Abstract: Polyester-co-carbonate polyols and methods for producing the same are provided. The method comprises reacting one or more alcohols having an OH functionality of two or more with one or more organic diacids to form a reaction mixture, adding a first amount of dialkyl carbonate to the reaction mixture to remove water remaining from the reaction mixture by azeotropic drying, adding a transesterification catalyst to the dialkyl carbonate containing reaction mixture and adding a second amount of dialkyl carbonate to the catalyst containing reaction mixture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for methods of producing a polycarbonate polyol. The method includes charging a vessel with butanediol, charging the vessel with a polymerization catalyst, and adding to the vessel dimethyl carbonate at a rate of at least 2.0 g of DMC per minute per kg of BDO to produce polycarbonate polyol at a polycarbonate polyol yield of at least 80% of a theoretical yield.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for polyurethane-based sealants. The sealants include a reaction product of a reaction system which includes at least one isocyanate, and at least one polyester polyol. The polyester polyol includes a reaction product of a polyester reaction mixture which includes one or more hydrophobic monomers, one or more organic diacids or methyl esters thereof, and one or more diols.

Abstract: The present invention is an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic isocyanate obtained form a process comprising the steps of reacting an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic primary amine, with phosgene in the presence of an inert solvent, wherein the initial reaction temperature is between 100 and 130° C. and the temperature is subsequently ramped to 150 to 180° C. during the course of the reaction, the solvent to amine weight ratio is 95:5 to 80:20, the total reaction pressure is maintained between 50 and 350 psig and the amine is rapidly dispersed in the phosgene through injection in a region of high efficiency mixing.

Abstract: A two-component curable adhesive or sealant composition is provided. The first component may comprise a mixture of at least one polyol selected from the group comprising a polyester polyol, a polyester-polycarbonate copolymer polyol, and combinations thereof, a resin, and optionally a solvent. The second component may comprise a prepolymer obtained by reacting a polyester-polycarbonate copolymer polyol which is the reaction product of a polyester polyol which is the reaction product of one or more organic acids, and one or more glycols having a functionality of two or more and one or more polycarbonate polyols, at least one organic polyisocyanate component, and at least one chain extending agent and optionally a solvent. Alternatively, the first component may comprise a polyester-polycarbonate copolymer polyol, a resin, and optionally a solvent. The second component may comprise a polyisocyanate curative and optionally a solvent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for methods of producing a polycarbonate polyol. The method includes charging a vessel with butanediol, charging the vessel with a polymerization catalyst, and adding to the vessel dimethyl carbonate at a rate of at least 2.0 g of DMC per minute per kg of BDO to produce polycarbonate polyol at a polycarbonate polyol yield of at least 80% of a theoretical yield.

Abstract: Polyester-co-carbonate polyols and methods for producing the same are provided. The method comprises reacting one or more alcohols having an OH functionality of two or more with one or more organic diacids to form a reaction mixture, adding a first amount of dialkyl carbonate to the reaction mixture to remove water remaining from the reaction mixture by azeotropic drying, adding a transesterification catalyst to the dialkyl carbonate containing reaction mixture and adding a second amount of dialkyl carbonate to the catalyst containing reaction mixture.

Abstract: A polyol formulation comprising certain type of polyester polyols useful in the preparation of rigid polyurethane foams having low surface friability is provided. In one embodiment, a reaction system for production of a rigid foam is provided. The reaction system comprises a polyester polyol and one or more polyisocyanates, wherein the polyester polyol and the polyisocyanates are mixed in amounts sufficient to provide a rigid polyurethane foam. The polyester polyol comprises the reaction product of from 20 to 60 weight percent of an aromatic component comprising at least 80 mole percent or greater of terephthalic acid, from 20 to 60 weight percent of a polyethylene glycol having a number average molecular weight from 150 to 1,000, from 5 to 20 weight percent of a glycol having a functionality of 2 and molecular weight of 60 to 250 and from 5 to 20 weight percent of a glycol having a functionality of at least 3 and a molecular weight of 60 to 250.

Abstract: A polyurethane adhesive having a low gross heat of combustion is used to assemble insulation panels such as mineral wool insulation panels. The polyurethane adhesive contains a polyisocyanate side and a polyol side. The polyol side includes a certain polyether ether polyol and an aromatic polyester diol. The mixture of these polyols provides excellent adhesion together with suitably low viscosities, even at high filler levels, and a cured adhesive that has a low gross heat of combustion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses polyester-polyether polyols suitable for blending with other polyols or other materials mutually compatible with the polyester polyols to achieve polyurethane and polyisocyanurate products. In particular the present invention discloses polyester-polyether polyols produced by the reaction of: 1) phthalic anhydride with an alcohol having a nominal functionality of 3 and a molecular weight of 90 to 500 under conditions to form a phthalic anhydride half-ester; and 2) alkoxylating the half-ester formed in step 1 to form a polyester-polyether polyol having a hydroxyl number of from 200 to 350; with the proviso when the alcohol is a polyether polyol, the polyether polyol contains at least 70 weight percent of polyoxypropylene.

Abstract: Polyesters and polyol formulations comprising polyesters used in the preparation of polyisocyanurate rigid foams with improved green strength properties are provided. In some embodiments, a polyester which is the reaction product of (a) an aromatic component comprising 80 mole percent or greater of terephthalic acid, (b) at least one polyether polyol having a nominal functionality of 2, a molecular weight of 150 to 1,000 and a polyoxyethylene content of at least 70% by weight of the polyether polyol, (c) at least one glycol different than (b) having a nominal functionality of 2 and a molecular weight from 60 to 250, and (d) at least one polyol having a molecular weight of 60 to 250 and a nominal functionality of at least 3, wherein (a), (b), (c), and (d) are present in the reaction on a percent weight basis of 20 to 60 weight percent of (a), 20 to 50 weight percent of (b), 10 to 30 weight percent of (c), and 5 to 20 weight percent of (d) is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for safely closing an opening in tissue using suture. In one embodiment, the device includes an elongated main body constructed to permit visualization longitudinally through the main body from the proximal end to the distal end, the distal end defining a support surface to support the suture and protect distal body structures. A flange is connect to the main body adjacent the proximal end and projects laterally therefrom in first and second lateral directions. First and second guide holes extend longitudinally through the flange, and are structured to direct a suturing instrument longitudinally towards the support surface for passing the suture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to polyols having resistance to hydrocarbons and articles made therefrom. More specifically, embodiments of the invention generally relate to hydrophilic polyester-polycarbonate polyols having resistance to hydrocarbons at high temperatures and articles made therefrom. The novel hydrophilic polyester-polycarbonate polyols described herein may be used in adhesive or elastomer applications requiring enhanced oil and/or diesel resistance. The disclosed polyols are liquid at room temperature, which facilitates processing into polyurethane products As described herein, an elastomer made from such hydrophilic polyester-polycarbonate polyols and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) retained >90% of tensile strength after 500 hours ageing at 121 degrees Celsius. A comparative example made from a polyester polyol retained 50% of tensile strength under similar conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed are hydrophobic polyester-polycarbonate polyols which are the reaction product of (a) a polyester polyol and (b) one or more polycarbonate polyols. The polyester polyol (a) is the reaction product of: (i) one or more hydrophobic monomers, (ii) one or more organic acids, and (iii) one or more alcohols having an OH functionality of 2 or more. The polyester-polycarbonate polyols may be both amorphous and liquid at room temperature and have excellent hydrolytic stability. The hydrolytic and chemical performance of the polyester-polycarbonate polyols described herein is superior to that of commercially available hydrophobically modified polyester polyols and to that of commercially available polyester-polycarbonate polyols as described herein.

Abstract: A process for preparing a hybrid polyester-polyether polyol comprises contacting a carboxyl group-containing component and an epoxide, optionally in the presence of one or more of a double metal cyanide catalyst, a superacid catalyst, a metal salt of a superacid catalyst and/or a tertiary amine catalyst, under conditions such that a hybrid polyester-polyether polyol is formed. The hybrid polyester-polyether polyol offers the advantages of both ester and ether functionalities when used in a polyurethane formulation, thus enhancing physical properties. The process results in products having narrow polydispersity, a low acid number and unsaturation, and reduced byproduct formation, particularly when the double metal cyanide catalyst is employed.

Abstract: An obstruction detection system using a safety switch with a plurality of sensors is provided. The sensors include a sensing element molded in a casing and separated from an adjacent sensor by one of a plurality of connectors. A clip has a strip portion and a first attachment arm extending at an angle from the strip portion. A second attachment arm extends from the strip portion. A barb leg is disposed at an angle relative to the strip portion. The barb leg has a first leg end and a second leg end opposite the first leg end with the barb leg connected at the first leg end to the second attachment arm and the second leg end is disposed toward and spaced apart from the strip portion.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the preparation of insecticidal compositions.

Abstract: A medical device may include a sheet member having a first surface and a second surface to engage a surface of a body tissue. The medical device may include an incision guide extending along a length of the sheet member. First and second portions of the sheet member may be positioned on respective first and second sides of the incision guide. The sheet member may be severable along the incision guide to separate the first portion and the second portion from one another. A first magnetic member may be positioned on the first portion, and a second magnetic member may be positioned on the second portion. The first and second magnetic members may be attracted to one another to magnetically couple the first portion and the second portion to one another. The medical device may include an alignment mechanism for aligning the separated first and second portions with one another.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube assembly is disclosed. The endotracheal tube assembly includes an elongate tube having an outer wall, and a first connector disposed on the outer wall. The outer wall defines a generally cylindrical elongate central lumen therein, an elongate suction lumen therein, and a first suction lumen aperture therethrough, the first suction lumen aperture being in fluid communication with the elongate suction lumen. The first connector includes a first annular wall disposed within a second annular wall, where the first annular wall and the second annular wall extend away from a longitudinal axis of the elongate tube in a radial direction. An internal surface of the first annular wall defines a first flow passage, and a rim of the first annular wall defines a first connection aperture. The first connection aperture is in fluid communication with the elongate suction lumen through the first flow passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insecticidal fermentation broth of an actinomycete, where the fermentation broth contains an optimized ratio of active dunaimycins to inactive dunaimycins.