Abstract: A system is described for detecting the presence of non-uniformity patterns and providing output indicative of a severity of each type of non-uniformity pattern. The system includes a computerized rating tool that assists a user in efficiently and consistently assigning expert ratings (i.e., labels) to a large collection of training images representing samples of a given product. In addition, the rating software develops a model that allows a computerized inspection system to detect the presence of non-uniformity patterns in a manufactured web material in real time and provide output indicative of a severity level of each pattern on a continuous scale. The system also includes algorithmic and hardware approaches to significantly that increase the throughput of the inspection system.

Abstract: A computerized rating tool is described that assists a user in efficiently and consistently assigning expert ratings (i.e., labels) to a large collection of training images representing samples of a given product. The rating tool provides mechanisms for visualizing the training images in an intuitive and configurable fashion, including clustering and ordering the training images. In some embodiments, the rating tool provides an easy-to-use interface for exploring multiple types of defects represented in the data and efficiently assigning expert ratings. In other embodiments, the computer automatically assigns ratings (i.e., labels) to the individual clusters containing the large collection of digital images representing the samples.

Abstract: A system is described for detecting the presence of non-uniformity patterns and providing output indicative of a severity of each type of non-uniformity pattern. The system includes a computerized rating tool that assists a user in efficiently and consistently assigning expert ratings (i.e., labels) to a large collection of training images representing samples of a given product. In addition, the rating software develops a model that allows a computerized inspection system to detect the presence of non-uniformity patterns in a manufactured web material in real time and provide output indicative of a severity level of each pattern on a continuous scale. The system also includes algorithmic and hardware approaches to significantly that increase the throughput of the inspection system.

Abstract: A computerized rating tool is described that assists a user in efficiently and consistently assigning expert ratings (i.e., labels) to a large collection of training images representing samples of a given product. The rating tool provides mechanisms for visualizing the training images in an intuitive and configurable fashion, including clustering and ordering the training images. In some embodiments, the rating tool provides an easy-to-use interface for exploring multiple types of defects represented in the data and efficiently assigning expert ratings. In other embodiments, the computer automatically assigns ratings (i.e., labels) to the individual clusters containing the large collection of digital images representing the samples.

Abstract: An apparatus that can measure both haze and clarity on a web moving at conventional manufacturing speeds. The apparatus uses an integrating sphere and a novel mirror arrangement. With this arrangement, the invention can utilize a calibration curve created using known samples over the range of measurement desired to convert in real time, and the response of two photo detectors that measure the wide and low angle scattering signals, to deduce the desired optical property values. This approach significantly increases the speed and response of sensor and enables either on-line single point or full web scanning for uniformity measurement and control.

Abstract: An apparatus that can measure both haze and clarity on a web moving at conventional manufacturing speeds. The apparatus uses an integrating sphere and a novel mirror arrangement. With this arrangement, the invention can utilize a calibration curve created using known samples over the range of measurement desired to convert in real time, and the response of two photo detectors that measure the wide and low angle scattering signals, to deduce the desired optical property values. This approach significantly increases the speed and response of sensor and enables either on-line single point or full web scanning for uniformity measurement and control.

Abstract: Adhesive tapes (e.g., duct tapes) having a backing comprising a compatibilized release composition are reported. The compatibilized release composition comprises a thermoplastic olefin-based polymer comprising an acid or a base functionality and a polymeric release material comprising an acid or a base functionality. The functionality of the thermoplastic olefin-based polymer and the functionality of the polymeric release material provide an acid-base interaction that compatibilizes the release composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to compatibilized release compositions useful in release layers of release articles (e.g., release liners) and adhesive articles (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive tapes). The compatibilized release compositions comprise a mixture of a thermoplastic olefin-based polymer comprising an acid or a base functionality and a polymeric release material comprising an acid or a base functionality. The functionality of the thermoplastic olefin-based polymer and the functionality of the polymeric release material are selected to provide an acid-base interaction.

Abstract: Adhesive tapes (e.g., duct tapes) having a backing comprising a compatibilized release composition are reported. The compatibilized release composition comprises a thermoplastic olefin-based polymer comprising an acid or a base functionality and a polymeric release material comprising an acid or a base functionality. The functionality of the thermoplastic olefin-based polymer and the functionality of the polymeric release material provide an acid-base interaction that compatibilizes the release composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to compatibilized release compositions useful in release layers of release articles (e.g., release liners) and adhesive articles (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive tapes). The compatibilized release compositions comprise a mixture of a thermoplastic olefin-based polymer comprising an acid or a base functionality and a polymeric release material comprising an acid or a base functionality. The functionality of the thermoplastic olefin-based polymer and the functionality of the polymeric release material are selected to provide an acid-base interaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the thickness of a coating on a coated surface. The method uses a solid state array of light-sensitive elements to measure light emitted from a fluorescing coating composition. The intensity of the emitted light corresponds to the thickness of the coating composition, and provides a fast and accurate measure of coating thickness.