Abstract: A system including a platform, a drill connected to the platform, a power source, a cable connected to a cable reel and the drill, and a stinger. The stinger is configured to guide a position of the cable, relative to the platform, as the cable moves relative to the platform and relative to the stinger. An actuator is connected to the stinger and operable to move the stinger relative to the platform. A sensor is disposed to sense a physical parameter of at least one of the platform, the drill, the power source, the cable, and the stinger. A computer system is programmed to convert the physical parameter into a vector data structure and input the vector data structure to a classification machine learning model, which outputs a classification for the physical parameter. A control system is configured to control the actuator to move the stinger based on the classification.

Abstract: A device including a platform and a drill connected to the platform. The device also includes a power source for powering the drill. The device also includes a cable connected to a cable reel and to the drill. The device also includes a stinger having a first end connected to the platform and a second end opposite the first end. The stinger includes a beam extending outwardly from the platform. The second end of the stinger connects to the cable. The stinger is configured to guide a position of the cable, relative to the platform, as the cable moves relative to the platform and relative to the stinger.

Abstract: Methods of making articles are described comprising the steps of applying a capstock material over a layer of a substrate material and then calendaring said capstock material and said substrate material with calendaring rolls to form an article, wherein said capstock material contacts said calendar rolls for a shorter period of time than said substrate material. The capstock material comprises a melt-processable thermoplastic composition comprising a) 50-99.5 wt. % of a melt-processable thermoplastic polymer and b) 0.5-50 wt. % of a particulate polymer comprising the residues of a monomer mixture comprising 50-100 wt. % of MMA, at least 0-50 % of an ethylenically unsaturated comonomer comprising at least one alkyl acrylate or methacrylate and 0-10 wt. % of a copolymerisable cross-linking monomer said particles having a maximum dimension of 5 mm.

Abstract: A melt-processable thermoplastic composition is described, which comprises a) 50-99.5 wt. % of a melt-processable thermoplastic polymer and b) 0.5-50 wt. % of a particulate polymer comprising the residues of a monomer mixture comprising 50-100 wt. % of MMA, at least 0-50% of an ethylenically unsaturated comonomer comprising at least one alkyl acrylate or methacrylate and 0-10 wt. % of a copolymerisable cross-linking monomer said particles having a maximum dimension of 5 mm. The compositions have reduced surface gloss and may be useful for forming building components or in any other application in which a low gloss surface is required. A method of making the composition and its uses, for example its use as a capstock material, are also described.

Abstract: A melt-processable thermoplastic composition is described, which comprises a) 50-99.5 wt. % of a melt-processable thermoplastic polymer and b) 0.5-50 wt. % of a particulate polymer comprising the residues of a monomer mixture comprising 50-100 wt. % of MMA, at least 0-50% of an ethylenically unsaturated comonomer comprising at least one alkyl acrylate or methacrylate and 0-10 wt. % of a copolymerisable cross-linking monomer said particles having a maximum dimension of 5 mm. The compositions have reduced surface gloss and may be useful for forming building components or in any other application in which a low gloss surface is required. A method of making the composition and its uses, for example its use as a capstock material, are also described.

Abstract: A melt-processable thermoplastic composition is described, which comprises a) 50-99.5 wt. % of a melt-processable thermoplastic polymer and b) 05-50 wt. % of a particulate polymer comprising the residues of a monomer mixture comprising 5-100 wt. % of MMA, at least 0-50% of an ethylenically unsaturated comonomer comprising at least one alkyl acrylate or methacrylate and 0-10 wt. % of a copolymerisable crosslink monomer said particles having a maximum dimension of 5 mm. The compositions have reduced surface gloss and may be useful for forming building components or in any other application in which a low gloss surface is required. A method of making the composition and its uses, for example its use as a capstock material, are also described.

Abstract: A composition comprising a polymer selected from a polyolefin, a polyamide or mixture thereof, in admixture with an acrylic polymer additive, wherein: the shear viscosity of the composition is less than the shear viscosity of the same composition not containing the acrylic polymer; or, the extensional viscosity of the composition is less than the extensional viscosity of the same composition not containing the acrylic polymer additive; or, both of the shear viscosity and extensional viscosity of the composition is less than the shear viscosity and extensional viscosity of the same composition not containing the acrylic polymer addictive,when measured at an identical applied specific shear rate in the range of 5000 s−1 to 500 s−1 under substantially the same conditions.