Abstract: A method for joining a first sheet (10) to a second sheet (11) includes providing a first rigid plate (6); providing a gas absorbing layer on the first rigid plate; positioning the first sheet, the first sheet has at least a first layer (52) and a second layer (54), on the gas absorbing layer (8); positioning the second sheet, wherein the second sheet has at least a first layer and a second layer, on the gas absorbing layer; wherein an edge of the of the first sheet abuts an edge of the second sheet; placing a second rigid plate on top of the first and second sheet; wherein the second rigid plate is transparent; applying pressure to the first sheet edge and second sheet edge; and laser welding the edge of the first sheet to the edge of the second sheet with a first laser through the second rigid plate.

Abstract: A system for joining a first sheet (10) to a second sheet (11), wherein the first and second sheets have a first layer and a second layer, including a first rigid plate (6); a gas absorbing layer on the first rigid plate; positioning the second sheet having a first layer (52) and a second layer (54) on the gas absorbing layer (8); wherein an edge of the of the first sheet abuts an edge of the second sheet; a second rigid plate on top of the first and second sheet; a press for applying pressure to the first sheet edge and second sheet edge; and a laser for welding the edge of the first sheet to the edge of the second sheet through the second rigid plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical compensator for a liquid crystal display having improved optical properties, comprising a transparent polymeric support bearing an orientation layer and a photochemically cured optically anisotropic layer, in that order, wherein a photochemically cured barrier layer is present between the orientation layer and the support, and wherein the barrier layer, as disposed on the support, exhibits an indentation modulus of less than 2 GPa.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical compensator for a liquid crystal display comprising a transparent polymeric support, an orientation layer, and an optically anisotropic layer, in order, and located between the support and the orientation layer, a barrier layer comprising a crosslinked polymer impermeable to the components of the support. Embodiments exhibit improved optical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical compensator for a liquid crystal display comprising a transparent polymeric support, a photochemically cured barrier layer impermeable to the components of the support, an orientation layer, and a photochemically cured optically anisotropic layer, in order, wherein the photochemically cured barrier layer as disposed on the support has an indentation modulus of less than 2 GPa.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical compensator for a liquid crystal display having improved optical properties, comprising a transparent polymeric support bearing an orientation layer and a photochemically cured optically anisotropic layer, in that order, wherein a photochemically cured barrier layer is present between the orientation layer and the support, and wherein the barrier layer, as disposed on the support, exhibits an indentation modulus of less than 2 GPa.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical compensator for a liquid crystal display comprising a transparent polymeric support, an orientation layer, and an optically anisotropic layer, in order, and located between the support and the orientation layer, a barrier layer comprising a crosslinked polymer impermeable to the components of the support. Embodiments exhibit improved optical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical compensator for a liquid crystal display comprising a transparent polymer support, a photo-alignment layer, an anisotropic layer comprising a nematic liquid crystal, and located between the support and the photo-alignment layer, an impermeable barrier layer. The invention also provides a process for making such compensators.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus for removing scratches from a photographic element. The apparatus includes an application device for applying a wax composition to a surface of a moving photographic web; and a buffing device for buffing the surface of the web having the applied wax composition. The present invention is also a method for removing scratches from a photographic element. The method includes the steps of providing a moving photographic web, applying the wax composition to a surface of the photographic web, and rubbing the wax composition with sufficient force thereby removing the residual wax composition to produce a refinished surface substantially free of all defects and scratches.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition for removing scratches from photographic elements. The composition includes a solvent, an abrasive particle, a petroleum distillate, hard wax and water.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for coating magnetic dispersion coatings on a continuously moving web substrate wherein regions of high shear are provided both before and after a magnetic dispersion application region. The coating apparatus comprises a die unit having a magnetic dispersion inlet and outlet, a concave lip extending arcuately from the outlet of the die unit, and a cylindrical backing roller adjacent the die unit, the die unit having an internal region of high shear, the concave lip and the cylindrical backing roller sharing a substantially common axis and forming a region of high shear in the form of a narrow gap. A coat hanger distribution chamber or cavity is also provided within the die unit between the magnetic dispersion inlet and the magnetic dispersion outlet. To even out pressure differences, a healing slot or cavity and/or a rotating bar within a cylindrical distribution chamber may be provided downstream of the coat hanger distribution chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a device which is inserted into a two roll coating apparatus. The device includes two elongated bars with an arcuate surface running the length of the application roller and spaced therefrom. The bars are attached to the cross pieces on each end and fill in the area between the end of the roll and the end of the open hopper. The device eliminates turbulent eddies that occur in an open mouth hopper and thereby reduces coating defects.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for coating magnetic dispersion coatings on a continuously moving web substrate wherein regions of high shear are provided both before and after a magnetic dispersion application region. The coating apparatus comprises a die unit having a magnetic dispersion inlet and outlet, a concave lip extending arcuately from the outlet of the die unit, and a cylindrical backing roller adjacent the die unit, the die unit having an internal region of high shear, the concave lip and the cylindrical backing roller sharing a substantially common axis and forming a region of high shear in the form of a narrow gap. A coat hanger distribution chamber or cavity is also provided within the die unit between the magnetic dispersion inlet and the magnetic dispersion outlet. To even out pressure differences, a healing slot or cavity and/or a rotating bar within a cylindrical distribution chamber may be provided downstream of the coat hanger distribution chamber.