Abstract: Sample processing systems and methods of using those systems for processing sample materials located in devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems also include connection apparatus that allow for rapid and easy removal and/or replacement of base plates.

Abstract: A stainless steel article which has a transparent and uniform resin coating thereon, which can utilize the surface appearance of the stainless steel used as a substrate, which shows a high adhesive strength between the resin coating and stainless steel as a ground, which can be easily produced with a small number of steps, and which is particularly useful as an automotive exterior article. The stainless steel article comprises a stainless steel substrate and a transparent resin film with which at least one surface of the substrate is coated, the resin film comprising a transparent synthetic resin base and a transparent heat-sensitive adhesive layer formed on the synthetic resin base on the side of the stainless steel substrate, and the resin film being bonded to the stainless steel substrate through a silane coupling agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to foams made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPE) containing polyelectrolytes. The emulsions comprise a continuous oil phase and a co- or discontinuous aqueous phase. The resulting foams are useful as a separations medium.

Abstract: A roll of masking material comprising a coiled elongate thin flexible sheet, which sheet has longitudinal folds defining, in some embodiments with elongate edges of the sheet, edges of longitudinally extending portions of said sheet. Those longitudinally extending portions of the sheet include pleat-like portions of the sheet each having opposite major surfaces generally parallel with the axis of the roll, which pleat-like portions are superimposed major surfaces to major surfaces to form a laminate with outermost ones of the superimposed pleat like portions defining the opposite outer surfaces of the laminate.

Abstract: Optical bodies, comprising: a plurality of first optical layers comprising a first polymer composition that comprises (i) a polyester portion having terephthalate comonomer units and ethylene glycol comonomer units, and (ii) a second portion corresponding to a polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least about 130° C.; and a plurality of second optical layers disposed in a repeating sequence with the plurality of first optical layers. Also disclosed are optical bodies comprising: (a) a plurality of first optical layers, each first optical layer being oriented; and (b) a plurality of second optical layers, disposed in a repeating sequence with the plurality of first optical layers, comprising a blend of polymethylmethacrylate and polyvinylidene fluoride. Methods of making the above-described optical bodies, and articles employing such optical bodies are also provided.

Abstract: Liquid organic material is controllably delivered to a receptacle located in the center of a heated surface capable of horizontally rotating about its central axis. As the heated surface rotates, material deposited within the central receptacle is forced outwardly and across the rotating surface. As the material moves radially, it evaporates into a vapor which is then transported to one or more nozzles. From the nozzles, the vapor is applied to a substrate and condensed. Relative to existing devices and methods, the present invention enables the evaporation of a wider variety of organic liquids, greater reliability in continuous operation, a decrease in maintenance, and a larger and more constant material flow rate.

Abstract: Fold-flat personal respiratory protection devices that have a flat substantially rectangular central portion having first and second edges, at flat first member joined to the first edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, said fold, bond, weld or seam of the first member being substantially coextensive with said first edge of said central portion, and a flat second member joined to the second edge of the central portion through either a fold-line, seam, weld or bond, the fold, bond, weld or seam of the second member being substantially coextensive with said second edge of said central portion. At least one of the central portion and first and second members are formed from filter media.

Abstract: Imidazoquinoline and tetrahydroimidazoquinoline compounds that contain sulfonamide or sulfonamide functionality at the 1-position are useful as immune response modifiers. The compounds and compositions of the invention can induce the biosynthesis of various cytokines and are useful in the treatment of a variety of conditions including viral diseases and neoplastic diseases.

Abstract: Curable pressure sensitive adhesive compositions comprising an acrylate copolymer, a mono-acrylate oligomer, a multi-acrylate oligomer having from 2 to 5 acrylate functional groups per molecule, and a photoinitiator, the adhesive exhibiting pressure sensitive adhesive characteristics and forms at least a semi-interpenetrating polymer network when cured; wherein the semi-IPN has an average molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc) greater than about 3000, and the cured adhesive has a peel strength greater than about 40 N/dm. Embodiments of the adhesive compositions, when cured, are optically clear and resistant to heat and moisture.

Abstract: To provide an insulating material that has low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss tangent, and is superior in its processability into thin film. An insulating material for use in high-frequency electronic parts comprising: a matrix component composed at polyimide, and fluorocarbon resin particles uniformly dispersed therein.

Abstract: A transflector is described which increases efficiency and brightness under both ambient and supplemental lighting conditions in visual display applications. In one embodiment, the transflector includes a reflective polarizing element that reflects one polarization of light and transmits the other. In an alternate embodiment, the transflector includes a reflective polarizing element and a diffusing element such that the transflector diffusely reflects light of one polarization and transmits the other. The transflector is useful for both reflective and transflective liquid crystal displays.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a fluoropolymer derived from a nitrogen-containing cure site monomer, a catalyst composition which comprises at least one anionic functional group and at least one cationic functional group having the formula QR?k(+), wherein Q is selected from phosphorous, sulfur, nitrogen, arsenic, or antimony, wherein each R? is independently selected from hydrogen and a nonfluorinated, partially fluorinated, or perfluorinated, C1-C20 alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or alkenyl group, and wherein k is the valence of Q plus one; wherein the catalyst composition is a compound or the precursors thereof added separately or as a mixture; and a composition of the formula: R?2SOx wherein each R? is C1-C30 alkyl, aralkyl, the two R? groups together form a heterocyclic C3-C30 cycloalkyl, aryl, or aralkyl, each R? can be fluorinated, and x is 1 or 2. Also provided are methods of making a fluoropolymer and fluoropolymer articles containing fluoropolymer compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of polishing and/or cleaning copper interconnects using bis(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl) imide acids or copper tris(perfluoroalkanesulfonyl) methide acids compositions.

Abstract: The present-invention relates to optical elements comprising fluorochemical surface treatments. The invention further relates to materials such as retroreflective sheetings, pavement markings and beaded projection screens comprising a binder and the surface treated optical elements.

Abstract: A label for applying to an optical recording media including a film or paper layer coated with an ink receptive coating on one major surface and a layer of repositionable non-pressure sensitive adhesive coated onto the other major surface.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer suitable for the preparation of a fluoroelastomer. The fluoropolymer generally includes repeating units derived from the monomers tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, vinylidene fluoride, chlorotrifluoroethylene and optionally one or more repeating units from fluorinated monomers other than tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, vinylidene fluoride and chlorotrifluoroethylene.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions that make it possible to form high resolution, pressure sensitive adhesive patterns or films on a wide range of substrates. The compositions generally incorporate a curable, fluid composition (i.e., pressure sensitive adhesive precursor). When cured, a pressure sensitive adhesive is formed. Ink jet printing and subsequent curing allows pressure sensitive adhesive features to be formed with high resolution and tremendous flexibility in the patterns by which adhesive features may be formed. Preferred embodiments of the invention incorporate rheology modifying agents that can be used to promote favorable dot gain and other printing characteristics, the ability to build print thickness, and mechanical properties of resultant cured adhesives.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing and applying tape. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus that includes a printer for printing on tape, a tape puller that pulls the printed tape out from the printer, and an applicator that applies the printed tape to an object. The present invention also generally relates to methods of printing and applying tape to objects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making retroreflective sheeting and other articles prepared from casting a moldable synthetic resin onto a tool having a microstructured surface.

Abstract: A unidirectional valve, wherein the valve comprises a valve body including a frame, a valve opening through the frame, and a valve seat extending from the frame and at least partially surrounding the valve opening. The valve further includes a valve flap having a first portion attached to the frame and an adjacent second portion free to move from a first position where the second portion is in contact with at least a part of the valve seat to a second position where at least part of the second portion is spaced from the valve seat, wherein the valve flap has a nonuniform thickness. The thickness variations may occur between sides of the valve flap, and may also occur between the ends of the valve flap.