Abstract: A method of forming a golf ball includes forming a pair of thermoplastic hemispherical shells from an elastomer compound including an elastomer and first, second, and third free radical initiators, with the elastomer being pre-crosslinked to a first crosslinking density, then positioning a spherical component between the hemispherical shells and compression molding and curing the hemispherical shells to a second crosslinking density around the spherical component. The method uses three different crosslinking temperatures.

Abstract: A cured elastomer is formed by partially crosslinking an elastomer compound containing first and second free radical initiators at a first crosslinking temperature T1, then further crosslinking at a second crosslinking temperature T2. Either: (i) the first free radical initiator's half-life is about 0.2-5 minutes at T1, the second free radical initiator's half-life is about 0.2-5 minutes at T2, and T2 is higher than T1 by at least about 30° C.; or (ii) the second free radical initiator's one-minute half-life temperature is higher than the first free radical initiator's one-minute half-life temperature by at least about 30° C., T1 is within about 20° C. of the first one-minute half-life temperature, and T2 is within about 20° C. of the second one-minute half-life temperature.

Abstract: A cured elastomer golf ball component is made by heating an elastomer compound containing an ethylenically unsaturated elastomer, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and first and second free radical initiators to a first crosslinking temperature T1 in a compression mold and partially crosslinking the elastomer, then heating to a second crosslinking temperature T2 and curing the elastomer component of the golf ball. Either: (i) the first initiator has a half-life of about 0.2-5 minutes at T1, the second initiator has a half-life of about 0.2-5 minutes at T2, and T2 is higher T1 by at least about 30° C.; or (ii) the second initiator's one-minute half-life temperature is at least about 30° C. higher than the first initiator's one-minute half-life temperature, T1 is within about 20° C. of the first initiator's one-minute half-life temperature, and T2 is within about 20° C. of the second initiator's one-minute half-life temperature.

Abstract: Novel methods and kits for creating defects in composite materials, as well as an engineered part or structure with one or more designed defects, are disclosed. The disclosed inventions advantageously permit the intentional introduction of one or multiple defects of any desired size and shape, either between the same two chosen laminae or on different layers within a multi-layer composite, having mechanical and thermal properties that are akin to those found for actual defects. One disclosed method involves creating a mask having a cut-out in the size and shape of a desired defect, placing the mask at a location on a first substrate where the defect is desired, applying a release agent, removing the mask, and adding a second substrate over the first substrate with release agent. The first substrate may be a cured lamina or an uncured lamina pre-impregnated with resin having a barricade in the size and shape of the outline of the desired defect.

Abstract: Novel methods and kits for creating defects in composite materials, as well as an engineered part or structure with one or more designed defects, are disclosed. The disclosed inventions advantageously permit the intentional introduction of one or multiple defects of any desired size and shape, either between the same two chosen laminae or on different layers within a multi-layer composite, having mechanical and thermal properties that are akin to those found for actual defects. One disclosed method involves creating a mask having a cut-out in the size and shape of a desired defect, placing the mask at a location on a first substrate where the defect is desired, applying a release agent, removing the mask, and adding a second substrate over the first substrate with release agent. The first substrate may be a cured lamina or an uncured lamina pre-impregnated with resin having a barricade in the size and shape of the outline of the desired defect.

Abstract: Methods for mutagenizing and selecting microorganisms with increased product tolerance are provided. Additionally, methods and systems are disclosed for culturing the microorganisms to produce products.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article formed by a rotational molding process, having at least one layer formed from a high molecular weight polyamide. The high molecular weight polyamide is one having a molecular weight in the range of 20,000 to 35,000 and also having an inherent viscosity of 1.05-1.60 dL/g. Rotomolded articles having a high molecular weight polyamide layer have better low-temperature impact performance compared to articles formed from lower molecular weight polyamides.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article formed by a rotational molding process, having at least one layer formed from a high molecular weight polyamide. The high molecular weight polyamide is one having a molecular weight in the range of 20,000 to 35,000 and also having an inherent viscosity of 1.05-1.60 dL/g. Rotomolded articles having a high molecular weight polyamide layer have better low-temperature impact performance compared to articles formed from lower molecular weight polyamides.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and methods for storing thermal energy. For example, an apparatus including comprising at least one phase change material, and a capsule containing the at least one phase change material. The capsule may be permanently or temporarily sealed to contain the encapsulation material. The encapsulation material includes at least one material that is chemically and physically distinct from the phase change material. The encapsulation material and phase change material are selected to store and discharge thermal energy at temperatures of greater than 400° C. without capsule failure.

Abstract: Methods for adapting or selecting microorganisms with increased product tolerance are provided Additionally, a bioreactor capable of operation in either packed bed or fluidized bed is disclosed along with methods to use the bioreactor for culturing microorganisms adapted or selected increased product tolerance

Abstract: This invention relates to multi-component fibers made of at least 40 weight percent, and preferably over 50 weight percent of one or more high chain length polyamides. The fibers have both a high tear strength and good tensile strength. The fibers can be used to produce woven and non-woven articles having excellent toughness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and preparative process of partially or fully neutralized mixtures of carboxylate functionalized ethylene high copolymers or terpolymers (Mw between 80,000 and 500,000) with carboxylate functionalized ethylene low copolymers (Mw between 2,000 and 30,000) and organic acid salts and injection or compression molded applications such as golf ball components thereof.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition of (a) an acid copolymer, (b) a salt of a high molecular weight, monomeric organic acid; (c) a thermoplastic polymer selected from copolyetheresters, elastomeric polyolefins, styrene diene block copolymers, elastomeric polyolefins thermoplastic polyurethanes and copolyetheramides; (d) cation source; and (d) optionally a filler. Also included is use of such compositions in components of one-, two- and three-piece golf balls or multi-layered golf balls made therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and preparative process of partially or fully neutralized mixtures of carboxylate functionalized ethylene high copolymers or terpolymers (Mw between 80,000 and 500,000) with carboxylate functionalized ethylene low copolymers (Mw between 2,000 and 30,000) and organic acid salts and injection or compression molded applications such as golf ball components thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and preparative process of partially or fully neutralized mixtures of carboxylate functionalized ethylene high copolymers or terpolymers (Mw between 80,000 and 500,000) with carboxylate functionalized ethylene low copolymers (Mw between 2,000 and 30,000) and organic acid salts and injection or compression molded applications such as golf ball components thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and preparative process of partially or fully neutralized mixtures of carboxylate functionalized ethylene high copolymers or terpolymers (Mw between 80,000 and 500,000) with carboxylate functionalized ethylene low copolymers (Mw between 2,000 and 30,000) and organic acid salts and injection or compression molded applications such as golf ball components thereof.

Abstract: A resiliently flexible construction beam includes a pair of lateral flange portions and a web extending therebetween, preferably, but not necessarily, so as to present a cross-sectional profile corresponding to commonly used construction beam members (e.g., 2″×4″ or 2″×6″). The resilience of the beam helps to attenuate sound transmission through the beam from one lateral member to the other. In particular, in a wall frame, beams according to the present invention are mounted at opposite ends thereof to end plates. In one example, the end plates include slits into which the webs of the beams can be received. The resilient web according to the present invention is conveniently made from a unitary piece of material such as, for example, steel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and preparative process of partially or fully neutralized mixtures of carboxylate functionalized ethylene high copolymers or terpolymers (Mw between 80,000 and 500,000) with carboxylate functionalized ethylene low copolymers (Mw between 2,000 and 30,000) and organic acid salts and injection or compression molded applications such as golf ball components thereof.

Abstract: A unique fabric with non-adherent characteristics making it suitable for use as a wound dressing, and particularly as a dressing for burns, is disclosed The fabric comprises cellulose acetate fibers and a siloxane finishing on the fibers. In a preferred embodiment, the dressing comprises cellulose acetate fibers, cellulose acetate fiber having an anti-biologic incorporated into the fiber resin, and a siloxane finishing on the fibers. The fabric of the invention was found to be less adherent to burns than dressings made from cotton or having a nylon net about an absorbent pad.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition of (a) an acid copolymer, (b) a salt of a high molecular weight, monomeric organic acid; (c) a thermoplastic polymer selected from copolyetheresters, elastomeric polyolefins, styrene diene block copolymers, elastomeric polyolefins thermoplastic polyurethanes and copolyetheramides; (d) cation source; and (d) optionally a filler. Also included is use of such compositions in components of one-, two- and three-piece golf balls or multi-layered golf balls made therefrom.