Abstract: A composite surface covering includes a substrate and an inorganic wear layer. The composite surface covering retains its performance characteristics after mechanical embossing. Preferably, the inorganic wear layer of the surface covering is deposited on the substrate by a reduced pressure environment vapor deposition technique. Preferably, the inorganic wear layer is aluminum oxide. The preferred substrate is a plastic material.

Abstract: A print and fusion process is used to fabricate ceramic elements that are subsequently utilized to generate a composite including a fibrous mat and discrete ceramic elements. The composite may include a substrate and a flexible or rigid non-ceramic composition between the discrete ceramic elements and/or the substrate. A ceramic ink preferably partially penetrates the fibrous mat to form the discrete elements or a continuous layer.

Abstract: A print and fusion process is used to fabricate ceramic elements that are subsequently utilized to generate a composite including a fibrous mat and discrete ceramic elements. The composite may include a substrate and a flexible or rigid non-ceramic composition between the discrete ceramic elements and/or the substrate. A ceramic ink preferably partially penetrates the fibrous mat to form the discrete elements or a continuous layer.

Abstract: A surface covering is a laminate including a hard inorganic wear layer deposited on a support by a reduced pressure environment technique such as ion assisted physical vapor deposition. The support may be selected from metal foils, films or sheets and plastics, rubbers or mineral/binder systems. The preferred support materials include organic materials. The wear layer is between 1 micron and 25 microns in thickness and has a CIE LAB value of total Delta E of less than 12. Preferably, the wear layer is deposited on the support at a temperature of less than 175.degree. C.

Abstract: A floor covering is a laminate including a hard inorganic wear layer deposited on a support, preferably by a reduced pressure environment technique such as ion assisted physical vapor deposition. The support may be selected from metal foils, films or sheets and plastics, rubbers or mineral/binder systems. The preferred support materials include stainless steel and polyester sheet molding compound.

Abstract: An improved safety housing for a radiation source used in polymerization of materials. The housing includes an interlock feature which prevents activation of the source unless the shield is placed upon the work piece. A spring loaded switch on the surface which abuts the work piece and a second magnetic switch are used to prevent accidental activation. The unit uses a mechanically interlocking locator plate which is aligned in advance of the insertion of the housing into it, and shields the operator from any stray radiation when in use.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method to reduce the liquid solvent contact time required to develop a latent polymeric relief image in a layer of polymeric material that is selectively exposed to radiation so that there is formed a layer having exposed and unexposed areas. In the method of the present invention, the layer is exposed to the gaseous vapors of at least one solvent for the more soluble area, after which it is contacted with a liquid solvent which preferentially dissolves the material from the more soluble area and which does not affect the polymerized material which forms the relief image.

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.