Abstract: A zipper puller (110) has a one piece structure including a molded plastic body (112) and an integral molded looped tether (114). The looped tether is molded in a first size and shape, and after molding the looped tether is permanently deformed to a second size and second shape by aligning the crystalline structure of the looped tether material.

Abstract: A film that can be used in packaging applications includes one or more layers, wherein the layers include an anti-fog additive and/or an IR additive and the resulting film has greater than about a 50% prestretch capability.

Abstract: A film that can be used in packaging applications includes one or more layers, wherein the layers include an anti-fog additive and/or an IR additive and the resulting film has greater than about a 50% prestretch capability.

Abstract: A film that can be used in packaging applications includes one or more layers, wherein the layers include an anti-fog additive and/or an IR additive and the resulting film has greater than about a 50% prestretch capability.

Abstract: A zipper puller (110) has a one piece structure including a molded plastic body (112) and an integral molded looped tether (114). The looped tether is molded in a first size and shape, and after molding the looped tether is permanently deformed to a second size and second shape by aligning the crystalline structure of the looped tether material.

Abstract: A film that can be used in packaging applications includes one or more layers, wherein the layers include an anti-fog additive and/or an IR additive and the resulting film has greater than about a 50% prestretch capability.

Abstract: Thin, flexible antenna arrangements for use in communication devices, such as mobile communications devices, and methods of making and using the antenna arrangements are provided. The methods used to make the antenna arrangements are print-based and provide a simplified procedure, with a reduced number of process steps, the use of fewer materials and the production of less material waste than conventional methods based on etching and die cutting.

Abstract: A method of forming a composite shell member for a vehicular sideview exterior mirror assembly includes providing a decorative film substrate and a polymer resin. A shell is formed the decorative film substrate and the polymer resin to form the shell member. A discontinuity is formed in the polymer resin, with the film substrate conformed to the polymer resin to generally follow the edge definition of the discontinuity to form a surface discontinuity in an outer surface of the shell member having substantially the same edge definition of the discontinuity of the polymer resin.

Abstract: A method of forming a mirror housing according to the present invention includes providing a molding apparatus having a molding cavity, placing a film appliqué in the mold cavity and injecting a polymer into the mold cavity over at least a portion of a side of the film appliqué to form a housing wall of the mirror housing wherein the film appliqué adheres to the substrate forming the housing wall. Preferably, the mold apparatus comprises an injection molding apparatus which injects a heated polymer into the mold cavity for forming the housing wall of the mirror housing. The film appliqué preferably matches the color of the vehicle or provides a color accent, wood grain finish, or a metallic finish or the like to provide a decorative appearance to the mirror assembly but without the noise associated with the conventional detachable skull cap designs.

Abstract: A vehicular sideview exterior mirror assembly includes a body, which is adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and a reflective element supported in the body' cavity and positioned in an opening of the body which faces rearward of a vehicle when the mirror assembly is mounted to a vehicle. The body has a forward facing side, with at least a portion of the forward facing side including decorative film molded therewith. The portion of the forward facing side includes a surface discontinuity formed therein to reduce the wind noise of the sideview exterior mirror assembly when mounted to a vehicle.

Abstract: A method of forming a mirror housing according to the present invention includes providing a molding apparatus having a molding cavity, placing a film appliqué in the mold cavity and injecting a polymer into the mold cavity over at least a portion of a side of the film appliqué to form a housing wall of the mirror housing wherein the film appliqué adheres to the substrate forming the housing wall. Preferably, the mold apparatus comprises an injection molding apparatus which injects a heated polymer into the mold cavity for forming the housing wall of the mirror housing. The film appliqué preferably matches the color of the vehicle or provides a color accent, wood grain finish, or a metallic finish or the like to provide a decorative appearance to the mirror assembly but without the noise associated with the conventional detachable skull cap designs.

Abstract: A vehicular sideview exterior mirror assembly includes a body, which is adapted for mounting to a vehicle, and a reflective element supported in the body' cavity and positioned in an opening of the body which faces rearward of a vehicle when the mirror assembly is mounted to a vehicle. The body has a forward facing side, with at least a portion of the forward facing side including decorative film molded therewith. The portion of the forward facing side includes a surface discontinuity formed therein to reduce the wind noise of the sideview exterior mirror assembly when mounted to a vehicle.

Abstract: A method of forming a mirror housing according to the present invention includes providing a molding apparatus having a molding cavity, placing a film appliqué in the mold cavity and injecting a polymer into the mold cavity over at least a portion of a side of the film appliqué to form a housing wall of the mirror housing wherein the film appliqué adheres to the substrate forming the housing wall. Preferably, the mold apparatus comprises an injection molding apparatus which injects a heated polymer into the mold cavity for forming the housing wall of the mirror housing. The film appliqué preferably matches the color of the vehicle or provides a color accent, wood grain finish, or a metallic finish or the like to provide a decorative appearance to the mirror assembly but without the noise associated with the conventional detachable skull cap designs.

Abstract: A method of forming a mirror housing according to the present invention includes providing a molding apparatus having a molding cavity, placing a film appliqué in the mold cavity and injecting a polymer into the mold cavity over at least a portion of a side of the film appliqué to form a housing wall of the mirror housing wherein the film applique adheres to the substrate forming the housing wall. Preferably, the mold apparatus comprises an injection molding apparatus which injects a heated polymer into the mold cavity for forming the housing wall of the mirror housing. The film appliqué preferably matches the color of the vehicle or provides a color accent, wood grain finish, or a metallic finish or the like to provide a decorative appearance to the mirror assembly but without the noise associated with the conventional detachable skull cap designs.

Abstract: A coated housing for exterior rearview mirrors for vehicles provides increased gloss and depth of color in appearance, and enhanced resistance to scratching, surface crazing and ultraviolet radiation degradation. The housing is preferably molded from a resinous plastic material in a predetermined color and has a generally transparent polymeric material such as clear urethane or acrylic applied in a thin coating to the unpainted housing. The generally transparent coating may include a tint or particles of metal or mica to enhance the molded housing color and/or appearance. Optionally, adhesion of the coating to the housing may be increased by mixing an adhesion promoting agent in said resinous plastic material prior to molding, or by treating the housing surface after molding and prior to application of the coating. An ultraviolet radiation absorbing, blocking, screening material may be included in the generally transparent polymeric material.

Abstract: A method for the multiplex sequencing on DNA is disclosed which comprises the electroblotting or specific base terminated DNA fragments, which have been resolved by gel electrophoresis, onto the surface of a neutral non-aromatic polymeric microporous membrane exhibiting low background fluorescence which has been surface modified to contain amino groups. Polypropylene membranes are preferably and the introduction of amino groups is accomplished by subjecting the membrane to radio or microwave frequency plasma discharge in the presence of an aminating agent, preferably ammonia. The membrane, containing physically adsorbed DNA fragments on its surface after the electroblotting, is then treated with crosslinking means such as UV radiation or a glutaraldehyde spray to chemically bind the DNA fragments to the membrane through said smino groups contained on the surface thereof.