Abstract: Apparati and methods of drying a dope material are disclosed. Example embodiments include a foraminous shield disposed over a casting solution.

Abstract: A multilayer compensator includes one or more polymeric first layers and one or more polymeric second layers. The first layers comprise a polymer having an out-of-plane (?nth) birefringence not more negative than ?0.01 and not more positive than +0.01. The second layers comprise an amorphous polymer having an out-of-plane birefringence more negative than ?0.01 or more positive than +0.01. An overall in-plane retardation (Rin) of the multilayer compensator is greater than 20 nm and the out-of-plane retardation (Rth) of the multilayer compensator is more negative than ?20 nm or more positive than +20 nm. The in-plane retardation (Rin) of the one or more first layers is 30% or less of the overall in-plane retardation (Rin) of the multilayer compensator.

Abstract: A multilayer compensator includes one or more polymeric first layers and one or more polymeric second layers. The first layers comprise a polymer having an out-of-plane (?nth) birefringence not more negative than ?0.01 or not more positive than +0.01. The second layers comprise an amorphous polymer having an out-of-plane birefringence more negative than ?0.01 or more positive than +0.01. An overall in-plane retardation (Rin) of the multilayer compensator is greater than 20 nm and the out-of-plane retardation (Rth) of the multilayer compensator is more negative than ?20 nm or more positive than +20 nm. The in-plane retardation (Rin) of the one or more first layers is 30% or less of the overall in-plane retardation (Rin) of the multilayer compensator.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a polymeric film includes adsorbing an ammonium salt surfactant over a plurality of polymer beads. The method also includes adding the polymer beads to a polymer solution, wherein the ammonium salt surfactant substantially prevents flocculation of the polymer beads. Additionally, a polymeric film includes a plurality of polymer beads each having an outer surface. The polymeric film also includes an ammonium salt surfactant disposed over each of the outer surfaces, wherein the ammonium salt surfactant substantially prevents flocculation of the polymer beads.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integral film comprising a transparent polymeric substrate having a surface bearing polymeric beads, wherein the swell ratio, the size, and the laydown of the beads are selected so as to provide both a one sided static friction coefficient of not more than 0.68 and an internal haze value of not more than 0.1. The film provides an improved combination of slip and optical properties.

Abstract: System, method and program product for creating composite images. A layout template is generated that includes one or more composite image templates. Each composite image template includes at least one image area. An image can be associated with each image area to create the composite image. The composite image can be saved as an image file or the like.