Abstract: An abrasive sheet has an abrasive particle layer formed on a surface of a thin flexible resin film. The abrasive sheet is produced by the steps of preparing a releasable film, forming a thin flexible resin film layer on a release agent applied surface of the releasable film and forming an abrasive particle layer on an upper surface of the resin film layer. Thereafter, the resin film having the abrasive particle layer formed thereon is removed from the releasable film, and the resin film having the abrasive particle layer formed thereon is cut into any suitable size. The abrasive sheet can provide higher polishing power during the polishing operation, but it polishes a surface while tracing or following any orange peel on the surface. Therefore, the abrasive sheet is effective for use as the polishing tool that can replace the fine compound buffing process currently utilized in the automobile repairing industry.

Abstract: The invention provides an active multifocal optical lens. The optical lens has a first optical element that provides a first optical power and a second optical element that provides a second optical power. The second optical element is a volume holographic optical element, which has been programmed to focus incoming light.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a fibrous sheet that produces rainbow and/or hologram images. A sheet having an outer surface composed of fibrous elements has its outer surface embossed with a pattern of fine grooves that are substantially aligned from fibrous element to fibrous element. In contrast, prior fabrics for producing rainbow or hologram images were laminated to plastic or metal foils having pre-embossed patterns of grooves. Sheets and fabrics of the present invention are free from such impermeable foils and retain desirable attributes of breathability and other aesthetic qualities.

Abstract: A diffractive structure (100) has a substantially planar substrate (1). A set of facets (2) is formed in or on said substrate (1), the plane or planes in which the facets (2) lie being arranged at a non-zero angle to the plane of the substrate (1). Each facet (2) has a diffraction grating (5) formed thereon. The diffractive structure (100) will produce color over a wide range of viewing and illumination angles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding an illumination device using an open mold are provided which allow for the addition of light extraction structures to a prefabricated light guide using a curable material. A mold containing the extraction structures is first provided. Curable molding material and the prefabricated light guide are placed into the mold, and an overlay comprising light extraction structures is cured onto the light guide, providing a functional illumination device.

Abstract: A method for producing a plastic aggregate for use in concrete compositions includes exposing high density plastics to ultraviolet irradiation in the presence of a strong alkali. The plastic may be recycled plastic which has been washed and cut into strips. Plastic aggregates according to the invention have an increased affinity for common concrete binders such as portland cement. A cement composition made with such plastic aggregates may include up to 60% by volume of plastic aggregate. The plastic aggregates are well adapted for use in concrete compositions used to make pre-cast concrete components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making sheet articles, for example, abrasive articles, retroreflective articles (such as traffic signs), pavement marking articles, or traction or non-skid articles. The method includes passing particles through a thermal sprayer to heat the particles and impinging the heated particles into a polymeric sheet so that the particles are at least partially embedded in the polymeric sheet. Preferably, the polymeric sheet is heated before impingement of the heated particles. One preferred method of softening the sheet is by a thermal sprayer that is used to heat the particles. A preferred thermal sprayer is a flame sprayer having a nozzle for emitting a flame, where the nozzle has a cross-web width and a downweb thickness, the width being substantially greater than the thickness.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a diffractive optical element includes the steps of: etching a negative of a desired multi-level diffraction pattern onto a molding surface of a quartz master element using photolithography, assembling the master element as a portion of a mold, and injecting a plastic molding composition into the mold and against the molding surface of the master element to injection mold a diffractive optical element, whereby the optical element has the desired diffraction pattern on its surface. The diffraction pattern is preferably formed on the quartz master using VLSI photolithography.

Abstract: Nail files are made in a manner which permits ease of dispensing. A tube is continuously fed into a milling machine where grooves are formed in predetermined segments of the tube. These grooves are roughened by adhesively applying abrasive particles or by milling the groove surfaces. The tubes are stamped so as to form alternating long grooved areas and short smooth areas. The thus-prepared tubes are divided into sections of desired lengths containing a plurality of nail files which may be easily detached from the remainder of the files in the section. Another method comprises providing a solid or hollow rod which has any of a variety of geometric cross-sections, providing the rod with grooves having varying sizes, roughening the surfaces of the grooves as above, and weakening the rods at predetermined lengths to produce sections containing a series of easily detached segments. The hollow files may be fitted with closures at each end. At least one of these closures is removable and replaceable.

Abstract: A glitter fishing lure formed from a liquid plastisol in which a vinyl resin has been dispersed in primary and secondary plasticizers. The primary plasticizer is an adipate or phthalate ester, the secondary plasticizer is a hydrocarbon, and the weight ratio of the primary to secondary plasticizer is preferably at least about 1.5, and more preferably about 5.25. The plastisol is heated to at least about its fusion temperature, and shaped in a mold to form a lure body. Once the lure body has cooled and hardened, it has a tacky outer surface. The lure body is agitated in the presence of thermoplastic first glitter flakes under dry conditions, so that the first glitter flakes adhere to the tacky outer surface of the lure body.

Abstract: Graphic material includes at least one area bearing a hologram and at least one area bearing a diffraction grating. Preferably, the diffraction grating and the hologram are simultaneously viewable from at least one perspective. The graphic material is made using an embossing die grown from a precursor blank which has been embossed in discrete areas with a holographic microtexture and then partially overstamped with a diffraction grating microtexture. The stamping of the blank may be effected by pressing a suitably shaped die against a shim bearing a diffraction grating microtexture for forming the microtexture in the die shape on the blank.

Abstract: Particulate material for use in waste water treatment. The material comprises granules of a plastic material (e.g. poly-ethylene), each of which contains a plurality of grains of a substantially inert mineral (e.g. sand) coated thereon to provide a habitat for microorganisms effective in waste water treatment. The granules will have a predetermined particle size which is governed by the particle size range of the granules, e.g 3-10 mm and the grains will have a predetermined particle size range, e.g. 0.1-3.5 mm.

Abstract: A wood-plastic composite material is produced in a twin screw extruder with parallel intermeshing segmented screws. The screw segments are positioned on two spline shafts and perform the various required functions of mixing, deaerating and removal of moisture followed by extrusion. A polymer is fed to the main throat of the extruder where the plastic is conveyed along a barrel formed by the case of the extruder. Cellulosic fiber is positively fed into the extruder approximately one-quarter of the way down the extruder barrel by a twin screw side stuffer. A vent is provided for entrained air in the cellulosic material to escape. The molten mixture of polymer and cellulosic material is then conveyed to a devolatilization area having a first atmosphere devolatilization area and a second vacuum devolatilization area separated by a melt seal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of manufacturing highly conducting composites, the method being characterized by the following steps: a) contacting a powder or fibers with an aqueous solution containing an appreciably water-soluble high-molecular substance, b) optionally washing with water, c) contacting with a dispersion containing finely particulate electrically conducting material, wetting agents (surfactants) and an ionogenic metal compound, d) optionally washing with water and e) molding to required shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a collagen fiber having microparticulates coated on the surface of the fiber and the method for forming the fiber are disclosed.

Abstract: A composite manufacturing system moves a multi-fiber tow through a processing space. A resin particle source provides particles to the space. This source may include an airstream entrained with particles which is discharged into the space through an orifice; the airstream diverging as it enters the space. An electrode is disposed in the space to electrostatically charge the particles and facilitate deposition of the charged particles on the tow. In one embodiment, the electrode includes a corona wire disposed proximate to the tow to provide a generally cylindrical charging region. An electric field useful to direct deposition of the particles may be generated by appropriately shaping a wire electrode and orienting it in a predetermined manner relative to the tow. After the particles are deposited, a fixation unit may be used to at least partially melt the deposited particles. A processing stage may be included which has a pair of surfaces configured to heat and compress the tow therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for surface finishing sheets made from thermoplastics by applying a partially fused layer of thermoplastic polyurethane.

Abstract: A method for producing a plastic material containing a diffractive optic pattern therein including embossing a curable plastic material with a diffractive optic pattern by pressing the curable plastic material against a master having a diffractive optic pattern thereon which is coated with a thin layer of a fluorinated silane, having at least one fluorinated alkyl group bonded to an Si atom and at least one alkoxy or halide group bonded to an Si atom, as a release layer. Also, the master coated with the fluorinated silane and cured plastic, particularly epoxy resins, containing diffractive gratings prepared by the method, preferably on a substrate, such as a waveguide.

Abstract: Disclosed are decorative surface coverings of the "inlaid" type having embossed patterns in register with inlaid patterns. Disclosed methods include the steps of: applying in a pattern on a first surface of a foamable layer an agent for modifying the foaming of said foamable layer to produce a foamable layer having a pattern of relatively nonfoamable areas and relatively foamable areas; applying a first collection of particulate resinous material substantially only to said areas containing said foaming modifier or only to said areas not containing said foaming modifier; and foaming said foamable layer in said relatively foamable areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a collagen fiber having microparticulates coated on the surface of the fiber and the method for forming the fiber are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved extrusion processing system (10) for sticky extrudates such as candy products is provided which includes an extruder (12) equipped with a die (16) presenting an outlet face (23) and a knife assembly (19) and a knife hood (18). The system (10) further has a particulate delivery unit (20) which serves to direct a stream of particulate substance under positive pressure onto the outlet face (23) of extrusion die (16). The delivery unit (20) includes a container (42) for holding a supply of a particulate substance such as starch or sugar together with conduits (52, 56) adapted for coupling with a source of pressurized air and connected with container (42); a stream of the particulate substance under pressure is created and delivered via conduit (56) to hood (18) where it passes through delivery tube (60) for application onto outlet face (23).

Abstract: A molded article having a predetermined shape transferred from a mold, characterized by being provided with an informative mark corresponding to the number of times of use of the mold, and a process for producing the molded article including a molding step of transferring a predetermined shape of a mold to a molded article, the molding step comprising an engraving step of engraving an informative mark indicative of the number of times of use of the mold on the mold before the mold is used and an informative mark transfer step of transferring the informative mark to the molded article.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a thermal diffusion transfer component comprising: dissolving an organic pigment in a Lewis acid and a polar aprotic solvent to form a pigment solution; coating the solution on a substrate; optionally washing the coated substrate with a protic solvent to remove the Lewis acid and the aprotic solvent; and optionally drying the coated substrate.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for manufacturing sheets having a starch-bound matrix reinforced with fibers and optionally including an inorganic mineral filler. Suitable mixtures for forming the sheets are prepared by mixing together water, unmodified and ungelatinized starch granules, a cellulosic ether, fibers, and optionally an inorganic mineral filler in the correct proportions to form a sheet having desired properties. The mixtures are formed into sheets by passing them between one or more sets of heated rollers to form green sheets. The heated rollers cause the cellulosic ether to form a skin on the outer surfaces of the sheet that prevents the starch granules from causing the sheet to adhere to the rollers upon gelation of the starch. The green sheets are passed between heated rollers to gelatinize the starch granules, and then to dry the sheet by removing a substantial portion of the water by evaporation.

Abstract: Expanded graphite sealing rings having particles of PTFE captured at least in a surface layer are disclosed. The sealing rings are produced by impregnating porous rings, cut from a sheet of low density expanded graphite, with a PTFE dispersion and then compressing the rings to a desired final density. Impregnation is accomplished in the presence of an electric field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of patterning a concrete surface and a pattern transfer mat for use in the method. The pattern transfer mat has a transfer surface having three-dimensional irregularities and carrying a multiplicity of grains to be transferred to the substrate concrete. Concrete is cast against the transfer surface of the mat and cured in situ and the mat is then detached. The aesthetic grains are grains having a cement powder deposited thereon beforehand. The cement powder absorbs water to cause fine air cells therein to collapse. Thus, the finished surface of the case concrete structure is made smoother.

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: The collected lumber of the present invention is formed by heating and softening a plurality of woods, applying adhesive on the woods, pressing and compressing the wood with adhesive thereon to mold the integral body in a prescribed shape, and by fixation treating the integral body using a heating device. The method for manufacturing collected lumber of this invention comprises the first process for softening woods by heat treating a plurality of woods, the second process for applying adhesive on the softened woods, the third process for forming integral body by pressing and compressing the woods applied with the adhesive to mold in a prescribed shape, and the fourth process for fixation treating the integral body using a heating device.

Abstract: A fire retardant mat is disclosed comprising rubber particles bonded together with a binder containing an elastomeric polysulfide and a polyolefin, with the mat also containing a fire retardant. A composite is also disclosed in which the mat is coated with a fire retardant coating in which an elastomeric polysulfide is part of the coating. Further, there is disclosed a method of making the mat by extrusion and also of placing a fire retardant coating on the mat after extrusion.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a diffractive optical element includes the steps of: etching a negative of a desired multi-level diffraction pattern onto a molding surface of a quartz master element using photolithography, assembling the master element as a portion of a mold, and injecting a plastic molding composition into the mold and against the molding surface of the master element to injection mold a diffractive optical element, whereby the optical element has the desired diffraction pattern on its surface. The diffraction pattern is preferably formed on the quartz master using VLSI photolithography.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article including a curable resin and a filler associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention also imparts air and vapor porosity to the cured casting materials. If desired articles of the present invention may also incorporate fibers (either individually, bundled, or in the form of a light-weight scrim) to provide increased cohesiveness to the uncured article. Extremely moldable casting tapes are also provided which comprise a highly-filled composite material coated on a light-weight scrim. The casting tapes of this embodiment handle like traditional plaster of Paris casts yet cure to a weight-bearing cast in less than one hour.

Abstract: A method of making a sealing or guiding assembly for sealing or guiding a corner of a movable window glass, such as for the window in a motor vehicle door. The assembly comprises two lengths of sealing or guiding strip which are connected together to form a corner matching the corner of the window glass. The corner between the two lengths of strip is bridged across by a flexible flap which is produced by an in-situ molding operation forming part of the method. The two lengths of strip are placed into the mould which has a cavity matching the shape of the flexible flap but which is arranged so that the flap is connected to each sealing strip only over a small part of the total area of the sealing strip which is overlapped by the flap. The flap is therefore otherwise spaced from each sealing strip by a gap which, during the molding operation, is occupied by a plate which defines part of the mold cavity for forming the flap.

Abstract: A decorative emblem for a vehicle comprises an oval bezel and a transparent lens. A groove with an angled sidewall is formed in the top surface of the bezel. The sidewall forms an angle with the bottom wall of the groove between 88.degree.30' and 82.degree.30' around the oval bezel so that the sidewall overlies the bottom wall making the groove wider at its bottom than at its top to lock the lens in place. The lens covers the top surface and is formed thereon by pouring a liquid lens material on the top surface of the bezel filling the groove. The liquid lens material cures to a hardened condition and the angled sidewall locks the lens in position over the top surface. The lens is transparent so that colors and designs on the bezel are visible.

Abstract: Disclosed is an evacuated and unevacuated microcellular foam containing an infrared attenuating agent (IAA). The evacuated foam has an average cell size of about 70 micrometers or less. The unevacuated foam has an average cell size of 1.0 micrometers or less. The IAA provide a greater proportional reduction in foam thermal conductivity in these foams than in foams of larger cell size. Further disclosed is a method of using the foams.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for forming a three-dimensional, macroscopically-expanded, fluid pervious web having an improved functional surface comprised of a sheet of polymeric material having a first surface and a second surface. A plurality of discrete deposits of a water resistant resinous material having a pre-determined open time are deposited on the first surface of the sheet. The deposits of resinous material are drawn upwardly from the first surface of the sheet to form corresponding fibrils during the open time. After resinous material has cured, the sheet is fed onto a forming structure having opposed surfaces such that the sheet is in contact with the forming structure. The forming structure exhibits a multiplicity of apertures which place the opposed surfaces of the forming structure in fluid communication with one another.

Abstract: A method for producing continuous and discontinuous fiber metal matrix composites (CFMMC). The method uses aerosolization of finely divided metal powders in a controlled atmosphere which prevents explosions to coat the fibers and then the metal coated fibers are consolidated to form the CFMMC. The composites are useful as heat sinks for electrical components and in applications where a structural reinforced metal matrix composite is needed.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a flexible, thermoplastic, composite filament, containing continuous fibers basically consisting of a flexible sheath made of polyolefinic resin which covers a bundle of fibers impregnated with a polyolefmic resin, wherein the inorganic fibers are treated with a solution containing additives which improve the compatibility between reinforcement and polymeric matrix after transformation into end products.

Abstract: A method of producing a composite film by forming a substrate layer of polymeric material having an at least one surface a heat-sealable layer and applying a particulate additive to the exposed surface of the heat-sealable layer with the particulate additive bonding to and/or penetrating into the heat-sealable layer.The exposed surface of the heat-sealable layer has greater than 100 surface protrusions per mm2 produced by the particulate additive. The surface protrusions have an average peak height in the range from 5 to 400 nm measured from the average level of the surface of the heat-sealable layer.

Abstract: There is provided by this invention a least three integrated regions, each region having wherein the density and fluid affinity of the composite continuously increases from top to bottom thereby facilitating effective fluid transport and efficient utilization of storage capacity. An additional layer of SA and tissue may be provided to the absorbent product to provide an absorbent structure with dry feel and low stain. Methods of forming integrated, multi-layered absorbent composites and structures comprising at least three regions wherein each region has distinct density and fluid affinity gradients and wherein the density and fluid affinity of the composite continuously increases from top to bottom, are also provided herein.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rubber article includes the steps of shaping a green article and blowing a solvent-free powdery release agent made of powder particles onto the green article in order to coat the green article with the release agent. The release agent contains at least 10% vulcanized rubber powder and a compound preventing rubber adhesion within the release agent. During blowing an electrostatic potential difference is provided between the green article and the release agent for driving the powder particles of the release onto the green article. The green article coated with the release agent is subsequently placed into a vulcanization mold where the green article is vulcanized.

Abstract: A process for the production of a transparent, printable, biaxially oriented polyolefin multilayer film which can be sealed on both sides including (i) coextruding through a flat die melts corresponding to the individual layers of the film, (ii) taking off and cooling to consolidate the resulting film, via a take-off roll, (iii) biaxially stretching the consolidated film, (iv) thermofixing the biaxially stretched film, and (v) covering top layer C with a non-cohesive layer of polydialkylsiloxane.

Abstract: This method and apparatus provide for uniformly coating a hot elongate member with a powder coating. The elongate member and power carry an electrostatic charge which aids in providing the uniform powder coating. This method and apparatus electrostatically charge and heat the elongated member prior to entering a powder coating booth. In the booth, we sequentially discharge the powder coating, electrostatically charge the powder coating and then coat the elongated member with the charged powder coating. In one development, this method and apparatus uniformly powder coats window lineals directly on a pultrusion line.

Abstract: A method for applying particulate powder material to a moving, pre-formed, fibrous substrate. In this method, particulate powder material is entrained in a continuous airstream. The air-entrained stream of particulate material exits a nozzle to be applied to the substrate or recirculated. The stream of air-entrained particulate matter has a velocity component in the direction of movement of the fibrous substrate.

Abstract: A process for preparing a composite, continuous-fiber-containing filament which entails:a) unwinding a continuous fiber bundle from a bobbin,b) loosening the fiber bundle, in order to separate the bundle substantially into individual fibers,c) impregnating the individual fibers with a thermoplastic polymer powder, andd) recompacting the fiber bundle and providing a flexible sheltering sheath around the bundle, whereby the fiber bundle is caused to have a substantially elliptical cross-section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a deep-drawable film in the form of a laminated film which contains a top film having certain amounts by weight of (a) at least one crosslinked PP-EPDM and (b) one uncrosslinked propylene block copolymer or heterophase propylene block polymer, 15 to 1% by weight of (b) being replaced with the same amount by weight of a polymer and/or ionomer (c) containing reactive groups. The invention furthermore relates to the process for the production of the laminated film and the use thereof. The bottom film(s) contain(s) certain amounts by weight of (d) at least one partially crosslinked EPDM, (e) one propylene homopolymer, copolymer or graft polymer, (f) at least one polymer and/or ionomer containing reactive groups and (g) at least one polymeric crosslinking agent containing reactive groups.

Abstract: A decorative sheet for construction is disclosed. The decorative sheet for construction comprises a thermoplastic polyester resin foam forming a surface layer, a large number of inorganic aggregates scattered over the surface of the foam in the presence of an adhesive, said inorganic aggregates forming a decorative face layer by the medium of the adhesive, and a backing layer formed on the decorative face layer. The decorative sheet of the present invention enables its decorative face layer with a backing layer to be reliably and readily transferred to the surface of concrete construction or products, and yet which enables a foam layer as a protective layer for the decorative face layer with a backing layer to be readily removed after application. A decorative concrete product for construction using the same, and processes for preparing them are also disclosed.

Abstract: A birefringent interference polarizer which may be fabricated from readily available materials using established coextrusion techniques is provided. The polarizer has a level of light absorption near zero and can be fabricated to polarize and reflect light of specific wavelengths while transmitting light of other wavelengths. The polarizer includes multiple alternating oriented layers of at least first and second polymeric materials having respective nonzero stress optical coefficients which are sufficiently different to produce a refractive index mismatch between the first and second polymeric materials in a first plane which is different from the refractive index mismatch between the first and second polymeric materials in a second plane normal to the first plane. The refractive index mismatch in the first plane is preferably at least 0.03.

Abstract: Process for decorating ceramic tiles including the following steps: a) the pressing of powders so as to form a pressed item; b) the forming, during the pressing of the item, of recesses that affect the face that is meant to remain in view, these recesses being peripherally surrounded by a rim the extension whereof matches the contour of the decoration to be obtained; c) the application, in these recesses, of preset doses of mixtures and/or enamels of decorative material that have a fluid consistency that allows these mixtures to spread so as to cover the bottom of the recesses; and finally d) the final baking of the item.

Abstract: A projection method uses a modified illumination method for a lithography process of semiconductor device, and a projection system and mask use the projection method. An object is exposed by removing the vertical incident component of light passed through a condenser lens. Zero-order diffracted light interferes destructively and the oblique component of -/+ first-order diffracted light, interferes constructively. The obliquely incident component light illuminates a mask having a pattern formed thereon. The vertical incident component of the light is removed by a phase difference of light due to a grating mask or a grating pattern formed on the back surface of the conventional mask. The resolution of a lithography process is improved due to the increased contrast, and the depth of focus is also increased. Thus, patterns for 64 Mb DRAMs can be formed using a conventional projection exposure system.

Abstract: A ridge cover is formed of inorganic (glass) felt-like sheet material fill-coated with an asphaltic material modified to improve its flexibility. The sheet material is repeatedly back bent upon itself to provide a thickened portion for the ridge cover. The flexible asphaltic material surprisingly allows such back bending of the sheet material substantially without fracture of the glass fibers of the inorganic felt at the bends.