Abstract: A method of preparing cellular pellets from a prepolymer comprising a blowing agent, the method comprising the steps of: a) extruding the prepolymer through a die, the die maintained at conditions such that the blowing agent remains in the condensed phase in the prepolymer prior to emerging from the die, and b) upon emergence of the prepolymer through the die, substantially simultaneously cooling the prepolymer by contacting the prepolymer with a cooling agent and cutting the prepolymer; the conditions outside the die being maintained such that the blowing agent vaporizes in the prepolymer to form pores.

Abstract: Copolycarbonates containing such structural units as birefringence-reducing or “soft block” units are prepared by conducting a reaction, such as melt polymerization or equilibration, between a precursor polycarbonate and a monomer, polycarbonate oligomer or high molecular weight polycarbonate which is a source of other structural units. The crystallinity of the resulting precursor copolycarbonate or one of the reagents employed in its preparation is enhanced and the precursor copolycarbonate is subjected to solid state polymerization.

Abstract: Substituted hydroxyhydrocinnamate esters of the formula (I) where R is alkyl, n is 0 to 2, m is 1 to 4 and A is alkyl, interrupted or uninterrupted alkylene, alkanetriyl or pentaerythrityl, are prepared by continuous transesterification of the corresponding lower alkyl mono-ester with an alkanol or polyol of the formula A-(OH)m. This novel process comprises continuously introducing into and reacting the reactants in a heated distillation column reactor having a reaction zone which contains a solid, heterogeneous transesterification catalyst to form the compound of formula (I) and the corresponding lower alkanol; separating the products so formed based on their difference in volatility; and continuously removing said products from the distillation column at a steady rate, thereby preventing the reaction mixture from reaching chemical equilibrium.

Abstract: A method of crystallizing an aromatic polycarbonate prepolymer having a molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 20,000 and having from about 5 to about 95 mole % aryl carbonate terminal end groups, based on total end groups, the method comprising effecting contact of the prepolymer with a crystallizing agent comprising an alcohol and an additive, wherein the additive is effective to increase the rate of solid state polymerization.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for constructing a control system and a control system created thereby which is based on multiple finite state machines, each in turn based on a finite state machine with constant code (FSMcc). An input preprocessor module normalizes input signals as required by the finite state machine logical processing unit. An output postprocessor module changes the normalized finite state machine outputs to real signals required by the controlled process or apparatus. The input preprocessor allows for a different finite state machine required for an application to be executed by the same constant code contained in the FSMcc microcode storage. An application logic table for the FSMcc is constructed using a specific organization of data representing application logic conditions. The ability to control a process or apparatus with multiple finite state machines allows the designer to use the FSMcc technology more widely and in more complex situations.

Abstract: Polymerization of polycarbonates is performed by first enhancing the crystallinity of a precursor polycarbonate, such as an oligomer, by contact in pellet form with an alkanol in the liquid or vapor state as non-solvent, and then conducting solid state polymerization in a stream of inert gas such as nitrogen. The solid state polymerization operation includes a stage of heating at a constant temperature in the range of about 215-225° C., optionally combined with a first heating stage at a constant temperature in the range of about 180-190° C. The method is adaptable to continuous operation and produces a polycarbonate having a number average molecular weight, as determined by gel permeation chromatography relative to polystyrene, of at least 15,000.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of crystallizing an aromatic polycarbonate prepolymer having a molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 20,000 and having from about 5 to about 95 mole % aryl carbonate terminal end groups, based on total end groups, the method comprising effecting contact of the prepolymer with a crystallizing agent comprising an alcohol, preferably, at least 95% by weight of an alcohol.

Abstract: A multilayer cell is provided having two solid, nonporous current collectors, two porous electrodes separating the current collectors, a porous separator between the electrodes and an electrolyte occupying pores in the electrodes and separator. A thermoplastic vinyl acetate polymer or thermoplastic polyamide is applied to the multilayer structure; and pressure or heat is applied to seal layers of the cell with the thermoplastic vinyl acetate polymer or thermoplastic polyamide to form the ultracapacitor.

Abstract: Solid state polymerization of polycarbonates and polyesters is preceded by a step of contacting particles of an amorphous precursor polymer with a particulate material, typically a crystallized polycarbonate, which prevents adherence of the precursor polymer particles to each other. It is then possible to perform the solid state polymerization step without crystallizing the precursor polymer.

Abstract: A multilayer cell is provided that comprises two solid, nonporous current collectors, two porous electrodes separating the current collectors, a porous separator between the electrodes and an electrolyte occupying pores in the electrodes and separator. The mutilayer cell is electrolyzed to disassociate water within the cell to oxygen gas and hydrogen gas. A vacuum is applied to the cell substantially at the same time as the electrolyzing step, to remove the oxygen gas and hydrogen gas. The cell is then sealed to form a ultracapacitor substantially free from water.

Abstract: Copolycarbonates containing such structural units as birefringence-reducing or "soft block" units are prepared by conducting a reaction, such as melt polymerization or equilibration, between a precursor polycarbonate and a monomer, polycarbonate oligomer or high molecular weight polycarbonate which is a source of other structural units. The crystallinity of the resulting precursor copolycarbonate or one of the reagents employed in its preparation is enhanced and the precursor copolycarbonate is subjected to solid state polymerization.

Abstract: Amorphous precursor polycarbonates, such as oligomers, are converted to high molecular weight polycarbonates in a unitary series of operations that includes contact with an alkanol having a boiling point up to about 180.degree. C. and heating the resulting wetted particles so as to effect solid state polymerization. Heating is at progressively increasing temperatures from below the boiling point of the alkanol to a final level between the Tg and the melting temperature of said enhanced crystallinity polycarbonate.

Abstract: An improved process for sealing at least one ultracapacitor which includes a multi-layer structure is disclosed. The process includes the step of applying a substantial vacuum to press together an uppermost layer of the structure and a lowermost layer of the structure and to evacuate ambient gasses, wherein a sealant situated in a peripheral area between the facing surfaces of the layers forms a liquid-impermeable seal for the structure under the vacuum. In some embodiments, a press is used to apply pressure to the peripheral area on which the sealant is disposed. Usually, the ultracapacitor would be situated within an enclosable region of the press, and a collapsible membrane would be fastened over the ultracapacitor to fully enclose the region and transmit the vacuum force to the multi-layer structure. The force applied by the press itself causes the sealant to flow, thereby ensuring a complete seal upon curing of the sealant.

Abstract: An ultracapacitor includes two solid, nonporous current collectors, two porous electrodes separating the collectors, a porous separator between the electrodes and an electrolyte occupying the pores in the electrodes and separator. The porous separator layer comprises an amorphous fumed silica layer coated onto at least one of the electrodes.

Abstract: Copolycarbonates of enhanced crystallinity, suitable for solid state polymerization, are prepared by melt blending, under non-reactive conditions, an amorphous precursor polycarbonate such as a bisphenol A polycarbonate with one or more other monomers which may include a spiro(bis)indane bisphenol and/or a phenylindane bisphenol, optionally with a polyoxyalkylene glycol. The resulting blend is pelletized and the crystallinity of the resulting pellets is enhanced, typically by contact with an alkanol liquid or vapor.

Abstract: Crystallinity of amorphous precursor polycarbonates is enhanced by contact with at least on diaryl carbonate such as diphenyl carbonate, followed by pelletization and heating to a temperature above the melting point of the diaryl carbonate and below the glass transition temperature of the amorphous precursor polycarbonate. The crystallinity enhancement operation may be conducted in the presence of dihydroxyorganic monomers and may be followed by a solid state polymerization operation.

Abstract: The crystallinity of an amorphous precursor polycarbonate is enhanced by contact in the liquid or vapor state with a non-solvent which may be water, an alkanol or a mixture thereof and which is dialkyl carbonate-free. Contact temperatures are at least about 75.degree. C. and are further defined by the relationshipT.sub.c .gtoreq.T.sub.b -z,wherein T.sub.c is the contact temperature, T.sub.b is the boiling point of the non-solvent at the contact pressure employed (both in degrees C.) and z is a constant whose value is 60.

Abstract: A low volume inlet reciprocating compressor suitable for use in a dual evaporator refrigeration cycle. The compressor includes a cylinder having an inlet port and an outlet port disposed in a housing. A flexible conduit having an inlet passage formed therein extends between the inlet port and an inlet in the housing, and a check valve is connected to the inlet passage so as to prevent refrigerant flow out of the conduit. The inlet passage is located as close as possible to the inlet port. A suction muffler can be located in the housing with one end connected to a second inlet in the housing and another end connected to the check valve. A discharge tube is provided between the outlet port and outlet opening in the housing.

Abstract: Closed cell polyurethane foams, useful as thermal insulation for refrigerators and the like, are prepared by blending a polyisocyanate, a polyol and a suspension of at least one solid alkaline reagent, preferably sodium hydroxide, in an inert carrier liquid having a suitable viscosity. Preferred carrier liquids include polyepoxides and polyoxyalkylenediamines. The alkaline reagent reacts with and removes the carbon dioxide employed as a blowing agent, thus decreasing the thermal conductivity of the foam.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for isolating solids, slurries or wetcakes from fluids is disclosed. Said apparatus comprises an extruder having a dynamic seal and a barrel comprising a slip joint and a floating auger which allows for solid recovery under pressure in the absence of substantial solvent volatilization.