Abstract: This invention relates in general to components of electrochemical devices, and to methods of preparing the components. The components and methods include the use of a composition comprising an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, where the polymer and the solvent are selected based on the thermodynamics of the combination. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a component for an electrochemical device which is prepared from a composition comprising a true solution of an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, the polymer and the at least one solvent being selected such that |? solvent?? solute|<1, where ? solvent is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the at least one solvent and where ? solute is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to components of electrochemical devices, and to methods of preparing the components. The components and methods include the use of a composition comprising an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, where the polymer and the solvent are selected based on the thermodynamics of the combination. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a component for an electrochemical device which is prepared from a composition comprising a true solution of an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, the polymer and the at least one solvent being selected such that |? solvent-? solute|<1, where ? solvent is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the at least one solvent and where ? solute is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to components of electrochemical devices, and to methods of preparing the components. The components and methods include the use of a composition comprising an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, where the polymer and the solvent are selected based on the thermodynamics of the combination. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a component for an electrochemical device which is prepared from a composition comprising a true solution of an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, the polymer and the at least one solvent being selected such that |? solvent?? solute|<1, where ? solvent is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the at least one solvent and where ? solute is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the polymer.

Abstract: A micronetwork made from microcapsules with or without nanomaterials and/or micromaterials such as microtubes, nanotubes and/or buckyballs; the micronetworks can be formulated to provide for unique properties such as reduction of crack propagation and/or corrosion.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to components of electrochemical devices, and to methods of preparing the components. The components and methods include the use of a composition comprising an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, where the polymer and the solvent are selected based on the thermodynamics of the combination. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a component for an electrochemical device which is prepared from a composition comprising a true solution of an ionically conductive polymer and at least one solvent, the polymer and the at least one solvent being selected such that |? solvent?? solute|<1, where ? solvent is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the at least one solvent and where ? solute is the Hildebrand solubility parameter of the polymer.

Abstract: A connection architecture for a data-storage system may include: a connection-plane structure; a data-storage module attached to, and drawing power from, the connection-plane structure; an input/output (I/O) module attached to, and drawing power from, the connection-plane structure; and wireless means for exchanging data wirelessly between the data-storage module and the I/O module.

Abstract: An antireflective coating composition including a polyester and/or a polyurethane; and a crosslinker selected from the group consisting of tetraamidomethyl ethers.

Abstract: A liquid protectant composition which cleans, protects, preserves, and enhances the appearance of rubber, synthetic plastic, and vinyl surfaces includes a cleaning agent, silicone, a thickener, a neutralizing agent, an ultra-violet light absorber, and water. The composition also preferably includes a fragrance and a fragrance stabilizer. When the fragrance and fragrance stabilizer are present in the formulation, the composition preferably has a viscosity ranging from about 7.5 Pa*sec (7,500 cPs) to about 18 Pa*sec (18,000 cPs) which allows the composition to be applied easily to a variety of surfaces.

Abstract: A backplane apparatus for an electronic device enclosure includes a common bus comprising a plurality of signal lines, each signal line having a current limiting element, RA. Isolation circuitry is provided for electrically coupling each of the plurality of signal lines of the common bus to a corresponding plurality of signal lines of the electronic device to enable signal communication between the common bus and the electronic device through the isolation circuitry. In one embodiment, the backplane apparatus further comprises connectors to enable removably attaching the electronic devices such as disk drives. In one embodiment, the isolation circuitry coupling each signal line of the common bus to the connector comprises an inline resistor, RD. The isolation circuitry associated with some of the signal lines may include pull up resistors.

Abstract: A self-test method and system for facilitating reliable and fault-tolerant operation of a multi-peripheral-device enclosure for use in high-availability computer systems. The reliable and fault-tolerant multi-peripheral-device enclosure uses a three-tiered port bypass control strategy for diagnosing and isolating malfunctioning peripheral devices within the multi-peripheral-device enclosure, and uses a similar a three-tiered port bypass control strategy for isolation of the entire multi-peripheral-device enclosure from a communications medium that interconnects the multi-peripheral-device enclosure with one or more host computers. This three-tiered port bypass control strategy is employed by a self-test routine to isolate the multi-peripheral-device enclosure from external processing elements in order to test peripheral devices and other components within the multi-peripheral-device enclosure, and to isolate any detected defective or malfunctioning components.

Abstract: This invention relates to high molecular weight block copolymers of &egr;-caprolactone and &ohgr;-lauryl lactam prepared by sequential bulk polymerization using a mixture of at least one anionic polymerization initiator and optionally at least one co-initiator. A preferred continuous sequential bulk reactive extrusion process comprises feeding a mixture of &ohgr;-lauryl lactam, at least one anionic polymerization initiator, and at least one co-initiator into the first (i.e., upstream) hopper of an extruder, and thereafter feeding &egr;-caprolactone into a second (i.e., downstream) hopper of the extruder. The preferred continuous sequential bulk reactive extrusion is solvent free, rapid (typical mean and maximum residence times in the extruder being no more than about 20 minutes and 30 minutes respectively), and produces a high conversion of monomers to block copolymer.

Abstract: A melt-mixed blend of plasticized PVC, fluoropolymers, and a compatibilizer having acrylate functionality exhibits good mechanical and dielectric properties and is useful for wiring and cable applications.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a plurality of electronic devices with corresponding backplanes to improve reliability of accessing the devices are described. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes first and second backplanes having connectors for at least one device. A device having a plurality of data paths has a first data path coupled to a data path connector of the first backplane. A second data path of the device is coupled to a data path connector of the second backplane. Alternatively, a Y-adapter is used to connect a single data path device to data path connectors of distinct backplanes. In various embodiments, the backplanes lie in a common plane. Alternatively, the backplanes lie in distinct parallel planes.

Abstract: This invention relates to high molecular weight block copolymers of one or more lactones and/or one or more lactams prepared by sequential bulk polymerization using a mixture of at least one anionic polymerization initiator and optionally at least one co-initiator. A preferred continuous sequential bulk reactive extrusion process comprises feeding a mixture of at least one lactam, at least one anionic polymerization initiator, and at least one co-initiator into the first (i.e., upstream) hopper of an extruder, and thereafter feeding at least one lactone into a second (i.e., downstream) hopper of the extruder. The preferred continuous sequential bulk reactive extrusion is solvent free, rapid (typical mean and maximum residence times in the extruder being no more than about 20 minutes and 30 minutes respectively), and produces a high conversion of monomers to block copolymer.

Abstract: An antireflective coating composition including a polyester and/or a polyurethane; and a crosslinker selected from the group consisting of tetraamidomethyl ethers.

Abstract: A melt-mixed blend of plasticized PVC, fluoropolymers, and a compatibilizer having acrylate functionality exhibits good mechanical and dielectric properties and is useful for wiring and cable applications.

Abstract: A liquid protectant composition which cleans, protects, preserves, and enhances the appearance of rubber, synthetic plastic, and vinyl surfaces includes a cleaning agent, silicone, a thickener, a neutralizing agent, an ultra-violet light absorber, and water. The composition also preferably includes a fragrance and a fragrance stabilizer. When the fragrance and fragrance stabilizer are present in the formulation, the composition preferably has a viscosity ranging from about 7.5 Pa*sec (7,500 cPs) to about 18 Pa*sec (18,000 cPs) which allows the composition to be applied easily to a variety of surfaces.

Abstract: A liquid protectant composition which cleans, protects, preserves, and enhances the appearance of rubber, synthetic plastic, and vinyl surfaces includes a cleaning agent, silicone, a thickener, a neutralizing agent, an ultra-violet light absorber, and water. The composition also preferably includes a fragrance and a fragrance stabilizer. When the fragrance and fragrance stabilizer are present in the formulation, the composition preferably has a viscosity ranging from about 7.5 Pa*sec (7,500 cPs) to about 18 Pa*sec (18,000 cPs) which allows the composition to be applied easily to a variety of surfaces.

Abstract: This invention relates to high molecular weight block copolymers of one or more lactones and/or one or more lactams prepared by sequential bulk polymerization using a mixture of at least one anionic polymerization initiator and optionally at least one co-initiator. A preferred continuous sequential bulk reactive extrusion process comprises feeding a mixture of at least one lactam, at least one anionic polymerization initiator, and at least one co-initiator into the first (i.e., upstream) hopper of an extruder, and thereafter feeding at least one lactone into a second (i.e., downstream) hopper of the extruder. The preferred continuous sequential bulk reactive extrusion is solvent free, rapid (typical mean and maximum residence times in the extruder being no more than about 20 minutes and 30 minutes respectively), and produces a high conversion of monomers to block copolymer.

Abstract: A backplane apparatus for an electronic device enclosure includes a common bus comprising a plurality of signal lines, each signal line having a current limiting element, RA. Isolation circuitry is provided for electrically coupling each of the plurality of signal lines of the common bus to a corresponding plurality of signal lines of the electronic device to enable signal communication between the common bus and the electronic device through the isolation circuitry. In one embodiment, the backplane apparatus further comprises connectors to enable removably attaching the electronic devices such as disk drives. In one embodiment, the isolation circuitry coupling each signal line of the common bus to the connector comprises an inline resistor, RD. The isolation circuitry associated with some of the signal lines may include pull up resistors.