Abstract: The use of a carboxylated acrylic resin for blending with a medium gel, medium crystallinity polychloroprene gives a waterborne adhesive formulation with an excellent combination of green strength, heat resistance, bond strength and sprayability unobtainable by other techniques reported by those skilled in the art. The adhesives described in the invention are environmentally friendly and have particular usefulness in postforming operations where a combination of green strength and heat resistance are critical.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale polymeric microstructures utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale microstructures in line arrays utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided.

Abstract: A computer system, and related components including network interface devices, as well as methods for implementing and/or operating network interface devices to achieve network-based communications, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the computer system includes a network interface device, and a bus driver in communication with the network interface device. The bus driver has access to a plurality of driver programs, and the bus driver is capable of causing an installation of one such driver program on the network interface device. Also, in at least some embodiments, the bus driver facilitates communications between multiple network interface devices and an operating system of the computer system, and/or between the network interface devices and user mode applications implementing graphical user interfaces. Further, in at least some embodiments, the bus driver governs operation of the network interface devices, for example, in relation to power management and/or interrupt handling.

Abstract: Methods for forming dielectric layers, and structures and devices resulting from such methods, and systems that incorporate the devices are provided. The invention provides an aluminum oxide/silicon oxide laminate film formed by sequentially exposing a substrate to an organoaluminum catalyst to form a monolayer over the surface, remote plasmas of oxygen and nitrogen to convert the organoaluminum layer to a porous aluminum oxide layer, and a silanol precursor to form a thick layer of silicon dioxide over the porous oxide layer. The process provides an increased rate of deposition of the silicon dioxide, with each cycle producing a thick layer of silicon dioxide of about 120 ? over the layer of porous aluminum oxide.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to random propylene/?-olefin compositions, articles, and processes for producing the same. The present compositions contain a random copolymer of propylene and ?-olefin. Polymerization with an improved catalyst composition increases the molecular weight distribution of the copolymer and increases the randomness of comonomer distribution to yield random propylene/?-olefin copolymers with improved stiffness and/or improved optical properties.

Abstract: A process for driving a prime mover, said process comprising a) positioning a selective membrane between a liquid and a solution having a higher osmotic potential than the liquid, such that the solution becomes pressurized by the influx of liquid across the membrane, b) using the pressure generated in the solution to drive a prime mover, c) recovering the solution, d) separating at least some of the solvent from the solution to form a residual product, and e) recycling the separated solvent and/or the residual product of step d) to step a).

Abstract: Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale microstructures in one-dimensional arrays utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided.

Abstract: A multi-layer heat film having at least three layers is disclosed wherein the film has high optical properties, high stiffness and desirable shrinkage in the cross direction. The inner layer, or layers, comprises at least one stiffening polymer selected from the group consisting of: low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, blends thereof, polypropylene random copolymer, styrene/butadiene copolymer, polystyrene/butadiene copolymer, polystyrene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and cyclic-olefin copolymer, provided that when more than one inner layer is present, the inner layers can be the same or different.

Abstract: A guidewire (1) for re-canalizing a vascular occlusion comprises a core wire (5) which terminates at its distal end (4) in a terminal member (7) for opening the occlusion. A helical coil sleeve (10) extends around the core wire (5) from the terminal member (7) to a location (11) along the core wire (5). The terminal member (7) defines first and second planar surface portions (13,14) which converge towards a distal transversely extending leading edge portion (8). As the terminal member (7) is urged through the vascular occlusion, the first and second surface portions (13,14) act on the occlusion to form an opening therethrough. A distal portion (28) of the core wire (5) is of spade-like configuration for facilitating bending thereof for directing the terminal member (7) out of a central major plane (35) defined by the distal portion (28) for facilitating aligning of the terminal member (7) with a branched vessel of the vascular system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides silyl esters and silyl diol esters suitable as internal electron donors in procatalysts for polymer production. Disclosed are procatalyst compositions formed from a procatalyst precursor and an internal electron donor that is a silyl ester or a silyl diol ester. The procatalyst compositions can be used with a cocatalyst and optionally an external electron donor and/or an activity limiting agent to form a Ziegler-Nana catalyst composition. The present catalyst compositions exhibit high catalyst activity and form olefin-based polymers with broad molecular weight distribution, favorable flexural modulus, and high isotacticity.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale linear microchannel arrays over surfaces without defined features utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided. Embodiments of the methods use a multilayer induced ordering approach to align lamellar films to an underlying base film within trenches, and localized heating to anneal the lamellar-phase block copolymer film overlying the trenches and outwardly over the remaining surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polymer blends comprising at least one ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer and two different poly-olefins which can be homopolymers. The ethylene/?-olefin interpolymers are block copolymers comprising at least a hard block and at least a soft block. In some embodiments, the ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer can function as a compatibilizer between the two polyolefins which may not be otherwise compatible. Methods of making the polymer blends and molded articles made from the polymer blends are also described.

Abstract: A constructed padding for use with a tourniquet, kits, and methods of its use are provided. In use, the tourniquet padding is wrapped about and secured to an extremity, and a tourniquet is positioned onto the tourniquet padding. The construction of the tourniquet padding prevents a tourniquet, blood pressure cuff, etc., from slipping out of position during use.

Abstract: The insulation shield layer of a power cable having a blend of ethylene copolymer, e.g., vinyl acetate, and a Styrenic polymer, e.g., polystyrene. The insulation shield layer is adjacent to a polyolefin insulation layer of the power cable.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a random graft PS-r-PEO copolymer and its use as a neutral wetting layer in the fabrication of sublithographic, nanoscale arrays of elements including openings and linear microchannels utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided. In some embodiments, the films can be used as a template or mask to etch openings in an underlying material layer.

Abstract: A method and system for restricting access to a valve stem of a valve by employing a valve locking assembly is disclosed. The locking assembly comprises a first means for receiving a valve stem of a valve and an engaging member. The locking assembly additionally comprises a second means for receiving the valve stem of the valve and comprising a slide for engaging the engaging member of the first means, the slide having a first length along an outer periphery of the second means and a second length intersecting the first length such that the second length is shorter than the first length. The locking assembly additionally comprises a third means for releasably securing the second means in position about the valve stem of the valve, wherein the first means is capable of being positioned over the second and the third means about the valve stem.

Abstract: Magnesium oxide (MgO) compounded into a polymer can subsequently be hydrated in-situ within the polymer to form magnesium hydroxide. In the case of silane-based or peroxide-based crosslinkable resins, the MgO hydration and polymer crosslinking can be done in a single process step, or in sequential steps. In the case of non-crosslinkable compounds, hydration can be carried out after compounding (no crosslinking step). In all cases, steam CV, sauna, or hot water bath are options for hydration. This approach enables preparation of polymer compounds that are flame retarded with metal hydrates yet free of the traditional limitations posed by shelf instability, extrusion scorch, undesired dehydration, and processing temperature limitations posed by metal hydrates.

Abstract: Labels are permanently attached to a substrate, e.g., a tissue cassette, by use of a staking device. The device comprises a staker assembly and a cassette fixture assembly. The cassette fixture assembly includes a slot and a clamping assembly for securing the cassette within the device. The staker assembly includes a set of probes that are heated and sequentially moved into a position to burn a hole in a label that is provisionally attached to the cassette, and then the substrate is melted and displaced through the hole to form a collar bond that permanently attaches the label to the cassette. The label remains attached to the cassette when exposed to harsh environmental conditions, e.g., high heat, high humidity, solvents, etc.