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The Apple Thief
Played 714 times
The Apple Thief game information:
The Apple Thief is a run and jump game in which you play a street urchin and have to escape a chubby policeman to get home to your little sister. It features 100% hand drawn artwork inspired by the silent films of the early 20's and the music of James P. Johnson. It's pretty short and easy. I made it for my daughters who actually helped me out with the rotoscoping.
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subset: commoncrawl


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A Placer County teacher has been arrested for having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a former student.
Jennifer Lynn Woods, 35, was booked January 10 at the Placer County Jail on charges of sex with a minor and oral copulation with a minor. The 17-year-old male victim was a former student of Woods. Her employer, the Placer County Office of Education, contacted the Sheriff's Office when they received information that she may be having an inappropriate relationship with a former student.
Woods, a Granite Bay resident, met the victim when he was a student of hers two years ago, but he has since transferred to another school. The relationship went on for one year, while the victim was 16 and 17 years old.
Woods' bail was set at $100,000 and she bailed out of jail the day of her arrest.
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Roseville Flash Crime Report: Mail Theft on the RiseRoseville, CA - The Roseville Police Department's public police activity report for the period covering November 15-28, 2016.
Football Championship West in Roseville and RocklinRoseville, CA - The Football University (FBU) National Championship West region games will take place on Dec. 2-5 in Roseville and Rocklin.
Local Businesses Warned About Potential ScamThe California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is warning ABC licensees and the public of a possible scam in both Northern and Southern California involving persons
18th Annual Holiday Show and Sale in RocklinRocklin, CA - The Ridley Gallery at Sierra College Rocklin Campus is proud to announce our Eighteenth Annual Holiday Show and Sale
Volunteer for Elves for the ElderlySeniors First, a Placer County non-profit organization focused on providing programs and services for our area's elderly, is continuing their holiday gift program
Children's Christmas Faire in AuburnAUBURN - Santa is high in demand this season but will be stopping by the Children's Christmas Faire for free photo opportunities for 400 local children
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Today, I was trying to get my car out of my boyfriend's apartment garage but couldn't. Why? Because somebody decided to park in front if the garage door and have sex. Complete with steamed windows and loud noises. FML
by ocroyalty / 02/01/2010 at 2:31am / United States (California) / Transportation
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Other, MS 39601 MLS#: 123365
Other, MS 39601 is an , Lots & Land in Bhaven, Mississippi for $94,500 with MLS#: 123365 and offered by Louis Bailey of Bailey's Realty. To learn more about Other, MS 39601 contact Louis Bailey for more information or to request a showing.
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Loads of flavor in lean, paper thin slices
The best air dried beef in America comes from Pennsylvania Dutch country and it does not come in a jar. Back in 1902 Knauss Dried Beef Company was formed in Quakertown, PA. They still use the original recipe for smoking and air drying lean cuts of beef to produce this versatile and flavorful classic. Sliced paper thin, a little bit goes a long way, and it's the perfect ingredient for the American standard of creamed chipped beef served in a quick and easy white sauce. Simply add shreds of paper thin dried beef to warmed milk, butter, flour and a pinch of cayenne pepper for delicious gravy to top toast, biscuits, English muffins, a baked potato or home fries. Stir it into scrambled eggs to add loads of flavor to your morning protein, or use it as an appetizer wrapped around cream cheese or our horseradish cheddar spread. Use your imagination and the great recipes available on-line. No matter how you use it, you'll appreciate the flavor of this old world product done right. Shipped from Dakin Farm in ¼ lb. air tight packages.
Dakin Farm gives you the ability to ship items in your shopping cart to different addresses — yourself or someone else.
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If you're sending an item to someone else, simply select "Someone else" from the "Ship To" drop down menu before you add the item to your cart. If you are a registered shopper who has already signed in, any entries in your Shipping Address Book will also appear in the list of Ship To options.
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If you're sending the same item to multiple people, choose the quantity you wish to send to each person and make your "Ship To" selection (see above) and then add the item to your cart. Repeat for each person with a different shipping address.
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After entering the quantity, simply leave the "Ship To" selection on "Myself" option and then click the Add To Cart button.
As always, delicious, nicely packaged, prompt delivery, We usually have it for breakfast, but it is good for appetizers and light suppers.
Thank you!
Their air dried beef is ALWAYS the best. We are hooked on chipped beef on toast so we prepare the gravy (roux) then add the beef. Yum, Yum. Dakin Farm has the best of everything. Buy something NOW!!!!
We use to purchase the dried beef packages in Maryland and Virginia but they are not available in South Carolina that I can find. This was a great find and taste wonderful. Thanks


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Worst Movies of 2013BKAllmighty
The Contenders: Page 3XW
Got bored watching it
To the other person who commented: Really? I haven't seen it, but I figured Carrey would be the only saving grace. - VicarSlayer23
Terrible movie especially Jim Carrey
"It's the worst movie I've ever watched" then I'm assuming you've only seen this movie in your life, have you seen troll 1 or 2, catwoman, disaster movie, son of the mask? Pain and gain is a good movie
It's the worst movie I've ever watchedV2 Comments
This was one of the best films of 2013. Who put this here? - PositronWildhawk
After watching this movie, I feel like I wasted some of my life. - letdot52
It is not a film. Films have storylines that cannot be spoiled with a single sentence.
The Hunger Games movies are amazing. Now this parody of it? I watched the trailer, it's a piece of crap and filled with another magical world of unfunny jokes. Its like the new Adam Sandler movies.
This is just a supercopycat and they added Avengers, with fake costumes.V1 Comment
It is the same a Olympus has fallen
And it is stupid American crap
Dude, this is awesome. Whoever put this here should take it out. I'm so impressed when the cockroaches used lightsaber for battle
And yet there's going to be a sharknado four, no doubt that it's going to be the exact same damn thing
I couldn't even make it through the whole movie. I could literally feel my IQ dropping while I watched it.V1 Comment
I didn't like this movie, it's really bad
None of the elements which made FiM so popular under two audiences (little girls and the periphery demographic) are present.
It's a rip off of the first two episodes of Friendship Is Magic
MLP: FiM, eat a Snickers. You tend to get a little tacky when you're hungry.V2 Comments
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FREE SHIPPING DAY! Today Only
Lots of stores joined today's national FREE SHIPPING day (Dec. 18, 2015), including Walmart, which is pretty rare for them. Usually most of the stores have some minimum purchased required (e.g. $50+ at Walmart), but not today.
This, combined with Paypal offer of free return shipping , should make your online shopping free of any shipping costs!
Notable stores participating in today's free shipping day:
Category: Home & Kitchen
Posted on 18 December 2015, 12:23 PM


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My Little Pony Match
Played 1307 times
My Little Pony Match game information:
Have fun on this amazing match game of My Little Pony. Put your memory to the test and collect all the matching pairs. There are three level that you must complete, you will see more ponies that will join to the game on every level. Good Luck.
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Use the mouse to play.
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text:
• Lightest ever naval military satcom terminal, incorporating advanced materials and precision manufacturing
• Compact footprint above and below decks, providing smaller vessels with satcom capabilities
• Designed to operate in the most demanding sea conditions
Portsmouth, 22 March 2011 – Airbus Defence and Space has today launched its next generation naval terminal – SCOTPatrol – designed to extend satcom capabilities to smaller ships such as Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).
With the capability to transmit large volumes of data over Ku, Ka and X bands, SCOTPatrol can act as a beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) relay for video, multispectral and radar imagery, from intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets such as helicopter UAVs.
SCOTPatrol is precision manufactured from carbon fibre which gives it a reduced magnetic footprint, exceptional strength to withstand shock, vibration and harsh operating environments, while making it the lightest ever naval satcom terminal of its type.
The reduced top-weight, together with a compact footprint above and below decks makes for easier integration on smaller vessels such as OPVs. In addition, through-life performance benefits can be derived from easier logistics and materials handling, and less stress on mechanical components such as motors and bearings.
Aidan Joy, Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space Service's Secure Satcom Systems, speaking at the launch of SCOTPatrol during the Offshore Patrol and Security conference said:
"Our customers have expressed a clear demand for satcom capabilities on smaller ships and patrol vessels deployed in today's naval operations to harness the power of shared situational awareness and networked communication at broadband speeds.
"SCOTPatrol has been designed from the outset to address this requirement – resulting in the lightest ever naval specification satcom terminal."
SCOTPatrol benefits from an advanced 3-axis stabilised platform designed to reject ship motion from harsh sea conditions, so that the antenna always remains accurately pointed at the satellite without the "keyhole effect" of 2-axis systems.
Building upon nearly 40 years of SCOT design heritage, SCOTPatrol is the latest example of Airbus Defence and Space's position as the leading European supplier of high-security satellite communications equipment and networks, with decades of experience in the design, manufacture and test of hardened spacecraft and high-technology secure communications systems.
Airbus Defence and Space' Secure Satcom Systems provides a full range of land, air and naval terminals including the renowned family of SCOT terminals that have been procured by 11 navies worldwide and have provided 24/7 connectivity in all weather conditions to over 200 ships worldwide.
About Airbus Defence and Space
Airbus Defence and Space is the number one company in Europe for space technologies and a wholly owned subsidiary of AIRBUS Group, dedicated to providing civil and defence space systems and services.
In 2010, Airbus Defence and Space had a turnover of €5 billion and more than 15,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are Airbus Defence and Space for launchers and orbital infrastructure, Airbus Defence and Space for spacecraft and ground segment, and Airbus Defence and Space for comprehensive end-to-end solutions covering secure and commercial satcoms and networks, high security satellite communications equipment, bespoke geo-information and navigation services worldwide.
AIRBUS Group is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2010, the Group – comprising Airbus, Airbus Defence and Space, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 45.8 billion and employed a workforce of nearly 122,000.
Press contacts:
Daniel Mosely (Airbus Defence and Space UK) Tel.: +44 (0)1 438 77 8180
Matthieu Duvelleroy (Airbus Defence and Space FR) Tel.: +33 (0) 1 77 75 80 32
Ralph Heinrich (Airbus Defence and Space GER) Tel.: +49 (0) 89 607 33971
Francisco Lechón (Airbus Defence and Space SP) Tel.: +34 91 586 37 41


text:
Grover's Grandma
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Grover's Grandma appears in the 1992 Sesame Street storybook My Name Is Grover. Grover explains that his favorite letter is G, because "it is the first letter in Grover, and Grandma, and garden, and goldfish!"


text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Aug 20, 1985
|Filing date
|Dec 28, 1983
|Priority date
|Dec 28, 1983
|Fee status
|Publication number
|Robert D. Lundberg, Robert R. Phillips
|Original Assignee
|Exxon Research And Engineering Co.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (6), Referenced by (18), Classifications (9), Legal Events (6)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This invention relates to unique and novel polymer complexes of a metal neutralized sulfonated polymer and an amine terminated polylactone composition. The resulting polymer complex of the amine terminated polylactone and the metal neutralized sulfonated polymer have a variety of uses including those as diverse as adhesive agents, thermoplastic elastomers, additive uses wherein these materials can be utilized to compatibilize two different polymers which are normally incompatible. These compositions can also be blended with fillers and/or oils when the sulfonated polymer is elastomeric. These materials display thermoplastic character.
Recently, a new class of thermoelastic sulfonated polymers has been described in a number of U.S. Patents. These sulfonated polymers are derived from polymeric materials having olefinic unsaturation, especially elastomeric polymers such as Butyl and EPDM rubbers. U.S. Pat. No. 3,642,728, herein incorporated by reference, clearly teaches a method of selective sulfonation of olefinic unsaturation sites of an elastomeric polymer to form an acid form of a sulfonated elastomeric polymer. The olefinic sites of the elastomeric polymer are sulfonated by means of a complex of a sulfur trioxide donor and a Lewis base. The SO3 H groups of the sulfonated elastomer can be readily neutralized with a basic material to form an ionically cross-linked elastomer at room temperature. However, these ionically cross-linked elastomers may be processed like a conventional thermoplastic at elevated temperatures under a shear force in the presence of selected preferential plasticizers, which dissipate the ionic associations at the elevated temperatures, thereby causing a reprocessable elastomer.
The basic materials used as neutralizing agents are selected from organic amines or basic materials selected from Groups I, II, III, IV, V, VI-B and VIII, and mixtures thereof, of the Periodic Table of Elements.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,836,511, herein incorporated by reference, teaches an improved process for the sulfonation of the olefinic sites of the elastomeric polymer, wherein the improved sulfonating agent is selected from acetyl sulfate, propionyl sulfate and butyryl sulfate. The neutralizing agents employed to neutralize the acid form of the sulfonated elastomeric polymers are organic amines.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,841, herein incorporated by reference, teaches a method of plasticization of the polymeric backbone of a neutralized sulfonated plastic polymer by means of a polymer chain plasticizer which is a liquid compound having a boiling point of at least about 120� F. The polymer chain plasticizer is selected from a dialkyl phthalate, a process oil or an organic acid ester. Additionally, a domain plasticizer can be incorporated into the composition, wherein the domain plasticizer reversibly disrupts the association of the sulfonated groups at a temperature of forming.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,847,854, herein incorporated by reference, teaches a method of improving the processability of a neutralized sulfonated elastomeric polymers by the addition of a preferential plasticizer which has at least one functional constituent which exhibits a bond moment whose absolute value is at least 0.6 Debyes, and must be a liquid at the desired processing temperature of the neutralized sulfonated elastomeric polymer.
The instant invention differs from U.S. Ser. No. 332,850 in that the polymeric compositions of U.S. Ser. No. 332,850 involve the neutralization of an unneutralized sulfonated polymer with an amine terminated polycaprolactone to form an amine neutralized sulfonated polymer. The polymer complexes of the instant invention are not formed by an acid base interaction as in U.S. Ser. No. 332,850 but rather the amine terminated polycaprolactone is complexed by means of coordinate bonds with the metal neutralized sulfonated polymer.
Sulfonated polymers have been shown to display many of the characteristics of a covalently cross-linked elastomer of plastic despite the fact that these materials would be especially useful to employ in blend compositions with a variety of other polymers such as polyvinyl chloride, polyurethanes, polystyrene, "Phenoxy A", polyethylene and similar compositions. However, sulfonated polymers are usually incompatible with such compositions except under unusual circumstances.
This invention is concerned with a new class of polymer complexes based upon the coordinating bonds between a metal neutralized sulfonated polymers and an amine terminated polylactone. As such, these polymers can have many of the physical properties of the base sulfonated polymer (such as Sulfo EPDM) but also derive many of the desirable features of the polylactone (such as poly-ε-caprolactone). Generally, the sulfonated polymer and the lactone polymer are not truly molecularly compatible and; therefore, are phase separated. Due to the fact that the sulfonated polymer is chemically combined with a novel class of amine terminated lactones, the resulting grafted polymer system displays some properties of both polymer phases.
Since the polylactones, such as poly-ε-caprolactone, are widely known for their unique compatibility behavior, this invention permits the preparation of polylactone neutralized sulfonated polymers which are useful in a variety of polymer blends. In the case where Sulfo EPDM is the base sulfonated polymer, the combination with amine-terminated poly-ε-caprolactone provides a polymer complex system which can behave as a tough and useful thermoplastic elastomer. Such compositions derive their physical properties, in part from the ionic interactions but mostly due to the crystalline caprolactone domains which act as physical cross-links. Such systems can also be modified through the addition of oils and fillers, as in the case for other sulfonated elastomers. The resulting materials can, under appropriate conditions, be melt processable.
This invention relates to unique and novel polymer complexes based on coordinating bonds between a neutralized sulfonated polymer and a tertiary amine terminated polylactone composition. The resulting polymer complexes of the terminated polycaprolactone and the metal neutralized sulfonated polymer compositions have a variety of uses including those as diverse as adhesive agents, thermoplastic elastomers, additive uses wherein these materials can be utilized to compatibilize two different polymers which are normally incompatible. These compositions can also be blended with fillers and/or oils when the sulfonated polymer is elastomeric. The materials display thermoplastic character.
The neutralized sulfonated elastomeric polymers of this present invention are derived from elastomeric or plastic polymers wherein the elastomeric polymers are derived from unsaturated polymers which include low unsaturated elastomeric polymers such as Butyl rubbers or EPDM terpolymers.
Alternatively, other unsaturated polymers are selected from the group consisting of partially hydrogenated polyisoprenes, partially hydrogenated polybutadienes, Neoprene, styrene-butadiene copolymers or isoprenestyrene random copolymers.
The expression "Butyl rubber" as employed in the specification and claims, is intended to include copolymers made from a polymerization reaction mixture having therein from 70 to 99.5% by weight of an isoolefin which has about 4 to 7 carbon atoms, e.g., isobutylene and about 0.5 to 30% by weight of a conjugated multiolefin having from about 4 to 14 carbon atoms, e.g., isoprene. The resulting copolymer contains 85 to 99.8% by weight of combined isoolefin and 0.2 to 15% of combined multiolefin.
Butyl rubber generally has a Staudinger molecular weight as measured by GPC of about 20,000 to about 500,000, preferably about 25,000 to about 400,000 especially about 100,000 to about 400,000 and a Wijs Iodine No. of about 0.5 to 50, preferably 1 to 15. The preparation of Butyl rubber is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,356,128 which is incorporated herein by reference.
For the purpose of this invention, the Butyl rubber may have incorporated therein from about 0.2 to 10% of combined multiolefin; preferably about 0.5 to about 6%; more preferably, about 1 to about 4% e.g., 2%.
Illustrative of such a Butyl rubber is Exxon Butyl 365 (Exxon Chemical Co.), having a mole percent unsaturation of about 2.0% and a Mooney viscosity (ML, 1+3, 212� F.) of about 40-50.
Low molecular weight Butyl rubbers, i.e., Butyl rubbers having a viscosity average molecular weight of about 5,000 to 85,000 and a mole percent unsaturation of about 1 to about 5% may be sulfonated to produce the polymers useful in this invention. Preferably, these polymers have a viscosity average molecular weight of about 25,000 to about 60,000.
The EPDM terpolymers are low unsaturated polymers having about 1 to about 10.0 wt% olefinic unsaturation, more preferably about 2 to about 8, most preferably about 3 to 7 defined according to the definition as found in ASTM-D-1418-64 and is intended to mean terpolymers containing ethylene and propylene in the backbone and a diene in the side chain. Illustrative methods for producing these terpolymers are found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,280,082, British Pat. No. 1,030,289 and French Pat. No. 1,386,600, which are incorporated herein by reference. The preferred polymers contain about 40 to about 75 wt% ethylene and about 1 to about 10 wt% of a diene monomer, the balance of the polymer being propylene. Preferably, the polymer contains about 45 to about 70 wt% ethylene, e.g., 50 wt% and about 2.6 to about 8.0 wt% diene monomer, e.g., 5.0 wt%. The diene monomer is preferably a nonconjugated diene.
Illustrative of these nonconjugated diene monomers which may be used in the terpolymer (EPDM) are 1,4-hyxadiene, dicyclopentadiene, 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene, 5-methylene-2-norbornene, 5-propenyl-2-norbornene, and methyl tetrahydroindene.
A typical EPDM is Vistalon 2504 (Exxon Chemical Co.,) a terpolymer having a Mooney viscosity (ML, 1+8, 212� F.) of about 40 and having an ethylene content of about 50 wt%. The Mn as measured by GPC of Vistalon 2504 is about 47,000, the Mv as measured by GPC is about 145,000 and the Mw as measured by GPC is about 125,000.
Nordel 1320 (DuPont) is another terpolymer having a Mooney viscosity at 212� F. of about 25 and having about 53 wt % of ethylene, about 2.5 wt% of 1,4-hexadiene, and about 43.5 wt% of propylene.
The EPDM terpolymers of this invention have a number average molecular weight (Mn) as measured by GPC of about 10,000 to about 200,000, more preferably of about 15,000 to about 100,000, most preferably of about 20,000 to about 60,000. The Mooney viscosity (ML, 1+8, 212� F.) of the EPDM terpolymer is about 5 to about 60, more preferably about 10 to about 50, most preferably about 15 to about 40. The Mv as measured by GPC of the EPDMA terpolymer is preferably below about 350,000 and more preferably below about 300,000. The Mw as measured by GPC of the EPDM terpolymer is preferably below about 500,000 and more preferably below about 350,000.
The neutralized sulfonated thermoplastic polymers of the instant invention are derived from polystyrene type thermoplastics polymers which are selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, poly-t-butyl-styrene, polychlorostyrene, polyalph methyl styrene and co- or terpolymers of the aforementioned with acrylonitrile or vinyl toluene.
The polystyrene thermoplastics suitable for use in the practice of the invention have a glass transition temperature from about 90� C. to about 150� C., more preferably about 90� C. to about 140� C. and most preferably about 90� C. to about 120� C. These polystyrene resins have a weight average molecular weight as measured by GPC of about 5,000 to about 500,000 more preferably about 20,000 to about 350,000 and most preferably about 90,000 to about 300,000. These base polystyrene thermoplastic resins can be prepared directly by any of the known polymerization processes. The term "thermoplastic" is used in its conventional sense to mean a substantially rigid (flexus modulus 10,000 psi) material capable of retaining the ability to flow at elevated temperatures for relatively long times.
The preferred polystyrene thermoplastic resin is a homopolymer of styrene having a number average molecular weight of about 180,000, and an intrinsic viscosity in toluene of about 0.8. These polymers are widely available commercially in large volume. A suitable material is Styron 666 which affords a number molecular weight of about 105,000.
In carrying out the invention, the polymer is dissolved in a nonreactive solvent such as a chlorinated aliphatic solvent, chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbon, an aromatic hydrocarbon, or an aliphatic hydrocarbon such as carbon tetrachloride, dichloroethane, chlorobenzene, benzene, toluene, xylene, cyclohexane, pentane, isopentane, hexane, isohexane or heptane. The preferred solvents are the lower boiling aliphatic hydrocarbons. A sulfonating agent is added to the solution of the elastomeric polymer and nonreactive solvent at a temperature of about -100� C. to about 100� C. for a period of time of about 1 to about 60 minutes, most preferably at room temperature for about 5 to about 45 minutes; and most preferably about 15 to about 30. Typical sulfonating agents are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,642,728 and 3,835,511, previously incorporated herein by reference. These sulfonating agents are selected from an acyl sulfate, a mixture of sulfuric acid and an acid anhydride or a complex of a sulfur trioxide donor and a Lewis base containing oxygen, sulfur, or phosphorous. Typical sulfur trioxide donors are SO3, chlorosulfonic acid, fluorosulfonic acid, sulfuric acid, oleum, etc. Typical Lewis bases are: dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrothiophene or triethyl phosphate. The most preferred sulfonation agent for this invention is an acyl sulfate selected from the group consisting essentially of benzoyl, acetyl, propionyl or butyryl sulfate. The acylsulfate can be formed in situ in the reaction medium or regenerated before its addition to the reaction medium in a chlorinated aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon.
It should be pointed out that neither the sulfonating agent nor the manner of sulfonation is critical, provided that the sulfonating method does not degrade the polymer backbone. The reaction is quenched with an aliphatic alcohol such as methanol, ethanol or isopropanol, with an aromatic hydroxyl compound, such as phenol, a cycloaliphatic alcohol such as cyclohexanol or with water. The unneutralized sulfonated elastomeric polymer has about 3 to about 200 meq unneutralized sulfonate groups per 100 grams of sulfonated polymer, more preferably about 15 to about 100; and most preferably about 20 to about 80. The meq of unneutralized sulfonate groups per 100 grams of polymer is determined by both titration of the polymeric sulfonic acid and Dietert Sulfur analysis. In the titration of the sulfonic acid, the polymer is dissolved in solvent consisting of 95 parts of toluene and 5 parts of methanol at a concentration level of 50 grams per liter of solvent. The unneutralized form is titrated with ethanolic sodium hydroxide to an Alizarin-Thymolphthalein endpoint.
The unneutralized sulfonated polymer is gel free and hydroltyically stable. Gel is measured by stirring a given weight of polymer in a solvent comprised of 95 toluene-5-methanol at a concentration of 5 wt%, for 24 hours, allowing the mixture to settle, withdrawing a weighted sample of the supernatant solution and evaporating to dryness.
Hydrolytically stable means that the acid function, in this case the sulfonic acid, will not be eliminated under neutral or slightly basic conditions to a neutral moiety which is incapable of being converted to highly ionic functionality.
The unneutralized sulfonate groups of the unneutralized sulfonated polymers of the instant invention are neutralized with a metal counterion selected from the Group consisting of Group IA, IB, IIA and IIB of the Periodic Table of Elements, wherein a zinc counterion is preferred. Either metallic salts of carboxylic acids having about 2 to about 20 carbon atoms or metallic hydroxides can be used in the solution of bulk state as effective neutralizing agents.
A solution of the metal neutralized sulfonated polymer is complexed with the polycaprolactone polymer in the bulk state in an intensive mixer. These polycaprolactone polymers are formed by the reaction of ε-caprolactone with an organic diamine in the presence of a catalyst as described in an issued U.S. Pat. No. (4,379,914). The anhydrous ε-caprolactone and the organic diamine in the presence of the catalyst are reacted together in a reaction vessel in the absence of a solvent at a temperature of about 50� to about 200� C., more preferably about 75� to about 180� and most preferably about 90� to about 100� C. for a sufficient period of time to effect polymerization.
The reaction of the ε-caprolactone with the diamine can be generally depicted by the equation. ##STR1## wherein n=1 to 500, m=1 to 20, R1 or R2 are selected from the group consisting of alkyl, heterocyclic, cycloalkyl and aromatic groups having about 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, more preferably about 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, and aryl groups, and R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl and cycloalkyl groups having about 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, more preferably about 1 to about 12, and aryl groups and R4 and R5 are hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl groups. Typical, but nonlimiting, examples of useful diamines are: ##STR2##
Catalysts useful in the promotion of the above identified reaction are selected from the group consisting of stannous octanoate, stannous hexanoate, stannous oxalate, tetrabutyl titanate, a variety of metal organic based catalysts, acid catalysts and amine catalysts, as described on page 266, and forwarded in a book chapter authored by R. D. Lundberg and E. F. Cox, entitled Kinetics and Mechanisms of Polymerization: Ring Opening Polymerization; edited by Frisch and Rugen, published by Marcell Dekker in 1969, wherein Stannous octanoate is an especially preferred catalyst. The catalyst is added to the reaction mixture at a concentration level of about 100 to about 10,000 parts of catalyst per 1 million parts of ε-caprolactone.
The resultant polycaprolactone polymer has an Mn as measured by GPC of about 200 to about 50,000 more preferably about 500 to about 40,000, and most preferably about 700 to about 30,000 and a melting point from below room temperature to about 55� C., more preferably about 20� C. to about 52� C., and most preferably about 20� C. to about 50� C.
The polymer complex of the metal neutralized sulfonated polymer and the amine terminated polycaprolactone at higher sulfonate levels possess high melt viscosities and can be difficult to process. The addition of ionic group plasticizers markedly reduces melt viscosity and frequently enhances physical properties.
To the neutralized sulfonated polymer is added, in either solution or to the crumb of the unneutralized form of the sulfonated polymer, a preferential plasticizer selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids having about 5 to about 30 carbon atoms, more preferably about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms, or basic salts of these carboxylic acids, wherein the metal ion of the basic salt is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, ammonium, lead of Groups IA, IIA, IB and IIB of the Periodic Table of Elements, and mixtures thereof. The carboxylic acids are selected from the group consisting of lauric, myristic, palmitic or stearic acids and mixtures thereof; e.g., zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, or zinc laurate.
The preferential plasticizer is incorporated into the polymer complex at less than about 60 parts by weight per 100 parts of the polymer complex more preferably at about 5 to about 40, and most preferably at about 7 to about 25. Alternatively, other preferential plasticizers are selected from ureas, thioreas, amines, amides, ammonium and amine salts of carboxylic acids and mixtures thereof. The resultant neutralized sulfonated polymer with preferential plasticizer is isolated from the solution by conventional steam stripping and filtration.
Various other additives can be incorporated into the blend compositions to improve the physical properties, the appearance, the chemical properties of the formed elastomeric article or to modify the processability of the blend compositions.
A crystalline polyolefinic thermoplastic can be incorporated into the blend composition in minor proportions as a means for modification of the rheological properties of the blend compositions as well as the stiffness of the elastomeric article. Typically, the crystalline polyolefinic thermoplastic is added to the blend composition at a concentration level of less than about 100 parts by weight per 100 parts of polymer complex, more preferably at about 1 to about 75; and most preferably at about 1 to about 50.
A lubricant can be employed in the blend compositions at a concentration level of less than about 20 parts by weight per 100 parts of the polymer complex, and more preferably about 1 to about 15. The lubricants of the present instant invention are non-polar paraffinic hydrocarbon waxes having a softening point of about 135� F. to about 220� F., more preferably 150� F. to 200� F., wherein the wax has a number average molecular weight of about 1000 to about 4000, more preferably 1500 to 3500, and less than about 2 wt% polar constituents. These lubricants modify the rheological properties of the composition, improve the processability in forming the elastomeric article and impart a shine or gloss to the elastomeric article. Additionally, amorphous polypropylene can be used as a lubricant.
The ingredients incorporated into the blend compositions of the present invention, in conjunction with the type of polymer, the degree of sulfonation, and the metal counterion of the neutralized sulfonated polymer and the plasticizer give materials processable by extrusion or injection molding processes into elastomeric articles having the desirable physical and rheological properties.
The polymer composition prepared according to this invention cover a variety of new systems and applications. For example, a metal neutralized sulfonated polymer complexed with a tertiary amine terminated poly-ε-caprolactone can possess a variety of properties depending on sulfonate content and poly-ε-caprolactone (or PCL) molecular weight. Thus, a high molecular weight PCL (For example, a number average molecular weight of 10,000) complexed with a metal neutralized sulfonated EPDM terpolymer of 30 milliequivalents per 100 grams sulfonic acid content would require about 300 grams of PCL per 100 grams of Sulfo EPDM to effect complexing. Such a composition, therefore, would be about 75 percent PCL. On the other hand, the use of a PCL polymer of 1,000 molecular weight would result in a polymer complex of about 23 percent PCL. The physical properties of these two compositions will obviously vary substantially, depending on the compositions.
Similarly, metal neutralized sulfonated polystyrene (S-PS) can be complexed with PCL. In this case, polystyrene can be sulfonated over a range of sulfonate content from as little as 1 mole percent up to about 100 mole percent. In the former case, only 1 of every 100 repeat units contains sulfonate groups, while in the latter case, every aromatic group is sulfonated. Obviously, the range of complexes available, depending on the PCL molecular weight or the sulfonate content, is extremely large. The variation in physical properties available, similarly, is large.
The application to which these novel polymer complexes can be put to use is varied such as thermoplastic elastomers and potential adhesives.
Other types of polymer sulfonates suitable in this invention include sulfonated polybutadiene, sulfonated polyisoprene, sulfonated Butyl, sulfonated SBR, sulfonated polypentenomer, etc. Of special interest are polymers with terminal unsaturation such as polyisobutylene. Typically, this polymer is terminated with an olefin group which can be sulfonated to provide a long chain polyisobutylene of from 500 to 25,000 in molecular weight. Sulfonation of this functionality provides a polymer with a sulfonate group at just one end, and which can then be complexed to provide a polyisobutylene/PCL complex composed of just two blocks.
The sulfonated aromatic polymers can be of special use as potential compatibilizers or adhesives between polymers which do not normally adhere or blend to form compatible blends. Examples of such polymers are Butyl rubber and polyvinyl chloride of polyisobutylene and polyester-based polyurethanes.
The potential list of polymers which can be adhered or blended together by the use of these concepts is extensive and will be summarized only briefly in this application. Obviously, the list of polymers suitable for such uses will depend on the particular PCL/Sulfonated polymer considered. The following list is intended to represent combined systems for several types of such grafts, as indicated.
TABLE I______________________________________COMPATIBILITY TABLE FORSULFO POLYSTYRENE/PCL GRAFTSColumn A Column BPolymer Phase Polymer PhaseCompatible with Polystyrene Compatible with PCL______________________________________Polystyrene Polyvinyl ChlorideRubber toughened polystyrene Nitrocellulose(impact modified) Low density polyethyleneAcrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene Phenoxy ATerpolymer (ABS resin) Polyvinyl butyralSytrene/acrylonitrile Polyester based urethanesStyrene/methylmethacrylate Vinyl chloride/vinyl-copolymers idene chloride copolymers______________________________________
The advantages of the polymer complexes of the instant invention can be more readily appreciated by reference to the following Examples and Tables:
Preparation of Zinc Neutralized Sulfonated Ethylene-Propylene Terpolymer.
In 500 ml of hexane 500 g of EPDM containing about 50 wt% ethylene and about 5 wt% 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene and having a Mooney Viscosity (ML, 1+8, 212� F.) of about 20 was dissolved and 200 m moles of aceptic anhydride was added followed by 125 m moles of concentrated sulfuric acid. After 30 minutes of reaction at room temperature the sulfonation was quenched with 500 ml of methanol. Then the sulfonated cement was neutralized with a solution of zinc acetate corresponding to 40 milliequivalents of zinc acetate per 100 g of polymer in 125 ml of water. Antioxidant 2246 (2.5 g) was added and the cement stirred for 30 minutes. The cement was steam stripped to isolate a polymer crumb which was subsequently dried.
Preparation of Zinc Neutralized Sulfonated Polystyrene.
In 500 ml of 1,2 dichloroethane dissolved 100 g of polystyrene (Dow Styron 666) at 50� C. To this solution stirring at 50� C., added 7.4 g (73 m moles) acetic anhydride and 4.6 g (45 m moles) concentrated sulfuric acid. The reaction mixture was stirred at 50� C. for 1 hour and the sulfonation terminated by adding 25 ml of methanol. The sulfonated polystyrene (acid form) was recovered by steam stripping the reaction mixture followed by washing and pulverizing in water with a waring blender. The product was then filtered, air dried and then dried in an Aeromatic dryer at 80� C. The dry sulfonated polystyrene acid was dissolved in 1000 ml of dichloroethane and a solution of 3.4 g zinc acetate in 10 ml water and 10 ml methanol added. After stirring one hour, the solution became cloudy and thicker. After stirring four hours, the zinc neutralized sulfonated polystyrene was recovered by precipitating in excess methanol. The product was air dried and then vacuum oven dried at 60� C.
Preparation of Poly-ε-caprolactone Amine.
Poly-ε-caprolactone amine with a molecular weight of about 2000 was prepared in the following manner. To 97.1 ml of distilled ε-caprolactone was added 6.5 ml of 3-dimethyl amino propyl amine and 0.25 ml of stannous octoate and stirred. Temperature was increased over a period of 2 hours to 150� C. during which time the color of the solution became a dark reddish-black. The reaction mixture was stirred and heated at 150�-155� C. for three hours during which time it gradually thickened. At the end of this period, the reaction mixture was poured into a teflon boat and cooled. The product solidified to a hard tan wax. Preparation of poly ε-caprolactone adducts of various molecular weights can be prepared by varying the amount of 3-dimethyl amino propyl amine charged to the reaction.
A complex was obtained by blending a tertiary amine terminated ε-caprolactone of about 3000 in molecular weight with a zinc sulfonated ethylene propylene terpolymer having a Sulfonate level of 20 milliequivalents/100 gms of polymer. Such complexes can be prepared by mixing in an intensive mixer such as a Brabender or a laboratory two-roll mill. For comparison of the importance of specific interacting groups a polycaprolatone of low molecular weight (10,000), but without free amine groups was employed.
Several levels of poly-ε-caprolactone were employed as shown in Table 1. The resulting products demonstrated immediately the difference in the polymer blends. The composition in which the PCL was terminated by amine groups exhibited greatly different properties from the blend in which the PCL did not contain amine. Clearly the amine containing system was clearer, did not display an exudate, and was softer and exhibited greater elongation.
In addition, the solubility behavior of these two classes of materials, in a hydrocarbon such as heptane was markedly different. This behavior is shown in Table (1). For example, zinc sulfo EPDM alone at a sulfonate level of 20 meq/100 gms is not fully soluble in xylene--indeed it forms a strong gel due to substantial ionic associations. The amine terminated polycaprolactone is not soluble. Surprisingly, the combination of these two polymers in that solvent provides a solubilization of both components with a resulting viscosity which is quite low.
Clearly these results are contrasted with the blend of sulfo EPDM and the PCL 300 (without amine). These results shown unambiguously that the combination of amine terminated polymer and the metal sulfonated polymer interact strongly and unexpectedly to change the solution properties of both components.
TABLE 1__________________________________________________________________________Blends of Sulfo-EPDM with Poly-Caprolactone Amine (PCLA)and Poly Caprolactone (PCL 300) Grams Poly-* Stress - StrainZinc Sulfo- Sulfo- Capro Grams Solubility in PSI at Elongation, T BreakEPDM EPDM Lactone PCL Heptane at 2% 100% 300% 500% 700% Tensile Elongation__________________________________________________________________________TP319 (20 meq) 5 PCL-A 0.75 Gelled Mass 180 326 705 1940 3050 750" 5 " 1.5 Thick, Cloudy 78 113 155 205 275 1000+ Solution" 5 " 2.25 Thick, Cloudy 110 138 168 217 250 840 SolutionTP319 (10 meq) 5 " 0.375 -- 111 140 170 208 221 890" 5 " 0.75 -- 102 111 -- -- 112 460" 5 " 1.125 -- 98 103 -- -- 102 280TP319 (10 meq) 5 PCL-300 0.75 Cloudy Gel -- -- -- -- 159 50" 5 " 1.5 " 155 265 -- -- 214 240" 5 " 2.25 2 Phase, gel + 135 191 -- -- 250 490 liquidTP398 (10 meq) 5 " 0.375 -- 109 130 156 189 195 790" 5 " 0.75 -- -- -- -- -- 65 40" 5 " 1.175 -- -- -- -- -- 49 20TP319 (20 meq) -- -- -- 2 Phase, gel + 190 430 1016 -- 1213 530 liquidTP398 (10 meq) -- -- -- -- 95 131 104 310 400 890__________________________________________________________________________ *PCL-A indicates that the PCL molecule is terminated by a tertiary amine group. PCL300 indicates that the PCL does not possess a terminal amine group and is about 10,000 in molecular weight.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Nov 18, 1969
|Feb 15, 1972
|Exxon Research Engineering Co
|Sulfonated polymers
|Mar 29, 1972
|Sep 17, 1974
|Exxon Research Engineering Co
|Process for sulfonating unsaturated elastomers
|Nov 18, 1974
|Aug 10, 1976
|Exxon Research And Engineering Company
|Blends of sulfonated elastomers with crystalline polyolefins
|Nov 29, 1977
|Dec 26, 1978
|Exxon Research & Engineering Co.
|Polymeric hydroxyalkyl sulfonates
|Dec 21, 1981
|Apr 12, 1983
|Exxon Research And Engineering Co.
|Polycaprolactone polymers
|Dec 21, 1981
|Dec 20, 1983
|Exxon Research And Engineering Co.
|Sulfonated polymer and compositions thereof
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Jul 24, 1987
|Apr 11, 1989
|Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
|Lactone-modified, Mannich base dispersant additives useful in oleaginous compositions
|Oct 7, 1986
|Sep 12, 1989
|Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
|Lactone modified, esterified dispersant additives useful in oleaginous compositions
|Oct 7, 1986
|Sep 12, 1989
|Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
|Lactone modified adducts or reactants and oleaginous compositions containing same
|Oct 7, 1986
|Sep 12, 1989
|Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
|Lactone modified, esterfied or aminated additives useful in oleaginous compositions and compositions containing same
|Oct 7, 1986
|Mar 6, 1990
|Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
|Lactone modified mono-or dicarboxylic acid based adduct dispersant compositions
|Apr 6, 1988
|Jul 24, 1990
|Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
|Lactone modified dispersant additives useful in oleaginous compositions
|Aug 31, 1989
|Sep 4, 1990
|Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
|Lactone modified adducts or reactants and oleaginous compositions containing same
|Aug 31, 1989
|Sep 4, 1990
|Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
|Lactone modified, esterified or aminated additives useful in oleaginous compositions and compositions containing same
|Apr 6, 1988
|Oct 16, 1990
|Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
|Dispersant additives derived from lactone modified amido-amine adducts
|Jan 9, 1989
|Nov 20, 1990
|Exxon Chemical Patents, Inc.
|Lactone-modified, mannich base dispersant additives useful in oleaginous compositions
|Feb 28, 1991
|Jul 16, 1991
|Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
|Lactone modified mono- or dicarboxylic acid based adduct dispersant compositions
|Nov 25, 1991
|Jun 8, 1993
|Shell Oil Company
|Functionalized vinyl aromatic/conjugated diolefin block copolymer and salt of fatty acid compositions
|Feb 14, 1990
|Feb 14, 1995
|Shell Oil Company
|Plasticisers for salt functionalized polyvinyl aromatics
|Sep 23, 1994
|Mar 12, 1996
|D & S Plastic International
|Polyolefin compositions containing high and low molecular weight EPDM rubbers
|Jun 6, 1995
|Nov 11, 1997
|D&S Plastics International
|Painted polymeric articles having improved properties
|Apr 28, 1995
|Dec 2, 1997
|Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
|Method of making painted automobile components
|Mar 7, 1996
|Jul 21, 1998
|Solvay Engineered Polymers
|Thermoplastic polyolefins having improved paintability properties
|Jan 3, 1992
|Oct 15, 1992
|Exxon Research And Engineering Company
|Ionically and covalently crosslinked biodegradable barrier films of ionomer polymer
|U.S. Classification
|525/186, 525/331.8, 525/190
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Jun 5, 1985
Owner name: EXXON RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY A DE CORP
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:LUNDBERG, ROBERT D.;PHILLIPS, ROBERT R.;REEL/FRAME:004411/0083
Effective date: 19831216
|Dec 12, 1988
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Jan 12, 1993
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8
|Mar 25, 1997
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|Aug 17, 1997
|Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
|Oct 28, 1997
|Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee
Effective date: 19970820


text:
Purdue Post Game - Wisconsin Players
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Wisconsin Proves Doubters WrongPicked to be an average football team in 2016, Wisconsin takes satisfaction in having proved the pundits wrong.
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Three-Point Shot: OklahomaBefore No.17 Wisconsin takes on Oklahoma Saturday afternoon at the Kohl Center, Badger Nation looks at the three burning questions we're looking to have answered.
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The Freshman Fifteen – Keldric PrestonAn athletic edge rusher the Wisconsin staff landed from Florida, Keldric Preston is revamping his game for the Badgers' defense. Badger Nation gets to know the freshman a little…
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text:
Draped Knit Wool Coat
Employing meticulous tailoring techniques, Nocturne 22 achieves artful structure with her Draped Knit Wool Coat. A classic duster cut re-invented with a draped A-line silhouette, this topper is elevated to the next level of style with a wide angular open front pockets, drop-shoulder flare arms with chunky underarm surged seaming, sizable side v-cuts for added drape and double-layer hidden button up front. Striking the balance between masculine and feminine, this layering piece can be played up with an equally languid skirt or dress pairing for dramatic movement, or contrasted with skinny trousers or a straight skirt.
Color Black. 58% Wool 42% Polyester. Made in Japan.
Jacket runs true to size with generous, roomy fit in the arms and body for effect. Ashley is wearing a Small.


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LOL, White people generaly is Caucasian origin rite ? Russia were Modern Nation, …
- Tags: China, Gaikokujin, History, Korea, Old People, Politics, Taiwan, Tokyo
Comment on Ishihara: "Japanese Is The Only Non-White Modern Nation" by Anonymous:
LOL, White people generaly is Caucasian origin rite ?
Russia were Modern Nation, and they are Slavic, which not considered "white".Hitler even called them subhuman
South africa also Modern, have huge astronomy research and leading in world molecularbiology
Beside only Huge japanese cities are where Modern Japan Lies. the rest of nation were supprisingly low tech.
Bigest population in japan were mostly oldies over 50. as the only Nation with 98% homogenous population. no wonder they racist and xenophobic
Anonymous made other comments on this post:
- Ishihara: "Japanese Is The Only Non-White Modern Nation":
If it was not for Anime being popular in Japan. Well, if anime didn't exist in Japan. It would be a lame nation like Korea all over. Just sayin' my fellow weeaboos.
- Ishihara: "Japanese Is The Only Non-White Modern Nation":
…white people as in who? You know that every generation builds upon the previous one, right? The ancient greeks weren't white (As in Nordic White, that is what most people mean by the term) they were mediterranean. Ancient egyptians = under debate, but almost certainly not white. Medieval arabs were…err, arab. Not trying to dismiss "white people" at all, just sayin that arguing that any one race (again, which "white people" are you even talking about?) are responsible for "everything that …
- Ishihara: "Japanese Is The Only Non-White Modern Nation":
Then he have to admitted that his axis Japan is falling behind the once colony. But he sounds more like uncle Ishihara in uncle Ishihara's cabin to me. Sorry, lost lose my head a bit.
- Ishihara: "Japanese Is The Only Non-White Modern Nation":
Hey Shintarou….how did your precious country do the only time it ever tried to fight a war against white people? Complete and utter humiliation that continues to this day…
- Ishihara: "Japanese Is The Only Non-White Modern Nation":
I don't see a problem with some senile 80 yr old guy talking crap all the time and making bad decisions, while being racist, homophobic and just plain stupid… I see a problem though with people who actually thinks someone like that can be elected to represent the public opinion. Japan could pride itself far more for being a developed country if only it didn't listen to and elected the likes of Ishihara. Pretty disappointing how someone like him can stay relevant on politics for such a long …
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I mean, that was true 10 years ago. Now days between the abundance of cheep storage and the amount of devices people tend to use to check email, I really don't see any reason to not always use IMAP. Yes it is overkill, but it's the same kind of overkill as defaulting to using a double when you know you will be using numbers under 50. Technically you could use a float or even a half float if you really wanted to, but it takes so little compared to the total pool of resources it's not even worth …
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In only their fourth season of operation, Prime Time Bowling in Burlington, under owner Domenic Marciano, has undergone renovations which will be unveiled to the public on Sunday March 9 at 12pm.
Topping the many changes is the new Brunswick "Vector Plus" scoring system. The "state of the art" system features many interactive games such as "Speed Strike", "Fast Lane"," Walking Pin" and "Tug O' War" along with the usual scoring features. They alley will be most modern in Canada, with the only others available locally in Mississauga and Niagara Falls.
Starting at noon on Sunday, General Manager Lionel Lewis Jr. will be on hand along with lane mechanic Amanda Lupton to welcome everyone. There will be free hot dogs and t-shirts plus raffles for bowling balls. K-Lite FM will also be on-site for the festivities.
Lanes 29 to 32 are separated from the other lanes making it into a VIP room, with four comfy couches. There are also two party rooms at each end of Prime Time. A large billboard on Harvester Road invites people to "Come out and have a Ball".
The day before, Prime Time Bowling will be hosting the annual "Tim Hortons Big Brothers, Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake" from 1pm to 4pm. It also takes place on Wednesday March 19 at Prime Time at 6:00pm, and on Saturday March 29 at Hamilton Mountain Bowl starting at 9:00 am for 12 hours. The official spokesman is Scott Thompson from AM900 CHML.
On the Prime Time lanes, Sioban Frey followed a first frame spare with 11 strikes for a super 290 game. Dan O'Neale finished with 10 strikes for a 279 game and 922 set. Just missing 1000 were Art Oliver Jr. 999 (277, 248, 236, 238) and Pat Desjardins 990 (262, 237, 233, 258). Other fine efforts were William Russell 955 with three consecutive 245 games, Todd Downey 951 with a 279, Lionel Lewis Jr. 914 and singles of 279 and 268 by Matthew Lewis, 279 by Russell and 256 by Ian Hazelton.
At Skyway Lanes, Tim Gamble scored his first ever 700 as games of 247, 278 and 214 produced a 739. Wayne Lockhart, 149 average, had the first eight strikes for a 278 game and 655 triple. Mike Savoie used a 245, 264 finish to total 671, Mike Ellis tallied 654 and 643 triples while Jen Olmsted pitched a 619.
In Hamilton Tenpin Trivia, The first 300 at Prime Time was rolled by Troy Demers on December 20, 2004. In March 1998, Garry Bailey rolled a 269 at Skyway Lanes and ten minutes later, son Sean beat it with a 276.


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Phil Palombi
Grammy award winning bassist Phil Palombi is one of the most sought after young bass players, according to Steely Dan tenor saxophonist and renowned jazz musician Walt Weiskopf. Since moving to New York City in 1997, bassist Phil Palombi is slowly but surely moving through the ranks of the New York Jazz elite. His resume now includes recordings and/or performances with Michael Brecker, Billy Hart, Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman, Etta Jones, Maynard Ferguson, Chris Potter, Rich Perry, Curtis Stigers, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Lew Tabackin, Chucho Valdes, Mark Turner, Eliot Zigmund, and The Village Vanguard Orchestra to name a few.Read more
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Phil Palombi Plays Scott LaFaro's Bass This Weekend at the Kitano
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Monday at Kavehaz with Sarah Lynch, Pete McCann, Phil Palombi & Mark...
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169 Bar Hosts Jazz Vocalist Sarah Lynch with Greg Skaff, Phil Palombi &...
August 19, 2005
Monday Monday: 169 Bar Hosts Jazz Vocalist Sarah Lynch with Greg Skaff,...
August 16, 2005
Sarah Lynch, Greg Skaff, Phil Palombi & Mark Ferber at 169 Bar Monday


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I'm using this on a project right now that has to run in a sandbox imposed by (.NET CAS for SharePoint 2010) and, I'm impressed at how lightweight and straight to the point it is. Another huge plus is having the ability to store your rules wherever you want. For me this makes a huge difference as SharePoint lists and document libraries are the staple storage solution for most of the configuration files I reference. Big ups!!! More Examples and documentation please :-)


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September 12, 2011
CHRISTINE CURRY, TODD SCHILTZ, ANTHONY THOMPSON, DAVID LENOCI, THOMAS SHERIDAN, TERRY T. GIBSON, MARGARET KEY, FELIX KASKIE, ESTELA DIEHL AND ROBERT KMIECIK, ON BEHALF OF THEMSELVES AND OTHERS SIMILARLY SITUATED,PLAINTIFFS,v.KRAFT FOODS GLOBAL, INC., DEFENDANT.
Plaintiffs Christine Curry, Todd Schiltz, Anthony Thompson, David Lenoci, Thomas Sheridan, Terry T. Gibson, Margaret Key, Felix Kaskie, Estela Diehl, and Robert Kmiecik (collectively "Plaintiffs"), on behalf of themselves and others similarly situated, sued Defendant Kraft Foods Global, Inc. ("Kraft") for failure to pay them for time spent donning and doffing protective equipment before and after their work shifts. Plaintiffs claim in Count I that Kraft violated the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, 820 ILCS 105/1 et seq. ("IMWL"), and in Count II the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act ("IWPCA"), 820 ILCS 115/1 et seq., for non-payment of full wages for hours worked during the three years immediately preceding filing of the Complaint. Plaintiffs now move under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23 for certification as a class action. For the following reasons, the Court grants Plaintiffs' Motion to Certify the Class.
Plaintiffs are hourly employees at Kraft's Naperville, Illinois facility. (Compl. ¶¶ 4, 5.) In performing their daily duties, Plaintiffs were required to wear certain personal protective equipment, including but not limited to safety footwear, earplugs, and hard hats. (Id. ¶ 5.) It takes some time to put on ("don") and take off ("doff") the protective equipment at the beginning and end of each shift. (Id. ¶¶ 5-7.) Plaintiffs claim that Kraft has not counted the donning and doffing as part of their "Work Time," so as a result they never received compensation for this time. (Id. ¶ 11.) Because Plaintiffs were not compensated, they and other similarly-situated hourly employees at the Naperville, Illinois facility worked for more than forty hours in a workweek but were not compensated at the increased overtime rate of one-and-a-half times the regular hourly rate as the IMWL requires. (Id. ¶¶ 14-16.) Moreover, to the extent that any uncompensated "Work Time" was straight-time hours, rather than overtime, Plaintiffs also claim that Kraft violated the IWPCA. (Id. ¶ 14.)
Plaintiffs seek to certify two classes, one for each of the counts in the Complaint. For the IMWL claim in Count I, Plaintiffs' propose the following class definition:
All hourly and former hourly employees employed at Kraft Foods Global, Inc.'s Plant located in Naperville, Illinois, who in violation of 820 ILCS 105/1, et seq. were not paid at their full Wages for Hours Worked during the Class Period.
The Class Period is from three years immediately preceding the filing of the complaint to the time of payment of judgment.
Excluded from the class are claims for personal injuries. Also excluded from the class are individuals who opt out of the class.
(R. 46, Mot. for Class Cert. at 1) (emphasis in original). For the IWPCA claim in Count II, Plaintiffs' proposed class definition is the same except for the class period:
All hourly and former hourly employees employed at Kraft Foods Global, Inc.'s Plant located in Naperville, Illinois, who in violation of 820 ILCS 115/1, et seq. were not paid at their full Wages for Hours Worked during the Class Period.
The Class Period is from five years immediately preceding the filing of the complaint to the time of payment of judgment.
Excluded from the class are claims for personal injuries. Also excluded from the class are individuals who opt out of the class. (Id. at 2.) (emphasis in original).
The Court has "broad discretion" to determine whether certifying a class is proper under Rule 23. Keele v. Wexler, 149 F.3d 589, 592 (7th Cir. 1998). In making this analysis, the Court takes the substantive allegations in the Complaint as true and usually does not examine the ultimate merits of the case. Eggleston v. Chicago Journeymen Plumbers' Local Union No. 130, 657 F.2d 890, 895 (7th Cir. 1981). Plaintiffs bear the burden of demonstrating that their case meets all of the requirements of Rule 23. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. v. Dukes, 131 S. Ct. 2541, 2551 (2011) (Plaintiffs must "affirmatively demonstrate" compliance with Rule 23); Williams v. Chartwell Fin. Servs., Ltd., 204 F.3d 748, 760 (7th Cir. 2000).
Plaintiffs must first show that the putative class satisfies the four threshold requirements of Rule 23(a): (1) numerosity; (2) commonality; (3) typicality; and (4) adequacy of representation. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(a). If Plaintiffs meet this initial burden, they must then show that the requirements for one of the subsections of Rule 23(b) are met. See Oshana v. Coca-Cola Co., 472 F.3d 506, 513 (7th Cir. 2006). Here, the Plaintiffs seek certification under either Rule 23(b)(2) or Rule 23(b)(3). Under Rule 23(b)(2), Plaintiffs must request injunctive or declaratory relief based on Kraft's actions that apply to the whole class. Rule 23(b)(3), though, mandates that Plaintiffs establish that "questions of law or fact common to the members of the class predominate over any questions affecting only individual members [predominance] and that a class action is superior to other available methods for fair and efficient adjudication of the controversy [superiority]." Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(b)(3). In addition to the Rule 23 requirements, the party seeking class certification must also provide a workable class definition by showing that the members of the class are identifiable. See Oshana, 472 F.3d at 513.
I. Rule 23(a)
The Plaintiffs contend that class certification is appropriate because they can satisfy the four threshold requirements of Rule 23(a). Here, Kraft does not dispute the numerosity requirement, nor the commonality one. (R. 56, Resp. to Memo. for Class Cert. at 19-25.) The Court must therefore address the typicality and adequacy of representation requirements.
A. 23(a)(3) Typicality Requirement
Rule 23(a)(3) requires that the claims of the Plaintiffs and the claims of the class as a whole must be "typical." Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(a)(3). Plaintiffs need not establish that all claims are identical, but rather the inquiry turns on whether "the named representatives' claims have the same essential characteristics as the claims of the class at large." De La Fuente v. Stokely-Van Camp, Inc., 713 F.2d 225, 232 (7th Cir. 1983) (emphasis added). This boils down to two considerations: whether the same event, practice, or course of conduct gives rise to the claims of the class and whether the claims are grounded in the same legal theory. Id.; Arreola v. Godinez, 546 F.3d 788, 798 (7th Cir. 2008); see also Oshana, 472 F.3d at 514. Factual distinctions among the different class members does not prevent Plaintiffs from meeting the typicality requirement so long as a similar legal theory binds the named Plaintiffs and the other class members. De La Fuente, 713 F.2d at 232 ("[S]imilarity of legal theory may control even in the face of differences of fact."); Arreola, 546 F.3d at 798.
Here, Kraft's time card policy required all employees of the Naperville facility to punch in and out when they were fully dressed in their work clothes; employees are not entitled to compensation for time spent donning and doffing protective gear before and after the shifts. (R. 49, Memo. Class Cert., Ex. D.) Plaintiffs claim that this policy violates the IMWL and IWPCA. Specifically, the nature of Plaintiffs' claims, and the basis for moving for class certification, rests upon application of this policy to all Kraft employees at the Naperville facility. The relief sought for the entire class stems from a same practice or conduct-denying compensation for donning and doffing-and a consistent legal theory-violation of the IMWL and IWPCA. See, e.g., Spoerle v. Kraft Foods Global, Inc., 253 F.R.D. 434, 440-41 (W.D. Wisc. 2008) (in nearly identical case resulting from Kraft's Madison facility failing to compensate for donning and doffing, there was typicality because plaintiffs were challenging the "uniform policy" of refusing to pay for time spent donning and doffing). Because the named Plaintiffs challenge the legality of Kraft's prohibition on compensation for donning and doffing, and this would be the exact same claim of any potential class members, the typicality requirement is met. See, e.g., Arreola, 546 F.3d at 798-99 (typicality where plaintiff challenged jail's general policy of not providing crutches to inmates in certain areas); Keele v. Wexler, 149 F.3d 589, 595 (7th Cir. 1998) (typicality where plaintiff and others in the class all received debt collection letters that allegedly violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act). Further, numerous other courts have found class certification appropriate for employees seeking unpaid compensation for donning and doffing equipment before and after a work shift. See Spoerle, 253 F.R.D. at 440-41 (collecting cases).
Kraft's arguments against typicality essentially attempt to factually distinguish the characteristics of the individual class members. Specifically, Kraft maintains differences in each employee's hours and pay, as well as other variables such as Kraft's changes in the kind of protective gear each employee must wear, are sufficient enough to warrant an "individualized analysis" of each employee. But if the named Plaintiffs and the potential class members are united by a common legal theory, which they are, factual differences among them do not disrupt a finding of typicality. De La Fuente, 713 F.2d at 232; Arreola, 546 F.3d at 798. While each of the class members would have a unique claim for damages, this does not affect the typicality analysis. See, e.g., Hernandez v. United Fire Ins. Co., 79 F.R.D. 419, 425 (N.D. Ill. 1978) ("Clearly, differences in the amount of damages sought do not destroy typicality."). As such, Plaintiffs have met the typicality requirement.
B. 23(a)(4) Adequacy of Representation Requirement
The remaining requirement under Rule 23(a) requires that the interests of the class be fairly and adequately protected by the class representative. Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(a)(4). Rule 23(a)(4) is "not [a] difficult" standard to meet. Wahl v. Midland Credit Mgmt., Inc., 243 F.R.D. 291, 298 (N.D. Ill. 2007). The adequacy analysis has two dimensions: (1) adequacy of Plaintiffs' counsel; and (2) adequacy of the named Plaintiffs to protect the interests of the entire class. See Retired Chi. Police Ass'n v. City of Chi. 7 F.3d 584, 598 (7th Cir. 1993); see also Sec'y of Labor v. Fitzsimmons, 805 F.2d 682, 697 (7th Cir. 1986). "A class is not fairly and adequately represented if class members have antagonistic or conflicting claims." Rosario v. Livaditis, 963 F.2d 1013, 1018 (7th Cir. 1992).
First, Kraft does little to question the experience and qualifications of Plaintiffs' counsel to vigorously and competently litigate the case. The firm resume and the individual resumes of Plaintiffs' counsel establishes their experience, competence, and qualifications. They have acted as counsel in several class action lawsuits, including class action lawsuits in this state. (R. 49, Memo. Class Cert., Ex. I-J.) They were also involved in a nearly identical class action lawsuit against Kraft for its donning and doffing policy at its Madison, Wisconsin facility, which the parties litigated up to the Seventh Circuit. Plaintiffs' counsel can therefore sufficiently represent the interests of all of the class members.
This leaves the issue of whether the named Plaintiffs adequately represent the class. This depends on whether the named Plaintiffs: (1) have any conflicts with the claims of the potential class members; and (2) have a sufficient stake in the outcome of the litigation so that the Court is confident that they will zealously advocate on behalf of the class. Retired Chi. Police Ass'n., 7 F.3d at 598; Fitzsimmons, 805 F.2d at 697; see also Schmidt v. Smith & Wollensky, LLC, 268 F.R.D. 323, 328 (N.D. Ill. 2010).
Kraft challenges the adequacy of the named Plaintiffs to represent the class on several fronts. First, it argues that Plaintiffs lack the credibility to lead the class, given that some of them purchased drugs on Kraft's property, lied on job applications, or were disciplined for using violence at work.
(R. 56, Resp. to Memo. for Class Cert. at 19-25.) "For an assault on the class representative's credibility to succeed, the party mounting the assault must demonstrate that there exist admissible evidence so severely undermining plaintiff's credibility that a fact finder might reasonably focus on plaintiff's credibility, to the detriment of the absent class members' claims." CE Design Ltd. v. King Architectural Metals, Inc., 637 F.3d 721, 728 (7th Cir. 2011) (quoting Dubin v. Miller, 132 F.R.D. 269, 272 (D. Colo. 1990)). While legitimate concerns about the credibility of a class representative can undermine class certification, petty credibility challenges do not. CE Design Ltd., 637 F.3d at 728. Typically where courts have denied class certification they have done so because the class representative generally lacked credibility (i.e., criminal conviction for a crime of dishonesty) or the class representative's credibility was severely strained with respect to the claims in the lawsuit. See, e.g., Schleicher v. Wendt, No. 02-cv-1332, 2009 WL 761157, at *3 (S.D. Ind. March 20, 2009) (class representative who was convicted of criminal fraud was unfit to serve as fiduciary for class that was asserting that they were victims of a fraudulent scheme); Kaplan v. Pomerantz, 132 F.R.D. 504, 510 (N.D. Ill. 1990) (Rovner, J.) (false testimony during deposition warranted decertification of the class). Here, Kraft only challenges the credibility of three of the class representatives. All of the allegations, however, relate to personal shortcomings not directly indicative of honesty, and they do not indicate dishonest conduct in this litigation. See, e.g., Gooch v. Life Investors Ins. Co. of Am., 264 F.R.D. 340, 349 (M.D. Tenn. 2009) (credibility analysis is not an "examination into [the representatives'] moral righteousness" but instead relates to any "improper or questionable conduct arising out of or touching up on the very prosecution of the lawsuit"); Phipps v. Sheriff of Cook County, 249 F.R.D. 298, 301 (N.D. Ill. 2008) (Bucklo, J.) (prior drug conviction did not make plaintiff inadequate class representative). These kind of allegations do not put Plaintiffs in conflict with any of the potential class members.*fn1
Kraft also argues that the Plaintiffs do not adequately represent the class because they are not sufficiently involved in the litigation process. (R. 56, Resp. to Memo. for Class Cert. at 23-25.)
Specifically, Kraft alleges that the named Plaintiffs were not involved in the preparation of the Complaint, are unaware of their duties as class representatives, and have spent little time preparing for litigation. (Id.) The Plaintiffs need only possess a simple understanding of the nature of the proceedings and the basis of the claims. See Culver v. City of Milwaukee, 277 F.3d 908, 913 (7th Cir.2002) ("Experience teaches that it is counsel for the class representative and not the named parties, who direct and manage these actions."); Randle v. GC Serv., L.P., 181 F.R.D. 602, 604 (N.D. Ill. 1998) ("[A]s long as a class representative's interests do not conflict with those of the proposed class, she need only have a marginal familiarity with the facts of her case and need not understand the larger legal theories upon which her case is based."). The Plaintiffs satisfy this low bar, especially given their participation in depositions and submission of declarations. Plus, there is no evidence that the interests of the named Plaintiffs are in conflict with the interests of any potential class member. In sum, the Court sees no reason to question the named Plaintiffs' dedication to zealous advocacy on behalf of the class of the class as a whole, nor is there any basis to question the competence of class counsel.
Plaintiffs have therefore satisfied all four of the requirements of Rule 23(a).
II. Rule 23(b)(3)
Turning to the second step in the analysis, Plaintiffs claim that they meet Rule 23(b)(3)'s requirement "that the questions of law or fact common to class members predominate over any questions affecting only individual members, and that a class action is superior to the other available methods for fairly and efficiently adjudicating the controversy." Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(b)(3); see also Payton v. County of Kane, 308 F.3d 673, 680 (7th Cir. 2002) (plaintiff must satisfy at least one of the Rule 23(b) subsections). Class actions brought under Rule 23(b)(3) are those that would "achieve economies of time, effort, and expense, and promote ... uniformity of decision as to persons similarly situated, without sacrificing procedural fairness or bringing about other undesirable results." Amchem Prod., Inc., v. Windsor, 521 U.S. 591, 614 (1997).
A. Predominance
While this Court found the commonality requirement was met because of the common legal theory linking the class, Rule 23(b)(3)'s "predominance criterion is far more demanding." See Amchem Prod., Inc., 521 U.S. at 623-24. It tests whether a proposed class is "sufficiently cohesive" to warrant class adjudication. See id. at 623. To satisfy this inquiry, Plaintiffs must show not only that common issues exist, but also that they outweigh any questions affecting only individual members. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(b)(3); Ross v. RBS Citizens, N.A., 09 C 5695, 2010 WL 3980113, at *6 (N.D. Ill. Oct. 8, 2010) (Lefkow, J.).
The predominance inquiry begins with an examination of the substantive elements of the class claims and defenses. See Simer v. Rios, 661 F.2d 655, 672 (7th Cir. 1981); Driver v. AppleIllinois, LLC, 265 F.R.D. 293, 303 (N.D. Ill. 2010) (Plaintiffs must show "that the elements of liability are capable of proof at trial through evidence that is common to the class rather than individual to the members"). There is no bright line test for predominance: on the one side, the existence of individual issues will not automatically defeat certification; but on the other, a class action will not serve its intended purpose if it degenerates into separate trials on almost all elements of all the class claims. Simer, 661 F.2d at 672. In between these guideposts, the Court must exercise sound discretion to determine whether issues common to the class predominate over issues individual to each class member. See Retired Chi. Police Ass'n, 7 F.3d at 596.
Plaintiffs seek damages for each class member based on Kraft's violation of the IMWL and IWPCA. An IMWL claim exists if Plaintiffs can show that:(1) members of the proposed class performed work before and after their shift; (2) Kraft required or permitted that work to be performed; (3) the class members worked for more than forty hours during the week that they performed the alleged work before and after their shift; and (4) they were not paid at one-and-a-half times their regular hourly rate for that overtime work. See 820 ILCS 105/4a(1). A claim under the IWPCA requires that Plaintiffs prove: (1) members of the proposed class performed work before and after their shifts; (2) Kraft required or permitted that work to be performed; (3) the class members were not paid for that work. See 820 ILCS 115/3.
Here, the common evidence required to prove liability on both counts exceeds the details unique to each individual class member. The uniting thread for the IMWL and IWPCA claims is the validity of Kraft's policy that bars employees from receiving compensation for time spent donning and doffing. A legal determination as to whether Plaintiffs are entitled to unpaid compensation for this time will be a driving force in the outcome of the lawsuit. If the donning and doffing time is compensable, then a fact determination equally affecting all the class members will be whether Kraft has paid the employees the amount they are owed. See, e.g., Musch v. Domtar Indus., Inc., 252 F.R.D. 456, 461-62 (W.D. Wis. 2008) (finding predominance where defendant owed plaintiffs compensation as a result of its policy of not compensating for time spent donning and doffing because legal and factual issues applied to the entire class). Kraft, though, asserts that individual analysis is needed because the Plaintiffs had different habits when clocking in and out, and some changed into or out of the protective gear while on the clock. (R. 56, Resp. to Memo. Cert. Class at 10-12.) While these kind of discrepancies may exist among the class members, they do not outweigh the similarities: that Plaintiffs all were hourly employees of Kraft, they were required to wear protective gear to perform their jobs, and Kraft had an overarching policy that prohibited compensation for time that the class members were at work but were donning and doffing the protective clothes. See, e.g., Kasten v. Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corp., 556 F. Supp. 2d 941, 956-57 (W.D. Wis. 2008) ("Regardless whether plaintiffs work in different areas, on different shifts and don and doff different amounts of required protective gear, they are subject to defendant's general practice of not compensating employees for donning and doffing certain protective gear and walking to work areas."); Spoerle, 253 F.R.D. at 441 (in nearly identical case, finding 23(b)(3) was met and class certification appropriate); Ross, 2010 WL 3980113, at *6 (predominance where there was evidence suggesting existence of a company-wide policy to deny overtime pay, even though there were "variations in methods" that the company used to deny overtime).
The thrust of Kraft's argument against predominance, in essence, relates to divergent damages that each of the class members could receive. Differences resulting from some class members periodically doffing their protective gear before clocking out, and variances in the amount of hours worked per week and the specific items that employees had to wear are inquiries relevant to calculating damages; as such, they do not bar class certification under Rule 23(b)(3). See Arreola, 546 F.3d at 801; Kohen v. Pac. Inv. Mgmt. Co., 244 F.R.D. 469, 477 (N.D. Ill. 2007); Ross, 2010 WL 3980113, at *7.
B. Superiority
In addition to predominance, a class action must be "superior to other available methods for fairly and efficiently adjudicating the controversy." Fed. R. Civ. P. 23(b)(3). Here, there are a large number of potential class members (200), each with the same claim and each potentially entitled to a relatively small recovery-at least relative to the costs of individually litigating the case. Deciding each claim separately would be an extremely inefficient use of both judicial and party resources, and many individual class members would otherwise be unlikely to bring their claims. Hinman v. M and M Rental Ctr., Inc., 545 F. Supp. 2d 802, 807 (N.D. Ill. 2008). This makes Plaintiffs' claims ideal for resolution as a class action. See Murray v. GMAC Mortgage Corp., 434 F.3d 948, 953 (7th Cir.2006) ("Rule 23(b)(3) was designed for situations . . . in which the potential recovery is too slight to support individual suits, but injury is substantial in the aggregate"). Kraft contends that while Plaintiffs seek compensation for "reasonable time" spent donning and doffing, they cannot reach a consensus on exactly what this means. As such, Kraft argues, individualized treatment is appropriate. As discussed, the amount of compensation is a damages issue, and does not stand in the way of class certification. In any event, this is exactly the kind of case that should proceed as a class action. See, e.g., G.M. Sign, Inc. v. Franklin Bank, S.S.B., No. 06 C 949, 2008 WL 3889950, at *6 (N.D. Ill. Aug. 20, 2008) (Kocoras, J.) (class action superior in part due to consistency of decision and efficiency).
As such, the Plaintiffs satisfy the requirements of Rule 23(b)(3), and the Court need not analyze (b)(2).
III. Class Period
In their Complaint, in Count II for the IWPCA claim, Plaintiffs assert that the relevant time period for this claim is three years immediately before the filing of the Complaint. (R. 1, Compl. Count II, ¶ 15.) Now, in the Motion to Certify the Class, Plaintiffs seek a class period of "five years immediately preceding the filing of the complaint." (R. 48, Mot. Class Cert. at 2.) The Court finds that the appropriate class period for the IWPCA claim is three years, as Plaintiffs originally asserted in their Complaint. First, the parties engaged in discovery on the issue of class certification with the three year limitations period in mind. Second, Plaintiffs offer no explanation as to why they never amended the Complaint to reflect this expanded period, nor do they offer argument as to why augmenting the limitations period by two years is necessary. Without any explanation as to why the five year period is now appropriate, the Court rejects Plaintiffs' attempt to enlarge the class period. See, e.g., In re Wal-Mart Wage and Hour Employment Practices Litigation, No. 06-CV-225, 2008 WL 3179315, at *6 (D. Nev. June 20, 2008) (denying expansion of class period between complaint and motion for certification because plaintiffs offered no reason why expansion was necessary and never explained why they never amended the complaint to reflect the new class period); cf. Camilotes v. Resurrection Healthcare, No. 10 C 366, 2011 WL 1539670, at *3-4 (N.D. Ill. April 21, 2011) (St. Eve, J.) (allowing plaintiffs to amend complaint to expand class period because there was still sufficient class certification discovery time left for defendants to explore the issue). Third, the class period for the IMWL claim is three years, and for the sake of consistency it makes sense to have the period for the IWPCA claim the same because they are closely related claims. Legal argument and additional discovery involve overlap between Counts I and II, so efficiency is gained by confining the class period to three years for both claims.
The Plaintiffs have satisfied all four elements of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 23(a) and 23(b)(3), as required to achieve class certification. The IMWL class is defined as: All hourly and former hourly employees employed at Kraft's Naperville, Illinois facility who, starting three years before the filing of the Complaint, were not paid their full wages for hours worked (or work time) because they worked in excess of forty (40) hours in an individual workweek but were not compensated for that overtime work at a rate of one-and-a-half times their regular rate of pay. The IWPCA class is defined as: All hourly and former hourly employees employed at Kraft's Naperville, Illinois facility who, starting three years before the filing of the Complaint, were not paid in full for the hours worked (or work time). The Court appoints Plaintiffs' counsel as class counsel under Rule 23(g).
Virginia M. Kendall United States District Court Judge Northern District of Illinois
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