Abstract: A process for computer-assisted teaching, which is also known as computer-aided-instruction and computer-based-training is disclosed. Computer simulation may be used to present images which depict an actual physical system that is operated by user actions on a physical control panel. The process is particularly adaptable for teaching persons how to use and maintain various types of industrial machines, teaching students various scientific phenomena and processes, teaching office workers how to use computers and various other office machines, and teaching homeowners how to use various consumer products.

Abstract: A polymeric electrolyte comprising a solution of an ionic salt in a polymer X having a bacbone of formula --A--B--, where A is an oligomeric chain and B is a chain extender group, attached to oligomer A, containing one or more linkage atoms Z selected from Si, C and P, wherein the polymer contains oxymethylene units which are present in one or more of the polymer backbone, sidechains or crosslinks, such that where A is an oxyethylene oligomer of formula --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --O).sub.n, n is an integer from 3 to 10 and where the oxyethylene oligomer is contained in a sidechain or crosslink attached at B, n is from 2 to 25.

Abstract: Compositions of matter are provided comprising a stable, non-vaporous monomeric methylene base selected from a 2-methylenethiazoline; a 2-methylenebenzothiazoline; a 2-methylenenaphthothiazoline; a 2-methylenebenzoselenazoline; and a 2-methylenenaphthoselenazoline. The compositions of the invention are prepared by reacting the parent 2-methyl quaternary salt with a non-hydroxylic base which removes a proton of the heterocyclic salt together with a proton acceptor which inhibits build-up of the hydro salt of the non-hydroxylic base, the reaction being conducted under anhydrous conditions in a non-hydroxylic liquid in which the heterocyclic quaternary salt is sufficiently insoluble to inhibit dimer formation. The compositions of the invention are employed in the preparation of methine dyes.