Abstract: It has been unexpectedly discovered that salts of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohols, such as the lithium, potassium, and sodium salts of tetrahydrofuryl alcohols, can be used to modify anionic polymerizations of conjugated diene monomers. These modifiers can be used to polymerize isoprene monomer into polyisoprene having from 20% to 30% 1,2-microstructure at excellent polymerization rates. This invention more specifically discloses a catalyst system which is particularly useful in the anionic polymerization of conjugated diene monomers into polymers which is comprised of (a) a initiator which is selected from the group consisting of organolithium compounds, organosodium compounds, organopotassium compounds, organomagnesium compounds, and organobarium compounds, and (b) a modifier which is a metal salt of a tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a technique for synthesizing rubbery terpolymers of styrene, isoprene and butadiene. These rubbery terpolymers exhibit an excellent combination of properties for utilization in tire tread rubber compounds. By utilizing such terpolymers in tire treads, tires having improved wet skid resistance can be built without sacrificing rolling resistance or tread wear characteristics. The subject invention specifically discloses a process for preparing a rubbery terpolymer of styrene, isoprene, and butadiene having multiple glass transition temperatures and having an excellent combination of properties for use in making tire treads which comprises: terpolymerizing styrene, isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in an organic solvent at a temperature of no more than about 40.degree. C. in the presence of (a) tripiperidino phosphine oxide, (b) an alkali metal alkoxide and (c) an organolithium compound.

Abstract: It is desirable to increase the modulus of rubbers utilized in a wide variety of applications. This invention discloses a technique for preparing high modulus rubber compositions. By utilizing this technique, high modulus can be attained without sacrificing other properties, such as processability. The subject invention more specifically relates to a process for preparing a high modulus rubber composition which comprises: (1) polymerizing at least one diacid or diacid halide with at least one member selected from the group consisting of diols and diamines in a polymer cement of a rubbery elastomer under conditions which result in the formation of a rubber cement having a polyester or a polyamide dispersed therein; and (2) recovering the high modulus rubber composition from the rubber cement. It is highly desirable to make the high modulus rubber composition by interfacial polymerization.

Abstract: It is sometimes advantageous to disperse crystalline polymers throughout rubbery elastomers. For instance, the cold flow characteristics and green strength of polydiene rubbers can be improved by dispersing syndiotactic-1,2-polybutadiene therein. This invention discloses a process for preparing a highly dispersed blend of a crystalline polymer in a rubbery elastomer which comprises (1) polymerizing at least one diene monomer in an organic solvent under solution polymerization conditions to form a polymer cement of the rubbery elastomer in the organic solvent, (2) polymerizing additional monomers in the polymer cement into the crystalline polymer to form a rubbery cement having the crystalline polymer dispersed therein, and (3) recovering the highly dispersed blend of the crystalline polymer in the rubbery elastomer from the organic solvent in the rubber cement.

Abstract: The subject invention discloses a styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber which is particularly valuable for use in making truck tire treads, said rubber being comprised of repeat units which are derived from about 5 weight percent to about 20 weight percent styrene, from about 7 weight percent to about 35 weight percent isoprene, and from about 55 weight percent to about 88 weight percent 1,3-butadiene, wherein the repeat units derived from styrene, isoprene and 1,3-butadiene are in essentially random order, wherein from about 25% to about 40% of the repeat units derived from the 1,3-butadiene are of the cis-microstructure, wherein from about 40% to about 60% of the repeat units derived from the 1,3-butadiene are of the trans-microstructure, wherein from about 5% to about 25% of the repeat units derived from the 1,3-butadiene are of the vinyl-microstructure, wherein from about 75% to about 90% of the repeat units derived from the isoprene are of the 1,4-microstructure, wherein from about 10% to about 25% of the re

Abstract: The subject invention discloses a styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) which is particularly valuable for use in making truck tire treads, said rubber being comprised of repeat units which are derived from about 10 weight percent to about 20 weight percent styrene and from about 80 weight percent to about 90 weight percent 1,3-butadiene, wherein the repeat units derived from styrene and 1,3-butadiene have a sequence distribution wherein at least about 55% of the styrene repeat units are in blocks of only one styrene repeat unit, wherein at least about 75% of the styrene repeat units are in blocks of 1 or 2 repeat units, and wherein at least about 5% of the styrene repeat units are in blocks of more than 8 repeat units, wherein from about 32% to about 40% of the repeat units derived from the 1,3-butadiene are of the cis-microstructure, wherein from about 50% to about 60% of the repeat units derived from the 1,3-butadiene are of the trans-microstructure, wherein from about 6% to about 15% of the repeat units derived

Abstract: It is highly desirable for tire treads to exhibit good traction characteristics such as good wet skid resistance. However, it has traditionally been very difficult to improve the traction characteristics of a tire without sacrificing rolling resistance and tread wear. The high performance segmented elastomers of this invention offer a unique combination of desirable characteristics for utilization in making tire tread compositions. For instance, the rubbery polymers of this invention can be made into tire treads which exhibit outstanding traction characteristics while maintaining good rolling resistance and tread durability.

Abstract: Crystallizable 3,4-polyisoprene and isoprene-butadiene copolymers having high vinyl contents can be synthesized in organic solvents to quantitative yields after short polymerization times by utilizing the catalyst systems of this invention. The 3,4-polyisoprene made utilizing this catalyst system is strain crystallizable and can be employed in tire treads which provide improved traction and improved cut growth resistance. This invention specifically discloses a process for the synthesis of 3,4-polyisoprene which comprises polymerizing isoprene monomer in an organic solvent at a temperature which is within the range of about -10.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C.

Abstract: It has been unexpectedly discovered that various compounds, such as alkyl tetrahydrofurfuryl ethers, can be used to modify anionic polymerizations of conjugated diene monomers. These modifiers can be used to polymerize isoprene monomer into high 3,4-polyisoprene at excellent polymerization rates. This is in contrast to the modifiers such as tetramethylethylene diamine which are typically used to modify such polymerizations. This invention more specifically discloses a process for the synthesis of 3,4-polyisoprene which comprises polymerizing isoprene monomer in an organic solvent in the presence of a catalyst system which is comprised of (a) a lithium initiator and (b) ethyltetrahydrofurfuryl ether.

Abstract: A method for tuning P-, I- and D-type controller which is used in combination or individually to control a variable y of a process in a feedback system, which comprises making the integrating (I) and derivative (D) unit of the controller inoperative; increasing the proportional control gain K until a desired oscillation is obtained; calculating the ultimate gain Ku and ultimate period Tu in accordance with the amplitude and period measured from the oscillation; and setting the parameters of the PID controller in dependence upon the Ku and Tu values, wherein the control signal U resulting from the controller gain K is restricted to a range from a lower limit Umin to an upper limit Umax to avoid the system being operated in an unstable condition. An apparatus suitable for performing the present method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An indoor gymnastic apparatus comprising an oscillating rod fastened to a base frame behind a seat to hold a rear extension rod, two handlebars connected to said seat at two opposite sides, a rocker seat made on said rear extension rod at one side to hold rotary cylindrical cushions, said rotary cylindrical cushions being each covered with a covering having raised portions over the outside surface thereof, a flat back cushion made on said rear extension rod at an opposite side, a front extension rod connected to said base frame to hold a pair of pedals for pedaling by the legs, wherein said rear extension rod follows the user's back to alternatively oscillate back and forth permitting said cylindrical cushions to massage the user's back.

Abstract: It is highly desirable for tire treads to exhibit good traction characteristics such as good wet skid resistance. However, it has traditionally been very difficult to improve the traction characteristics of a tire without sacrificing rolling resistance and tread wear. The high performance segmented elastomers of this invention offer a unique combination of desirable characteristics for utilization in making tire tread compositions. For instance, the rubbery polymers of this invention can be made into tire treads which exhibit outstanding traction characteristics while maintaining good rolling resistance and tread durability.

Abstract: An automatic/manual double-function urinal flush valve comprising a first flush port sealed by an electromagnetic valve controlled diaphragm, a second flush port sealed by a press rod controlled oscillating rod, wherein the press rod is pressed down, during power failure, to oscillate the oscillating rod in opening the second flush port, through which a flow of water is discharged to flush a urinal.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a process for synthesizing random styrene-isoprene copolymers having a medium vinyl microstructure. These random styrene-isoprene rubbers have physical properties which make them highly desirable for utilization in tire tread rubber compounds. The utilization of such random styrene-isoprene rubbers in tire tread rubber results in improved tread wear, rolling resistance and traction characteristics. This invention more specifically relates to a process for preparing a random styrene-isoprene rubber having a medium vinyl microstructure which comprises copolymerizing isoprene and styrene in the presence of (a) at least one organolithium compound and (b) at least one modifier slected from the group consisting of 1,2-dipiperidinoethane, dipiperidinomethane, and tripiperidinophosphine oxide.

Abstract: Crystallizable 3,4-polyisoprene can be synthesized in organic solvents to quantitative yields after short polymerization times by utilizing the catalyst systems of this invention. The 3,4-polyisoprene made utilizing this catalyst system is strain crystallizable and can be employed in tire treads which provide improved traction and improved cut growth resistance. This invention specifically discloses a process for the synthesis of 3,4-polyisoprene which comprises polymerizing isoprene monomer in an organic solvent at a temperature which is within the range of about -10.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst system which is comprised of (a) an organoiron compound, (b) an organoaluminum compound, (c) a chelating aromatic amine, and (d) a protonic compound; wherein the molar ratio of the chelating amine to the organoiron compound is within the range of about 0.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a technique for synthesizing rubbery terpolymers of styrene, isoprene and butadiene. These rubbery terpolymers exhibit an excellent combination of properties for utilization in tire tread rubber compounds. By utilizing such terpolymers in tire treads, tires having improved wet skid resistance can be built without sacrificing rolling resistance or tread wear characteristics. The subject invention specifically discloses a process for preparing a rubbery terpolymer of styrene, isoprene, and butadiene having multiple glass transition temperatures and having an excellent combination of properties for use in making tire treads which comprises: terpolymerizing styrene, isoprene and 1,3-butadiene in an organic solvent at a temperature of no more than about 40.degree. C. in the presence of (a) at least one member selected from the group consisting of tripiperidino phosphine oxide and alkali metal alkoxides and (b) an organolithium compound.

Abstract: The process of this invention can be utilized to synthesize polymers having a high trans microstructure. The polymers which can be prepared utilizing the procedure of this invention include high trans-1,4-polybutadiene, styrene-isoprene-butadiene terpolymers with high trans-1,4-polybutadiene microstructures, high trans-isoprene-butadiene copolymers, and styrene-butadiene copolymers having high trans-1,4-polybutadiene microstructures. Such polymers can be utilized in tire tread rubber compounds which exhibit improved wear characteristics, tear resistance and low temperature performance characteristics. This invention more specifically reveals a process for synthesizing a high trans polymer which comprises adding (a) at least one organolithium initiator, (b) an organoaluminum compound, (c) a barium alkoxide, and (d) a lithium alkoxide to a polymerization medium which is comprised of an organic solvent and at least one conjugated diene monomer.

Abstract: Crystallizable 3,4-polyisoprene can be synthesized in organic solvents to quantitative yields after short polymerization times by utilizing the catalyst systems of this invention. The 3,4-polyisoprene made utilizing this catalyst system is strain crystallizable and can be employed in tire treads which provide improved traction and improved cut growth resistance. This invention specifically discloses a process for the synthesis of 3,4-polyisoprene which comprises polymerizing isoprene monomer in an organic solvent at a temperature which is within the range of about -10.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst system which is composed of (a) an organoiron compound, (b) an organoaluminum compound, (c) a chelating aromatic amine, and (d) a protonic compound; wherein the molar ratio of the chelating amine to the organoiron compound is within the range of about 0.

Abstract: It is important for tire treads to exhibit good wet skid resistance, low rolling resistance, good wear characteristics and good abrasion resistance. This is often accomplished by utilizing a blend of various rubbers in making tire tread compositions. However, some of the desirable characteristics of the individual rubbers in the blend are frequently lost on mixing. The segmented elastomers of this invention offer a unique combination of desirable characteristics for utilization in making tire tread compositions.

Abstract: Isoprene-butadiene copolymers having high vinyl contents can be synthesized in organic solvents to high yields after short polymerization times by utilizing the process of this invention. The isoprene-butadiene copolymers made utilizing the process of this invention have a glass transition temperature which is within the range of about 0.degree. C. to about -60.degree. C. and can be employed in tire treads which provide improved traction and improved cut growth resistance. This invention specifically discloses a process for the synthesis of isoprene-butadiene copolymers having a high vinyl content which comprises copolymerizing isoprene monomer and butadiene monomer in an organic solvent at a temperature which is within the range of about -10.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C.