Abstract: It has now been determined that an internal optical defect can be eliminated by controlling the relative speed mismatch between the resilient roll and the casting roll in a film extrusion coating process. In particular, slowing down the surface speed of the resilient roll relative to the casting roll when coating a biaxially orientated film was found to remove the optical defect. Conversely, speeding up the surface speed of the resilient roll relative to the casting roll when coating a uniaxially orientated film was found to remove the optical defect.

Abstract: Patient support systems and methods for transferring patients and controlling patient temperature. The system can include a non-inflatable and self-supporting platform that can include a first surface and a second surface separated by a distance, a plurality of supporting structures that extends at least partially across the distance between the first surface and the second surface, a plenum, and a plurality of apertures formed through at least one of the first surface and the second surface and in fluid communication with the plenum. The system can further include a fluid source configured to move fluid into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures. A method of transferring a patient can include moving fluid into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures to form a fluid pallet. A method of controlling patient temperature can include moving a temperature-controlled fluid into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures.

Abstract: Described herein are microperforated polymeric films comprising: opposed first and second surfaces separated by a first certain distance (40a); and a plurality of channels perpendicular to the first and second surfaces, wherein a first opening (20a-c) of a channel intersects the first surface and a second opening (22a-c) of the channel intersects the second surface; wherein the diameter of the first opening is larger than the diameter of the second opening and the second openings on the second surface are spaced apart by a second certain distance (50a); wherein the ratio of the first certain distance to the second certain distance is at least 0.25; and further wherein the second surface has an open area of at least 10%. Also described are methods of making and using such microperforated polymeric films.

Abstract: A method for forming a structured polymeric film having a plurality of longitudinally spaced structured on both sides of the structured polymeric film is described. The method includes: providing a rotatable tool having an outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface including a plurality of tool projections; providing a nip roll having a smooth conformable outer circumferential surface opposed to the outer circumferential surface of the tool; introducing a polymer layer into a nip between the tool and the nip roll; pressing the polymer layer between the tool and the nip roll to form web recesses into a first side of the polymer layer and web projections extending away from an opposing second side of the polymer layer, with the tool projections on the circumferential surface of the tool and form a structured web; and removing the structured web from the tool. Sample processing articles are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a segmented multicomponent polymeric film. The method includes providing at least two separated melt streams, including at least two different polymeric compositions, that are separated in a first separation dimension; dividing in a second separation dimension substantially orthogonal to the first separation dimension at least some of the separated melt streams into at least two segmented flow streams; redirecting at least some of the segmented flow streams, with at least some of the segmented flow streams being sequentially redirected in both separation dimensions; and converging the segmented flow streams into a segmented multicomponent polymeric film. A segmented multicomponent polymeric film having projections is also presented, the film having a top surface and a bottom surface, each surface having a different arrangement of polymeric segments that at least partially alternate along the film's cross direction and extend continuously in the film's length direction.

Abstract: A method for forming a structured polymeric film having a plurality of longitudinally spaced structured on both sides of the structured polymeric film is described. The method includes: providing a rotatable tool having an outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface including a plurality of tool projections; providing a nip roll having a smooth conformable outer circumferential surface opposed to the outer circumferential surface of the tool; introducing a polymer layer into a nip between the tool and the nip roll; pressing the polymer layer between the tool and the nip roll to form web recesses into a first side of the polymer layer and web projections extending away from an opposing second side of the polymer layer, with the tool projections on the circumferential surface of the tool and form a structured web; and removing the structured web from the tool. Sample processing articles are also described.

Abstract: A method for forming a structured polymeric film having a plurality of longitudinally spaced structured on both sides of the structured polymeric film is described. The method includes: providing a rotatable tool having an outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface including a plurality of tool projections; providing a nip roll having a smooth conformable outer circumferential surface opposed to the outer circumferential surface of the tool; introducing a polymer layer into a nip between the tool and the nip roll; pressing the polymer layer between the tool and the nip roll to form web recesses into a first side of the polymer layer and web projections extending away from an opposing second side of the polymer layer, with the tool projections on the circumferential surface of the tool and form a structured web; and removing the structured web from the tool. Sample processing articles are also described.

Abstract: Sample processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers to reduce or eliminate cross-talk between process chambers in the processing device are disclosed. The transmissive layers may transmit significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light while the control layers block significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light. Methods of manufacturing processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers are also disclosed. The methods may involve continuous forming processes including co-extrusion of materials to form the transmissive layer and control layer in a processing device, followed by formation of the process chambers in the control layer. Alternatively, the methods may involve extrusion of materials for the control layer, followed by formation of process chambers in the control layer.

Abstract: Sample processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers to reduce or eliminate cross-talk between process chambers in the processing device are disclosed. The transmissive layers may transmit significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light while the control layers block significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light. Methods of manufacturing processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers are also disclosed. The methods may involve continuous forming processes including co-extrusion of materials to form the transmissive layer and control layer in a processing device, followed by formation of the process chambers in the control layer. Alternatively, the methods may involve extrusion of materials for the control layer, followed by formation of process chambers in the control layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a structured polymeric film having a plurality of longitudinally spaced structured on both sides of the structured polymeric film is described. The method includes: providing a rotatable tool having an outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface including a plurality of tool projections; providing a nip roll having a smooth conformable outer circumferential surface opposed to the outer circumferential surface of the tool; introducing a polymer layer into a nip between the tool and the nip roll; pressing the polymer layer between the tool and the nip roll to form web recesses into a first side of the polymer layer and web projections extending away from an opposing second side of the polymer layer, with the tool projections on the circumferential surface of the tool and form a structured web; and removing the structured web from the tool. Sample processing articles are also described.

Abstract: Structured films having acoustical absorbance properties are disclosed. Methods of making and using the structured films are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to privacy film that can be used with documents. The privacy film has a light transmissive, polymeric base sheet that has opposing first and second surfaces. A plurality of light directing elements protrudes from the first surface of the base sheet. The base sheet can be constructed of a first polymeric material. The light directing elements can be constructed of a second polymeric material. The first and second polymeric material may be the same material. The light directing elements are substantially constant in its cross-section dimension and disposed substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: The invention is a display article having a flexible substrate which includes a writing surface capable of being used as a dry erase surface. A peripheral edge extends around the writing surface. A flexible framing strip is affixed to the writing surface at a position proximate to the peripheral edge. One embodiment of the display article can be made by forming a substrate having a writing surface. The substrate defines a periphery edge, a back surface, and a plurality of mushroom shaped hooks extending from the back surface substantially over the entire back surface. The writing surface is capable of being used as a dry erase surface. At least a portion of the periphery of the writing substrate is folded over to form a framing strip having a plurality of exposed mushroom shaped hooks. The framing strip is secured to the writing surface.