Abstract: Presently described are hardcoat compositions comprising at least one first (meth)acrylate monomer comprising at least three (meth)acrylate groups and C2-C4 alkoxy repeat units wherein the monomer has a molecular weight per (meth)acrylate group ranging from about 220 to 375 g/mole and at least one second (meth)acrylate monomer comprising at least three (meth)acrylate groups. In one embodiment, the hardcoat composition further comprises and at least 30 wt-% solids of silica nanoparticles having an average particle size ranging from 50 to 150 nm. In another embodiment, the hardcoat composition further comprises and at least 30 wt-% solids of inorganic oxide nanoparticles having an average particle size ranging from 50 to 150 nm. Also described are articles, such as protective films, displays, and touch screens comprising such cured hardcoat compositions.

Abstract: Variable index light extraction layers (100) that contain a plurality of microreplicated posts (120) are described. The variable index light extraction layers contain a plurality of microreplicated posts (120), a first region including a first lower-index substance (130) and a second region including a second higher-index substance (140). Optical films can use the variable index light extraction layers (100) in front lit or back lit display devices.

Abstract: Illumination devices whose function are to inject light into backlights, particularly into backlights that incorporate a recycling cavity formed by a front (50) and back (52) reflector, are described. In some embodiments, the device includes a light source (59) disposed proximate the back reflector, and first (42) and second (44) reflecting structures. The first reflecting structure includes an inner reflective surface (41b) at least a portion of which is inclined to form a wedge with the back reflector. The wedge partially collimates and directs light from the light source generally away from the recycling cavity. The second reflecting structure receives light exiting the wedge and redirects such light into an injection beam directed into the recycling cavity.

Abstract: A computerized inspection system is described for detecting the presence of non-uniformity defects and providing output indicative of a severity of each type of non-uniformity defect. Techniques are described that increase the throughput of the inspection system. Algorithmic and hardware approaches are described to significantly decrease the average amount of time required to inspect a given quantity of material that is expected to be mostly uniform. The techniques described herein involve dynamic selection of which image features to compute by starting with a base feature set and only triggering additional feature computations as needed until the features are sufficient to compute a severity for each type of non-uniformity defect. The number of features extracted and the order in which the features are extracted is dynamically determined in real-time to reduce a cost associated with the feature extraction.

Abstract: A filtering face mask 10 that has a harness 14 and a mask body 12. The mask body 12 includes a filtering structure 18 and a cup-shaped shaping layer 20 where the latter comprises a closed cell foam layer that has a plurality of fluid permeable openings 22 located in it. The openings 22 are surrounded by recessed regions 31. The filtering structure 18 does not make substantial contact with the shaping layer 20 at the recessed regions. The shaping layer 20 makes contact with the wearer's face at the mask body perimeter 19 when the respirator is being worn. The use of a foam shaping layer that has openings surrounded by recessed regions provides sufficient structural integrity or stiffness to prevent mask body collapse during respirator use while also exhibiting a low pressure drop and rapid fluid distribution of air within the mask to allow for low breathing resistance and extended wearer comfort.

Abstract: Phosphor assemblies include a phosphor layer and a broadband reflector attached to the phosphor layer. The phosphor assembly can be combined with a short wavelength (e.g. blue) emitting LED and other optional components to provide a remote phosphor lighting system. At least some LED light passes through the phosphor layer before reaching the broadband reflector. The broadband reflector provides high reflectivity for both the LED light and the longer wavelength phosphor light. The degree of transparency or of transmission of the phosphor layer to LED light can be tailored to increase the broadband light output of the lighting system. Such increase can actually be achieved by decreasing the amount of phosphor used in the phosphor layer. The single pass transmission T of the phosphor layer to the LED light may be from 30 to 65%, and the reflectivity of the broadband reflector may be at least 90, 94, or 98%.

Abstract: An ink solution comprises (a) a solvent having (i) a boiling point between about 50° C. and about 100° C., (ii) a relative polarity of less than about 0.4, and (iii) a poly(dimethylsiloxane) swelling ratio of less than about 1.25; and (b) one or more dissolved organosulfur compounds, wherein each organosulfur compound has 10 or more carbon atoms. The one or more organosulfur compounds are present in a total concentration of at least about 3 mM, and the ink solution contains essentially no solid particles of the organosulfur compounds or solid particles derived from the organosulfur compounds.

Abstract: A process is provided for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay. The process includes providing an adsorption buffer-modified inorganic concentration agent, providing a sample including at least one microorganism strain, and contacting the adsorption buffer-modified inorganic concentration agent with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the adsorption buffer-modified inorganic concentration agent. The adsorption buffer-modified inorganic concentration agent is prepared by a process including contacting at least one inorganic concentration agent with at least one cation-containing salt solution, so as to wet at least a portion of the inorganic concentration agent, and drying the resulting wet inorganic concentration agent.

Abstract: A composition comprising a first fluoropolymer and a second fluoropolymer. The first and second fluoropolymers are melt-processable, thermoplastic and have a melting point between 100° C. and 320° C. The first fluoropolymer has a relaxation exponent of from 0.93 to 1.0. The second fluoropolymer has a relaxation exponent of from 0.3 to 0.92. A composition comprising a first fluoropolymer having a long chain branching index of from 0 to 0.1 and a second fluoropolymer having a long chain branching index of at least 0.2. A composition comprising a core-shell polymer having a first polymer portion, wherein a polymer having an identical chemical structure as the first polymer portion has a relaxation exponent of from 0.93 to 1.0, and a second fluoropolymer portion, wherein a polymer having an identical chemical structure as the second fluoropolymer portion has a relaxation exponent of from 0.3 to 0.92. Methods for making compositions and methods of making articles from compositions.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions, especially those useful when applied topically, particularly to mucosal tissues (i.e., mucous membranes), including a cationic antiseptic such as biguanides and bisbiguanides such as chlorhexidine and its various salts including but not limited to the digluconate, diacetate, dimethosulfate, and dilactate salts; polymeric quaternary ammonium compounds such as polyhexamethylenebiguanide; silver and various silver complexes; small molecule quaternary ammonium compounds such as benzalkoium chloride and alkyl substituted derivatives; di-long chain alkyl (C8-C18) quaternary ammonium compounds; cetylpyridinium halides and their derivatives; benzethonium chloride and its alkyl substituted derivatives; and octenidine. The compositions can also include an enhancer component, a surfactant, a hydrophobic component, and/or a hydrophilic component.

Abstract: A manually-operated gravity-flow water treatment cartridge for use in a portable water treatment device having a filtered water reservoir includes a housing comprising a framework defining a plurality of compartments that contain solid particulate water treatment media loosely arranged therein.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to durable solar mirror films, methods of making durable solar mirror films, and constructions including durable solar mirror films. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a solar mirror film comprising: a weatherable layer having a first major surface and a second major surface; regions of reflective material adjacent to the first major surface of the weatherable layer; and regions of the first major surface of the weatherable layer substantially lacking reflective material. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a weatherable layer having a first major surface and a second major surface; wherein the first major surface includes a bulk region and an edge region; and a reflective material adjacent to the bulk region of the first major surface of the weatherable layer and substantially absent from the edge region.

Abstract: Hybrid signage capable of self illumination and having an active backlight. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light in order to passively illuminate a printed graphic or shaped sign when the backlight is off. In the shaped sign, the shape provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer instead of a graphic. The signage can be actively illuminated when the backlight is on to supplemental the passive illumination.

Abstract: An optical construction comprises an optically transmissive first layer having a first and second major surfaces, and an optically transmissive second layer adjacent the first major surface and defining an interface. The optically transmissive second layer comprises a binder and optical beads. The binder comprises from 55 to 99.9 percent by weight of polyethylene oxide segments. A weight ratio of the binder to the optical beads is in a range of from 44:56 to 50:50. A light source is disposed in a fixed orientation relative to the optically transmissive second layer. Methods of making optical constructions, and electronic devices containing them, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Chamfer cutting devices are described. The chamfer cutting devices include a mounting bracket, an electromagnet rigidly attached to the mounting bracket, a hold/release arm magnetically coupled to the electromagnet, a chamfer former rigidly attached to the hold/release arm, wherein the chamfer cutter comprises two bending beams, each terminating in a chamfer point, and a blade rigidly connected to the mounting bracket and positioned between the chamfer points. Dispensers incorporating such chamfer cutting devices and methods of chamfer cutting are also described.

Abstract: A method of making a fluoropolyether elastomer containing triazine groups and having a glass transition temperature of less than ?40° C.

Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a first polymer electrolyte and at least one manganese compound; and one or more electrode layers comprising a catalyst and at least one cerium compound. The membrane electrode assembly demonstrates an unexpected combination of durability and performance.