Abstract: A method of defining a pattern of coating fluid on a surface includes introducing coating fluid containing microspheres onto a surface of an applicator roll, wherein the topography of the applicator roll surface comprises at least one longitudinally extending circumferential, helical groove portion which is sized to at least partially receive the microspheres of the coating fluid therein, and at least one circumferential, longitudinally extending smooth surface portion. The method further includes engaging the applicator roll surface with a doctor blade to remove coating fluid from the smooth surface portions thereof and to limit the amount of microspheres advanced past the doctor blade by the helical groove portion of the applicator roll surface. Thus, a pattern of coating fluid containing microspheres remains on the applicator roll surface which is defined by the helical groove portion thereon and is formed to define at least one stripe of coating fluid containing microspheres.

Abstract: An apparatus that comprises a body including a reservoir adapted for receiving a quantity of fluid and a plurality of fluid distribution channels each having a length and a cross-sectional area and being in fluid communication with and extending from the reservoir from a first end and terminating at a second, distal end in an orifice. The apparatus further comprises a distribution chamber in the body for commonly receiving the fluid exiting each of the orifices, for merging the fluid exiting each of the orifices into at least one continuous coating stream, and for equalizing the pressure of the fluid, the distribution chamber having a first side in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid distribution channels and a second side that is open to allow the fluid to exit the body for uniform distribution onto the web.

Abstract: A coated sheet material comprising a backing and a coating of repositionable pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising a plurality of solid microspheres, a polymeric stabilizer and an surfactant. Processes for preparing solid microspheres are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides:A core-shell insert latex composition comprising latex particles, each latex particle comprising:(a) a core comprising a (co)polymer comprising (meth)acrylate ester;(b) a shell, surrounding the core, comprising a copolymer, wherein the copolymer comprises:(i) a nitrogen-bearing ethylenically-unsaturated free-radically polymerizable monomer;(ii) at least one (meth)acrylate ester of about a C.sub.1 to about a C.sub.14 alcohol; and(iii) an optional ethylenically-unsaturated free-radically polymerizable silane monomer; wherein the nitrogen-bearing ethylenically-unsaturated free-radically polymerizable monomer comprises from about 15 to about 60 percent by weight of the shell and further wherein the core comprises from about 40 to about 85 percent of the weight of the total core-shell latex particle.The invention also relates to the use of the core-shell latex composition as a binder or primer for coatings and adhesives.