Abstract: A microbead having a matrix core comprising a hydrophilic matrix and droplets of active material entrained therein, and a secondary layer adjacent to the outer surface of the matrix core. The secondary layer may be ionically complexed or hydrogen bonded to the matrix core surface. Compositions comprising the microbeads suspended in solution may be sprayable. The microbeads of the invention may be controllable by exposing the microbeads to high or low humidity or moisture.

Abstract: A method of forming a thermoplastic layer on an adhesive layer is provided. In the steps of the method, a thermoplastic powder is provided having a melt flow index of at least about 0.008 grams/10 minutes, the powder is applied to at least one surface of the adhesive layer to form a particle layer, and the combination is then subjected to elevated heat and pressure until particle layer is fused into a continuous layer and the continuous layer is bonded to the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A minimum visibility seam tape and method of joining at least two substrates with the tape. The substrates joined typically are sign faces or awnings comprising a composite of thermoplastics and a woven scrim. The seam tape is a woven or nonwoven scrim embedded in or coated with a thermoplastic polymer.

Abstract: Tools and methods for releasing air entrapped between sheeting material and a substrate around a rivet are disclosed. The tools include movable pins biased outwardly by a resilient member. As a result, the pins can retract when encountering a discontinuity on an otherwise planar surface, such as a rivet, while still allowing for perforation of the sheeting around the rivet.

Abstract: An optically clear, transparent, protective layer is disclosed for transfer from a release liner (not shown) to an imaged substrate. The layer has a composition including vinyl resin, optional acrylic resin, optional plasticizer, and an optional stabilizer. The layer optionally includes a pressure sensitive adhesive which adheres to the imaged substrate and image with pressure, followed by removal of the release liner. The release liner has a Sheffield smoothness value of from 1 to 10. A method of making is also disclosed. An image may also be present between the protective layer and the pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: An adhesive film is disclosed which can achieve, at the same time, bubble escapability during adhering, permanent and high peel resistance, and good appearance of the film surface after being adhered. The adhesive film comprises a substrate film, a primer layer formed on said substrate film, and an upper layer which is formed on said primer layer and contains elastic microspheres and a first adhesive polymer, wherein said primer layer comprises a second adhesive polymer and has a compressive modulus of 1×106 to 1×107 dyn/cm2, and said elastic microspheres comprises a third adhesive polymer and has a volume average diameter of 10 to 300 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A low-loss, diffuser film is provided for translucent surface(s) of lighted signage. The film has little absorptivity and has partial transmissivity and partial reflectivity. Luminance efficiency and brightness are significantly improved over conventional films used in backlit signage. A luminance efficiency prediction equation is also provided to aid in selection of diffuser films and interior surfaces of the lighted sign cavity. A combination of effects of diffuser films and a diffuse reflective films lining the interior surfaces of the lighted sign cavity is unexpectedly greater than their sum of effects operating alone.

Abstract: A vinyl graphic marking film or label coated with a pressure sensitive acrylic adhesive designed to achieve high or permanent adhesion to polymeric low energy surfaces is disclosed. In addition to good adhesion to low energy surfaces, the graphic marking film or label may have microperforated or micro-rough edges which initiate tearing when removal is attempted. The article maintains flexibility and film strength for easy fabrication in graphic marking film or label manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to graphic or informational articles that may be applied to a surface of a translucent or substantially clear substrate so that the image may be viewed through the substrate. The present invention is an indoor advertising system or kit that includes two components. The first component is a substantially clear, perforated imageable film layer with a perforated adhesive layer on a surface thereof. The second component is a non-perforated colorant transfer component that includes a removable carrier film with at least one color layer on a surface thereof. The present invention further includes a process for making the graphic articles. In the process of the present invention, an image layer is formed on a first major surface of a substantially clear, perforated imageable film layer.

Abstract: A process for encapsulating a partially water-miscible organic material within a polyurea or polyurethane shell is provided utilizing a water-soluble tertiary amine in the reaction dispersion. Microcapsules and methods of using microcapsules are also provided.

Abstract: A process for converting black-and-white color separation information contained in PostScript software to color separation information which can drive a color output device to print at least two different colors, which process comprises determining the position of commands in the black-and-white software which define the color output for the information on one color separation, and changing the command to indicate that a color other than black is to be produced.

Abstract: An encapsulated breaker slurry composition for reducing the viscosity of a fracturing fluid. The slurry has a flashpoint above 93° C., and the liquid of the slurry does not facilitate release of the breaker from the coating. Methods of using the slurry composition are also described.

Abstract: Environmental stabilizing agents are stored in an adhesive adjoining, directly or indirectly, a film or membrane that requires protection from the environment. Such stabilizing agents include ultra-violet protectors and anti-oxidants. Migration of such environmental stabilizing agents from an adhesive to a film or membrane permits the use of new and different materials for such films and membranes because their method of manufacture no longer needs to accommodate the heat and processing sensitivities of the stabilizing agents.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high weight percent of silicone within the silicone-urea block polymer for use with or as a dielectric layer material for electrostatic printing. The high weight percent comprises between about 66 and about 94 weight percent.

Abstract: An adhesive sheet is disclosed including a flexible substrate (4), and an adhesive layer (20) formed on at least one of the main surfaces of the flexible substrate and containing elastic microspheres (3), in which the adhesive layer has a) an elastic microsphere layer which is in contact with the main surface of the flexible substrate, comprising elastic microspheres (3) and a tacky polymer (2) and has projections containing said elastic microspheres on a surface which is not in contact with said substrate, and b) a layer of tacky polymer (1) which covers the projections containing the elastic microspheres so that raised portions are formed on an adhesion surface (11). Bubbles of air can then escape during application and use because the adhesion surface has a contact area percentage in the range between 20 and 90%. A method of making the adhesive sheet is also disclosed.

Abstract: Films having a microreplicated topography are prepared from contacting a microembossed pattern to a layer of film. When an adhesion interface is established between the layer of film and a supporting substrate, the topography of the film surface controls the performance of the adhesion interface. Articles having microreplicated film surfaces are also disclosed that have an advantage of providing microchannels for fluid egress for an effective period of time. Multiple microembossed patterns produce microreplicated film surfaces having both microchannels for fluid egress and pegs for improved film properties.

Abstract: An image receptor medium including an image reception layer having two major opposing surfaces. The image reception layer comprises a polymer comprising at least two monoethylenically unsaturated monomeric units, wherein one monomeric unit comprises a substituted alkene where each branch comprises from 0 to about 8 carbon atoms and wherein one other monomeric unit comprises a (meth)acrylic acid ester of a nontertiary alkyl alcohol in which the alkyl group contains from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms and can include heteroatoms in the alkyl chain and in which the alcohol can be linear, branched, or cyclic in nature and an efficacious amount of a free-radical scavenger. Alternatively, the image receptor medium includes a substrate layer comprising a polymer substrate layer having two major opposing surfaces and an image reception layer on a first major surface of the substrate layer. The image reception layer has an outer surface for receiving images, and comprises a polymer identified above.

Abstract: Adhesives having a microreplicated topography are prepared from contacting a microembossed pattern to a layer of adhesive. When an adhesion interface is established between the layer of adhesive and a supporting substrate, the topography of the adhesive surface controls the performance of the adhesion interface. Articles having microreplicated adhesive surfaces are also disclosed that have an advantage of providing microchannels for fluid egress for an effective period of time. Multiple microembossed patterns produce microreplicated adhesive surfaces having both microchannels for fluid egress and pegs for improved adhesive properties.

Abstract: The present invention is an outdoor advertising or display system including a multi-layer graphic article intended for application to an outdoor surface such as concrete, asphalt and the like. The advertising system includes an imageable base layer and an image-protective surface layer that can be laminated to the base layer following imaging of the base layer. The image-protective surface layer is frictionally modified to provide an anti-skid layer for surface traffic.

Abstract: An encapsulated breaker is enclosed within a hydrolytically degradable polymer coating. Compositions containing this encapsulated breaker, methods of making and methods of use are also described.