Abstract: A method for manufacturing a brush head includes the steps of providing a plurality of bristle tuft retention elements, and inserting at least one bristle tuft into each of the bristle tuft retention elements. The proximal end of each bristle tuft is secured into each bristle tuft retention element. The platen portion of the brush neck is positioned in relation to the proximal ends of the bristle tufts in the retaining elements to define a space in relation to the proximal ends of the bristle tufts. A flexible material is injected into the space to create a flexible material matrix that at least partially encompasses the neck and the proximal ends of the bristle tufts. At least a portion of an exterior of the flexible material matrix is coated with a protective coating.

Abstract: An appearance-modifying device (10; 30), for modifying the visual appearance of a surface covered thereby, comprising: first (11) and second (12) oppositely arranged optically transparent substrates; a spacer structure (13; 32) spacing apart the first (11) and second (12) substrates in such a way that a space between the first (11) and second (12) substrates is divided into a plurality of cells (15, 16; 31a-c).

Abstract: A dual-layer coating for application in a steam-generating device is disclosed. A impermeable first layer thermally insulates the heated surface, while a second, porous layer enlarges the contact area, leading to an efficient conversion of liquid into vapor.

Abstract: An appearance-modifying device (10; 30), for modifying the visual appearance of a surface covered thereby, comprising: first (11) and second (12) oppositely arranged optically transparent substrates; a spacer structure (13; 32) spacing apart en the first (11) and second (12) substrates in such a way that a space between the first (11) and second (12) substrates is divided into a plurality of cells (15, 16; 31a-c).

Abstract: Disclosed is a layer for use in a domestic appliance, based on a sol-gel precursor. This layer can be obtained by screen-printing and comprises an organosilane compound. The layer is obtained from a concentrated pre-polymerized sol-gel precursor. The layer can be used as an insulating layer or as a conductive layer in a heating element. Furthermore, the layer can be used for decorative purposes.

Abstract: A heating element includes an electrically insulating layer and an electrically conductive layer. At least the electrically conductive layer is based on a hybrid sol-gel precursor including an organosilane compound.

Abstract: A sol-gel coating composition comprising fluoropolymer particles is disclosed. The fluoropolymer particles are distributed homogeneously in the coating, leading to scratch-resistant anti-stick and low-friction coatings that are suitable, for example, for electrical and non-electrical domestic appliances.

Abstract: Disclosed is a layer for use in a domestic appliance, based on a sol-gel precursors. This layer can be obtained by screen-printing and comprises an organosilane compound. The layer is obtained from a concentrated pre-polymerized sol-gel precursor. The layer can be used as an insulating layer or as a conductive layer in a heating element. Furthermore, the layer can be used for decorative purposes.

Abstract: A sol-gel material with metal particles which can be used as a conductive adhesive for systems that have a high operating temperature is disclosed. The material is especially suitable for appliances equipped with a flat heating element, such as steam irons.

Abstract: An electric heating structure of a domestic appliance includes at least one first electric heating track (23) having a positive temperature coefficient and at least one additional electric heating track (27, 28). A control structure (22, 25, 29) is provided for controlling electric power supply to said first and additional heating tracks (23, 27, 28) and is sensitive to the heating of said at least one first heating track (23) for switching on said at least one additional electric heating track (27, 28) in parallel and in addition to said at least one first heating track (23) when said at least one first heating track (23) has been heated to at least a predetermined extent.

Abstract: A sol-gel coating composition comprising fluoropolymer particles is disclosed. The fluoropolymer particles are distributed homogeneously in the coating, leading to scratch-resistant anti-stick and low-friction coatings that are suitable, for example, for electrical and non-electrical domestic appliances.

Abstract: A dual-layer coating for application in a steam-generating device is disclosed. A impermeable first layer thermally insulates the heated surface, while a second, porous layer enlarges the contact area, leading to an efficient conversion of liquid into vapor.

Abstract: A sol-gel material with metal particles which can be used as a conductive adhesive for systems that have a high operating temperature is disclosed. The material is especially suitable for appliances equipped with a flat heating element, such as steam irons.

Abstract: An electric heating structure of a domestic appliance includes at least one first electric heating track (23) having a positive temperature coefficient and at least one additional electric heating track (27, 28). A control structure (22, 25, 29) is provided for controlling electric power supply to said first and additional heating tracks (23, 27, 28) and is sensitive to the heating of said at least one first heating track (23) for switching on said at least one additional electric heating track (27, 28) in parallel and in addition to said at least one first heating track (23) when said at least one first heating track (23) has been heated to at least a predetermined extent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heating element (1) comprising an electrically insulating layer (3) and an electrically conductive layer (4). At least the electrically conductive layer (4) is based on a hybrid sol-gel precursor comprising an organosilane compound. Also disclosed is an electrical domestic appliance comprising the above heating element. Examples of such domestic appliance include (steam) irons, hair dryers, hair stylers, steamers and steam cleaners, garment cleaners, heated ironing boards, facial steamers, kettles, pressurized boilers for system irons and cleaners, coffee makers, deep fat fryers, rice cookers, sterilizers, hot plates, hot-pots, grills, space heaters, waffle irons, toasters, ovens, and water flow heaters.

Abstract: In a display device comprising a first substrate having at least one transparent, first picture electrode of a first material, a second substrate comprising at least one second picture electrode of a second material which, jointly with the picture electrode on the first substrate and an intermediate opto-electronic material, defines a pixel, and means for supplying electric voltages to the picture electrodes, the work function between the two picture electrodes is decreased in that at least one of the picture electrodes is coated with at least one layer of conducting material, or a layer of a material comprising a dipole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compound for screen-printing. The invention also relates to a screen-printed layer, wherein the layer is formed by such a compound. The invention further relates to a substrate, preferably a utensil, wherein at least a part of a surface of the substrate is provided with such a layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a domestic appliance, at least comprising an aluminum sole plate which is provided with a coating which is provided by means of a sol-gel process and wherein an intermediate layer is present between the aluminum sole plate and the sol-gel coating. The intermediate layer comprises a multi-layer structure. Also described is a method of manufacturing such a domestic appliance. The method comprises the steps of providing an aluminum substrate, applying a porous intermediate layer of aluminum oxide by electrochemical treatment of the aluminum sole plate in an electrolyte comprising a solution of phosphoric acid, applying a dense intermediate layer of aluminum oxide by electrochemical treatment in an electrolyte, and providing a sol-gel coating on the treated substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a domestic appliance, at least comprising an aluminum sole plate which is provided with a coating which is provided by means of a sol-gel process and wherein an intermediate layer is present between the aluminum sole plate and the sol-gel coating. The intermediate layer comprises a multi-layer structure.

Abstract: An LCD having the liquid crystal in at least a portion of the interpixel region displaced by a spacer material. The spacer material has a low dielectric constant relative to the liquid crystal, thus further impeding the formation of a bend deformation in the liquid crystal in the interpixel region when pixels on opposite sides of the spacer material are operating in the inversion mode. This elimination of the bend deformation in the interpixel region eliminates the reverse tilt disclination.