosphere.