Abstract: A tire dressing applicator which reduces wear on the applicator elements comprising a plurality of foam rollers having broad outer circumferential surfaces mounted in parallel coaxial adjacent relationship on a support shaft adjacent a path of tire travel. Tire dressing is dispensed onto the outer circumferential surfaces on demand and an actuator is provided for incrementally rotating the shaft and the rollers in unison therewith as necessary. However, a frictional engagement between the rollers and the shaft permits individual rotation of the rollers relative to the shaft during engagement with a tire sidewall.

Abstract: Fluid dispensing apparatus uses positive displacement of the fluid for accurate metering of the quantity of liquid applied to a surface. Positive displacement includes a metering volume that is filled and emptied so that each cycle corresponds to an accurate volume of material dispensed independent of viscosity. In one embodiment, a positive displacement pump is used with a variable speed air motor. The air motor drives the pump. A variable output air regulator supplies air pressure to run the air motor based on a position signal. A profile may be used to relate position with motor speed and to control quantity to be dispensed.

Abstract: A system and method for coating an implantable medical device, such as a stent, are provided.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting an electronic device display screen comprises an electronic device 1 having a display screen 3, finger nail polish 4, and finger nail polish applicator 2. Finger nail polish 4 is applied to the display screen 3 using the finger nail polish applicator 2.

Abstract: An edger/trimmer of two-piece construction having a foam painting pad secured to a large outer face of an L-shaped frame from the back of which extends a handle plate. The short section of the L-shaped frame serves as the guide, which contacts the abutting surface and provides smooth, straight movement of the pad along the surface to be painted. The pad and guide are uniquely designed and configured so that nearly all facets of edging and trimming can be easily, quickly and accurately accomplished.

Abstract: A release agent applicator applies release agent to an imaging drum and absorbs release agent metered from the drum to extend the operational life of a image drum maintenance unit. The applicator includes a reservoir for storing release agent, the reservoir having a plurality of perforations for enabling release agent to seep from the reservoir, a containment membrane mounted to the reservoir for wicking release agent from the perforations of the reservoir, and a delivery layer mounted to the containment membrane for delivering release agent from the containment membrane to an imaging drum that is in contact with the delivery layer. The delivery layer is matched to the containment membrane to maintain a saturation rate for the delivery layer in a predetermined range and the delivery layer has an uptake rate for release agent contacting an external boundary of the delivery layer that is greater than a release agent supply rate from the containment membrane to the delivery layer.

Abstract: A child identification kit suitable for home use includes a chemically treated DNA stabilizing card together with all the materials necessary for taking and storing a reliable DNA together with fingerprints and a photographic of the child in the case of abduction. The materials serve to identify the steps required for complete record creation, supplementing printed instructions and simplifying the task for typical parent.

Abstract: A stamp pad is composed of a main body and a cover, and has two legs on a side portion of the main body for standing the stamp pad upright. Said main body and cover can be separated from each other. Said legs support the main body to keep it standing upright, and the cover is fitted to the main body. Said stamp pad can stand obliquely. When said stamp pad is stood upright, the angle between the bottom of the main body and the plane on which the legs rest can be in the range of 75-85°. When the stamp pad is to be used, it is laid down. When it is not in use, the stamp pad can be stood upright.

Abstract: A sheet moistening device comprises a pair of moistening rollers which respectively have porous layers and form a nip to convey a sheet, and a dampening mechanism which supplies water to at least one of the pair of moistening rollers through a surface thereof. In the sheet moistening device, a roller surface hardness differs between the pair of moistening rollers. In addition, the sheet moistening device can further comprise a regulating device which regulates an amount of water to be supplied from the dampening mechanism to the moistening roller.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining and transferring a selected pattern of pigment material to a target surface including a quantity of pigment material; and a mask formed of substrate sheet having a forward contact surface on which a selected pattern of the pigment material is deposited and a rearward surface. The apparatus preferably additionally includes a cover sheet removably covering the contact surface, for preventing unwanted pigment transfer and smearing of the pigment pattern.

Abstract: A multi-color faux art palette system includes a number of liquid pigments of different colors and a palette having a resilient substrate having an upper and a bottom surface. The bottom surface includes a handle integrally dependent from the bottom surface of the substrate. Upon the top surface are secured discrete substantially planar color-absorbent sponges, arranged in a pattern to define a faux-art pattern of interest, each sponge having a bottom surface integrally dependent from the upper surface of the resilient substrate. Opposing edges of the planar sponges are separated from each other by a distance sufficient to preclude contact between them when the sponges are compressed against a planar surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an easy mountable paper moistening device (1) comprising two structural units (17, 18). One of the units consists of a roller (3) which supports the cleaning paper (2), said roller being connected to the room wall (12), and the other unit is connected in a separated manner to the housing (8) which comprises a tank (9) and a moistening roller (10) in addition to a conductor element (11), which is also connected in a separated manner to the room wall (12). The two-part housing (8) can be easily connected to the room wall (12) and in the respectively correct position, whereby distancing hooks (21, 22) are arranged as an aid. The individually connected sheets (4, 5, 6) can be guided by the conductor element (11) either over the moistening roller (10) or on the moistening roller (10), in order to dry or moisten the user. Said type of housing (8) can easily be associated, in retrospect, with a roller (3) and represents an optimal paper moistening device (1).

Abstract: A moistening device that significantly reduces any loss of contact between the applicator and envelope flap regardless of the thickness of the mail piece or size of the flap, thereby ensuring sufficient wetting of the glue line on the envelope flap with moistening fluid, is provided. A deflection device is added to a portion of the support to which the applicator is secured. The deflection device is located and sized to exert a force on the applicator, causing the applicator to form into a shape that more closely matches the shape of an envelope flap being processed, while also allowing the applicator to flex slightly in multiple directions. This results in little to no loss of contact between the applicator and glue line on the envelope flap, thereby allowing sufficient moistening fluid to be transferred from the applicator to the glue line.

Abstract: A water feed device for feeding water to a moistener for moistening envelope flaps that is incorporated into a mail handling machine, the water feed device comprising a reserve stock of water from which a quantity of water flows to a reservoir of water with which the reserve stock of water is in communication, said quantity of water being suitable for imbibing a piece of foam soaking in said reservoir of water, said reserve stock of water being disposed in a receptacle that is mounted to move vertically between a low position and a high position, which positions correspond respectively to a low water level and to a high water level in said reservoir, it being possible for the receptacle to take up a plurality of other positions between said low and high positions.

Abstract: A manually-operated moistener, to which a mail piece is supplied lying flat with a down-turned but not yet adhered flap on the underside of the envelope, has a blade in an upper part and a moistener rocker that can be opened upwardly and can be rotated with at least one locking contour on an associated hinge on the blade so as to be spring-supported as well as locked in a maintenance position. The upper part and a lower part of the moistener are connected by connection elements that can be detached only from above. An antibacterial upper moistening element is disposed in the upper part with a clamping region thereof in a clamping groove of the moistener rocker. A water transfer element protrudes into the lower part, which element is curved at its other, upper end. Both possess a shared contact surface for water transfer that is enlarged by the curvature.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods of printing contact lens molds in an inert atmosphere for use in manufacturing tinted contact lenses. Disclosed herein are inert atmosphere chambers and isolation shutters that are capable of quickly opening and closing to permit printing of contact lens molds in such a fashion that prevents migration and entrainment of air into the inert atmosphere chamber. Contact lens mold printing systems are also disclosed that are useful for printing contact lens molds in an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: A painting device is disclosed that is simple and easy to use to produce a faux brick appearance on domestic and commercial walls. The painting device has a base plate with a handle. An absorbent layer is attached to the base plate to absorb and hold paint that is to be applied to a wall. The painting device preferably also has vertical and horizontal spacing guides and a leveling device. The base plate and absorbent layer are preferably formed in the shape of the cross-section of a brick but may be formed in many shapes. The painting device is able to produce exacting, ordered results. In addition, there is no need for the operator to be highly skilled. The invention is used in combination with a paint tray and multiple colors of paint to produce an end result of an ordered brick appearance.

Abstract: A water feed device for feeding water to a moistener for moistening envelope flaps, which moistener is incorporated into a mail handling machine, the water feed device including a water tank which is mounted on a support and from which a quantity of water flows through a water feed pipe to a water reservoir in which part of a piece of foam is dipped, the quantity of water serving to impregnate the piece of foam for moistening the envelope flaps as they pass between a top surface of the piece of foam and a moistener brush, the water tank support being tilted at a determined angle ? relative to a horizontal reference plane, and the water tank itself being tilted at a determined angle ? relative to the water tank support.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a tire protectant to a tire and engageable with a squeeze trigger type fluid dispenser. The apparatus comprises a backing member having an aperture formed therethrough disposed in substantially a center portion of the backing member for engagement on a first side thereof with a nozzle end of such squeeze trigger type fluid dispenser. The backing member having each of a first predetermined size and a predetermined shape and made of a first predetermined material. An applicator member is engageable on a first side with the second side of the backing member. The applicator member has each of a second predetermined size and a second predetermined shape and is formed of a second predetermined material. There is a means for securing the applicator member to the backing member.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for coating prostheses via contact patterning with an applicator. Applicators can include rollers, tampons, and ribbons. Coating materials include a variety of substances including polymers and therapeutic agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a tire dressing fluid to a tire surface is provided. The apparatus includes a tire engagement arm having an applicator manifold and leveling pad. The applicator manifold has an opening for receiving a tire dressing fluid and a plurality of openings for dispensing the tire dressing fluid directly onto the tire surface. The leveling pad is provided for engaging the tire surface and spreading the tire dressing fluid over the tire surface. A method for applying a tire dressing fluid onto a tire surface is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for applying a surface treatment composition to a photosensitive printing element during thermal processing. A photosensitive printing element is contacted with a web of absorbent material that is capable of absorbing material that is melted or softened from an imaged and exposed surface of a photosensitive printing element. The web of absorbent material is coated with a surface treatment composition to transfer the surface treatment composition from the web of absorbent material to the imaged and exposed surface of the photosensitive printing element. Applying the surface treatment composition during thermal processing provides for more complete and more uniform coverage of the surface treatment composition on the photosensitive printing element.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus (10) for making thin layers from particles, wherein the particles are deposited on a carrier fluid flowing by gravity along a ramp (12) leading to a dam (18). The particles are held back at the bottom of the ramp (12), thereby causing the particles to be piled up one against the other in a monolayer configuration.

Abstract: A stamp pad is composed of a main body and a cover, and has two legs on a side portion of the main body for standing the stamp pad upright. Said main body and cover can be separated from each other. Said legs support the main body to keep it standing upright, and the cover is fitted to the main body. Said stamp pad can stand obliquely. When said stamp pad is stood upright, the angle between the bottom of the main body and the plane on which the legs rest can be in the range of 75-85°. When the stamp pad is to be used, it is laid down. When it is not in use, the stamp pad can be stood upright.

Abstract: A spreading apparatus is provided for spreading flowable materials such as adhesives and/or sealants on a surface such as a floor and/or a wall. The apparatus has a pad retainer for retaining a removable spreader pad and a reservoir chamber for flowable material pivotally attached to the pad retainer to permit pivoting of the reservoir chamber frontwards and backwards. The spreader pad comprises an elongated resilient foam member sufficiently thick to fit within and frictionally engage the pad retainer, and sufficiently high to extend below the pad retainer so that the spreader pad rather than the pad retainer contacts the surface when the spreader pad is retained by the pad retainer.

Abstract: A composite stamp pad is made of two layers joined together at their interface. The top layer of the composite stamp pad, which contacts the raised points side of the stamp, has a dense and firm fine denier fibrous structure in order to be able to transfer ink to the raised points of the stamp with high precision and without depositing ink into the recessed areas located between the raised points of the stamp. The bottom layer of the composite stamp pad has a lighter and softer coarser denier fibrous structure in order to be able to have a large ink holding capacity. A method of manufacturing the composite stamp pad is described.

Abstract: An ink pad holder for use with a self-inking reciprocating hand stamp. The ink pad holder has an upper and lower compartment, with an ink pad mounted in each compartment. The ink pad holder can be inserted in the hand stamp with either ink pad facing the printing plate so that different inks can be applied to the printing plate. This allows the user greater versatility such as using the ink pad for finger printing applications by impregnating one of the ink pads with finger printing ink. Alternatively only the lower compartment may have an ink pad mounted therein with the upper compartment remaining empty for storing small items. The ink pad holder is easily removed from the hand stamp so the ink pads are easily accessible for re-inking.

Abstract: A system for applying a protective coating to a surface includes a device for applying a protective coating to a surface. The device includes a foam pad impregnated with a composite having a matrix that includes at least one polymer resin chosen from the following group: hydrocarbon, polybutene, silicone, polyethylene; at least one silicone fluid; at least one surface coating chosen from the following groups: wax, silicone resin; and a multiplicity of inert particles dispersed within the matrix. The composite, when examined alone (before it is impregnated into the foam pad), has a wax penetration point measurement from about 60 mm to about 250 mm at 25 degrees Celsius under ASTM Test Method D217, and the foam pad impregnated with the composite is adapted so that the foam pad impregnated with the composite, when rubbed upon a surface, leaves a surface coating on the surface.

Abstract: A device for moistening an envelope flap includes a reservoir for holding a moistening fluid and an applicator mounted above the reservoir for applying the moistening fluid to the envelope flap. The moistening device also includes a fluid transfer member that is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis to transfer moistening fluid from the reservoir to the applicator while the transfer member rotates.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to prevent damage on surface of strings and make the strings less twistable to improve elasticity, bounce etc., and further avoiding uncomfortable touch at the moment of hitting a ball. The applicator for strings of the present invention is polydimethylsiloxane containing scourer and colorant and having viscosity of 100 to 1000 cs, which is retained in a sponge-like retainer.

Abstract: A system and method for processing large area substrates. In one embodiment, a system for processing large area substrates includes prep station, a stamping station and a stamp that is automatically moved between the stamping station and the prep station. The stamping station is adapted to retain a large area substrate thereon. The stamp has a patterned bottom surface that is adapted for microcontact printing. The prep station is for applying a precursor to the patterned bottom surface of the stamp. In one embodiment, a method for processing large area substrates includes the steps of disposing a large area substrate on a platen, inking a stamp adapted for microcontact printing, and automatically contacting a bottom of the stamp to the large area substrate supported on a platen.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a random image is disclosed. The apparatus has a first support member with a hanging applicator member movably connected thereto. The hanging applicator is provided with at least one reservoir of material to be applied to a substrate. The reservoir has tubing extending from the reservoir for transporting the material to a brush. The brush provides a random pattern of material to a substrate in response to pressure from flowing air.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a tire dressing fluid to a tire surface is provided. The apparatus includes a tire engagement arm having an applicator manifold and leveling pad. The applicator manifold has an opening for receiving a tire dressing fluid and a plurality of openings for dispensing the tire dressing fluid directly onto the tire surface. The leveling pad is provided for engaging the tire surface and spreading the tire dressing fluid over the tire surface. A method for applying a tire dressing fluid onto a tire surface is provided.

Abstract: A vehicle tire dressing apparatus according to the present invention comprises left and right dressing applicators situated alongside a vehicle conveying track, the dressing applicators being moveable individually into contacting engagement with tires on left and right sides of a vehicle in the track. Each applicator has an applicator pad mounted to a mount bar and the mount bar is hinged to a frame which allows articulation of the applicator pad into and out of contact with the tires. The applicator pad is configured with a plurality of orifices, each of which orifices receives fluid sprayed from a complimentary spray nozzle. Each orifice has an elongated capillary which assists dispersing fluid into the pad. The spray nozzles emit fluid into the pads for a predetermined amount of time, the spraying being initiated by movement of the vehicle into proximity with the tire dressing assembly.

Abstract: An applicator roller includes a roller jacket having an outer cylindrical surface for picking up a liquid and, at least to some extent, for transferring the liquid. The roller jacket is formed with at least one perforation through which excess liquid is guidable into a hollow interior of the applicator roller. An assembly of an applicator roller and a rotating element disposed downstream therefrom in a liquid travel direction, a cooling roller stand integrated into a dryer and having the applicator roller, a cooling roller stand disposed immediately downstream from a dryer and having the applicator roller and a printing press having the applicator roller, are also provided. A method is provided for coating a material web.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance apparatus includes a transfer roller and a dressing oil tank configured to contain dressing oil. A wick is configured to pass dressing oil from the tank to the transfer roller. A buffer brush is configured to receive dressing oil from the transfer roller and spread the dressing oil on a bowling lane. The wick may comprise a foam material having a first region having a first capillarity and a second region having a second capillarity differing from the first capillarity. The wick may also be maintained in contact with the transfer roller.

Abstract: A wipe pad (10) for cleaning debris from cooking grate (24) while preparing the cooking grate for use in cooking foods, in which the wipe pad has a sheet of an absorbent fire retardant material with a cooking agent (18) received by the sheet. The sheet, being attached to a grill brush (26) by a plurality of bristles (32) extending therefrom and partially penetrating the sheet, clings to the grill brush (26) for wiping contact of the sheet against the grate (24) upon movement of the grill brush to clean cooking debris from the cooking grate while communicating a film of the cooking agent from the sheet to prepare the cooking grate for use. A method of preparing a cooking grate for cooking is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for forming a photopolymerizable element useful as a flexographic printing plate having at least one layer of particulate material. The process includes forming a layer of a molten photopolymerizable material onto a support; and applying the particulate material onto an exterior surface of the photopolymerizable layer opposite the support within 48 hours of forming the layer of photopolymerizable material. The process optionally includes heating of the surface of the photopolymerizable layer.

Abstract: An ink pad assembly having a top panel, the top panel having an ink pad coupled thereto, a bottom panel, and a pivotable hinge for connecting the top and bottom panels. The top panel of the ink pad assembly can be opened and pivoted 180 degrees about its central lengthwise axis. This pivotability allows a user to place the ink pad assembly in a position ready for use wherein the top panel lies on top of the bottom panel so that the ink pad is exposed. The pivotable hinge also allows the user to place the ink pad assembly in a closed position wherein the top panel lies on top of the bottom panel so that the ink pad is enclosed between the top and bottom panels.

Abstract: A device for coating an element is described. The device is capable of bearing and using a swab impregnated with a coating composition and includes a mobile carriage for bearing the swab. The carriage is movable along a guiding path. The device further includes an element for pushing the swab towards the element to be coated so that a quantity of the composition released from the swab coats an element. The device also includes an element for distributing the composition, so that the coating is substantially uniform.

Abstract: A material applicator assembly 10 which includes a rotor member 12 having a plurality of dispenser apertures 20 and a deformable material application ring 23 around the outer periphery of the rotor member 12. The assembly 10 being rotatably coupled to a centrally mounted tubular member 40. Member 40 having at least one aperture through which an adhesive material 45 is forced into each of the plurality of apertures 20 as the rotor member 12 is rotated about member 40, thereby injecting the adhesive material 45 into the application ring 23 to deposit the adhesive material 45 upon components 60 having varying cross-sectional shapes.

Abstract: A system for applying a protective coating to a surface includes a device for applying a protective coating to a surface. The device includes a foam pad impregnated with a composite having a matrix that includes at least one polymer resin chosen from the following group: hydrocarbon, polybutene, silicone, polyethylene; at least one silicone fluid; at least one surface coating chosen from the following groups: wax, silicone resin; and a multiplicity of inert particles dispersed within the matrix. The composite, when examined alone (before it is impregnated into the foam pad), has a wax penetration point measurement from about 60 mm to about 250 mm at 25 degrees Celsius under ASTM Test Method D217, and the foam pad impregnated with the composite is adapted so that the foam pad impregnated with the composite, when rubbed upon a surface, leaves a surface coating on the surface.

Abstract: An improved sponge applicator and an improved contact coating apparatus for coating with liquid the outside surface of containers such as glass or plastic bottles is provided. The improved sponge applicator comprises an open cell foam having at least one surface for contacting and applying liquid to the container, and at least one section having a sealed surface for retarding flow of liquid from the sponge through the sealed surface and at least one unsealed surface for contacting the container, the sponge having an internal porosity allowing for flow of liquid through the open cell structure of the sponge. A method of sealing surfaces of an open-cell foam is also provided comprising swelling the foam with liquid, expelling excess liquid from the sponge and applying a sealant to the surface of the foam while the foam is still in its swelled shape, and curing the sealant on the sponge.

Abstract: A machine for automatically applying lane dressing travels up and down the lane to apply dressing according to a certain predetermined and preselected pattern. A single dispensing head travels back and forth across the lane as the machine moves linearly along the lane so that dressing is transferred to a buffer brush that engages the lane surface and applies the dressing thereto. The oil pattern is determined by actuation and deactuation of the dispensing head as it traverses the lane, such control of the head being provided by a special pattern control device in the nature of a cylindrical pattern tube that extends alongside the path of travel of the dispensing head. A sensor on the dispensing head detects pattern structure on the control device to responsively actuate and deactuate the head. In a preferred form, such structure takes the form of a series of metallic strips extending parallel to the path of travel of the dispensing head and spaced circumferentially around the periphery of the pattern tube.

Abstract: Erasable-ink delivery and usage devices, methods, and the like, including rubber stamp pads, spray bottles (aerosol, pump and otherwise), and stencil sets. The erasable ink can be wet or dry-erasable-ink. The ink from the stamp pad, etc., can be erased from a suitable surface, such as a dry erase board, and can be used in any desirable situation.

Abstract: A self-adjusting moistening system for a mailing system is provided. The applicator is coupled to a float mechanism, placed in the reservoir of moistening fluid, by a spring. When the reservoir is full of moistening fluid, the spring is compressed, and therefore does not provide any force on the applicator. As the level of moistening fluid decreases, the height of the float mechanism in the reservoir will also decrease, thereby causing the spring to elongate. As the spring elongates, it will pull down on the applicator, thereby causing an increase in the force applied between the applicator and the wick. This increase in force provides a more uniform deposition of the moistening fluid to the envelope flap as the level of the moistening fluid in the reservoir varies from full to empty.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying adhesive to outer edge portions of a generally rectangular clear plastic package piece has a lower portion that is a reservoir for liquid adhesive and an upper portion comprising a cover plate for the reservoir and having a flat rectangular top surface with a slot extending along each of the opposing sides of the top perimeter. Additionally, there a pair of longitudinally extending slots along the middle of the top surface and lateral slots extend through other portions of the cover plate. For each slot there is a removably mounted wick assembly, each assembly including a sheet of felt-like wick material that is looped around a rigid support bar with a lower part of the wick material extending downwardly into the reservoir. An upper portion of the wick extends a certain distance above the surface of the cover plate.

Abstract: Improved methods of forming a patterned self-assembled monolayer on a surface and derivative articles are provided. According to one method, an elastomeric stamp is deformed during and/or prior to using the stamp to print a self-assembled molecular monolayer on a surface. According to another method, during monolayer printing the surface is contacted with a liquid that is immiscible with the molecular monolayer-forming species to effect controlled reactive spreading of the monolayer on the surface. Methods of printing self-assembled molecular monolayers on nonplanar surfaces and derivative articles are provided, as are methods of etching surfaces patterned with self-assembled monolayers, including methods of etching silicon. Optical elements including flexible diffraction gratings, mirrors, and lenses are provided, as are methods for forming optical devices and other articles using lithographic molding.

Abstract: Silicone material crosslinkable into silicone elastomer by polyaddition reactions is described. A material is provided offering a compromise between the following characteristics: fluidity (in non-crosslinked state), hydrophilicity (in non-crosslinked or crossliked state) and high mechanical properties (in crosslinked state). The following materials are added to crosslinkable silicone material: (i) a reinforcing siliceous filler in the form of a suspension obtained by subjecting the filler to a treatment in two stages by an agent providing compatibility and by operating in the presence of a polyorganosiloxane with Si-alkenyl functions; and (ii) one or more non-ionic, ionic or amphoteric surfactants. Said silicone material is particularly useful for impressions, for example dental impressions and for making pads used in pad printing techniques.

Abstract: An ink dispenser includes a lower case having a cavity whereat a ceramic imprint ink dispensing plate is releasably retained by flexible tabs and including provisions for mechanically, frictionally and magnetically mounting the case on a variety of mounting surfaces.