Abstract: An anodized aluminum product in continuous web or sheet form, which is heat sealed and coated with an antimicrobial composition. The antimicrobial coating can be bound to surface of the anodic layer and can comprise a network of cross-linked organo-silane molecules that are also covalently bound to the surface of the anodic layer. A process also is provided including: forming an anodic layer on the surface of an aluminum substrate; heat sealing the anodic layer; preheating the web or sheet to a range from about 140° F. to about 200° F.; applying an antimicrobial composition at an application rate sufficient for the composition to at least begin binding to the surface of and form an antimicrobial coating over the anodic layer; and post heating the coated anodized antimicrobial web or sheet to a range from about 140° F. to about 200° F. to further bind the composition to the cure the antimicrobial coating.

Abstract: An anodized aluminum sheet, which is heat sealed and coated with an antimicrobial composition. The antimicrobial coating may be bound to the surface of the anodic layer and can comprise a network of cross-linked organo-silane molecules that are also covalently bound to the surface of the anodic layer. A process also is provided including: forming an anodic layer on the surface of an aluminum substrate; heat sealing the anodic layer; preheating the sheet; applying an antimicrobial composition at an application rate sufficient for the composition to at least begin binding to the surface of and form an antimicrobial coating over the anodic layer; and post heating the coated anodized antimicrobial sheet to further bind the composition to cure the antimicrobial coating. Optionally, the heat sealed anodic layer can be etched to create a bonding layer to which the antimicrobial composition strongly bonds.

Abstract: An anodized aluminum product in continuous web or sheet form, which is heat sealed and coated with an antimicrobial composition. The antimicrobial coating can be bound to surface of the anodic layer and can comprise a network of cross-linked organo-silane molecules that are also covalently bound to the surface of the anodic layer. A process also is provided including: forming an anodic layer on the surface of an aluminum substrate; heat sealing the anodic layer; preheating the web or sheet to a range from about 140° F. to about 200° F.; applying an antimicrobial composition at an application rate sufficient for the composition to at least begin binding to the surface of and form an antimicrobial coating over the anodic layer; and post heating the coated anodized antimicrobial web or sheet to a range from about 140° F. to about 200° F. to further bind the composition to the cure the antimicrobial coating.

Abstract: A process for selectively etching a surface of an anodized aluminum article. A preferred process includes: providing an aluminum sheet or web including first and second sides having anodized finishes; etching the first side to improve the adhesion capabilities of that side but not etching the second side so that the second side retains its anodized finish. The anodized aluminum may be colored before etching, thus the second side retains its color after etching. In a more preferred embodiment, sodium hydroxide or phosphoric acid is used to etch the anodized aluminum. Optionally, the etching of the second side is prevented by administering gas or liquid over the second side, masking the second side with a protective film, or shielding the second side with a shield. Further, the gas or liquid administered over the second side may be controlled to increase or decrease the rate of etching on the first side.

Abstract: A process for selectively etching a surface of an anodized aluminum article. A preferred process includes: providing an aluminum sheet or web including first and second sides having anodized finishes; etching the first side to improve the adhesion capabilities of that side but not etching the second side so that the second side retains its anodized finish. The anodized aluminum may be colored before etching, thus the second side retains its color after etching. In a more preferred embodiment, sodium hydroxide or phosphoric acid is used to etch the anodized aluminum. Optionally, the etching of the second side is prevented by administering gas or liquid over the second side, masking the second side with a protective film, or shielding the second side with a shield. Further, the gas or liquid administered over the second side may be controlled to increase or decrease the rate of etching on the first side.

Abstract: A reflector particularly adapted for use in automotive light assemblies and other point light source applications. The reflector includes two nested aluminum discs. Each disc defines a plurality of semi-circular holes and includes a half-cone or other partial revolved surface extending from each hole. The half-cones of the first disc extend through the stamped holes of the second disc. The semi-circular holes on the two discs cooperate to define circular holes, and the half-cones at each circular hole cooperate to form full cones. Preferably, the disks are identical; and the first disc is rotated 180.degree. for nesting with the second disc. When the reflector is incorporated into a light assembly, LEDs or other point light sources are positioned within each full cone, and a lens is mounted over the reflector.

Abstract: A reflector particularly adapted for use in automotive light assemblies and other point light source applications. The reflector includes two nested aluminum discs. Each disc defines a plurality of semi-circular holes and includes a half-cone or other partial revolved surface extending from each hole. The half-cones of the first disc extend through the stamped holes of the second disc. The semi-circular holes on the two discs cooperate to define circular holes, and the half-cones at each circular hole cooperate to form full cones. Preferably, the disks are identical; and the first disc is rotated 180.degree. for nesting with the second disc. When the reflector is incorporated into a light assembly, LEDs or other point light sources are positioned within each full cone, and a lens is mounted over the reflector.

Abstract: A spacer to facilitate cooling, stacking, and handling of meat includes first and second channels, preferably of identical cross-sectional shape, placed transverse to each other so as to define multiple interconnected passageways for conducting conditioned air therethrough when placed in a stack of alternating layers of boxed meat and spacers. The channels include lateral flanges which are bonded to each other at a plurality of intersections by adhesive, and may also be joined by pressing a section of material from one lateral flange through the thickness of a section of the other lateral flange followed by clinching the sections together. The clinched sections hold the intersections together until the adhesive cures, and also contribute to the ultimate joint strength.

Abstract: A reflector includes multiple segments that can be interconnected by a flexible extrusion and connected to a top collar to form a reflective shell around a light source. The segments are corrugated for increased strength, the corrugations forming elongate facets characterized by reflective surfaces that reflect light laterally beside the light source as well as downwardly from the light source to minimize light reflected back toward the light source and maximize the service life of the light source. The corrugations add strength and stability to the segments permitting the sheet thickness, overall reflector weight, and cost to be minimized. The segments are preferably formed from a stamped aluminum sheet of about 0.020 inch thickness, and can be pre-or-post anodized to form the reflective surfaces, the pre-anodized surfaces being protected by a polycoat during stamping.

Abstract: A spacer to facilitate cooling, stacking, and handling of meat includes first and second channels, preferably of identical cross-sectional shape, placed transverse to each other so as to define multiple interconnected passageways for conducting conditioned air therethrough when placed in a stack of alternating layers of boxed meat and spacers The channels include lateral flanges which engage one another at a plurality of intersections where they are joined by pressing a section of material from one lateral flange through the thickness of a section of the other lateral flange followed by clinching the sections together, and further include a web that is spaced from the lateral flanges and positioned to support the edges of boxes of meat thus preventing the boxes from sagging during cooling. The flanges include a hemmed edge and rounded corners that permit safe use by eliminating sharp corners, the hemmed edge also providing a grip to facilitate use of the spacer.