Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising infrared absorptive inorganic nanoparticles and an ethylene copolymer, and methods to produce the compositions. The infrared absorptive inorganic nanoparticles preferably include antimony tin oxide (ATO), indium tin oxide (ITO), lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6), or mixtures thereof. Also provided are polymer blends, polymeric films and sheets, solar control laminates, and processes to produce the polymer blends, polymeric films and sheets and solar control laminates.

Abstract: The present invention provides certain laminates comprising a decorated poly(vinyl butyral) sheet and a film. Preferably, the film is a solar control film.

Abstract: A fragrance disperser includes a first source (25) of fragrance associated with a first flowpath (21) and a second source of fragrance (26) associated with a second flowpath (23). A fan (17) provides a flow of air along the first flowpath (21) or the second flowpath (23) to release the associated fragrance. A flow controller (38, 52) is movable by an actuator (34) to open and close the flowpaths (21, 23) so that only one fragrance is released at a time or a proportionate mixture of the two fragrances is released.

Abstract: Middle distillate fuel composition is provided containing (a) a middle distillate base fuel, in particular a diesel base fuel, and (b) a Fischer-Tropsch derived paraffinic base oil component with a viscosity of at least 8 mm2/s at 100° C. In component (b), the ratio of the percentage of epsilon methylene carbon atoms to the percentage of isopropyl carbon atoms is suitably 8.2 or below. Its pour point may be ?30° C. or lower. Also disclosed is the use of a Fischer-Tropsch derived paraffinic heavy base oil in a middle distillate fuel composition, for the purpose of improving the cold flow properties of the composition and/or for reducing the concentration of a cold flow or flow improver additive in the composition.

Abstract: Provided is a glass/plastic safety laminate comprising a monolayer acoustic poly(vinyl acetal) interlayer sheet and optionally other suitable interlayer sheet(s) bonded between a glass sheet and a hardcoated solar control polymeric film.

Abstract: A bullet includes a frontward facing aperture. Contained within the aperture is a relatively hard bullet frontal element that provides advantageous bullet impact performance. In one embodiment, the frontal element is a steel sphere that provides advantageous penetration and weight retention when the bullet impacts laminated glass, such as an automobile windshield.

Abstract: An acoustic solar control laminate comprising a multi-layer interlayer formed of a solar control film bonded between two polymeric sheets with at least one being an acoustic poly(vinyl acetal) sheet is provided.

Abstract: A zig-zag laser has the ability to generate a high power beam while effectively removing heat without degrading the beam quality. The laser has a series of gaps interposed between the thin slabs, the gain medium, and between the thin slabs and the quartz windows to receive coolant and cool the cell assembly. The coolant flows transversely relative to the path of the laser and the flow of the coolant is in the opposite direction on each side of the thin slab to minimize the temperature gradient. The gaps in conjunction with the inner channel portions in the secondary manifold flow the coolant through the cell assembly in a laminar manner therein not degrading the laser beam quality. A transparent quartz/quartz interface between the secondary manifold and the cell assembly allow the fluorescence to move away from the cell assembly and minimizes heat in the cell assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a solar control composition comprising an infrared absorbing phthalocyanine compound or naphthalocyanine compound and a resin having a modulus from 20,000 psi (138 MPa) to 1000 psi (7 MPa) and solar control laminates comprising the solar control composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin composition comprising an amine-neutralized ethylene acid copolymer. These resin compositions copolymers may be characterized by enhanced adhesiveness and reduced crystallinity. Also provided are shaped articles, multilayer films or sheets, and laminate articles comprising the resin composition.

Abstract: A transportable and erectable stairtower having a removable/slidable wheel carriage and a removable installation section arranged for transporting and erecting the stairtower. The stairtower has vertical column members and lateral members defining levels of the stairtower. Removable staircases extend between alternate levels of lateral members. A platform landing is formed at the intersection of first and second stair segments of the staircase. Removable ramps may be connected to the stairtower above, below, and at a position corresponding to the platform landings. A safety device in the form of catch pans, gutters, and leaders may be provided to protect workers by collecting debris and rainwater. A transporting vehicle may be connected to the installation section to transport the stairtower to a desired location. A lifting vehicle may be used to lift the stairtower from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved polymeric resin composition comprising units derived from ethylene, from about 20 wt % to about 30 wt % units derived from an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having from 3 to 8 carbons, and optionally an effective amount of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of hindered amine light stabilizers, UV light absorbers, and thermal stabilizers. Resins of the present invention are particularly suitable for preparing transparent laminates useful as glazing elements that provide a greater measure of safety than non-laminated glazing elements.

Abstract: A bullet includes a frontward facing aperture. Contained within the aperture is a relatively hard bullet frontal element that provides advantageous bullet impact performance. In one embodiment, the frontal element is a steel sphere that provides advantageous penetration and weight retention when the bullet impacts laminated glass., such as an automobile windshield.

Abstract: A method of improving the useful life of a sign or display is provided. In this method, a sign or display comprising two images and an intervening opaque layer is provided. When the quality of the first of the images to be shown has degraded to an unacceptable degree, the sign or display is reversed to show the second image, which has been at least partially protected from environmental degradation by the intervening opaque layer.

Abstract: Provided is a solar control composition comprising an infrared absorbing phthalocyanine compound or naphthalocyanine compound and a resin having a modulus from 20,000 psi (138 MPa) to 1000 psi (7 MPa) and solar control laminates comprising the solar control composition of the invention.

Abstract: Provided is a solar control composition comprising an infrared absorbing phthalocyanine, naphthalocyanine or rylene compound and an ethylene acid copolymer or an ionomer of an ethylene acid copolymer. Further provided are solar control laminates comprising the solar control composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides decorative laminates having the benefits of solar control laminates and processes for producing same. Laminates of the present invention comprise a polymer sheet having upper and lower surfaces, said sheet having a thickness of at least about 0.25 mm, said polymer having a modulus of between about 20,000 psi (138 MPa) and about 100,000 psi (690 MPa), as determined according to ASTM D 638-03, at least one of said surfaces of said sheet having disposed thereon an image, a film layer and, optionally, an adhesive composition, at least a portion of said adhesive composition being in contact with said image.

Abstract: The present invention provides certain laminates comprising a decorated poly(vinyl butyral) sheet and a film. Preferably, the film is a solar control film.

Abstract: A multilevel access platform comprising a plurality of stackable modules. Each module includes elongated column members that are generally parallel and coextensive, and a plurality of levels of elongated lateral members that extend transversely between and are connected to the column members. Each level of the lateral members is located at vertically spaced positions relative to the column members and each of the lateral members border a side of the module. At least one platform section is provided for each level and is supported by one level of the lateral members. The stackable modules include a staircase that extends between each level of the lateral members. The multilevel access platform includes a base assembly provided to stabilize and independently secure the multilevel platform. A method for erecting the multilevel access platform includes the step of stacking each module to meet a desired height of a building construction.

Abstract: The present invention is a decorated polymer sheet, said polymer having a modulus of from about 1000 psi (7 KPa) to about 20,000 psi (138 MPa), as determined according to ASTM D 638-03, wherein at least one of said surfaces of said sheet has disposed thereon an image and an adhesive composition, and at least a portion of said adhesive composition is in contact with said image.