Abstract: Propylene ethylene copolymers with an ethylene content between 8 and 32 mole % have been grafted with maleic anhydride and a peroxide. The functionality level is higher than what is reported with polypropylene.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for making a bimodal solid polymer composition suitable for use as a viscosity index improver. Ethylene and an alpha-olefin comonomer are polymerized in the presence of a metallocene catalyst to form first and second copolymers, in series or parallel reactors, which are combined to form an intimate blend of relatively high and relatively low ethylene content copolymers in the solvent use. The composition can be further grafted and derivatized to provide a viscosity index improver, the composition being produced directly with the correct viscosity, without the need for additional blending, shearing or masticating steps.

Abstract: A pruning apparatus, particularly for pruning low bushes on the ground, such as blueberry bushes, includes a wheeled main frame to be towed behind a tractor, and a plurality of ground work units pivotally connected to the main frame. The units are positioned in front and rear rows and each is selectively positioned in a transverse position. Thus a pruning area effected by one of the unit overlaps an adjacent pruning area of another unit. The connection between each unit and the main frame permits the unit not only to pivot about a vertical axis, but also to pivot slightly about a horizontal axis in a forward direction so that the apparatus is adapted to conform to a contour of uneven portions of a ground surface. Each ground work unit has a drive shaft attached with a plurality of tool member assemblies. The tool member assemblies are so designed as to effect a cutting and flailing action on the blueberry bushes, thereby cutting and slashing the blueberry bushes.

Abstract: Organic materials which possess outstanding stability to oxidative, thermal or light-induced degradation comprise as stabilizers at least one compound of the benzofuran-2-one type and at least one compound of the sterically hindered amine type.

Abstract: A pruning apparatus, particularly for pruning low bushes on the ground, such as Blueberry bushes, includes a wheeled main frame to be towed behind a tractor, and a plurality of ground work units pivotally connected to the main frame. The units are positioned in front and rear rows and each is selectively positioned in a transverse position. Thus a pruning area effected by one of the unit overlaps an adjacent pruning area of another unit. The connection between each unit and the main frame permits the unit not only to pivot about a vertical axis, but also to pivot slightly about a horizontal axis in a forward direction so that the apparatus is adapted to conform to a contour of uneven portions of a ground surface. Each ground work unit has a drive shaft attached with a plurality of tool member assemblies. The tool member assemblies are so designed as to effect a cutting and flailing action on the Blueberry bushes, thereby cutting and slashing the Blueberry bushes to encourage regrowth and improve fruit output.

Abstract: This invention relates to grafted ethylene-higher &agr;-olefin polymers and blends thereof. Preferred grafted ethylene-higher &agr;-olefin polymers are multimodal EPDM's having 5-40 weight % of a higher molecular weight, higher ethylene content, lower diene content fraction grafted with maleic anhydride. These polymers can then be used as modifiers for additional polymers such as polyamides, polyesters, and other EPDM's.

Abstract: Elastomeric polymers that have been functionalized are shown to provide superior extruded profiles for use in vehicle sealing systems. Generally the polymers functionalized are the ethylene, -alpha-olefin, non-conjugated diene monomer terpolymers or ethylene, -alpha-olefin copolymers. The elastomeric polymers are functionalized with one or more of carboxylic acids, anhydrides, hydroxyl, epoxide or amine functionality. The functionalized elastomeric polymers are generally used in conjunction with non-functionalized elastomeric polymers. The functionalized elastomeric polymers provide superior adhesion to the additional components used to enhance functionality and/or aesthetics. Among the vehicle sealing systems discussed are glass run channels, inner belt line seals, outer belt line seals and door seals.

Abstract: The loader device is made of a thermostructural composite material and comprises a base (20), a loading pole (30) secured to the base and extending at least over the full height of the loader device, and a plurality of loading trays (40) each provided with a central passage through which the loading pole can pass. Each loading tray carries a plurality of spacers (50) enabling the trays to be mounted in succession at predetermined intervals, each tray carrying the same number of spacers which are in alignment so that after the trays have been assembled the spacers make up load-carrying columns extending over the height of the loader device, and at least one of the spacers carried by each tray has a disposition and/or a size that differs from the other spacers carried by the same tray so as to enable the trays to be indexed during assembly. Each tray (40) has means (45) for positioning parts at predetermined locations.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rubber toughened composition comprising a) 5 to 50 weight percent of a composition comprising: an ethylene polymer having a composition distribution breadth index of 50% or more and containing 0.1 to about 10 weight percent of an unsaturated acid or anhydride, and an elastomer; and b) 95 to 50 weight percent of a thermoplastic polymer containing a functional group capable of interacting with the unsaturated acid or anhydride.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising:a) 2 to 50 weight % of an first ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer having a density of 0.86 to 0.91 g/cc, a Melt Index of 150 g/10 min or less and an Mw/Mn of 4 or less modified with an unsaturated acid or anhydride and a second ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer having a 0.86 to 0.925 g/cm.sup.3 and/ or homopolyethylene; andb) 98 to 50 weight percent of a thermoplastic polymer comprising a functional group capable of interacting with the unsaturated acid or anhydride.

Abstract: The present relates to an aquarium drainage assembly comprising a pipe member having an inner nipple adapted to be mounted within a designated opening formed in a wall of the aquarium and an outer nipple extending outside the aquarium. The inner nipple is permanently mounted within the aquarium by a locking nut mounted on the pipe member, the locking nut being adapted to tightly clamp the assembly to the wall. A sealing element is located on the pipe member and placed around the opening adjacent to an inner and an outer surface of the wall; it permits a watertight sealing of the assembly within the opening. A valve element mounted within the outer nipple allows to regulate water circulation through the assembly. The locking nut includes a thread which is tightened around the inner nipple via a corresponding thread formed around an outer surface of the inner nipple and a stopper located on the outer nipple.

Abstract: The invention relates to stabilized filled polyolefins comprising a filler and a macrocyclic compound which contains a radical of formula ##STR1## in the macrocyclic structure or in a side-group, said macrocyclic structure consisting of at least 8 atoms and wherein the substituents R are each independently of one another methyl, ethyl or propyl, or two substituents R at the same carbon atom are together also a pentamethylene radical, and a is 0, 1 or 2. The invention also relates to a method of stabilizing filled polyolefins and to the use of the macrocyclic compounds as stabilizers.

Abstract: Described are compositions comprising (a) 25 to 99% of organic phosphite or phosphonite, based on the total weight of the composition, (b) an effective stabilizing amount of organic amine, and (c) an effective stabilizing amount of acid-binding metal salt, wherein said composition comprises no organic polymers or alkali metal phosphates as further components, as well as a process for stabilising organic phosphites or phosphonites against hydrolysis by addition of organic amine and acid-binding metal salt. The compositions are distinguished by their excellent stability to hydrolysis and have good storage stability even at high atmospheric humidity. The novel compositions and process products can be used with advantage as stabilisers for organic material against the harmful action of heat, oxygen and/or light.

Abstract: Elastomeric vehicle hoses based on ethylene, alpha-olefin, vinyl norbornene elastomeric polymers will exhibit improved cure state and improved long term heat aging. Long term heat aging is an important consideration, as vehicle lives get longer and under the hood temperatures get higher. Also, such elastomeric based hoses will have improved compression set under a wide range of service temperatures. Such excellent compression set values lead to improved sealability over a wide temperature range. Additionally, these elastomeric polymers exhibit lower compound viscosity leading generally to improved processability.

Abstract: An earth leveling apparatus includes a vehicle having runners for movement in an operative direction, an elongated screw mounted to the vehicle and rotatable on its axis, and extending transversely of the operative direction of movement of the vehicle, and an apparatus for rotating the screw, the screw having a spiral blade with an edge adapted to engage earth to move it along the length of the screw as the vehicle advances in the operative direction so as to level the earth.

Abstract: Compounds having improved properties of processability and elasticity after heat aging for molded and extruded rubber parts can be prepared by utilizing improved processability EPM and/or EPDM rubber with effective amounts of carbon black prepared in a manner such that it has an average particle size of from 70 to 120 nanometers, a particle size distribution including from 40 to 225 nanometers sized particles, a surface area of 16 to 30 m.sup.2 /g as measured by the BET adsorption, and a structure of 90 to 125 as measured by DBP absorption. The EPM and EPDM rubber useful in accordance with the invention will include those multimodal polymer blends that comprise at least two fractions having different molecular weight and, optionally, monomer composition. The invention compounds find particular use in automotive industry parts requiring high temperature tolerance, such as coolant hoses.

Abstract: A bale wrapping apparatus including a sled with a shallow angle to the horizontal with a trough for receiving bales. A carriage mounted pusher plate driven longitudinally of the trough to push bales through the bale wrapping station, and a delivery apron including an endless belt providing a friction free surface. The sled mounts skis which provide a degree of friction when the sled advances as a reaction of the pressure being placed on the end of the bales by the pusher plate so as to allow compression of the bales.

Abstract: An open-and-close control device for a horizontally slidable vehicle door fitted with a lock that includes a horizontal endless screw rotatably, movably held within a rail fixed to a vehicle body adjacent the vehicle door, and adapted to be rotated by a rotary electric motor. The horizontal endless screw engages a threaded aperture in a slide translationally movable in the rail, wherein the slide is connected by a single connecting rod to an inner arm positioned on the vehicle door. The arm is oriented towards an inside of the vehicle body such that the single connecting rod is at an angle of less than about 25.degree. to the horizontal endless screw. Opening the vehicle door is initiated by a substantially outward transverse translation of at least part of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A device is intended for receiving one by one from an entry conveyor (2) flat objects moving along in the same plane in a first direction and for displacing them one by one towards an exit conveyor (5) includes reception conveyor (11) including a plurality of receptacles (12) movable over at least a part of their path in a second direction (F1) substantially orthogonal to the the first direction (F2), each receptacle being capable of receiving a flat object bearing in a position which is slightly inclined with respect to vertical, and a stationary station (7) for reception and stopping in a position which is slightly inclined with respect to vertical of the flat objects originating from the entry conveyor.

Abstract: The disclosed device allows individual transfer of flat objects from an input conveyor on which the objects move in a same plane according to a given direction into receptacles moving at right angles with respect to the direction. It is comprised of a sequentially driven reception conveyor intended to receive one by one the objects resting in a position slightly inclined with respect to the vertical, and a transfer member moving in synchronism with the conveyor in order to transfer to an injection position towards a receptacle the lower edge of an object resting on the reception conveyor. The device may be used in a postal sorting machine.