Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of acrylic polymer particles; paraffin wax; graphite particles; and extender particles. The composition is useful for making coatings with low water pickup for liquid applied sound damping applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a waterborne composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of first and second multistage polymer particles, wherein each of the first and second polymer particles comprises a water-occluded core and a high Tg polymeric shell wherein the second multistage polymer particles further comprise a polymeric binder layer superposing the shell. The composition of the present invention is useful for reducing the load of TiO2 in paint formulations, while producing coatings with excellent hiding and scrub resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of multistage polymer particles comprising a first and a second phase, wherein the first phase comprises structural units of a carboxylic acid monomer or a salt thereof, and a nonionic ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and wherein the second phase comprises a first and second polymer, wherein the first phase or the second phase first polymer or both comprise structural units of a high Tg hydrophobic monomer; and wherein the second phase second polymer comprises at least 80 percent structural units of styrene. The high Tg hydrophobic monomer is defined as being one or more of the following monomers: cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, 4-t-butyl methacrylate, t-butylstyrene, or n-butyl methacrylate. The multistage polymer particles are useful as opaque polymers, which are used in pigmented coating formulations to reduce the load of TiO2.

Abstract: Identification and monitoring of healthcare issues includes determining how to process input data based on at least one of identity of a user device that transmits the input data to the system and categorization of the input data. A new record is created in a database of healthcare issues in a healthcare facility where the user device is located when the input data is received. Anonymous reporting of issues is supported by storing an identifier of the user device that transmits the input data to the system, so that the anonymous reporter can be invited by a manager to join in an anonymous chat session. Recording of data during supervisor walkrounds is supported by setting up scheduled walkrounds with default labels to simplify input of identified healthcare issues, while allowing for custom labels to be entered when needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of multistage polymer particles comprising contacting under emulsion polymerization conditions and in a staged fashion an aqueous dispersion of carboxylic acid functionalized core polymer particles with first monomers and second monomers. The core comprises structural units of a high Tg hydrophobic monomer and/or the first monomers comprise a high Tg hydrophobic monomer, and the second monomers comprise at least 80 percent styrene. The high Tg hydrophobic monomer is cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, 4-t-butyl methacrylate, t-butylstyrene, or n-butyl methacrylate, or a combination thereof. The multistage polymer particles are useful as opaque polymers, which are used in pigmented coating formulations to reduce the load of TiO2. The particles exhibit excellent collapse resistance and unusually low dry bulk density, and do not require acrylonitrile to achieve this desired combination of properties.

Abstract: A battery system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The battery system includes a tray having a plurality of battery receptacles. A plurality of batteries are also provided, each battery in the plurality of batteries being received in a battery receptacle. A conductive layer in electrical communication with the plurality of batteries and a terminal for electrically coupling to a vehicle are also provided in the battery system. A cover interlocks with the tray. The cover carries a computer and a diagnostic identification system for the plurality of batteries. A housing for a battery system and a vehicle including a battery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of multistage polymer particles comprising a first and a second phase, wherein the first phase comprises structural units of a carboxylic acid monomer or a salt thereof, and a nonionic ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and wherein the second phase comprises a first and second polymer, wherein the first phase or the second phase first polymer or both comprise structural units of a high Tg hydrophobic monomer; and wherein the second phase second polymer comprises at least 80 percent structural units of styrene. The high Tg hydrophobic monomer is defined as being one or more of the following monomers: cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, 4-t-butyl methacrylate, t-butylstyrene, or n-butyl methacrylate. The multistage polymer particles are useful as opaque polymers, which are used in pigmented coating formulations to reduce the load of TiO2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of multistage polymer particles comprising contacting under emulsion polymerization conditions and in a staged fashion an aqueous dispersion of carboxylic acid functionalized core polymer particles with first monomers and second monomers. The core comprises structural units of a high Tg hydrophobic monomer and/or the first monomers comprise a high Tg hydrophobic monomer, and the second monomers comprise at least 80 percent styrene. The high Tg hydrophobic monomer is cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, 4-t-butyl methacrylate, t-butylstyrene, or n-butyl methacrylate, or a combination thereof. The multistage polymer particles are useful as opaque polymers, which are used in pigmented coating formulations to reduce the load of TiO2. The particles exhibit excellent collapse resistance and unusually low dry bulk density, and do not require acrylonitrile to achieve this desired combination of properties.

Abstract: An ink composition comprising an oxygen sensitive dye capable of fluorescing in a manner proportional to oxygen content; and a polymer matrix for the dye, the polymer matrix having units with pendant sulphonic acid or phosphonic acid groups or salts or esters of such groups, can be used with an appropriate meter to measure the oxygen content of packages in a non-invasive manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to opaque polymers functionalized with phosphorus acid groups, composites of TiO2 particles and the opaque polymers, and methods for their preparation. The composites are useful in coatings formulations and have been shown to exhibit improved hiding benefits in coated substrates over compositions containing non-functionalized opaque polymer and TiO2.

Abstract: A digital learning environment method and system includes a display module that is configured to be divided into plural information areas, and plural input modules, connected to the display module, and configured to obtain user inputs. A processor is connected to the plural input modules and the display module, and is configured to receive and display in real-time, inputs from the users corresponding to the plural input modules. The processor is also configured to allow the users to collaborate in real-time.

Abstract: A battery system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The battery system includes a tray having a plurality of battery receptacles. A plurality of batteries are also provided, each battery in the plurality of batteries being received in a battery receptacle. A conductive layer in electrical communication with the plurality of batteries and a terminal for electrically coupling to a vehicle are also provided in the battery system. A cover interlocks with the tray. The cover carries a computer and a diagnostic identification system for the plurality of batteries. A housing for a battery system and a vehicle including a battery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ink composition comprising an oxygen sensitive dye capable of fluorescing in a manner proportional to oxygen content; and a polymer matrix for the dye, the polymer matrix having units with pendant sulphonic acid or phosphonic acid groups or salts or esters of such groups, can be used with an appropriate meter to measure the oxygen content of packages in a non-invasive manner.

Abstract: A battery system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The battery system includes a tray having a plurality of battery receptacles. A plurality of batteries are also provided, each battery in the plurality of batteries being received in a battery receptacle. A conductive layer in electrical communication with the plurality of batteries and a terminal for electrically coupling to a vehicle are also provided in the battery system. A cover interlocks with the tray. The cover carries a computer and a diagnostic identification system for the plurality of batteries. A housing for a battery system and a vehicle including a battery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to opaque polymers functionalized with phosphorus acid groups, composites of TiO2 particles and the opaque polymers, and methods for their preparation. The composites are useful in coatings formulations and have been shown to exhibit improved hiding benefits in coated substrates over compositions containing non-functionalized opaque polymer and TiO2.

Abstract: A battery system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The battery system includes a tray having a plurality of battery receptacles. A plurality of batteries are also provided, each battery in the plurality of batteries being received in a battery receptacle. A conductive layer in electrical communication with the plurality of batteries and a terminal for electrically coupling to a vehicle are also provided in the battery system. A cover interlocks with the tray. The cover carries a computer and a diagnostic identification system for the plurality of batteries. A housing for a battery system and a vehicle including a battery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to maintain adequate bond strength of a composite in which a gas barrier coating comprising a clay dispersion and a polymer solution or dispersion of a PVA and/or EVA is positioned between two flexible plastics films using an adhesive, it is necessary that the clay dispersion and the polymer solution or dispersion should be kept separate until shortly before they are to be applied.

Abstract: An intaglio printing ink, curing by free radical acrylate chemistry, which does not fluoresce in at least the visible region under ultraviolet light is prepared by using an acylphosphine oxide as the photoinitiator.

Abstract: A coating composition comprising a silylated polyvinyl alcohol and colloidal silica in an aqueous vehicle, where the solids content of the composition is not greater than 7.5% w/w, the silyl monomer content of the silylated polyvinyl alcohol is not greater than 3.0% (based on the monomers forming the silylated polyvinyl alcohol), the silylated polyvinyl alcohol comprises at least 50% w/w of the solids content of the composition, and the average particle size of the colloidal silica is from 5 to 80 nm, may be coated on a substrate with a layer of an inorganic compound to form a gas barrier lamella.