Abstract: A light directing, load bearing, thermally protective coupling for connecting a light conduit, such as a light pipe, to a light source includes a body member having a first end connected with the light source and a second end connected with the light pipe. The body member contains a longitudinal channel which extends from the first end to the second end and includes an inner surface defining the channel which directs light from the light source, through the coupling, to the light pipe. To reduce light loss, the inner surface is provided with a highly reflective finish. The coupling is formed of a thermally conductive metal which dissipates heat from the light source and has a length sufficient to produce a temperature drop which allows the light pipe to be connected with the coupling without damaging the light pipe.

Abstract: Methods for preparing viscoelastic compositions (e.g., adhesives such as hot melt adhesives) in which a pre-viscoelastic composition (e.g., a pre-adhesive composition) is combined with a packaging material and then polymerized.

Abstract: A light guide luminaire includes a longitudinal housing having a center and an inner surface, and a light guide formed of at least two sections of optical lighting film arranged within the housing such that the shortest distance between the center of the housing and the inner surface of the housing is smaller than the radius of curvature of each section of optical lighting film. The light guide is slidably retained within the housing, and the housing and optical lighting film are arranged to define air gaps between the housing and optical lighting film. The luminaire may also include an extractor element extending radially inwardly from the inner surface of the housing for scattering light, and a back reflector for reflecting light back into the light guide. A joint member adapted to slidably receive end portions of the optical lighting film sections, the back reflector sections, and an extractor element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A centrally tabbed adhesive tape strip pad and centrally tabbed adhesive tape flag pad in which the centrally positioned pull tab portion of the leader strip facilitates initiation of dispensing without the use of prethreaded leader bands and facilitates insertion of a new pad into typical refillable dispensers.

Abstract: Conformable pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes which comprise a layer of polymeric foam in the backing and may be adhered firmly to a substrate and thereafter removed therefrom after only being stretched at an angle no greater than about 35° from the surface of the substrate. Articles for mounting an object such as a picture to a surface such as a wall comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape of the invention are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adhesive article including a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition which exhibits ultraviolet radiation resistance and has a midblock Tg of about −5° C. to about −30° C. at a frequency of about 1.0 Hz. An adhesive article according to the invention is suitable for use in window insulation kits because of its improved stability over a wide temperature range and upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) as well as its adhesion to low energy surfaces, such as a surface of films made from polyolefins.

Abstract: The present invention provides light valves including polarizing elements in which light transmission can be controlled by rotating at least one of the polarizing elements about an in-plane axis. Although reflective polarizing elements are preferred in devices according to the present invention to reduce the problem of heat build-up, the use of absorptive or other polarizers may also be envisioned. The polarizing elements may also include at least one reflective polarizer in combination with an infrared reflective material or an infrared absorptive material. The polarizing elements can be included in light valves to control light transmission by rotating at least one of the polarizing elements about an in-plane axis. The light valves according to the present invention may find use in any application in which the transmission of light (visible or otherwise) is to be controlled. Examples of specific applications include, but are not limited to: windows, luminaires, skylights, etc.

Abstract: A stretch releasing adhesive article for removably adhesively bonding an object to a surface includes a stretch release adhesive strip and a secondary release member. The stretch release adhesive strip includes a first adhesive end portion having oppositely facing major surfaces arranged to adhesively bond with the object and the surface and includes a non-adhesive tab portion. The secondary release member includes oppositely facing adhesive major surfaces having temporary or repositionable adhesive which allows the adhesive article to be repositioned on the surface and object prior to adhesively bonding the stretch release adhesive strip to the surface and object. The adhesive strength of the secondary release member is sufficient to maintain the secondary release member in adhesive contact with the object and surface when the stretch release adhesive strip is stretched during the removal process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fire barrier material comprising at least about 25 weight % binder; at least about 10 weight % intumescent compound; and at least about 5 weight % organic fibers comprising an organic material having pendant hydroxyl groups, wherein the density of the fire barrier material ranges from greater than zero to about 0.35 grams/cm.sup.3 as well as a method of making the fire barrier material.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a light pipe lighting system on a support surface includes an elongate support rail connect to the light source and a hanger bracket connect to the elongate support rail. The support rail includes oppositely extending longitudinal flange portions which slidably engage the hanger bracket and thereby serve to connect the support rail with the hanger bracket. The hanger bracket can be either slidably supported on the support rail to allow the light source to move relative to the support surface or the hanger bracket can be fixed at various locations along the support rail. The elongate light source support rail is connect to the light source with a bracket or with a casing which encloses the light source, and the light source support rail can be further connected with an associated light pipe support rail to transmit axial forces between the light pipe and light source.

Abstract: A flexible self-supporting fire barrier material comprising about 0.5 to about 25 weight % of a structural phase and greater than or equal to about 75 weight % to about 99.5 of inorganic heat absorbing compounds dispersed throughout the structural phase, based on a total weight % of the fire barrier material; the structural phase comprising 0.5 to about 10 weight % binder and 0.01 to about 15 weight % fibers, based on the total weight % of the fire barrier material; the inorganic heat absorbing compounds comprising an intumescent compound and an endothermic compound; the material having a density of at least about 0.5 g/cc.

Abstract: The adhesive tape dispenser comprises a housing being provided with a unilaterally open housing body for receiving an adhesive roll of tape. The aperture of the housing body is closeable by a cover. The cover is secured to the housing body by twisting it relative to the housing body. This is effected, e.g., by means of a bayonet closure or a threaded closure.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a change indicator for a filter for use in a gaseous circulation system, such as a forced air heating and cooling system. The change indicator includes an air impervious patch that is secured to the filter. The portion of the filter media adjacent to the change indicator changes appearance in response to the accumulation of contaminants at a much slower rate than the remainder of the air filter. The accumulation of contaminants progresses inwardly from the region adjacent the periphery of the change indicator towards the region adjacent to the center. Once the appearance of the filter media beneath the change indicator fully changes from periphery to the center, that is an indication that the air filter is in need of cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: An adhesive article adapted for removable mounting on a support surface includes a stretch release adhesive tape strip and a base member. The adhesive article includes an abutment adapted to engage the support surface when the article is pressed against the support surface, and thereby prevents the base member from rebonding to the adhesive strip. The abutment thereby allows the article to be pressed against the support surface during removal to hold the article in place without interfering with the removal process.

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.