Abstract: Presently described are optical films comprising a polymerized (e.g. microstructured) surface that comprises the reaction product of a polymerizable resin composition and polymerizable resin compositions that comprise nanoparticles; at least one first monomer comprising at least two (meth)acrylate groups; and at least one second (meth)acrylate monomer having following the structure (I); wherein at least one R1 comprises an aromatic substituent, t is an integer from 1 to 4, and R2 is hydrogen or methyl.

Abstract: Additives comprising a low surface energy group and one or more hydroxyl groups are described.

Abstract: Intermediate laminates and articles comprising a low adhesion backsize coating are described. The laminate comprises a substrate having a major surface and opposing surface and a coating comprising a block copolymer disposed on a major surface of the substrate wherein the block copolymer comprises a polyorganosiloxane block and a polyolefin block, the polyolefin block having a melt point of at least 110° C. Also described are medical dressings comprising such laminate.

Abstract: Appliances and related methods use a resilient retention member that is retained in a recess within a body that is optionally made from a suitably translucent ceramic material. The retention member, optionally in combination with one or more side walls of the recess, provides two or more regions for accommodating a protrusion. The protrusion, in turn, is part of a sliding door which can be opened or closed depending on the equilibrium position of the protrusion with respect to the two or more regions. Based on the engagement between the protrusion and the retention member, these appliances can provide discrete opened and closed door positions to facilitate archwire ligation.

Abstract: A composition is described comprising a polymer. The polymer comprises polymerized units derived from a cleavable crosslinking monomer. The cleavable crosslinking monomer comprises at least two free-radically polymerizable groups and at least one group having the formula —O—C(R2)(R3)—O—, wherein R2 and R3 are independently hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl. The composition has a Tg no greater than 50° C. In some embodiments, the composition has a storage modulus greater than 3×105 Pa at 25° C. and 1 Hz and may be characterized as a non-tacky polymer. In other embodiments, the composition is a pressure sensitive adhesive. Upon cleavage of at least a portion of the polymerized monomeric units derived from the cleavable crosslinking monomer, the composition exhibits a change in at least one physical property. In another embodiment, the composition comprises a polymer and fragments. The fragments comprise the reaction product of a free-radically polymerizable group bonded to a polymer chain and a pendent hydroxyl group.

Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator, system, and methods of determining the effectiveness of a sterilization process. The biological sterilization indicator can include a locus of spores, a reservoir containing a liquid, and a sterilant path positioned to provide fluid communication between ambience and the locus of spores. The reservoir can have a closed state in which the reservoir is not in fluid communication with the locus of spores and an open state in which the reservoir is in fluid communication with the locus of spores. The biological sterilization indicator system can include the biological sterilization indicator and a detection device adapted to be coupled to the biological sterilization indicator. In some embodiments, the method can include assaying the spores for a detectable change in a characteristic, and detecting substantially all of the detectable change.

Abstract: Two-part coating compositions are described comprising an aliphatic cyclic secondary amine and methods of coating surfaces of a (e.g. drinking water) pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one module that receives a desired weight value to correct an imbalance of a wheel/tire assembly and converts the desired weight value to a corresponding weight amount of a wheel weight material; a roller disposed so as to be on a first side of the wheel weight material, a contact surface disposed so as to be on an opposing side of the wheel weight material, a forcing element that compresses the wheel weight material between the roller and the contact surface, a motor that drives the roller according to the weight amount, a blade selectively actuated to separate the weight amount from the wheel weight material, and either (i) a device that selectively adds a witness mark on the wheel weight material, and/or (ii) a diverter that selectively diverts the separated weight amount to a first location or a second location.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an article including a substrate, a first layer adjacent the substrate, the first layer having a silicone-containing pressure sensitive adhesive and a thickness of less than about 5 um, and a second layer adjacent the first layer and opposite the substrate, the second layer having a pressure sensitive adhesive. The silicone-containing pressure sensitive adhesive can include a copolymer of a vinyl polymeric backbone having polysiloxane moieties grafted thereto.

Abstract: Fluorinated silylethynyl pentacenes and compositions containing fluorinated silylethynyl pentacenes are disclosed. Methods of making and using fluorinated silylethynyl pentacenes and compositions containing fluorinated silylethynyl pentacenes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prescription for an orthodontic brace is selected by providing data representing a number of teeth of the dental arch and by displaying images of the teeth in two or more different positions. Images of at least one tooth when in the first position and when in the second position are simultaneously displayed in superimposed fashion, and any difference in orientations of the displayed tooth images between the first position and the second position appears in contrast. As a consequence, the relative difference in positions can be readily observed. The invention is particularly useful for selecting a prescription of a brace from two or more prescriptions, and is also useful for observing the relative effect of a single prescription when used on certain teeth in comparison to the position of the same teeth during an earlier stage of treatment.

Abstract: An indirect bonding tray for use in applying and bonding orthodontic appliances to a patient's teeth is made by providing a replica of the patient's dentition including replicas of the patient's teeth. A guide is provided on each replica tooth in a location corresponding to the ultimate intended location of the orthodontic appliance on the patient's teeth. Each guide has a receptacle for receiving an orthodontic appliance, and serves to ensure that the respective orthodontic appliance is placed in its proper, intended position on the replica tooth. A tray is then formed over the replica teeth and the appliances for subsequent use in bonding the appliances to the patient's teeth.

Abstract: Hydrophilic surfactant compositions are disclosed that include a surfactant component and a stabilizer component. The surfactant can be coated on a surface by depositing a surfactant solution on at least a portion of the surface, then drying the surfactant solution to form the dry coating. The surfactant compositions, when applied to a substrate, can provide a hydrophilic surface that retains its hydrophilic character over time, at elevated temperatures, or both.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying or dispensing surgical prep solution. The applicator system includes a spreader element and a container of surgical prep solution. The spreader element includes a body with an orifice covered by a pad. The orifice is in fluid communication with a passage through an elongated stem connected to the body. The container may be collapsible with only limited recovery. The spreader element may include a receptacle for receiving the container.

Abstract: An absorbent polymer composition, which can be in the form of a foam, that includes a polymeric material, absorbent particles and thermally expandable (or expanded) microspheres.

Abstract: An organic electroluminescence device having a substrate on which a first electrode is provided on the surface and including at least one projection. A functional layer is provided so as to cover the projection, and a second electrode is formed on that functional layer. A cross-sectional contour of an end of a surface of the projection contacting the functional layer is a shape satisfying a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: Skin antiseptic composition dispensers and methods of use are disclosed. The skin antiseptic composition dispenser may include a container with one or more walls that are substantially impermeable to ethylene oxide gas during normal ethylene oxide sterilization processes. In some embodiments, the container may include flexible walls free of metallic foil barrier layers. The containers may also include one or more vents in addition to one or more openings used to dispense the skin antiseptic composition within the container. The dispenser may include an applicator with a hydrophilic foam.

Abstract: An abrasive article with an integral dust collection system. The abrasive article comprises a porous abrasive layer with openings, a first filter media with channels, a second filter media, and an attachment interface layer. The openings of the porous abrasive layer cooperate with the channels to allow the flow of particles from the abrasive surface to the second filter media.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an abrasive article and methods of making the abrasive article. An abrasive coating on the abrasive article comprises at least 20% by weight of a superabrasive particle. The abrasive coating is derived from an abrasive slurry. The abrasive slurry may comprise and a dispersant having an AV wherein AV=1000*[(Amine Value)/(Mw)]. The dispersant comprises a polymer having a molecular weight (Mw) of greater than 500 g/mol and an AV of greater than 4.5, a polymer having a molecular weight (Mw) of greater than 10,000 g/mol and an AV of greater than 1.0, or a polymer having a molecular weight (Mw) of greater than 100,000 g/mol and an AV of greater than 0.