Abstract: Several embodiments of prime mover-assisted pedal-operated vehicles, such as a bicycle. In each embodiment, both the prime mover and the pedal mechanism drive the rear wheel through a common transfer shaft. The transfer shaft is disposed vertically above the pedal-operated crankshaft axis so as to improve the ground clearance and simplify the overall construction of the bicycle. The transmission arrangement is such that the prime mover transmission ratios are always in a step-down condition while the pedal-operated crankshaft drives the transfer shaft through a step-up transmission. Various embodiments of improved torque sensors are also employed so as to provide smooth transition and smooth feel to the rider.

Abstract: A novel propylene glycol cyclohexyl ether derivative represented by formula I is disclosed. ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a straight or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group; and n represents an integer of from 1 to 3.This propylene glycol cyclohexyl ether derivative is not only extremely safe by virtue of its low toxicity and high flash point, but also has excellent detergency, low viscosity, and can impart a high film-forming ability to a resin emulsion. Further, this propylene glycol cyclohexyl ether derivative also has high hydrophobicity (and hence low water-solubility), so that it can minimize the cost and labor for disposal of waste water. Therefore, this propylene glycol cyclohexyl ether derivative is useful in various applications, for example, as a detergent, as a solvent for a wide variety of applications and as a film-forming agent.

Abstract: A process is described for oxidative polymerization of a monomeric 2,6-disubstituted phenol in the presence of a catalyst comprising a manganese compound, an N-alkylalkanolamine and a basic compound. The process produces a polyphenyleneether which does not exhibit deterioration in molecular weight and undesirable coloration when subject to heat, such as the heat ordinarily applied in molding. The polyethyleneether have excellent tensile strength and elongation.

Abstract: A novel diester compound of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represents a group of the formula (II): ##STR2## wherein m is an integer of 1 to 5, is found to be capable of imparting excellent flame-retardancy to various inflammable polymeric materials such as polystyrene, polyester, polyamide, polyphenylene oxide, etc. without deleterious effects on other physical properties of such polymeric materials.

Abstract: A polyphenylene ether composition excellent in impact resistance, heat stability, gloss and processability which contains(a) 80-20 weight parts of polyphenylene ether resin, and(b) 20-80 weight parts of a rubber-reinforced polystyrene wherein 5-25 weight % of polybutadiene having 15-35% of 1,2-vinyl-structure is dispersed forming discontinuous elastomer phase,particularly said polyphenylene ether resin being a polymer having the following recurring unit I or units I and II: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 -R.sub.6 represent the same or different monovalent residual groups such as alkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms excluding tert.-butyl group, aryl group, halogen or hydrogen, but R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are not hydrogens at the same time.

Abstract: A novel diester compound of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represents a group of the formula (II): ##STR2## wherein n is an integer of 0 to 4; and m an integer of 1 to 5, is found to be capable of imparting excellent flame-retardancy to various inflammable polymeric materials such as polystyrene, polyester, polyamide, polyphenylene oxide, etc. without deleterious effects on other physical properties of such polymeric materials.

Abstract: A novel diester compound of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represents a group of the formula (II): ##STR2## wherein X is bromine atom; Y at least one group selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, hydroxyl group and primary, secondary or tertiary amino groups; p an integer of 0 to 4; q an integer of 1 to 4; r an integer 1 to 4 and (q+r) is equal to an integer of not more than 5, is found to be capable of imparting excellent flame-retardancy to various inflammable polymeric materials such as polystyrene, polyester, polyamide, polyphenylene oxide, etc. without deleterious effects on other physical properties of such polymeric materials.