Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive tape comprising a plurality of superimposed layers, at least one outer layer being a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, contiguous layers defining an interface therebetween, each of the layers comprising a photopolymerized matrix of polymeric chains; the polymeric chains extending from the matrix of one of the layers through the interface into the matrix of a contiguous layer; the polymeric chains comprising polymerized monomers having migrated from the matrix of each contiguous layer prior to polymerization, whereby the layers cannot be delaminated.

Abstract: By incorporating hydrophobic silica into acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, the shear strength at elevated temperatures is significantly improved, and adhesion and physical properties are maintained or improved. The hydrophobic silica preferably has a surface area from 50 to 400 m.sup.2 /g. A preferred acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprises a copolymer of (a) at least one alkyl acrylate having an average of 4-12 carbon atoms in its alkyl group and (b) from 3 to 20% by weight of copolymerizable monomer having a polar group such as acrylic acid.

Abstract: By incorporating hydrophobic silica into acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, the shear strength at elevated temperatures is significantly improved, and adhesion and physical properties are maintained or improved. The hydrophobic silica preferably has a surface area from 50 to 400 m.sup.2 /g. A preferred acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprises a copolymer of (a) at least one alkyl acrylate having an average of 4-12 carbon atoms in its alkyl group and (b) from 3 to 20% by weight of copolymerizable monomer having a polar group such as acrylic acid.

Abstract: The invention concerns glass microbubbles having an inorganic thin-film coating not exceeding about 10 nm in thickness, especially a coating of a metal, a metalloid, or an alloy thereof. When dispersed throughout a matrix such as a polymer, the coated glass microbubbles can afford surprisingly good hiding power while also imparting esthetically pleasing colors to otherwise transparent articles.

Abstract: The invention primarily concerns a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, the adhesive layer of which is filled with glass microbubbles and has a dark appearance by virtue of the microbubbles having a thin-film coating having an average thickness from 0.05 to 30 nm. A preferred thin-film coating is silver which can be applied by sputtering or by vapor deposition, preferably to an average thickness of between 1 and 10 nm.

Abstract: An optical flex sensor is provided and consists of a flexible tube having two ends, a reflective interior wall within the flexible tube and a light source placed within one end of the flexible tube and a photosensitive detector placed within the other end of the flexible tube to detect a combination of direct light rays and reflected rays when the flexible tube is bent.

Abstract: A device for removing scales from a fish. A drum is mounted to a tubular main body which in turn is mounted to a rotatable drive shaft. A plurality of helical springs are pivotally mounted to the outer cylindrical wall of the drum with the coils of each spring expanding when rotated to engage and remove scales from a fish.

Abstract: An elongated horizontal base member is provided for mounting in transverse position on one end of a towing vehicle. A pair of horizontal support arms have a first pair of corresponding ends thereof mounted on the base member, at points spaced therealong, for shifting along the base member and swinging relative to the base member about upstanding axes shiftable along the base member with the first pair of arm ends between first outwardly convergent positions and second substantially aligned positions generally paralleling the base member with the first pair of arm ends disposed remote from each other and the second other pair of arm ends disposed adjacent each other.

Abstract: An inorganic perchlorate is sensitized by adding about 1-8 percent by wei of copper chromite to said perchlorate. The mixture of inorganic perchlorate-copper chromite can be used as a substitute for RDX.

Abstract: An expandable fish hook. A plurality of fish hooks have top ends fastened together with means slidably mounted to and encircling the shanks of the fish hooks. The fish hooks are biased apart and are movable together when the means is positioned adjacent the barbed ends of the fish hooks. A fishing line attached to the means extends through an eyelet formed at the top ends of the fish hooks with the means being slidably moved by the line toward the eyelet thereby allowing the fish hooks to spread apart.