Abstract: Advantageous rigid polyurethane foam properties (e.g. compressive strength) can be improved and the proportions of polymerization catalyst and/or surfactant needed to provide a given level of such properties can be lowered by preparing such foams from compositions comprising, in addition to the conventional foam-forming reactants including polyisocyanate and polyol, from about 3% to about 10% , based on the weight of the polyol, of a plasticizer selected from essentially halogen-free phosphates and carboxylates containing at least one aryl radical, e.g. isodecyl diphenyl phosphate or butyl benzyl phthalate.

Abstract: A method of producing piezoelectric and pyroelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films is shown. A stretched PVDF film having a predominantly .beta.-type crystal structure is rolled for thickness reduction. The rolling orients a substantial percentage of b axes of .beta. crystals normal to the film surface, as determined by X-ray diffraction patterns. An optional annealing step is shown, wherein the rolled film is heated, optionally while under pressure. Improvement in the piezoelectric constant of 25 percent or more is typical.

Abstract: Hydrolytic stability of flexible polyesterurethane foam containing haloalkyl phosphate fire retardant is substantially increased by including a small amount of alkyl benzyl phthalate in the reaction mixture used in preparation of the foam.

Abstract: Advantageous rigid polyurethane foam properties (e.g. compressive strength) can be improved and the proportions of polymerization catalyst and/or surfactant needed to provide a given level of such properties can be lowered by preparing such foams from compositions comprising, in addition to the conventional foam-forming reactants including polyisocyanate and polyol, from about 3% to about 10%, based on the weight of the polyol, of a plasticizer selected from essentially halogen-free phosphates and carboxylates containing at least one aryl radical, e.g. isodecyl diphenyl phosphate or butyl benzyl phthalate.

Abstract: A shoe adapted for use with a plurality of various attachable and interchangeable skating accessories whereby said accessories may be selectively and removably locked into the sole of said shoe, and whereby certain safety features are provided in the form of front and rear stops for a roller skate.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling the larvae of heel flies which parasitize ruminants and other warm-blooded animals by administering to said animals an effective amount of an unsubstituted or substituted phenylene bis[imino(thio)carbonyl]diphosphor(thio)amidic acid ester.

Abstract: Stable mixtures, comprising a sucrose-based polyol, a .beta.-haloalkyl phosphate or .beta.-haloalkyl phosphonate flame retardant and a hydroxylamine catalyst are provided which are characterized by prolonged shelf life. The stable mixtures are used in the preparation of foamed urethane polymers by reaction thereof with an isocyanate. The urethane polymers are useful as flexible foam insulating material in buildings, pipe lines, storage tanks and refrigerators and as flexible foams in cushions, mattresses, carpet backings, and packaging materials.

Abstract: It is disclosed that 2-(4'-pyridyl)-1,3-dioxolane methiodide and 2-(1'-methyl-4'-piperidyl)-1,3-dioxolane hydroiodide are neuromuscular blocking agents or neuromuscular blocking agent antagonists, depending upon the amount of the drug administered.At doses of 10.sup.-.sup.6 to 10.sup.-.sup.4 gm./kg. of body weight, they antagonize or reverse the effects of neuromuscular blocking agents, such as d-tubocurarine and succinylcholine, produce post-drug repetitive activity (PDR), block post-tetanic potentiation (PTP), have no direct muscle effect and reverse the PTP suppression caused by d-tubocurarine and succinylcholine; and at doses of 10.sup.-.sup.3 to 10.sup.-.sup.2 gm./kg. of body weight they act as neuromuscular blocking agents.