Abstract: A hermetic hard disk drive of the invention comprises: a housing comprising a base and a cover, wherein at least one of the base and the cover comprises a moldable material; at least one disk for storage of data within the housing; an actuator for reading and recording of the data on the at least one disk; and a filter comprising an integrally molded filter frame within the moldable material of the housing of the hard disk drive. Methods of forming such hard disk drives are also disclosed.

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: Wound compression dressings of the invention comprise: an elastic layer comprising an extensible material having recovery of greater than 90% when tested according to ASTM D412 at elongations up to about 150%; an adhesive layer on at least a portion of a first side of the elastic layer; and a release layer on at least a portion of a second side of the elastic layer opposite from the first side thereof. According to a method of providing direct compression to a wound, a wound compression dressing of the invention is provided, and the wound compression dressing is wrapped around the wound to provide the direct compression to the wound.

Abstract: Antimicrobial laminates of the invention comprise at least one adhesive layer; a backing outwardly exposed on a first side of the adhesive layer; and, optionally, a release liner outwardly exposed on a second side of the adhesive layer opposite from the first side of the adhesive layer. At least one of the at least one adhesive layer and the backing comprises an antimicrobially effective amount of substantially pure chlorhexidine.

Abstract: A method for formation of a polymer film in-situ according to the invention comprises steps of: providing a polymerizable composition in one or multiple parts; prior to completion of polymerization of the polymerizable composition, forming a film therefrom; and initiating polymerization of the polymerizable composition using a radiation source to form the polymer film.

Abstract: A method for formation of a polymer film in-situ according to the invention comprises steps of: providing a polymerizable composition in one or multiple parts; initiating polymerization of the polymerizable composition to form a polymerizing composition; prior to completion of polymerization of the polymerizable composition, forming a film therefrom; and fully polymerizing the polymerizing composition to form the polymer film.

Abstract: A reinforced object of the invention comprises: at least one structural layer; and at least one reinforcing rod positioned on or within the at least one structural layer, wherein the object is an elongated object, with the at least one reinforcing rod longitudinally positioned essentially parallel to a central axis thereof. A method of manufacturing the reinforced object comprises steps of: providing a mold; and positioning the at least one reinforcing rod such that it is positioned on or within the at least one structural layer in the reinforced object formed in the mold.

Abstract: A multi-layered structure in the form of a disposable patch is described for supporting a light source and useful in conjunction with procedures for the non-invasive visualization of veins, arteries or other subcutaneous structures of the body or for facilitating intravenous insertion or extraction of fluids, medication or the like, which in a representative embodiment includes a coupling layer for interfacing and optically coupling with the body surface and conforming to the surface topography of the body portion of interest, a ring for supporting a light source, and a reflective layer between the source and coupling layer for redirecting light reflected from the body surface back through the coupling layer.

Abstract: A subcutaneous access device of the invention comprises: a multi-layered structure capable of use in a medical imaging procedure; a light source for transillumination of a body portion of interest of a patient's body; and an attachment portion for attaching the device to the patient's body in a manner such that the body portion of interest is outwardly exposed on a side of the patient's body opposite the light source. The device facilitates hands-free transillumination of the body portion of interest. Kits for subcutaneous access comprise the subcutaneous access device and a light detector for detecting light emitted from the subcutaneous access device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for continuous production of a partially polymerized composition according to the invention comprise those that facilitate continuously providing polymerizable composition comprising one or more monomers to an angled plane at an elevated position thereon; irradiating the polymerizable composition to form the partially polymerized composition; and continuously removing the partially polymerized composition from the angled plane at a lower position thereon, wherein the angle of the angled plane facilitates free flow of polymerizing composition from the elevated position to the lower position.

Abstract: A method of preparing a (meth)acrylate syrup comprises: providing one or more precursors for formation of (meth)acrylate monomer; continuously forming the (meth)acrylate monomer from the one or more precursors thereof; and continuously polymerizing at least the (meth)acrylate monomer to form the (meth)acrylate syrup. The (meth)acrylate syrup is useful in, for example, preparation of adhesives.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for continuous production of a partially polymerized composition comprises: a reactor for formation of monomer to be partially polymerized; and a polymerization reactor for continuously receiving the monomer to be partially polymerized from the reactor in which it is formed and partially polymerizing the monomer. In another embodiment, an apparatus for continuous production of a partially polymerized composition comprises: a polymerization reactor for continuously receiving monomer to be partially polymerized and for partially polymerizing the monomer therein, wherein the polymerization reactor comprises an essentially straight tube for a heating portion and wherein the heating portion is essentially free of internal mixing apparatus.

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: 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 high 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 high surface energy materials; and at least one graphics layer substantially protected from exterior exposure by the polymer layer.

Abstract: Linerless prepreg, composite articles therefrom, and related methods are disclosed. In linerless prepreg according to the invention, matrix material is impregnated into a reinforcement material without the need for any release liners during manufacture or storage thereof. Beneficially, prepreg of the invention is capable of being easily wound into a roll or stacked for storage, without sticking to itself when it is later used in the manufacture of composite articles.

Abstract: Multi-layer protective sheets of the invention are extensible. They are useful in a range of indoor and outdoor applications in, for example, the transportation, architectural and sporting goods industries. The protective sheets can advantageously be applied to at least a portion of a surface of any article where protection is desired. Methods of the invention include those for forming protective sheets of the invention and applying them to articles.

Abstract: Resin compositions of the invention are capable of effectively impregnating conventional braid forms and comprise at least one relatively low viscosity resin and at least one viscosity modifier. Hot-melt processing of such resin compositions and others imparts additional advantages and processing efficiencies when preparing braid-reinforced composites.

Abstract: An adhesive-backed flexible seal, label, damping treatment, protective film or gasket, which is suited for use on a metal housing of an electronic component, is carried, prior to application to the housing, on a liner. The liner includes a sheet of flexible liner material. Cleanliness of the release liner is imperative in hard disk drive and semiconductor applications. The present invention includes a purified liner for such use and a method of making the purified liner.

Abstract: An adhesive system comprises two layers of adhesive, one layer being relatively thin and the other being optionally thicker, being separated by a permeable web. The relatively thin layer of the adhesive system provides a relatively weak initial bond between a substrate and an object to be adhered to a substrate, so that the object can be repositioned on the substrate if desired. Pressure is then applied to make the two layers of adhesive come into contact with one another through the permeable web, such that the layers function as an integral layer to provide a strong bond. The permeable web also provides tensile strength and structural support for brittle or extensible articles.