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: 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: 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: An elastomeric blend prepared by the steps comprising: dynamically vulcanizing a dynamically-vulcanizable elastomer within a mixture that comprises the dynamically-vulcanizable elastomer, a hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, and a vulcanizing agent that is specific for the dynamically-vulcanizable elastomer during dynamic vulcanization. Also, a vulcanizate prepared by the steps comprising: dynamically vulcanizing a dynamically-vulcanizable elastomer within a mixture that comprises the dynamically-vulcanizable elastomer, a hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer, and a vulcanizing agent that is specific to the dynamically-vulcanizable elastomer during dynamic vulcanization, and effecting vulcanization of the hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer.

Abstract: A reliable and fault-tolerant 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.

Abstract: A reliable and fault-tolerant 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive article including a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition which exhibits ultraviolet radiation resistance and has a midblock Tg of about −5° C. to about −30° C. at a frequency of about 1.0 Hz. An adhesive article according to the invention is suitable for use in window insulation kits because of its improved stability over a wide temperature range and upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) as well as its adhesion to low energy surfaces, such as a surface of films made from polyolefins.

Abstract: A novel system and process have been developed whereby a prepaid phone card, or any other similar inventory, may be easily and efficiently distributed at, for example, a point-of-sale. A computerized terminal including memory for storage is maintained at the point-of-distribution, or any other suitable location. The terminal's memory is adapted to store one or more security numbers, such as PIN numbers, telephone numbers and/or other suitable information corresponding to the information needed by consumers to utilize the service. The terminal initially connects to a host computer system in order to download one or more PIN numbers, and the downloaded PIN numbers are thereafter stored in the terminal's memory. The security codes, etc., may thereafter be dispensed by a user of the terminal onto cards, etc., without any need to connect to a host computer, and the terminal may be recharged with additional security codes, etc., only at a convenient time (e.g., at night).

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus and method for delivering fluid components for semiconductor processes such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and chemical etch processes. Any prescribed mixture of separate fluid reagents can be delivered with extreme accuracy and precision using the apparatus we describe here. The unique embodiment of a precision fluid pumping system utilizing internal pressure and temperature transducers, capacity volume and restrictive elements that comprise a continuous pulse-free system for use in CVD applications. This system has superior performance characteristics in the areas of: accuracy, precision, repeatability of the fluid mixture delivery and continuous repeatable delivery without intermittent pulsation. We describe a novel fluid pump whose design is integrated using a closed loop feedback system composed of temperature and pressure sensors. This allows the entire system to perform to in either an isobaric-isothermal mode or an isocratic-isothermal mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric networks that can be made electrically conductive in bulk or which have a surface which is electrically conductive, and which networks exhibit resistivities in the ohm to kilo-ohm range. One aspect of the present, thermosetting invention, then, comprises an electrically conductive polymeric network comprising a cured polymeric network which contains an oxidized additive comprising one or more of an oxidizable aniline, thiophene, or pyrrole additive, which additive was oxidized with an oxidizing agent in situ in the cured polymeric network.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-emissive, bimodal cured polymeric network which has an onset degradation temperature that is about 100.degree. C. above the onset degradation temperature of a base polymer. The novel cured polymeric network comprises the cured reaction product of the following ingredients: (a) combination of one or more liquid carrier monomers or prepolymers which combination is reactive to form a base polymer by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the presence of a UV photosensitizer at a temperature, T.sub.uv ; and (b) between about 10 and 100 wt-% based on ingredient (a) of a combination of one or more monomers or prepolymers which combination is reactive to form a cured high temperature stable polymer by heating at a temperature, T.sub..DELTA.. Ingredient (b) is soluble or dispersible in ingredient (a) at a temperature, T.sub.s, wherein T.sub.s is equal to or lower than T.sub.uv, and T.sub.uv is at least about 50.degree. C. lower than T.sub..DELTA..

Abstract: A method for preparing biaxially oriented poly(vinylidene fluoride) films involving the addition of a minor amount of a polymer miscible with PVDF, particularly poly(methyl methacrylate), to the poly(vinylidene fluoride) to form a blend exhibiting reduced crystallinity and reduced rates of crystallization during the film forming process. The low crystallinity permits the blend to be subsequently formed into biaxially oriented film in a double-bubble tubular film extrusion process by retarding the rate of crystallization in the first bubble, thereby permitting formation of the second bubble without rupture. The films thus formed possess piezoelectric and other desirable characteristics.

Abstract: Free flowing resin powder which upon striking a heated article fuses, flows and hardens to provide a protective coating, which powder consists of a mixture of rough and rounded particles, the rough particles having a granular appearance as a result of being pulverized and the rounded particles having smooth, glossy, spheroidized surfaces as a result of being briefly heated to a temperature above the softening point. Preferably each particle of the powder is a blend of thermosetting resin and curing agent.

Abstract: Improved electrostatic coating is obtained by heat-rounding or spheroidizing pulverized resin particles so that 30-80% take on a glossy appearance while the rest remain rough to provide a mixture that is free flowing at ordinary room temperature and would pass through a screen having openings not exceeding 200 micrometers. Preferably each particle of the mixture is a blend of thermosetting resin and curing agent.