Abstract: A fixation component includes tines extending from a base portion of the fixation component. Each tine is elastically deformable between a pre-set position and an open position. Each tine includes a hook segment extending from a proximal end near the base portion to a distal end. Each tine also includes a distal segment extending from the distal end of the hook segment to a tissue-piercing tip. When positioned in the pre-set position, the hook segment extends along a pre-set curvature that encloses an angle between 135 degrees and 270 degrees, and the distal segment extends away from a longitudinal axis of the fixation component.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved syntactic foam plug for plug assist thermoforming wherein such plug is composed of a thermoplastic material having a relatively high melting and/or glass transition temperature. Accordingly, the subject invention encompasses diminishing or removing the undesirable characteristics of thermoset syntactic plugs while increasing the ease by which these articles may be constructed for a given use, by forming such plugs from syntactic foams containing thermoplastics.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved syntactic foam plug for plug assist thermoforming wherein such plug is composed of a thermoplastic material having a relatively high melting and/or glass transition temperature. Accordingly, the subject invention encompasses diminishing or removing the undesirable characteristics of thermoset syntactic plugs while increasing the ease by which these articles may be constructed for a given use, by forming such plugs from syntactic foams containing thermoplastics.

Abstract: Resins suitable for use in compression molding processes are prepared by mixing between about 10 and 30 weight % of chopped partially carbonized fibers, i.e. fibers having a carbon content of between about 70 to 95% by weight and an average size of about 100 &mgr;m, with compression grade molding resins. Typically the compression grade molding resins are about 100 &mgr;m When chopped carbon fibers of reduced conductivity are used the curve obtained by plotting the resistivity against the concentration of carbon fibers is less steep in the critical regions of interest (i.e., between about 1010 and 1012 and between about 106 and 109) than is the curve obtained when high conductivity fibers are used. It has been observed that even if some dielectric breakdown occurs, the connected fibers are not as conductive and the effect has been found not to be as significant as is the case with the usual carbon fibers which have maximized conductivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved syntactic foam plug for plug assist thermoforming wherein such plug is composed of a thermoplastic material having a relatively high melting and/or glass transition temperature. Accordingly, the subject invention encompasses diminishing or removing the undesirable characteristics of thermoset syntactic plugs while increasing the ease by which these articles may be constructed for a given use, by forming such plugs from syntactic foams containing thermoplastics.

Abstract: A composition comprising a copolyestercarbonate derived from a dihydric phenol, a carbonate precursor, and an aliphatic alpha omega dicarboxylic acid or ester precursor wherein the dicarboxylic acid or ester precursor has from 10 to about 20 carbon atoms, inclusive, and is present in the copolyestercarbonate in quantities of from about 2 to 30 mole percent of the dihydric phenol.

Abstract: A composition comprising a copolyestercarbonate derived from a dihydric phenol, a carbonate precursor, and an aliphatic alpha omega dicarboxylic acid or ester precursor wherein the dicarboxylic acid or ester precursor has from 10 to about 20 carbon atoms, inclusive, and is present in the copolyestercarbonate in quantities of from about 2 to 30 mole percent of the dihydric phenol.

Abstract: Polyester-carbonate resins blended with a fibrous reinforcing agent, an impact-modifier and optionally a flame-retarding agent are used to mold articles such as structural panels. The articles exhibit improved impact-resistance without significant loss of elastic modulus and fire-retardancy.

Abstract: A composition comprising a copolyestercarbonate derived from a dihydric phenol, a carbonate precursor, and an aliphatic alpha omega dicarboxylic acid or ester precursor wherein the dicarboxylic acid or ester precursor has from 10 to about 20 carbon atoms, inclusive, and is present in the copolyestercarbonate in quantities of from about 2 to 30 mole percent of the dihydric phenol.

Abstract: A flame resistant electrically insulating multilayer material is described herein, in which a flame resistant core which may be comprised of coextrudable, thermoformable thermoplastic materials has at least one electrically insulating outer layer attached thereto. Preferred polymeric materials forming the core include blends of polycarbonates with halogen-containing polycarbonates. Each outer layer typically may be formed from polycarbonates and linear polyesters. The multilayer material may be shaped to surround and shield any sensitive device requiring protection from high voltage arcing or fire.

Abstract: Novel thermoplastic block carbonate-carboxylate copolyesters useful in films and molded articles are prepared by the interesterification of (a) high molecular weight aromatic carbonate polymers and (b) a copolyester of a linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and, optionally, an aromatic dibasic acid such as terephthalic or isophthalic acid with one or more straight or branched chain dihydric aliphatic glycols, or with a block copolyester of poly(1,4-butylene terephthalates) and polybutylene oxide or an aromatic/aliphatic polyester, a mixture of poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) and a polyester of a linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid and a branched chain dihydric aliphatic glycol or a poly(butylene oxide).

Abstract: A plastic article having adhered thereto a translucent and decorative UV cured coating on the surface thereof which coating is wrinkled in a macroscopically irregular but microscopically regular manner and comprised of the photoreaction products of (i) certain polyfunctional acrylate monomers (ii) certain polysiloxane-polyether block copolymer surfactants and (iii) azobisisobutyronitrile.

Abstract: Novel nucleating agents have been discovered which are effective in polyesters, especially poly(ethylene terephthalate). The novel nucleating agents are copolymers derived from a poly(alkylene terephthalate) and a sulfonate salt.Also provided by this invention are a process for nucleating polyesters, particularly poly(alkylene terephthalates), especially poly(ethylene terephthalate) and the compositions so produced.

Abstract: Modified thermoplastic polyester compositions are provided which comprise (a) a poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) resin or polyester copolymer and, optionally, a poly(ethylene terephthalate) resin and (b) a modifier therefor comprising a combination of a polyacrylate resin or a vinyl aromatic-diene block copolymer resin and a poly(1,3-butylene terephthalate), and, optionally (c) filler and/or reinforcing agent and/or (d) a flame retardant or combination of flame retardants. Modifier (b) provides enhanced resistance to impact fracture in articles molded from the compositions.

Abstract: Thermoplastic molding compositions are described, comprising a high molecular weight linear polyester or polyesters, optionally in admixture with block copolyesters, an impact modifier and a filler. These compositions are moldable into articles having improved properties.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molding composition having improved physical properties is provided, the composition comprising an intimate admixture of a high molecular weight polyester, from about 0.1 to about 25% by weight, based on the total composition, of a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate and a filler, said composition having been prepared by melt blending the polyester, the copolymer and the filler and further reacting the resultant blend in the solid state.

Abstract: Modified thermoplastic polyester compositions are provided which comprise (a) a poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) resin or polyester copolymer and, optionally, a poly(ethylene terephthalate) resin and (b) a modifier therefor comprising a combination of a polyacrylate resin or a vinyl aromatic-diene block copolymer resin and a poly(1,3-butylene terephthalate), and, optionally (c) filler and/or reinforcing agent and/or (d) a flame retardant or combination of flame retardants. Modifier (b) provides enhanced resistance to impact fracture in articles molded from the compositions.