Abstract: Removable pavement-marking sheet material incorporates a stretchable porous fibrous web, such as a nonwoven web of randomly distributed fibers, preferably embedded in a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer carried on a backing. The fibrous web comprises closely spaced durable weather-resistant fibers and exhibits good tear strength in any direction. The complete sheet material exhibits a high tensile strength and a low residual force after stretching, i.e., a low force tending to retract the sheet material back to its prestretched dimensions.

Abstract: Liquid is dispensed at a uniform rate over an extended period of time through use of a distinctive wicking structure that comprises a matrix of closely packed, solid particles bonded together with a bonding material that only partially fills interstices between the particles and thereby leaves a uniform interconnected network of pores.

Abstract: Longer-lived pavement markings are provided by adhering to the pavement a sheet material about one-fourth millimeter or more thick that comprises a carboxyl-modified acrylonitrile-butadiene polymer and particulate fillers dispersed in the polymer.

Abstract: Printable or otherwise encodable labels are provided with features that allow an observer to judge the validity of a marking made with the label. The labels comprise a handleable support sheet and a fragile easily tearable heat-softenable film adhered to the support sheet. A visible or machine-sensible component, such as a printed image, extends over the area of the film, and the film extends beyond at least one edge of the support sheet and carries a layer of adhesive so that it can be adhered to an article that is to be marked. Upon removal of the label from an article to which it has been applied as a marking, the extending portion of the film will tear and remain adhered to the article. The removed label will not be useful if applied to another article with a portion missing; and if an attempt is made to superpose the label with the torn portion of film remaining on a different article, mismatching of the label and torn portion, e.g.

Abstract: Tungsten, molybdenum, and alloys thereof are useful as electrode members for thermoelectric legs made from chalcogenides of copper and/or silver.

Abstract: Sheeting useful as a projection screen, especially for projection television, comprises a transparent film that is configured on its back surface with a random pattern of generally parallel elongated microscopic recesses or projections, is reflectively coated on that surface, and is configured on its front surface with lenticular light-refracting recesses or projections that spread light entering and leaving that surface. The screen is generally oriented during use so that the elongated recesses or projections in the back surface are arranged vertically. Light projected at the screen enters and is refracted at the front surface, is reflected by the back surface, and is refracted again at the front surface to provide bright images visible with good uniformity to a widely distributed audience.

Abstract: Sheet assembly useful to form graphically imaged retroreflective markings comprises a base retroreflective sheeting and a film overlying the sheeting. The film is visibly distinctive from the base retroreflective sheeting and is held to the sheeting by a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive. A heat-susceptible low-adhesion layer is interposed between the layer of adhesive and either the sheeting or overlying film. In use of the assembly, graphic symbols are cut in the film, and the background areas of the film manually peeled away. The assembly is then heated, whereupon a firm bond develops at the interface between the non-removed image portions of the film and the base retroreflective sheeting.

Abstract: Coating compositions for use in making fabrics brightly retroreflective at nighttime comprise a dilute coating vehicle and transparent retroreflective microspheres dispersed in the vehicle at a low concentration. The coating on the fabric is inconspicuous in daylight and leaves the garment with substantially its normal hand, feel, and breathability.

Abstract: Heat-activated adhesive comprising a pressure-sensitive-adhesive acrylate polymer and a tackifying resin, the latter being included in sufficient amount to lower the pressure-sensitive adhesion of the complete heat-activated adhesive to levels needed for convenient and effective room-temperature handling of sheets coated with the adhesive, while leaving the adhesive with the capacity for strong heat-activated bonds.

Abstract: A new pavement-marking sheet material comprises a conformable base sheet, a flexible top layer adhered to the base sheet, and glass microspheres or other particulate material partially embedded and strongly supported and adhered in the top layer.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying tape to a paved surface to form markings on the surface, said apparatus being supported for movement along the paved surface by wheel means including at least one roller, and further including tape support means for rotatably supporting a roll of tape; tape guide means positioned above a leading edge of the roller; tape advance means for advancing tape that extends from the roll of tape over the tape guide means into position for the roller to press the tape against the paved surface; and cutting means for cutting the tape while it extends under tension from the roller to the tape guide means.

Abstract: A composite film structure which is useful as a non-brittle, impact-resistant, exceptionally durable, window pane in greenhouses and similar structures, or as storm windows, solar collector covers, etc., comprises an oriented polycarbonate support film laminated to a weather-resistant oriented film of polymethylmethacrylate.

Abstract: Fire-retardant granules comprise (1) core particles of hydrated soluble silicate glass that intumesces in the presence of heat, and (2) a solid coating around the core particles that comprises a mixture of (a) halogenated organic compound that releases halogen when heated to a temperature less than about 250.degree. C.; and (b) an iron-containing compound adapted to react with said released halogen to form iron halide. The combined intumescence of the core particle and the catalytic effect of the coating on the particle achieves a unique fire-retarding action, especially in asphalt products such as asphalt shingles, but also in a range of other products.

Abstract: Asphalt roofing material is made fire-retardant by inclusion of a layer of intumescable hydrated soluble silicate particles. Preferred soluble silicate particles carry a protective moisture-resistant coating which increases the life of the roofing material, and also makes possible convenient manufacture of the particles. The protective coating includes a metal cation capable of reacting with the silicate ion of the core particle to form a reaction product that is less soluble than the core particle. The reaction is believed to seal any openings in the protective coating, thereby lengthening the effective life of the coating. Besides utility in roofing materials, the coated particles are useful as fire-retardant additives in many other products, including polymeric articles, sheet materials, coating compositions, etc.

Abstract: A persistent electric charge is introduced into melt-blown fibers during the melt-blowing process. When these charged fibers are incorporated into fibrous webs, they provide unique properties, including improved filtering properties.

Abstract: Glass microspheres having an index of refraction of 2.7 or higher are prepared by (1) forming the microspheres from compositions based principally on 65-85 weight-percent Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 and 5-35 weight-percent TiO.sub.2, and (2) rapidly heating the microspheres after they have been initially formed to cause an internal structural rearrangement that raises their index. Such microspheres are useful to form retroreflective products having superior properties and a more simplified construction.

Abstract: Tungsten, molybdenum, and alloys thereof are useful as electrode members for thermoelectric legs made from chalcogenides of copper and/or silver.

Abstract: Thermoelectric legs of useful durability may be prepared by hydrostatic extrusion. In cross-section, the legs may have either circular or non-circular shapes of special usefulness, and the legs may be formed in narrow elongated sizes, which are useful in compact, high-voltage thermoelectric converters.

Abstract: Low-profile raised retroreflective sheeting useful for retroreflecting light that strikes the sheeting at a high incidence angle comprises a base retroreflective layer and a light-directing layer disposed above the base retroreflective layer. The light-directing layer comprises a longitudinally-extending series of short transparent projections which each have upwardly extending front and back edge surfaces. The front edge surface is disposed across the path of high-incidence-angle light so as to transmit a high percentage of such light rays; and the back edge surface is disposed so as to reflect the light transmitted through the front edge surface to the retroreflective layer for retroreflection by the layer and to return light retroreflected by the retroreflection elements back through the front edge surface toward its source.

Abstract: Retroreflective-treated fabrics, and products and methods for forming the treatments are taught. As an example, a free-flowing mass of minute retroreflectorization particles that each comprise hemispherically reflectorized transparent microspheres supported in a softenable binder material are cascaded onto a fabric. The binder material is softened during application to provide adhesion of the particles to the fabric. A very sparse retroreflective treatment can be provided, which leaves the fabric with nearly its full original appearance as well as hand, feel, and breathability. Yet the treatment will greatly increase the safety of a pedestrian by making him visible at night.