Abstract: A method of dispensing a fluid in a semiconductor manufacturing process includes providing a substrate, positioning a nozzle above the substrate, and determining a cross-sectional shape of the nozzle. The method also includes configuring the nozzle to have the determined cross-sectional shape and applying the fluid to the substrate through the nozzle with the determined cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kitchen slicer for slicing material to be cut, like fruit, vegetables or the like. In a kitchen slicer according to the invention, the applicator is incorporated to act through the guide surface. The invention additionally relates to an applicator for a kitchen slicer which is configured according to the invention as an attachment piece or as an exchangeable component.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a self-adhesive insulation product is provided. The self-adhesive insulation product includes an elongated fibrous insulation blanket having a length, a width, a thickness, and a first major surface and a second major surface which each extend for the length and width of the fibrous insulation blanket. The self-adhesive insulation product also includes a coating of an adhesive applied to the first major surface of the fibrous insulation blanket. The adhesive includes an emulsion of a polymer material and water with the water evaporated so that the adhesive forms a dry layer atop the first major surface. The adhesive is nonbondable or nonadherable to other objects when in the dry state and is bondable or adherable to other objects upon the subsequent application of water.

Abstract: A method of dispensing adhesive onto a stretched elastic strand includes applying a first volume of adhesive onto a first portion of the elastic strand, applying a second volume of adhesive onto a second portion of the elastic strand, and applying a third volume of adhesive onto a third portion of the elastic strand. The second volume is less than the first and third volumes. When the elastic strand is adhered to a substrate to form a personal disposable hygiene product, the first and third portions of the elastic strand define opposing ends of the elastic strand, which are adhered with a larger amount of adhesive to resist creep at the opposing ends. The reduction of adhesive in the second or central portion between the opposing ends significantly reduces the adhesive add on in the personal disposable hygiene product.

Abstract: Adhesive articles that include a substrate, a silicone polyoxamide-containing primer layer, and a silicone adhesive are disclosed. Methods of making the adhesive articles and the use of a silicone polyoxamide as a primer for improving adhesion between a substrate and a silicone adhesive are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transferring medium manufacturing method uses a base material, a recording material, and a non-recording material and causes the recording material to adhere to the base material. The transferring medium manufacturing method includes a recording material applying operation in which the recording material is applied to the base material. In a first non-recording material applying operation, the non-recording material is applied to a peripheral part of a recording material applied area. The peripheral part is located along an edge of the recording material applied area. The recording material applied area is an area of the base material where the recording material is applied. In a second non-recording material applying operation, the non-recording material is applied to an inner area, which is surrounded by, and/or located at a relatively inner area position in comparison with an area position of, the peripheral part of the recording material applied area.

Abstract: An insulative label is provided for a beverage container to reduce heat transfer, particularly heat transfer by conduction from a consumer's hand to the beverage container. The label comprises a dual-ply construction, with a grid pattern placed between the layered materials. Preferably, the label comprises a film base layer secured to the container, the grid pattern comprising an ink and varnish mixture printed over the film base layer, and a laminate top layer secured to the film base layer. Air is trapped in the gaps or spaces between the protrusions created by the grid pattern, and the trapped air insulates the container. The label has a very thin profile, thereby not perceptibly changing the appearance of the label or the container.

Abstract: An imprint lithography imprinting stack includes a substrate and a polymeric adhesion layer adhered to the substrate. The polymeric adhesion layer includes polymeric components with an extended backbone length of at least about 2 nm. The backbones of the polymeric components may be substantially aligned in a planar configuration on the surface of the substrate, such that a thickness of the polymeric adhesion layer is less than about 2 nm.

Abstract: A system and a method for pretreating an aluminum assembly includes selecting a blank having a thin film pretreatment layer and a lubricant coating applied to a surface. The blank is formed to a desired shape and an adhesive is applied to a selected portion of the surface. A cleaner is applied to the assembly to remove the thin film pretreatment layer and the lubricant coating from the surface except at the selected portion and a zirconium oxide conversion coating is applied to the assembly before painting.

Abstract: Jetting dispensers and methods of non-contact dispensing a hot melt adhesive onto a substrate. The method may include jetting a plurality of droplets of the hot melt adhesive from a nozzle outlet toward the substrate in a direction of travel. Each droplet has a droplet length approximately aligned with the direction of travel and a droplet width shorter than the droplet length. The jetting is controlled such that each of the droplets does not collapse into a spherical-shaped droplet during flight from the nozzle outlet to the substrate. The nozzle outlet may be heated to a first temperature, and the method may further include rapidly heating each droplet of the hot melt adhesive to a second temperature higher than the first temperature upon release from the nozzle outlet.

Abstract: A swelling tape for filling a gap, a method of manufacturing the swelling tape for filling a gap, a method of filling a gap, an electrode assembly and a secondary battery are provided. For example, the swelling tape can be applied inside a gap in which a fluid exists so as to fill the gap by becoming a 3D form, and can be useful at anchoring a subject in which the gap is formed, as necessary.

Abstract: Provided are a pressure-sensitive adhesive having excellent durability and reliability under high-temperature or high-humidity conditions, adhesion strength, workability, re-movability, and the ability to inhibit light leakage; a method for preparing the pressure-sensitive adhesive; a polarizer including the pressure-sensitive adhesive; and a liquid crystal display incorporating the polarizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cross-linking a cross-linkable adhesive composition without solvent on a film, comprising driving and/or guiding said film in a climatic chamber, by a Caroll-type drive or guide. The invention also relates to a climatic chamber comprising a Caroll-type drive or guide. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing a self-adhesive article comprising at least a substrate and an adhesive layer, said process comprising the steps of: a) conditioning an adhesive composition at a temperature of between 20 and 160° C.; b) coating the adhesive composition b1) onto at least a part of the substrate or b2) onto a non-sticking support; submitting the article obtained at step b) to a controlled atmosphere. The invention also relates to self-adhesive articles having high coating weights and to processes for bonding them.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses herein may provide for the application of viscous fluids, such as adhesives, in pre-determined patterns to an advancing substrate. The fluid application apparatus may include a slot die applicator and a substrate carrier. The substrate carrier may include one or more pattern elements and may be adapted to advance the substrate past the slot die applicator as the slot die applicator discharges adhesive onto the substrate. In operation, the substrate is disposed on the substrate carrier; the substrate carrier advances the substrate past the slot opening of the slot die applicator. In turn, the substrate is intermittently compressed between the slot die applicator and the pattern surface of the pattern element. As the substrate is intermittently compressed, adhesive discharged from the slot die applicator is applied onto the substrate in an area having a shape substantially the same as a shape defined by the pattern surface.

Abstract: Nano-scale or micro-scale adhesive structures comprising an array of nano-fabricated, pillars, the pillars having coated upon, or having disposed on a working surface thereof, a protein-mimetic, marine-adhesive coating. Methods of fabricating the nano-scale pillars, synthesis of the protein-mimetic coating or wet adhesive and application of the adhesive to the pillars are described.

Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing a random pattern of liquid adhesive filaments. The nozzle may include first and second air shim plates, an adhesive shim plate and first and second separating shim plates. The first and second air shim plates each have respective pairs of air slots. Each air slot has a process air inlet and a process air outlet and the air slots of each pair converge toward one another such that the process air inlets are farther apart than the process air outlets in each pair. The adhesive shim plate includes a plurality of liquid slots each with a liquid outlet. Four process air outlets are associated with each of the liquid outlets. The process air slots are adapted to receive pressurized process air and the liquid slots are adapted to receive pressurized liquid adhesive.

Abstract: A method of applying glue to a gluing margin of the corrugated board sheet includes the steps of: applying pressure on the glue gun by a first pressure device to compensate self-weight of the glue gun; detecting a reaction force of the gluing margin by a reaction-force sensor on a downstream side of a slotter creaser arranged on an upstream side of the glue gun, the gluing margin being compressed in the slotter creaser; and applying pressure on the gluing margin by a second pressure device, the pressure to be applied by the second pressure device being set in accordance with a detection value of the reaction-force sensor.

Abstract: A method of making an article having a substrate and a material applied thereto includes providing a metered fluid dispensing system having a supply of fluid to be dispensed, an output device having at least one dispensing nozzle, at least two pumps for pumping fluid from the supply to the at least one dispensing nozzle. The pumps are in close proximity to the dispensing nozzle. Output supply passageways interconnect the pumps and the dispensing nozzle, and flow control elements selectively control the passage of the fluid from the pumps to the nozzle. The substrate is conveyed past the fluid dispensing system in a machine direction and fluid is applied to the substrate in a plurality of segments. Each segment has a volume per unit length and is applied in a length in the machine direction to define a pattern.

Abstract: A method of dispensing multiple adhesive filaments onto a substrate in a random pattern using asymmetrical pressurized process air. The method generally comprises moving the substrate along a machine direction and discharging multiple adhesive filaments from a plurality of liquid outlets. Pressurized process air is directed toward each one of the multiple adhesive filaments respectively along a first angle relative to a plane including an associated liquid outlet. Pressurized process air is also directed toward each one of the multiple adhesive filaments respectively along a second angle relative to the plane including the associated liquid outlet and on an opposite side of the associated liquid outlet than the pressurized process air directed along the first angle. The second angle is different than the first angle so that the pressurized process air is directed asymmetrically toward the multiple adhesive filaments.

Abstract: A nozzle for dispensing a random pattern of liquid adhesive filaments. The nozzle may include first and second air shim plates, an adhesive shim plate and first and second separating shim plates. The first and second air shim plates each have respective pairs of air slots. Each air slot has a process air inlet and a process air outlet and the air slots of each pair converge toward one another such that the process air inlets are farther apart than the process air outlets in each pair. The adhesive shim plate includes a plurality of liquid slots each with a liquid outlet. Four process air outlets are associated with each of the liquid outlets. The process air slots are adapted to receive pressurized process air and the liquid slots are adapted to receive pressurized liquid adhesive. The pressurized process air discharges from each group of the four process air outlets and forms a zone of turbulence for moving the filament of liquid adhesive discharging from the associated liquid outlet in a random pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to connection elements comprising a tongue (3) and a groove (10), and an additional locking element (6) which is connected thereto in a non-positive manner, which consists of a plastic or adhesive material and is especially embodied as a bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for applying adhesive threads to a substrate (30). Said device comprises an rotatable application head (18) encompassing at least one adhesive discharge nozzle (18A) located at a radial distance (b) from the axis of rotation (18D) of the application head (18), a shaft (18B), and at least one adhesive supply duct (18C) which extends from an adhesive supply unit (20) to the at least one adhesive discharge nozzle (18A) via the shaft (18B). A rotary drive unit (12, 15, 14) rotates the application head (18) about the shaft (18B) thereof while an adhesive supply unit (20) and/or a valve assembly (22) control/s impingement of the adhesive supply duct (18C) of the application head (18) with adhesive. The invention further relates to a method for applying adhesive threads to a substrate as well as products made therefrom.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions useful for bonding fluorescent material-containing cellulosic substrates such as envelopes may be formulated using an adhesive polymer such as an emulsion of polyvinyl acetate in water and one or more compounds capable of reducing the degree of fluorescence exhibited by the substrate in areas of the substrate surface having the adhesive coated thereon. When irradiated by short wavelength light, the surface areas containing the adhesive coating appear darker than the surface areas that are free of adhesive, allowing quality control problems associated with application of the adhesive to be readily monitored and corrected. At the same time, however, the adhesive may be formulated such that the fluorescence-reducing compound does not alter the appearance of the adhesive coating when viewed under normal daylight conditions.

Abstract: Precast curable thermal interface adhesives facilitating the easy and repeatable separation and remaining of electronic components at thermal interfaces thereof, and a method for implementing the foregoing repeatable separation and remating at the thermal interfaces of components through the use of such adhesives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printing method, a printing apparatus, and a printed document by which an ink offset can be prevented while securing a sufficient adhesion force of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. Ink is applied so that, when ink applied to a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet cures, a convex section of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer exposed out of the curried ink, thereby printing an image.

Abstract: Method and system for moving a frozen adhesive particle towards a target body, comprising launching means (13) which are arranged to launch the particle (2) in its frozen form towards the target body (3, 4) via a movement path (14) through a gap (15) between the launching means and the target body. The medium in the gap may have a temperature above the adhesive particle's melting temperature. The launching means may be arranged to launch the particle at a high speed. The launching means and the target body may have a geometry causing that the movement path is substantially vertical or substantially horizontal.

Abstract: A process for determining the placement of an adhesive relative to an emboss pattern is disclosed. The disclosed process is suitable for forming an embossed multi-ply substrate. The process comprises the steps of: 1. Providing the emboss pattern as a pattern of elements; 2. Providing a grid comprising a plurality of vertices, the grid corresponds to an adhesive application pattern; 3. Providing each vertex of the plurality of vertices with an initial position; and, 4. Overlaying said emboss pattern upon said grid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet having an adhesive face which includes two or more different pressure-sensitive adhesives each capable of acting on an adherend and exhibits adhesiveness and debonding capability both at high levels. The pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet has an adhesive face being substantially smooth and including at least on region composed of a first pressure-sensitive adhesive and at least one region composed of a pressure-sensitive adhesive other than the first pressure-sensitive adhesive. In the pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet, the region composed of the first pressure-sensitive adhesive and the region composed of the other pressure-sensitive adhesive than the first pressure-sensitive adhesive preferably are preferably in the form of stripes extending in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Provided are methods for applying a covering layer to a substrate, including applying an adhesive layer in non-cross-linked state to the substrate and applying thereto a cross-linked covering layer, characterized in that the covering layer is provided with openings, and methods for manufacturing a coating package, and using the coating package.

Abstract: A process for making an ultra high solids emulsion adhesive that is coatable and dryable at room temperature. The process consists of increasing solids using a phase inversion process to accomplish the addition of increased solids into aqueous formulations thereby obtaining emulsion pressure sensitive adhesives with solids content in excess of 60%.

Abstract: A package material with a tamper evident feature and methods of manufacture thereof, are disclosed herein. The package comprises a colored primer or lacquer coating applied along a portion of a seal and further comprising a peelable sealant. When opened the peelable sealant is separated from the portion of the seal containing colored primer or lacquer and removes a section of the coating, thus providing a visual indication that the package has been opened.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing liquid material includes a dispensing module having a liquid supply passage communicating with a supply of liquid material and an air supply passage communicating with a source of pressurized air. A nozzle is coupled to the dispensing module and has a liquid discharge passage and an air discharge passage communicating with the liquid supply passage and the air supply passage, respectively. The liquid material is dispensed from a liquid discharge outlet of the nozzle and pressurized air is directed from an air outlet of the nozzle toward the dispensed liquid material. An air valve coupled to the nozzle is operable to vary the pressure of the air discharged from the air outlet to thereby move the liquid material in a desired pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve is operable to pulse the pressurized air.

Abstract: A method of forming an adhesive force includes removing a seta from a living specimen, attaching the seta to a substrate, and applying the seta to a surface so as to establish an adhesive force between the substrate and the surface. The seta is applied to the surface with a force perpendicular to the surface. The seta is then pulled with a force parallel to the surface so as to preload the adhesive force of the seta.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 3 is formed on a release treated surface of a release liner 4, and gas from holes 40 in the release liner 4 is made to move to the outside of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 3, thus forming through holes 31 in the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 3. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 3 and a base material 2 having provided therein gas-passing channels that communicate to the outside of the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet are then laminated together such that the gas-passing channels in the base material 2 and the through holes 31 in the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 3 communicate with one another, thus obtaining a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet 1. According to the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet 1, air entrapment and blistering can be prevented or eliminated while securing adequate adhesive strength and with no marring of the appearance.

Abstract: A labeling apparatus and method for applying individual labels onto individual objects moving along a conveyor includes a label delivery mechanism configured to hold a plurality of the labels and operable to deliver individual ones of the labels adjacent to the conveyor. A non-contact adhesive spray applicator including at least one nozzle having a plurality of individual adhesive discharge orifices may be positioned and arranged to discharge adhesive from the orifices onto either the labels or the objects such that the labels may be respectively adhered to the objects.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides an adhesive article with repositionability and air egress characteristics. The adhesive article comprises an adhesive layer having a surface comprising a plurality of spaced apart non-adhesive forms. The non-adhesive forms are arranged in a pattern comprising one or more lanes defined by adjacent rows of non-adhesive forms and a pattern of non-adhesive forms disposed in an area adjacent the lanes. The spacing between the non-adhesive forms in the area adjacent the lanes is larger than the spacing between the non-adhesive forms defining the lanes. The non-adhesive forms disposed within the area adjacent the lanes prevents sticking of the article prior to applying pressure. Upon application of pressure, air entrapped within the areas adjacent the lanes flows to the lanes, and the lanes provide the article with air egress.

Abstract: The present application is directed to adhesive articles and release liners. Namely, the present application is directed to an article comprising an adhesive layer with a structured surface. The structured surface comprises a first groove and a second groove recessed into the adhesive layer from a reference plane defined by the adhesive surface on either rim of the groove. In some embodiments, the second groove is contained within the first groove, and in other embodiments the grooves are separate. The first groove and the second groove have walls. The wall angle of the first groove with respect to the reference plane is non-zero and is smaller than the wall angle of the second groove with respect to the reference plane. The application is also directed to release liners for the adhesive article, wherein the surface of the release liner is the inverse of the adhesive surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a printing method, a printing apparatus, and a printed document by which an ink offset can be prevented while securing a sufficient adhesion force of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. Ink is applied so that, when ink applied to a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet cures, a convex section of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer exposed out of the curried ink, thereby printing an image.

Abstract: A fixing apparatus (1, 2, 3) is provided to facilitate temporary or semi-permanent fixing of items such as posters, photographs or notices to a surface such as a wall. The fixing apparatus (1, 2, 3) comprises an adhesive element (20), preferably a piece of adhesive putty sandwiched between cover elements (11, 12). In use the adhesive element (20) can be accessed through an opening (13, 14) in the cover elements (11, 12).

Abstract: The disclosed metalized article comprises a substrate, a base binder, and a plurality of loose metal fibers secured to the substrate by the base binder. The method of making the disclosed metalized article comprises providing a substrate, providing a plurality of loose metal fibers on at least a portion of the substrate, and securing the metal fibers to the substrate with a base binder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing simulated oil paintings by means of a variety of commercial software programs. A digital color image is created and printed on to a substrate. Also printed on to the same substrate and registered thereto, is a slow drying, clear, embossing liquid in the pattern of brush strokes derived from one or more of the colors printed on to the substrate. A thermographic powder is dusted onto the embossing liquid while still wet and excess powder removed. The substrate is then heated to dry and raise the brush stroke pattern of the embossing ink to create a three dimensional effect on the substrate. The raised brush stroke pattern in combination with printed color image creates a work that has the three dimensional effect simulating an original oil painting.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet having a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on at least one surface of the support thereof, wherein the surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on at least one surface of the support partly has projected spots of fibers. The projected spots of fibers are preferably raised spots of fibers that are raised from the surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet is favorable for flooring material fixation. The pressure-sensitive adhesive tape or sheet is produced according to a flocking method that comprises flocking the surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on at least one surface of the support to thereby form projected spots of fibers partly in the surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.

Abstract: A method of selectively applying pressure-sensitive adhesive to a nonwoven web and thereby forming a cleaning sheet having adhesive free peaks and adhesive containing valleys includes coating an adhesive transfer roll with adhesive, transferring a portion of the adhesive to raised regions of a female pattern forming roll, separating the adhesive between the adhesive transfer roll and the female pattern forming roll, and transferring the adhesive from the raised regions of the female pattern forming roll to the web. An apparatus for selectively applying pressure-sensitive adhesive to a nonwoven web and forming a cleaning sheet is also described.

Abstract: A method of selectively applying pressure-sensitive adhesive to a nonwoven web and thereby forming a cleaning sheet having adhesive free peaks and adhesive containing valleys includes coating an adhesive transfer roll with adhesive, transferring a portion of the adhesive to raised regions of a female pattern forming roll, and transferring the adhesive from the raised regions of the female pattern forming roll to the web. An apparatus for selectively applying pressure-sensitive adhesive to a nonwoven web and forming a cleaning sheet is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for concurrently applying to a first substrate, such as a layer of a roofing surface, for the purpose of securing the first substrate to a second substrate placed on the first substrate, a plurality of substantially parallel strips of an adhesive. The apparatus includes a carrier having motive supports for transporting the carrier along a path of travel over the first substrate. Mounted on the carrier is a rack for holding at least one canister containing the adhesive. Also mounted on the carrier is a discharging mechanism that is adapted to discharge the adhesive from the at least one canister as a plurality of adhesive strips when a driving force is applied to the discharging mechanism. The driving force is supplied to the discharging mechanism by an actuating mechanism that is also mounted on the carrier.

Abstract: The system includes a nozzle, a drive, a metering pump, a supply of material and a controller. The nozzle dispenses material into contact with one or more surfaces of a window sash. The drive relatively moves the nozzle with respect to the window sash along a path of travel defined by a perimeter of the window sash at controlled speeds. The metering pump delivers the material to the nozzle at controlled volumetric rates that correspond to the controlled speeds of relative motion between the nozzle and the sash. The supply of material delivers the material to the metering pump. The controller controls the relative motion between the window sash and the nozzle and controls the flow rate of material dispensed by the nozzle.

Abstract: A photocurable composition which can be produced and cured while utilizing two different polymerization modes, can be used for bonding over a sufficiently long time period, and has excellent peel strength. The composition comprises (A) a compound containing a polymerizable unsaturated bond and giving a homopolymer having a glass transition temperature of 0 to 100° C., (B) a compound which has an unsaturated bond and is copolymerizable with the compound (A), (C) a compound having at least one cationically polymerizable group per molecule, (D) a polymerization catalyst which upon irradiation with light initiates the polymerization of the compounds (A) and (B), and (E) a cationic polymerization catalyst which upon irradiation with light initiates the cationic polymerization of the compound (C) at the cationically polymerizable group(s).

Abstract: In order to produce a fusible interfacing, dots of a hot-melt polymer are deposited on the right side of an interfacing support selected from textile and nonwoven supports and the wrong side of the interfacing support undergoes electron bombardment. The dots of hot-melt polymer are based on at least one functionalized polymer comprising functional groups that can react with free radicals generated by the action of an electron bombardment and/or which are themselves generators of free radicals under the action of an electron bombardment. The penetration depth of the electrons into the polymer dots is adjusted to obtain self-crosslinking of said functionalized polymer over a limited thickness e with respect to the mean thickness E of the polymer dots. The functional groups preferably comprise functions containing an ethylenically unsaturated bond, for example of the acrylate, methacrylate, allyl, acrylamide, vinylether, styrene, maleic or fumaric type.

Abstract: A method of masking areas of an object during galvanizing of the object to prevent galvanizing material from adhering to the masked areas comprising the step of applying a polyurethane adhesive to the area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a adhesive article comprising at least one backing layer with a first and second surface and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer adhered first surface of the backing layer in a pattern, wherein the pattern of the adhesive layer has an adhesive free area of less than about 25% and wherein the adhesive article has a water vapor transmission rate of greater than about 2000 g/m2/24 hour. The invention also relates to a method of forming an adhesive article comprising (a) providing a release liner, (b) applying pressure sensitive adhesive in a pattern wherein the free adhesive area is less than 25%, and (c) applying a backing layer to the pressure sensitive adhesive.