Abstract: Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from aged briquettes made from compressed plant matter (briquettes) of non-Hevea plants. Also provided are aged briquettes made from the compressed plant matter of non-Hevea plants where the briquettes have been aged for either various time period after formation and the rubber within the briquette has retained its a molecular weight to within a specified range.

Abstract: Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from non-Hevea plants such as guayule shrubs. By the use of the processes, solid purified rubber can be obtained that contains 0.05-0.5 weight % dirt, 0.2-1.5 weight % ash, and 0.1-4 weight % resin (when it has been dried so as to contain 0.8 weight % volatile matter).

Abstract: Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from non-Hevea plants such as guayule shrubs. By the use of the processes, solid purified rubber can be obtained that contains 0.05-0.5 weight % dirt, 0.2-1.5 weight % ash, and 0.1-4 weight % resin (when it has been dried so as to contain 0.8 weight % volatile matter).

Abstract: Provided herein are organic solvent-based processes for the removal of rubber from aged briquettes made from compressed plant matter (briquettes) of non-Hevea plants. Also provided are aged briquettes made from the compressed plant matter of non-Hevea plants where the briquettes have been aged for either various time period after formation and the rubber within the briquette has retained its a molecular weight to within a specified range.

Abstract: An extendable sprinkler device comprises a base cylinder having a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. A primary extension assembly is coupled within the through passageway of the base cylinder and is positionable between collapsed and extended positions. The primary extension assembly comprises a primary extension cylinder having a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. A stop is coupled to the first end of the primary extension cylinder. An actuator cylinder is coupled within the primary extension cylinder. The actuator cylinder comprises a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. The second end of the actuator cylinder is coupled with the second end of the primary extension cylinder.

Abstract: An extendable sprinkler device comprises a base cylinder having a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. A primary extension assembly is coupled within the through passageway of the base cylinder and is positionable between collapsed and extended positions. The primary extension assembly comprises a primary extension cylinder having a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. A stop is coupled to the first end of the primary extension cylinder. An actuator cylinder is coupled within the primary extension cylinder. The actuator cylinder comprises a first end fluidly communicable with a second end via a through passageway. The second end of the actuator cylinder is coupled with the second end of the primary extension cylinder.

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 micronutrient formulation system is provided and the system comprises: a first composition comprising alpha tocopherol and derivative esters of alpha tocopherol, the derivative esters of alpha tocopherol being selected from a group consisting essentially of alpha tocopheryl acetate, alpha tocopheryl palmitate, alpha tocopheryl succinate, alpha tocopheryl nicotinate and mixtures thereof; a second composition comprising vitamin A and natural-mixed carotenoids; a third composition comprising calcium ascorbate; a fourth composition selected from a group consisting essentially of B-vitamins, selenium, zinc, magnesium, chromium and mixtures thereof; and a fifth composition selected from a group consisting essentially of alpha lipoic acid, co-enzyme Q10, L-carnitine, n-acetyl cysteine and mixtures thereof, wherein said formulation is without iron, copper and manganese.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for administering antioxidant micronutrient formulations comprising multiple dietary and endogenous antioxidants, B-vitamins, vitamin D and minerals at appropriate dosages and dose schedules particularly chosen to produce long-term ‘optimal health’ effects in individuals of various age groups and occupations, with particular emphasis on reducing and/or eliminating acute and/or long term effects of environmental and physical stressors and toxic chemicals to which current Operating Forces and veterans of military service are or have been exposed.

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: 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.