Abstract: A method of applying a paint film to a substrate may include wetting a surface of the substrate or an adhesive layer of a paint film to form a fluid layer thereon. The paint film may further comprise a polymer film layer. The method may further include applying the paint film to the substrate such that the fluid layer is positioned between the adhesive layer and the surface. The applied paint film may be heated with infrared heat to facilitate the removal of the fluid layer and adhere the adhesive layer to the surface. Systems and devices for applying a paint film to a substrate are also disclosed.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer and at least one color layer assembled as a laminate, optionally further comprising at least one topcoat layer on one major surface of the laminate and an adhesive layer on the other major surface of the laminate.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer. The carrier layer is colored and, preferably defect-free.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer and at least one color layer assembled as a laminate, optionally further comprising at least one topcoat layer on one major surface of the laminate and an adhesive layer on the other major surface of the laminate.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer. The carrier layer is colored and, preferably defect-free.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tourniquet are provided. The tourniquet comprises an elastic layer, an adhesive layer on a first side of the elastic layer and a release layer on a second, opposite side of the elastic layer. The tourniquet can have an elongation of over 100% when 10-25 N per inch of width of tension is applied thereto. The tourniquet can be configured to be applied using a typical amount of tension for applying a bandage (e.g., about 10-20 lbs.) and can provide occlusive pressure to a vessel of a limb.

Abstract: Advantageously, para-chloroaniline (PCA) is minimal in antimicrobial articles prepared according to the method of the invention. A method of forming an antimicrobial article according to the invention comprises steps of: providing a polymerizable composition; incorporating an antimicrobially effective amount of at least one chlorhexidine-containing antimicrobial agent into the polymerizable composition; and, polymerizing the polymerizable composition to form chlorhexidine-containing polymer of the antimicrobial article, wherein processing temperature during the method is less than about 80° C.

Abstract: An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

Abstract: An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

Abstract: Paint replacement films of the invention comprise at least one adhesive layer; at least one pigmented layer; and at least one polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials. In addition, paint replacement composite articles and related methods of the invention comprise a paint replacement film and a topcoat on a surface of the paint replacement film opposite the adhesive layer. Paint replacement films and composite articles of the invention are useful when applied to a variety of articles (e.g., a motorized vehicle such as an aircraft).

Abstract: In order to repair any damage to an originally applied paint film, a method of the invention facilitates repair of the paint film by removing essentially only that portion of the paint film that is damaged. After removal of the damaged portion of the paint film, a series of abrading, application, and polishing steps results in a repaired portion of the paint film.

Abstract: Polymeric sheets of the invention comprise sequential layers as follows: a topcoat layer, a polyurethane-based carrier layer, and an adhesive layer. The polyurethane-based carrier layer is formed using essentially no chain extender having a molecular weight of 350 grams/mole or less, resulting in a relatively low storage modulus polymeric sheet. Such polymeric sheets are particularly useful for application to surfaces having a concave topography.

Abstract: Unwind assembly fixtures herein are useful in improved methods for application of polymeric film or laminate to at least a portion of a surface of an article. In an exemplary embodiment, such a method comprises: providing an unwind assembly fixture comprising an anti-static device; securing the roll of multi-layer sheet in the fixture; unwinding the multi-layer sheet from the roll; removing the release liner from the multi-layer sheet after it is unwound from the roll; capturing and re-rolling the removed release liner on another roll positioned in the fixture; and applying the polymeric film laminate to the surface of the article.

Abstract: Advantageously, para-chloroaniline (PCA) is minimal in antimicrobial articles prepared according to the method of the invention. A method of forming an antimicrobial article according to the invention comprises steps of: providing a polymerizable composition; incorporating an antimicrobially effective amount of at least one chlorhexidine-containing antimicrobial agent into the polymerizable composition; and, polymerizing the polymerizable composition to form chlorhexidine-containing polymer of the antimicrobial article, wherein processing temperature during the method is less than about 80° C.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer. The carrier layer is colored and, preferably defect-free.

Abstract: In-situ polymerized polymer film facilitates improved paint film appliques with reduced defects. The paint film appliques comprise the in-situ polymerized polymer film as a carrier layer and at least one color layer assembled as a laminate, optionally further comprising at least one topcoat layer on one major surface of the laminate and an adhesive layer on the other major surface of the laminate.

Abstract: An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

Abstract: An improved protected graphics assembly according to the invention comprises the following sequential layers: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one graphics layer; and at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials and has a gloss value of greater than 90 when tested according to ASTM D2457-03 at a 60-degree angle. The assembly is beneficially applied to a variety of articles and used in a variety of related methods. In an exemplary embodiment, a race car comprises a protected graphics assembly that comprises: optionally, at least one adhesive layer; at least one outwardly exposed polymer layer that is essentially free of low surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

Abstract: A surgical incise drape of the invention comprises: an essentially transparent or translucent extensible film having opposite first and second major surfaces and opposite first and second side edges; a pressure-sensitive adhesive adhered to at least a major portion of the first major surface of the extensible film; an extensible carrier removably adhered to the second major surface of the extensible film and extending past the first and second side edges of the extensible film to provide gripping portions for facilitating wrinkle-free application of the drape to a patient; and, optionally, a release liner adhered to the pressure-sensitive adhesive opposite the extensible film. Methods of applying such surgical incise drapes to a surgical site on a patient's body are also disclosed.

Abstract: Electronic circuitry for mounting on articles, such as vehicles, is concealed by embedding the circuitry using at least an overlying polymeric material within a concealed embedded circuitry structure. The concealed embedded circuitry is capable of ready and effective application to an article and is capable of being retrofitted to articles after their fabrication.