Abstract: Ionomeric polymer sensors, actuators, and transducers and methods for fabricating them are disclosed. One embodiment of the sensors, actuators, and transducers possess a high surface area electrode layer that is applied by hot pressing and a highly conductive surface layer. Another embodiment of these sensors, actuators, and transducers possess a high surface area electrode layer that is penetrated by electronically conductive nanowires. Methods for fabricating these sensors, actuators, and transducers are disclosed. These methods involve the formation of the high surface area layer from a liquid mixture that contains ionomeric polymer, electronically conductive particles, and possibly diluent. This mixture is formed into layers either directly on an ionomeric polymer, on a separate transfer decal, or on an electronically conductive layer. This electronically conductive layer may also include an array of nanowires. These electrode layers are then attached to an ionomeric polymer membrane by hot pressing.

Abstract: An implantable rod can be bent three-dimensionally in an automated system, which is especially useful for pre-surgical formation of implantable spinal rods. When local and/or global feedback processing accompanies a series of shaping steps automatically imposed on a rod or other article being shaped into three-dimensional form, formation time may be expedited compared to manual creation, and shapes difficult or impractical to create manually may be constructed simply.

Abstract: A drive roller having a polyurethane coating that has a coefficient of friction with respect to a belt effective to drive the belt over the operative life of the belt. The drive roller may be included in an image-forming device to drive a belt.

Abstract: Ionic liquids are incorporated into transducers, actuators or sensors which employ the ionic polymer membranes. The ionic liquids have superior electrochemical stability, low viscosity and low vapor pressure. The transducers, actuators and sensors which utilize ionic polymer membranes solvated with ionic liquids have long term air stability. Superior results are achieved when a conductive powder and ionomer mixture is applied to the ionic polymer membrane to form the electrodes during or after the ionic liquid is imbibed into the ionic polymer membrane.

Abstract: A drive roller comprising a polyurethane coating having a coefficient of friction with respect to a belt effective to drive the belt over the operative life of the belt. The drive roller may be included in an image-forming device to drive a belt.

Abstract: Wear of the belt (1) of a belt fuser is minimized by use of a high viscosity lubricant of perfluoropolytrimethylene oxide grease between the inside of the belt and the heater element 6. To avoid damage of the belt at turn on, the belt is heated to a predetermined temperature before force is applied to move the belt.

Abstract: The process of oxidizing cyclohexane to produce cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol in the weight ratio of 0.5 to 1.5 of cyclohexanone to cyclohexanol, said process comprising contacting a stream of liquid cyclohexane with oxygen in each of at least three successive oxidation stages by introducing into each stage a mixture of gases comprising molecular oxygen and inert gas, said oxygen being introduced in amounts that may range from an amount that will substantially all react with the cyclohexane under the particular conditions involved to an amount in excess of the amount required to react with the cyclohexane, said excess being such that the overall oxygen consumed in the oxidation zone is not more than 95 mole percent of the amount fed under the particular conditions involved, in the presence of a binary catalyst system comprising 0.02 to 0.9 ppm chromium and 0.1 to 5 ppm cobalt at a temperature of from 130.degree. to 200.degree. C.