Abstract: A process is described of pyrolyzing at least one perfluorinated hydrocarbon, or a material containing at least one perfluorinated hydrocarbon, in the presence of hydrogen, to yield a reaction mixture containing difluorocarbene.

Abstract: A method for making a bonded nonwoven fibrous web comprising 1) providing a nonwoven fibrous web that comprises oriented semicrystalline polymeric fibers, and 2) subjecting the web to a controlled heating and quenching operation that includes a) forcefully passing through the web a fluid heated to at least the onset melting temperature of said polymeric material for a time too short to wholly melt the fibers, and b) immediately quenching the web by forcefully passing through the web a fluid at a temperature at least 50° C. less than the Nominal Melting Point of the material of the fibers. The fibers of the treated web generally have i) an amorphous-characterized phase that exhibits repeatable softening (making the fibers softenable) and ii) a crystallite-characterized phase that reinforces the fiber structure during softening of the amorphous-characterized phase, whereby the fibers may be autogenously bonded while retaining orientation and fiber structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a monitoring device comprising a test composition, a test element comprising a test portion to which the test composition is releasably adhered, a detection reagent, and a container comprising a first end with an opening and a second end opposite the first end. The test composition comprises a predetermined quantity of tracer analyte. The container is configured to receive the test portion and configured to be operationally coupled to an analytical instrument. The tracer analyte and the detection reagent each are capable of participating in one or more chemical reaction that results in the formation of a detectable product. A method of using the monitoring device to assess the efficacy of a washing process is also provided.

Abstract: An applicator (100) for applying a microneedle device to a skin surface. The applicator can include a microneedle device (106), a housing (102), and a connecting member (110). The connecting member can be configured to allow the microneedle device to move between: (i) a first position in which at least a portion of the microneedle device extends beyond the housing; and (ii) a second position in which the microneedle device is recessed within the housing when a threshold application force is applied to the microneedle device in a direction substantially perpendicular with respect to the microneedle device.

Abstract: A curable precursor composition for a fluoroelastomers, methods of making fluoroelastomers, shaped articles and methods of making shaped articles.

Abstract: Stretched articles, such as oriented polymeric films or fibers, having microstructure features on at least one surface thereof, and processes for making such articles, are disclosed. A method of making fibers comprises forming a polymeric film having a body having a first surface and a second surface and having a longitudinal dimension. The film also comprises a plurality of elongate microstructure features disposed on the first surface of the body in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the body, wherein the elongate microstructure features are substantially parallel. The method further comprises stretching the polymeric film in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the body, and fibrillating the stretched polymeric film along the longitudinal dimension of the body to provide one or more fibers, wherein each fiber has at least one microstructure feature thereon.

Abstract: Multilayer construction is disclosed. The multilayer construction includes a II-VI semiconductor layer and a Si3N4 layer disposed directly on the II-VI semiconductor layer.

Abstract: Dispensing assemblies for dental articles such as orthodontic brackets include a supply tube having a generally omega-shaped configuration. The supply tube receives a carrier strip as well as a number of containers that are releasably connected to the carrier strip. A dispenser array includes a plurality of supply tubes that are coupled to a spline by connectors. A dispensing system includes a mechanism for selectively positioning an array of supply tubes in either an upright orientation for storage or alternatively in an inclined orientation for dispensing.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed an apparatus and method for reaction injection molding of polyurethane foam. In the method, a recirculation loop containing polyols along with an effective amount of water, and a recirculation loop containing isocyanates, are each partially evacuated.

Abstract: Provided is an article comprising a flexible tube having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the inner surface at least partially covered with a low friction material. Also provided is an article comprising a cold shrinkable sleeve disposed on a tubular support core in a stretched condition, at least a portion of the cold shrinkable sleeve folded such that at least one portion of the cold shrinkable sleeve overlaps another portion of the cold shrinkable sleeve, wherein a flexible tube having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end and a second end, the inner surface at least partially covered with a low friction material, is positioned between the overlapping portions of the cold shrinkable sleeve.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a dental material includes a cartridge having an outlet nozzle which forms a passageway for the dental material. The dispensing device further includes a closure which is placeable on the outlet nozzle for sealing the cartridge. The closure includes a pin for extending into the passageway, and is further adapted to seal with an outer surface of the outlet nozzle. The dispensing device is further adapted such that the pin is displaceable from the passageway by dental material dispensed from the cartridge, where the displacement causes the closure to release from the outlet nozzle. The invention may provide for relatively easy operation of the dental dispensing device.

Abstract: A process to mark a multilayered article having a release layer and an adhesive layer, using a laser to produce markings within more than one layer of the article. The process includes providing a multilayered article including a laser-markable release liner having a release layer, and a laser-markable adhesive film; and marking the laser-markable release liner and the laser-markable adhesive film by directing laser radiation from at least a first source of laser radiation into the multilayered article through at least the first release layer to induce an interaction between a first light-sensitive pigment and a first organic polymer in the laser-markable release liner, and a second light-sensitive pigment and a second organic polymer in the laser-markable adhesive film, to form at least one visually perceptible marking in each of the laser-markable release liner and the laser-markable adhesive film. The release layer is substantially transparent to the laser radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-component self-adhesive composition for dental use comprising radically polymerizable component(s) with an acidic moiety as component A, radically polymerizable component(s) without an acidic moiety as component (B), an oxidizing agent comprising persulfate(s) as component (C), transition metal component(s) as component (D), photoinitiator system(s) as component (E), optionally non acid-reactive filler(s) as component (F), and optionally additive(s) as component (G).

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to sets of optical waveguides such as optical fiber ribbons and embedded optical waveguides (132a-d), and optical interconnects useful for connecting multiple optical waveguides such as in optical fiber ribbon cables and printed circuit boards having optoelectronic capabilities. In particular, the disclosure provides an efficient, compact, and reliable optical waveguide connector (100) that incorporates microlenses and re-directing elements (136a-d) which combine the features of optical waveguide alignment, along with redirecting and shaping of the optical beam.

Abstract: Synchronizing video content projected onto a transparent display with switching of pixels in the display. The transparent display has pixels capable of switching between a clear state to make portions of the display transparent and a hazy state to display the projected video. A decoder receives and decodes audio content associated with the video content in order to control the switching of the pixels in the display such that the video content is projected onto pixels in the hazy state.

Abstract: Chemical indicators for acidic or basic gases include an inert, porous substrate, an indicator dye or mixture of dyes contained within at least some of the pores of the inert, porous substrate, and an inert adhesive layer attached to the inert, porous substrate. The porous substrate may be a microporous substrate.

Abstract: A radiation curable ink composition includes a first 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl compound. The first 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl compound is present in the radiation curable ink composition at a concentration above 0.5 wt %. A hindered amine group of the first 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidinyl compound is substituted with only carbon or hydrogen and is a solid at 20 degrees centigrade and does not include carbon to carbon double bonds.