Abstract: The invention relates to liquid-crystalline compounds of the formula (I) in which R1, R2, A1, A2, A3, A4, Z1, Z2, Z3, a, b and c have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, and to liquid-crystalline media comprising at least one compound of the (I) and to electro-optical displays containing a liquid-crystalline medium of this type.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide such a liquid crystal composition that satisfies plural characteristic features selected from a wide temperature range of a nematic phase, a low viscosity, an appropriate optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy and a large specific resistance. The liquid crystal composition of the invention contains, as a first component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by Formula (1-1) to (1-4); contains, as a second component, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by Formula (2-1) to (2-3); and has a negative dielectric anisotropy.

Abstract: A multi-layer article includes a first polymer layer bonded to a barrier layer, which is bonded to a second polymer layer. The first polymer layer can include a fluoroelastomer. The second polymer layer can be a non-fluorinated polymer layer. The barrier layer can include a polymer derived from vinyl acetate.

Abstract: The flexible, reusable packaging container of the present invention is comprised of a packaging material. The packaging material is comprised of one or more layers of coating disposed on one or more layers of textile substrate. The coating layer may be comprised of a stiffening agent for providing support to the packaging container. The stiffening agent may provide a gas and/or liquid impermeable barrier between the contents of the container and the textile substrate. The stiffening agent may also include chemicals which impart antifungal or antibacterial properties to container. The textile substrate typically provides an aesthetically pleasing feel and appearance to the outside of the packaging container, as well as providing functional attributes such as water repellence, stain resistance, and/or anti-static resistance. The resulting packaging container possesses increased strength, puncture resistance, and resistance to de-lamination over the current paper or plastic packaging containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical closure tape in roll form. The closure tapes are useful in the manufacture of disposable articles, particularly disposable diapers. The closure tape includes a fastening tape having a mechanical closure member and a release tape that completely covers the mechanical closure member during storage and transport of the tape and/or the disposable article.

Abstract: A release process film which comprises a base material film and an adhesive layer disposed on one face of the base material film and is used by attaching to a flexible printed circuit board, wherein the adhesive layer is formed with an adhesive comprising an acrylate-based copolymer at least comprising 40 to 99% by mass of a butyl acrylate unit and 1 to 20% by mass of a monomer unit having a crosslinking functional group and a crosslinking agent and the film has specific properties. The film can effectively suppress contamination of the surface of a printed circuit board with solvents and foreign substances and formation of flaws on the surface in the process using the flexible printed circuit board for producing electronic and electric instruments.

Abstract: Provided is a composite joint comprising a pair of composite panels each defining a composite panel thickness and having an inner face sheet and an outer face sheet sandwiching a core panel therebetween. The core panel defines a constant thickness portion and a ramp portion along which the core panel tapers to a reduced thickness portion. The outer face sheet is thickened in the area of the reduced thickness portion. The core panel includes a plurality of cells extending between the inner and outer face sheets. The cells within the reduced thickness portions are filled with a filler material. The cells within the ramp portions and constant thickness portions are filled with aerogel. A primary splice plate extends across the reduced thickness portions. Mechanical fasteners extend through the outer face sheet and into the primary and secondary splice plates. A themal barrier compound covers the primary splice plate.

Abstract: A silver-based alloy thin film is provided for the highly reflective or semi-reflective layer of optical discs. Alloy additions to silver include gold, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, platinum, palladium, copper, silicon, cadmium, tin, lithium, nickel, cobalt, indium, chromium, antimony, gallium, boron, molybdenum, zirconium, beryllium, titanium, magnesium, and zinc. These alloys have moderate to high reflective and reasonable corrosion resistance in the ambient environment.

Abstract: A phase-change optical recording medium has a phase-change recording film to which recording and erasure can be reversibly performed by irradiation with light, and at least one dielectric film formed of a SiOC film containing Si, O and C, and having a carbon concentration within a range of between 0.1 and 30 atomic %.

Abstract: A surgical floormat arranged to shed fluids has a topside and an underside. The floormat is placed where a surgeon is expected to stand during surgery. Fluids released during surgery are allowed to fall onto and be shed off the floormat before being removed. The floormat may be discarded before starting another surgery. The mat is formed, at least in part, of compressible and resilient material. The topside of the mat has a spaced plurality of channels. In one instance, each of the channels has a floor sloping in opposite directions from a central peak. In another instance, the mat has a tapered apron bordering a central section that is convexly crowned to shed fluids. Crossing the apron but not the crowned center section are a plurality of channels that are sloped to shed fluids off the floormat.

Abstract: A novel design for dummy ribs in a plasma display panel. The plasma display panel includes upper and lower substrates which are installed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and which contain therebetween a plurality of barrier ribs and discharge spaces that are between the barrier ribs. The plasma display panel has a display region for displaying images from the discharge spaces. Outside the display region are formed sets of dummy ribs which are positioned in parallel to each other and spaced by a predetermined distance from the display region. Dummy ribs serve to support the upper and lower substrates while maintaining a predetermined distance therebetween. Each set of dummy ribs has at least one reinforcing rib specially designed to be resilient to damage. When exposed to sandblasting, the reinforcing rib remains functional and continues to keep the upper and the lower substrates separated by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a trim panel assembly for a vehicle having integrated energy management characteristics and method of manufacture. The trim panel assembly comprises a panel made of a first material having a first panel surface and a second panel surface, a skin covering at least a portion of the first panel surface of the panel, with the skin being made of a second material less rigid then the first material, and a rib depending from the second panel surface away from the skin. The rib has at least a first portion being made of the second material.

Abstract: For the production of a sheet product including at least two layers (V1, V2) it is suggested, among other things, an embossing device including a first pressure roller (5; 105) interacting with a first and a second embossing cylinder (1, 3; 101, 103) provided with respective points (1P, 3P; 101P, 103P) on their cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A method of plating a substrate including coating a substrate surface, laser-treating a region of the coated surface, and plating the region.

Abstract: A thermally conductive formed article according to the present invention includes a matrix, and short carbon fibers which are present in the matrix. The short carbon fibers are oriented in a fixed direction in the matrix. A ratio I(002)/I(110) between an intensity I(110) of a diffraction peak ascribable to a (110) surface of carbon and an intensity I(002) of a diffraction peak ascribable to a (002) surface of carbon, occurring when X-rays are irradiated onto the thermally conductive formed article along the direction of orientation of the short carbon fibers, is 10 or less.

Abstract: A low density, flexible, resilient, absorbent open-cell thermoplastic foam includes a combination of thermoplastic elastomer, ethylene ionomer, stiff polymer, and surfactant selected to provide various advantageous properties. The foam is useful in personal care absorbent articles, medical absorbent articles, absorbent wiping articles, and a variety of other applications.

Abstract: A support for solid phase extraction is provided for preventing the fracture of the porous body of the support and the space between the porous body and its container, and for processing various amounts of liquids to be processed while maintaining the ease of passage of liquid in use. The support for solid phase extraction comprises a ceramic substrate with one or more holes formed therein, and an inorganic porous material, filled in the hole or holes, which is produced by sol-gel transition accompanied by phase transition.

Abstract: The piston ring of the present invention comprises a thermal spray coating comprising chromium carbide particles having an average particle size of 5 ?m or less, and a matrix metal composed of a Ni—Cr alloy or a Ni—Cr alloy and Ni at least on an outer peripheral surface, said thermal spray coating having an average pore diameter of 10 ?m or less and a porosity of 8% or less by volume. A piston ring having excellent wear resistance, scuffing resistance and peeling resistance with little attackability on a mating member is obtained by forming a homogeneous thermal spray coating having a fine microstructure.

Abstract: A conductive film comprising: a support; a particle-containing layer; and a metal thin film layer, in this order, wherein the particle-containing layer contains particles having a mean particle size of from 1 to 10 ?m and a heat decomposed material of a metal acetylide and has irregularities derived from a shape of the particles formed on a surface thereof, and the metal thin film layer contains a metal element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles comprising an antiglare layer, coating compositions suitable for making antiglare layers, methods of making an antiglare article, and methods of making antiglare coating compositions. In some embodiments the article is a (e.g. illuminated) display article such as a touch screen. The antiglare layer comprises aggregate silica particle in a cured inorganic polymer matrix.

Abstract: A self supporting film of polyolefinic polymer(s) is described, the film having a first and a second surface where a first exposed surface of the film (A) comprises a polymeric low temperature sealable coating (LTSC) and where the second exposed surface of the film (B) comprises an olefinic polymer capable of forming a seal to the LTSC at a minimum temperature of at most about 100° C. when measured at 15 psi for 2 seconds, such that the first and second surfaces of the film have a mutual heat seal strength (A to B) of at least about 200 g/25 mm, when measured at 15 psi for 2 seconds at 120° C.; where the LTSC also comprises: (a) an anti-block additive in from an effective amount to about 15% by dry weight of the coating (b) a non-ionic anti-mist additive having an HLB value of up to about 20; and (c) optionally an anti-slip additive of a mean particle size of from about 3 to about 5 microns in an effective amount up to about 0.5% by dry weight of the coating.

Abstract: An adhesive optical component comprising an optical component and a layer which comprises an adhesive composition, the adhesive composition being disposed on at least one face of the optical component by coating a solution of the adhesive composition on the face of the optical component and drying the solution to form a laminate, the adhesive composition comprising (A) a copolymer of (meth)acrylic esters, (B) a crosslinking agent and (C) a phenol compound.

Abstract: Articles, particularly fibers, whose shape is dependent on temperature. The articles have a first component composed of a sharply-melting crystalline polymer and an overlapping second component. As the crystalline polymer is cooled through its melting range, the volume of the first component increases much more rapidly than the volume of the second component. As a result, the shape of the article changes. Such fibers can be incorporated into fibrous articles having temperature-dependent thermal insulation properties.

Abstract: An aqueous sizing composition for at least partially coating a plurality of glass fibers can comprise at least one rosin, at least one coupling agent, and at least one lubricant. The rosin can be a chemically-modified rosin. A plurality of coupling agents can be included, including combinations of coupling agents that can provide for multi-resin compatibility and desirable fiber glass strand properties. An embodiment of a fiber glass strand at least partially coated with a sizing composition may have properties particularly suited for applications that do not utilize air jet weaving.

Abstract: An electrically conductive yarn comprises stainless steel fibers with a specific stainless steel electrical resistance. The stainless steel fibers are coated with a metal coating, consisting of a metal material having a specific electrical resistance, smaller than the specific electrical resistance of stainless steel.

Abstract: An inorganic/organic composite material which is advantageous in physical characteristics (mechanical strength), chemical characteristics (thermal stability) and electric characteristics (electric conductivity), as compared with a sole system, as being compounded in nano order. An improved energy storage device using the inorganic/organic composite nano-beads, and especially an improved electrochemical capacitor for covering the range of a power energy density which cannot be achieved with devices of the prior art. A method of producing the inorganic/-organic composite nano-beads. The inorganic/organic composite nano-beads have a three-dimensional structure in which nuclei are made of an inorganic material having a particle diameter of nano order and a high electronic conductivity, and are covered with thin films of an organic conductive material.

Abstract: An objective of the invention is to provide a coated conductive particle having superior connection reliability, a method for manufacturing such coated conductive particle, an anisotropic conductive material and a conductive-connection structure. A coated conductive particle comprising a particle having a surface made of conductive metal and an insulating particles to coat the surface of the particle having the surface made of conductive metal there with, wherein the insulating particles are chemically bonded to the particle having the surface made of conductive metal via a functional group (A) having a bonding property to the conductive metal so that a single coating layer is formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite materials having an optical effect, comprising at least one moulding which essentially consists of core/shell particles whose shell forms a matrix and whose core is essentially solid and has an essentially monodisperse size distribution, where a difference exists between the refractive indices of the core material and of the shell material, and at least one further material which determines the mechanical properties of the composite, and to a process for the production of the composite materials. The materials according to the invention exhibit a viewing angle-dependent colour effect with freely adjustable mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method for making an ion exchange coating (e.g., a chromatographic medium) on a substrate comprising (a) reacting at least a first amine compound comprising amino groups, with at least a first polyfunctional compound, in the presence of a substrate to form a first condensation polymer reaction product, with a first unreacted excess of either at least said first amino group or polyfunctional compound functional moieties, irreversibly attached to the substrate, and (b) reacting at least a second amine compound or at least a second polyfunctional compound with unreacted excess in the first condensation polymer reaction product to form a second condensation polymer reaction product, and repeating the steps to produce the desired coating. A coated ion exchange substrate so made.

Abstract: A thermal interface material includes a matrix and carbon nanotubes. The matrix includes a first surface and an opposite second surface. The carbon nanotubes are embedded in the matrix uniformly. The carbon nanotubes extend from the first surface to the second surface, and each carbon nanotube has two opposite ends. At least one of the two opposite ends of the carbon nanotubes are exposed out of one of the first and second surfaces of the matrix. The exposed ends of the carbon nanotubes are elastically bent/embedded in a phase change layer formed thereon.

Abstract: A gas barrier substrate includes a compound gradient layer. The compound gradient layer includes an inorganic material and a resin material. A content of the inorganic material in the resin material varies in a thickness direction. The gas barrier substrate also includes a gas barrier layer. The gas barrier layer is made of an inorganic material and is bonded to the compound gradient layer. The compound gradient layer has a high content of inorganic material in an area near a bonding surface between the compound gradient layer and the gas barrier layer. The compound gradient layer may be bonded to a resin layer and may have a low content of inorganic material in an area near a surface bonded to the resin layer.

Abstract: This invention is glass laminate article comprising a film which can block the transmission of infra red (IR) light. A laminate of the present invention comprises at least two sheets of a non-plasticized thermoplastic polymer which forms the outer layers of a three-layer IR-blocking laminate film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuser member comprising a substrate, a layer thereover comprising a polymer or an elastomer, and, on the layer, a coating including mercapto- and amino-functionalities comprising from about 0.05 mole percent to about 1.00 mole percent mercapto groups and from about 0.0001 mole percent to about 0.06 mole percent amino groups, wherein the ratio of mercapto to amino mole percent values is at least 2. The layer preferably is a fluoropolymer or fluoroelastomer filled with a metal oxide (CuO, Al2O3, etc.).

Abstract: The present invention improves a surface protective layer in the resistance to marring to the extent not achieved even if the surface protective layer is made of a crosslinked cured product of an ionizing radiation-curable resin and added with silica. When forming a layer comprising the crosslinked cured product of the ionizing radiation-curable resin as a surface protective layer (2) on a substrate sheet (1) made of paper or the like, fired kaolin is contained as a filler in the surface protective layer. The fired kaolin is preferably surface-treated with a silane coupling agent. On the substrate sheet (1), a wholly solid layer (3) and a pattern layer (4) are generally provided. A primer layer may be optionally provided between the substrate sheet and the surface protective layer.

Abstract: A steel material that has on its surface a non-hexavalent-chromium type corrosion-resistant coating film formed by a composite of a metal layer and a resin layer. The steel material having or not having a copper layer is formed with 1) a Zn and/or Zn-based alloy layer, 2) a Zn/Ni alloy layer which is on this Zn and/or Zn-based alloy layer, 3) a de-Zn layer which is on the Zn/Ni alloy layer and is obtained by chemically treating the surface of the Zn/Ni alloy layer, and 4) at least one resin covering layer which is on this de-Zn layer, which are successively formed to make a corrosion-resistant coating film, the corrosion-resistant coating film, which is superior in adhesion between the metal layer and resin layer, being obtained by way of taking into account the use of a trivalent chromium type chromate layer instead of a hexavalent chromium type chromate layer (which is a substance that places a burden on the environment).

Abstract: The invention is to provide a surface-treated steel sheet of good white rust resistance with no chromium in its surface treatment film, and it has realized a surface-treated steel sheet of higher-level corrosion resistance by forming a reaction layer of plating metal with a barrier layer effective for anticorrosion not in a two-layered film but in a single-layered film.

Abstract: A TBC system suitable for protecting the surface of a substrate subjected to a hostile thermal environment. The TBC system comprises a bond coat on the substrate surface, an alumina scale on the bond coat, and a multilayer TBC comprising a thermal-sprayed first ceramic layer on the alumina scale and a thermal-sprayed second ceramic layer overlying the first ceramic layer. The first ceramic layer consists essentially of partially stabilized zirconia so as to comprise the tetragonal and cubic phases of zirconia. The second ceramic layer consists essentially of fully stabilized zirconia so as to consist essentially of the cubic phase of zirconia. The second ceramic layer is also characterized by having vertical microcracks that extend through the thickness thereof. The second ceramic layer is thicker and more erosion resistant than the first ceramic layer.

Abstract: The present invention is an organic light emitting device (OLED) comprising an anode, a cathode and a luminescent region provided between the anode and the cathode. The luminescent region comprises an electron injection and transporting zone and at least one of a hole injection and transporting zone and a mixed charge transport layer. One or both of the electron injection and transporting zone and the mixed charge transporting layer comprises an azole compound represented by formula I and/or II. The provision of the novel azole compounds of the invention as electron transport materials within an organic electroluminescent device advantageously reduces power consumption and increases power conversion efficiency within the device and as such, are suitable for a variety of display applications.

Abstract: An organic electroluminescent device comprising: a pair of electrodes; and at least one organic compound layer between the pair of electrodes, the at least one organic compound layer including a light emitting layer, wherein the light emitting layer contains at least one host material and at least one luminescent material, and the host material is a metal complex containing a metal in groups 4 to 11 or periods 5 to 6 of a Periodic Table.

Abstract: Organic light emitting devices are described wherein the emissive layer comprises a host material containing an emissive molecule, which molecule is adapted to luminesce when a voltage is applied across the heterostructure, and the emissive molecule is selected from the group of phosphorescent organometallic complexes, including cyclometallated platinum, iridium and osmium complexes. The organic light emitting devices optionally contain an exciton blocking layer. Furthermore, improved electroluminescent efficiency in organic light emitting devices is obtained with an emitter layer comprising organometallic complexes of transition metals of formula L2MX, wherein L and X are distinct bidentate ligands. Compounds of this formula can be synthesized more facilely than in previous approaches and synthetic options allow insertion of fluorescent molecules into a phosphorescent complex, ligands to fine tune the color of emission, and ligands to trap carriers.

Abstract: An article comprising a ceramic material having a ceramic matrix composite backing adapted for use in a gas turbine engine is provided. The article comprises a structural ceramic material having a hot side facing toward a high temperature environment and a cold side facing away from the high temperature environment; and a ceramic matrix composite composition having a strength greater than the strength of the ceramic material attached to the back of the cold side of the ceramic material, whereby crack initiation and propagation are inhibited by the ceramic matrix composition to a greater degree than by the ceramic material.

Abstract: A ceramic material having particular utility as a thermal insulating or thermal barrier coating on metallic substrates is provided. The ceramic material broadly comprises at least one oxide and the balance comprising a first oxide selected from the group consisting of zirconia, ceria, and hafnia. The at least one oxide has a formula A2O3 where A is selected from the group consisting of La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, In, Sc, Y, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and mixtures thereof. The present invention also broadly relates to an article having a metal substrate and a thermal barrier coating as discussed above.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising a non-magnetic support, at least one primer layer formed on one surface of the non-magnetic support, comprising a non-magnetic powder and a binder resin, at least one magnetic layer formed on the primer layer, comprising a magnetic powder and a binder resin, and a back layer formed on the other surface of the non-magnetic support, wherein the magnetic powder contained in the uppermost layer of the magnetic layer is a rare earth metal-iron type magnetic powder of substantially spherical or ellipsoidal particles comprising a rare earth element and iron or a transition metal which comprises iron, and has a number average particle size 5 to 50 nm and an average axis ratio of 1 to 2, and the total thickness of the magnetic recording medium is less than 6 ?m. This magnetic recording medium can achieve an excellent block error rate, which cannot be realized with magnetic recording media comprising conventional acicular magnetic powders.

Abstract: A fuel reservoir for a liquid fuel cell particularly useful for portable electronic devices or for a reformer, includes (a) a container defining a volume for holding a liquid fuel; (b) a wicking structure positioned within the volume and into which at least one portion of the liquid fuel wicks and from which said liquid fuel subsequently may be metered, such as by pumping; (c) a retainer to hold the wicking structure in a desired orientation within the container; and (d) an outlet for the liquid fuel that is in communication with the wicking structure. A method of dispensing liquid fuel and a method of assembling a fuel cartridge are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method for operating a fuel cell system. The device includes a combustor that is configured to combine reactants used in the fuel cell in such a way as to produce an inert fluid used to inert electrodes within the fuel cell. The device also includes componentry to permit purging of the electrodes subsequent to their inerting. In one form, the combustor is of such thermal mass that heat generated by combustion of the reactants is substantially absorbed by the combustor such that recourse to supplemental cooling apparatus is not required. The combustor may also be configured to promote staged mixing and subsequent reaction of the fuel cell reactants to further limit excess heat generated by the reaction.

Abstract: A control apparatus and a control method are used in a fuel cell system, in which fuel gas and oxidant gas are supplied to a fuel cell stack 1 to generate electric power, a load unit 9 is driven by supplying the generated power thereto, and the generated power is stored in a power storage unit. A control unit 10 sets in advance a margin load power to be supplied from a power storage unit 8 to the fuel cell stack 1 when the load of the load unit 9 changes at a predetermined rate, and computes outputable power of the power storage unit 8. Then, the control unit 10 compares the margin load power and the outputable power to generate an amount judgment result. When the outputable power is larger than the margin load power, the control unit 10 controls the power generation amount of the fuel cell stack 1 such that charged power becomes equal to an electric power difference between the margin load power and the outputable power.

Abstract: A fuel cell end plate configured to transmit substantially constant compressive forces along a surface of a fuel cell is provided. The fuel cell end plate is configured such that the compressive force is substantially constant along the surface of the fuel cell even when the surface of the fuel cell is non-parallel. The fuel cell end plate is also configured such that the surfaces of the end plate remain substantially parallel when the fuel cell end plate is in contact with a non-parallel surface of a fuel cell or fuel cell stack. The fuel cell end plate is also configured to act as a distribution manifold for the distribution of reactants and coolants to the fuel cell stack. Fuel cell assemblies including the fuel cell end plate and methods of assembling the fuel cell end plate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel cell in a fuel cell stack that provides a transition from nested bipolar plates in the active region of the stack to non-nested bipolar plates in the inactive regions of the stack without giving up the reduced stack thickness provided by the nested plates or changing the size of the flow channels. Particularly, the diffusion media layers in the fuel cells are removed in the inactive regions where the bipolar plates are non-nested so that the volume necessary to maintain the size of the flow channels is provided without the need to increase the distance between adjacent MEAs. A thin shim can be provided between the membranes and the plates in the inactive regions to support the membrane where the diffusion media layer has been removed to prevent the membrane from intruding into the flow channels and blocking the reactive flow.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell stack may include repeating fuel cell units each having a planar fuel cell, an interconnect, a cathode contact layer disposed between sealing strips, and an anode contact layer disposed between sealing strips. The sealing strips have end extensions which overlap with corner extensions on the interconnect. The extensions stack to form vertical columns which enclose the external manifolds, along with a manifold plate.

Abstract: Fuel cell power plants (19, 47, 60, 86, 102, 112, 121) include recycle fuel from a fuel exit (29) of the last fuel flow field (23, 52, 64, 89) of a series of flow fields (20-23; 49-52; 61-64; 87-89) labeled M?N through M, applied either to the Mth flow fields or both the Mth and the (M?1)th flow fields. The fuel recycle impeller is a blower (30), an ejector (30b) or an electrochemical hydrogen pump (30c). Fuel from a source (77) may be applied both to the first fuel flow field (87) and an additional fuel flow field (88, 74, 75, 89) of a series of flow fields to reduce pressure drop and flow rate requirements in the first of the series of flow fields and assure more fuel in the additional fuel flow field. Flow to the additional fuel flow field may be controlled by voltage (126) in such field or fuel content (128) of its exhaust. Transient fuel volume is provided by a tank (125).