Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning discontinuous fibers (F 101, 212) is described. A feeder apparatus (20, 120, 220, 220A) is used to align the fibers in a horizontal plane for feeding to the aligning apparatus (40, 140, 240, 240A) providing an electrical (E) field to orient the fibers in one reselected direction. A support or conveyor (70, 170, 70) receives the aligned fibers. The method and apparatus provides composite products having improved physical properties because of the alignment. The fibers can be of different lengths and a mixture of different types to make composites with controlled microstructure and properties. The composite materials can be in the form of non-woven, discontinuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic stampable sheets with controlled fiber orientation distribution. The composites are useful for a variety of goods.

Abstract: A formable reinforcement bar, a process for producing a formable reinforcing bar and a supported structure including a formable reinforcement bar are provided. The reinforcement bar includes a body portion of a fiber reinforced thermoplastic material. The process involves laminating multiple layers of thin strips or bundles of fiber reinforced thermoplastic to produce the formable rebar. The formable rebar may be produced at remote locations such as a construction site. The supported structure includes a composite material having a formable rebar embedded therein.

Abstract: A splice having (a) a support comprising a polymeric film having a major surface; and (b) a fiber reinforcement comprising a plurality of monofilaments where the monofilaments have longitudinal axes extending in a parallel direction, one to another, across the major surface, and the monofilaments are bonded to the major surface of the support by a fiber adhesive, where the fiber adhesive is a moisture-cured polyurethane adhesive. The invention also relates to methods and products thereof for using the splice to form spliced flexible abrasive articles, including endless belt forms.

Abstract: Sheets of gas impermeable plastics material are vacuum-formed to produce semi-rigid trays or shells each having side walls extending to form a peripheral flange. The formed shells define a cavity which is filled with an insulation media such as an open cell rigid foam material or a dry silica powder. In one embodiment, a media filled shell and a gas impermeable plastic cover sheet or partially assembled inner and outer shells separated by the media, are placed within a vacuum chamber, and overlapping edge portions or flanges are sealed by a moveable platen after evacuation of the media. The shells may include inner and outer lip portions on opposite side walls to provide for placing two of the insulated shells together in opposing relation to form an insulated container. In another embodiment, the overlapping flanges of the inner and outer shells are sealed together, and the insulation media between the shells is evacuated through a tube which is then closed and sealed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing retroreflective sheeting useful for marking or the like of signs such as road signs and construction signs; number plates of vehicles such as motorcars and motorcycles; materials for safety such as clothes and life jackets; signboards, etc.

Abstract: A plurality of particles include a first material. A coating including a second material is formed on surfaces of the particles, until a selected ratio of the volume of the coating relative to the volume of the particles is achieved. A plurality of particles, including the coated particles, are consolidated in a manner such that the particles are caused to be joined to each other, to form an article. The ratio of the volume of the coating relative to the volume of the particles is selected in a manner such that the article is engineered to have a selected volume fraction representing the volume of the second material in the article relative to the volume of the first material in the article. The first material, the second material, and the volume fraction are selected in a manner such that the article is engineered to exhibit a selected intrinsic property.

Abstract: A composite abrasive material is formed by coating a mesh-type material substrate with an adhesive, contacting the substrate with a quantity of hard, abrasive particles, then removing all particles not held by the adhesive within the openings of the mesh-type material. The particles are surrounded with a sinterable matrix material while the particles are temporarily held by the adhesive. The substrate can have the adhesive applied in a pattern, or covering uniformly to cause the particles to adhere in certain areas to achieve a desired pattern. While the particles are held on the substrate, physical force can be applied to orient the particles uniformly; then, a powder can be applied, or the substrate can be applied to a preform. Subsequent treatment with heat and pressure will complete the composite abrasive material.

Abstract: Methods and articles for reinforcing castable compositions through the use of reinforcing elements maintained in a close-packed alignment in a dispersible containment means.

Abstract: A geosynthetic clay liner with a low permeability or controlled permeability intermediate sheet is provided. The liner includes two outer sheets with two layers of bentonite and an intermediate sheet disposed therebetween. The intermediate sheet may be rippled or deformed to enhance the structural stability of the liner. The intermediate sheet may be chosen from a material with low or ultra-low permeability characteristics or may be chosen from a material with controlled or directional permeability characteristics.

Abstract: A syntactic structural foam product in flat sheet form or curved three-dimensional form adaptable to such uses as a light weight structural core for composite laminates, is made of a mixture of hollow ceramic microspheres and dry resin powder, of either thermosetting or a high-temperature thermoplastic resin, distributed in the interstices of the mass of microspheres for integration of the mixture into desired form upon heating and cooling. The dry resin powder in another embodiment of the invention includes unexpanded expandable powder which will expand into microballoons in the confined spaces in which they reside and effect a bonding relation with surrounding particles upon supply of heat to the mixture. The foam product is produced by thoroughly intermixing and depositing the mixture as a layer over a surface having a release agent thereover within a dimension defined region.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the smooth continuous motion of a masking belt to concentrate air-entrained absorbent materials on the surface of a moving fibrous substrate. Air flowing through the open areas of the masking belt carries the entrained material into the fibrous web. The fibrous web acts as a filter to separate the entrained material from the air stream. Substantially all dispensed material is captured by the fibrous web, and expensive and complex absorbent material recycle systems can be eliminated.

Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, electrodes are bonded to the surface of a ceramic piezoelectric layer by supporting electrodes having a reduced dimension on a flexible dielectric film and placing the dielectric film under tension to expand the film and the electrodes sufficiently to conform the electrodes to the desired electrode pattern on the ceramic piezoelectric layer. The electrodes are then bonded to the piezoelectric layer with an adhesive bonding agent under pressure applied hydraulically so as to be distributed uniformly throughout the surface of the piezoelectric layer. In one embodiment the dielectric film also carries conductor arrays for connecting the electrodes to remote driver chips at locations spaced from the surface of the piezoelectric layer.

Abstract: A semi-transmissive semi-reflective film laminate consisting of a semi-transmissive semi-reflective layer and a film, the semi-transmissive semi-reflective layer being set on the film, characterized in that the semi-transmissive semi-reflective layer contains pearl pigment and a light transmissive resin, the average of the angles of orientation of the pearl pigments being less than 30.degree., the film is a film selected from the group consisting of a support body having a vacant space internally and a polarizing film.

Abstract: A method for preparing a thermoplastic resin composite sheet product reinforced by oriented and discontinuous long fibers comprises a first step in which a plurality of prepreg pieces of a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin composite are fed to a horizontal sieve plate in vibration. The prepreg pieces are then caused by the vibration of the sieve plate to fall through the parallel ditches of the sieve plate on a mold plate or thermoplastic resin sheet product located under the sieve plate. The prepreg pieces deposited on the mold plate or thermoplastic resin sheet product are subsequently subjected to heating and pressing such that a thermoplastic resin composite sheet product reinforced by the oriented discontinuous long fibers is formed.

Abstract: An inflatable applique for a fabric article which may be attached to an article of clothing after it is fully manufactured comprising a top and a backing layer of vinyl which are sealing affixed to one another creating a substantially airtight enclosure, a heat-fusible layer disposed on the outside of the backing layer, and an anti-sealing treatment disposed between some or all portions the top and backing layers to prevent fusing of those portions during attachment of the applique to an article of clothing. In the method of manufacture, the top and backing layers are welded together before attachment of the enclosure to a clothing article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing electrical conductivity between the opposing surface edges of gaps and joints in composite and metallic structures comprises fiber flocking a first and second set of conductive fibers in a direction normal to the surface edge of each side of the gap or joint. The first and second set of conductive fibers are positioned such that the conductive fibers interdigitate with respect to each other providing a compliant electrically conductive path between the opposing surface edges of the structural gaps and joints. After assembly, the defined joint or gap containing the interdigitated sets of carbon fibers may be filled with a polymer material or materials which constitute state of the art matrix materials used for conductive joints. Applications for this technology include electromagnetic shielding and low observables.

Abstract: A method of forming a continuous structure including the steps of preselecting a liquid reactive resin material, a particulate solid additive material, a porous blanket, and a thin fibrous sheet. The additive particles are mixed with the liquid resin material substantially continuously in a proportion significantly greater than that of the liquid resin material thereby encapsulating the additive particles. A pool of the resulting mixture is formed between the blanket and the sheet and the blanket and the sheet are advanced at a rate sufficient to maintain a suspension of the additive particles in the pool. Part of the liquid forming material is migrated through the blanket and the sheet in a uniform manner. An apparatus for carrying out this processing is also provided.

Abstract: An electrical interconnection method, where two substrates are interconnected by an electrical connection medium, includes the steps of: depositing conductive particles on the connection surface of one of two substrates which are to be interconnected; depositing paste on the connection surface of another substrate; and interconnecting the connection surfaces of the two substrates. Also, the interconnection method according to another embodiment embodiment includes the steps of: depositing conductive particles on the connection surface of one of two substrates which are to be interconnected; contacting the connection surfaces of the two substrates; and injecting paste into a gap between the two substrates to interconnect the two substrates.

Abstract: Fibrous structures containing immobilized particulate matter and processes for making them are disclosed. These structures may be used for filters and for fabrics including chemical defense garments and others. The fibrous structures have webs containing composite fibers having a lower melting component and a higher melting component. The particles are distributed into the interior of the web and fused to the low melting component of the individual fibers without substantially reducing the available surface area of the particle. A fibrous structure of a composite staple having a nylon sheath and a polyester core, with activated carbon particles bonded to the sheath is specifically disclosed.

Abstract: A method for applying a high moisture permeability floor covering material to a concrete surface and product thereof. The method comprises the steps of first applying a layer of inert fibers to the concrete surface. To the fiber layer is applied an aqueous acrylate polymer emulsion to form localized bonding penetrations of the emulsion through the layer of fibers to the concrete surface and to form a continuous coating of emulsion on the upper surface of the layer of fibers. The coating is applied so that the coated fiber layer has interconnected moisture transmission passageways communicating with the concrete surface and extending throughout the fiber layer for redistributive diffusion under the continuous coating of moisture vapor from high emission surfaces of the concrete to lower emission surfaces of the concrete. A further layer of high viscosity aqueous acrylate polymer emulsion is applied to said continuous coating and set.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of making paperboard materials for carrying static cling vinyl products for transport to end users. Such structures of this type, generally, provide good adhesion for the static cling vinyl product, but allow the vinyl product to be peeled off easily.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent core structure comprising storage cells and acquisition cells in a honeycomb-like configuration. Absorbent core structures according to the invention are useful, for example, for absorbent cores for disposable absorbent garments. Within the storage cells of the absorbent core structure is deposited a quantity of a superabsorbent material. The acquisition cells are devoid of superabsorbent material or other materials that would impede liquid movement therethrough and are preferably open. The acquisition cells can thus function as channels that allow liquids to be freely distributed within the absorbent core structure by mass flow and/or capillary action, thus helping to prevent gel blocking.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a releasable wall covering and a method of producing the same. The wall covering comprises a reinforcing backing layer with a surfacing layer formed of a polymer coating overlying a front surface of the backing layer. A layer of printing is applied to the surfacing layer with a transparent top coating overlying the printing layer. A pressure sensitive adhesive layer formed of tacky polymeric microspheres is present on the rear surface of the backing layer so as to allow the wall covering to be repositionable upon installation and releasable after an extended time.

Abstract: A method of forming a continuous structure includes the steps of preselecting a liquid reactive resin forming material, a particulate solid additive material and a porous blanket. The additive particles are mixed with the liquid resin forming material substantially continuously in a proportion significantly greater than that of the liquid resin forming material. Substantially all of the additive particles are encapsulated with the liquid resin forming material to a preselected thickness. A pool of the resulting mixture is formed on the blanket. The blanket is advanced at a rate sufficient to create movement of the additive particles within the pool and maintain the additive particles in suspension. Part of the liquid resin forming material is migrated through the blanket substantially uniformly prior to gelling of the liquid resin forming material to form a continuous resin matrix within the blanket. Also, apparatus forming the structure as well as the structure itself.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of applying dry powder in a controlled manner to a variety of surfaces to form shapes, coatings, or composite materials. This is achieved by coating the surface with a tacky substance, applying the powder, and then coating the powder with a barrier coating that is insoluble in the solvent used in the tacky layer. The process is repeated to add the desired amount of powder. By the selection of powder size, size distribution, shape, and number of layers, precise control of mass loading can be achieved. The method can be used with titanium powder to form powder-coated fiber, non-woven mat, and tape cast performs which can be processed into fiber reinforced composite materials.

Abstract: A sampler for delivery of microencapsulated liquid fragrance material is provided that comprises at least one treated paper sheet defining an enclosed cavity. The paper sheet is at least partially treated with a volatile containment treatment, wherein the volatile liquid containment treatment is water-stable and organic liquid capsule fill-stable. The enclosed cavity is substantially completely defined by treated portion(s) of the sheet. Microcapsules comprising microencapsulated organic liquid capsule fill are disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: A retroreflective article and a method for making same are taught. The retroreflective article comprises transparent microspheres and both specular and diffuse reflective pigments dispersed in a binder layer. The utilization of both types of pigments results in improved retroreflectivity over a greater range of entrance angles than if only one or the other pigment alone were used.

Abstract: A method of making a composite board comprising (a) applying a layer of a first composition comprising a thermosetting resin and a catalyst therefor to the surface of a mould; (b) allowing the thermosetting resin to polymerize; (c) applying a layer of a connecting composition comprising an adhesive or a second composition of thermosetting resin and catalyst to the layer (a); and (d) placing a structure comprising one or more laminae on the connecting composition, each lamina comprising first and second sheets of material fibre material and a corrugated sheet or a cellular core of natural fibre material sandwiched between the first and second sheets, the lamina being impregnated with thermosetting resin, extender and catalyst; the thermosetting resin being polymerized on the layer of step (c); (e) allowing the connecting composition to set and removing the composite board from the mould.

Abstract: A method of forming a continuous structure includes the steps of flowing a first liquid reactive resin forming material over a base surface, forming a first thin substantially uniform layer thereof and gelling the first layer. A second liquid resin forming material is flowed through an orifice under pressure forming a liquid stream thereof. The liquid stream is gelled to form a continuous filament with structural integrity as it advances toward the first gelled layer. The filament is contacted with the first layer and distributed thereover in a preselected pattern forming a porous non-woven filament blanket. A particulate solid material is distributed substantially uniformly over the filament blanket. A third liquid resin forming material is flowed over the blanket forming a second thin substantially uniform layer of the third liquid resin forming material and the layer is gelled.

Abstract: A paper cushioning mat for packaging and a method of producing the paper cushioning mat. The paper cushioning mat comprises two paper substrates and multiple paper cushioning pieces distributed between the substrates and adhered thereto. The paper cushioning pieces are made by cutting a coil prepared by rolling a single faced corrugated fiberboard and fixing with an adhesive crosswise to round slices of a certain thickness. Angle of cutting the coil may be inclined to the angle rectangular to the axis of the coil. The paper cushioning mat is used for packaging articles by, for example, laying the mat between the container walls and the article or by filling spaces. The mat can be reused, and easily disposed.

Abstract: A paste supply tube in a molding compound manufacturing apparatus includes first and second paste supply tubes extending parallel or substantially parallel to each other and in a direction widthwise of a pair of carrier films, each of the first and second paste supply tubes having upstream and downstream ends opposite to each other with respect to the direction of supply of a resinous paste material thereinto. While the downstream ends of the respective first and second paste supply tubes are closed, the first and second paste supply tubes are supported with the upstream and downstream ends of the first paste supply tube neighboring the downstream and upstream ends of the second paste supply tube, respectively, with respect to a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of each paste supply tube.

Abstract: A method for applying brazing material to a metal structure includes applying a sticky material maintaining adhesiveness up to temperatures of at least 180.degree. C. and preferably above 200.degree. C., to at least a subregion of the structure. Then brazing powder is applied which continues to adhere to the sticky material. After the application of the brazing powder but before an actual brazing process, the structure is heat treated without the brazing powder falling out during the heat treatment or during ensuing handling steps. The heat treatment may be a heat-degreasing of the structural parts that do not have or do not yet have brazing material applied to them.

Abstract: The method of forming a microwaveable package, generally from a plurality of liners of material, and incorporating a heat-assist layer preferably intermediately of the liners of material, which said heat assist material comprising powdered carbon, that is originally applied to the inner surface of one of the intended liners, and in register at that location where the layer is desired within the formed microwave package. The material may be imprinted by a gravure or other roller application onto the inner surface of one of said liners of material, or adhesive applied or added onto that adhesive that laminates the liners together, in order to assure that proper and convenient registration of the layer within the laminate material, and provide for its location within the formed package preferably at a lower position where the food or other product is arranged, during microwaving, to attain that necessary heat assist desired from its addition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for forming a composite web having selected discrete pocket regions which are distributed on a carrier layer and contain high-absorbency material. The invention includes a pattern chamber having opposed side walls, an entrance end wall and an exit end wall. A particulate supplying mechanism provides particles of high-absorbency material into the pattern chamber, and a web supplying mechanism provides a gas permeable carrier layer. A foraminous forming mechanism moves the carrier layer through the pattern chamber, and the forming mechanism includes a pattern of openings which are formed therethrough and are arranged to provide for a selected pattern of the discrete pocket regions. A vacuum supplying mechanism provides a selected level of relatively low gas pressure at an underside region of the forming mechanism to produce a selected gas-flow through the carrier layer and the foraminous forming mechanism to form the pocket regions.

Abstract: A headliner for mounting in the passenger compartment of a vehicle is formed from a plurality of layers of materials including foamed polyurethane, fiber glass and scrim. The layers are bonded together under heat which cures an incorporated thermosetting resin. The thermosetting resin freezes the assembled laminate conforming to the configuration of the lowermost mold. After setting of the resin the flexible laminate is trimmed to the desired shape at its periphery.

Abstract: A method for adhesively joining two members includes the steps of mixing non-compressible beads with an adhesive, applying the resulting mixture to one of the members and hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. Apparatus for performing this method includes a container for containing a mixture of an adhesive and a plurality of non-compressible beads, an applicator for applying the mixture to one of the members, and hemming means for hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. A metering device for dispensing adhesive fluid is constructed with a dispensing rod having a cooling means for facilitating operation of the metering device. The present invention finds particular utility in bonding together the inner and outer panels of an automotive door assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a female component for engaging a complementary hook component in a refastenable fastening device. The female component of the present invention is capable of engaging a hook component that has flexible, resilient individual hook elements. The female component comprises at least two, and preferably three zones or layers. Each zone has certain of the desired individual characteristics for entangling and holding the hooks of the mating hook component. These include a first zone for admitting and engaging at least some of the hooks of the complementary hook component (the "entanglement" zone), a second zone for providing space for the hooks to occupy after they have been admitted by the entanglement zone (referred to as the "spacing" zone), and a backing adjacent to the spacing zone for providing a foundation for the entanglement and spacing zones.

Abstract: A method is provided for the continuous production of sealing sheeting impervious to water and/or oil, in the case of which between a substrate layer and a non-woven material covering layer a swellable clay is needle punched in position, a swellable clay additionally strewn on the top side of the covering layer being at the same time incorporated in the covering layer. After this the swellable clay present in the covering is moistened and dried again. In accordance with a modified form of the invention use is only made of a substrate consisting of a non-woven material, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric and/or a film, the film being a synthetic resin film, a synthetic resin film reinforced with fabric or paper, and a large pored non-woven material or a non-consolidated intersecting fiber crimped non-woven material or a random fiber non-woven material on which the pulverulent swellable clay is strewn, incorporated by needle punching, moistened and dried.

Abstract: An arrangement for depositing particles onto a moving material web includes a particle dispenser and a perforated belt which moves over the material web. According to the invention, the particle dispenser is intended to dispense particles continuously in a uniform and wide flow whose width is equal to or somewhat greater than the width of the hole-pattern of the belt and the belt is spaced at a distance from the material web which is at least sufficiently large for the particles deposited on the material web to be accommodated between the belt and the web. The arrangement also includes means which function to remove particles caught by the belt without the particles falling down onto the underlying material web. These means are located downstream of the particle dispenser. The invention also relates to a method for depositing particles to a moving material web.

Abstract: A method is provided for assembling thermal ink-jet printheads. The method comprises: (a) providing a circuit layout comprising a first substrate, a plurality of conductive traces thereon in a pre-selected pattern, and a plurality of openings through the substrate defining ink-jet nozzles; (b) providing a die layout comprising (1) a plurality of resistors, each resistor formed on a second substrate and matched to an opening and (2) a plurality of channels formed in a barrier material and matched to a portion of the plurality of conductive traces; (c) interlocking plurality of conductive traces with the plurality of channels to align each resistor with a respective one of the openings; and (d) laminating those portions of the first substrate that contact the barrier to the barrier so as to bond the two layouts together. In one embodiment, the resistors are each formed in a well defined in a layer of the barrier material already on the substrate, which is extended to encompass the resistors.

Abstract: A method of making an improved fragrance-releasing sampler designed to prevent individuals from being unknowingly or involuntarily exposed to the fragrance. Preferably, the steps of the method are performed on a continuous moving web of material by in-line finishing equipment associated with a web offset printing press. The method includes applying slurry of adhesive and fragrance-containing microcapsules to a location on a moving web of material; longitudinally folding a margin of said moving web of material onto said slurry, or positioning a second web of material onto the location of said slurry; partially cutting around said slurry to define a removable element; and transversely severing the continuous moving web of material into individual fragrance-releasing samplers having a removable element carrying a fragrance which can be activated by separating said removable element from said sampler and spreading the thicknesses of the removable element apart.

Abstract: An abrasive material is formed by coating a substrate with an adhesive, contacting he substrate with a quantity of hard, abrasive particles, then removing all particles not held by the adhesive. The remaining particles are surrounded with a sinterable or fusible material while the particles are temporarily held. The substrate can have the adhesive applied in a pattern, or covering uniformly and masked, to cause particles to adhere in certain areas to achieve a desired pattern. While the particles are held on the substrate, physical force can be applied to orient the particles uniformly; then, a powder can be applied, or the substrate can be applied to a preform. Subsequent treatment with heat and/or pressure will complete the abrasive material.

Abstract: Encapsulated-lens retroreflective sheeting comprising (1) a layer of binder material having a layer of retroreflective elements partially embedded in its top surface; (2) a transparent cover sheet disposed in spaced relation from the layer of retroreflective elements; (3) a network of narrow intersecting bonds comprising binder material embossed from the layer of binder material into contact with the cover sheet so as to adhere the layer of binder material and cover sheet together and form a plurality of cells within which retroreflective elements are hermetically sealed; the embossing of the layer of binder material leaving the bottom surface of the layer of binder material with an embossed configuration; and (4) a support sheet lastingly and directly adhered to said bottom surface of the layer of binder material and embossed with the layer of binder material so as to follow the embossed configuration of said bottom surface.

Abstract: A hub secured to a substrate having a recording medium with a bond layer having a thickness of less than 1 millimeter. The bond layer bonds the hub with the substrate and includes a cross-linked adhesive with a monolayer of glass spheroids dispersed within the cross-linked adhesive. The bond layer thickness is no less than the effective maximum diameter of the spheroids.

Abstract: A pair of thermoset composite structures (19,19') are bonded together by a pair of adhesive strips (10,10'). An adhesive strip (10) is comprised of a layer of semi-crystalline thermoplastic material (12), a layer of amorphous thermoplastic material (14), a layer of dry fiber reinforcement (16) partially embedded in the layer of amorphous thermoplastic material (14), and a layer of thermosetting resin (18) covering the exposed fibers of the dry fiber reinforcement. An adhesive strip is bonded to the bonding surface (20) of the structure (19) during the curing process for the thermoset composite structure. A resistance heating element is placed between the bonding surfaces (20,20'), the bonding surfaces (20,20') are pressed together, and electrical energy is passed through the heating element (24) to heat the joint and fuse the thermoplastic adhesive layers together.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provides for thermally bonding a textile web while supporting the web continuously from the lay down point until the web is thermally bonded. The apparatus includes a heated transfer roll adjacent an endless moving belt. The transfer roll is located outside the belt loop on the opposite side of the belt from a guide roll. The belt passes around a first portion of the transfer roll with the web sandwiched between the belt and transfer roll. The heated transfer roll heats the web and the web is transferred to the transfer roll. The web is then directed through a nip formed by a calender roll positioned adjacent a second portion of the transfer roll for thermally bonding the web.

Abstract: A method for impregnating a plastic product with a hard wear-resistant material surface layer comprises providing a support plate having a desired shape and further having an adhesive layer on at least a portion thereof; introducing a plurality of particles comprising a hard wear-resistant material onto the adhesive layer; curing the adhesive so as to anchor the particles onto the support plate; placing the support plate into a mold cavity; introducing a polymer material into the cavity; exposing the sheet and polymer material to conditions effective to provide a polymer product having a hard wear-resistant material surface layer therein; cooling the mold and removing the support sheet therefrom.

Abstract: A device for applying lifting tape to imaged residues, such as latent fingerprints, is provided which comprises an arcuate base member with a means for providing a rocking motion to the arcuate base member, and with means for releasably attaching lifting tape to the outside surface of the arcuate member with the lifting surface of the lifting tape facing away from the arcuate member whereby it is applied to an imaged residue by a rocking motion of the device when in contact with the imaged residue.

Abstract: A solid polymeric fast ion conducting layer for an electrochromic device is prepared by forming a plurality of partially cured fast ion conducting polymer spacers, inserting the spacers and additional fast ion conducting polymer between an electrochromic material layer and a counterelectrode, and fully curing the spacers and fast ion conducting polymer.

Abstract: A thermal bond system is provided for bonding a first component that prods heat to a second component that dissipates heat. Carbon or other thermally conductive fiber tows are woven together to define a fabric mesh having first and second opposing woven surfaces. An adhesive bond that is flowable prior to drying is used to wet and cover the first and second opposing surfaces. The adhesive bond extends into interstices formed between adjacent fiber tows.