Abstract: Photochromic article having first and second opposed major surfaces comprising a first, transparent layer having first and second opposed major surfaces, the first layer comprising thermoplastic, a second, transparent layer having first and second opposed major surfaces, the second layer comprising photochromic dye and amorphous copolyester, wherein the first major surface of the second layer is adjacent to the second major surface of the first layer, and a third layer having first and second opposed major surfaces, wherein the first major surface of the third layer is adjacent to the second major surface of the second layer. Embodiments of photochromic article described herein are useful, for example in eyewear, window films, security films, decorative films, electronic devices (i.e., having a display with a photochromic article).

Abstract: A retroreflective article including a binder layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements. Each retroreflective element includes a transparent microsphere partially embedded in the binder layer. At least some of the retroreflective elements include a reflective layer that is embedded between the transparent microsphere and the binder layer. At least some of the embedded reflective layers are localized reflective layers.

Abstract: A repaired area on a work surface is presented. The repaired area includes a repairboundary. Within the repairboundary, the work surface has a repair texture and, outside of the repair boundary, the work surface has a work surface texture. The repaired area also includes a repair depth distribution within the repair boundary and a concealing feature. The repaired area is a result of a robotic repair executed on the work surface to remove a defect.

Abstract: Curable adhesive films, primers for adhesion of curable adhesive films, and adhesive systems comprising adhesive films and primers are provided. In some embodiments, an adhesive system comprises: I) a curable adhesive free-standing film comprising a blend of: a) a first film-forming polymer or oligomer; b) a first species comprising first unsaturated free-radically polymerizable groups, which may be a) or a species other than a); and c) a first transition metal cation; and II) a primer for adhesion of a curable adhesive free-standing film to a first substrate comprising an oxidizing agent. In some embodiments, an adhesive system comprises: I) a curable adhesive free-standing film comprising an outer surface bearing embossed air bleed channels capable of aiding in escape of air during application of the outer surface to a primed substrate; and II) a primer comprising components that initiate cure of the curable adhesive free-standing film.

Abstract: A relofted, spunbonded nonwoven web exhibiting a solidity of from less than 8.0%, to at least 3.0%, and exhibiting a Quality Factor of at least 0.30. Methods of making a relofted web; and, methods of using a relofted web as an air-filtration web. e.g. as a filter media or a layer thereof.

Abstract: Techniques are described for automatically detecting defects in webs using ultraviolet light to excite fluorescing agents in various layers of the web. In one example. a system for detecting defects in the web includes an inspection device and a processing unit. The inspection device includes a lighting unit, a filter, and an image capture device. The lighting unit is configured to emit ultraviolet light having a first wavelength to the web, the web including a fluorescing agent configured to emit light having a second wavelength upon excitation by the ultraviolet light. The image capture device is configured to capture one or more images of the light having the second wavelength after the light has passed through the filter. The processing unit is configured to determine whether the web includes a defect based on the one or more images.

Abstract: A touch screen sensor includes a visible light transparent substrate and an electrically conductive micropattern disposed on or in the visible light transparent substrate. The micropattern includes a first region micropattern within a touch sensing area and a second region micropattern. The first region micropattern has a first sheet resistance value in a first direction, is visible light transparent, and has at least 90% open area. The second region micropattern has a second sheet resistance value in the first direction. The first sheet resistance value is different from the second sheet resistance value.

Abstract: An integral optical construction includes a lens layer including a structured first major surface having a plurality of microlenses. An optically opaque mask layer is disposed on the lens layer and defines a plurality of openings. Each of the openings extends from a first major surface of the mask layer facing the lens layer to an opposite second major surface of the mask layer. The openings are in a one-to-one correspondence with the microlenses. Regions of the mask layer between the openings have an optical density of greater than about 2 for at least a first visible wavelength in a visible wavelength range. An optical adhesive layer is disposed on, and makes physical contact with, the second major surface of the mask layer. The optical adhesive layer defines a recess at each of the openings. The recess includes a closed bottom and an opposite open top open to the opening.

Abstract: Compositions and films are described comprising a polylactic (PLA) polymer and a copolymer comprising a first moiety comprising a C12-C30 alkyl group and a second moiety that is miscible in the composition. Suitable first moieties include a C12-C30 alkyl (meth)acrylate or a polyvinyl alcohol comprising pendent C12-C30 alkyl groups. Suitable second moieties include C1-C10 (meth)acrylic acid or ester thereof, vinyl acetate and ethylene vinyl acetate. The aforementioned composition may be used to form a release layer of an adhesive article such as a pressure sensitive adhesive tape. The films may be a monolithic film or a film layer of a multilayer film. The release layer may be disposed upon a substrate layer that may also comprise PLA. The films are produced by melt extrusion of the aforementioned composition and may be oriented.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a protective coating composition for a hard surface, wherein the composition comprises an organic solvent and a polysiloxane having the general formula (I), wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are independently an alkyl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; Y and Z are independently a divalent linking group selected from the group consisting of urea, urethane, oxygen atom, sulfur atom and alkylene having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; A, B, L and M are independently a divalent slinking group selected from the group consisting of alkylene having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, with the proviso that if the combined linking groups formed by -A-Y-L- and -M-Z—B— are independently an alkylene, then the alkylene is independently different from ethylene; n is an integer from 5 to 1500; and m and p are independently an integer from 1 to 3. In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of reducing contamination from a hard surface.

Abstract: An optical system includes an extended illumination source configured to emit light from an extended emission surface thereof toward a display panel. The emitted light includes substantially distinct blue, green and red emission spectra having respective blue, green and red peaks at respective blue, green and red peak wavelengths, and corresponding blue, green and red full widths at half maxima (FWHMs). The blue FWHM extends from a smaller blue wavelength to a longer blue wavelength. The optical system further includes reflective polarizer disposed on the emission surface of the extended illumination source. The reflective polarizer includes a plurality of first polymeric layers. The optical system also includes an optical filter disposed between the reflective polarizer and the emission surface of the extended illumination source.

Abstract: An optical system for displaying a virtual image to a viewer includes stacked integral first reflective polarizer and integral second reflective polarizer, a display, and a mirror.

Abstract: Techniques are described for monitoring and controlling fall protection equipment. For example, the techniques of this disclosure may be used to monitor the connection status of fall protection equipment, e.g., whether or not the fall protection equipment is connected to a support structure. The techniques described in the disclosure may determine whether the fall protection equipment is connected to a support structure based on changes in a resonant frequency of an electronic circuit of an inductive sensor within the fall protection equipment. The inductive sensor may be formed from sets of one or more coils, where a first set of one or more coils and a second set of one or more coils are wound in opposite directions.

Abstract: Method for active battery management to optimize battery performance. The method includes providing signal injections for charging and discharging of a battery. The signal injections include various charging and discharging profiles, rates, and endpoints. Response signals corresponding with the signal injections are received, and a utility of those signals is measured. Based upon the utility of the response signals, data relating to charging and discharging of the battery is modified to optimize battery performance and to determine when to discharge the battery into a power grid in order to return power to the grid in exchange for an economic benefit such as a payment or rebate from a utility company.

Abstract: Wall anchors and assemblies of the present disclosure include a plate, one more prongs, and a load bearing structure. The prongs are typically integral with a side edge of the plate and are typically curved in an upward towards the top edge of the plate.

Abstract: Described herein are fluoropolymer compositions comprising a bis phthalonitrile-containing compound. In one embodiment, the bis phthalonitrile-containing compound is used to crosslink a dehydrohalogenated polymer, and optionally with a polyhydroxy curative. In another embodiment, the bis phthalonitrile-containing compound is added to a composition comprising (i) a fluorinated elastomeric gum, wherein the fluorinated elastomeric gum comprises a fluoropolymer having a cure-site and (ii) a peroxide curing system.

Abstract: An electric vehicle battery cold plate assembly comprising a top plate having a lower major surface with at least one patterned open-faced cooling channel formed therein and intermediate land area, a bottom plate or battery tray, and one or a combination of (a) a continuous or mostly continuous layer or sheet of organic bonding agent/adhesive disposed so as to cover and bond together at least most or all of an upper major surface of the bottom plate and at least most or all of the intermediate land area of the top plate, (b) strips or a pattern of organic bonding agent/adhesive disposed so as to cover and bond together at least most or all of the intermediate land area of the top plate and corresponding area on an upper major surface of the bottom plate, and (c) strips or a pattern of organic bonding agent/adhesive disposed so as to cover and bond together at least most or all of the intermediate land area of the top plate and corresponding area on the upper major surface of the battery tray.

Abstract: Polarizer stacks are described. More particularly, polarizer stacks that include an absorbing polarizer and multiple reflective polarizers, including at least one collimating reflective polarizer are described. Such polarizer stacks are capable of emitted light that is both collimated and color neutral. Backlights incorporating such polarizer stacks are also described.

Abstract: A method of controlling a blower system of a powered air purifying respirator to deliver a substantially uniform volumetric airflow to a user, the system including a fan powered by a variable speed electric motor, the motor controlled by an electronic control unit for delivering a forced flow of air through at least one filter to a user. There is also provided an air purifying respirator blower system using such a method.

Abstract: A rotary acoustic horn. The rotary acoustic horn includes a shaft having an axial input end and an axial output end; and at least one welding portion; wherein the welding portion comprises an outer weld face that expands and contracts with the application of acoustic energy; wherein the welding portion comprises a first opposing end portion and a second opposing end portion; wherein the welding portion comprises through holes extending substantially along an axial direction of the welding portion from the first opposing end portion to the second opposing end portion; and wherein the through holes are located between the weld face and the shaft.