Abstract: Described herein in one embodiment is a plant for the continuous solution polymerization of one or more monomers in a solvent, e.g., a hydrocarbon solvent. In one aspect, the plant comprises a high pressure pump and at least one heat exchanger downstream of the pump. In another aspect a feed is cooled by three heat exchangers which are refrigerated by means of a common three stage compressor. In another aspect, the plant comprises a primary reactor and a secondary reactor arranged to operate in parallel, in which the ratio of volume of the primary reactor to the secondary reactor is in the range of 60:40 to 95:5. In another aspect, a method of defouling a heat exchanger is provided in which the level of liquid refrigerant in the heat exchanger is temporarily lowered.

Abstract: A medical imaging system (10) comprises one or more displays (66). A viewer device (86) generates an interactive user interface screen (80) on the display (66), which viewer device (86) enables a user to simultaneously inspect selected image data of multiple patients or multiple images.

Abstract: A medical imaging system (10) comprises one or more displays (66). A viewer device (86) generates an interactive user interface screen (80) on the display (66), which viewer device (86) enables a user to simultaneously inspect selected image data of multiple patients or multiple images.

Abstract: A medical imaging system (10) comprises one or more displays (66). A viewer device (86) generates an interactive user interface screen (80) on the display (66), which viewer device (86) enables a user to simultaneously inspect selected image data of multiple patients or multiple images.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and methods relating to the finishing line of a continuous solution polymerization plant. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a pelletizer having cooling liquid, e.g., water or aqueous solution, into which is added a pelletization aid. In another aspect, the apparatus comprises means to remove residual polymer particles from the pelletizer cooling liquid. In a further aspect, the apparatus comprises conduits of at least 50 m in length for carrying propellant cooling liquid from the pelletizer to a drying apparatus. The residence time of the pellets in the cooling liquid may be 10 seconds or more. In a further aspect, a drying apparatus is provided for the pellets which comprises first and second drying zones. In a further aspect, a pneumatic conveyor is provided for carrying pellets to a packaging apparatus. In a further aspect, a packaging apparatus is provided comprising a blender silo.

Abstract: Provided is a vacuum devolatilizer for use in a polymer manufacturing or processing plant. The devolatilizer comprises a vacuum chamber having an inlet for a polymer melt, an outlet for a polymer melt, a vacuum port through which volatiles may be removed and a stirrer shaft port for the entry of a stirrer shaft. The stirrer shaft passes through the at least one stirrer shaft port and extends into the vacuum chamber and carries an agitation means. The stirrer shaft seal is associated with each stirrer shaft port for sealing against the stirrer shaft and each stirrer shaft seal has an external portion outside the vacuum chamber. The devolatilizer is provided with a motor located outside of the vacuum chamber for rotating shaft and comprises means for blanketing the external portion of the stirrer shaft seal with a low oxygen content gas or vapor, e.g., nitrogen, helium, steam, or carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Described herein in one embodiment is a plant for the continuous solution polymerization of one or more monomers in a solvent, e.g., a hydrocarbon solvent. In one aspect, the plant comprises a high pressure pump and at least one heat exchanger downstream of the pump. In another aspect a feed is cooled by three heat exchangers which are refrigerated by means of a common three stage compressor. In another aspect, the plant comprises a primary reactor and a secondary reactor arranged to operate in parallel, in which the ratio of volume of the primary reactor to the secondary reactor is in the range of 60:40 to 95:5. In another aspect, a method of defouling a heat exchanger is provided in which the level of liquid refrigerant in the heat exchanger is temporarily lowered.

Abstract: Extruded, copolymer pellet compositions and methods for making the same. A copolymer pellet composition can have an ethylene content of about 40 wt % to about 50 wt % and a propylene content of about 50 wt % to about 60 wt %, based on total weight of the copolymer, wherein the copolymer has a MFR (230° C./2.16 kg) of from about 3.0 g/10 min and about 25 g/10 min; a MWD (Mw/Mn) of about 2.3 or less; and no measurable melting peak, as measured by DSC.

Abstract: Processes for producing blends of a first polymer component and a second polymer component are provided. The first polymer component and the second polymer component are blended in an internally agitated mixer such as a devolatizer in the presence of at least one solvent. Blending the polymers in this manner results in an intimate mixing of the first and second polymers, providing beneficial performance characteristics. In one embodiment, the first polymer incorporates at least 75 wt. % of propylene-derived units wherein the propylene-derived units have an isotactic triad fraction of about 65% to about 99% and wherein the first polymer has a heat of fusion of less than 75 J/g. In this embodiment, the second polymer is selected from polypropylenes, low density polyethylenes, high density polyethylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides, polycarbonates, and polyesters.

Abstract: A vehicle safety lighting and signaling system includes a transmitting unit and multiple remote receiving units, each having a lighting and audible element, and that receive signals from the transmitting unit and selectively activates its signaling elements according to a predetermined signal response directed by the transmitting unit. The receiving unit includes a central processor that selectively decodes transmitted signals received from the transmitting unit and provides signals to a driver circuit that activate a visual signal, and audible signal, or both. A receiving unit may have an integral base affixed to an adjustable band, clothing or motorcycle, and that receiving unit is detachable from the base for charging and/or programming. The remote receiving units may include a band that is expandable for positioning about a cycle riders' arm or leg, and includes one or more lighting elements responsive to receiving a predetermined signal.

Abstract: A medical imaging system (10) comprises one or more displays (66). A viewer device (86) generates an interactive user interface screen (80) on the display (66), which viewer device (86) enables a user to simultaneously inspect selected image data of multiple patients or multiple images.

Abstract: A non-air fluid-based ejector utilizing an actuator-port assembly for use in a sorting machine is disclosed. The ejector has at least 20 dispersion ports per inch, each dispersion port associated with a fluid chamber containing a piezoelectric crystal which dispersed fluid upon receipt of an activation signal based on predetermined criteria compared to data received from an imaging device. The ejector may comprise an array of such ports and be activated to dispense fluid sized to the specific shape characteristics of the selected product.

Abstract: Styrene/acrylonitrile (SAN) resin compositions are provided having both improved room temperature impact properties as well as good weatherability. The compositions comprise a mixture of SAN resin, an elastomeric halogenated copolymer comprising a C.sub.2 to C.sub.12 monoolefin, e.g. isobutylene, and a ring-substituted alklstyrene, e.g., para-methylstyrene, and a compatibilizing agent such as zinc stearate.