Abstract: The present invention concerns a packaging material having a coating made of a biopolymer composition. In addition, the invention concerns a method for providing barrier properties for a packaging material by using the above mention composition. In particular, the present invention concerns coating of a porous material with a composition comprising a biopolymer formed by the reaction product of biodegradable polyester and siloxane precursor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for covering a substrate, and includes the following operations: (a) admixing at least four different silane monomers and at least one bi-silane to a first solvent(s) to form a mixture, with the proviso that at least one of the silane monomers or the bi-silane comprises an active group capable of achieving cross-linking to adjacent siloxane polymer chains of the siloxane polymer composition; (b) subjecting the mixture to an acid treatment so that the silane monomers are at least partially hydrolysed, and the hydrolysed silane monomers, the silane monomers and the bi-silane are at least partially polymerized and cross-linked; (c) optionally changing the first solvent to a second solvent; and (d) subjecting the mixture to further cross-linking of the siloxane polymer to achieve a predetermined degree of cross-linking, depositing the siloxane polymer composition on the substrate, and optionally curing the deposited siloxane polymer composition.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for forming a biodegradable and recyclable hybrid material composition. In addition, the invention concerns a biodegradable hybrid material composition obtained by such method and use of such composition. The invention also relates to a coating composed of the composition according to the invention and use thereof. In particular, the present invention concerns a method comprising providing a polymetaloxane-biopolymer composition in liquid state and subjecting such composition to a curing step to form the hybrid material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for covering a substrate, and includes the following operations: (a) admixing at least four different silane monomers and at least one bi-silane to a first solvent(s) to form a mixture, with the proviso that at least one of the silane monomers or the bi-silane comprises an active group capable of achieving cross-linking to adjacent siloxane polymer chains of the siloxane polymer composition; (b) subjecting the mixture to an acid treatment so that the silane monomers are at least partially hydrolysed, and the hydrolysed silane monomers, the silane monomers and the bi-silane are at least partially polymerized and cross-linked; (c) optionally changing the first solvent to a second solvent; and (d) subjecting the mixture to further cross-linking of the siloxane polymer to achieve a predetermined degree of cross-linking, depositing the siloxane polymer composition on the substrate, and optionally curing the deposited siloxane polymer composition.

Abstract: A method of producing a photovoltaic cell having a cover, comprising the steps of: providing a photovoltaic cell which comprises a crystalline silicon substrate; providing a transparent substrate; forming an antireflective coating on said transparent substrate to provide a coated transparent substrate; and covering the photovoltaic cell with said coated transparent substrate. The antireflective coating is a hybrid organic-inorganic material having an inorganic portion comprising silicon, oxygen and carbon, and further comprising an organic portion with organic groups connected to the inorganic portion. Methods of producing solar panels, coated glass substrates as well as antireflection coatings are disclosed as well as novel compositions of hybrid organic-inorganic materials.

Abstract: A layered structure comprising a substrate layer; and a layer of a siloxane polymer on the substrate layer, the layered structure being capable of being bent about a mandrel having a radius of curvature without breaking. The layer of the siloxane polymer has a thickness of 1 to 50 ?m, in particular about 5 to 20 ?m, and it is obtained by depositing on the substrate a composition comprising at least three different silane monomers, including at least one bi-silane; at least one of the silane monomers having an active group capable of achieving cross-linking to adjacent siloxane polymer; at least partially hydrolyzing the silane monomers to form siloxane polymer chains; and cross-linking the siloxane polymer chains so as to achieve a cross-linked siloxane polymer layer on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a thin film on a substrate comprising the steps of preparing two precursor compositions comprising metalloid compounds and combining them thereafter whereby one precursor composition is hydrolyzed prior to combination. The present invention is further related to a multilayer structure and an article comprising the thin film obtainable by the process, a composition comprising the precursor compositions, a kit-of-parts comprising the precursor compositions obtainable by the use of the composition and the kit-of-parts for preparing a thin film on a substrate.

Abstract: A computer or personal communication device or a similar device, comprising a CPU; and a display; wherein the display comprises; an array of optical elements; a touch sensor; and a glass cover having a coating that is oleophobic. The coating of the glass is a polymer having silicon, oxygen and carbon in the backbone. Optionally it may comprise fluorine. The coating has a water contact angle of 65 or more, an oil contact angle of 20 degrees or more, and a pencil hardness of 7H or more. Thus, the coating combines properties of hydro-and oleophobicity and hardness.

Abstract: A method of passivating a silicon substrate for use in a photovoltaic device, comprising providing a silicon substrate having a bulk and exhibiting a front surface and a rear surface, and forming by liquid phase application a dielectric layer on at least said rear surface. The dielectric layer formed at the rear surface is capable of acting as a reflector to enhance reflection of light into the bulk of the silicon substrate, and the dielectric layer is capable of releasing hydrogen into the bulk as well as onto a surface of the silicon substrate in order to provide hydrogenation and passivation. The present invention provides an inexpensive, low cost method of improving the electrical and/or optical performance of photovoltaic devices through the application of coating chemicals onto the backside of the silicon substrate.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a device comprises a surgical drape having a fenestration formed therein and a nerve stimulator attached to an outward side of the surgical drape. One or more electrical conductors may also be attached to the drape and to the nerve stimulator. An electroconductive material may be arranged on a patient-facing side of the surgical drape. A connector may be attached to the surgical drape, which connector terminates an electrical conductor and is configured to permit attachment of an external nerve block needle. The attached nerve stimulator may be configured to provide a time-out indication. In another embodiment, the device comprises a surgical drape having at least one electrical conductor attached to the drape. At least one second connector may be attached to the surgical drape and configured to be in electrical communication with, and terminate, a second end of one or more electrical conductors.

Abstract: A method of producing a photovoltaic cell having a cover, comprising the steps of: providing a photovoltaic cell which comprises a crystalline silicon substrate; providing a transparent substrate; forming an antireflective coating on said transparent substrate to provide a coated transparent substrate; and covering the photovoltaic cell with said coated transparent substrate. The antireflective coating is a hybrid organic-inorganic material having an inorganic portion comprising silicon, oxygen and carbon, and further comprising an organic portion with organic groups connected to the inorganic portion. Methods of producing solar panels, coated glass substrates as well as antireflection coatings are disclosed as well as novel compositions of hybrid organic-inorganic materials.

Abstract: A computer or personal communication device or a similar device, comprising a CPU; and a display;wherein the display comprises;an array of optical elements;a touch sensor; and a glass cover having a coating that is oleophobic. The coating of the glass is a polymer having silicon, oxygen and carbon in the backbone. Optionally it may comprise fluorine. The coating has a water contact angle of 65 or more, an oil contact angle of 20 degrees or more, and a pencil hardness of 7H or more. Thus, the coating combines properties of hydro-and oleophobicity and hardness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to siloxane polymer compositions. In particular, the invention relates to siloxane polymer compositions which have suitable properties for use in a lithographic fabrication processes. The invention also relates to synthesis, polymerization and cross-linking of such compositions.

Abstract: A control circuit that operably couples to a display and to a nerve block injection pressure sensor provides a display of both a current nerve block injection pressure value and a current nerve block injection pressure categorical range. That categorical range can comprise, for example, one of a plurality of available categorical ranges which may be visually differentiated from one another by color. The control circuit can also detect (and display) a maximum nerve block injection pressure value (and/or calculate a mean nerve block injection pressure value) as corresponds to a given monitored nerve block injection procedure. The control circuit can also detect negative nerve block injection pressure events and identify those events as aspiration events to facilitate keeping a count of aspiration events during the course of a given nerve block injection procedure. The control circuit can also help ensure observe of the proper patient laterality if desired.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe cover for use with an ultrasound probe comprises a sheath of material configured to substantially envelop the ultrasound probe and to transmit ultrasonic waves emitted by an insonating surface of the ultrasound probe. An insonating surface contacting region of the sheath comprises a contacting region inner surface and a contacting region outer surface. At least one barrier is removably attached to the contacting region inner surface, the contacting region outer surface, or both. Further, the at least one barrier comprises an indicia of a verification procedure to be performed prior to removal of the at least one barrier. A conducting medium may be disposed on the contacting region inner surface and/or the contacting region outer surface and covered by respective inner and/or outer barriers also disposed on the inner and/or outer surfaces.

Abstract: A siloxane composition and a method of producing the same. The composition comprises a siloxane prepolymer with a backbone exhibiting a group which is capable of being deprotonated in an aqueous base solution. Further, there are reactive functional groups, which are capable of reacting during thermal or radiation initiated curing. The siloxane is cross-linked during condensation polymerisation to increase molecular weight thereof. The composition can be used in high-resolution negative tone lithographic fabrication processes where a water based developer system is applied in the development step of the lithography process.

Abstract: A siloxane composition and a method of producing the same. The composition comprises a siloxane prepolymer with a backbone exhibiting a group which is capable of being deprotonated in an aqueous base solution. Further, there are reactive functional groups, which are capable of reacting during thermal or radiation initiated curing. The siloxane is cross-linked during condensation polymerization to increase molecular weight thereof. The composition can be used in high-resolution negative tone lithographic fabrication processes where a water based developer system is applied in the development step of the lithography process.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a device comprises a surgical drape having a fenestration formed therein and a nerve stimulator attached to an outward side of the surgical drape. One or more electrical conductors may also be attached to the drape and to the never stimulator. An electroconductive material may be arranged on a patient-facing side of the surgical drape. A connector may be attached to the surgical drape, which connector terminates an electrical conductor and is configured to permit attachment of an external nerve block needle. The attached nerve stimulator may be configured to provide a time-out indication. In another embodiment, the device comprises a surgical drape having at least one electrical conductor attached to the drape. At least one second connector may be attached to the surgical drape and configured to be in electrical communication with, and terminate, a second end of one or more electrical conductors.

Abstract: A method of producing a photovoltaic device which comprises a solar cell substrate forming the bulk of the device with at least one layer deposited thereon defining a surface of the device, said method comprising the step of introducing a functional layer on the substrate, said layer being capable of releasing hydrogen, and activating said layer to achieve hydrogenation of the photovoltaic device. The method makes it possible, in the case of thick film solar cell production, to have the whole manufacturing sequence performed using chemicals applied under atmospheric conditions.

Abstract: A method of passivating a silicon substrate for use in a photovoltaic device, comprising providing a silicon substrate having a bulk and exhibiting a front surface and a rear surface, and forming by liquid phase application a dielectric layer on at least said rear surface. The dielectric layer formed at the rear surface is capable of acting as a reflector to enhance reflection of light into the bulk of the silicon substrate, and the dielectric layer is capable of releasing hydrogen into the bulk as well as onto a surface of the silicon substrate in order to provide hydrogenation and passivation. The present invention provides an inexpensive, low cost method of improving the electrical and/or optical performance of photovoltaic devices through the application of coating chemicals onto the backside of the silicon substrate.