Abstract: A method of making a dental restoration comprises steps of transmitting from a scanning device scan data to a central processing unit and receiving on a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) device machine control data for manufacturing a dental restoration from the central processing unit. The machine control data are associated with the scan data. Further the scanning device and the CNC device are at the same first location, whereas the central processing unit is at a different second location remote from the first. The method further comprises steps of providing a dental blank and shaping the dental blank based on the machine control data to provide the dental restoration. The method and a system for performing the method help maximizing the timely efficiency in a restoration of a tooth and helps maximizing the quality of a chairside manufactured dental restoration.

Abstract: An applicator and method for applying a microneedle device to skin. The applicator can include a microneedle device and a housing configured to house the microneedle device. The housing can have a first surface configured to be positioned toward the skin. The applicator can include (i) an unactuated state in which the microneedle device is located within the housing and does not extend beyond the first surface of the housing, and (ii) an actuated state in which at least a portion of the microneedle device extends beyond the first surface of the housing. The applicator can further include a locking mechanism configured to lock the applicator in the actuated state. The method can include positioning the first surface of the housing of the applicator adjacent the skin; actuating the applicator to cause the applicator to change to the actuated state; and locking the applicator in the actuated state.

Abstract: Compositions are provided comprising: 1) a solid metal oxide support having surface hydroxyl groups; 2) a silyl-containing compound bound to the solid metal oxide support through a silanol bond with the surface hydroxyl groups; and 3) a bis(glyoxime)-transition metal complex bound to the solid metal oxide support. These compositions can be used to make a colorimetric relative humidity-indicating sensor. A method of adjusting the colorimetric response of a moisture-indicating composition and a method of detecting moisture are also provided.

Abstract: Optical diffusing films are made by microreplication from a structured surface tool. The tool is made using a 2-part electroplating process, wherein a first electroplating procedure forms a first metal layer with a first major surface, and a second electroplating procedure forms a second metal layer on the first metal layer, the second metal layer having a second major surface with a smaller average roughness than that of the first major surface. The second major surface can function as the structured surface of the tool. A replica of this surface can then be made in a major surface of an optical film to provide light diffusing properties. The structured surface and/or its constituent structures can be characterized in terms of various parameters such as optical haze, optical clarity, Fourier power spectra of the topography along orthogonal in-plane directions, ridge length per unit area, equivalent circular diameter (ECD), and/or aspect ratio.

Abstract: A multilayer dielectric film including a first dielectric layer made from a material having a first breakdown field strength and a second dielectric layer disposed on the first dielectric layer made from a material having a different breakdown filed strength. A multilayer film including a first electrically conductive layer, the first dielectric layer disposed on the first electrically conductive layer, the second dielectric layer disposed on the first dielectric layer, and a second electrically conductive layer disposed on the second dielectric layer is also disclosed. The first electrically conductive layer can have at least one of an average surface roughness of at least ten nanometers, a thickness of at least ten micrometers, or an average visible light transmission of up to ten percent. The first dielectric layer may be a polymer and typically has a lower dielectric constant than the second dielectric layer, which may be ceramic.

Abstract: A hearing protective device is provided including a first sound attenuating element, a second sound attenuating element, a flexible elongated member connecting the first sound attenuating element and the second sound attenuating element, and a knot formed in the flexible elongated member, the knot is untied by moving the first sound attenuating element in a direction away from second sound attenuating element.

Abstract: A film construction (320) includes a broad band reflective polarizing film (312) that may be immersed in an ultra low refractive index medium (322, 324). The reflecting polarizing film is characterized by a pass axis and a block axis, and its reflectivity for white light of the pass state polarization increases with increasing incidence angle to provide a compressed or narrowed viewing cone in one or two planes.

Abstract: An assembly having a substrate bearing an adhesive layer having an extension in a machine direction and an extension in a cross-direction and a number of discrete portions of a backing, each discrete portion having a first major surface bearing a plurality of male fastening elements and a second major surface opposite to said first major surface. Each discrete portion is attached to the adhesive layer through the second major surface. A sum of a maximum density of the discrete portions of the backing along the extension of the adhesive layer in the cross-direction and a maximum density of the discrete portions of the backing along the extension of the adhesive layer in the machine direction is at least 0.8 cm?1. The assembly can releasably adhere to a fibrous material having a plurality of female fastening elements through a combination of a mechanical and an adhesive bonding mechanism. Methods of making the assembly and disposable absorbent articles containing the assembly are also described.

Abstract: A broadband light source includes a phosphor layer excited by light from multiple LEDs. A dichroic reflector reflects light from the LEDs onto the phosphor layer. First and second LEDs are responsible for first and second broadband portions respectively of a broadband output light of the source, each such broadband portion being broadband and nominally white. The device components are configured and arranged so that the first and second broadband light portions have different CIE color coordinates. These portions combine to yield a resultant color for the overall broadband light output of the source, which resultant color is a function of the relative amounts of the first and second broadband light portions. An open-loop or closed-loop controller can independently drive the LEDs to provide a desired mix of the broadband light portions so that the overall broadband light output has a color in a desired design space.

Abstract: Novel oligomers and polymers derived from the reaction of benzoxazine compounds with a mixture of thiol compounds and amine compounds are disclosed. The compositions are useful in coating, sealants, adhesive and many other applications.

Abstract: Materials are provided that may be useful as ionomers or polymer ionomers, including compounds including bis sulfonyl imide groups which may be highly fluorinated and may be polymers.

Abstract: Provided are curable fluoroelastomers. Further provided are methods of making the curable elastomers, curable fluoroelastomer compositions and methods of making them and shaped articles made from the curable fluoroelastomer compositions.

Abstract: Articles comprising a substrate having a first major surface; an electrical conductor pattern on the first major surface of the substrate, the electrical conductor pattern comprising a plurality of separated pairs of separated first and second electrically conductive metallic traces. Optionally the articles further comprise a first electrically conductive layer. Embodiments of articles described herein are useful in, for example, displays, touch sensors, lighting elements, photovoltaic cells, electrochromic windows and displays, and electroluminescent lamps and displays.

Abstract: A thermoset adhesive for bonding two materials having different linear expansion coefficients with reduced warping and without spaces being formed therebetween. The thermoset adhesive of the present invention comprises an epoxy resin, a core-shell rubber, thermally expansive microparticles, and a curing agent. The thermally expansive microparticles can have at least one or any combination of an average particle size of from 9 to 19 ?m, an expansion initiation temperature of from 70 to 100° C., and a maximum expansion temperature of from 110 to 135° C.

Abstract: Light assembly having reflector (17), a light source (22), an outer light cover (12) having a first color zone (15) and a second, different color or clear zone (16), and an inner lens (19) with a transflective surface. Embodiments of light assemblies described herein are useful, for example, as signs, backlights, displays, task lighting, luminaire, and vehicle (e.g., cars, trucks, airplanes, etc.) components. Vehicle comprising light assemblies include those where the light assembly is a vehicle tail light assembly.

Abstract: A method of forming a fiber optic device includes securing one or more optical fibers to a support. The support is coupled to a base that includes one or more optoelectronic devices. After one or more of the fibers are secured to the support, and the support is secured to the base, one or more of the fibers are cleaved. A portion of the one or more optical fibers that is in contact with the support may be bent. This method, and fiber optic devices made using this method are more easily aligned and may be produced at lower costs than existing manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Systems and methods associated with an intercom system for a drive-through, quick service restaurant facility is disclosed. Generally, a plurality of headsets is configured for communication with a base station. A speaker is associated with the drive-through facility is configured to be located near a menu board, and is configured for communication with the base station. A microphone is also configured to be located near the menu board and configured for communication with the base station. A plurality of parameters control the configuration of the intercom system, and the base station is connectable to a wide area communication network to enable remote adjustment of the plurality of parameters.

Abstract: Polymer foam articles prepared by melt-mixing a polymer composition and a plurality of microspheres, at least one of which is an expandable polymeric microsphere, under process conditions, including temperature and shear rate, selected to form an expandable extrudable composition; and extruding the composition through a die.