Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of multistage polymer particles comprising a water-occluded core and a polymeric shell having a Tg in the range of from 60° C. and 120° C.; a preservative amount of either t-C4-C10-alkyl hydroperoxide or hydrogen peroxide; and less than 1000 ppm of residual monomer. The present invention addresses a need in the art by providing a way to preserve opaque polymers against microbial contamination without the use of a biocide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an aqueous dispersion of opacifying pigment-binder hybrid particles that provides particle swelling and concomitant introduction of a binder layer without inhibition of polymerization. The composition prepared by the process of the present invention is useful for reducing the level of TiO2 in paints.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for an interactive digital interface. The disclosed systems and methods provide functionality for generating a user interface (UI) based on data collected respective to a plurality of regions within a location. The UI is configured with segments or partitions that correspond to real-world and/or digital activities among the plurality of regions. The disclosed systems and methods enable multiple devices to simultaneously display the UI, and interact among themselves via data sharing, data editing and/or collaborative interactions among the devices, such that the UI is updated, in real-time, to reflect the interactions among the devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that provide a novel framework for the real-time management and control of electronic/digital and/or physical activities performed in, around and/or in relation to a healthcare facility. The disclosed framework provides an interactive user interface (UI) that displays, as immersive and interactive interface cards, real-time digital data and content that corresponds to the digital and/or physical activities. The interactive interface cards are selectable, and configured with portal capabilities for the discovery of additional information, the creation of new forms of data, and the interaction with other users, entities, departments and other interactive capabilities in/around the facility. The disclosed framework enables a fully interactive, personalized and dynamic management platform for controlling operations of a facility while maintaining management control of those operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of acrylic polymer particles; paraffin wax; graphite particles; and extender particles. The composition is useful for making coatings with low water pickup for liquid applied sound damping applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a waterborne composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of first and second multistage polymer particles, wherein each of the first and second polymer particles comprises a water-occluded core and a high Tg polymeric shell wherein the second multistage polymer particles further comprise a polymeric binder layer superposing the shell. The composition of the present invention is useful for reducing the load of TiO2 in paint formulations, while producing coatings with excellent hiding and scrub resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of multistage polymer particles comprising a first and a second phase, wherein the first phase comprises structural units of a carboxylic acid monomer or a salt thereof, and a nonionic ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and wherein the second phase comprises a first and second polymer, wherein the first phase or the second phase first polymer or both comprise structural units of a high Tg hydrophobic monomer; and wherein the second phase second polymer comprises at least 80 percent structural units of styrene. The high Tg hydrophobic monomer is defined as being one or more of the following monomers: cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, 4-t-butyl methacrylate, t-butylstyrene, or n-butyl methacrylate. The multistage polymer particles are useful as opaque polymers, which are used in pigmented coating formulations to reduce the load of TiO2.

Abstract: Identification and monitoring of healthcare issues includes determining how to process input data based on at least one of identity of a user device that transmits the input data to the system and categorization of the input data. A new record is created in a database of healthcare issues in a healthcare facility where the user device is located when the input data is received. Anonymous reporting of issues is supported by storing an identifier of the user device that transmits the input data to the system, so that the anonymous reporter can be invited by a manager to join in an anonymous chat session. Recording of data during supervisor walkrounds is supported by setting up scheduled walkrounds with default labels to simplify input of identified healthcare issues, while allowing for custom labels to be entered when needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of multistage polymer particles comprising contacting under emulsion polymerization conditions and in a staged fashion an aqueous dispersion of carboxylic acid functionalized core polymer particles with first monomers and second monomers. The core comprises structural units of a high Tg hydrophobic monomer and/or the first monomers comprise a high Tg hydrophobic monomer, and the second monomers comprise at least 80 percent styrene. The high Tg hydrophobic monomer is cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, 4-t-butyl methacrylate, t-butylstyrene, or n-butyl methacrylate, or a combination thereof. The multistage polymer particles are useful as opaque polymers, which are used in pigmented coating formulations to reduce the load of TiO2. The particles exhibit excellent collapse resistance and unusually low dry bulk density, and do not require acrylonitrile to achieve this desired combination of properties.

Abstract: A battery system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The battery system includes a tray having a plurality of battery receptacles. A plurality of batteries are also provided, each battery in the plurality of batteries being received in a battery receptacle. A conductive layer in electrical communication with the plurality of batteries and a terminal for electrically coupling to a vehicle are also provided in the battery system. A cover interlocks with the tray. The cover carries a computer and a diagnostic identification system for the plurality of batteries. A housing for a battery system and a vehicle including a battery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of multistage polymer particles comprising contacting under emulsion polymerization conditions and in a staged fashion an aqueous dispersion of carboxylic acid functionalized core polymer particles with first monomers and second monomers. The core comprises structural units of a high Tg hydrophobic monomer and/or the first monomers comprise a high Tg hydrophobic monomer, and the second monomers comprise at least 80 percent styrene. The high Tg hydrophobic monomer is cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, 4-t-butyl methacrylate, t-butylstyrene, or n-butyl methacrylate, or a combination thereof. The multistage polymer particles are useful as opaque polymers, which are used in pigmented coating formulations to reduce the load of TiO2. The particles exhibit excellent collapse resistance and unusually low dry bulk density, and do not require acrylonitrile to achieve this desired combination of properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of multistage polymer particles comprising a first and a second phase, wherein the first phase comprises structural units of a carboxylic acid monomer or a salt thereof, and a nonionic ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and wherein the second phase comprises a first and second polymer, wherein the first phase or the second phase first polymer or both comprise structural units of a high Tg hydrophobic monomer; and wherein the second phase second polymer comprises at least 80 percent structural units of styrene. The high Tg hydrophobic monomer is defined as being one or more of the following monomers: cyclohexyl methacrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, 4-t-butyl methacrylate, t-butylstyrene, or n-butyl methacrylate. The multistage polymer particles are useful as opaque polymers, which are used in pigmented coating formulations to reduce the load of TiO2.

Abstract: An ink composition comprising an oxygen sensitive dye capable of fluorescing in a manner proportional to oxygen content; and a polymer matrix for the dye, the polymer matrix having units with pendant sulphonic acid or phosphonic acid groups or salts or esters of such groups, can be used with an appropriate meter to measure the oxygen content of packages in a non-invasive manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to opaque polymers functionalized with phosphorus acid groups, composites of TiO2 particles and the opaque polymers, and methods for their preparation. The composites are useful in coatings formulations and have been shown to exhibit improved hiding benefits in coated substrates over compositions containing non-functionalized opaque polymer and TiO2.

Abstract: A digital learning environment method and system includes a display module that is configured to be divided into plural information areas, and plural input modules, connected to the display module, and configured to obtain user inputs. A processor is connected to the plural input modules and the display module, and is configured to receive and display in real-time, inputs from the users corresponding to the plural input modules. The processor is also configured to allow the users to collaborate in real-time.

Abstract: A battery system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The battery system includes a tray having a plurality of battery receptacles. A plurality of batteries are also provided, each battery in the plurality of batteries being received in a battery receptacle. A conductive layer in electrical communication with the plurality of batteries and a terminal for electrically coupling to a vehicle are also provided in the battery system. A cover interlocks with the tray. The cover carries a computer and a diagnostic identification system for the plurality of batteries. A housing for a battery system and a vehicle including a battery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ink composition comprising an oxygen sensitive dye capable of fluorescing in a manner proportional to oxygen content; and a polymer matrix for the dye, the polymer matrix having units with pendant sulphonic acid or phosphonic acid groups or salts or esters of such groups, can be used with an appropriate meter to measure the oxygen content of packages in a non-invasive manner.

Abstract: A battery system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The battery system includes a tray having a plurality of battery receptacles. A plurality of batteries are also provided, each battery in the plurality of batteries being received in a battery receptacle. A conductive layer in electrical communication with the plurality of batteries and a terminal for electrically coupling to a vehicle are also provided in the battery system. A cover interlocks with the tray. The cover carries a computer and a diagnostic identification system for the plurality of batteries. A housing for a battery system and a vehicle including a battery system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to opaque polymers functionalized with phosphorus acid groups, composites of TiO2 particles and the opaque polymers, and methods for their preparation. The composites are useful in coatings formulations and have been shown to exhibit improved hiding benefits in coated substrates over compositions containing non-functionalized opaque polymer and TiO2.

Abstract: A battery system for use in a vehicle is disclosed. The battery system includes a tray having a plurality of battery receptacles. A plurality of batteries are also provided, each battery in the plurality of batteries being received in a battery receptacle. A conductive layer in electrical communication with the plurality of batteries and a terminal for electrically coupling to a vehicle are also provided in the battery system. A cover interlocks with the tray. The cover carries a computer and a diagnostic identification system for the plurality of batteries. A housing for a battery system and a vehicle including a battery system are also disclosed.