Abstract: In general the invention is directed to computer implemented systems and methods for assessing the size of a dental restoration blank. In one embodiment, the invention provides a computer-readable medium comprising dental CAD application code which implements the following procedures: generating in a computer memory a three dimensional digital rendering of a dental restoration; generating in the computer a digital rendering of a blank volume, the blank volume corresponding in dimensions to the usable volume of a blank that is available for milling, and the blank volume having a boundary corresponding to its edges; calculating areas of the dental restoration which are beyond the boundary; and providing the calculated areas to a calling function, user, user interface, or module.

Abstract: One embodiment of the apparatuses, methods, and systems of the present disclosure is a license plate, sticker, or ALPR system having enhanced or increased accuracy. At least one of the license plate, sticker, or ALPR system includes useful information that is transmitted over a first channel and checking information that is transmitted over a second channel. The second channel is devoted solely to transmitting the checking information (e.g., the second channel does not transmit useful information). In other words, the license plates, stickers, and ALPR systems of the present disclosure include at least one channel that is devoted solely to transmitting checking information.

Abstract: The subject matter discloses a method and system for calibrating an electronic monitoring device having a housing and a strap being connected to a first end and a second end of the housing. The method provides for calibrating a transmission power level for signals transmitted along the strap. Then, the signal is generated and transmitted along the strap from the first end of the housing to the second end of the housing. Calibrating the transmission power level for signals transmitted along the strap provides for minimizing the power level to a lowest transmission power level detectable by a receiver located in the housing or until the signal is lower than a predefined threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical article including a multilayer optical film and a primer layer disposed on the multilayer optical film. The primer layer consists essentially of a sulfopolyester and a crosslinker. The multilayer optical film may be a reflective film, a polarizer film, a reflective polarizer film, a diffuse blend reflective polarizer film, a diffuser film, a brightness enhancing film, a turning film, a mirror film, or a combination thereof. A microstructured or unstructured optical layer may be disposed on the primer layer opposite the multilayer optical film. Also disclosed herein is a method of making the optical article. Also disclosed herein is a display device including the optical article.

Abstract: A double ITO structure, containing sequential layers of indium tin oxide (ITO), silicon dioxide (SiO2) (which may include a dopant material) and ITO, is selectively protected by a patterned photo-resist mask. The sequential layers are etched together in a single etching step using an etchant composition which is an acidic solution containing a transition metal chloride and hydrochloric acid (HCl). Thus, the double ITO structure is etched using a substantially fluoride-free etchant composition.

Abstract: An apparatus and an assembly for processing a sample are provided. The apparatus comprises a plurality of spaced-apart reservoirs, a plurality of channels, and a plurality of outlets, each outlet comprising an effluent discharge opening. The apparatus forms a plurality of flow paths, each flow path comprising a reservoir, a channel, and an outlet. An analyte capture element can be slideably engaged in a channel in a position where it is in fluid communication with the flow path. The apparatus with the analyte capture element disposed in the flow path can be used to process a liquid sample. A method of detecting an analyte in the liquid sample is also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to films capable of use in a flexible photovoltaic solar module, rolls of films capable of use in a flexible photovoltaic solar module, processes of making the films and rolls of films, to flexible photovoltaic solar modules including such films, and to methods of making flexible solar modules. One exemplary process involves providing at least two discrete segments of a multilayer barrier film and placing a segment of protective layer adjacent to two of the adjacent discrete segments of multilayer barrier film such that the first and second terminal edges of the segment of protective layer span the gap between the discrete segments of barrier film to form a continuous film.

Abstract: A solid state area light and spotlight having a solid state light source such as LEDs, tapered light guides, and external thermal guides. The area light includes a flared light guide, and the spotlight includes a light guide with a closed end. The light guides are coupled to the light source for receiving and distributing light from the light source with the distribution being based in part upon the shape and taper of the light guides. The thermal guide provides for thermal conduction from the light source and dissipating heat through convection and radiation for cooling the light.

Abstract: A driver circuit is configured for connection to a power source and includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) having at least one performance characteristic that varies according to different performance categories ranging between higher performance and lower performance. The driver circuit also includes a plurality of LED sections each populated with at least one LED of a different one of the different performance categories. Circuitry is coupled to the LED sections and configured to activate and deactivate the LED sections based on LED performance.

Abstract: Absorbent articles are described comprising an absorbent composite. The absorbent composite comprises a first absorbent layer comprising a polymeric foam having an average cell size of at least 100 microns and discrete pieces of superabsorbent polymer dispersed within the polymeric foam; and a second absorbent layer in fluid communication with the first absorbent layer. Favored articles include disposable diapers, feminine hygiene articles, and adult incontinence articles. Also described is a polyurethane foam is described having an average cell size of at least 100 microns. The polyurethane foam is the reaction product of a polyether polyol having polyethylene oxide units and at least one polymeric polyisocyanate that lacks urethane linkages. The polyureth ane foam comprises at least 5 wt-% of discrete pieces of superabsorbent polymer.

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: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) with an active heating system. The PAPR includes a powered air component designed to be carried by a user of the PAPR, the powered air component including a fan and a filter, wherein the fan draws air from a user's environment through the filter. The PAPR further includes an electronically controlled active heating element and a control system. The control system varies the power provided to the heating element and further disables the heating element when potential overheating of the heating element is detected. The present invention further includes a heating module for use with a PAPR. The heating module includes an electronically controlled active heating element. The heating element is disabled when the fan in the PAPR is not rotating.

Abstract: An optical connector for terminating an optical fiber comprises a housing configured to mate with a receptacle and a collar body disposed in the housing. The collar body includes a ferrule securely disposed in an opening of the collar body, the ferrule including a housing portion to receive a gripping device to grip an optical fiber. A backbone retains the collar body within the housing and includes a fiber jacket clamping portion to clamp a jacket portion of the optical fiber. A boot is attachable to a portion of the backbone, wherein the boot actuates the fiber jacket clamping portion of the backbone upon attachment of the boot to the backbone.

Abstract: An uncolored roofing granule including a low solar absorption base and a low solar absorption and solar opaque coating presented on the base, the coating including a binder, a pigment, wherein the binder includes a curable component and a non-clay, thermally reactive curing agent.

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: A reflective film includes a first optical stack that provides a first reflective characteristic and a second optical stack that provides a second reflective characteristic. The optical stacks also have first and second absorptive characteristics that are suitable to absorptively heat the respective stacks upon exposure to light including a write wavelength while maintaining the structural integrity of the stacks. The absorptive heating can change the first and second reflective characteristics to third and fourth reflective characteristics, respectively. A blocking layer that at least partially blocks light of the write wavelength may also be provided between the optical stacks to permit absorptive heating of any selected one of the optical stacks. The reflective characteristics of the optical stacks can thus be independently modified in any desired patterns by appropriate delivery of light beams that include the write wavelength.

Abstract: Electron beam and gamma radiation crosslinked, silicone gel adhesives are described. Both nonfunctional and functional poly diorganosiloxanes are used. Methods of forming the adhesives, and medical articles incorporating such adhesives are also described.

Abstract: A method of making a coated abrasive article includes the steps of: applying a make coat to a first major surface of a backing; applying shaped abrasive particles to the make coat to form a first abrasive layer consisting essentially of shaped abrasive particles; applying diluent particles to the make coat over the shaped abrasive particles to form a final abrasive layer; applying a size coat over the final abrasive layer; curing the make and size coats; and wherein the shaped abrasive particles comprise a vertex opposite a base and a width of the shaped abrasive particle tapers from the base to the vertex.

Abstract: Polydiorganosiloxane polyamide, block copolymers having organic soft segments and methods of making the copolymers are provided.

Abstract: Articles that contain a solid support with a grafted chain extending from the solid support, methods of making these articles, and various uses of the articles are described. More specifically, the grafted chain has a functional group that can react with or interact with target compound. Alternatively, the functional group on the grafted chain can react with a modifying agent to provide another group that can react with or interact with the target compound. The grafted chains are attached to the solid support through a ring-opened azlactone group. The articles can be used to purify the target compound or to separate the target compound from other molecules in a sample.