Abstract: Multilayer reflecting polarizing films are disclosed having increased in-plane refractive index differences between adjacent microlayers along both the pass and block axis, and having negative refractive index differences between adjacent microlayers along the thickness or z-axis. Major front and back surfaces of the film exposed to air provide a Fresnel reflectivity component to the pass axis reflectivity, and the microlayers provide a microlayer component to the pass axis reflectivity, such microlayer component preferably having a reflectivity of p-polarized light that increases with incidence angle faster than the Fresnel reflectivity component decreases so as to substantially avoid off-axis gain peaks for p-polarized light. The films preferably utilize a relatively small total number of microlayers, arranged in a single coherent stack with monotonic optical repeat unit thickness profile, and at least some microlayers preferably include polyethylene naphthalate or a copolymer thereof.

Abstract: A multilayer optical film body includes a first and second packet of microlayers. Each packet partially transmits and partially reflects light over an extended wavelength range, such as the visible region, for normally incident light polarized along a first principal axis of the film body. In combination, the first and second packets have an intermediate reflection and transmission (e.g. 5-95% internal transmission, on average) for the normally incident light, and similar intermediate reflection/transmission (e.g. 10-90% internal transmission, on average) for oblique light. The packets are laminated or otherwise connected so that light can pass through the packets sequentially. In at least a first test area of the film body, a high frequency spectral variability of the combination of packets is less than a high frequency spectral variability of the first packet by itself, and may also be less than a high frequency spectral variability of the second packet by itself.

Abstract: Hybrid polarizers are described. More particularly, hybrid polarizers including reflective polarizer portions and hybrid polarizing portions, including embedded absorbing polarizing elements are described. The hybrid polarizers may be used in backlights or display devices.

Abstract: A multilayer optical film body includes a first and second packet of microlayers. Each packet partially transmits and partially reflects light over an extended wavelength range, such as the visible region, for normally incident light polarized along a first principal axis of the film body. In combination, the first and second packets have an intermediate reflection and transmission (e.g. 5-95% internal transmission, on average) for the normally incident light, and similar intermediate reflection/transmission (e.g. 10-90% internal transmission, on average) for oblique light. The packets are laminated or otherwise connected so that light can pass through the packets sequentially. In at least a first test area of the film body, a high frequency spectral variability of the combination of packets is less than a high frequency spectral variability of the first packet by itself, and may also be less than a high frequency spectral variability of the second packet by itself.

Abstract: Polarizer stacks are described. More particularly, polarizer stacks that include an absorbing polarizer and multiple reflective polarizers, including at least one collimating reflective polarizer are described. Such polarizer stacks are capable of emitted light that is both collimated and color neutral. Backlights incorporating such polarizer stacks are also described.

Abstract: A multilayer optical film body includes a first and second packet of microlayers. Each packet partially transmits and partially reflects light over an extended wavelength range, such as the visible region, for normally incident light polarized along a first principal axis of the film body. In combination, the first and second packets have an intermediate reflection and transmission (e.g. 5-95% internal transmission, on average) for the normally incident light, and similar intermediate reflection/transmission (e.g. 10-90% internal transmission, on average) for oblique light. The packets are laminated or otherwise connected so that light can pass through the packets sequentially. In at least a first test area of the film body, a high frequency spectral variability of the combination of packets is less than a high frequency spectral variability of the first packet by itself, and may also be less than a high frequency spectral variability of the second packet by itself.

Abstract: Multilayer reflecting polarizing films are disclosed having increased in-plane refractive index differences between adjacent microlayers along both the pass and block axis, and having negative refractive index differences between adjacent microlayers along the thickness or z-axis. Major front and back surfaces of the film exposed to air provide a Fresnel reflectivity component to the pass axis reflectivity, and the microlayers provide a microlayer component to the pass axis reflectivity, such microlayer component preferably having a reflectivity of p-polarized light that increases with incidence angle faster than the Fresnel reflectivity component decreases so as to substantially avoid off-axis gain peaks for p-polarized light. The films preferably utilize a relatively small total number of microlayers, arranged in a single coherent stack with monotonic optical repeat unit thickness profile, and at least some microlayers preferably include polyethylene naphthalate or a copolymer thereof.

Abstract: Multilayer reflecting polarizing films are disclosed having increased in-plane refractive index differences between adjacent microlayers along both the pass and block axis, and having negative refractive index differences between adjacent microlayers along the thickness or z-axis. Major front and back surfaces of the film exposed to air provide a Fresnel reflectivity component to the pass axis reflectivity, and the microlayers provide a microlayer component to the pass axis reflectivity, such microlayer component preferably having a reflectivity of p-polarized light that increases with incidence angle faster than the Fresnel reflectivity component decreases so as to substantially avoid off-axis gain peaks for p-polarized light. The films preferably utilize a relatively small total number of microlayers, arranged in a single coherent stack with monotonic optical repeat unit thickness profile, and at least some microlayers preferably include polyethylene naphthalate or a copolymer thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing, transporting and distributing kegs. The apparatus comprising a keg shelving assembly with two or more stacked shelves. The shelves containing individual keg slots formed by two or more horizontally disposed rails. Stored kegs within the keg slots are accessed by a vertical sliding frame within a fixed frame vertical guidance assembly. A hinged platform is fixed to the vertical sliding frame having an open, horizontal position and a close vertical position relative to the vertical sliding frame. The apparatus further comprises a braking assembly that utilizes the downward force created by a load on the platform, to create a braking action opposing the downward force. This action allows a user to easily and efficiently lower a keg from one of the stacked shelves.

Abstract: Optical bodies are disclosed that include an optical film and at least one rough strippable skin layer. The at least one rough strippable skin layer can include a continuous phase and a disperse phase. In some embodiments, the at least one rough strippable skin layer can include a first polymer, a second polymer different from the first polymer and an additional material that is substantially immiscible in at least one of the first and second polymers. In some exemplary embodiments, a surface of the at least one rough strippable skin layer adjacent to the optical film comprises a plurality of protrusions and the adjacent surface of the optical film comprises a plurality of asymmetric depressions substantially corresponding to said plurality of protrusions. Methods of making such exemplary optical bodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: Optical bodies are disclosed that include an optical film and at least one rough strippable skin layer. The at least one rough strippable skin layer can include a continuous phase and a disperse phase. In some embodiments, the at least one rough strippable skin layer can include a first polymer, a second polymer different from the first polymer and an additional material that is substantially immiscible in at least one of the first and second polymers. In some exemplary embodiments, a surface of the at least one rough strippable skin layer adjacent to the optical film comprises a plurality of protrusions and the adjacent surface of the optical film comprises a plurality of asymmetric depressions substantially corresponding to said plurality of protrusions. Methods of making such exemplary optical bodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multilayer optical film body includes a first and second packet of microlayers. Each packet partially transmits and partially reflects light over an extended wavelength range, such as the visible region, for normally incident light polarized along a first principal axis of the film body. In combination, the first and second packets have an intermediate reflection and transmission (e.g. 5-95% internal transmission, on average) for the normally incident light, and similar intermediate reflection/transmission (e.g. 10-90% internal transmission, on average) for oblique light. The packets are laminated or otherwise connected so that light can pass through the packets sequentially. In at least a first test area of the film body, a high frequency spectral variability of the combination of packets is less than a high frequency spectral variability of the first packet by itself, and may also be less than a high frequency spectral variability of the second packet by itself.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments describe pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating ineffective esophageal motility in which bethanechol and pharmaceutically acceptable absorption enhancers including bile acids and mixtures thereof are topically introduced to the esophagus. Therapeutically effective amounts of bethanechol are delivered while reducing or eliminating parasympathetic nervous system side effects normally associated with systemic bethanechol delivery.

Abstract: A multilayered polymer film includes a first set of optical layers and a second set of optical layers. The first set of optical layers is made from a polyester which is often birefringent. The polyesters of the first set of optical layers typically have a composition in which 70-100 mol % of the carboxylate subunits are first carboxylate subunits and 0-30 mol % are comonomer carboxylate subunits and 70 to 100 mol % of the glycol subunits are first glycol subunits and 0 to 30 mol % of the glycol subunits are comonomer glycol subunits, where at least 0.5 mol % of the combined carboxylate and glycol subunits are comonomer carboxylate or comonomer glycol subunits. The multilayered polymer film may be used to form, for example, a reflective polarizer or a mirror.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating ineffective esophageal motility in which bethanechol and pharmaceutically acceptable absorption enhancers comprising bile acids and mixtures thereof are topically introduced to the esophagus. Therapeutically effective amounts of bethanechol are delivered while reducing or eliminating parasympathetic nervous system side effects normally associated with systemic bethanechol delivery.

Abstract: A direct-lit backlight includes a diffuse reflector disposed in front of a light source. The diffuse reflector has a continuous phase material and a disperse phase material, at least one of which is birefringent, and the disperse phase material is formed into particles having a transverse dimension less than 1 micrometer for efficient visible light scattering. The continuous and disperse phases have refractive indices tailored so the diffuse reflector transmits light from the light source substantially more strongly for obliquely incident light than for normally incident light to provide bulb-hiding characteristics.

Abstract: Multilayer reflecting polarizing films are disclosed having increased in-plane refractive index differences between adjacent microlayers along both the pass and block axis, and having negative refractive index differences between adjacent microlayers along the thickness or z-axis. Major front and back surfaces of the film exposed to air provide a Fresnel reflectivity component to the pass axis reflectivity, and the microlayers provide a microlayer component to the pass axis reflectivity, such microlayer component preferably having a reflectivity of p-polarized light that increases with incidence angle faster than the Fresnel reflectivity component decreases so as to substantially avoid off-axis gain peaks for p-polarized light. The films preferably utilize a relatively small total number of microlayers, arranged in a single coherent stack with monotonic optical repeat unit thickness profile, and at least some microlayers preferably include polyethylene naphthalate or a copolymer thereof.

Abstract: A display includes a liquid crystal display panel, an optical cavity producing substantially collimated light and a birefringent reflective polarizer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for the manufacture of coextruded polymeric multilayer optical films. The multilayer optical films have an ordered arrangement of layers of two or more materials having particular layer thicknesses and a prescribed layer thickness gradient throughout the multilayer optical stack. The methods and apparatuses described allow improved control over individual layer thicknesses, layer thickness gradients, indices of refraction, interlayer adhesion, and surface characteristics of the optical films. The methods and apparatuses described are useful for making interference polarizers, mirrors, and colored films that are optically effective over diverse portions of the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectra.

Abstract: A multilayered polymer film includes a first set of optical layers and a second set of optical layers. The first set of optical layers is made from a polyester which is often birefringent. The polyesters of the first set of optical layers typically have a composition in which 70-100 mol % of the carboxylate subunits are first carboxylate subunits and 0-30 mol % are comonomer carboxylate subunits and 70 to 100 mol % of the glycol subunits are first glycol subunits and 0 to 30 mol % of the glycol subunits are comonomer glycol subunits, where at least 0.5 mol % of the combined carboxylate and glycol subunits are comonomer carboxylate or comonomer glycol subunits. The multilayered polymer film may be used to form, for example, a reflective polarizer or a mirror.