Abstract: An optical splitter, having a stem and multiple branches integrally connected to the stem, has a junction between the stem and the multiple branches which is flexible. By controlling the angle between the stem and the multiple branches while maintaining a fixed angle between the multiple branches, i.e., by flexing the junction, the flux emitted from each of the multiple branches is adjustable based on the angle each branch makes with respect to the stem.

Abstract: A heat exchanger utilizing active fluid transport of a heat transfer fluid is manufactured with multiple discrete flow passages provided by a simple but versatile construction. The microstructured channels are replicated onto a film layer which is utilized in the fluid transfer heat exchanger. The surface structure defines the flow channels which are generally uninterrupted and highly ordered. These flow channels can take the form of linear, branching or dendritic type structures. A cover layer having favorably thermal conductive properties is provided on the structured bearing film surface. Such structured bearing film surfaces and the cover layer are thus used to define microstructure flow passages. The use of a film layer having a microstructured surface facilitates the ability to highly distribute a potential across the assembly of passages to promote active transport of a heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods for producing bulk, particulate material that includes solid, generally ellipsoidal particles. Irregularly shaped feed particles with average particle sizes of up to 25 microns on a volume basis are dispersed in at least a portion of a combustible gas mixture by application of force and/or fluidizing agents. The combustible mixture with particles in suspension is then delivered, while controlling agglomeration or re-agglomeration of the particles, to at least one flame front. There, the mixture and suspended particles are uniformly distributed across the surface(s) of and passed through the flame front(s) with a high concentration of particles in the mixture. This flame front and the resultant flame(s) with suspended particles are located in at least one “wall free” zone. In such zone(s) the flame(s) may expand while the particles are maintained in dispersion and heated, with controlled and highly efficient application of heating energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying pressure sensitive adhesive to a substrate, in which the adhesive is deposited on a transfer surface, such as a circulating transfer belt, dried, and subsequently transferred to a plurality of overlapping sheets. The sheets are preferably coated with a primer or a low adhesion backsize, or both, prior to application of the adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the formation of an organic coating on a substrate. The method includes: providing a substrate in a vacuum; providing at least one vaporized organic material comprising at least one component from at least one source, wherein the vaporized organic material is capable of condensing in a vacuum of less than about 130 Pa; providing a plasma from at least one source other than the source of the vaporized organic material; directing the vaporized organic material and the plasma toward the substrate; and causing the vaporized organic material to condense and polymerize on the substrate in the presence of the plasma to form an organic coating.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a cathode material provided on a surface of a continuous thin-film substrate and a treated thin-film cathode having increased smoothness are disclosed. A web of untreated cathode material is moved between a feed mechanism and a take-up mechanism, and passed through a treatment station. The web of cathode material typically includes areas having surface defects, such as prominences extending from the surface of the cathode material. The surface of the cathode material is treated with an abrasive material to reduce the height of the prominences so as to increase an 85 degree gloss value of the cathode material surface by at least approximately 10. The web of cathode material may be subjected to a subsequent abrasive treatment at the same or other treatment station. Burnishing or lapping film is employed at a treatment station to process the cathode material. An abrasive roller may alternatively be used to process the web of cathode material.

Abstract: A composite filter media (100) includes a meltblown/spunbond composite fiber material and a mixed fiber triboelectric material are preferably attached to each other by needling the mixed fiber material with the meltblown/spunbond composite fiber material. A netting (104) is then attached by preferably needling the mixed fiber triboelectric material and meltblown through the netting (104).

Abstract: A respirator selection program contains a database and a non-standards based engine. The database includes at least a chemicals database, a health effects database, a standards database, and a respirator database. The chemicals database contains data on chemicals which may require the use of respirators. The chemicals database also contains pointers to the health effects database. The health effects database contains health effects resulting from exposure to the chemicals in the chemical database. The non-standards based engine, when executed, performs the steps of (a) accepting first and second chemicals which are entered by a user, (b) accepting corresponding first and second exposure amounts which are entered by the user, and (c) selecting a respirator based upon the chemicals database, the health effects database, the standards database, the respirator database, the first and second chemicals which are entered by the user, and the first and second exposure amounts which are entered by the user.

Abstract: A composite article including a particle-loaded fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene web with a reinforcing screen or scrim partially embedded therein.

Abstract: Method for making alpha alumina-based abrasive grain, wherein during an impregnation step of the method, alpha alumina-based ceramic precursor particles conchoidally fracture. The abrasive grain can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, and non-woven abrasives.

Abstract: Normally liquid, omega-hydrofluoroalkyl ether compounds (and selected mixtures thereof) have a saturated perfluoroaliphatic chain of carbon atoms interrupted by one or more ether oxygen atoms. The compounds can be prepared, e.g., by decarboxylation of the corresponding fluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids and are useful, e.g., in cleaning and drying applications.

Abstract: A photographic assemblage comprising a silver halide photographic light-sensitive element comprising at least one sulfur and gold sensitized silver halide emulsion layer, said element comprising chlorinated s-triazine hardeners and photographically useful chemical compounds containing cyano groups, and a closed vessel in which the element is closed and stored at a constant relative humidity, is protected against HCN gas, which may evolve from photographic addenda included in the light-sensitive element to cause fog in the silver halide emulsion layers, by the addition of a palladium compound, in a silver halide emulsion layer and/or an adjacent layer thereto, as scavenger for HCN gas released from the element.

Abstract: This invention discloses novel surface release layers on temporary image receptors particularly suited to the requirements of liquid electrographic (both electrophotographic and electrostatic) printing on a variety of receptors. The inventive temporary image receptors are comprised of a surface release layer on a photoreceptive or dielectric substrate. The release layers are silicone copolymers which are chemically modified to improve imaging, drying or transfer performance when used in the simplified color electrophotography (SCE) or electrostatic printing processes.

Abstract: Water coatable and water developable negative-acting color proofing single sheet and overlay systems are described. The water-soluble photosensitive color layer employed in each type of proofing construction includes a photopolymerizable polymer having a weight-average molecular weight between 5,000 and 100,000; an alkaline soluble resin having a weight-average molecular weight between 1,000 and 200,000 and an acid number between 50 and 300; and a water-soluble photoinitiator.

Abstract: A method for producing a lithiated vanadium oxide-coated substrate that includes: (a) preparing a solution that includes (i) a solvent, (ii) a soluble lithium source, and (iii) a soluble vanadium source; (b) applying the solution to a substrate to form a coated substrate; and (c) heating the coated substrate to form an optical quality coating that includes lithiated vanadium oxide.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process useful for increasing the accuracy of the shape of a laser ablated feature formed on a substrate, especially where the substrate is a polymeric article. The process includes irradiating the polymeric article with laser light that has passed through a retardation plate selected from stationary adjustable plates, rotating plates or spinning plates, preferable in multiples of quarter-waves or half-waves. This invention also concerns a laser apparatus useful for making ablated features in a substrate having a radiation source; a mask positioned between the radiation source and a substrate to be irradiated, and a retardation plate which is stationary and adjustable, rotating or spinning plates.

Abstract: A medical perfusion system for use in connection with the medical treatment of a patient is provided with a first type of perfusion device in the form of a blood pump adapted to pump blood through a fluid conduit connected to the patient and a second type of perfusion device in the form of a sensing device adapted to sense a condition and generate a sensing signal relating to the condition. The perfusion system also includes an electrical power network having an electrical power line, means for selectively connecting the perfusion devices to the electrical power network, and a controller with an input device for accepting control commands from an operator. The perfusion system could also include a control device, such as a pump, a plurality of sensing devices, and means for specifying the sensing device that the control device should be accept feedback from.

Abstract: Combinations of medical adhesive composites, e.g., dressings, and a package in which the medical adhesive composites are attached to a release surface on the bottom sheet of the package are disclosed. The dressings may include a flexible backing and carrier. Methods of manufacturing and using the combination are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector having strain relief insert means to engage the buffered coating of the optical fiber cable upon the crimping of a crimp ring to cause the insert to flow in a direction toward the connector and the fiber to move toward the connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using certain hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) as low temperature heat transfer media in secondary loop refrigeration systems. These materials exhibit a low, somewhat linear Temperature Difference Factor over the temperature range of −15° C. to −65° C., making them ideal for use as low temperature heat transfer media. The HFEs of the present invention are nonflammable, nontoxic, environmentally benign, and have a high heat transfer capacity and low viscosity over the required operating temperatures. Furthermore, since these materials have high boiling points and low freezing points, they are not prone to phase changes over the required operating temperatures, and do not require pressurized systems.