Abstract: A coating composition for forming a water-resistant coating on fiber-reinforced articles such as rods or cables. The composition comprises an aqueous solution of a superabsorbent water-soluble polymer, a viscosity modifying agent, and optionally a lubricant. the coating formed by applying the composition effectively prevents the treated surface from water-permeation damage by absorbing water that contacts the layer containing the superabsorbent component.

Abstract: A housing for flammable gas detector comprises a housing body and a flame arrestor element (14 and 15). The housing body has an aperture (27) in which the flame arrestor element is located through which the interior of the housing body communicates with the outside. The housing body surrounding the aperture is molded from plastic material. The portions of the housing body that form the aperture (27) are molded around the flame arrestor element with the flame arrestor element in situ. A flammable gas detector of the type which employs a heated sensing element to oxidize any flammable gas present may be located in the housing body. Any flame front present in the housing body due to oxidation of any flammable gas is prevented from progressing to the surrounding environment by the flame arrestor element.

Abstract: A process for preparing a compound of formula (IV), wherein R1 is C1-4alkyl, CH2(C1-3haloalkyl), benzyl, CH2(C2-5akenyl or CH2(C2-5alkynyl), which comprises reducing a compound of formula (III). Compounds of formula (IV) are agrochemical intermediates.

Abstract: A process for preparing a compound of formula (IV) wherein R1 is C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 haloalkyl, benzyl, C3-6 alkenyl or C3-6 alkyny, (provided that the &agr;-carbon atom of R1 is neither unsaturated nor substituted with halogen), which comprises reacting a compound of formula (III) with a source of hydroxylamine in the presence of an acid. Compounds of formula (IV) are agrochemical intermediates.

Abstract: A method of increasing the amount of entrained vapor in fiber-reinforced resin composite materials, and in particular filament wound composites, wherein a particularly effective chemical foaming or blowing agent is incorporated into the resin matrix composition used to form the composites. The foaming agent creates vapor-filled voids throughout the resin matrix of the composite as it cures. The superior composites containing these vapor-filled voids demonstrate high burst strength retention and excellent resistance to cyclic fatigue. The invention also relates to composite materials and articles thereof.

Abstract: A shear pin assembly to be used in a blind radial hole on a rotor assembly stack. The blind radial hole is located at the interface between the disks that form the rotor stack and has a slot cut into one of the disks. The shear pin is disposed in the blind radial hole and includes, a cylindrical body, a cavity, and a cam pivotally disposed in said cavity. When the shear pin is installed, the cam is pivoted into the slot, locking the pin in the blind radial hole.

Abstract: An aqueous glass fiber sizing composition comprising at least one diol-organosilane coupling agent and at least one triol-organosilane coupling agent.

Abstract: 5-Chloro-2-(4,4-difluorobutylthio)thiazole is prepared from 2-mercaptotriazole by a multistep process involving S-alkylation, chlorination and dehydrochlorination and is converted by oxidation to the corresponding sulfone which is useful as an agricultural nematicide.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module capable of being oriented by hand with respect to the sun, including an infinitely adjustable stand system for locating the module at its optimum orientation with respect to the sun and a multi-volt controller for regulating the power flow between the module and one or more powered devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides the novel chlorofluorohydrocarbon 1,1-difluoro-1,4-dichlorobutane, and a process for its preparation comprising reacting 1,1,1,4-tetrachlorobutane or 1,1,4-trichlorobut-1-ene with hydrogen fluoride in the liquid or vapor phase. The product has useful solvent properties and is also useful in synthetic chemistry for the introduction of fluorocarbon functionality.

Abstract: 5-Chloro-2-(4,4-difluorobutenylthio)thiazole is prepared from 2-mercaptothiazole by a multistep process involving S-alkylation, chlorination and dehydrochlorination and is converted by oxidation to the corresponding sulfone which is useful as an agricultural nematicide.

Abstract: A bolting system secures its nuts with locking pins and securing portions. The first and second bolts extend through a surface in the same general orientation, wherein each of the bolts has a threaded end. First and second nuts are engaged with the bolts' threaded ends. Each nut has a nut wall with a threaded inner surface, an opposing outer surface, and a pin insertion hole radially extending at least partially through the nut wall from the outer surface. First and second locking pins are disposed in the pin insertion holes, each pin having a top portion that extends beyond the outer surface. The top portion has at least one aperture extending therethrough. A first securing portion extends through the first locking pin aperture and is secured around the first nut outer surface. A second securing portion extends through the second locking pin aperture and is secured around the second nut outer surface. A third securing portion is secured through the apertures of the first and second pins.

Abstract: A bolting system for securing at least two structures having a bolt, a coupling nut, a hydraulic tensioner, and a lock nut. The bolt has a body with a threaded end and another end with a bolt head. The coupling nut is engageable with the threaded end of the bolt and has a top face having one or more dog indentations. The hydraulic tensioner has a hydraulic cell with an engagement end that engages the threaded end of the bolt. The hydraulic cell stretches the bolt while an engaging member of the hydraulic tensioner engages the dog indentations of the coupling nut with complementing, engaging member dogs. The engaging member rotates the coupling nut while the engagement end of the hydraulic tensioner tensions the bolt. The lock nut is engageable with the threaded end of the bolt.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved process for preparing halogenated alcohols of the formula CX1X2X3CH(OH)CH:C(CH3)2 (I, X1, X2, X3=halo) by reacting CX1X2X3H with 3-methylbut-2-en-1-al in the presence of a strong base and an inert solvent.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 4,4,4-trichlorobutan-1-ol which comprises reacting allyl alcohol with chloroform in the presence of a radical initiator. Preferably the allyl alcohol is added incrementally to the chloroform over the period of the reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides the novel chlorofluorohydrocarbon 1,1-difluoro-1,4-dichlorobutane, and a process for its preparation by reacting 1,1,1,4-tetrachlorobutane with hydrogen fluoride in the liquid phase. The product has useful solvent properties and is also useful in synthetic chemistry for the introduction of fluorocarbon functionality.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module capable of being oriented by hand with respect to the sun including an electrically activated display device for generating a visual informational display which indicates at least the power generating effectiveness of the module for its instantaneous orientation with respect to the sun, and an array of photovoltaic cells for generating a first power output for a load and a second power output for activating the display device and a third power output signal for the display device indicating the power generating effectiveness of the module.

Abstract: An axial tensioned bolt and nut for bolting together a turbine or similar piece of equipment. The bolt has parallel threads and the nut has a coil insert. The bolt is stretched and tensioned by a hydraulic tensioner. In one embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic tensioner rests on a bridge element which in turn rests on the surface of the turbine around the nut. The hydraulic tensioner is then attached to the threads of the bolt. The bolt is stretched by the hydraulic tensioner pulling on the bolt while pushing against the bridge. In another embodiment of the invention, a stool with a wide top face rests on the surface of the equipment and the bolt extends through the stool and engages the nut. The bridge element rests on the top face of the stool while the hydraulic tensioner stretches the bolt. In a third embodiment of the invention, a parallel action hydraulic tensioner is attached to both ends of the bolt and pulls the bolt to stretch it.

Abstract: An optical element having a light carrying medium through which light can propagate by total internal reflection. The light carrying medium has at least one surface. A layer is positioned adjacent the surface and is of a porous first material of sufficient porosity and with pores which are vacant or contain a second material having an index of refraction lower than that of the light carrying medium, such that the layer reduces total internal reflection in the light carrying medium less than would be reduced using a non-porous layer of the same dimensions of only the first material. A light integrator and scanner using such integrator are also provided.

Abstract: A process for preparing a compound of formula (I), ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is optionally substituted alkyl or phenyl, R.sup.2 is COOH, and R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently selected from hydrogen, halo, haloalkyl, nitro, hydroxy, alkoxy, haloalkoxy or alkoxyalkoxy; which process comprises oxidising a compound of formula (II) ##STR2## where R.sup.1, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are as defined in relation to formula (I) and R.sup.5 is H, halo or C.sub.1-4 alkyl with sodium hypochlorite or sodium chlorite in the presence of a catalytic amount of a ruthenium or palladium compound and a phase transfer catalyst in an organic solvent at a pH of 7-11.