Abstract: A facemask filter assembly including a layer of air filter material configured to fit inside of a surgical-type facemask. The filter assembly further including a strip of compressible foam that is coupled to the layer of air filter material near the edge (e.g., perimeter, periphery) of the layer of air filter material. The strip of compressible foam can extend around the entire perimeter of the layer of air filter material except for a gap at the midline of the upper edge of the layer of air filter material where the strip of compressible foam is absent creating a space to accommodate the nose of the user.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing contrasting, long lasting, glassy heat fused images on the surface of ceramic materials such as bricks using a laser to vitrify the substrate material. The process is accomplished in three stages: Stage 1) the laser produces a non-adherent, highly light absorptive layer by heating and removing material from the marking field to create depth into the brick's surface; Stage 2) melting of the main portion of the substrate material along the marking field using the non-adherent light absorptive layer from Stage 1 as an effective light absorber/heat transducer to cause vitrification along the marking field; Stage 3) residue from the melting in stage 2 is removed by laser ablation to produce the vitrified finished mark.