Abstract: A microreplicated article is disclosed. The article includes an opaque web having first and second opposed surfaces. The first surface includes a first microreplicated structure having a plurality of first features. The second surface includes a second microreplicated structure having a plurality of second features. The first microreplicated structure and the second microreplicated structure retain registration within 100 micrometers.

Abstract: A method of making a sealant material, such as a grease material, which includes providing a diblock copolymer, where the diblock copolymer includes a plurality of styrene zones and a plurality of rubber zones, and where the styrene zones have a glass transition temperature, and combining the diblock copolymer with mineral oil at a processing temperature less than about the glass transition temperature of the styrene zones. Also disclosed are such sealant and gel materials.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a final drop in a living unit in a building. The system comprises a point-of-entry unit, such as a low profile base unit, disposed within the living unit at a location corresponding to an access position of horizontal cabling disposed in a hallway of the building that provides a first anchor point. The system also includes an adhesive-backed duct, having one or more communication lines disposed therein, mountable to a wall within the living unit. The system also includes a second anchor point, such as a wall receptacle, disposed within the living unit to receive a first communication line via the duct. The components of the system are also designed with very low impact profiles for better aesthetics within the living unit.

Abstract: A duct for distributing one or more communication lines comprises an elongated body having a length and a conduit portion with a lengthwise bore formed therein, the conduit portion containing one or more communication lines. The duct also includes a flange extending lengthwise adjacent the elongated body to mount the duct to a mounting surface. The duct also includes an adhesive layer disposed on a bottom surface of the flange. The duct may further include a strength member extending lengthwise with the flange. The strength member may be disposed between the bottom surface and the adhesive layer or within the conduit. The duct may include an open slot in the top to allow for insertion and removal of the communication line. The duct may also be configured such that the conduit portion is attached to the flange structure via a thin web of material having a thickness such that upon modest application of a peeling force, a segment of the conduit portion is detachable from the flange structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of an opaque web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, a second pattered roll, and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the opaque web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 micrometers.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of an opaque web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, a second pattered roll, and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the opaque web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 micrometers.

Abstract: A composition includes in relative proportion: 60 to 94 parts by weight of mineral oil; 1 to 30 parts by weight of at least one thermoplastic elastomer; and 5 to 30 parts by weight of non-halogenated metal phosphinate, wherein the non-halogenated metal phosphinate has a decomposition temperature of at least 240° C., and wherein the composition is a gel. A method of making the composition and its use as an encapsulant are also disclosed.

Abstract: A concave housing is provided having an open face and having several circumferential perimeter portions adjacent the open face of the housing. An elastomeric film can be mounted on the circumferential perimeter portions of the concave housing across the open face of the concave housing. The elastomeric film can be adapted to interface one or more cables when the cables are positioned within the housing to seal the cables from environmental conditions.

Abstract: An article can include a protective core having two end portions. The article can include a number of support cores. Each support core can be positioned substantially adjacent each end portion of the protective core. The article can include a cold shrinkable material held in an expanded state over at least a portion of the protective core and at least a portion of each support core. The support cores, the protective core, and the cold shrinkable material can collectively be placed over an apparatus such that the cold shrinkable material tightens over a portion of the apparatus responsive to removing the support core from the cold shrinkable material.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of using a sealant material, which includes providing the sealant material, where the sealant material comprises mineral oil, petroleum wax, and a viscosity builder, and where the sealant material exhibits a first hardness. The viscosity builder is selected from a group consisting of polybutene, a styrene-rubber diblock copolymer, an ethylene-propylene oligomer, and combinations thereof. The method also includes applying a shear force to at least a first portion of the sealant material, where the first portion of the sealant material exhibits a second hardness after the shear force is applied, and where the first hardness is at least two times greater than the second hardness.

Abstract: A microreplicated article is disclosed. The article includes a web including first and second opposed surfaces. The first surface includes a first microreplicated structure having a plurality of first features. The second surface includes a second microreplicated structure having a plurality of second features. Corresponding opposed features cooperate to form a lens features.

Abstract: An article can include a protective core having two end portions. The article can include a number of support cores. Each support core can be positioned substantially adjacent each end portion of the protective core. The article can include a cold shrinkable material held in an expanded state over at least a portion of the protective core and at least a portion of each support core. The support cores, the protective core, and the cold shrinkable material can collectively be placed over an apparatus such that the cold shrinkable material tightens over a portion of the apparatus responsive to removing the support core from the cold shrinkable material.

Abstract: A microreplicated article is disclosed. The article includes a web including first and second opposed surfaces. The first surface includes a first microreplicated structure having a plurality of first features. The second surface includes a second microreplicated structure having a plurality of second features. Corresponding opposed features cooperate to form a lens features.

Abstract: A concave housing is provided having an open face and having several circumferential perimeter portions adjacent the open face of the housing. An elastomeric film can be mounted on the circumferential perimeter portions of the concave housing across the open face of the concave housing. The elastomeric film can be adapted to interface one or more cables when the cables are positioned within the housing to seal the cables from environmental conditions.

Abstract: A tubular housing is provided having an open face and a circumferential perimeter portion adjacent the open face of the housing. An elastomeric film can be mounted on the circumferential perimeter portion of the tubular housing across the open face of the tubular housing. The elastomeric film can be adapted to interface one or more cables when the cables are positioned within the housing to seal the cables from environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a closure housing for sealing. The method includes forming a plurality of housings. At least one of the housings is formed as a concave housing with an open face. The method also includes aligning one or more layers, such as for example an elastomeric film or conformable selant, on one or more of the concave housings in a substantially planar configuration across a circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings. The method also includes securing the elastomeric films on the circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings. The elastomeric films are adapted to interface one or more cables when the cables are interposed between the elastomeric films on the housings.

Abstract: A closure housing includes several housings. At least one of the housings is a concave housing with an open face. At least one layer, such as for example an elastomeric film or conformable sealant, is mounted on a circumferential perimeter portion of the concave housings across the open face of each of the concave housings. At least one layer, such as an elastomeric film, is adapted to interface one or more cables when the cables are interposed between the housings.

Abstract: A tubular housing is provided having an open face and a circumferential perimeter portion adjacent the open face of the housing. An elastomeric film can be mounted on the circumferential perimeter portion of the tubular housing across the open face of the tubular housing. The elastomeric film can be adapted to interface one or more cables when the cables are positioned within the housing to seal the cables from environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a closure housing for sealing. The method includes forming a plurality of housings. At least one of the housings is formed as a concave housing with an open face. The method also includes aligning one or more layers, such as for example an elastomeric film or conformable selant, on one or more of the concave housings in a substantially planar configuration across a circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings. The method also includes securing the elastomeric films on the circumferential perimeter of the open face of each of the concave housings. The elastomeric films are adapted to interface one or more cables when the cables are interposed between the elastomeric films on the housings.

Abstract: A closure housing includes a plurality of housings. At least one of the housings is a concave housing with an open face. At least one layer, such as for example an elastomeric film, surrounds one or more cables to define one or more wrapped cables. A portion of each of the wrapped cables is adapted to be interposed between the housings.