Abstract: A method of imaging acrylic glass is presented. An image is formed on a transfer sheet or medium, and is heat transferred to the acrylic glass substrate on which the image is to permanently appear. An opaque pass-through coating is applied to one surface of the clear or transparent acrylic glass article. Heat activatable dye forms the image, and the heat activatable dye, when heat activated in close relationship to the opaque pass-through coating, passes through the opaque pass-through coating to the acrylic glass substrate. The image reflects light through the acrylic glass and is visible through the material and from the side opposite the opaque coating. The opaque pass-through coating layer permanently bonds to the acrylic glass surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for imaging vinyl flooring material. Images are formed on vinyl flooring material having enhanced thermomechanical properties using heat activated imaging methods. Minimum shrinkage of the flooring substrate and minimum image deformation are provided by the invention.

Abstract: Media for receiving a printed image during sublimation or heat activated ink printing, and for transferring the image to a final substrate during subsequent heat transfer and activation, and a process of using the media. The media comprises a fibrous sheeting material, which can curve and conform to a three dimensional object to be imaged during the transfer printing process. A thin metal or metalized layer is to be applied onto the fabric/textile sheet shielding the fibrous structure, creating a reflective surface with excellent release properties. This reflective surface allows minimal dye penetration and excellent heat conductivity during heat transfer.

Abstract: A customized cover for a handheld electronic device. A back of the cover is opposite the first side, and substantially covers the back of the handheld electronic device. The backside or second side of the cover is flat along substantially its entire length, and the cover is substantially white for receiving and displaying a color image that is customized for the user of the handheld electronic device. The cover may comprise a polymer that permits permanent imaging by infusion of specialty inks to the polymer. A digital image is printed on an intermediate transfer substrate. The image is transferred under heat and pressure to the back or second side of the cover, so that the customized image appears on the cover. The invention may employ tools to secure the case during the printing process, and additional tools during a post-imprinting cooling and image stabilization phase, to prevent heat distortion of the cover during imaging.

Abstract: Media for receiving a printed image during sublimation or heat activated ink printing, and for transferring the image to a final substrate during subsequent heat transfer and activation, and a process of using the media. The media comprises a fibrous sheeting material, which can curve and conform to a three dimensional object to be imaged during the transfer printing process. A thin metal or metalized layer is to be applied onto the fabric/textile sheet shielding the fibrous structure, creating a reflective surface with excellent release properties. This reflective surface allows minimal dye penetration and excellent heat conductivity during heat transfer.

Abstract: A method is provided for imaging vinyl flooring material. Images are formed on vinyl flooring material having enhanced thermomechanical properties using heat activated imaging methods. Minimum shrinkage of the flooring substrate and minimum image deformation are provided by the invention.

Abstract: A method of imaging thermoplastics, such as acrylic glass, is presented. An image is formed on a transfer sheet or medium, and is heat transferred to the acrylic glass substrate on which the image is to permanently appear. An opaque pass-through coating is applied to one surface of the clear or transparent acrylic glass article. Heat activatable dye forms the image, and the heat activatable dye, when heat activated in close relationship to the opaque pass-through coating, passes through the opaque pass-through coating to the thermoplastic substrate. The image reflects light through the thermoplastic material and is visible through the material and from the side opposite the opaque coating. The opaque pass-through coating layer permanently bonds to the acrylic glass surface.

Abstract: A ceramic substrate has a robust and irregular hard surface. The ceramic substrate is imaged, with the image layer occupying lower areas or valleys. Higher areas or peaks valleys protect the image from mechanical forces to which the ceramic article is subjected after installation. A glaze may be applied over the ceramic substrate, with the glaze providing peaks and valleys, with the image layer in the valleys. The glaze may impart hardness for protecting the image layer from mechanical forces.

Abstract: A catheter including an elongate drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an ablation burr disposed at the distal end expandable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the second position has a greater transverse dimension than in the first position. The catheter of the present invention can include a mechanism for positioning the burr eccentrically within a vessel lumen. In this context, expansion means that the burr can ablate a lumen having a larger diameter than the diameter of the lumen of the guide catheter to which the device is advanced.

Abstract: A catheter including an elongate drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an ablation burr disposed at the distal end expandable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the second position has a greater transverse dimension than in the first position. The catheter of the present invention can include a mechanism for positioning the burr eccentrically within a vessel lumen. In this context, expansion means that the burr can ablate a lumen having a larger diameter than the diameter of the lumen of the guide catheter to which the device is advanced.

Abstract: A catheter including an elongate drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an ablation burr disposed at the distal end expandable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the second position has a greater transverse dimension than in the first position. The catheter of the present invention can include a mechanism for positioning the burr eccentrically within a vessel lumen. In this context, expansion means that the burr can ablate a lumen having a larger diameter than the diameter of the lumen of the guide catheter to which the device is advanced.

Abstract: A catheter including an elongate drive shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an ablation burr disposed at the distal end which can be drawn proximally to engage with a burr deflector surface of the drive shaft in order to be displaced transversely to remove plaque.

Abstract: A combination gas valve in which means associated with the main diaphragm valve is provided for opening the valve in a stepped manner. The combination valve includes an electromagnetic operator which controls the pressure differential across the main diaphragm valve so as to open and close it. The main valve seat surrounds a concentrically located recessed secondary valve seat. Slidably located on a stem extending from the main diaphragm valve, a secondary valve plate having a plurality of orifices therein is adapted to mate with the secondary valve seat so that initial opening of the main valve allows flow only through the orifices in the secondary valve and further opening of the main valve disengages the secondary valve from its seat, thus allowing full flow. On full flow conditions, a servo regulator provides a regulated output.