Abstract: A cooperative catalyst system includes a Lewis acid and a Lewis base for the formation of non-isocyanate based polyurethane using a cyclic carbonate and an amine. A method of forming non-isocyanate based polyurethane includes providing a cyclic carbonate, an amine, and a cooperative catalyst system that has a Lewis acid and a Lewis base.

Abstract: A cooperative catalyst system includes a Lewis acid and a Lewis base for the formation of non-isocyanate based polyurethane using a cyclic carbonate and an amine. A method of forming non-isocyanate based polyurethane includes providing a cyclic carbonate, an amine, and a cooperative catalyst system that has a Lewis acid and a Lewis base.

Abstract: A method of producing a polymer-clay nanocomposite comprises providing a supply of polymer-clay mixture, exfoliating the mixture through solid-state shear pulverization in the presence of cooling sufficient to maintain the extruded mixture in the solid state during the pulverization, and discharging the resulting exfoliated mixture. The invention is also directed to a method of producing a polymer hybrid nanocomposite, wherein a component is dispersed throughout a polymer matrix by solid-state shear pulverization of a polymer mixed with the second component.

Abstract: A method of producing a polymer-clay nanocomposite comprises providing a supply of polymer-clay mixture, exfoliating the mixture through solid-state shear pulverization in the presence of cooling sufficient to maintain the extruded mixture in the solid state during the pulverization, and discharging the resulting exfoliated mixture. The invention is also directed to a method of producing a polymer hybrid nanocomposite, wherein a component is dispersed throughout a polymer matrix by solid-state shear pulverization of a polymer mixed with the second component.

Abstract: A vacuum pool-cleaning storage system that is housed in the side of a swimming pool substantially below the waterline. The pool vacuum cleaner automatically deploys to clean the pool when the central pool vacuum pump is activated, and automatically retracts to a stored position when the central pool vacuum pump is turned off. The system is adapted to store the vacuum hose in a substantially linear tube located substantially underground. A reel-type hose storage embodiment is also disclosed. The system is preferably powered by vacuum pressure generated by a water circulation pump of the pool plumbing system.

Abstract: A method of producing a polymer-clay nanocomposite comprises providing a supply of polymer-clay mixture, exfoliating the mixture through solid-state shear pulverization in the presence of cooling sufficient to maintain the extruded mixture in the solid state during the pulverization, and discharging the resulting exfoliated mixture. The invention is also directed to a method of producing a polymer hybrid nanocomposite, wherein a component is dispersed throughout a polymer matrix by solid-state shear pulverization of a polymer mixed with the second component.

Abstract: A method for communicating transactions on a network of unsecured parties includes a first party generating a request to a second party on a network to initiate a transaction. The second party maintains a data base containing a plurality of separate transactions. The second party in response to the request, generates and communicates to the first party a unique transaction identifier. The first party trades the processing of the transaction in the second party's data base using the transaction identifier to gain access to the second party's data base.

Abstract: A video data compression system and method for use in minimizing the amount of data necessary to store and recall a black and white video image. An image is obtained by vertically scanning a selected document. The image is then represented by a series of consecutive vertical scans identifying particular sections or cells of the image as black or white. A plurality of consecutive scans are then temporarily stored and analyzed horizontally. Analysis circuitry is utilized to identify certain consecutive black or white sections of the image, repetitions of previous sections of the image or repetitions of certain selectable patterns within the image. The coded output of the analysis circuitry is then stored and may be utilized to reconstruct the image.

Abstract: A document processing system including a modular transport system which includes a digital image capture system, character recognition circuitry, document encoding systems, endorsers, audit trail printers and an in-line microfilm record system. Associated video terminals and non-impact printers are utilized to provide visual images of documents processed by the system. Selected documents may be read, endorsed, encoded, digitally imaged, filmed and sorted in a single continuous pass through the document processing system of the present invention.