Abstract: A compliant pressure roller (10) for creating uniform pressure at a nip (42) has a stationary inner core (12). A plurality of shoes (14) is pivotally mounted to the stationary inner core. Non-magnetic dividers (16) create a plurality of annular chambers (18) and one shoe occupies one of the chambers. A magneto-rheological fluid fills each of the chambers and a plurality of magnetic field generators (13) changes a magnetic field in each of the chambers. A thin, rotatable shell (24) surrounds the plurality of chambers, shoes, and stationary inner core.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical structure, comprising a polymer base layer, a thermoplastic polymer optical layer including top surface having a plurality of optical features; and an adhesion layer between the base layer and the optical layer, wherein the adhesive layer bonds to the base layer and to the optical layer.

Abstract: A casting roller having a variable temperature surfaces comprises a rotatable cylindrical shell (12). Axially aligned heating electric elements (14) are equally spaced and internal to an outer surface of the rotatable cylindrical shell. A brush assembly (16) is in electrical contact with the heating elements during a portion of the rotatable cylindrical shell rotation about an axis. A stationary core (26) is internal to the rotatable cylindrical shell. An annular space is between the stationary core and the rotatable cylindrical shell. A cooling fluid fills (22) at least a portion of the annular space.

Abstract: A method of forming a sheet comprising extruding a polymer material comprising an incompatible material and a foaming agent, cooling the extruded material, stretching said extruded material in at least one direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support for an electrically modulated imaging element and a display made with the support comprising a flexible substrate of nonhomogeneous material and of uniform thickness, which has a less flexible area underlying and more flexible area. The present invention also relates to a support for an electrically modulated imaging element and a display made with the support comprising a continuous flexible layer having attached thereto at least one reinforcing area, wherein the reinforcing area underlies an electrically modulated imaging area. The present invention also includes a method and a coextrusion die apparatus for making the support.

Abstract: A compliant pressure roller (10) for creating uniform pressure at a nip comprises a stationary inner core (12). A plurality of shoes (14) is pivotally mounted to the stationary inner core. Dividers (16) create a plurality of annular chambers (18) wherein each of the shoes occupies one of the chambers. A non-Newtonian fluid (70) fills each of the chambers. A plurality of actuators is connected to at least one of the shoes. A thin, rotatable shell surrounds the plurality of chambers, shoes, and stationary inner core.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for changing the width of an internal die cavity (12) to accommodate product width changes has a die end plate (14) with a front surface facing the internal die cavity (12), a rear surface and defines an opening that extends through the front and rear surfaces. An internal deckle mounting block (16) attaches to the rear surface of end plate (14). An internal deckle has inner (18) and outer (20) members and mounts on the mounting block (16). Inner member (18) extends through the opening of the die end plate (14) and defines a chamber (22) and a first longitudinal slot (24). The outer member (20) is positioned about the inner member (18) concentric therewith and defines a second longitudinal slot (26). The inner member (18) rotates about the outer member (20) to vary alignment of the slots and create a passageway narrower than either slot to control coating thickness.

Abstract: A compliant pressure roller (10) for creating uniform pressure at a nip (42) has a stationary inner core (12). A plurality of shoes (14) is pivotally mounted to the stationary inner core. Non-magnetic dividers (16) create a plurality of annular chambers (18) and one shoe occupies one of the chambers. A magneto-rheological fluid fills each of the chambers and a plurality of magnetic field generators (13) changes a magnetic field in each of the chambers. A thin, rotatable shell (24) surrounds the plurality of chambers, shoes, and stationary inner core.

Abstract: An apparatus produces a patterned material which comprises an external land die (120) for extruding a material. A patterned roller (140) is in close proximity to the external land die.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base comprising a closed cell foam core sheet having a closed cell foam layer with a density gradient between the center of the core and the surfaces of the core. The invention also relates to a method of making such a base by adding a first concentration of a first blowing agent to a first polymer to form a first mixture, adding a second concentration of a second blowing agent to a second polymer to form a second mixture, and extruding the mixtures to form the closed cell foam core sheet. The invention also relates to a method of making such a closed cell foam core sheet base comprising the steps of adding a blowing agent to a polymer to form a mixture, melting the mixture, extruding the mixture from a die, and rapidly quenching the mixture against a high heat transfer surface.