Abstract: Provided are nozzle assemblies for a spraying apparatus having an outer wall (146) having opposed inner and outer surfaces, a central aperture (136) extending through the outer wall, and a pair of auxiliary apertures (158) disposed on the outer wall (146). Each auxiliary aperture is aligned along a respective auxiliary axis (162) and areas of the inner surface (164) of the outer wall (146) adjacent to the auxiliary apertures (158) are countersunk to define ledges (166) that are axially symmetric about the auxiliary axes (162). These assemblies obviate problems associated with rotatable molding pins and also provide the unexpected advantage of providing axial alignment of the air flow profile as air is emitted from the auxiliary apertures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid delivery assembly (1) for a spray gun, the assembly comprising a container (20) for holding paint. The container is self-supporting and configured to collapse as fluid is dispensed via the spray gun, wherein the container comprises at least one vent (26). The invention further relates to a spray gun including such fluid delivery assembly, a method of forming the container and a thermo/vacuum forming tool to be used in such method.

Abstract: Presently describes are articles, such as liquid reservoirs, comprising a liquid repellent surface. The liquid repellent surface comprises a surface layer comprising a silane or siloxane material, wherein the liquid repellent surface is not a lubricant impregnated surface. In one embodiment, the liquid repellent surface (e.g. layer) comprise a silicone melt additive and a thermoplastic polymeric material component. In some embodiments, the article (e.g. liquid reservoir) comprise a thermoplastic polymeric material.

Abstract: Presently described are components of a spray application system. At least one component comprises a liquid repellent surface layer. The liquid repellent surface (e.g. layer) comprises a siloxane material. The component is typically a liquid reservoir, a liquid reservoir liner, a lid for a liquid reservoir or liner, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the component comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material. In some favored embodiments, the component is a removable liquid reservoir or liner. In some favored embodiments, the component is a collapsible liquid reservoir or liner. The spray application system typically further comprises a gravity-fed spray gun. Also described are spray application systems, methods of using a spray application system, as well as methods of making a component of a spray application system wherein the component has a liquid repellent surface.

Abstract: Presently describes are articles, such as liquid reservoirs, comprising a liquid repellent surface. The liquid repellent surface comprises a surface layer comprising a silane or siloxane material, wherein the liquid repellent surface is not a lubricant impregnated surface. In one embodiment, the liquid repellent surface (e.g. layer) comprise a silicone melt additive and a thermoplastic polymeric material component. In some embodiments, the article (e.g. liquid reservoir) comprise a thermoplastic polymeric material.

Abstract: Provided are nozzle assemblies for a spraying apparatus having an outer wall (146) having opposed inner and outer surfaces, a central aperture (136) extending through the outer wall, and a pair of auxiliary apertures (158) disposed on the outer wall (146). Each auxiliary aperture is aligned along a respective auxiliary axis (162) and areas of the inner surface (164) of the outer wall (146) adjacent to the auxiliary apertures (158) are countersunk to define ledges (166) that are axially symmetric about the auxiliary axes (162). These assemblies obviate problems associated with rotatable molding pins and also provide the unexpected advantage of providing axial alignment of the air flow profile as air is emitted from the auxiliary apertures.

Abstract: Presently described are components of a spray application system, a method of making thereof, wherein at least one component comprises a liquid repellent surface layer such that the receding contact angle with water ranged from 90 degrees to 135 degrees. The liquid repellent surface (e.g. layer) may comprise a porous layer and a lubricant impregnated into pores of the porous layer; a fluoropolymer; a fluorochemical material and an organic polymeric binder; or a fluorochemical material melt additive or silicone/silane/siloxane material melt additive and a thermoplastic polymeric material component. The component is typically a liquid reservoir, a liquid reservoir liner, a lid for a liquid reservoir or liner, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the component comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material. In some favored embodiments, the component is a removable liquid reservoir or liner. In some favored embodiments, the component is a collapsible liquid reservoir or liner.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assessing topography of a reflective surface are provided. The methods comprise directing an arrayed light source onto the reflective surface to produce a reflected light pattern; and observing the reflected light pattern without the use of a computer to detect the presence of one or more topographical features of the reflective surface. The devices comprise an arrayed light source and a portable support operatively connected to the arrayed light source by an adjusting element. The presence of one or more topographical features of the reflective surface to are noted by an observer without the use of a computer. Defects may be discerned by the presence of a swirl in a reflected light pattern.

Abstract: A coating composition is provided comprising a) an aqueous dispersion, having a pH of less than 7.5, of silica nanoparticles having average particle diameters of 40 nanometers or less, b) an alkoxysilane oligomer; c) a silane coupling agent, and d) optionally a metal ?-diketone complexing agent. The compositions may be used to prepare coated articles wherein the coating is substantially uniform in thickness, durably adheres to the substrate, and provides hydrophilic and/or antireflection surface properties to the substrate.

Abstract: Compositions include an aqueous continuous liquid phase and core-shell particles dispersed in the aqueous continuous liquid phase. Each core-shell particle includes a polymer core surrounded by a shell consisting essentially of nonporous spherical silica particles disposed on the polymer core, wherein the nonporous spherical silica particles have a volume average particle diameter of 60 nanometers or less. Methods of making and using the compositions to coat a substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions include an aqueous continuous liquid phase and core-shell particles dispersed in the aqueous continuous liquid phase. Each core-shell particle includes a polymer core surrounded by a shell consisting essentially of nonporous spherical silica particles disposed on the polymer core, wherein the nonporous spherical silica particles have a volume average particle diameter of 60 nanometers or less. Methods of making and using the compositions to coat a substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A coating composition is provided comprising a) an aqueous dispersion, having a pH of less than 7.5, of silica nanoparticles having average particle diameters of 40 nanometers or less, b) an alkoxysilane oligomer; c) a silane coupling agent, and d) optionally a metal ?-diketone complexing agent. The compositions may be used to prepare coated articles wherein the coating is substantially uniform in thickness, durably adheres to the substrate, and provides hydrophilic and/or antireflection surface properties to the substrate.

Abstract: A filter, system and method is provided for filtering nanoparticles in a hot gas, namely particles <about 1 micron in a gas >about 200° C. and further particularly >about 450° C. including diesel exhaust. The filter includes filter media material composed of fibrous filter media having a plurality of fibers and granular filter media having a plurality of granules extending from the surfaces of the fibers. The filter is characterized by a permeability >about 3×10?12 m2 and an inertial resistance coefficient <about 1×106 m?1. The filter captures particles in the Most Penetrating Region (MPR). A filter system includes a nanoparticle filter in series with a diesel exhaust treatment element.

Abstract: A filter, system and method is provided for filtering nanoparticles in a hot gas, namely particles <about 1 micron in a gas >about 200° C. and further particularly >about 450° C. including diesel exhaust. The filter includes filter media material composed of fibrous filter media having a plurality of fibers and granular filter media having a plurality of granules extending from the surfaces of the fibers. The filter is characterized by a permeability >about 3×10?12 m2 and an inertial resistance coefficient <about 1×106 m?1. The filter captures particles in the Most Penetrating Region (MPR). A filter system includes a nanoparticle filter in series with a diesel exhaust treatment element.

Abstract: A method of measuring inductance or inductive reactance of a sample is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an instrument for measuring the inductance or the inductive reactance of the sample; (b) subjecting a portion of the instrument to different temperatures and recording data corresponding to the performance of the instrument portion at each temperature; (c) measuring the inductance or the inductive reactance of the sample using the instrument; and (d) correcting the measurement of inductance or inductive reactance for temperature based on the performance data.

Abstract: A method for rigidifying a fiber-based paper substrate for use in the exhaust system of a combustion device. In the method, a green ceramic fiber-based paper substrate is impregnated with an impregnating material. The impregnated substrate is fired to form a rigidified substrate that is suitable for use in the exhaust system of a combustion device. This rigidification process is performed at least once and, preferably, two or more times.

Abstract: A method for measuring the level of stress in a polymeric or pre-polymeric composition within a given volume that includes combining the polymeric or pre-polymeric composition with a plurality of microparticles having a non-ferromagnetic or non-ferrimagnetic core provided with a coating that is ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic to form an admixture in which the microparticles are substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the composition. The microparticles have a detectable magnetic characteristic which correlates with level of stress in the composition within a given volume. The change in the magnetic characteristic of the microparticles is then measured to determine the level of stress in the composition within a given volume.

Abstract: A method for measuring the quantity of a polymeric or pre-polymeric composition within a given volume that includes combining the polymeric or pre-polymeric composition with a plurality of microparticles having a non-ferromagnetic or non-ferrimagnetic core provided with a coating that is ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or conductive, to form an admixture in which the microparticles are substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the composition. The microparticles have a detectable electromagnetic characteristic which correlates with the amount of the composition within a given volume. The electromagnetic characteristic of the microparticles is then measured to determine the quantity of the composition within a given volume.

Abstract: A method for measuring the level of stress in a polymeric or pre-polymeric composition within a given volume that includes combining the polymeric or pre-polymeric composition with a plurality of microparticles having a non-ferromagnetic or non-ferrimagnetic core provided with a coating that is ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic to form an admixture in which the microparticles are substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the composition. The microparticles have a detectable magnetic characteristic which correlates with level of stress in the composition within a given volume. The change in the magnetic characteristic of the microparticles is then measured to determine the level of stress in the composition within a given volume.

Abstract: An article capable of repeatedly releasing ice from its surface is provided. Also provided is a composition capable of providing such release. The article and composition employ a polysiloxane having terminal ethylenic unsaturation, a polyhydrosiloxane, a platinum- or other metal-containing hydrosilation catalyst, and optionally, a non-functional polysiloxane free from ethylenic unsaturation. When applied to a surface and crosslinked, the article has a coating having a coating weight of at least 3 g/m.sup.2.