Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polymer blend membranes comprising a functional polymer based on sulfonated aryl polymers, a reinforcing polymer based on aminated or nitrated polyether sulfones and/or polyether ether sulfone and a plasticizer, and also their use as polymer electrolyte membrane in fuel cells, in particular in low-temperature fuel cells.

Abstract: A novel non-aggressive sulfonating process for aromatic polymers is described. The process encompasses: a). dissolving the aromatic polymer in a substantially anhydrous acid selected from the group consisting of concentrated sulfuric acid, chlorosulfonic acid, and oleum, b) adding an organic solvent which is inert under the conditions of the reaction, c) adding a carboxylic anhydride, d) adding a sulfonating agent, and e) carrying out the sulfonation at a temperature below 25° C. and for a time sufficient to achieve the desired degree of sulfonation.

Abstract: According to the invention, a changer with a tray loading mechanism, wherein a tray holding a recording medium is transported from a storage position to a playback position and vice versa with a transport hook, which engages a recess of the tray, has a transport hook which is provided with a torsion spring for rotating the transport hook from a tray grabbing position into a tray transport position, wherein the transport hook can be rotated into the tray grabbing position in mid-travel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer blends and polymer blend membranes which consist of a polymeric sulfonic acid and of a polymer which contains primary, secondary or tertiary amino groups, which are prepared via mixing of a salt of the polymeric sulfonic acid with the polymer which contains primary, secondary or tertiary amino groups. The invention further relates to the use of polymer blend membranes in membrane fuel cells, polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM fuel cells) or direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC), in membrane electrolysis, in aqueous or non-aqueous electrodialysis, in diffusion dialysis, in the perstractive separation of alkenes from alkene/alkane mixtures (here the membranes are in the SO3Ag form, where the Ag+ forms a reversible complex with the alkene (→facilitated transport)), in pervaporative separation of water from water/organics mixtures, or in gas separation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polymer blend membranes comprising a functional polymer based on sulfonated aryl polymers, a reinforcing polymer based on aminated or nitrated polyether sulfones and/or polyether ether sulfone and a plasticizer, and also their use as polymer electrolyte membrane in fuel cells, in particular in low-temperature fuel cells.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for creating cloned cells and embryos that are genetically modified. Cells are treated to increase expression of telomerase and potentially extend replicative capacity. One or more genetic modifications is made to inactivate a gene or confer desirable features, growing and selecting the cells as needed. The modified nucleus can then be transferred to a suitable recipient cell, which can then be used to grow an embryo with the conferred attributes. This technology makes it possible to create embryos, animals and embryonic cell lines with multiple genetic modifications, including homozygously inactivated genes and gene substitutions.

Abstract: Process for preparing sulfonated aromatic polymers and use of the products of the process for producing membranes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel and inexpensive process for the nitration and amination of aryl polymers and also to their use as blend components for producing polymer blend membranes. Such polymer blend membranes are used in membrane processes, in particular as polymeric electrolyte in electromembranes, e.g. for electrodialysis and fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for the cross-linking of modified engineering thermoplastics, in particular, of polymeric sulfinic acids or sulfinic acid salts. In particular, the invention pertains to a process for the preparation of cross-linked polymers, characterized in that solutions of polymeric sulfinic acids or sulfinic acid salts (—SO2Me), optionally in the presence of organic di- or oligohalogeno compounds [R(Hal)x], are freed from solvent and cross-linked to polymers, wherein Me stands for a monovalent or polyvalent metal cation; R stands for an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl residue containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and Hal stands for F, Cl, Br or I.

Abstract: Within electronic devices in many cases there exists a need for a manual individual actuation of several switching elements for performing an adjustment of different parameters by a single switch, especially for a pleasure appearance of a front panel and for saving place on the panel. It is an object to provide a switch for this purpose ensuring among others low costs, small size, high reliability, convenient actuation and having good properties for being mounted on a printed circuit board. The actuation means for several switching elements includes an actuating plate being pivotably mounted in a housing on two perpendicular axes and a push-button located within a central opening of said plate.

Abstract: Within electronic devices in many cases there exists a need for a manual individual actuation of several switching elements for performing an adjustment of different parameters by a single switch, especially for a pleasure appearance of a front panel and for saving place on the panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of ion-exchange membranes for use in electromembrane processes and ion-exchange membranes obtained from the process. The membranes are prepared from a solution, in a dipolar-aprotic solvent, containing (a) a polymeric sulfonic acid or a polymeric sulfonate salt of formula Polymer-SO3X, where X is H or a monovalent cation, and (b) a basic polymer containing primary, secondary or tertiary basic nitrogen. The dissolved polymer blend is spread in a thin layer onto a support, and the solvent is evaporated to form a polymeric film. The films produced by the process are particularly useful as ion-exchange membranes due to improved properties relative to the component polymers with regard to ionic conductivity, swelling permselectivity, and thermal resistance.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for the cross-linking of modified engineering thermoplastics, in particular, of polymeric sulfinic acids or sulfinic acid salts.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for the cross-linking of modified engineering thermoplastics, in particular, of polymeric sulfinic acids or sulfinic acid salts. In particular, the invention pertains to a process for the preparation of cross-linked polymers, characterized in that solutions of polymeric sulfinic acids or sulfinic acid salts (—SO2Me), optionally in the presence of organic di- or oligohalogeno compounds [R(Hal)x], are freed from solvent and cross-linked to polymers, wherein Me stands for a monovalent or polyvalent metal cation; R stands for an optionally substituted alkyl or aryl residue containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and Hal stands for F, Cl, Br or I.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of ion-exchange membranes for use in electromembrane processes. The membranes are prepared from a solution, in a dipolar-aprotic solvent, containing (a) a polymeric sulfonic acid or a polymeric sulfonate salt of formula Polymer-SO3X, where X is H or a monovalent cation, and (b) a basic polymer containing primary, secondary or tertiary basic N. The dissolved polymer blend is spread in a thin layer onto a support, and the solvent is evaporated to form a polymeric film. The films produced by the process are particularly useful as ion-exchange membranes due to improved properties relative to the component polymers with regard to ionic conductivity, swelling permselectivity, and thermal resistance.