Abstract: A device and method are provided for evaluating and relieving the symptoms associated with joint disorders. The cannula device has two channels extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The first is used to retain an arthroscope; the second, an optical fiber for transmitting laser radiation. In a particular embodiment, the device may be used for performing surgical procedures within a temporomandibular joint space including, but not limited to, releases, myotomies, and coagulation. This arrangement permits the collocation of the visualizing and surgical implements, obviating the need for triangulation by the surgeon. A third channel is provided for the introduction of irrigating fluid into the joint space. The method disclosed includes inserting the cannula into the joint space, inserting the arthroscope and fiber into their respective channels, and positioning them to perform the desired procedure.

Abstract: Vulcanized blends of EPDM rubber and aromatic polyester are provided by melt extruding mixtures of aromatic polyester, such as polyalkylene terephthalate and functionalized EPDM reactive rubber pairs. An EPDM functionalized with epoxy groups can be vulcanized with an EPDM rubber functionalized with thermally labile ester groups capable of generating epoxy reactive carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A composition prepared by blending both consumer-used household plastic resins with an ortho ester grafted copolymer derived from components comprising ethylene and a C.sub.3-10 mono-olefin is disclosed. The plastic resins comprise at least 50 percent polyethylene.

Abstract: Ethylenically unsaturated cyclic ortho esters are prepared by the reaction of a hydroxy-substituted cyclic ortho ester such as 4-hydroxymethyl-2-methoxy-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane with acryloyl chloride, methacryolyl chloride, vinylbenzyl chloride or the like. They form polymers, especially random copolymers with styrene and EPDM graft copolymers; the latter are useful in the formation of copolymer-containing compositions with polyesters, polyamides and the like. The copolymer-containing compositions have excellent physical properties and may be employed to compatibilize blends of the same polymers.

Abstract: Ethylenically unsaturated cyclic ortho esters are prepared by the reaction of a hydroxy-substituted cyclic ortho ester such as 4-hydroxymethyl-2-methoxy-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane with acryloyl chloride, methacryolyl choride, vinylbenzyl chloride or the like. They form polymers, especially EPDM graft copolymers, which are useful in the formation of copolymer-containing compositions with polyesters, polyamides and the like. The copolymer-containing compositions have excellent physical properties and may be employed to compatabilize blends of the same polymers.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ether-olefin polymer copolymer compositions are prepared by the reaction of an epoxytriazine-capped polyphenylene ether with an olefin polymer containing highly nucleophilic (e.g., carboxylic acid) substituents. The copolymers have excellent properties and find utility as molding compositions and as compatibilizers for blends of similar polymers. Suitable epoxytriazine-capped polyphenylene ethers may be prepared by reaction of a polyphenylene ether with an epoxychlorotriazine such as diglycidyl chlorocyanurate, n-butyl glycidyl chlorocyanurate or mesityl glycidyl chlorocyanurate.

Abstract: Solvent-resistant resin blends, capable of being molded into parts which vary in properties relatively little over a wide range of molding conditions, are prepared from a polyphenylene ether, a linear polyester such as a poly(alkylene dicarboxylate), a mixture of a bisphenol A homopolycarbonate and block copolymer of a polyphenylene ether and a bisphenol A polycarbonate. Said blends preferably also contain at least one elastomeric polyphenylene ether-compatible impact modifier.

Abstract: Block polyphenylene ether-polycarbonates are prepared by blending a mixture of at least one polyphenylene ether wherein all phenolic end groups are in the free phenol form; at least one cyclic polycarbonate oligomer, preferably an oligomer mixture; and a catalyst for conversion of cyclic polycarbonates to linear polycarbonates; and heating said mixture to polymerization temperature. The preferred catalysts are phenoxides, salts of polycarbonate oligomers and tetraphenylborate salts. The method may be conducted in the melt or in solution, and is adaptable for employment in reactive processing operations.

Abstract: Block polyphenylene ether-polycarbonate copolymers are prepared by the reaction of a salicylate-terminated polycarbonate with a polyphenylene ether in the presence of a polycarbonate-forming transesterification catalyst. The reaction may be conducted in solution or in the melt, typically at temperatures in the range of about 100.degree.-300.degree. C. The preferred catalysts are tetraarylborates, especially tetraalkylammonium tetraarylborates.

Abstract: Solvent-resistant resin blends, capable of being molded into parts which vary in properties relatively little over a wide range of molding conditions, are prepared from a polyphenylene ether, a linear polyester such as a poly(alkylene dicarboxylate), a mixture of a bisphenol A homopolycarbonate and block copolymer of a polyphenylene ether and a bisphenol A polycarbonate. Said blends preferably also contain at least one elastomeric polyphenylene ether-compatible impact modifier.

Abstract: Silicone-polyarylene ether block copolymers are provided which can be made by effecting reaction between amino terminated polydiorganosiloxane and anhydride functionalized polyarylene ether.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ether-polycarbonate copolymers are prepared by reacting a polyphenylene ether, preferably one which has been acid-functionalized by reaction with a compound such as maleic anhydride or fumaric acid, with an aromatic polycarbonate at a temperature of at least about 175.degree. C. in the presence of a polycarbonate-forming transesterification catalyst, typically a tetraalkyl titanate or a tetraalkylammonium tetraphenylborate. Under these conditions, the polycarbonate chain is cleaved and fragments thereof are chemically bonded to the polyphenylene ether.