Abstract: An assembly that includes a barrier film interposed between a first polymeric film substrate and a first major surface of a pressure sensitive adhesive layer is provided. The first polymeric film substrate has a first coefficient of thermal expansion that is, in some embodiments, up to 50 parts per million per Kelvin. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer has a second major surface opposite the first major surface that is disposed on a second polymeric film substrate. The second polymeric film substrate is typically resistant to degradation by ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, the second polymeric film substrate has a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is at least 40 parts per million per Kelvin higher than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The assembly is transmissive to visible and infrared light.

Abstract: An assembly that includes a barrier film interposed between a first polymeric film substrate and a first major surface of a pressure sensitive adhesive layer is provided. The first polymeric film substrate has a first coefficient of thermal expansion that is, in some embodiments, up to 50 parts per million per Kelvin. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer has a second major surface opposite the first major surface that is disposed on a second polymeric film substrate. The second polymeric film substrate is typically resistant to degradation by ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, the second polymeric film substrate has a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is at least 40 parts per million per Kelvin higher than the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The assembly is transmissive to visible and infrared light.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling curl in multi-layer webs. The method can include providing a coated web, bending the web to induce a strain or pre-curl in the web, and curing the coating to form a multi-layer web. Some coatings at least partially shrink when cured such that curing the coating induces a curl in the multi-layer web. Bending the web occurs prior to curing the coating, and the pre-curl can be configured to at least partially counteract the curl induced by curing to form a multi-layer web having a desired curvature. The system can include a curing section configured to cure a coating, and can further include a web bending section configured to bend the web to induce a strain in the web. The web bending section can be positioned upstream of the curing section such that the web is bent prior to the coating being cured.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling curl in multi-layer webs. The method can include providing a coated web, bending the web to induce a strain or pre-curl in the web, and curing the coating to form a multi-layer web. Some coatings at least partially shrink when cured such that curing the coating induces a curl in the multi-layer web. Bending the web occurs prior to curing the coating, and the pre-curl can be configured to at least partially counteract the curl induced by curing to form a multi-layer web having a desired curvature. The system can include a curing section configured to cure a coating, and can further include a web bending section configured to bend the web to induce a strain in the web. The web bending section can be positioned upstream of the curing section such that the web is bent prior to the coating being cured.

Abstract: Optical display backlight assemblies having a transmissive optical film affixed to a frame which at least partially surrounds a backlight, are disclosed. The transmissive optical film can provide an increased bending resistance to the frame. The increase in bending resistance of the frame also increases the bending resistance of a display which incorporates the backlight assemblies. The optical film can be in tension after being affixed to the frame, and the tension in the film also can result in a flatter film surface with less sag. The film can be placed in tension prior to being affixed to the frame, the frame can be elastically distorted prior to affixing the film to impart tension to the film, or the film can develop tension by shrinkage after being affixed to the frame.

Abstract: A system and a method for providing a film having a matte finish. The system includes means for providing a coated substrate, the coated substrate comprising a first coatable material applied to a substrate, the coatable material forming a first major surface of the coated substrate; means for changing the viscosity of the first coatable material from a first viscosity to a second viscosity; a face-side roller having an outer surface positioned to contact the first major surface of the coated substrate to impart a matte finish thereon; and optionally, means for hardening the first coatable material.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided having a plurality of fuel cells, each including a membrane electrode assembly interposed between anode and cathode flow field plates that form anode and cathode channels, respectively. An accumulating device is positioned downstream of the fuel cell stack. A purge control device is positioned downstream of the accumulating device operable in a first state to allow fluid communication between the anode and cathode channels, and in a second state to isolate an oxidant outlet from the accumulating device. Some embodiments include a purge control device between the anode channels and the accumulating device. A method of operation of the fuel cell stack includes selectively purging fluids from the fuel cell stack into the accumulating device at a first time and selectively purging fluids from the accumulating device at a second time, subsequent to the first time.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling curl in multi-layer webs. The method can include providing a coated web, bending the web to induce a strain or pre-curl in the web, and curing the coating to form a multi-layer web. Some coatings at least partially shrink when cured such that curing the coating induces a curl in the multi-layer web. Bending the web occurs prior to curing the coating, and the pre-curl can be configured to at least partially counteract the curl induced by curing to form a multi-layer web having a desired curvature. The system can include a curing section configured to cure a coating, and can further include a web bending section configured to bend the web to induce a strain in the web. The web bending section can be positioned upstream of the curing section such that the web is bent prior to the coating being cured.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling curl in multi-layer webs. The method can include providing a coated web, curing the coating to form a multi-layer web, and stretching the web during curing of the coating. Some coatings shrink at least partially when cured such that curing the coating induces a strain in the multi-layer web. Stretching the web occurs during curing to induce an opposing strain that at least partially counteracts the strain induced by curing to form a multi-layer web having a desired curvature. The system can include a curing section configured to cure the coating, and can further include a web stretching section, which can be located proximate the curing section and can be substantially coincident with the curing section, such that the web is stretched while the coating is cured.

Abstract: A fuel cell electric power generation system using air as both a coolant and an oxidant comprises an electric power generation subsystem, an air filter subsystem, a power and control electronics unit (PEU) subsystem comprising a DC/DC converter, and an air fan subsystem. The subsystems are arranged such that air circulation through the system is improved and the risk of moisture damage to sensitive PEU components is reduced. In one embodiment, the air filter subsystem is positioned ahead of the PEU subsystem, which is positioned ahead of the power generation subsystem, which is positioned ahead of the air fan subsystem in the direction of air flow, such that air is drawn by the air fan subsystem through the air filter subsystem, over the PEU subsystem, and through the electric power generation subsystem providing filtered air to cool the PEU prior to entering the fuel cell stack to provide oxygen for the electrochemical reaction.