Abstract: A releasable transfer film is suitable to provide a metalized embossed composite onto a paper substrate without a release layer between the composite and a polymeric carrier layer. The transfer film includes a polymeric base layer, an embossing material layer and a metal layer. The transfer film is bonded to the paper substrate with an adhesive layer allowing the polymeric barrier layer to peel away from and to expose the metal-backed, embossing material layer. The substrate covered with the metalized embossed composite can be used to impart holographic style images to packaging, printed media products such as magazines.

Abstract: The novel method can produce a grooved profile metalized polymeric film capable of generating a rainbow iridescent effect without mechanically embossing the film. The method calls for applying a thin uniform thickness coating layer of thermally deformable polymer composition on a thermally stable base layer. Process operating conditions are controlled to heat the composite coating layer surface effectively such that light diffraction-scale grooves of about 5,000-10,000 grooves/cm develop in the coating layer. The grooves are created by shocking the coating layer surface with a sudden burst of heat supplied by film metalization after coating layer application.

Abstract: A moisture vapor and oxygen transmission resistant flexible film has a polymeric base layer and a barrier layer of discrete particles of a first organic polymer dispersed throughout a matrix of a second organic polymer. Preferably, the first and second polymers are water insoluble and water soluble, respectively. The barrier layer is formed by depositing onto the base layer a coating composition of finely divided insoluble organic polymer particles suspended in an aqueous solution of the water soluble organic polymer, a crosslinking agent and surfactant. The coating composition is heated to crosslink the barrier layer polymers and evaporate solvent to provide a barrier film suitable for packaging applications. Optionally, the film can be metalized to increase barrier properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optically clear film of predominantly thermoplastic polyester base layer and a carbodiimide-crosslinked, polyester and polymethylmethacrylate blend primer layer. The base layer preferably has a particle-free core layer and outer layers containing nonpolyester, organic and/or inorganic particles. The primer layer is preferably applied to the base layer from solution that is organic solvent-free. The primer layer and base layer composite can be laminated with a protective layer of primarily acrylic polymer to form a solar control film. Functional additives, such as UV light blockers, can be present in various layers of the solar control film. Polymethylmethacrylate in the primer, especially in combination with crosslinking by the carbodiimide, provides the acrylic coated polyester base solar control film with notably reduced iridescence. Adhesion between the acrylic layer applied from organic solvent solutions and the polyester layers is durable in moist and warm service conditions.

Abstract: A highly optically clear, composite film has a predominantly thermoplastic polyester base layer of A/B/C-layered structure and a polyester and polyurethane blend primer layer Preferably core layer B of the base layer is substantially particle-free polyester and outer layers A and C include organic and/or inorganic particles. The primer layer is crosslinked using a carbodiimide crosslinking agent. The primer layer and base layer composite can be laminated with a protective layer of primarily acrylic polymer for a solar control film. Functional additives, such as UV light blockers can be present in layers of the composite and solar control films. The primer layer combination of polyurethane and crosslinking by carbodiimide, provides the acrylic coated polyester solar control film with notably reduced iridescence and durable adhesion between polyester and acrylic layers in moist and warm service conditions.

Abstract: A moisture vapor and oxygen transmission resistant flexible film has a polymeric base layer and a barrier layer of discrete particles of a first organic polymer dispersed throughout a matrix of a second organic polymer. Preferably, the first and second polymers are water insoluble and water soluble, respectively. The barrier layer is formed by depositing onto the base layer a coating composition of finely divided insoluble organic polymer particles suspended in an aqueous solution of the water soluble organic polymer, a crosslinking agent and surfactant. The coating composition is heated to crosslink the barrier layer polymers and evaporate solvent to provide a barrier film suitable for packaging applications. Optionally, the film can be metalized to increase barrier properties.

Abstract: A releasable transfer film is suitable to provide a metalized embossed composite onto a paper substrate without a release layer between the composite and a polymeric carrier layer. The transfer film includes a polymeric base layer, an embossing material layer and a metal layer. The transfer film is bonded to the paper substrate with an adhesive layer allowing the polymeric barrier layer to peel away from and to expose the metal-backed, embossing material layer. The substrate covered with the metalized embossed composite can be used to impart holographic style images to packaging, printed media products such as magazines.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for connecting to an external heating unit to safely heat an enclosed area such as a house under construction comprises an air transfer assembly for positioning in the house, said assembly having an air intake conduit for connecting to the external heating unit; a flue for carrying exhaust gases to an outside window of the house; and an electric fan for blowing air over the air intake conduit and through a vent in the air transfer assembly. The apparatus may further include a thermostat for shutting off the system at a preset temperature, a plurality of raised legs, a humidifier attachment, and a draft fan for an inlet end of the external heating unit to reduce backflow of exhaust gases when the external heating unit is cycled off and purge ignitable gases before the external heating unit cycles on.

Abstract: Described are barrier films that include a modified polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl amine coating resin. The barrier films exhibit a combination of good oxygen barrier properties, moisture resistance and adhesion properties characteristics.

Abstract: A directly embossable, coated polyethyleneterephthalate film including a dry, uniaxially oriented PET film, and a coating applied to the PET film, wherein the coating and the PET film have as a composite been transversely stretched, the coating resin being capable of impregnating the PET surface on drawing, rendering the film surface susceptible to embossing under pressure and the coating having low heat sealability and a method of producing a coated, directly embossable polyethyleneterephthalate film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a small volume, liquid dispenser having particular application in the analytical fields. The liquid dispensers can be quickly and reliably filled to a predetermined volume without monitoring liquid flows or volumes or filling times. Various versions of the dispenser and systems utilizing one or more of the dispensers are disclosed.

Abstract: A first fluid, e.g., a clear solvent, is printed in a subpixel of a color filter prior to printing droplets of a second fluid such as colored liquid into the subpixel areas. This first fluid could have surface wetting properties such that it is hydrophilic to the substrate (glass) but hydrophobic to the boundary (black matrix). Therefore, the first fluid would flow over the entire subpixel area, but not onto the black matrix. The first fluid would then allow color fluid to disperse uniformly throughout the subpixel. This first fluid may also be used in additional embodiments to re-liquify a dry or partially dry color subpixel, so that color non-uniformities can be corrected.

Abstract: Various fluidic techniques can employ ducting structures, such as microstructures, that extend between other components, such as plate-like structures. A ducting structure can, for example, include an inlet opening toward or near one plate-like structure, an outlet opening toward or near another plate-like structure, and a duct in which fluid flows after being received through the inlet opening and before being provided through the outlet opening. In some implementations, a ducting structure is photo-defined, such as by exposing a photoimageable structure and then removing either exposed or unexposed regions. In some implementations, a ducting structure is a freestanding polymer microstructure. In some implementations, ducting structures are microstructures that extend approximately the same length between first and second plate-like structures, and have a ratio of length to maximum cavity diameter of approximately two or more.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a printhead includes a printed circuit board having at least one base layer, with at least one electrical trace, at least one fluidic passage and at least one fluidic chamber as part of the printed circuit board. The at least one electrical trace, fluidic passage and fluidic chamber are formed using printed circuit board manufacturing processes. An integrated circuit control chip is attached to the printed circuit board using known printed circuit board techniques. At least one fluidic actuator arrangement and aperture plate are attached to the printed circuit board using known PCB attachment processes.

Abstract: A selectively configurable beam and systems utilizing such are disclosed. The distribution of mass of the beam can be selectively adjusted or altered by adjusting one or more characteristics of the beam. Specific strategies utilizing continuous electro-wetting, and selective formation or movement of gases in liquid are disclosed. The selectively configurable beams are used in systems for harvesting vibrational energy from vibrating bodies.

Abstract: Various structures or components can include plated surfaces or other parts. For example, an article can include a base and a plated part with a limit artifact that results from plating adjacent a non-plateable surface; the limit artifact can be disposed away from the base. Exemplary limit artifacts include lack of protrusions, smooth upper surfaces, and curved surfaces, where a curved surface can transition between a smooth upper surface and an irregular side surface. Exemplary plated structures can be tube-shaped or cup-shaped, with an opening at a top end and, around the opening, a lip with a limit artifact. Wall-like structures can similarly have limit artifacts at their top end. If plating on a mold's side surface, the non-plateable surface can be the lower surface of an overhanging polymer disk or structure positioned on the mold. Plated tubes and wall-like structures can be employed in microfluidic structures.

Abstract: A sample manipulator that utilizes electrostatic traveling waves to selectively displace one or more samples deposited on its face is disclosed. The sample manipulator enables an operator to perform a wide variety of processes upon the deposited samples. Also disclosed are strategies for separating two or more samples, focusing a sample, and passing a reagent through a sample, all conducted on the face of the sample manipulator.

Abstract: A circuit provides energy to a plurality of piezoelectric diaphragm structures formed in a two-dimensional array. Each piezoelectric diaphragm structure includes a piezoelectric element in operational contact with at least a first side electrode and a second side electrode. A switching system includes a first connection for a first power source, for application of power to the first side electrode and a second connection for a second power source, for application of power to the second side electrode. In a first state, power appropriate for performing a poling operation of the piezoelectric material is available for application to the first electrode, and the second electrode, and in a second state, power appropriate to activate the piezoelectric material to cause operational movement of the poled piezoelectric diaphragm structure is available for application to the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A material for a thick film element is deposited onto a surface of a first substrate to form a thick film element structure having a thickness of between greater than 10 ?m to 100 ?m. The at least one thick film element structure is bonded to a second substrate. Thereafter, the first substrate is removed from the at least one thick film element structure using a liftoff process which includes emitting, from a radiation source (such as a laser or other appropriate device), a beam through the first substrate to an attachment interface formed between the first substrate and the at least one thick film element structure at the surface of the first substrate. The first substrate is substantially transparent at the wavelength of the beam, and the beam generates sufficient energy at the interface to break the attachment.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, provided is a hand-held printer system and method for printing on a target. The system includes a hand-held printer, a target position sensing system which senses a position of the target, and a hand-held printer position sensing system which senses a position of the hand-held printer relative to a printing surface of the target. A control mechanism actuates the printing of the hand-held printer based on the sensed positions.