Abstract: A method of determining an orientation ?,? of a magnet which is pivotable about a reference position having a predefined position relative to a semiconductor substrate, comprising: a) determining at least two of the following magnetic field gradients: i) a first magnetic field gradient dBx/dx; ii) a second magnetic field gradient dBy/dy; iii) a third magnetic field gradient dBz/dx; iv) a fourth magnetic field gradient dBz/dy; b) determining a first angle ? based on at least one of the magnetic field gradients; c) determining a second angle ? based on at least one of the magnetic field gradients. A sensor device is configured for performing this method. A sensor system includes such sensor device and a magnet, optionally connected to a joystick.

Abstract: A rinse aid formulation containing a low foam non-ionic surfactant, a low molecular weight poly(meth)acrylic acid and high molecular weight stabilizing polymer is provided. The stabilizing polymer, when at least about 85 percent neutralized, compatibilizes the low foam surfactant with the low molecular weight poly(meth)acrylic acid in water producing a stable, homogeneous aqueous dispersion. The neutralized low molecular weight poly(meth)acrylic acid improves wetting of the substrate by the rinse water and reduces spotting. The stabilizer and poly(meth)acrylic acid do not increase the foam or interfere with the defoaming properties of the surfactant.

Abstract: Alkali-soluble emulsion polymers that have been activated by neutralization to a pH above 6.5, and subsequently acidified in the presence of a surfactant, are useful as thickeners in acidified, surfactant-containing compositions.

Abstract: A method for dispersing inorganic materials in aqueous systems using water soluble, low molecular weight copolymers of acrylic acid is provided. Copolymers having a weight average molecular weight of from about 2,000 to about 5,000 formed from about 85 to about 97 weight percent acrylic acid and from about 3 to about 15 weight percent of a hydrophobic comonomer are provided for effective dispersion of suspended particulate matter, such as clay, and for inhibiting the precipitation of common hardness ion salts in aqueous systems. The most preferred copolymers have a weight average molecular weight of about 3,000 and are formed from about 95 weight percent acrylic acid and about 5 weight percent ethyl acrylate.

Abstract: A foaming light duty aqueous liquid detergent composition especially useful for hand dishwashing containing 5 to 50 wt. % of non-cationic detergent active material, optional foam boosters and hydrotropes, and 0.1 to 10 wt. % of a cationic foam-stabilizing copolymer containing a major weight proportion of units derived from acrylamide and/or methacrylamide, about 0.5 to 2 wt. % of quaternary nitrogen as present in quaternary ammonium groups, and about 0.1 to 10 wt. % of pendant C.sub.8-24 hydrophobic, preferably alkyl groups.Said quaternary ammonium group-containing monomer has the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is H or CH.sub.3, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently C.sub.1-4 alkyls,R.sub.4 is C.sub.1-4 akyl, C.sub.2-3 hydroxyalkyl, or benzylR.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 together contain less than 9 carbon atoms,Z is a water-solubilizing salt-forming anion, andM may be --CO--X--, then X is --O-- or --NR.sub.5 --, R.sub.5 is H or C.sub.

Abstract: A mixture of a water swellable clay mineral and an alkali soluble and thickenable (meth)acrylic acid emulsion copolymer provides a highly effective thickening and gelling agent for aqueous systems at low concentrations. The gels are self-supporting and have high strength and thus are particularly useful as air fresheners and other applications where firm gels are desirable. A synergistic thickening effect between the (meth)acrylic acid copolymer and the clay mineral is observed.

Abstract: The application discloses a viscous aqueous alkaline drilling liquid (fluid) essentially free of clays, for drilling subterranean wells, and a method of drilling such wells. The fluid is circulated into and out of the well, to flush out drill cuttings. The alkaline composition comprises a combination of the thickeners (a) 10 to 90 parts by weight of an addition polymer of an unsaturated carboxylic acid, preferably in the form of a copolymer with another ethylenically unsaturated monomer, for example a copolymer of a major amount of methacrylic acid and a minor amount of ethyl acrylate, the polymer having a molecular weight of from 125,000 to 12,000,000 solubilized in the aqueous system by an alkali such as sodium carbonate, and (b) 10 to 90 parts by weight of a water soluble polysaccharide, or a water soluble derivative thereof ("polysaccharide" being used herein in a generic sense to include such derivatives) such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, the total amount of (a) plus (b) being 100 parts.