Abstract: A paste is described for capping electrodes with an oxide free metal layer incorporating a solvent, an unzippable polymer and particles. The electrode could be an interconnect such as a C4 bump. A method for forming a coating and for testing integrated circuit chips is also described. The invention overcomes the problem of interconnecting Pb containing electrodes that are covered with an insulating oxide on integrated circuit chips by coating the Pb containing electrode with Au to provide an oxide free surface for testing and interconnection.

Abstract: Carpet masking film is reliably and removably applied to used carpet of unknown condition. In a pretreatment, the carpet is cleaned by physical separation of visible debris, followed by chemical or solvent cleaning of grease and soluble factors, restoring the carpet to a clean appearance. A primer layer is applied over the clean carpet fiber in quantity sufficient to establish a barrier and separation layer on top of the carpet fiber. Subsequently, a sprayed adhesive layer is applied over the primer layer. A carpet masking film is applied over the surface of the sprayed adhesive. The masking film may carry its own adhesive layer, which is applied to the sprayed adhesive to create a bonded sandwich structure that is removable as a unit with the masking film.

Abstract: A method of making thermoplastic formable sheets laminated with a decorative film, such as one or more layers of glossy clear coat bonded to a layer of pigment containing paint. The method involves providing a thermoplastic formable plastic sheet; applying, on a surface of the plastic sheet, a layer of unsolidified decorative colorant material which forms a decorative first film; curing (if necessary) the decorative material layer to form the adherent first film bonded to the sheet; and applying, on the first film, a unsolidified second film for forming a high quality outer surface covering the decorative first film. Optionally, the decorative sheet may have a first protective layer of thermoformable plastic film removably fixed to the decorative material to protect it from damage during forming of the sheet into a formed part or panel. For automotive body trim parts or body panels, the formable laminated sheet preferably has a thickness of from generally 0.065 to generally 0.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for marking a surface with a highly visible and substantive mark comprising mixing a dry granular, free-flowing superabsorbent polymer powder with liquid, preferably water, and dye to form a semi-solid gel and depositing the gel onto the surface to be marked. The marking apparatus comprises a chamber for mixing the gel and a ram used to eject the gel from the chamber without excess mechanical agitation and without causing significant breakdown of the gel. The dye makes the gel very visible, the bulk of the gel makes it more easily visible, the nature of the gel makes it temporary; easily dispersed with time, sunlight or water.

Abstract: The invention relates to organopolysiloxanes that have amino groups and are solid at room temperature which can reversibly change their states of aggregation on the basis of temperature changes. Preparations containing these organopolysiloxanes are useful in the cleaning, care, and hydrophobicization of surfaces.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition for coating concrete-like materials to prevent loss of water vapor during hardening. The aqueous coating composition comprises 5.0-45.0% by weight of a wax or wax-like material, 1.0-10.0% by weight of polyvinyl alcohol, 0-1.0% by weight of a biocide and the balance of water. Also disclosed is a method of coating a concrete-like material including the step of applying, to the surface of the concrete-like material a coating of the aqueous coating composition of the invention. Also disclosed is an article of manufacture which includes a concrete-like material having applied thereto a coating as described above. The aqueous coating composition surprisingly meets the relevant ASTM and other standards for concrete curing without employing any hazardous materials and/or volatile organic compounds.

Abstract: A strippable paint is poured down onto coated surfaces 1, 2 and 3 of an automobile V within regions to be protected, from a plurality of nozzles 10 disposed in parallel in a widthwise direction of the automobile V above the coated surfaces 1, 2 and 3 of the automobile V, while controlling the number of nozzles which are used to discharge the strippable paint, in accordance with the extent of the regions to be protected. Thereafter, the strippable paint is spread over an entirety of the coated surfaces 1, 2 and 3 in the regions to be protected. Thus, the region covered by each of the nozzles can be relatively reduced to efficiently carry out the pouring-down of the strippable paint and to prevent dusts of a coating material from being scattered to a wide range. In addition, the need for a masking step and/or an inspecting/correcting step can be eliminated to reduce the operating steps and further to alleviate the operational load.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an infrared (IR) window (50) which has a high transmittance at IR frequencies includes the steps of providing a protective layer (52) and an IR substrate (54) each having a high IR transmittance. An inner surface (66) of the protective layer (52) and an outer surface (72) of the IR substrate (54) are contacted without adhesive therebetween. The protective layer (52) and the IR substrate (54) are annealed at a bonding temperature. Anti-reflection coatings (73), (74) can be applied to an outer surface (68) of the protective layer (52) and to an inner surface (70) of the IR substrate (54). The IR window (50) can be installed as a shield for an IR sensor mounted on an aircraft. The IR window (50) can be removed from the aircraft and the protective layer (52) and the IR substrate (54) can be debonded by heating the IR window (50) above the bonding temperature. The protective layer (52) and the IR substrate (54) can be separated and a new protective layer (52) can be provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing a fabric for ink jet printing and to an ink jet printing method for imparting to the fabric a clear and sharp image free from ink oozing in ink jet printing. Specifically, it relates to a method of manufacturing a fabric for ink jet printing which is characterized in that an aqueous treatment solution having a water-insoluble solvent dispersed or emulsified in an aqueous polymer solution is imparted to the fabric and dried; and to an ink jet printing method characterized in that the ink jet printing is made with the ink jet printing fabric used and that after developing, the pretreatment agent is removed by washing the fabric.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aqueous coating medium which contains, as binder vehicles in the form of aqueous polymer dispersions,A) 50 to 90% by weight of one or more thermoplastic copolymers of at least one C2-C4 olefin and at least one vinyl ester of a C2-C11 monocarboxylic acid, wherein the olefin(s) and vinyl ester(s) are present in a ratio by weight of 10:90 to 40:60 and together make up at least 80% by weight of the copolymer,B) 10 to 50% by weight of one or more thermoplastic (meth)acrylic copolymers which are free from comonomers containing nitrile and amide groups, and at least 50% by weight of which consists of (meth)acrylic acid esters of C1-C18 alcohols, andC) 0 to 30% by weight of one or more copolymers which are different from A) and B),wherein the percentages by weight are given with respect to the resin solids in each case and add up to 100% by weight.

Abstract: A method for forming a protective coating on an exposed surface of an electronic device, including forming the protective coating on a conductive termination connected to a circuit element in the electronic device, and making a window in the protective coating to expose the termination.

Abstract: Methods are provided for protecting exterior surfaces of automobiles and other products, or components of products, against abrasion, abrasive dust, water, acid rain, etc. The methods involve applying to a surface a protective coating composition comprising an emulsion selected from the group consisting of a vinyl-acrylic copolymer emulsion and a vinyl acetate-ethylene emulsion. The emulsion is dried to form a water-resistant protective coating that can be removed from the underlying surface by peeling when no longer desired.

Abstract: A vehicle masking material and method of use. The masking material in one embodiment includes a dextrin, a plasticizer, and water. The masking material may additionally include a surfactant. The masking material is applied to a surface which is to be protected from paint overspray or other coating processes, allowed to dry, and the surface is coated (e.g. with paint). After drying of the paint, or other coating, the masking material is removed by water washing.

Abstract: A dual-layer DVD disc that does not require a stamping step (typically, as part of the 2P prior art manufacturing process) during its manufacture. A polycarbonate substrate is molded and coated with a semireflective data layer in the usual way. A PMMA substrate is molded and coated with a fully reflective data layer. Adhesive is placed on the semireflective data layer, and the fully reflective data layer is transferred from its PMMA substrate to the polycarbonate substrate. The polycarbonate substrate thus ends up with two data layers in conformance with the DVD specifications, and the PMMA substrate can even be recycled for another use.

Abstract: A coating composition which forms a peelable coating for protecting surfaces of an object from the outside elements. The coating composition includes a latex of rubber particles and a UV absorber, wherein the rubber particles are present from about 35 to about 50 weight percent in the coating composition. The coating composition may also include from about 0.5 to about 4 weight percent of an antioxidant; from about 0.003 to about 0.03 weight percent of a biocide; from about 0.03 to about 0.08 weight percent of a defoamer; from about 0.07 to about 0.40 weight percent of a thixotropic agent; and a rust inhibitor, wherein all weight percents are based on the total weight of the coating composition. The method of using the composition includes coating the surface with a layer of the above-described coating composition and allowing the layer of coating composition to dry and form a coating which is capable of being peeled from the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedure for applying a protective coating to a lens disc; the procedure comprises the positioning of trays (7) carrying lens discs, on a conveyor belt (9), which comes to a halt opposite a sensor means which detects the lenses; the tray (7) enters a coating chamber (4) provided with a coating diffusor (11); and the tray (7) comes to a halt repeatedly leaving one of the lens carried on the tray (7) opposite the diffusor (11); the pulverised coating material is sprayed onto the lens and then the tray (7) passes on to a drying section (3). The apparatus comprises trays (7) carrying lenses; a means for the transport thereof; a chamber (4), provided with a coating diffusor (11) and a gas extraction means (13); there is also a sensor means (15) and a stopping means for regulating the movement of the tray (7) as far as the drying section (3).

Abstract: This invention relates to the provision of a paint mask in the form of a stick which is housed in a lip balm or stick deodorant type of dispenser. The invention provides for the supply of a paint mask in the form of a stick constructed for immediate and convenient use by application to the surface of glass or other base to be protected from inadvertent paint. Such an application is especially suited for painting window frames and mullions while prohibiting paint to affix itself to the glass. The invention provides for the direct application of a paint mask coating onto the material to be protected, which coating does not permit paint to adhere to the underlying surface. The present invention's ease and accuracy in application and absence of any required period for drying or setting-up overcomes the disadvantages present in spraying, squeezing, rolling and brushing liquid paint masks.

Abstract: A dual damascene processing method comprising the steps depositing sequentially a first oxide layer, a SRO layer and a second oxide layer over a substrate. Then, photolithographic and etching operations are conducted to form a via that links up with a desired wire-connecting region above the substrate. Next, another photolithographic and etching operations are conducted to form interconnect trench lines followed by the deposition of metal into the via and trench. Finally, the surface is polished with a chemical-mechanical polishing operation to remove the unwanted metal on the surface. The invention is capable of controlling the depth of trench and obtaining a smoother trench bottom for the metal lines. Furthermore, the separation of via and trench etching steps makes the control of the final etch profile much easier, thereby able to get an optimal result.

Abstract: A resist coating method includes the steps of dripping solvent onto a wafer and rotating the wafer, and then dripping resist onto the wafer and rotating the wafer. Since resist can be dispensed without waste, the total amount of resist used can be reduced. A resist coating apparatus has a wafer support for rotating a wafer placed thereupon, a first nozzle for dripping solvent onto the wafer, a second nozzle for dripping solvent onto the wafer, and a controller for controlling the dripping of resist onto the wafer after solvent has been dripped. By employing this apparatus, the total amount of resist used can thereby be reduced. Furthermore, the total amount of resist used can be further reduced by further providing a temperature controller for lowering the resist temperature to 1-5.degree. C. below room temperature.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a strippable or dissolvable release coating on the surface of substrate such as a flexible polymeric film or web. The release coating is subsequently coated with a layer of material and then dissolved in a solvent to release the layer. The release coating is made from a copolymer of methylmethacrylate and ethylacrylate or from a homopolymer of polyacrylic acid. Release coatings made of methylmethacrylate and ethylacrylate copolymers having glass transition temperatures of about 60.degree. C. or greater, or made of a ipolyacrylic acid homopolymer having a glass transition temperature of about 100.degree. C. or higher, are also provided. The release coatings provide excellent supporting substrates for the formation of an overcoated metallized layer, are readily strippable in acetone, and can be formed during an in-line process which begins with drawing a flexible film or web from a molten polymeric material.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a microstructure having a top face and a bottom face, at least one hole or cavity therein extending from the top face to the bottom face, and a polymer membrane which extends over a bottom opening of said hole or cavity, which method comprises the steps of: providing a substrate body having said top and bottom faces, optionally forming at least part of said at least one hole or cavity in the substrate body, providing a membrane support at the bottom face opening of said at least one hole or cavity, depositing a layer of polymer material onto the bottom face of said substrate body against said membrane support, if required, completing the formation of the at least one hole or cavity, and, if not done in this step, selectively removing said membrane support to bare said polymer membrane over the bottom opening of the at least one hole or cavity.

Abstract: A process for protecting a surface from non-desired contamination and for facilitating removal of said contamination from said surface, characterized by the steps: a) preparing a solution of polysaccharides containing at least two components, wherein one component is constituted by a first polysaccharide which, when precipitated from a solution by evaporation of the solvent thereof, directly forms a film and wherein the second component is constituted by a second polysaccharide which, when precipitated from a solution by evaporation of the solvent thereof, forms a film via at least partial gel formation, or by interaction with said first polysaccharide, said films being redissolvable or swellable: b) applying the solution from step a) onto said surface before subjected to contamination: c) allowing the applied solution to dry so as to form a solid film on said surface via at least partial gel formation: d) treating the film-coated surface with a liquid capable of redissolving film or provided swelling thereof

Abstract: A separable fastener component for use with a complementary separable fastener component has a base member, having a nominal fastening face and a non-fastening face. Carried on the fastening face is a pattern of fastening elements, comprising an interior region carrying fastening elements that are free of any cover. Substantially surrounding the interior region is a perimeter region that carries fastening elements which are covered. The perimeter region of covered fastening elements may be a rectangular or non-rectangular annulus. The fastening elements may be hooks or loops.The fastening component may be incorporated into a molded product, with minimal intrusion of the molding material into the fastening elements of the main region. The perimeter cover forms a gasket seal with the mold in several different configurations and prevents molding material from infiltrating to the uncovered interior region of fastening elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to aqueous emulsions based on acrylic polymers and their use for preparing films to be used in processes of preparation of cathode ray tubes, having filming temperature between about 20.degree. and 40.degree. C. which after drying produce films which, submitted to heating in nitrogen atmosphere, have a weight loss, for films having a thickness of 1-2 mm, and for the following cycle of heating:11.degree. C./minute from 25.degree. to 375.degree. C.,5.degree. C./minute from 375.degree. to 440.degree. C.,isotherm at 440.degree. C. for 45 minutes,respectively of:from 25.degree. to 245.degree. C. lower than 15% by weightfrom 245.degree. to 375.degree. C. from 30 to 70% by weightfrom 375.degree. to 440.degree. C. of 97-99% by weightafter the isotherm at 440.degree. C. the remaining residue is lower than about 0.3% by weight, the curve gradient in the on set point ranging from 0.03 to 0.08 mg/.degree.K., and at 360.degree. C. from 0.12 to 0.30 mg/.degree.K.

Abstract: A barrier liner for sealing reinforced composite vessels at cryogenic temperatures is provided wherein the barrier liner is composed of a polymeric composition containing a curing agent, such as a methyl bis-methyl anthranilate, and an elastomer adhesive, such as a two-part polyether based urethane adhesive. A method of manufacturing and applying the barrier liner is also provided, including the steps of mixing and degassing the polymeric composition and introducing the polymeric composition between two polyethylene carrier sheets. The two carrier sheets and the intermediate polymeric composition layer are then passed between two sizing rollers set apart at a predetermined distance. The encapsulated polymeric composition is then partially cured to a tacky gel state and cooled to arrest polymerization until application of the gel layer. The gel layer and the two carrier sheets can then be cut into any desired shape such as strips, and applied to the inner surface of a vessel.

Abstract: A vehicle masking material and method of use. The masking material in one embodiment includes a dextrin, a plasticizer, and water. The masking material may additionally include a surfactant. The masking material is applied to a surface which is to be protected from paint overspray or other coating processes, allowed to dry, and the surface is coated (e.g. with paint). After drying of the paint, or other coating, the masking material is removed by water washing.

Abstract: This invention provides for primer/masking compositions that have differential adhesion properties for glass-like and non-glass surfaces. The compositions are used in a method of applying a finish to a non-glass surface which resides in proximity to a glass-like surface without substantially overcoating the glass-like surface. The method involves applying to the glass-like surface a primer/masking composition comprising a vinyl chloride copolymer emulsion, a coalescer, and a surfactant; applying the finish to the non-glass surface, and removing the primer/masking composition from said glass-like surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a film for application to a surface of a material capable of transmitting heat and/or light. The film comprises: a solvent comprising at least one volatile organic compound in an amount sufficient to maintain flowability of the film after exposure to air and for a time sufficient to apply the film to the surface, whereupon the solvent evaporates and dries the film; a polymer in an amount sufficient to reversibly bind the film to the surface; and, an ultraviolet absorbent material in an amount sufficient to reduce transmission of said energy through said material. The film may be applied and removed upon demand by the user.

Abstract: A method for precison polishing non-planar, aspherical surfaces in substrates, particularly surfaces of molding tool substrates for molding optical surfaces therewith, which is accomplished by coating the non-planar, aspherical surface with a layer of material having a melt temperature which is less than a temperature at which the substrate will distort, heating the layer of material coated on the non-planar, aspherical surface to at least the melt temperature thereby flowing the layer of material to yield a surface tension smooth surface superimposed over the non-planar, aspherical surface, and etching the surface tension smooth surface down into the substrate to completely remove the layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying a protective layer to vessels or utensils used in the food industry, such as the milk and meat industries, wherein the vessels or utensils are contacted with an aqueous (natural) soap solution and then rinsed with water. The soap solution used is 2-10 ml, preferable 2-5 ml liquid soap per 100 l water, e.g. mains water. Furthermore, the relevant method is advantageously carried out at a temperature of the range of 10.degree.-40 .degree. C. By using a soap layer as protective layer, the use of disinfectants has become superfluous in the food industry so that the attendant problem of discharging or rendering harmless harmful disinfectants foreign to nature has also been solved.

Abstract: A peelable floor coating system is provided which may be used on a variety of floor surfaces. In one embodiment, the peelable floor coating system comprises a release coating applied to the floor surface and a durable coating applied to the release coating. In another embodiment, the peelable floor system comprises a barrier coating applied to a floor surface and a durable coating applied to the barrier coating. The peelable floor coating system as applied to a floor surface 1) is easy to apply; 2) is level; 3) is easy to keep clean; 4) can be made a color which optimizes lighting; 5) can be applied to many floor types; 6) can be applied over floors in nearly any condition; 7) can be easily peeled up by hand; and 8) can be easily reapplied to renew the floor surface.

Abstract: A formable, weldable, VOC-free protective coating for use on a number of substrates including metal, wood, concrete, plastic, pipe and transportation equipment. The composition includes beeswax, ammonia, water and, optionally, paraffin. It may also include fillers, dyes, pigments and corrosion inhibitors, but does not require surfactants or stabilizers. The composition is particularly useful for protecting steel prior to welding. It can be removed without organic solvents.

Abstract: A method for removing soiling and graffiti markings from a barrier coat previously formed on an underlying surface is provided, wherein the method preserves rather than sacrifices the barrier coat. The method includes applying a solvent system which includes at least one substantially non-toxic organic solvent such as 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone to an area of the barrier coat. A method is also provided to improve the resistance of a protective barrier coat to graffiti markings and other soiling over time and thereby facilitate any necessary cleaning of this barrier coat. The improvement in the case of wax coatings is achieved by including in the wax, at least one protective chemical agent selected from the group consisting of wax-soluble/water-insoluble UV light absorbers, wax-soluble/water-insoluble free-radical and peroxy-radical scavengers, and wax-soluble/water-insoluble wax antioxidants.

Abstract: A removable coating composition comprises oxidized polyethylene wax, paraffin wax, and acrylic copolymer. A process of protecting surfaces comprises applying the coating composition in an aqueous emulsion to a surface and drying. The resulting coated surface is protected such that when graffiti is applied to the coated surface, the graffiti and coating are easily removed with hot water or steam.

Abstract: A vehicle masking material and method of use. The masking material in one embodiment includes polyvinyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, a plasticizer, a surfactant composition including a functional derivative of a fluorinated alkyl chain, and water. The masking material is applied to a surface which is to be protected from paint overspray or other mechanical process, allowed to dry, and paint is applied. After drying of the paint, the masking material is removed by peeling or water washing.

Abstract: A method for controlling both fugitive bauxite dust and sodium hydroxide contamination generated by the waste disposal of bauxite tailings from aluminum processing plants comprising using magnesium chloride or sodium chloride or mixtures thereof on the surface of the disposal pits, which are also known as mud lakes. Preferably, a solution of magnesium chloride is applied to the surface of a dry or partially dry mud lake. The magnesium chloride neutralizes the sodium hydroxide on the surface, forms a hard crust that covers the fine bauxite particles and also inhibits the migration of unreacted sodium hydroxide to the surface.

Abstract: A vehicle masking material and method of use. The masking material in one embodiment includes polyvinyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, glycerine or triethylene glycol, a surfactant, and water. The masking material is applied to a surface which is to be protected from paint overspray or other mechanical process, allowed to dry, and paint is applied. After drying of the paint, the masking material is removed by peeling or water washing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a film adhesive comprising, as the main constituent, a polyimide resin having a glass transition temperature of 350.degree. C. or lower and soluble in organic solvents, which polyimide resin is obtained by reacting at least one of the following acid components (A) and (B)(A) 4,4'-oxydiphthalic acid dianhydride(B) 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid dianhydride and/or 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydridewith at least one of the following amine components (C) and (D)(C) a siloxane compound represented by the following general formula (1) and/or 2,2-bis(4-(4-amino-phenoxy)phenyl)propane ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each a bivalent aliphatic (C.sub.1-4) or aromatic group; R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5 and R.sub.6 are each a mono-valent aliphatic or aromatic group; and k is an integer of 1-20,(D) bis(aminophenoxy)benzene and/or dimethylphenylene-diamineto give rise to ring closure of imide, as well as a process for producing said film adhesive.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a loop material suitable for use on a disposable garment. The process includes the following steps. Forming a woven loop material having a lubricating material thereon. The lubricating material is present on the woven loop material in an amount effective to assist in the formation of the woven loop material. The woven loop material is rinsed with a liquid to form a rinsed loop material. The rinsing process causes the amount of lubricating material on said woven loop material to be reduced. Finally, the rinsed loop material is attached to the disposable garment. A disposable absorbent garment including the rinsed loop material is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a desired pattern with a coating on a substrate. The method includes the steps of applying a water soluble resist material in a predetermined pattern to a surface of a substrate, drying the resist material, depositing a coating on the surface of the substrate to form a coated substrate, wherein a portion of the coating overlays the resist material, and dissolving the resist material on the coated substrate with water to remove the resist material and corresponding overlaying coating and form a desired coating pattern on the substrate surface. The dissolving step preferably includes the step of directing high temperature and high pressure water sprays at the surface of the coated substrate to wash off the resist and corresponding overlaying coating. The removal of the resist material may include a prewash operation wherein the surface of the substrate is wetted with water and coating is allowed to soak.

Abstract: A method of making an optical fiber having a strippable polyimide coating includes the steps of drawing an optical fiber through curable polyamic acid solution to form a coating on the fiber and curing the coated fiber. The cured coating can subsequently be stripped from the optical fiber by exposing the cured coating to an organic polar solvent such as acetone. A fiber having a strippable polyimide coating is also provided. The method is particularly applicable to heavy metal fluoride fibers, and to chalcogenide fibers which carry optical signals in the infrared region.

Abstract: Novel compositions and methods are provided for forming masks used in air brash painting. The masking compositions used in this invention are liquids as applied and are hardenable into a friable paint masking layer. The preferred compositions of this invention are comprised of a hydratable binder, such as plaster of Paris, an inert filler, such as calcium carbonate, and water. The amount of the filler is selected relative to the amount of the binder to substantially weaken and make friable the resulting hardened layer. In the method of this invention the composition is applied to the area of a substrate to be masked. The applied layer if desired is shaped with a tool to provide details in the resulting mask. The layer is then hardened to form a brittle friable masking layer directly adhered to surface of the substrate. The substrate is then airbrush painted. The mask is removed by fracturing the mask and removing the resulting particles.

Abstract: The process for the temporary consolidation of railroad track ballast, in particular during the time of redevelopment or reconstruction of a parallel set of tracks, is performed in that the ballast is cemented partially in particular in the side area by a multi component adhesive, wherein this cementation may be broken up mechanically later without affecting reuse of the ballast.

Abstract: An organic acid anti-staining composition for glass sheets is disclosed herein whereby the corrosive effects of very low pH are eliminated by buffering the organic acid. The buffered organic acid has a less acidic pH, but is as effective as unbuffered organic acid in neutralizing alkali formed by sodium from the glass to prevent staining of the glass surface.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture which are adapted for use in contact with one or more biologically active agents are coated with a glassy carbohydrate film. The glassy film provides a reduced surface energy coating which exhibits a reduced degree of binding with biologically active agents. Methods for applying the glassy carbohydrate film are disclosed wherein the glassy film is adsorbed directly onto the article surface.The coated articles are for use both in vitro and in vivo where contact with biologically active agents is expected.

Abstract: A composition useful for preparation of a graffiti-resistant barrier coating, related methods and compositions. The composition comprises from about 0.1 to about 30 percent by weight polyvinyl alcohol of molecular weight from about 7,000 to about 120,000 and being at least about 50% hydrolyzed; from about 0.1 to about 30 percent by weight non-stick agent such as silicone or polytetrafluoroethylene; and from about 0.1 to about 40 percent by weight adhesion promoter such as a urethane composition.

Abstract: Solvent free liquid masking compositions comprise from about 5 to about 20 percent by weight of an aliphatic polyol; from about 1 to about 20 percent by weight of a plasticizer; from about 0.1 to about 1 percent by weight of a surfactant; and sufficient water to total 100 percent by weight, wherein the masking composition is water-soluble and devoid of volatile organic chemicals; it is devoid of polymer resins other than polyvinyl alcohol in amounts sufficient to render the film water-insoluble and is stain resistant to applied surfaces. A method for protecting selected surfaces from paint in painting operations comprises applying a solvent free liquid masking composition to selected surfaces of an object where paint subsequently applied is not desired; allowing the liquid masking composition to dry, forming a film; painting the object, whereby surfaces carrying the film are protected from the application of paint; and removing the film.

Abstract: A method and material is disclosed for protecting glass surfaces in a stack of glass sheets by applying an interleaving material comprised of polyethylene having a number average molecular weight of at least 150,000 to one or both major surfaces of the glass sheets. The glass sheets are then stacked in face-to-face relation for shipment or storage.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for separating glass sheets in a stack by providing a coating of substantially parallel, spaced apart strips of a powdered separating agent on one of the broad surfaces of the sheet leaving uncoated regions of the glass between the strips. When these glass sheets are stacked together, the are arranged so that the coating is carried on only one of the two proximate surfaces of the glass sheets.

Abstract: This invention provides a composite article having discrete microstructures partially encapsulated within a layer. A method of making the same is also provided. The article of the present invention is useful for visible radiation absorbing devices, such as, for example, selective solar absorbers, flat plate solar collectors, solar absorption panels, and solar cells.