Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes: an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam; a support structure constructed to support a reticle and pellicle assembly for receipt of the radiation beam conditioned by the illumination system; a substrate table constructed to support a substrate; a projection system configured to receive the radiation beam from the reticle-pellicle assembly and to project it onto the substrate; and a heating system configured to heat a pellicle of the reticle-pellicle assembly supported by the support structure. A method for using a reticle-pellicle assembly including: illuminating the reticle-pellicle assembly with a radiation beam so as to form a patterned image on a substrate; and heating the pellicle of the reticle-pellicle assembly using a separate heat source.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a panel comprising a core layer and at least one surface layer bonded to the core layer, wherein the core layer comprises particulate material bonded with a resin and the surface layer comprises fibrous material bonded with a resin, the resins comprising a polymer derived from an aliphatic polyol with 2-15 carbon atoms and an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid with 3 to 15 carbon atoms, wherein the polymer has an extent of polymerization, determined gravimetrically, of at least 0.6, and wherein the ratio of the resin content (in wt. %) of the core layer to the total resin content (in wt. %) of the surface layer(s) is in the range of 1:1.5 to 1:15. The invention also pertains to a method of manufacturing the panel.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for manufacturing a shaped object through a winding process comprising the steps of—winding resin-containing fiber under tension to form a shaped fibrous object, the resin comprising at least 50 wt. % of polyester derived from an aliphatic polyol with 2-15 carbon atoms and an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid with 3 to 15 carbon atoms, calculated on the polymer constituents of the resin,—subjecting the shaped fibrous object to a curing step.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a composition which is suitable for 3D printing, which composition comprises —a polyester derived from an aliphatic polyol with 2-15 carbon atoms and an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid with 3 to 15 carbon atoms, the polyester having an extent of polymerization, which is the ratio of the fraction of functional groups that have reacted to the maximum of those functional groups that can react, of at most 0.6, —solid filler, —diluent. The invention further pertains to a method for preparing a shaped object comprising the steps of —providing a composition as described herein, —extruding the composition through a printer nozzle to form a layer of the composition in a desired shape, building up the layers onto each other to form a shaped object, —subjecting the shaped object to a curing step to form a cured shaped object, wherein the curing step takes place during and/or after the extrusion step. The shaped object is also claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a nonflat article comprising the steps of providing a structure comprising a fibrous material and a resin comprising a polymer derived from an aliphatic polyalcohol with 2-15 carbon atoms and an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid that has an extent of polymerization of above 0 to 1.0, or the precursor monomers of such polymer, wherein the structure has a void fraction of 0.3-0.98 and a water content of below 40 wt. %; and subjecting the structure to the following steps polymerising to an extent of polymerisation of 0.5-1, if necessary, pressing to reduce void fraction, and forming the structure into a non-flat article by applying a force at an internal temperature above glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer in a defined order to form a non-flat article having an extent of polymerisation of at least 0.5 and a water content less than 20 wt. %.

Abstract: Included are multiple component elastic fibers prepared by a solution-spinning process such as dry spinning or wet spinner of spandex fibers including polyurethaneurea and polyurethane compositions. These fibers have a cross-section including at least two separate regions with definable boundaries wherein at least one region defined by the boundaries of the cross-section includes a polyurethaneurea or polyurethane composition. One region of the fiber includes a fusibility improvement additive to enhance adhesion to itself or to a substrate.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a laminate comprising a panel and a carrier provided with a polyester derived from an aliphatic polyol with 2-15 carbon atoms and an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid with 3 to 15 carbon atoms, wherein the polyester has an extent of polymerization determined gravimetrically, of at least 0.6, in particular at least 0.7, more in particular at least 0.8, in some embodiments at least 0.9, the carrier being present on the panel, wherein the carrier (not calculating the polyester) has an areal weight of 5-200 g/m2 and the panel has a thickness of at least 0.2 mm. The invention also pertains to a method for manufacturing the laminate, to the carrier used therein, and to the method for manufacturing the carrier. The method according to the invention allows the manufacture of high-quality laminates at high velocity.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a layered high-void-fraction material comprising a composite surface layer comprising structural material and a polyester derived from an aliphatic polyol with 2-15 carbon atoms and an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid with 3 to 15 carbon atoms, wherein the surface layer is connected to a high-void-fraction layer of structural material. As compared to a high-void-fraction material without the composite surface layer, the material has, among others, improved surface properties, and improved bending stiffness, while insolation properties for both sound and heat are maintained. The material may be used, e.g., as insulating material, as filtration material, or in hydroponics.

Abstract: Included are segmented polyurethane elastic fibers or spandex fibers, capable of bonding to polymer fiber such as nylon or polyamide fibers, in addition to bonding to itself, for apparel textile applications. More particularly the invention relates to bicomponent spandex fibers, with a heat resistant core and a heat sensitive sheath, spun from polymer solutions. The nylon fabrics containing such spandex fibers have enhanced stretch performance and improved surface appearance after heat treatment to activate the fusing and bonding between nylon fibers and spandex fibers.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a biodegradable container or plate material comprising a layer of cellulose-based material provided with a composite surface layer comprising cellulose-based material and a polyester derived from an aliphatic polyalcohol with 2-15 carbon atoms and an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid with 3 to 15 carbon atoms, wherein the polycarboxylic acid comprises at least 50 wt. % of tricarboxylic acid. The biodegradable container or plate material according to the invention shows one or more, in particular a combination of, the following properties: light weight, high (wet) strength, a desirable degree of flexibility, good (temporary) resistance against water, oil, and fat, and attractive visual and tactile characteristics.

Abstract: A method and system that facilitates the size selection for garments such as hosiery or pantyhose with the aim to improve comfort and fit for the wearer is provided.

Abstract: A method and system that facilitates the size selection for garments such as hosiery or pantyhose with the aim to improve comfort and fit for the wearer is provided.

Abstract: Included are multiple component elastic fibers prepared by a solution-spinning process such as dry spinning or wet spinner of spandex fibers including polyurethaneurea and polyurethane compositions. These fibers have a cross-section including at least two separate regions with definable boundaries wherein at least one region defined by the boundaries of the cross-section includes a polyurethaneurea or polyurethane composition. One region of the fiber includes a fusibility improvement additive to enhance adhesion to itself or to a substrate.

Abstract: Included are segmented polyurethane elastic fibers or spandex fibers, capable of bonding to polymer fiber such as nylon or polyamide fibers, in addition to bonding to itself, for apparel textile applications. More particularly the invention relates to bicomponent spandex fibers, with a heat resistant core and a heat sensitive sheath, spun from polymer solutions. The nylon fabrics containing such spandex fibers have enhanced stretch performance and improved surface appearance after heat treatment to activate the fusing and bonding between nylon fibers and spandex fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides hosiery including a panty portion that is asymmetrical. The hosiery provides a comfortable fit for a variety of different sizes including larger sizes and maternity.

Abstract: Provided is a garment including hosiery which avoids the needs for a conventional waistband by providing a graduated compression panty where the compression is gradually increased from the bottom of the panty where leg portions are attached to the top of the panty which corresponds approximately with the waist of the wearer.

Abstract: The invention provides hosiery including a panty portion that is asymetrical. The hosiery provides a comfortable fit for a variety of different sizes including larger sizes and maternity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a antisolvent solidification process wherein a liquid medium comprising at least one organic or inorganic compound which is to be solidified is forced through a membrane into one or more antisolvents, or wherein one or more antisolvents are forced through a membrane into a liquid medium comprising at least one organic or inorganic compound which is to be solidified, yielding a composition comprising solid particles comprising said organic and/or inorganic compound(s).

Abstract: Included are multiple component elastic fibers prepared by a solution-spinning process such as dry spinning or wet spinner of spandex fibers including polyurethaneurea and polyurethane compositions. These fibers have a cross-section including at least two separate regions with definable boundaries wherein at least one region defined by the boundaries of the cross-section includes a polyurethaneurea or polyurethane composition. One region of the fiber includes a fusibility improvement additive to enhance adhesion to itself or to a substrate.

Abstract: Included are multiple component elastic fibers prepared by a solution-spinning process such as dry spinning or wet spinner of spandex fibers including polyurethaneurea and polyurethane compositions. These fibers have a cross-section including at least two separate regions with definable boundaries wherein at least one region defined by the boundaries of the cross-section includes a polyurethaneurea or polyurethane composition. One region of the fiber includes a fusibility improvement additive to enhance adhesion to itself or to a substrate.