Glass, Ceramic, Or Metal Sections (e.g., Floor Or Wall Tile, Etc.) Patents (Class 428/49)
  • Patent number: 6103329
    Abstract: A miniature mosaic is disclosed that includes a support, a plurality of tesserae arranged on the support to create an image where at least a majority of the tesserae are elongate strands having cross-sectional areas of no more than 0.25 square millimeters, and an adhesive fixing the tesserae to the support. A method of making a miniature mosaic is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Laura B. Hiserote
  • Patent number: 5985399
    Abstract: A lightweight structurally sound casket formed preferably of a sandwich construction using a core of an open cell or honeycomb patterned material and fluid resistant surface elements. The casket is comprised of a body containment portion and a lid portion, each of which has the sandwich construction as the main structural element. The open cell material is structurally enhanced by being sandwiched between first and second stabilizing surface elements in both the body containment portion and the lid portion. In addition to the stabilizing surface elements, an aesthetically pleasing material is adhered to the outer portions of the body containment section and lid so that the casket has an attractive appearance. The body containment portion is constructed from rectangular pieces of the open cell material and stabilizing surface elements by folding the same into a box-like configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Batesville Casket Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Tambussi
  • Patent number: 5985397
    Abstract: A coated synthetic resin tile comprising a base portion and a veneer said base comprising a moisture impervious material such as a thermoset or thermoplastic resin. A filler of up to about 10% calcium carbonate having a 2 (two) sigma particle size between about 5.11 and 6.18 microns and an aluminum trihydrate flame retardant of about 60%-70% having a two (2) sigma particle size of between about 42.38 and 58.72 microns and an aluminum trihydrate of about 20%-40% having a two (2) sigma particle size of between about 8.26 and 9.68 microns to provide a class A flame spread rating. The veneer comprising a layer selected from the group consisting of an acrylic impregnated wood veneer and a hardwood veneer having a vinyl upper layer bonded to said base portion with a polyurethane adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventors: Alvin E. Witt, Matthew F. Humphreys, Joseph E. Tomasko
  • Patent number: 5976656
    Abstract: The damper coating for shocks produced by a collision, or impacts produced by a shockwave, contains at least one layer of a crushing material (2) intended to cover a surface to be protected, the external layer of the crushing material (2) being, according to the present invention, covered by a skin (4) capable of providing a widening of the area affected by the shock or impact. The skin (4) contains, in particular, several layers (5.sub.1 ; 5.sub.2 ; 5.sub.3) of scales (6.sub.1 ; 6.sub.2 ; 6.sub.3), the scales of one layer being offset in staggered rows with respect to the scales of the following layer and being separated from the neighbouring scales of the same layer or capable of being separated from the latter on the application of the shock or impact. The structure of this damper coating is designed to dampen the impact under a reduced thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Institut Fran.cedilla.ais du Petrole
    Inventor: Andre Giraud
  • Patent number: 5976642
    Abstract: A stereo ceramic granite and marble has a stereo pattern composed of more than two non-transparent silicate color masses containing more than 20% non-vitrified state composition. As seen from its vertical section, it has the characteristics that wherein both vertical sectional edges of at least four mutually contacting color masses are essentially parallel to the extension lines of the boundary lines of the other color masses from within 3 mm beginning form the surface of the product and form an angle of 10.degree. to 170.degree. with the surface plane of the product, the deviation error of parallelism not exceeding 40.degree., and this kind of pattern exists in the product at more than four places.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Dening Yang
  • Patent number: 5945181
    Abstract: Sets of tessellatable polygonal elements are provided from which a variety of tessellations may be formed for a variety of applications, e.g., to provide coverings and decorations for surfaces such as pedestrian walks, driveways, floors and walls, and to provide patterns for games, puzzles and coloring books. Several different embodiments, applications and tessellations are described. In one embodiment, irregular heptagonal elements are tessellated with substantially regular pentagonal elements. In another embodiment, the elements are heptagonal and square. The tessellations may have straight edges by providing one or more elements of the set of tessellatable elements with a line of symmetry and providing a further tessellatable element or elements which is that part of the element on either side of the line of symmetry. The elements may be colored to provide many variations and decorations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Adrian Fisher
  • Patent number: 5866225
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved method of producing a mosaic design on the surface of a ceramic tile substrate and the resultant mosaic tile article manufactured thereby. A selected glaze coating is initially applied to the tile substrate upon specific surface areas predetermined for coloration as part of the mosaic design with the glaze coating being varied in hardness dependent upon the intended architectural or other use of the tile. After firing the selectively glazed tile substrate to harden the coating, a ceramic coloration pattern of the mosaic design is applied over the glaze coating using direct printing or decal transfer to produce a decorated tile. After re-firing the decorate tile, a resist medium is further applied over the colored and glazed areas as a mask, leaving the intermediate areas of the tile substrate unmasked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Vitrium Corporation
    Inventor: John W. Crossley
  • Patent number: 5853889
    Abstract: An electromagnetic wave absorption panel for use in building construction includes a protective tile layer, an absorber layer, a metal reflective layer, and a building support layer, such as concrete. The absorber layer utilizes novel materials including high dielectric constant materials, such as ABO.sub.3 type perovskites, layered superlattice materials, conducting oxides, and signet magnetics, ferroelectrics, such as ABO.sub.3 type perovskites and layered superlattice materials, garnets, a nickel-zinc ferrite, Ni.sub.0.4 Zn.sub.0.6 Fe.sub.2 O.sub.4, and polymer-ceramic composites of the above materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignees: Symetrix Corporation, Fujita Corporation
    Inventors: Vikram Joshi, Kenichi Kimura, Carlos A. Paz de Araujo, Hiroshi Kiyokawa
  • Patent number: 5840393
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a printable flexible sheet comprising heat fusible particles and a carrier phase for said particles. The present invention also relates to a method of modifying a heat fusible surface in which the printable flexible sheet is printed with ink, applied to the surface of the substrate. The substrate is then heated such that at least some of the particles and some of the ink fuses to the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: The University of Queensland
    Inventor: Raymond Peter Gannon
  • Patent number: 5830551
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tile having a desired pattern. The pattern goes through the tile in the thickness direction. For manufacturing such a tile, e.g. a partition plate 84 is disposed in a pressure forming die 91 so as to divide its inside space into an outer forming space 95 and an inner forming space 96. Light black granules and light red granules are filled respectively in the outer and inner forming spaces 95, 96. Then, the partition wall 84 is taken out from the die 91, and lining granules are filled over the colored granules. Thereafter, they are pressed into one body and burned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Mino Ganryo Kagaku Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Kakamu, Shinichi Kakamu, Shukichi Kakamu
  • Patent number: 5798168
    Abstract: A method of producing a ceramic diaphragm structure, including a ceramic substrate having at least one window, and a ceramic diaphragm plate superposed on the ceramic substrate to close the window or windows. The method includes the steps of: firing the diaphragm plate with the ceramic substrate to form an integral sintered body, such that the diaphragm plate provides at least one diaphragm portion aligned with the window or windows; protruding each diaphragm portion outwards, in a direction away from the corresponding window, so that the diaphragm portion is formed into a convex shape; and controlling the amount of protrusion of the diaphragm portion, by pressing a jig having a flat surface or a concave surface, against a top part of the diaphragm portion having the convex shape, so that at least the top part has a flat surface or a curved surface having a predetermined radius of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihisa Takeuchi, Tsutomu Nanataki, Hideo Masumori, Katsuyuki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 5750239
    Abstract: A process of making replicas of old, time-worn majolica tiles which look and feel like the replicated works. The process includes the steps of: (a) photographing the original work; (b) printing the photograph to obtain a trial print; (c) comparing the original work with the trial print; (d) making chromatic corrections to the trial print to enhance the faithfulness of replication (d') optionally reprinting the corrected print to obtain a second final print; (3) adhesively applying the final print onto a suitable packed support; and (f) finishing the edges of the packed support with a dye composition distressing the surface of the final print, both for enhancing the faithfulness of replication of the original work in the copy thus provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventors: Luigi Fratello, Michele Calocero
  • Patent number: 5705250
    Abstract: A wear and shock resistant ceramic-cored composite panel (11) for use in equipment exposed to heavy abrasive materials comprising a plurality of commensurately shaped generally planar layers. The layers are comprised of and sequentially arranged in the following order: a ceramic layer (12); a first fiberglass reinforced plastic composite layer (13); a resilient core layer for absorbing impact energy imparted indirectly thereto by the heavy abrasive materials (14); and a second fiberglass reinforced plastic composite layer (16), wherein the layers are consecutively bonded together in the order set out above by an adhesive, then secured to various sites of wear inside equipment by known types of attachment or utilized as structural members themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas C. Hudson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5693395
    Abstract: A decorated ceramic floor tile is disclosed, comprising a clay tile substrate, an initial glaze layer applied to the tile substrate, and a high-fired glazed decal image applied to the tile such that the decal extends substantially at least to the edges of the initial glaze layer around the entire perimeter of the tile substrate. A ceramic floor having a substantially continuous decorative image thereon, comprising a plurality of ceramic floor tiles of the invention also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Imagine Tile, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M. Wine
  • Patent number: 5670228
    Abstract: A tile having a desired pattern is provided. The pattern goes through the tile in the thickness direction. For manufacturing such a tile, e.g. a partition plate 84 is disposed in a pressure forming die 91 so as to divide its inside space into an outer forming space 95 and an inner forming space 96. Light black granules and light red granules are filled respectively in the outer and inner forming spaces 95, 96. Then, the partition wall 84 is taken out from the die 91, and lining granules are filled over the colored granules. Thereafter, they are pressed into one body and burned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Mino Ganryo Kagaku Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Kakamu, Shinichi Kakamu, Shukichi Kakamu
  • Patent number: 5639531
    Abstract: A process for making a hybrid ceramic article is disclosed. The process involves embedding an array of refractory ceramic tiles in a fiber reinforced glass-ceramic matrix composite substrate. The hybrid ceramic article so formed exhibits high thermal stability and elevated temperature load-bearing ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Otis Y. Chen, Harold M. Craig, Glenn M. Allen, David C. Jarmon
  • Patent number: 5629064
    Abstract: A mask to be used for grouting tile which when utilized eliminates washing and cleaning of the tiles, thereby saving the time and labor required for washing and clean-up of the grout material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventors: Paul L. Sherman, Kay Sherman
  • Patent number: 5597627
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stone product in sheet form suitable for use both outdoors and indoors, e.g. as a facade cladding or a fitting, etc. The stone product in question has undergone impregnation treatment with a view to causing its strength and flexibility to be increased through the presence of an impregnating agent in existing pores, cracks and other cavities in the stone sheet in question. A method for producing said stone product and means for its manufacture are also included in the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Techstone i Kinna AB
    Inventor: Jan-Inge Lindeberg
  • Patent number: 5553455
    Abstract: A hybrid ceramic article for high temperature applications is disclosed. The thermal barrier comprises an array of refractory ceramic tiles embedded in a fiber reinforced glass-ceramic matrix composite structure. The hybrid ceramic article exhibits high thermal stability and elevated temperature load bearing ability. A combustor liner and a combustor liner panel for a gas turbine engine and also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Harold M. Craig, Otis Y. Chen
  • Patent number: 5545461
    Abstract: A ceramic diaphragm structure which includes a ceramic substrate having at least one window, and a ceramic diaphragm plate which is superposed on the ceramic substrate so as to close the window or windows. The diaphragm plate is fired with the ceramic substrate to form an integral sintered body. The diaphragm plate includes at least one diaphragm portion which is/are aligned with the window(s), respectively, and each diaphragm portion protrudes outwards, in a direction away from the corresponding window, to form a convex shape. Also disclosed is a method of protuding such a ceramic diaphragm structure, in which the diaphragm portion is formed into convex shape, upon firing of the ceramic substrate and ceramic diaphragm plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihisa Takeuchi, Tsutomu Nanataki, Hideo Masumori, Katsuyuki Takeuchi, Takahiro Maeda
  • Patent number: 5543193
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wood covering, especially a wood floor covering with a wood layer (2) and a support (3). The wood layer (2) and the support (3) are permanently bonded to one another. The support (3) consists of pieces of thermoplastic synthetic foil material (5), compressed by the action of pressure and temperature and bonded together at least partially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Gunter Tesch
  • Patent number: 5541005
    Abstract: A large ceramic substrate article for electronic applications including at least one layer of sintered ceramic material, the layer including a plurality of greensheet segments of ceramic material joined edge to edge. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating a large ceramic greensheet article as well as a large ceramic substrate article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Raschid J. Bezama, Jon A. Casey, Mario E. Ecker, Shaji Farooq, Irene S. Frantz, Katherine G. Frase, David H. Gabriels, Lester W. Herron, John U. Knickerbocker, Sarah H. Knickerbocker, Govindarajan Natarajan, John Thomson, Yee-Ming Ting, Sharon L. Tracy, Robert M. Troncillito, Vivek M. Sura, Donald R. Wall, Giai V. Yen
  • Patent number: 5520388
    Abstract: Single-member sets of zoomorphic tiles, in which any single tile, if duplicated, can tile the plane in periodic ways, or, with duplicates of its mirror image, in either periodic or non periodic ways, and which can also form tilings of the plane in conjunction with duplicates of any other appropriately sized but differently shaped embodiment or embodiments of the invention. The diverse and variable arrangements show vertices at which 3, 4, 5, and 6 tiles meet. These tiles, tilings, patches and rosettes of tiles may be used in puzzles, games and other recreations, for teaching certain aspects of geometry, for various purposes in conjunction with computers, for the decoration of fabrics or other surfaces, for the shape of food items such as cookies, or for other uses to which tiles or tilings may be put.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: John A. L. Osborn
  • Patent number: 5447411
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a hard faced fan blade containment system for turbofan aircraft engines, and the product resulting from that method. The product combines a hard facing material, a high strength fiber and an elastomeric binder to form a fan blade containment system which is lightweight and effectively retains fan blade fragments. The method consists of lightly bonding layers of high strength fibers together with a small amount of elastomeric binder so that they work in unison as a composite to contain a failed fan blade rather than as individual layers which are subject to sequential failure. In addition, a hard material such as ceramic or heat treated steel is encapsulated in an elastomer and bonded to the impact face of the containment system to blunt sharp edges of failed blade fragments and to spread the impact energy of the blade fragments over a larger area of the high strength fiber backing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Curley, Mark T. Fisher, James V. Dileonardi, A. Norton DePinho, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5447760
    Abstract: Construction and method of making a simulated decorative cracked glass laminate in tile, panel, sheet, plate or veneer form. The structural element comprises in bonded combination a glass mirror and a backing layer, preferably a water-felted mineral fiberboard panel. An accurately reproduced image of decorative cracked glass is applied to the mirror, either before or after the mirror is bonded to the backing layer to provide a simulated decorative cracked glass mirror appearance with the mirror being uncracked and intact and the bonded combination being shatter-, heat- and fire-resistant. Means are provided to produce such a simulated cracked glass appearance with uncracked glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Inventor: Edward W. Watras
  • Patent number: 5439636
    Abstract: A large ceramic substrate article for electronic applications including at least one layer of sintered ceramic material, the layer including a plurality of greensheet segments of ceramic material joined edge to edge. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating a large ceramic greensheet article as well as a large ceramic substrate article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Raschid J. Bezama, Jon A. Casey, Mario E. Ecker, Shaji Farooq, Irene S. Frantz, Katharine G. Frase, David H. Gabriels, Lester W. Herron, John U. Knickerbocker, Sara H. Knickerbocker, Govindarajan Natarajan, John Thomson, Yee-Ming Ting, Sharon L. Tracy, Robert M. Troncillito, Vivek M. Sura, Donald R. Wall, Giai V. Yen
  • Patent number: 5423151
    Abstract: A tackable tile for mounting to a frame to provide a tackable surface to a wall having one or more of such tiles is disclosed. The tile includes a frame defining an open central portion, and a composite tackable member conforming to the perimetric shape of the frame and mounted in the open central portion thereof. The composite tackable memeber includes a resilient pierceable layer of material, and a layer of noise reducing acoustic material. The layer of pierceable material has a front and a rear side, and the acoustic material is adhered to the rear side of said resilient pierceable layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor V. Caro, David Boruta, William Ellis, John VanderWal, Randy Barnard
  • Patent number: 5411780
    Abstract: A series of stained glass modules and connectors allow arbitrary decorative apparatus assemblies to be formed. The apparatus may be connected to any structure capable of supporting the weight of the assembled modules. Connectors are formed of a strong pliable material shaped in a decorative manner. Some connectors are permanently attached to decorative modules, allowing the addition of other modules. Arrays of interconnected modules may be hung in openings or adjacent to windows, simulating a traditional stained glass assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: Pamela A. Kaefer
  • Patent number: 5409986
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a covering based on thermoplastic elastomers, especially a floor covering.The matrix constituting such a covering is an alloy containing, as base, a styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer, as reinforcement, a styrene-based polymer and, as flexibilizer, an olefin polymer.The coverings thus obtained satisfy the wear standards of a floor covering, can be calendered and exhibit good resistance to cigarette burns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Gerflor SA
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Boudry, Gilles Finaz, Bernard J. Gagnaire, Cu-Cong Trinh
  • Patent number: 5406766
    Abstract: A concrete tile of integral, one-piece construction has left side and right side portions of different coloring which extends through the entire thickness of the relatively thin, generally planar tile. An upper surface of the tile has a groove therein which separates the differently colored left side and right side portions. The left and right side portions have different lengths, providing the tile with a stepped front edge. A method of making the tile dispenses wet concrete having two different colors into a partitioned pug box for disposition onto opposite sides of a pallet, so that the two different colors reside on opposite sides of the pallet in side-by-side relation. The wet concrete is metered and compressed by a roller and shaped by a slipper to provide the concrete tile with a desired cross-sectional shape, following which the concrete is then chopped by a knife assembly to form the individual tiles with desired edge configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Monier Roof Tile Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Nicholas, Scott W. Fechner
  • Patent number: 5362560
    Abstract: A rigid tile has a flexible interlocking edge configuration and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. To increase the ease of installation, an inert powder is dusted on the periphery of the adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Armstrong World Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell A. Ehrhart, Raymond C. Kent
  • Patent number: 5340633
    Abstract: A multilayer antiballistic structure having good antiballistic properties comprises a first layer which comprises ceramic tiles and a second layer of composite material which comprises polyalkene filaments having a tensile modulus of at least 40 GPa and a tensile strength of at least 1 GPa and a matrix which at least partially surrounds the polyalkene filaments, while the antiballistic structure comprises, between the first and the second layer an intermediate layer of a material having a flexural modulus which is higher than the flexural modulus of the composite material of the second layer and is lower than the flexural modulus of the ceramic material.Good results are obtained if the intermediate layer comprises a composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: DSM, N.V.
    Inventors: Leonardus L. H. van der Loo, Marcel D. M. Mertens
  • Patent number: 5326606
    Abstract: A bullet-proof panel comprising an outer panel of polycarbonate resin, a middle panel of ceramic tile and a second sheet of polycarbonate resin attached thereto, all of said layers being bonded together by a polyurethane adhesive. In the second embodiment of the present invention useful for preventing the penetration of high-velocity bullets, a third layer of polycarbonate resin is attached to the second layer of polycarbonate resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Armorvision Plastics & Glass
    Inventor: Joseph Labock
  • Patent number: 5283998
    Abstract: A roofing tile including a tile body having an upper surface covered with a fire resistant coating including an acrylic or asphaltic adhesive, usually the former, containing a wire mesh and intermixed with fire retardant particles formed of a material or materials selected from the group consisting of sodium carbonate, ammonium phosphate and a light weight portland cement concrete, with decorative and heat resistant particles adhered to the upper surface of the adhesive, and desirably including a top layer of sodium silicate covering the last mentioned particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventor: Slosson B. Jong
  • Patent number: 5280052
    Abstract: A utilitarian and/or decorative object and a method for forming the object fabricated mainly of a plastic material, such as polyester, having a metallic outer face which thereby imparts to this object the appearance and/or hand of a like object made entirely of metal. In this technique, a mixture of a liquid monomer, a curing agent therefor, a dispersion of metal particles and floatable particles are poured into a mold for forming the object. The metal particles are permitted to settle in the mold or the mold is centrifuged to cause the metal particles to migrate toward the outer or lower region of the piece and concentrate in this region before the monomer polymerizes and hardens to bind the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Intaglio Ltd.
    Inventors: Roger Questel, Martin Epstein
  • Patent number: 5277952
    Abstract: Construction and method of making a decorative cracked glass laminate in tile, panel, sheet, plate, veneer or in situ form. It comprises three layers laminated together, an inner backing layer, a substantially light-transparent outer layer, and a decoratively cracked glass intermediate layer sandwiched between the inner and outer layers. The intermediate layer, preferably a mirror, is made of tempered glass and the outer layer is made of annealed glass. The laminate is made by laminating the inner and outer layers to the intermediate layer while it is in uncracked condition, and then causing it to crack in situ as by cutting into an exposed edge. Alternatively, the two glass layers may be laminated together and then laid in a backing material such as plastics which then forms the backing layer of the two-glass laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Edward W. Watras
  • Patent number: 5277720
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of preventing detrimental adherence to and buildup of living marine organisms on exposed surface areas of a preselected component which is subjected to contact with a fluid medium that contains certain marine organisms. The methodology comprises the steps of preparing that portion of the component's exposed surface which contacts the fluid medium in a manner which will enable the adherence of a preselected anti-fouling agent to at least a portion of that exposed surface. After preparation, the preselected anti-fouling agent is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Clois D. Fears
  • Patent number: 5262217
    Abstract: A sandwich panel element comprises a core of fibrous material arranged between first and second parallel outer skins of generally planar sheet material. The core material consists of a plurality of elongate strips arranged in side-by-side and end-to-end abutting relationship. The strips are formed so that the fibers are in a direction generally transverse to the planes of the sheet material. The strips are individually shorter than the length or width of the panel element and the mutually abutting ends of the strips are staggered with respect to rows of adjacent strips. The ends also may be chamfered at an acute angle to the longitudinal direction of the strips to allow the ends to overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas International N.V.
    Inventor: Kasper Blaauw
  • Patent number: 5244708
    Abstract: A general-purpose electromagnetic wave shielding interior material having an excellent electromagnetic wave shielding property as well as a good interior finishing property is disclosed. A protective film made of resin is stuck onto one side surface of an electromagnetic wave shielding metal foil, and an incombustible paper sheet is stuck onto the other side surface of the same electromagnetic wave shielding foil to form a laminated sheet having the desired properties. Preferably, the electromagnetic wave shielding metal foil is exposed from the peripheral edge portion of the laminated sheet, and an overlapping margin is reserved at the peripheral edge portion of the laminated sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignees: Fujita Corporation, ABC Trading Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyoshi Tsuchida, Ryoichi Isoyama, Kazumasa Onishi, Teruo Matsui
  • Patent number: 5238721
    Abstract: A tile structure and method for applying tiles to the floor surface of offices, corridors and various rooms in which the surface of a floor to be tiled is covered with a sheet and peripheral side of tiles to be applied are surrounded with an elastic joint material. The tiles are applied side by side in sequence on the sheet with the elastic joint material forming a joint between adjacent tiles and in a compressed condition so as to prevent such applied tiles from moving each other. The sheet prevents the tiles from sliding along the floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha PC Planning
    Inventor: Masahiro Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 5208086
    Abstract: A method for producing a laminated tile is disclosed which comprises providing a sheet of natural stone having opposed first and second major surfaces and providing a plurality of ceramic substrates, each having opposed first and second major surfaces. An adhesive material is provided on at least one of the first and second major surface of the sheet of natural stone and the first major surface of each of the plurality of ceramic substrates. The plurality of ceramic substrates and the sheet of natural stone are assembled to form a laminated assembly such that the first surface of each of a portion of the plurality of ceramic substrates faces the first major surface of the sheet of natural stone with adhesive material therebetween, and the remainder of the ceramic substrates face the second major surface of the sheet of natural stone with adhesive material therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Inventor: Charles R. Owens
  • Patent number: 5196248
    Abstract: Artistic tile designs are mass produced with precut tile pieces from commercially available square tile units. An initial tile design is created with the tile pieces to serve as a pattern. Thereafter the tile designs are reproduced by placing a transparent, semi-transparent or translucent sheet-type substrate or backing over the initial design, and by securing matching tile pieces to the substrate, as viewed through the substrate. The substrate is of the type that is sufficiently rigid to substantially maintain its shape while handled. The tile design can be repeated on the reverse side of the substrate using the design on the front side as the pattern to provide a double-sided design. If an opaque substrate is to be used, the front faces of the tile pieces are temporarily secured to a readily removable substrate, and the adhesive is thereafter applied to the back of the tile pieces to be permanently mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Inventors: Richard Danico, Kathleen Danico
  • Patent number: 5185192
    Abstract: A pre-cast terrazzo panel having detailed, multicolor designs therein constituted by background and inlay designs of different colors includes inlay and background colors which are integral with no surface difference between the inlay and the background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: The Granitech Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher T. Banus
  • Patent number: 5181357
    Abstract: This invention relates to a profiled strip particularly adapted to compensate the relative displacements of surface coverings with respect to the walls, wherein said profiled strip comprises: a generally flat sole plate; two principal limbs which extend from the sole plate, perpendicularly thereto; a bridge for connecting the ends of said principal limbs and two secondary limbs which extend substantially parallel to the sole plate, from the principal limb most remote from the free edge of the sole plate, these two secondary limbs having substantially equal widths; the sole plate and the principal limbs being made of a hard, semi-rigid material, and the connecting bridge being made of a supple material.One application of the invention is production of the zone of connection between a tiled floor and partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Tomecanic
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Pourtau, Thierry E. Pourtau
  • Patent number: 5177124
    Abstract: A utilitarian and/or decorative object and a method for forming the object fabricated mainly of a plastic material, such as polyester, having a metallic outer face which thereby imparts to this object the appearance and/or hand of a like object made entirely of metal. In this technique, a mixture of a liquid monomer, a curing agent therefor, a dispersion of metal particles and floatable particles are poured into a mold for forming the object. The metal particles are permitted to settle in the mold or the mold is centrifuged to cause the metal particles to migrate toward the outer or lower region of the piece and concentrate in this region before the monomer polymerizes and hardens to bind the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Intaglio Ltd.
    Inventors: Roger Questel, Martin Epstein
  • Patent number: 5114772
    Abstract: Sintered ceramic elements are associated to at least one composite material layer having a fibrous reinforcement arrangement and a ceramic matrix located behind the sintered ceramic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne De Propulsion
    Inventors: Michel Vives, Pierre Taveau, Jacques Etienne, Yves Remillieux, Lucien Charbonnel
  • Patent number: 5098760
    Abstract: A simulated leaded glass panel incorporates a glass backing sheet on which are mounted glass pieces having thin beveled edges and positioned in a desired pattern. The beveled pieces are affixed to the glass by liquid adhesive which may be activated by the application of ultraviolet light. Adhesive-backed lead strips are positioned to outline the beveled pieces and are correspondingly placed on the underside of the glass sheet to achieve the desired effect of leaded glass. Textured film pieces may be placed adjacent the beveled pieces to achieve a desired frosted glass effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Stained Glass Overlay, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 5079091
    Abstract: According to the present invention, incineration ashes of sewerage sludge are compacted with pressure, but without additives, to have the bulk specific gravity of 0.9-2.5. Since the green compact has sufficient strength and reduced volume in comparison with the incineration ashes before compacting, it enables mass dumping without causing secondary pollution. Moreover, if the green compact is fired to have the bulk specific gravity of 1.4-3.5, both the volume and weight are reduced much more, realizing easy handling of the resulted burned product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Chugai Ro Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiro Takahashi, Kazuki Taniguchi, Hiroyuki Kawagishi, Ryoji Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5071680
    Abstract: The disclosure herein describes an improved method for making decorative inlaid types of sheet materials which consists of forming, on a sheet of flexible substrate, a layer of plastisol or organosol containing resinous porous particles. The improvement consists in blending the resinous porous particles with the plastisol or organosol by slow agitation, under vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Assignee: Domco Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Claude L. Charest, Jean-Francois Courtoy
  • Patent number: 5069960
    Abstract: A thermally insulating foam glass tile includes a tile-like body consisting essentially of a vitrifiable mineral and having a substantially closed cell structure, and a rigid reinforcing vitrified surface skin permeated into at least the top surface of the tile-like body. An intermediate vitrified layer having a lesser volume of closed cells may be integrally melt-bonded between the tile-like body and the surface skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Inax Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Fukumoto, Kiyotaka Kawanishi, Ryo Nakada, Junpei Yamano