Cables and associated apparatus for clearing obstructions in pipes or other cavities are disclosed. In one implementation a device for clearing obstructions includes an elongate resilient central core member, an elongate coil spring surrounding the core member; and an elongate spacer positioned between the central core member and the coil spring.

Fibers sized with a coating of amorphous polyetherketoneketone are useful in the preparation of reinforced polymers having improved properties, wherein the amorphous polyetherketoneketone can improve the compatibility of the fibers with the polymeric matrix.

A partially degradable polymeric fiber includes a thermally degradable polymeric core and a coating surrounding at least a portion of the core. The thermally degradable polymeric core includes a polymeric matrix including a poly(hydroxyalkanoate), and a metal selected from the group consisting of an alkali earth metal and a transition metal, in the core polymeric matrix. The concentration of the metal in the polymeric matrix is at least 0.1 wt %. The partially degradable polymeric fiber may be used to form a microvascular system containing one or more microfluidic channels.

A composition [composition (C)] comprising at least one poly(aryl ether ketone) polymer having a melt flow rate (MFR) equal to or higher than 8 g/10 min at 400.degree. C. and under a load of 2.16 kg, [(PAEK.sub.HMF) polymer], from 0.1 to 50 wt. % of at least one poly(tetrafluoroethylene) polymer having a D50 particle size equal to or below 10.mu.m, and having a melt viscosity equal to or lower than 1.times.10.sup.5 Pas at 372.degree. C., from 0 to 50% wt. % of at least one poly(aryl ether sulfone) polymer having a melt flow of at least 15 g/10 min at 365 degree C. and under a load of 5.0 kg, [(PAES) polymer], from 0 to 50% wt. % of at least one reinforcing filler, with the proviso thatshould the composition (C) comprise a (PAES) polymer having MFR of more than 22 g/10 min, then the (PTFE) polymer is present in an amount of less than 40 wt. %, andshould the composition (C) comprise a (PAES) polymer having MFR of 22 g/10 min or less, then the (PTFE) polymer is present in an amount of less than 30 wt. %, and wherein all % are based on the total weight of the composition (C).

Fibers sized with a coating of amorphous polyetherketoneketone are useful in the preparation of reinforced polymers having improved properties, wherein the amorphous polyetherketoneketone can improve the compatibility of the fibers with the polymeric matrix.

In a process for applying a friction-resistant coating to a steel sucker rod, the rod is passed, in sequence, through a surface preparation stage (for example, scale removal, shot peening, or other suitable method), an adhesive application stage (to enhance the strength of the coating's bond to the rod), an extrusion stage (in which the rod is passed through a die in conjunction with a flow of melted polymeric coating material), and a cooling (coating solidification) stage. Typically, the radial thickness of the coating will be between 0.125 and 0.375 inches. The process is adaptable to apply extruded coatings to continuous rod or to individual sucker rods having upset ends. The coating may be selected from but is not limited to high-density polyethylene, cross-linked polyethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyphenylensulfide, nylon, polyester, polyethersulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, epoxy, or acetyl.

An electrophotographic member having a high conductivity and having high adhesiveness to other layer, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus using the electrophotographic member as a developer carrying member are provided. The electrophotographic member is an electrophotographic member including an electro-conductive mandrel and an electro-conductive layer, wherein the electro-conductive layer has a resin having a structure represented by the following structural formula (1), and an anion. ##STR00001##

Fibers sized with a coating of amorphous polyetherketoneketone are useful in the preparation of reinforced polymers having improved properties, wherein the amorphous polyetherketoneketone can improve the compatibility of the fibers with the polymeric matrix.

A cable includes at least one electrical conductor and at least one electrically insulating layer surrounding the electrical conductor, wherein the at least one electrically insulating layer includes: (a) a thermoplastic polymer material selected from: at least one copolymer (i) of propylene with at least one olefin comonomer selected from ethylene and an a-olefin other than propylene, the copolymer having a melting point greater than or equal to 130 C. and a melting enthalpy of 20 J/g to 90 J/g; a blend of at least one copolymer (i) with at least one copolymer (ii) of ethylene with at least one -olefin, the copolymer (ii) having a melting enthalpy of 0 J/g to 70 J/g; a blend of at least one propylene homopolymer with at least one copolymer (i) or copolymer (ii); at least one of copolymer (i) and copolymer (ii) being a heterophasic copolymer; (b) at least one dielectric fluid intimately admixed with the thermoplastic polymer material; and (c) at least one water tree retardant selected from ethoxylated fatty acids and amide derivatives thereof.