Abstract: A brake controlled, hydraulic pressure operated locking means is provided for preventing the operation of a vehicle's automatic transmission control lever when a vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for developing a relief image in a resinous coating on the surface of a substrate. In a preferred embodiment, this invention pertains to a flooring material having a decorative visual image and a cured wear layer coating superimposed over the visual image, the cured wear layer coating having a relief image developed therein which image is in register with the decorative visual image on the flooring material.

Abstract: An article which has utility as a surface covering for materials such as resilient flooring, furniture, walls, ceilings, counter tops and the like is produced by aligning and embedding a plurality of hollow fibers or metallic fibers on or near the surface of a translucent medium. The article is typically in the form of a film, sheet, or board.

Abstract: A thermal insulation system for electrical outlets installed against the outside walls of buildings. A large plate of special thermal insulation is secured behind the faceplate of the outlet. Other smaller plates of thermal insulation are placed over the receptacles of the electrical outlets. Dummy plugs are used to seal the slots of the receptacles and hold the small insulation plates in position.

Abstract: A corona discharge electrode system is provided, the electrode system providing a power density of up to 200 watts per square inch by use of a liquid cooled, liquid-quartz buffered electrode. The corona discharge electrode system is particularly suitable for deglossing radiant energy curable coatings.

Abstract: An aqueous-based nylon fiber shrinking composition which can be formulated into a print paste is disclosed. The resulting print paste exhibits excellent viscosity stability and can be applied to nylon pile fabric to produce print-embossed pattern fabric.

Abstract: A corona discharge device is provided, the device providing for the formation of a corona discharge characteristic of a selected gas or gas mixture to be ionized by use of a housing which is separated into an upper and lower plenum chamber by a perforated plate. The lower plenum chamber contains at least one corona discharge electrode and has inwardly tapered wall means for directing the gas or gas mixture into the active corona region. The device is particularly suitable for deglossing wear resistant coatings on floor covering materials.

Abstract: A roof construction-suspended ceiling system consists of a watertight outer layer and a layer of thermal insulation beneath it resting on a metal roof-supporting surface that has a vapor barrier. Below this there is a suspended ceiling system that has insulation placed thereon. The suspended ceiling has openings that will vent the area between the roof construction and the suspended ceiling and the above-said openings may be quickly closed in the event of a fire below the suspended ceiling system.

Abstract: An electric air stream heater adapted to operate directly on 120 volts with a wattage output of less than 500 watts without the need for any special control module, comprising, a cylindrical heating assembly having at least two spaced apart, parallel electrically connected lengths of crimped metallic foil provided with electrical power connections and secured to an insulating backing and rolled around an insulating core. Ceramic pins and a thermostatic control element which extend radially through the heating unit provide respectively, support means to prevent sagging of the heating elements in use and a means for detecting heat build-up across a large cross sectional area of the heater while creating a minimum of air flow resistance.

Abstract: Crosslinked acrylate-acetoacetamide polymers are disclosed. These polymers are prepared by the reaction of at least one polyfunctional acrylate with at least one diacetoacetamide in the presence of a catalyst capable of promoting the reaction between the polyfunctional acrylate and the diacetoacetamide. In a preferred embodiment, the polymers are employed to produce wear layer compositions for surface coverings.

Abstract: A low-cost mineral-fiber board having a natural-appearing highly textured surface, and improved uniformity of density is produced by coating the wet-textured surface of a perlite-containing mineral-fiber mat to a depth at least equal to the peak height of the texture with a layer of silicone-coated perlite prior to press-forming the board. The perlite layer fills the voids on the textured surface and provides a buffer layer between the board and press roll, enabling uniform pressure to be applied to the board without disturbing the textured surface. The top perlite layer may be removed by vacuum units before or after drying the board.

Abstract: An accessible-demountable support system for kerfed-edge wall paneling and reversible clip means used therein. The system includes vertical splines or runners each having a central web portion with pairs of front and rear flanges extending outwardly in opposite directions at right angles to the web. The front pair of flanges is adapted to be engaged in kerfs in opposing edges of wall panels. One of the rear flanges is adapted to be demountably secured to wall-mounted horizontal support members by reversible resilient clip means. The configuration of the clips is such that when one portion thereof is removably but rigidly affixed to the rear flange of a vertical spline, another portion may be hooked over an upstanding flange on a horizontal support member.

Abstract: A flat ribbon-type heater is subjected to convection loss of heat when air moves across the ribbon heater. This convection loss is minimized by providing a wall structure on either side of the ribbon heater. The wall height to ribbon width must be controlled to maximize the output of radiant energy output and minimized convection loss. Maximum efficiency occurs when the wall height(h) is equal to one half the width(w) of the ribbon heater.Baffles may be placed along the length of the ribbon heater to minimize air current flow along the ribbon heater.

Abstract: An attachment for applicators used to apply liquid adhesive to a seam between adjacent edges of floor covering. The attachment comprises a support plate having a generally rectangular main body portion, an integral collar extending upwardly from the top edge thereof, and a pair or cylindrical rollers each rotatably mounted between pairs of projections which extend downwardly from the bottom of the main body portion. The collar of the attachment is adapted to be adjustably mounted on the cylindrical nozzle of a seam sealer dispensing head and held in place thereon by appropriate fastening means. In use, the attachment provides sidewise stabilization for the applicator and a means for setting and maintaining the desired angle thereof relative to the surface of the floor covering as it is moved along the seam therein.

Abstract: A pile fabric is treated overall with a solution containing a solvent for the fiber comprising the pile fabric. The solvent concentration of the solution is of a low enough level to produce little or no shrinkage by itself upon subsequent application of heat. Portions of the fabric before heating are treated with a solution to increase the solvent concentration on the pile fabric to a point where the solvent will have a shrinking effect on the fabric. The subsequently heated product then has an embossed effect.

Abstract: An improvement in devices for determining the moisture content of lumber by measuring the electrical resistance of the wood. A biasing system is provided so that the voltage supplied to the electrical contacts disposed in the wood may be adjusted. This arrangement allows for corrections to be made in the electrical operation of the device, which corrections compensate for anomalous properties of the wood.

Abstract: A process of forming an embossed surface covering is disclosed. The process comprises forming a crosslinkable foam on a backing, depositing an activator composition to initiate cross-linking on at least a portion of the crosslinkable foam, and heating the resulting crosslinkable foam-containing sheet to a temperature sufficient to crosslink the portions of the foam affected by the deposition of activator composition and melt the portions of the foam not affected by the deposition of activator composition.

Abstract: A method of forming an embossed decorative surface covering having a backing material and a plastic-type surface material. A layer of liquid plastic-type material is coated onto a strippable carrier to form a composite. This composite is heated by bringing the uncoated side of the strippable carrier into contact with a heated embossing roll. That portion of the liquid plastic-type material in heat contact with the surface of the embossing roll through the strippable carrier becomes non-fluid. The plastic-type material is bonded to a backing material and is fused in a pattern that duplicates the pattern of the embossing roll as the strippable carrier, plastic-type material, and backing material pass through the nip between the heated embossing roll and a back-up roll. The strippable carrier is then removed from the embossed decorative surface covering.

Abstract: A method of causing a vinyl resin blanket to adhere to a silicone belt during removal of a printing transfer sheet by applying a corona discharge to the belt.

Abstract: A method for producing an acoustical ceiling tile or panel faced with a distortion free decorative thin plastic film is accomplished by first embossing the acoustical base to form a picture frame surrounding a recessed area, stretching the thin decorative plastic film over the picture frame portion and adhesively securing the film to the side and/or back of the acoustical base and subsequenytly heat shrinking the film to produce a distortion free decorative surface.