Plural Superimposed Laminae Transferred Patents (Class 156/239)
  • Patent number: 6080261
    Abstract: An ink jet printer image transfer sheet having a non-porous flexible base layer, an ink absorbing adhesive layer coated onto said base layer and an ink jet printing ink porous detackifying outer layer. A method for transferring an ink jet printed image to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventors: Ghanshyam H. Popat, Fred Miekka, Raymond G. Kubit, Robert Valadez
  • Patent number: 6042676
    Abstract: A heat-transfer label suitable for use on silane-treated glass containers, refundable polyethylene terephthalate containers, and the like. According to one embodiment, the label includes a sheet of paper overcoated with a release layer of polyethylene. A skim coat of wax is overcoated onto the polyethylene-coated paper. A protective lacquer layer comprising a polyester, polyester/vinyl or polyester/vinyl with wax lacquer is printed onto the skim coat. An ink design layer comprising one or more polyester inks is printed onto the protective lacquer layer. An adhesive layer comprising a polyester, polyester/vinyl or polyester/vinyl with wax adhesive is printed onto the ink design layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Avery Denmson Corporation
    Inventor: Samuel H. Stein
  • Patent number: 6036809
    Abstract: A process for fabricating and releasing a thin-film structure from a primary carrier for further processing. The thin-film structure is built on a metal interconnect disposed on a dielectric layer which, in turn, is deposited on a primary carrier. The thin-film structure and metal interconnect are released from the dielectric layer and primary carrier along a release interface defined between the metal interconnect and the dielectric film. Release is accomplished by disturbing the interface, either by laser ablation or dicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kimberley A. Kelly, Ashwani K. Malhotra, Eric D. Perfecto, Roy Yu
  • Patent number: 6027599
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing knockdown safety soft floor tiles. The method includes steps of cleaning up an oil layer on the surface of the EVA board, using photography to print a predetermined picture on transfer printing paper, attaching the transfer printing paper with the picture to the surface of the EVA board, rolling and compressing the transfer printing paper with a high temperature roller, tearing away the transfer printing paper and leaving the picture on the EVA board and cutting the EVA board to have predetermined dimensions defining a floor tile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Wen-Lung Wang
  • Patent number: 6017612
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a decorative sheet comprising at least a polyester film layer and a picture-printed layer laminated on the polyester film layer,a migration value in the surface of the polyester film layer which contacts the picture-printed layer being 0 to 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Polyester Film Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Yoshihara
  • Patent number: 6015604
    Abstract: An impressed emblem is disclosed which includes a cover sheet which is used together with heat and pressure to impress a desired pattern on an emblem. The emblem can also be impressed with a pattern and simultaneously heat-sealed onto a desired substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Stahls', Inc.
    Inventor: Brett A. Stahl
  • Patent number: 5989378
    Abstract: An ink jet recording material is constituted by a support and a recording layer on the support, in which a plurality of recording layer may be provided. At least one recording layer contains colloidal particles and a water-soluble resin. In order to produce the ink jet recording material, a sticking or adhesive interlayer is provided on a support, and a recording layer including at least one layer is superposed on the interlayer. At least one of the at least one layer of the recording layer contains colloidal particles and a water-soluble resin, and the recording layer is coated and formed on a forming material. Then, the forming material is peeled from said recording layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: New Oji Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo Liu, Hiroyuki Nemoto, Hideo Ikezawa
  • Patent number: 5985078
    Abstract: In a method of producing marking or the like on a surface by means of laser radiation, at least two layers of lacquer of different colors are successively applied to the surface and at least the outer layer which is towards the viewer of the surface is removed by laser radiation in a region-wise manner to expose the second layer therebeneath, thereby producing the marking on the surface. At least the outer layer is applied by a transfer operation from a carrier material, in order thereby to produce a uniform thickness for that layer and thus a highly uniform laser-engraving effect. Also described is the use of embossing foils and more especially hot embossing foils of a particular configuration in such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventors: Joachim Suess, Gerhard Zinner
  • Patent number: 5985068
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a monolithic ceramic electronic device includes the following steps: forming a first metal film on a PET film; forming a multilayered metal film by forming a second metal film on a part of the first metal film, the second metal film being thicker than the first metal film; forming a monolithic ceramic structure including the multilayered metal film; forming the first metal film, which is partially overlain by the second metal film in the monolithic ceramic structure, into an insulating structure in such a manner that metal components forming the first metal film are diffused into the ceramics; and firing the ceramics. Disclosed also is a monolithic ceramic electronic device manufactured by the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kawakami, Yoshiaki Kohno, Noriyuki Kubodera
  • Patent number: 5980679
    Abstract: A method of selectively metallizing a thermoplastic substrate using a hot foil embossing technique, a patterned metal layer being transferred to the substrate from a metal foil by a cutting and pressing procedure including steps (a) and (b). In step (a) the patterned metal layer is first cut from the foil using a punch-press at a selected pressure p.sub.a. In step (b) the cut patterned metal layer is then attached to the substrate using a press at a pressure p.sub.b which is .ltoreq.10 N/mm.sup.2 and also <p.sub.a, and a temperature T.sub.b .gtoreq.100.degree. C. This avoids concurrent application of high pressure and high temperature, which could cause formation of upset edges at the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Jan W. Severin, Franciscus A. Meeuwsen
  • Patent number: 5968624
    Abstract: A multi-layered signage-lettering material containing a release or casting sheet layer with a pigmented display layer deposited on one side of the release sheet is described. The pigmented display layer is a coalesced film of at least one water-borne polymer of for example water-borne polyurethanes, water-borne acrylics, and mixtures thereof. Optionally, the coalesced film may be applied in multiple coats. The multi-layered material also includes an adhesive layer covering the surface of the pigmented display layer opposite the release sheet, and optionally, a removable protective layer covering the surface of the adhesive layer opposite the pigmented display layer. A method of fabricating the multi-layered signage-lettering material described above also is described. The method includes first depositing the pigmented display layer on the release or casting sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Robert James Liebe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5954905
    Abstract: A method of applying a layered structure on a host surface for hot-melt printing is provided. A print pattern layer is placed with a release layer and an upper cellophane sheet on a top surface of the print pattern layer, and a lower cellophane sheet on a bottom surface thereof. The print pattern layer is then seated on top of a host surface material and heat-pressed at a temperature within a temperature range of between 80.degree. to 150.degree. Celsius. Under those conditions, the upper cellophane sheet melts and permeates the print pattern layer to merge with the lower cellophane sheet and is attached onto the host surface material. After regenerative cooling, the release layer is able to be peeled off, forming a protective print pattern layer. The cellophane sheets are formed by applying synthetic resin directly onto the release layer, and by peeling off the release layer to form the upper cellophane sheet and the lower cellophane sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Fu-Tung Hung
  • Patent number: 5922159
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of ink jet receptor elements that contain receptor layers on difficult to coat substrates is disclosed. An element that contains, in order, a carrier sheet, a receptor layer, and an adhesive layer is laminated to the substrate and the carrier sheet removed. Difficult to coat substrates include deformable substrates and porous substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Rexam Graphics, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Allan Cahill
  • Patent number: 5916399
    Abstract: A transfer sheet material for forming retroreflective graphic images on a substrate, the sheet material comprising a monolayer of transparent microspheres; a color layer printed over the microspheres in a first graphic segment of the sheet material in an imagewise pattern, the color layer comprising a transparent colorant in a transparent resin; a reflective layer printed over the microspheres in a second graphic segment of the sheet material in an imagewise pattern, the reflective layer comprising reflective flakes in a transparent binder, wherein the microspheres are partially embedded in at least one of the color layer and the reflective layer, individual microspheres having the reflective flakes arranged in cup-like fashion about their embedded portions; and a bonding layer printed over the color layer and the reflective layer, the bonding layer being sufficiently thick to embed all exposed surfaces of the color layer and the reflective layer and being adapted for use in securing the sheet material to a s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Ulf N. Olsen
  • Patent number: 5916401
    Abstract: A coating is applied to a substrate using an intermediate membrane. The coating is typically conductive or semiconducting, and the substrate is typically glass. In one form, the coating is applied, in one or more layers, to a flat flexible membrane. The membrane is then placed on the substrate, and the combination is treated under controlled conditions in a heating chamber. The combination is first heated in a neutral atmosphere to cause volatisation of the sacrificial membrane, then successively in oxidising and reducing conditions to cause strong bonding between the coating and the substrate. In another form, a non-sacrificial membrane has a substrate contact surface which is physically and chemically compatible with the substrate and which, when treated either chemically or thermally, forms a bond with the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: The University of Queensland
    Inventor: Raymond P Gannon
  • Patent number: 5902440
    Abstract: A method for making paper labels having a protective covering where a paper sheet, adhesively supported on a first release backing sheet, is first die cut to form an array of labels. A second release backing sheet is provided having adhesively attached thereto, by an adhesive, an array of transparent cover strips. The second release backing sheet is divided into first and second portions. The second release backing sheet is then placed on the die cut paper sheet where the second release backing sheet is between the cover strips and the labels. The first portion of the second release backing sheet is then removed from the cover strips to expose a portion of the cover strips, and the exposed portion of the cover strips are then adhered to corresponding portions of the labels using the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Peter G. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5902437
    Abstract: A frangible label which includes a plurality of integrally joined layers deposited successively on a removable carrier film. One or more of the layers are electrically conductive and configured to define an electrical circuit. The label is transferrable from the carrier film onto a receiving surface and is otherwise inseparable from the carrier film without attendant disruption of the circuit. In an alternative embodiments the label includes an adhesive layer for applying the label to a substrate, such that the plurality of integrally joined layers including the electrical circuit are transferrable to the receiving surface and are otherwise inseparable from the carrier film without destruction of the electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: FLEXcon Company Inc.
    Inventors: Neil McDonough, John R. Pennace
  • Patent number: 5895705
    Abstract: Backlit sign fabric formed by coating release paper with ink, applying a plastisol coating onto the dried ink, applying a reinforcing scrim onto the coating, curing the product, then removing the release paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Highland Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl T. Crouch, Keith N. Gray
  • Patent number: 5882463
    Abstract: In a method of transferring a security element which is in the form of a laminate with a carrier foil and with a thermally activatable adhesive layer for connection to a substrate onto a document the adhesive layer is brought into contact with the substrate and locally heated by the supply of heat energy through the laminate. After the adhesive layer cools if necessary the carrier foil can be pulled off the substrate, in which case the carrier foil, at the locations adhering to the substrate, is detached from the rest of the laminate and the laminate tears along the boundary between the adhering and the non-adhering locations so that only the adhering locations of the laminate remain behind on the substrate. In particular a laser beam or an array of laser or light emitting diodes is suitable for the supply of heat energy. The laminate preferably has diffraction structures or layers producing optical interference effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Landis & Gyr Technology Innovation AG
    Inventors: Wayne Robert Tompkin, Rene Staub
  • Patent number: 5879498
    Abstract: A barrier liner for sealing reinforced composite vessels at cryogenic temperatures is provided wherein the barrier liner is composed of a polymeric composition containing a curing agent, such as a methyl bis-methyl anthranilate, and an elastomer adhesive, such as a two-part polyether based urethane adhesive. A method of manufacturing and applying the barrier liner is also provided, including the steps of mixing and degassing the polymeric composition and introducing the polymeric composition between two polyethylene carrier sheets. The two carrier sheets and the intermediate polymeric composition layer are then passed between two sizing rollers set apart at a predetermined distance. The encapsulated polymeric composition is then partially cured to a tacky gel state and cooled to arrest polymerization until application of the gel layer. The gel layer and the two carrier sheets can then be cut into any desired shape such as strips, and applied to the inner surface of a vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Carl R. Lemons
  • Patent number: 5858624
    Abstract: Optical elements are prepared by the adhesive transfer of at least a low temperature curable (e.g., radiation or room temperature curable) adhesive layer and a conductive layer to a substrate, preferably a transparent, non-birefringent substrate such as ceramic, glass or polymeric film having, for example, a color filter array thereon. The curable adhesive is cured after the curable adhesive layer has been placed into contact with a final receptor surface (e.g., a color filter array on a liquid crystal panel).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Hsin-hsin Chou, Michael F. Weber, Cyrus A. Morton, L. Peter Erickson
  • Patent number: 5838506
    Abstract: A method for producing a replica mirror for use in an image-forming apparatus is described. The process includes a step where a mirror base plate including a mirror surface inclined with respect to the scanning axis in the image-forming apparatus is prepared. A reflective film layer is adhered to a master plate via a releasing layer. Then an adhesive material is applied to the reflective film layer. The reflective film layer is adhered to the mirror base plate via the adhesive material by pressing the mirror base plate onto the adhesive material. The reflective film layer is then transferred to the mirror base plate by peeling off the releasing layer from the reflective film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Haruo Tomono, Yukio Takemura, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Yuji Matsuo, Kazumi Kimura
  • Patent number: 5830529
    Abstract: A method of forming a scratch resistant color ink pattern of multi-color coatings (5) onto a see-through panel (6) with exact registration between successive color coatings of the pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Gregory E. Ross
  • Patent number: 5824395
    Abstract: A borderless decorative graphic transfer and its application which is applied to a gum and starch coated absorbent paper is disclosed. The printed image may be applied by non-soluble water, non-soluble ink or laser printer copy toner. After printing on the coated paper, an acrylic dusting is applied to the exterior. The overlay creates a non-continuous film graphic transfer with an invisible coating. Thereafter, the image can be transferred by heat, chemical, or contact adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Richard S. Zemel
  • Patent number: 5824176
    Abstract: A composition for use in forming an adhesive layer and a heat-transfer label including such an adhesive layer. In one embodiment, the label is designed for use on silane-treated glass containers of the type that are subjected to pasteurization conditions. The label includes a support portion and a transfer portion, the transfer portion being positioned over the support portion. The support portion includes a sheet of paper overcoated with a release layer of polyethylene. The transfer portion includes an organic solvent-soluble phenoxy protective lacquer layer, an organic solvent-soluble polyester ink layer over the protective lacquer layer, and an acrylic adhesive layer over the ink layer. The adhesive layer is formed by depositing onto the ink layer, e.g., by gravure printing, a composition comprising a water-based acrylic resin dispersion or emulsion, isopropyl alcohol and water, and then evaporating the volatile components of the composition to leave an acrylic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel H. Stein, Eleanor R. Snay, Friedrich H. H. Geurtsen, James S. Nugent
  • Patent number: 5807456
    Abstract: A new method for producing substrates with a defined metallic surface form is provided which can be used advantageously in particular for producing reflection holograms on papers of value. The metallic planar elements are produced in detachable form on a master, e.g. a press roll, and then transferred directly from the master to the particular substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: GAO Gesellschaft Fur Automation und Organisation
    Inventor: Wittich Kaule
  • Patent number: 5800656
    Abstract: A heat-transfer label including a phenoxy lacquer layer. In one embodiment, the label is designed for use on silane-treated glass containers of the type that are subjected to pasteurization conditions. The label includes a support portion and a transfer portion, the transfer portion being positioned over the support portion. The support portion includes a sheet of paper overcoated with a release layer of polyethylene. The transfer portion includes an organic solvent-soluble phenoxy protective lacquer layer, an organic solvent-soluble polyester ink layer over the protective lacquer layer, and a water-dispersible acrylic adhesive layer over the ink layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Friedrich H. H. Geurtsen, Eleanor R. Snay, James S. Nugent, Samuel H. Stein
  • Patent number: 5795695
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of creating simulated, photographic-quality prints using transparent polyester substrates such as Mylar.RTM.; polypropylene, and the like. Reverse or wrong reading images are formed on the substrate using a linear or crosslinked low melt polyester toner and mixtures thereof. The reverse or wrong reading images are permanently adhered to the polyester substrate followed by the application of a backing member to the imaged transparent substrate. The backing member is characterized by being opaque and being coated with linear or crosslinked low melt polyester resin system to generate high fidelity, grain free photographic-quality images with reduced curl and improved adhesion due to similar rheological responses of the compatible materials in the toner, imaging substrate and the backing substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Shadi L. Malhotra, T. Brian Mcaneney, James H. Sharp, Kirit N. Naik
  • Patent number: 5795696
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of creating simulated photographic-quality prints using non-photographic imaging, said method comprising:(a) providing a coated transparent substrate having a wrong reading toner image formed thereon using a non-photographic imaging process; (b) providing one surface of a backing substrate with a first coating comprising a polymeric adhesive binder having a glass transition temperature less than 55.degree. C., an antistatic agent, a lightfastness inducing agent and an optional filler; (c) providing said one surface of said backing substrate with a second coating in contact with said first coating wherein said second coating comprises a hydrophilic polymer having a melting point of greater than 50.degree. C.; and a paper desizing agent material having a melting point of less than 75.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Shadi L. Malhotra
  • Patent number: 5785790
    Abstract: A transfer with durable images comprising a support sheet having a monolayer of transparent microspheres that are partially embedded in the support sheet with a specularly reflecting layer covering the parts of the surfaces of the microspheres which are exposed above the support sheet. One or more coatings of two-component colors can be printed imagewise on top of the layer of microspheres. The two-component colors are based on a polyester resin an isocyanate hardener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ulf N. Olsen, Erik Franke, Eilif Strand
  • Patent number: 5783017
    Abstract: A plastic foil for hot leaf stamping includes a layer of metal having a thickness in the range of 20 millimicrons to 100 millimicrons, a lacquer coating having a thickness in the range of 0.5 microns to 3 microns and a heat activatible adhesive. The metal layer lacquer coating and heat activatible adhesive are caused to be adhered to the substrate forming the final article during a stamping operation which releases said metal layer, lacquer coating and heat activatible adhesive from a plastic carrier film to which had initially been applied. Methods for forming such foil and for forming a decoration image on a substrate using such foil are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: NovaVision Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Boswell
  • Patent number: 5769985
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a monolithic ceramic electronic device includes the following steps: forming a first metal film on a PET film; forming a multilayered metal film by forming a second metal film on a part of the first metal film, the second metal film being thicker than the first metal film; forming a monolithic ceramic structure including the multilayered metal film; forming the first metal film, which is partially overlain by the second metal film in the monolithic ceramic structure, into an insulating structure in such a manner that metal components forming the first metal film are diffused into the ceramics; and firing the ceramics. Disclosed also is a monolithic ceramic electronic device manufactured by the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kawakami, Yoshiaki Kohno, Noriyuki Kubodera
  • Patent number: 5759734
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of creating simulated photographic-quality prints using non-photographic imaging, including the steps of: providing (a) a coated transparent substrate having a toner image formed on the first coating thereon using a non-photographic imaging process; (b) providing the surface of a backing member derived from a composition that can be melt formed and extruded in to a self supporting film and comprised of a blend consisting of (1) a thermoplastic polymer, (2) a fluorescent brightner (3) plasticizers having a melting point of less than 75.degree. C., (4) lightfastness inducing agent, (5) antistatic agent and (6) filler, melt formed and extruded in to a self supporting film, (c) adhering said substrates to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Shadi L. Malhotra
  • Patent number: 5759727
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of creating simulated photographic-quality prints using non-photographic imaging, including the steps of: (a) providing a coated transparent substrate having a toner image formed thereon using a non-photographic imaging process, (b) providing the surface of a backing substrate derived from a composition that can be melt formed and extruded in to a self supporting film and is comprised of a blend consisting of (1) a thermoplastic polymer, (2) a fluorescent brightner, (3) plasticizers having a melting point of less than 75.degree. C., (4) lightfastness inducing agent, (5) antistatic agent and (6) filler, melt formed and extruded in to a self supporting film, (c) providing a metallic coating on one side covering from about 60 to about 90 percent surface of the self supporting film, (d) adhering the coated transparent substrate having the toner image to the metallized film using heat and pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Shadi L. Malhotra
  • Patent number: 5750241
    Abstract: A thermal transfer foil (4) on which the following layer are stacked is superimposed on one side of a base film (4a), approximately 12 .mu.m to 25 .mu.m thick, relative to a substrate (11), such as a metal plate, comprising a timepiece face plate: a separable processing layer (4b), approximately 0.02 .mu.m thick; a transparent protective coloring layer (4c), approximately 2 .mu.m thick; and a reflection layer (4d), approximately 0.03 .mu.m to 0.05 .mu.m thick; as well as a thermoplastic resin layer (4e). Then, the base film (4a) is peeled off the thermal transfer foil (4), and then heat-pressed using a mold (21). Fine relief-and-indentation patterns are provided on the pressing surface (22) of the mold (21), which are transferred to the protective coloring layer (4c), the reflection layer (4d), and the thermoplastic resin layer (4e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Kobayashi, Wataru Iwanami, Taiyo Kanai
  • Patent number: 5744273
    Abstract: Simulated photographic-quality prints are created using non-photographic imaging such as xerography and ink jet. Reverse or wrong reading toner images are formed on a transparent substrate which is adhered to a coated backing substrate. The backing substrate is coated with a two layered adhesive composition where the first layer in contact with the substrate of the backing substrate is a polymeric material which serves as an adhesive and has a glass transition temperature of less than 55.degree. C. The second layer on the top of the adhesive layer is a blend of a hydrophilic polymer having a melting point greater than 50.degree. C. and a fluoro compound containing from 1 to about 25 fluorine atoms. The desired melting point of the fluoro compound is less than 100.degree. C. and preferably between about 50.degree. to about 100.degree. C. The fluoro compound in combination with the hydrophilic polymer serves as a toner wetting agent for providing an enhanced optical interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Shadi L. Malhotra
  • Patent number: 5738746
    Abstract: An article of clothing 10 bearing a retroreflective applique 12 that has a binder layer 14 onto which a retroreflective layer 19 is disposed. The retroreflective layer 19 includes a layer of optical elements 16 and a metal reflective layer 18, and the binder layer 14 includes a thermoplastic copolymer that includes units which contain carboxyl groups. A retroreflective applique, which uses such a binder layer in conjunction with aluminum-coated or silver-coated optical elements, demonstrates very good home laundering durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Britton G. Billingsley, Vera L. Lightle
  • Patent number: 5735991
    Abstract: Method for producing pads in which a laminated pad sheet is fed from a supply roll through a combined sealer/cutter. The laminated pad sheet is indexed into the sealer/cutter with a support sheet of a predetermined thickness. The sealer/cutter moves a perimeter pattern defining a sealing electrode into engagement with the laminated pad. Electrical energy is applied across the sealing electrode and a conductive, grounded plate forming a pad per/meter seal. A support plate upon which the perimeter forming electrode is mounted is moved further toward the pad when the power is turned off, causing a cutting edge surrounding the sealing electrode to pierce completely through the laminate pad and only partially through the support sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bruce Strongwater
  • Patent number: 5729272
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal transfer of a picture pattern or a letter on a printing surface of a material formed of metal or ceramics exhibiting high heat dissipating properties. The thermal transfer apparatus, by which the thermal transfer method may be carried out, includes a holding unit for holding the material and having a heater for heating the material, a thermal transfer head for heating the thermal transfer film for transferring the printing layer onto the material, a cooling unit for cooling the thermal transfer film, a peeling unit for peeling the base film of the thermal transfer film, and a control unit for pressing the thermal transfer head against the thermal transfer film as the material is heated by the heater for transferring the printing layer onto the material. The control unit causes the thermal transfer film to be cooled by the cooling means after separation of the thermal transfer head from the thermal transfer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Shuichi Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 5725712
    Abstract: An automotive quality paint coat is laminated to the exterior surface of a molded plastic car body panel. In one embodiment, the paint coat includes an exterior clear coat above a color coat. The clear coat and color coat are each coated on a temporary flexible casting sheet and dried. A high gloss surface is transferred to the clear coat from the casting sheet. The paint coat is then transferred from the casting sheet to a thin, semi-flexible thermoformable plastic backing sheet by dry paint transfer-laminating techniques. The resulting laminate is thermoformed into a complex three-dimensional shape of the car body panel. The preformed laminate is then bonded to a plastic substrate material by injection-cladding techniques to form the finished article. The paint coat has sufficient elongation to retain exterior automotive appearance and durability properties during thermoforming without deglossing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Leon Spain, Keith Lawson Truog
  • Patent number: 5714287
    Abstract: Simulated photographic-quality prints are created using non-photographic imaging such as xerography and ink jet. Reverse or wrong reading toner images are formed on a transparent substrate which is adhered to a coated backing sheet. The backing sheet is coated with a polymer material which serves as an adhesive and has a glass transition temperature less than 55.degree. C. A second coating on the backing sheet which contacts the aforementioned polymer includes a hydrophilic polymer material having a melting point greater than 50.degree. C. and a luminescent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Shadi L. Malhotra
  • Patent number: 5702805
    Abstract: A hologram decal structure including a photopolymer hologram layer having hologram fringes recorded therein, a transparent pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on a first surface of the photopolymer hologram layer, and a transparent urethane coating disposed on a second surface of the photopolymer hologram layer, and techniques for making the hologram decal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventors: Khin Swe Yin, Kevin Yu, John E. Gunther
  • Patent number: 5700338
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resistor integrated in a sintered body, by patterning a plurality of metal thin films which are formed by a thin film forming method, thereafter transferring the patterned metal thin films onto a ceramic green sheet (11), stacking another ceramic green sheet and/or a ceramic green sheet stacked with another metal thin film thereon for obtaining a laminate, and firing the resulting laminate, thereby forming a resistor integrated in a sintered body which is structured by by alloying the plurality of metal thin films in a ceramic sintered body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Kubodera, Yoshiaki Kouno
  • Patent number: 5695587
    Abstract: The transfer film comprises at least one support film, a first layer in contact with the support film, and a second layer covering the finish layer, and the method consists in spreading the various layers successively on the support film and in immersing articles while the support film is deposited on a bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: High-Tech Design
    Inventor: Pierre Dumoux
  • Patent number: 5693437
    Abstract: Simulated photographic-quality prints are created using non-photographic imaging such as xerography and ink jet. Reverse reading toner images are formed on a transparent substrate which is adhered to a coated backing sheet. One side of the backing sheet is adhered to a transparent substrate containing a reverse reading image. The opposite surface of the backing sheet is coated with a composition including a hydrophobic material and a percentage of colloidal particle material which enables writing on that surface with pen or pencil and printing thereon using xerography or ink jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Shadi L. Malhotra
  • Patent number: 5690778
    Abstract: A method of making a treated fabric, treated expandable and retractable window coverings, partitions and the like made from treated fabric having at least one area thereof treated with a fabric treatment composition and at least one area thereof left untreated, and a method of making treated expandable and retractable window coverings, partitions and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Swiszcz, Wendell B. Colson
  • Patent number: 5670003
    Abstract: A holographic article and method for forming permits the party producing the final document to print the holographic image directly on the final document thereby permitting such party to retain and maintain control of his own embossing shim on which the hologram has been formed and which is utilized for embossing the holographic image on the document. A film upon which a holographic image can be directly stamped upon the final document includes a layer of metal having a thickness in the range of 20 millimicrons to 100 millimicrons, a lacquer coating having a thickness in the range of 0.5 microns to 3 microns and a heat activatible adhesive. The metal layer lacquer coating and heat activatible adhesive are caused to be adhered to the substrate forming the final document during a stamping operation which releases said metal layer, lacquer coating and heat activatible adhesive from a plastic carrier film to which they had initially been applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: NovaVision, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Boswell
  • Patent number: 5665504
    Abstract: Simulated photographic-quality prints are created using nonphotographic imaging such as xerography and ink jet. Reverse or wrong reading toner images are formed on a transparent subs,trate which is adhered to a coated backing sheet. The backing sheet is coated with a polymer material which serves as an adhesive and has a glass transition temperature less than 55.degree. C. A hydrophilic polymer coating having a melting point greater than 50.degree. C and a toner plasticizer having a melting point less than 75.degree. C contacting the adhesive polymer serves as a wetting agent for providing an enhanced optical interface as well as protection for the adhesive polymer which has a lower melting point than the adhesive polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Shadi L. Malhotra
  • Patent number: 5660658
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preconditioning a decalcomania transfer for application to a receiving substrate in which the decalcomania is passed through a solution to precondition it for transfer. The decalcomania is fed through a pair of opposed web-like members, passed through a solution bath and has excess solution removed from the decalcomania prior to application to the receiving surface. By controlling the speed of the web-like members, the submersion time of the decalcomania in the solution is controlled. The apparatus is a container which houses the web-like feeder belts and the solution bath. The bath is partially enclosed to minimize evaporation of the solution. A pair of rollers at the outlet of the apparatus control the amount of solution remaining in the decalcomania such that the decalcomania exiting the apparatus will have sufficient solution to allow easy transfer to the receiving surface yet not have too much solution as to result in excess dripping of solution on the receiving item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: P & L Mark-It, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance Johnson, Philip Meere, Chris Dixon, Andrew Martyniuk
  • Patent number: 5660659
    Abstract: Tabless adhesive fasteners are provided for diapers. In one aspect of the invention, one face of each adhesive fastener is permanently bonded to the diaper assembly proper at an associated permanent-bond area of the diaper assembly proper at one of the two lateral sides of the diaper assembly proper and adjacent the periphery of the diaper assembly proper. The other face of each adhesive fastener is releasably carried by liner or tape protective means carried on an area of the diaper assembly proper which is offset from such associated permanent-bond area. In another aspect of the invention, the adhesive fasteners include an adhesive layer which penetrates the water-permeable inner layer of the diaper assembly proper and adhesively interacts with the water-impermeable outer layer of the diaper assembly proper, whereby such adhesive layer and inner and outer diaper layers cooperate to provide a reinforced fastener base. Each adhesive fastener may comprise two adhesive layers with a carrier layer between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Carol A. Caldwell