Abstract: A stretch releasing pressure sensitive adhesive tape includes a silicone pressure sensitive adhesive composition that exhibits a 180° peel strength on a glass substrate at 98% relative humidity of at least about 5.47 N/dm and a non-tacky tab. A stretch releasing pressure sensitive adhesive tape includes a pressure sensitive adhesive composition having a modulus at 1 radian/second and −17° C. of no greater than about 1×107 Pa and a non-tacky tab.

Abstract: A transparent multilayer device which reflects light in the infrared region of the spectrum while transmitting light in the visible region of the spectrum. The device comprises a multilayered polymer film and a transparent conductor. The multilayered polymer film preferably comprises layers of a semi-crystalline naphthalene dicarboxylic acid polyester having an average thickness of not more than 0.5 microns and layers of a second polymer having an average thickness of not more than 0.5 microns. The layers of semi-crystalline naphthalene dicarboxylic acid polyester preferably have a positive stress optical coefficient. The transparent conductor comprises at least one layer containing a metal or a metal compound in which the metal compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, metal alloys, and combinations thereof. Silver and indium tin oxide are particularly preferred transparent conductors.

Abstract: An elongated length of a single or double-sided stretch releasing adhesive tape that can be cut to a selected length with integral pull tabs for stretch removing the tape from a substrate. The stretch releasing adhesive tape can be provided as long strips or roll form. The elongated stretch releasing adhesive tape article includes an elongate length of stretch releasing adhesive tape defining a longitudinal axis. The stretch releasing adhesive tape has a first surface and a second non-adhesive surface. The first surface comprises one or more adhesive regions and one or more non-adhesive regions arranged along the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the non-adhesive regions comprise a series of pull tabs arranged along the longitudinal axis that can be grasped in combination with the second non-adhesive surface by a user during stretch removal of the tape from an associated substrate.

Abstract: An adjustable support rack for supporting firestop material in a through-penetration includes a frame sized to fit within the through-penetration, at least one adjustable support member movably connected with the frame for supporting the firestop material, and an adjustable mounting mechanism connected with the frame for securing the frame within the through-penetration. A method of fire stopping the through-penetration using the adjustable support rack is also described.

Abstract: A liquid protectant composition which cleans, protects, preserves, and enhances the appearance of rubber, synthetic plastic, and vinyl surfaces includes a cleaning agent, silicone, a thickener, a neutralizing agent, an ultra-violet light absorber, and water. The composition also preferably includes a fragrance and a fragrance stabilizer. When the fragrance and fragrance stabilizer are present in the formulation, the composition preferably has a viscosity ranging from about 7.5 Pa*sec (7,500 cPs) to about 18 Pa*sec (18,000 cPs) which allows the composition to be applied easily to a variety of surfaces.

Abstract: A removable adhesive tape comprising a highly extensible and substantially inelastic backing and a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive. The backing has a high tensile strength, has a lengthwise elongation at break of at least about 150% with less than about 50% elastic recovery after stretching. The adhesive can be a normally tacky and pressure-sensitive adhesive and is coated on at least one surface of the film backing. The adhesive is preferably highly extensible, does not separate from the backing during stretching, and has higher cohesion than adhesion to any suitable substrate. After being applied to a substrate, the adhesive tape of the present invention becomes firmly bonded, but can be easily removed without damaging the substrate by simply stretching it in a direction substantially parallel, i.e., less than about 35° C., to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A fire stopping faceplate assembly for an electrical box includes a faceplate having an inner surface, and a fire stopping mat arranged adjacent said faceplate inner surface. The fire stopping mat provides an active system which forms a fire barrier capable of preventing a temperature rise on the wall side opposite the fire by providing an endothermic material which withdraws heat and/or by expanding to provide additional insulating properties and otherwise stopping the spread of fire. The fire stopping mat may include an intumescent compound, an endothermic compound, or both an intumescent compound and an endothermic compound. The fire stopping mat may also include a layer of an infrared blocking material formed of, for example, a metal or a ceramic fiber material.

Abstract: An article support adapted for adhering to a substrate is described. The article support preferably includes a base member, a stretch release adhesive tape adhered to that base member, and some mechanism for gripping the stretch release adhesive tape. These items are arranged so that when the base member is adhered to the substrate by the stretch release adhesive tape, the base member can be removed by pulling on the gripping means at an acute angle from the surface of the substrate. Gripping means which resist disassociation from the stretch release adhesive tape during the removal of the base from the substrate are disclosed, including handle types. The base member can be generic, suitable for attaching various types of support members via, for example, complimentary dovetail slides. In such cases, provision such as a latch can be made to temporarily lock the support member to the base member.

Abstract: An illumination device for transmitting and/or distributing light with an extractor that extends distally into the interior of the light guide. The illumination device includes a hollow light guide including a wall having an inner surface and a structured outer side. The structured outer side includes a plurality of prisms defining grooves that extend along a length of the light guide. An extractor extends substantially along the length of the light guide and projects distally from the inner surface towards an interior of the light guide. The extractor is operative to cause light to be released through the wall of the light guide. A method of attaching the extractor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stretch releasing adhesive tape article including an elongated length of stretch releasing adhesive tape with side surfaces including at least one potential contact surface area. At least a portion of the potential contact surface area includes an adhesive surface. The potential contact surface area includes a first interface surface area in the uncompressed state and a second interface surface area greater than the first interface surface area in the compressed state. The stretch releasing adhesive tape in the uncompressed state can operate as a pull tab. The potential contact surface area in the uncompressed state can include a plurality of raised portions, a non-planar structure, or a discontinuous surface.

Abstract: A resilient abrasive article includes a resilient elongatable substrate, abrasive particles adhesively bonded to the substrate with a flexible make coat, and a hard size coat applied over the abrasive particles and flexible make coat. The size coat provides an anti-loading layer which is applied thinly enough to prevent the size coat from cracking and tearing the substrate during use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming coreless rolls of pressure sensitive adhesive tape involves the use of a mandrel assembly having a specific circumferential tape supporting segment thereon for winding tape. The circumferential tape supporting segment has a tape engaging surface portion that, in a radial orientation, is compressible yet sufficiently stiff to support the tape as it is successively wound about the mandrel to form a tape roll, and that is sufficiently pliant to permit ready axial removal of a wound tape roll from the shaft. The innermost wrap of pressure sensitive adhesive tape about the mandrel is masked by an adhesive liner. That liner is formed from one portion of a liner/tab segment which had been applied to the tape previously, and prior to winding, the tape is severed, and the remainder of that liner/tab forms an end tab on the outermost end of the previously formed coreless tape roll.

Abstract: An adhesive article adapted for removable adhesive bonding on a support surface, such as a wall, includes a base member and a stretch release adhesive tape strip. The adhesive tape strip is a sequential release-type adhesive strip having a non-adhesive end portion which allows the base member to release from the adhesive strip during the removal process while the adhesive strip remains adhered to the support surface, therefore reducing the incidence of unwanted catapulting. To prevent relative movement between the base member and the adhesive strip during the removal process and therefore increase the likelihood of successful controlled sequential release of the base member, the base member includes a stabilizer arranged to abut the adhesive strip if the base member shifts as the adhesive strip is stretched during removal. The stabilizer can be a generally rigid projection or a compressible stop member which extends outwardly from the end of the base member adjacent the end of the adhesive strip.

Abstract: A coupling system for light conduits in a light distribution system and a light distribution system utilizing the coupling system. The coupling system includes first and second collars. The first collar has a first opening, a first side adapted to couple to an end of the first light conduit, and a second side adapted to operatively engage with a second collar. The second collar has a second opening, a first side adapted to couple to an end of the second light conduit, and a second side adapted to operatively engage with the second side of the first collar. Registration members maintain rotationally and axially alignment of the first and second openings of the first and second collars at a conduit interface. A retaining mechanism maintains axial engagement of the first collar with the second collar. In one embodiment, the registration system is also a fastening system.

Abstract: A method of providing a fire barrier that includes coating an opening in a structure with a composition that includes an elastomer. The composition is substantially free of volatile organic compounds and, when dry, exhibits a tensile strength of from about 300 psi to about 1500 psi, at least about 600% elongation, a modulus of from about 200 psi to about 600 psi, and a tensile toughness of greater than 10 in-lb.

Abstract: A wall repair compound useful for filling and repairing cracks, holes, and other imperfections in a wall surface includes a conventional filler material, a conventional binder material, and a dust reducing additive which reduces the quantity of airborne dust particles generated when sanding the hardened joint compound. Airborne dust reducing additives include oils, surfactants, solvents, waxes, and other petroleum derivatives. The additive can be added to conventional ready-mixed joint compounds and to setting type joint compounds. The method of reducing the quantity of airborne dust generated when sanding a fully hardened joint compound includes mixing a sufficient quantity of the dust reducing additive with the joint compound prior to when the joint compound has been applied to the wall.

Abstract: Composition for removing coatings from surfaces consisting essentially of at least one dibasic ester, water, and at least one thickening agent. The composition contains sufficient water and thickening agent to allow it to wet out and adhere to vertical surfaces for a sufficiently long period to insure that the dibasic ester component will have sufficient duration of contact with the coating to allow easy removal of same.