An inflatable membrane for use with a three-dimensional (3D) scanning system configured to measure signal intensity of a first and a second wavelength of light may include a matrix material, a pigment for opacity, and a fluorescent material that is transparent to the first and the second wavelengths of light. The first and second wavelengths of light may be ranges of wavelengths. The matrix material may include a silicone, and the pigment for opacity may include a carbon black. The 3D scanning system may be configured to scan anatomical cavities, such as the human ear canal.

A balloon membrane may be coupled with a scanner to produce a three-dimensional representation. The balloon membrane may include an exterior surface, and an interior surface comprising one or more fiducial markers having geometric features to form a random pattern that when detected by the scanner permits a processor of the scanner to use portions of the random pattern present in at least two image frames to align the at least two image frames to form the three-dimensional representation.

To provide a biaxially-stretched polyester film that can be used as a base film for vapor deposition, has excellent barrier properties, dimensional stability, processability, bag breakage resistance, and chemical resistance, and has less transfer of an extract to contents after retorting. A biaxially-stretched polyester film having features (a), (b), (c), and (d) below and having a thickness of 10 to 30 μm: (a) the biaxially-stretched polyester film is formed from a polyester resin composition containing a polybutylene terephthalate resin (A) in a range of 60% by mass or more; (b) a thermal shrinkage of the biaxially-stretched polyester film at 150° C. for 30 minutes is −2 to +2%; (c) thickness accuracy of the biaxially-stretched polyester film is 1 to 20%; and (d) a total amount of 1,4-butanediol and tetrahydrofuran volatilized during heating at a temperature of 135° C. for 60 minutes is not more than 2000 ppb.

The invention provides a polyester sealant film having at least one of a heat sealing layer and a heat resistant layer, wherein each layer consists of a polyester component containing ethylene terephthalate. The polyester sealant film has (1) a heat sealing strength of the heat sealing layers of 8-20 N/15 mm; (2) a difference in reversible heat capacity (ΔCp) for the heat sealing layer of 0.5-1.1 J/g/K; (3) a ΔCp for the heat resistant layer of 0.1 to less than 0.6 J/g/K; (4) a fold holding angle of 20-60 degrees; (5) a smaller curvature radius of 50-300 mm in a longitudinal or widthwise direction; and (6) a heat shrinkage ratio of −5% to 5% in both longitudinal and widthwise directions. The invention also provides a laminate comprising at least one layer of the polyester sealant and a packaging bag comprising the laminate.

Some embodiments provide a composite active flexible polymeric film. In some embodiments, the film is used for containers containing acidic material. In some embodiments, the film generates carbon dioxide gas when in contact with the acidic material to settle in the headspace of the container.

In one aspect, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus may include a balloon membrane. The balloon membrane may include an opening, an exterior surface, and an interior surface. The interior surface may include one or more fiducial markers forming a pattern detectable by a scanner imaging the interior surface of the balloon membrane. Scanned portions of the interior surface of the balloon membrane may be combined based on the fiducial markers forming the pattern. Related methods and articles of manufacture, including computer program products, are also disclosed.

The instant invention describes an anti-biofouling structure for placement onto structures or surfaces that are exposed to aquatic environments. Embedded within the anti-biofouling structure are agents that can diffuse out of the structure and prevent the formation and/or accumulation of plant and animal species build-up that creates biofouling. The instant invention also describes a system for preventing biofouling of an object stored in an aquatic environment which includes the anti-biofouling structure, and a protective cover element constructed and arranged to fit various structures, such as boat propellers.

A biodegradable sampling bag for containing samples or the like, comprises a flexible enclosure defining a chamber adapted to contain therein the sample, the flexible enclosure being made of a plastic material, which contains an additive that renders the flexible enclosure biodegradable when exposed for a sufficient period of time to microbial action. The additive is adapted to enable microorganisms to metabolize the molecular structure of said flexible enclosure. The additive is effective in altering the polymer chain of the plastic material to allow microbial action of a suitable environment to colonize in and around the plastic material, whereby microbes can then form a biofilm on a surface of the flexible enclosure and secrete acids which break down the entire polymer chain. The flexible enclosure, when exposed to microbial action, is adapted to withstand biodegradation for a given period of time, typically of at least three months.

Disclosed herein are water-soluble films and resulting packets including a water-soluble film coated by a powder, wherein the powder includes a mixture of a powdered lubricant and an active agent. Optionally, the active agent may be encapsulated, e.g. microencapsulated, for release of the active agent through mechanisms including, but not limited to, mechanical rupture, melt, ablation, dissolution, diffusion, biodegradation, or pH-controlled release. Active ingredients described include enzymes, oils, flavors, colorants, odor absorbers, fragrances, pesticides, fertilizers, activators, acid catalysts, metal catalysts, ion scavengers, bleaches, bleach components, fabric softeners and combinations thereof. Examples of packet fills include laundry detergents, bleach and laundry additives, fabric care, dishwashing, hard surface cleaning, beauty care, skin care, other personal care, and foodstuffs.

Disclosed herein are water-soluble films and resulting packets including a water-soluble film coated by a powder, wherein the powder includes a mixture of a powdered lubricant and an active agent. Optionally, the active agent may be encapsulated, e.g. microencapsulated, for release of the active agent through mechanisms including, but not limited to, mechanical rupture, melt, ablation, dissolution, diffusion, biodegradation, or pH-controlled release. Active ingredients described include enzymes, oils, flavors, colorants, odor absorbers, fragrances, pesticides, fertilizers, activators, acid catalysts, metal catalysts, ion scavengers, bleaches, bleach components, fabric softeners and combinations thereof. Examples of packet fills include laundry detergents, bleach and laundry additives, fabric care, dishwashing, hard surface cleaning, beauty care, skin care, other personal care, and foodstuffs.