Abstract: Methods are provided for making solution masterbatches containing a diene elastomer in an organic solvent and a silica filler, having a first average particle size, that is ground in an organic solvent to form a silica having a reduced second average particle size. Grinding of the silica in the organic solvent, with or without other ingredients including the elastomer, produces a solution masterbatch in which the silica is mixed with and well dispersed in the elastomer. The use of such desolventized solution masterbatches in vulcanizable rubber compounds results in excellent processing characteristics allowing for the reduced use of processing aids such as oil. The compound also demonstrates improved properties, including reduced hysteresis.

Abstract: Methods are provided for making a solution masterbatch containing a diene elastomer in an organic solvent and a reinforcing silica filler dispersed therein, comprising the steps of (a) mixing a precipitated silica having an average particle size substantially equivalent to an average particle size of a powdered silica, with a diene elastomer in a first organic solvent; and (b) desolventizing the mixture to form a solution masterbatch preparation. The use of such desolventized solution masterbatches in vulcanizable rubber compounds results in excellent processing characteristics with improved dispersion of fillers, including polymeric nanoparticles. The compounds also demonstrate improved properties, including reduced hysteresis.

Abstract: A method for integrating the IT components which support a business process into a single end-to-end management platform is provided. The method comprises decomposing a business process into a set of enabling applications and then documenting the technology elements and support organizations which are necessary to execute those enabling applications. The required monitors for the business process enabling technology can be deployed which will allow the mapping of technology problems to business problem and the development of correlation rules. This information is then used to develop an end-to-end business process event management (or other system management disciplines such as performance management) platform, which can be integrated into any preexisting event management process. In one embodiment of the present invention, the event management platform can be constructed between several business entities.

Abstract: The invention is directed to formulations comprised of multiple dietary and endogenously made antioxidants and B-vitamins and the use of these formulations in preventing and treating coronary artery disease.

Abstract: A compressed air powered vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a vehicle chassis having wheels. An electric drive motor drivingly engages at least one of the wheels. An electric generator is electrically connected to the electric drive motor, and an air motor drivingly engaging the electric generator. A compressed air source is pneumatically connected to the air motor, and an air compressor is provided on the chassis and pneumatically connected to the compressed air source to replenish compressed air in the compressed air tanks as needed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for administering antioxidant micronutrient formulations comprising certain multiple dietary and endogenous antioxidants, B-vitamins, vitamin D, and minerals at appropriate doses and dose-schedules, particularly chosen to reduce acute and long-term adverse effects of environmental and physical stressors and toxic chemicals in Operating Forces, e.g., military troops, during training and in combat. The invention additionally encompasses a variety of antioxidant micronutrient formulations that are useful in reducing, if not entirely eliminating, acute and/or chronic damage in Operating Forces produced by free radicals and products of inflammatory reactions that are generated by the environmental and physical stressors and toxic chemicals to which such Operating Forces may be exposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the hydrogenation of a polymer under supercritical conditions. A reaction mixture of hydrogen, at least one polymer, at least one hydrogenation catalyst, and appropriate solvent(s) for the at least one polymer and catalyst is provided and is pressurized and heated to meet or exceed a determined critical pressure and determined critical temperature for the reaction mixture. The hydrogenation occurs under these supercritical conditions, thereby overcoming the hydrogen solubility and mass transfer problems typically encountered in hydrogenation methods at subcritical conditions, wherein hydrogen must be pressurized into solvent to reach the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the hydrogenation of a polymer under supercritical conditions. A reaction mixture of hydrogen, at least one polymer, at least one hydrogenation catalyst, and appropriate solvent(s) for the at least one polymer and catalyst is provided and is pressurized and heated to meet or exceed a determined critical pressure and determined critical temperature for the reaction mixture. The hydrogenation occurs under these supercritical conditions, thereby overcoming the hydrogen solubility and mass transfer problems typically encountered in hydrogenation methods at subcritical conditions, wherein hydrogen must be pressurized into solvent to reach the polymer.

Abstract: A process for the continuous polymerization of monomer, the process comprising (a) adding monomer and catalyst to an annulus within an annular reactor to form a polymerization medium within the annulus, where the annulus includes the space between an outer casing wall and an inner tubular wall, (b) allowing the polymerization medium a sufficient residence time within the annulus to provide a living polymer product, and (c) removing the polymer product from the annulus.

Abstract: A system including an anti-jackknifing semi-trailer attachment assembly with a remote control on/off switch and hydraulic cylinder provides system control to a tractor and a trailer connected with a standard fifth-wheel connection, in which the system can be controlled by the driver to allow the moving vehicle to be adjusted to various road conditions in an act to prevent jackknifing

Abstract: When the primary power supply motor 1 is powered up and running the primary shaft is connected to the Planetary Gear assembly 5, while motor 24 is not running. The output shaft out of Planetary Gear assembly 11A is zero. As power goes through Planetary Gear assembly 5 and transfers the power through the bevel gear and then the worm gear on Planetary gear assembly 11A, which then rotates the ring gear at the appropriate speed to cause the Planetary Gears to remain stationary about the sun gear. Consequently no power is transferred to the output shaft. When motor 24 is powered up, and as its speed increases it starts the rotation of the ring gear on Planetary Gear assembly 11 and causes the output shaft to reduce its speed and in turn this change in speed is transferred to the ring gear on Planetary Gear assembly 11A which now starts the rotation of the output shaft of assembly 19.

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of polydienes, the method comprising the steps of (a) charging a mixture of one or more monomer, catalyst system, and less than 50% weight percent organic solvent based on the total weight of the monomer, catalyst and solvent, into first vessel, (b) polymerizing the monomer to a conversion of up to 20% by weight of the monomer to form a mixture of reactive polymer and monomer, (c) removing the mixture of reactive polymer and monomer from the vessel, and (d) terminating the reactive polymer prior to a total monomer conversion of 25% by weight.

Abstract: A method of producing cis-1,4-polydienes, the method comprising the step of contacting conjugated diene monomer with a lanthanide-based catalyst system in the presence of less than 20% by weight of organic solvent based on the total weight of monomer, organic solvent, and resulting polymer, where the lanthanide-based catalyst system is the combination of or reaction product of (a) a lanthanide compound, (b) an organoaluminum hydride, (c) a trihydrocarbylaluminum, and (d) a halogen-containing compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and computer program product for implementing a business systems management solution for end-to-end event management. The present invention realizes a number of business systems management functionalities, including defining event databases and means for event monitoring and correlating a customer's business functions by using an enterprise view focused on a system of applications, operating systems, connections, and physical components. Together these components make up a business system as defined by the customer. As such, a business system can cross technology platforms, physical space, and comprise multiple applications, or a business system could be limited to a single platform, location, and application.

Abstract: An Enterprise Service Delivery Technical Architecture includes a Technical Model, and a Technical Delivery Framework, and is designed to facilitate the development of complete enterprise service management solutions. The use of the Enterprise Service Delivery Technical Architecture as the framework for an enterprise systems management technical solution results in solution designs created to be independent of the technology platform being managed with a view that meets the overall business requirements that span the technology platforms within a business environment. An information technology infrastructure already in place for a customer is analyzed and broken down to its very lowest level building blocks. Then the building blocks within the model of the technical architecture are mapped with the building blocks of the customer's information technology infrastructure to determine which of the building blocks of the model are to be used for the customer's information technology operation.

Abstract: Articles of apparel and the method of making the same which include a shaped body portion that will allow water vapor due to perspiration to transpire through the article but will prevent water from external sources from reaching the wearer's extremities. The articles of apparel include a body portion that is of three-ply construction with the inside and outside plies being stretch and return and constructed from a meeting yam having a stretchable components and the intermediate ply being made from an elastomeric polyurethane film. The three plies are uniquely bonded together using a specially formulated, waterproof powdered adhesive having a particle size of between about 200 and about 300 microns. The adhesive is melted at a closely controlled temperature to securely bond together the stretch and return fabric components and the elastomeric polyurethane film components to form a finished article.

Abstract: A method for integrating the IT components which support a business process into a single end-to-end management platform is provided. The method comprises decomposing a business process into a set of enabling applications and then documenting the technology elements and support organizations which are necessary to execute those enabling applications. The required monitors for the business process enabling technology can be deployed which will allow the mapping of technology problems to business problem and the development of correlation rules. This information is then used to develop an end-to-end business process event management (or other system management disciplines such as performance management) platform, which can be integrated into any preexisting event management process. In one embodiment of the present invention, the event management platform can be constructed between several business entities.

Abstract: A high fidelity hearing aid amplifier is operable at a very low battery voltage and includes a single integrated circuit chip which provides a variable gain amplifier and gain control circuitry operative at low signal levels to enhance gain at higher frequencies relative to gain at lower frequencies, such circuitry including a logarithmic rectifier arrangement and a peak detector in a compression ratio control circuit. Operation at a low battery voltage is enhanced through a compression ratio control circuit which provides a level shift between an AC output of the logarithmic rectifier arrangement and the peak detector. Current mirrors are provided to obtained balanced and stable operation, and an arrangement is provided for manual control by a user to obtain an optimum response characteristic.

Abstract: A class B push-pull integrated circuit suitable for low voltage operation, having two symmetrical halves. Each half circuit has first and second opposite conductivity type transistors having their collectors connected together to the base of a class B driver transistor, the collector of which drives the base of an output transistor. An AC input signal is divided into in-phase and anti-phase components one of which is applied to the base of each first transistor. An AC feedback loop extends from the collector of the fourth transistor through a voltage divider and level shifter to the base of the second transistor. A DC feedback loop extends from the base of the fourth transistor through a fifth transistor to the base of the second transistor. Decoupling capacitors extend from the bases of the fifth transistors and through a diode to ground. The arrangement allows use of small decoupling capacitors, and a current forced through the diode eliminates turn-on delay.

Abstract: An integrated circuit unity gain buffer amplifier suitable for low voltage operation, in which the input signal is applied to the base of a common emitter NPN transistor first stage. The collector of the first stage is connected to the base of an emitter follower NPN transistor second stage. The emitter of the second stage is connected to the base of an emitter follower PNP transistor third stage. The collector of the first stage is loaded by a constant current source and its emitter is connected through a resistance to ground. The collector and emitter of the second and third stages respectively are connected together through a resistor to the supply voltage. The emitter of the second stage is connected through a resistance to ground. The collector of the third stage is connected both to the output terminal and to the emitter of the first stage. This allows the circuit to operate at a very low supply voltage without any transistor operating in practical saturation.