Abstract: A method is provided for forming a strippable or dissolvable release coating on the surface of substrate such as a flexible polymeric film or web. The release coating is subsequently coated with a layer of material and then dissolved in a solvent to release the layer. The release coating is made from a copolymer of methylmethacrylate and ethylacrylate or from a homopolymer of polyacrylic acid. Release coatings made of methylmethacrylate and ethylacrylate copolymers having glass transition temperatures of about 60.degree. C. or greater, or made of a ipolyacrylic acid homopolymer having a glass transition temperature of about 100.degree. C. or higher, are also provided. The release coatings provide excellent supporting substrates for the formation of an overcoated metallized layer, are readily strippable in acetone, and can be formed during an in-line process which begins with drawing a flexible film or web from a molten polymeric material.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a dissolvable or strippable polymeric release coating on the surface of flexible web, forming an overcoated metallized or optically variable layer on said release coating, and stripping or dissolving the release coating to release the overcoated layer. The release coating comprises a polymer of crotonic acid which is soluble in a solvent such as acetone. The polymer may be a copolymer of crotonic acid and at least one vinyl ester such as vinyl acetate. The release coating may be formed during an in-line process which begins with drawing the flexible web from a molten polymeric material. The methods are particularly advantageous for forming optically variable flakes and multilayered optically variable devices.

Abstract: The invention provides spill-resistent drinking straws which are normally maintained in a substantially sealed state such that liquid is substantially prevented from flowing through the straw, but which can be manually deformed to an open state for use in drinking in which liquid can readily flow through the straw. A biasing member which is either integrally formed in the straw or attached to the straw maintains the straw in the substantially sealed state and automatically returns the straw from the open state to the substantially sealed state in the absence of external force. In some embodiments of the invention, the straw is constructed such that it is substantially sealed when in a bent condition such that the straw is crimped and thereby substantially sealed. In other embodiments of the invention, the straw is maintained in a substantially sealed position when in a straightened form.

Abstract: An improved robotic contractile device having, besides general industrial and other-usage applicability for automation and other purposes, particularly attractive utility in and for prosthetic applicances and which is characterizable in being able to function in a way remarkably analogous to that of biological muscle is structurally made up of an expandable conduit which is contractible on fluid inflation with a plurality of longitudinally-directed filaments peripherally-secured thereabout that are connectable with an object to be moved or displaced as a result of the contractability experienced upon inflation of said conduit; there being associated means in the device for introducing and exhausting fluid under pressure to the interior of the said conduit in order to inflate same to effectuate its motive contraction action and deflate it to its normal rest condition of maximum or intermediate extension.

Abstract: An improved robotic contractile device having, besides general industrial and other-wages applicability for automation and other purposes, particularly attractive utility in and for prosthetic appliances and which is characterizable in being able to function in a way remarkably analogous to that of biological muscle is structurally made up of an expandable conduit which is contractible on fluid inflation with a plurality of longitudinally-directed filaments peripherally-secured thereabout that are connectable with an object to be moved or displaced as a result of the contractability experienced upon inflation of said conduit; there being associated means in the device for introducing and exhausting fluid under pressure to the interior of the said conduit in order to inflate same to effectuate its motive contraction action and deflate it to its normal rest condition of maximum or intermediate extension.

Abstract: A two-step, sequential coating method is disclosed which permits the use of aqueous precursor solutions to coat water-insoluble compounds onto thermoplastic film. In a preferred embodiment, an aqueous oleic acid/ammonium oleate solution is coated onto amorphous polyester sheet which is subsequently monoaxially oriented by stretching in the machine direction, and coated with an aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide, thereby forming a layer of calcium oleate in situ. The coated film is subsequently biaxially oriented by stretching in the transverse direction, and heat-set.

Abstract: A two-step, sequential coating method is disclosed which permits the use of aqueous precursor solutions to coat water-insoluble compounds onto thermoplastic film. In a preferred embodiment, an aqueous oleic acid/ammonium oleate solution is coated onto amorphous polyester sheet which is subsequently monoaxially oriented by stretching in the machine direction, and coated with an aqueous solution of calcium hydroxide, thereby forming a layer of calcium oleate in situ. The coated film is subsequently biaxially oriented by stretching in the transverse direction, and heat-set.

Abstract: A process for surface modification of oriented polymeric film is disclosed. The process, applicable to polyesters, polyolefins, and polyamides, involves subjecting the film surface to at least one short pulse of intense electromagnetic radiation. Such surface treatment enhances the heat seal adhesion of the oriented polymeric film.

Abstract: A solar heating apparatus for a tank of water is disclosed which comprises a plurality of substantially planar, light absorbent strips positioned substantially vertically in spaced relationship in the water. The plurality of strips functions as a light trap for solar radiation.

Abstract: A process for surface modification of oriented polymeric film is disclosed. The process, applicable to polyesters, polyolefins, and polyamides, involves subjecting the film surface to at least one short pulse of intense electromagnetic radiation. Such surface treatment enhances the heat seal adhesion of the oriented polymeric film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a credit card or identification card fabricated from amorphous polyester sheet material wherein at least the area of said card containing embossed numerical or letter characters and the characters themselves are composed of substantially crystalline polyester. Such characters can not readily be altered by either heat treatment or by shaving them off.

Abstract: A prime coated oriented polyester film is disclosed wherein the primer coating is applied as an aqueous medium consisting essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of a water soluble alkali metal salt of an unsaturated fatty acid having from about 10 to 18 carbon atoms and mixtures of such salts or a water soluble alkali metal salt of an alkyl sulfate having from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and mixtures of such salts. Preferred species include sodium oleate and sodium lauryl sulfate. The alkali metal salt priming layer may be applied to the polyester film at any suitable stage during manufacture of the film, i.e., before or during the stretching operations, or after stretching and prior to winding of the film. The resultant primed polyester film is found to provide excellent adhesion to many aqueous or organic solvent based printing inks subsequently applied thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a credit card or identification card fabricated from amorphous polyester sheet material wherein at least the area of said card containing embossed numerical or letter characters and the characters themselves are composed of substantially crystalline polyester. Such characters can not readily be altered by either heat treatment or by shaving them off.

Abstract: A primer coated oriented polyester film is disclosed wherein the primer coating comprises a polyester comprising a branched chain phosphorus-containing polymer which is the reaction product of at least one dicarboxylic reactant, at least one diol or polyoxyalkylene glycol and a phosphorus acid reactant. Preferred species include isophthalic acid as the dicarboxylic reactant, diethylene glycol as the diol or polyoxyalkylene glycol and phosphoric acid as the phosphorus acid reactant. The polyester primer coating may be applied to the polyester film before or during the stretching operations. The resultant primed polyester film is found to provide excellent adhesion to many aqueous or organic solvent based printing inks subsequently applied thereto.

Abstract: A prime coated oriented polyester film is disclosed wherein the primer coating is applied as an aqueous medium consisting essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of a water soluble alkali metal salt of an unsaturated fatty acid having from about 10 to 18 carbon atoms and mixtures of such salts or a water soluble alkali metal salt of an alkyl sulfate having from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and mixtures of such salts. Preferred species include sodium oleate and sodium lauryl sulfate. The alkali metal salt priming layer may be applied to the polyester film at any suitable stage during manufacture of the film, i.e., before or during the stretching operations, or after stretching and prior to winding of the film. The resultant primed polyester film is found to provide excellent adhesion to many aqueous or organic solvent based printing inks subsequently applied thereto.

Abstract: Various nylon filamentary materials, including twine, rope and other cordages, are rendered resistant to knot and other interlacement slippage by treatment with certain latex compositions that form a tightly-adhering, blockage-promoting and -assisting surface film on the treated filamentary product so as to enhance physical knot strength propensities and characteristics of the treated-twine and equivalent product insofar as particularly relates to mechanical undoing of the knot under pulling stresses (as distinct from "knot strength" break-point tests indicative of the tensile strength of the filamentary nylon product, per se). Styrene (i.e., "St")/butadiene (i.e., "Bu") and like and analogous synthetic resinous latices--especially those of the carboxylated variety--are particularly good for achievement of the anti-slippage in knot formation enhancement of the nylon filamentary goods involved.

Abstract: A method of applying a vermicular expanded graphite composite material to the interior surface of a conduit by a two-step in situ compression process is disclosed.