Abstract: A method is provided for predicting a property of a matter of biological origin, such as biological fluid, containing water, in a dynamic condition where the biological fluid may be approximated to contain two compartments where one compartment has a proportionally larger or smaller amount of water than the other compartment having the property of interest. The method involves establishing a training set in the near-infrared (NIR) region with independent quantification of the property of the fluid using known techniques. The training set is mathematically analyzed according to a correlation developed by regression analysis after employment of a pre-processing technique such as a multiple derivative transformation of spectra or a ratioing of two wavelengths in the spectra. The result is a mathematical transformation equation which quantitatively relates spectral intensities at specific wavelengths to the property of interest.

Abstract: Pigmented inks are disclosed comprising an aqueous medium, a pigment, a dispersant, and a humectant. Inks are disclosed where the humectant is a sulfonated polyethylene oxide which provides long decap times and fast drying of the printed image. Inks are further disclosed where the dispersant is an alkyl(sulfophenoxy)benzenesulfonic acid or its salt. Such dispersants reduce the agglomeration of pigment particles and reduce or eliminate the deposition of foreign substances on heater elements during the jetting process. A variety of pigments, dispersants, humectants, and aqueous media can be used. Combinations of a sulfonated polyethylene oxide humectant and an alkyl(sulfophenoxy)benzenesulfonic acid (salt) dispersant provide inks with good stability, few kogation problems, long decap times and relatively fast drying times.

Abstract: The invention relates to a film composite comprising a thin flexible backing bearing a first layer of adhesive comprising a blend of from 10-99 wt. % of an acrylic latex and from 1 to 90 wt. % of heat-activatable urethane latex, and a second adhesive layer applied on top of said first adhesive layer comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive exhibiting an initial adhesion as to allow reliable positioning and initial removability of said film composite on a substrate and an adhesion build-up to permanently bond the film composite to the substrate after a prolonged dwell time. The invention further-more relates to the use of a film composite comprising a thin flexible backing bearing a first adhesive layer comprising a blend of from 10-99 wt. % of an acrylic latex from 1 to 90 wt.

Abstract: An image receptor medium including an image reception layer having two major opposing surfaces. The image reception layer comprises an acid- or acid/acrylate-modified ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) resin. 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 an acid- or acid/acrylate-modified ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) resin. Either embodiment of the image receptor medium may further include an optional prime layer, an optional adhesive layer, and an optional inkjet layer.

Abstract: A personal, biometric authentication system is disclosed. The system can be used for controlling access to equipment or physical facilities. The system employs the combination of a unique, inherently specific biometric parameter recognized and compared with stored data and at least one non-specific biometric parameter of a physiological characteristic recognized and compared with physiological norms. Positive comparison results in authentication of an individual that is not incapacitated, dismembered, or deceased.

Abstract: A compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein Q is an organic group of at least two carbon atoms having at least m substituents,m is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, andn is 0 or 1.R.sup.3 is H or methyl,R.sup.8 and R.sup.9 are independently hydrogen, alkyl group or aryl,R.sup.12 and R.sup.13 are independently selected from the group consisting of an alkyl group or a cation, andR.sup.10 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, an alkyl group, aryl group, and highly-fluorinated alkyl group,R.sup.4 may be hydrogen or alkyl group, andR.sup.7 may be hydrogen or lower alkyl group, provides excellent stability to dispersions.

Abstract: A method for predicting a property of a matter of biological origin, such as biological fluid, containing water, where the biological matter may be approximated to contain two compartments where one compartment has a proportionally larger or smaller amount of water than the other compartment having the property of interest. The method establishes a training set in the near-infrared (NIR) region with independent quantification of the property of the matter using known techniques. The training set is mathematically analyzed according to a correlation developed by regression analysis after employment of a ratio pre-processing technique. The result is a mathematical transformation equation which quantitatively relates spectral intensities at specific wavelengths to the property of interest. This transformation equation may be applied to unknown samples so as to predict their properties, thereby eliminating need for the reference method except for validation or recalibration.

Abstract: A method of making and using diagnostic electrodes is disclosed. The method of making involves the coating of both conductive adhesive and biocompatible pressure sensitive adhesive on to a flexible non-conductive backing material on a side that has at least a portion thereof covered with an electrically conductive surface. The method of coating the electrodes is very cost efficient and economical. The use of the electrode enjoys the advantage of controlled coating thicknesses such that both types of adhesive in their final thicknesses have contact with skin of a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides electrographic imaging sheets comprising a substrate carrying a layer of dielectric material which has abhesive properties suitable for the release of a multicolored toner image from the dielectric surface during image transfer, while also having good toning properties during the several development stages of a multicolor toner imaging process.

Abstract: A toner station for use in single-pass or multi-pass electrostatic printers includes two or more toner applicators for each color, thereby increasing the printing speed without degrading print quality.

Abstract: A sign having raised or recessed, three-dimensional graphics and a method of making the sign are disclosed. The sign is fabricated from a laminated, multi-layered blank having a substantially continuous face layer formed of a conformable, thermoplastic material; a substantially continuous middle layer formed of a colored film; and a substantially continuous profile layer formed of a profile film. In use, dimensional characters are cut into the blank through the profile and middle layers only. Unwanted material is weeded out from around the cut, dimensional characters, and the resulting blank is vacuum-thermoformed to cause the uncut face layer to conform to the dimensional characters. A background sheet of a color contrasting to the middle sheet is then laminated to the back of the blank to form the completed sign.

Abstract: A transparent, protective layer is disclosed for transfer from a release liner to a imaged substrate. The layer has a composition including vinyl resin, acrylic resin, optional plasticizer, and optional stabilizer. The layer is transferred at melt temperatures to the imaged substrate, followed by removal of the release liner. The melt temperatures do not harm the image or the substrate.

Abstract: A clamp for a dispersive electrode is disclosed. The clamp includes (a) a housing having an exterior surface, an interior surface being formed within the housing for receiving projecting tabs of the electrode, and a slot in the housing disposed between the exterior surface and the interior surface; (b) a mechanism for releasably engaging the tabs at the interior surface; (c) a reinforcement on the releasably engagement means; and (d) a slot on the exterior surface of the housing having a shape matching the reinforcement.

Abstract: A polymerized microemulsion pressure sensitive adhesive composition is described. The composition preferably has a biocontinuous structure of a continuous phase of a hydrophobic pressure sensitive adhesive polymer and a continuous phase of a hydrophilic polymer. The bulk properties of both polymers are retained in the bicontinuous structure. The composition is prepared from a microemulsion comprising a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated polar amphiphilic or hydrophilic monomer or oligomer in the aqueous phase, a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer, having a glass transition temperature suitable for forming a pressure sensitive adhesive, in the oil phase, water, and surfactant. Uses for the pressure sensitive adhesive composition include biomedical articles, such as biomedical electrodes, medical skin coverings, and pharmaceutical delivery devices, and industrial articles, such as zinc/adhesive tapes used for cathodic protection of rebars embedded in concrete.

Abstract: A polymerized microemulsion pressure sensitive adhesive composition is described. The composition has peel adhesion of at least 3 Newtons/ 100 mm as measured according to a PSTC-1 Test. The composition preferably has a bicontinuous structure of a continuous phase of a hydrophobic pressure sensitive adhesive polymer and a continuous phase of a hydrophilic polymer. The bulk properties of both polymers are retained in the bicontinuous structure. The composition is prepared from a microemulsion comprising a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated polar amphiphilic or hydrophilic monomer or oligomer in the aqueous phase, a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer, having a glass transition temperature suitable for forming a pressure sensitive adhesive, in the oil phase, water, and surfactant.

Abstract: A hydrophilic, pressure sensitive adhesive of a poly(ethylene oxide) derived network plasticized with an essentially non-volatile, polar plasticizer present in an amount sufficient to form a cohesive, pressure sensitive adhesive. The polymeric network is prepared from an oligomeric precursor comprising difunctional poly(ethylene glycol) moieties which have been end-capped with ethylenically unsaturation. The adhesive is useful as a biomedical adhesive for transmitting or receiving electrical signals as a component of a biomedical electrode. The adhesive is also useful as a drug delivery device to deliver pharmaceuticals or other active ingredients to or through mammalian skin. The adhesive is also useful as a component in a skin covering for protecting mammalian skin or mammalian skin openings with antimicrobial agents. A method of preparation of the adhesive is also disclosed.

Abstract: A metallic film is disclosed. The film has a layer of an organic polymer substrate having an sulfur-reactive surface, to which is adhered a vapor deposited metallic layer. Optionally, a metallic halide layer is formed on the metallic layer to provide depolarizing capacity for the metallic film. Methods of making and using the metallic film are disclosed. Biomedical electrodes, including radiolucent defibrillation electrodes, window films, optical reflectors, and flexible electronic circuits are articles which can use the metallic film as a component.

Abstract: An ionically conductive agent having means for reducing passivation of metal subject to anodic dissolution is disclosed. The ionically conductive agent is interposed between metal to be protected from corrosion and metal to be sacrificed to provide cathodic protection. An electrical connection between the two metals completes a galvanic circuit. The means for reducing passivation can be either a complexing agent for ions of the metal to be sacrificed or can be a membrane to inhibit flow of ions that would affect the ability of the ionically conductive medium to support continued anodic metal dissolution. The ionically conductive agent and a system for cathodic protection using the ionically conductive agent is particularly suitable for a galvanic circuit to cathodically protect reinforcement bars in concrete structures such as transportation bridges, transportation highways, parking facilities, and balconies exposed to corrosive environments.

Abstract: A decorative film comprising a decorative layer, an intermediate layer and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, wherein the intermediate layer comprises foaming layers, and an expansion ratio on the decorative layer side is higher than an expansion ratio on the tackifier layer side.

Abstract: Aqueous-alkali disposable articles are made from films or non-woven webs or composites of films and webs where the film or non-woven web comprises a hydrolytically degradable polymer and preferably also comprises a water soluble polymer. The article can be made from multilayer microfibers of at least one layer of a hydrolytically degradable polymer and at least one layer of a water soluble polymer. The articles have water resistance during preparation, storage, and use with mammals but are dispersible when submersed in water at conditions of elevated temperature, elevated pH, and during a single commercial laundry cycle. The articles solve both the problem of solid waste disposal prevalent with single use garments and the problem of repeated cleansing and recycling of multiple use garments. Contamination associated with the articles of the invention after their use will be disinfected during the commercial laundry cycle that is utilized to disperse the article.