Abstract: Method for forming a dye sublimation image in a substrate, particularly a plastic substrate, and apparatus to perform the method. According to the method taught by the present invention, a substrate is disposed on a perforated platen and a dye carrier having an image formed thereon of a dye sublimation ink is disposed on the substrate such that the image is in contact with the substrate. The substrate, dye carrier and at least a portion of the perforated platen are then covered with a flexible membrane. A clamping pressure is then applied to the substrate and the dye carrier through the membrane. Once the clamping pressure is attained, the substrate and dye carrier are first heated, then cooled.

Abstract: Method for forming a dye sublimation image in a substrate, particularly a plastic substrate, and apparatus to perform the method. According to the method taught by the present invention, a substrate is disposed on a perforated platen and a dye carrier having an image formed thereon of a dye sublimation ink is disposed on the substrate such that the image is in contact with the substrate. The substrate, dye carrier and at least a portion of the perforated platen are then covered with a flexible membrane. A clamping pressure is then applied to the substrate and the dye carrier through the membrane. Once the clamping pressure is attained, the substrate and dye carrier are first heated, then cooled. The invention disclosed herein further teaches a number of novel apparatus to effect the method, resulting in significantly superior dye sublimation imaging than heretofore attainable in rigid plastic sheets.

Abstract: Method for forming a dye sublimation image in a substrate, particularly a plastic substrate, and apparatus to perform the method. According to the method taught by the present invention, a substrate is disposed on a perforated platen and a dye carrier having an image formed thereon of a dye sublimation ink is disposed on the substrate such that the image is in contact with the substrate. The substrate, dye carrier and at least a portion of the perforated platen are then covered with a flexible membrane. A clamping pressure is then applied to the substrate and the dye carrier through the membrane. Once the clamping pressure is attained, the substrate and dye carrier are first heated, then cooled.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for marking plastic panels which then are capable of being laminated at temperatures above 500.degree. F. These panels can be marked before or after being formed. The marking method is accomplished with the use of fluid pressure for directing a mixture of a particulate abrasive material and particulate coloring material under high pressure toward and onto a surface of a plastic panel to be marked. The coloring material particles are of sufficiently small particle size to coat the abrasive particles, so that the coloring material is carried by the abrasive material particles toward and onto the surface to be marked at high speed. When the coated abrasive particles strike the surface to be marked, the colored particles are effectively embedded below the surface of the plastic surface and in position so that they cannot be removed by cleaning detergents and the like.

Abstract: An arm cap in the form of a resilient support for an armrest of a seat, the arm cap including an upper, resilient member and a lower rigid member secured to the upper member. The upper member includes a top wall and a pair of opposed side walls, each side wall having a number of inwardly projecting tabs which are connected by rivets or other fastener devices to the lower member. A layer of foam material is between the upper and lower members.