Abstract: A film forming composition for coating teeth which is a mixture of about 0.5% to about 30% by weight of a film forming polymer; about 10% to about 99.5% by weight of solvent; about 0.05% to about 40% by weight of a rheology modifier; about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of a dispersant or plasticizer, if necessary; and optionally up to about 30% by weight of an opacifier or colorant.

Abstract: A class of soluble poly(aryletherimides) (PAEIs) having flexible backbones, useful in the manufacture of polymeric optical films are disclosed. The poly(aryletherimides) are dissolved in organic solvents, such as ketones and ketone solvent mixtures and coated on variety of substrates such as triacetyl cellulose (TAC), to form clear thin-layer films which display negative birefringence. The thin films can serve as compensation layers in liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and can be combined with other types of optical films, such as polarizers, brightness enhancement films, or other compensation films, to from multi-layered films that are especially useful in the manufacture of LCDs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a multi-energy polarization imaging method consisting of a multi-fusion, dual-rotating retarder/multiple-energy complete Mueller matrix-based polarimeter and dual-energy capabilities. By subtracting polarimetric parameters such as degree of polarization, degree of linear polarization, degree of circular polarization, respectively, obtained with interrogation light beams of wavelengths ?1, and ?2, the system of the present invention can obtain, in one embodiment, enhanced imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-energy system that generates and/or forms images of targets/structures by applying Mueller matrix imaging principles and/or Stokes polarimetric parameter imaging principles to data obtained by the multi-energy system. In one embodiment, the present invention utilizes at least one energy or light source to generate two or more Mueller matrix and/or Stokes polarization parameters images of a target/structure, and evaluates the Mueller matrix/Stokes polarization parameters multi-spectral difference(s) between the two or more images of the target/structure. As a result, high contrast, high specificity images can be obtained. Additional information can be obtained by and/or from the present invention through the application of image, Mueller matrix decomposition, and/or image reconstruction techniques that operate directly on the Mueller matrix and/or Stokes polarization parameters.

Abstract: Generally disclosed are boron-based organic cations, a method for their manufacture, a method for their use in ionic liquids, and a method for their use as phase-transfer catalysts. More specifically, the boron-based organic cations have an charge of 1+, 2+, or 3+.

Abstract: Innerspring coils for innersprings for mattresses and other reflexive support structures, have generally helical coil bodies and at least one non-helical segment or step which extends between one or both axial ends of the coil body and one or both of the coil ends. The step or steps may be linear or non-linear, and parallel to or angularly disposed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the coil body. When located proximate to a coil end, the step extends out of the plane in which the coil end lies. One or more steps may alternatively be formed intermediate to helical turns of the helical coil body.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for rapidly counting micron and/or submicron particles by passing such particles through any of a plurality of orifices simultaneously with an ion current and measuring the signal generated thereby. The present invention also generally relates to a device for practicing the method of the present invention. Some embodiments can include methods and/or devices for distinguishing between and counting particles in mixtures. Still other embodiments can include methods and/or devices for identifying and/or counting bioparticles and/or bioactive particles such as pollen.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing siloxane polymers comprising the steps of: (a) polymerizing at least one siloxane-based monomer in the presence of a crosslinking agent consistent with the following structure: where n is an integer in the range of 1 to about 100; and (b) recovering at least one polymerization product generated by the reaction of Step (a).

Abstract: Connectable containers provide a vessel with a cavity formed by walls with interconnecting structures whereby multiple containers can be connected in series or chains in different arrangements. A cap to each container with an operable cover enables holding and dispensing of items or product of size appropriate to the container cavity.

Abstract: A transcription system and method that includes a transcription terminal for recording spoken words as units of transcribed text, and a conversion unit for translating the units of transcribed text into a generally accurate transcript of the spoken words and converting said transcript into a signal to be transmitted to an authorized receiving unit over a communication link. The system and method optionally includes any of a presentation object to be transmitted to the authorized receiving unit, a wireless access point for transmitting serial data representing the transcript, and suppression of an automatic network identifier.

Abstract: Microsphere beads are mixed with a surface barrier solid, liquid or mixture of such a liquid with a solid effective to prevent agglomeration and surface bonding of the microspheres; by the control of the application of heat and balancing temperature and active mixing, removal of water from and expansion of the microsphere is achieved. Microsphere densities of as low as 0.005 to less than 0.015 g/cm3 are realized. The surface barrier solid, liquid or mixture of such a liquid with a solid in the present invention is any one of a wide diversity of materials which meet the requirements of the intended function, i.e., to prevent the agglomeration of the microspheres during the process. Suitable materials include, by way of example, fillers, pigments, plasticizers, diluents, extenders, monomers and oligomers and the like.