Abstract: The invention is directed to an oil extended rubber and composition comprising: a solution-polymerized elastomer derived from at least one conjugated diene monomer and at least one vinyl aromatic monomer, the elastomer coupled with at least one metal selected from the group consisting of silicon and tin; and from about 5 to about 70 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr), of a process oil having a glass transition temperature of from about ?80° C. to about ?40° C., a polycyclic aromatic content of less than 3 percent by weight as determined by the IP346 method, and an aromatic content of less than 20 percent by weight as measured by ASTM D2140.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an oil extended rubber and composition comprising: a solution polymerized elastomer derived from isoprene and optionally at least member of the group consisting of conjugated dienes and vinyl aromatic monomers; and from about 5 to about 70 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of elastomer (phr), of a process oil having a glass transition temperature of from about ?80° C. to about ?40° C. and a polycyclic aromatic content of less than 3 percent by weight as determined by the IP346 method.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a baby bottle nipple, comprising a fastener including a sealing surface adapted to be fastened on a baby bottle, and a wall adapted to be contacted with a baby's mouth, the wall having at least one opening to allow milk to pass through, the wall including a nipple portion with the opening being provided in the nipple portion, wherein the wall is comprised of polyisoprene rubber made with a neodymium catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of lining a core slot that includes the steps of unwinding a tube, separating a portion of the tube, inserting the tube into a core slot, and expanding the tube to line the core slot. The present invention also includes a continuous piece of helically-wound tubing that is wound on a spool along with an apparatus and method used for creating the spool of tubing. The method includes the steps of helically wrapping a web of material in an overlapping relationship to form a helically-wound tube, advancing the tube in a longitudinal direction of the tube and winding the tube onto a spool while at least a portion of the tube is being formed by the step of helically-wrapping. Method variations in which one or more of the aforementioned steps may be eliminated as appropriate, can be used for many other uses.

Abstract: The subject invention reveals a navigation system comprising: a position determining device; a means for associating each of a plurality of narrations with each of a plurality of locations, wherein each of the plurality of narrations relate to each of a plurality of points of interest; a means for associating each of a plurality of alert with each of the plurality of locations; a means for communicating alerts to the traveler as the traveler freely moves, wherein the alerts are communicated when the traveler moves within a specified proximity to the locations associated with the alerts, and wherein the alerts advise the traveler with respect to the point of interest; a means for providing the traveler with the option of obtaining directions to the point of interest; and a means for providing the traveler with the option of hearing the narration reading the point of interest.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing and analyzing multi-dimensional data are provided. Example embodiments provide a Meta-Object Data Management System “MODMS,” which enables users to arrange and to rearrange the hierarchical relationships of the data on an ad-hoc basis and allows the data to be analyzed using any set of attributes (dimensions) while the system is running. The MODMS represents heterogeneous data in a normalized (standardized) fashion using an object type management system that allows the arbitrary coercion of one type of object into another different type of object and automatically resolves attribute dependencies. In one embodiment, the MODMS comprises an object type management subsystem; a meta-object instantiation subsystem; one or more data repositories that hold, for example, the data used to populate objects and object type definitions; and an input/output interface.

Abstract: The production of a protein free synthetic polyisoprene which has both low levels of chemical impurities and good physical properties has yet to be realized. It has now been envisioned that the use of neodymium catalyzed polyisoprene will offer the combined advantages of both a clean, as well as, high cis-1,4 polymer. Synthesis of polyisoprene rubber using a neodymium based catalyst system is described. Characterization of the material shows the absence of an ultra high molecular weight fraction and the presence of very high cis-1,4-microstructure. Gum stock and black filled compound studies comparing neodymium polyisoprene with natural rubber, titanium polyisoprene, and lithium polyisoprene have been performed. Results indicate that polyisoprene rubber synthesized using a neodymium catalyst system (Nd-PI) has similar stress-strain and tear properties as synthetic titanium polyisoprene.

Abstract: The production of a protein free synthetic polyisoprene which has both low levels of chemical impurities and good physical properties has yet to be realized. It has now been envisioned that the use of neodymium catalyzed polyisoprene will offer the combined advantages of both a clean, as well as, high cis-1,4 polymer. Synthesis of polyisoprene rubber using a neodymium based catalyst system is described. Characterization of the material shows the absence of an ultra high molecular weight fraction and the presence of very high cis-1,4-microstructure. Gum stock and black filled compound studies comparing neodymium polyisoprene with natural rubber, titanium polyisoprene, and lithium polyisoprene have been performed. Results indicate that polyisoprene rubber synthesized using a neodymium catalyst system (Nd—PI) has similar stress-strain and tear properties as synthetic titanium polyisoprene.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the discovery that rubbery polymers having a high vinyl content and a low degree of branching can be synthesized with an initiator system that is comprised of (a) a lithium initiator selected from the group consisting of allylic lithium compounds and benzylic lithium compounds, (b) a Group I metal alkoxide, and (c) a polar modifier; wherein the molar ratio of the Group I metal alkoxide to the polar modifier is within the range of about 0.1:1 to about 10:1; and wherein the molar ratio of the Group I metal alkoxide to the lithium initiator is within the range of about 0.01:1 to about 20:1. These high vinyl polymers offer reduced levels of hysteresis and better functionalization efficiency.

Abstract: It has been unexpectedly discovered that cis-1,4-polybutadiene that is synthesized utilizing Zeigler-Natta catalyst systems has superior characteristics for utilization in solid golf ball cores if the polymerization is terminated utilizing a carboxylic acid of the structural formula RCOOH, wherein R represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that certain catalyst systems which are comprised of (A) a transition metal compound selected from the group consisting of iron (II) compounds, iron (III) compounds, cobalt (II) compounds, cobalt (III) compounds, and nickel (II) compounds; (B) a ligand selected from the group consisting of certain azopyridines and certain iminopyridines; and (C) methylalumoxane can be used to catalyze the polymerization of diene monomers, such as 1,3-butadiene and isoprene, into polymers, such as high cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber. Some representative examples of azopyridines that can be utilized in the catalyst systems of this invention include 2-phenylazopyridine, 4-methyl-2-phenylazopyridine, and 2,6-diphenylazopyridine. The subject invention more specifically discloses a process for synthesizing a polybutadiene rubber which comprises polymerizing 1,3-butadiene at a temperature which is within the range of about 10° C. to about 100° C.

Abstract: The production of a protein free synthetic polyisoprene which has both low levels of chemical impurities and good physical properties has yet to be realized. It has now been envisioned that the use of neodymium catalyzed polyisoprene will offer the combined advantages of both a clean, as well as, high cis-1,4 polymer. Synthesis of polyisoprene rubber using a neodymium based catalyst system is described. Characterization of the material shows the absence of an ultra high molecular weight fraction and the presence of very high cis-1,4-microstructure. Gum stock and black filled compound studies comparing neodymium polyisoprene with natural rubber, titanium polyisoprene, and lithium polyisoprene have been performed. Results indicate that polyisoprene rubber synthesized using a neodymium catalyst. system (Nd—PI) has similar stress-strain and tear properties as synthetic titanium polyisoprene.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that certain catalyst systems which are comprised of (A) a transition metal compound selected from the group consisting of iron (II) compounds, iron (III) compounds, cobalt (II) compounds, cobalt (III) compounds, and nickel (II) compounds; (B) a ligand selected from the group consisting of certain azopyridines and certain iminopyridines; and (C) methylalumoxane can be used to catalyze the polymerization of diene monomers, such as 1,3-butadiene and isoprene, into polymers, such as high cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber. Some representative examples of azopyridines that can be utilized in the catalyst systems of this invention include 2-phenylazopyridine, 4-methyl-2-phenylazopyridine, and 2,6-diphenylazopyridine. The subject invention more specifically discloses a process for synthesizing a polybutadiene rubber which comprises polymerizing 1,3-butadiene at a temperature which is within the range of about 10° C. to about 100° C.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the discovery that rubbery polymers having a high vinyl content and a low degree of branching can be synthesized with an initiator system that is comprised of (a) a lithium initiator selected from the group consisting of allylic lithium compounds and benzylic lithium compounds, (b) a Group I metal alkoxide, and (c) a polar modifier; wherein the molar ratio of the Group I metal alkoxide to the polar modifier is within the range of about 0.1:1 to about 10:1; and wherein the molar ratio of the Group I metal alkoxide to the lithium initiator is within the range of about 0.01:1 to about 20:1. These high vinyl polymers offer reduced levels of hysteresis and better functionalization efficiency.

Abstract: It is important for rubbery polymers that are used in tires, hoses, power transmission belts and other industrial products to have good compatibility with fillers, such as carbon black, silica, clay (including organoclays), and mixtures thereof. To attain improved interaction with fillers such rubbery polymers can be functionalized with various compounds, such as amines. The present invention discloses a process for synthesizing a rubbery polymer that is functionalized to attain improved compatibility with fillers.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that cis-1,4-polybutadiene that is synthesized utilizing organometallic catalyst systems has superior characteristics for utilization in solid golf ball cores if the polymerization is terminated utilizing a carboxylic acid of the structural formula RCOOH, wherein R represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms. This invention more specifically relates to a golf ball which is comprised of a solid core and a resin cover, wherein the solid core is comprised of cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber which is made by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene in the presence of an organometallic catalyst system wherein the polymerization is short-stopped with a carboxylic acid of the structural formula RCOOH, wherein R represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to about 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that certain catalyst systems which are comprised of (A) a transition metal compound selected from the group consisting of iron (II) compounds, iron (III) compounds, cobalt (II) compounds, cobalt (III) compounds, and nickel (II) compounds; (B) a ligand selected from the group consisting of certain azopyridines and certain iminopyridines; and (C) methylalumoxane can be used to catalyze the polymerization of diene monomers, such as 1,3-butadiene and isoprene, into polymers, such as high cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber. Some representative examples of azopyridines that can be utilized in the catalyst systems of this invention include 2-phenylazopyridine, 4-methyl-2-phenylazopyridine, and 2,6-diphenylazopyridine. The subject invention more specifically discloses a process for synthesizing a polybutadiene rubber which comprises polymerizing 1,3-butadiene at a temperature which is within the range of about 10° C. to about 100° C.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected discovery that cis-1,4-polybutadiene that is synthesized utilizing organometallic catalyst systems has superior characteristics for utilization in solid golf ball cores if the polymerization is terminated utilizing a fatty alcohol of the structural formula ROH, wherein R represents an alkyl group containing from 2 to about 30 carbon atoms. This invention more specifically relates to a golf ball which is comprised of a solid core and a resin cover, wherein the solid core is comprised of cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber which is made by polymerizing 1,3-butadiene in the presence of an organometallic catalyst system wherein the polymerization is short-stopped with a fatty alcohol of the structural formula ROH, wherein R represents an alkyl group containing from 2 to about 30 carbon atoms.

Abstract: It is important for rubbery polymers that are used in tires, hoses, power transmission belts and other industrial products to have good compatibility with fillers, such as carbon black, silica, clay (including organoclays), and mixtures thereof. To attain improved interaction with fillers such rubbery polymers can be functionalized with various compounds, such as amines. The present invention discloses a process for synthesizing a rubbery polymer that is functionalized to attain improved compatibility with fillers.

Abstract: Areas of different temperatures are provided on a semiconductor wafer to improve uniformity in polishing rates during CMP.