Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a retroreflective film, comprising a retroreflective sub-structure, and a transparent polymeric film, having a surface roughness profile where the Arithmetic Mean Deviation of the Roughness Profile (Ra) ranges from about 0.18 microns to about 1.30 microns and where the Mean Spacing of Local Peaks (R-S) in the printing direction ranges from about 10 microns to about 85 microns, located over and coupled to the retroreflective sub-structure and wherein the polymeric film as a Vicat softening point of about 90° or greater.

Abstract: A textured surface for improving grip on plectra and other hand-held implements. A series of parallel ridges serve to frictionally engage thumb and forefinger surfaces and “lock” the grip in place.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a leather-like sheet having excellent water absorbability (sweat absorbability, defined the same hereinafter), providing a natural leather-like touch, and suitably used as a ball covering or a non-slip covering, without lowering surface wear resistance. An aspect of the invention is directed to a leather-like sheet including a base material having an entangled fiber sheet; and a porous elastic resin layer laminated on a surface of the base material. The porous elastic resin layer has a concave-convex surface. The concave-convex surface of the porous elastic resin layer includes a projection having a top surface and a side surface, and a recess having a bottom surface contiguous to the side surface. The top surface of the projection has openings with a diameter from 10 to 500 nm at a density of 1,000 openings/mm2 or more.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a retroreflective film, comprising a retroreflective sub-structure, and a transparent polymeric film, having a surface roughness profile where the Arithmetic Mean Deviation of the Roughness Profile (Ra) ranges from about 0.18 microns to about 1.30 microns and where the Mean Spacing of Local Peaks (R-S) in the printing direction ranges from about 10 microns to about 85 microns, located over and coupled to the retroreflective sub-structure.

Abstract: Composite structures and methods of fabrication thereof are disclosed. An embodiment of a composite structure, among others, includes: a backing substrate; a layer of structures distributed over the backing substrate; and a thermoplastic disposed onto the structures and the backing substrate, wherein the thermoplastic substantially binds the backing substrate and layer of structures together.

Abstract: A composite of a metal and a resin, in which a shaped metal and a shaped thermoplastic resin are integrally joined by injection molding, and in which the perpendicular precision of the thermoplastic shaped body with respect to the shaped metal is improved, as well as a method for manufacturing the composite. A composite 40 of a metal and a resin is composed of a shaped metal 20 and a shaped thermoplastic resin that is integrally joined to this shaped metal 20 by injection molding. The shaped thermoplastic resin comprises a seat 42 and a boss 41 that protrudes from the seat 42. A runner 43 is provided which communicates with the seat 42 via two sprues and through which a molten thermoplastic resin that has been injected through an injection gate 45 flows into the boss 41 and the thermoplastic resin injected through the injection gate 45 flows through the sprues 47 to opposite locations of the boss 41 substantially uniformly, thereby filling the locations.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide materials, methods, and systems for a fuser member used in electrophotographic devices and processes, wherein the fuser member can include a coating material containing a plurality of nanoceram fibers dispersed in a polymer matrix for providing a desired gloss level of fused toner images.

Abstract: There are provided a composition for matte layer formation suitable for the production of a matte synthetic leather having a matte surface with a high level of jet-blackness even without the practice of embossing, raising, etc., and a release sheet for the production of a matte synthetic leather by using the composition. The composition for matte layer formation suitable for the production of a matte synthetic leather comprises a thermosetting resin and a matting agent as indispensable components. The matting agent comprises one or at least two types of organic or/and inorganic porous fine particles. The porous fine particles have a mean particle diameter in the range of 0.5 to 20 ?m and a specific surface area in the range of 1 to 1000 m2/g. The release sheet is produced by using the composition.

Abstract: An article such as a fan blade of a turbofan engine comprises a core made up of components at least some of which comprise packs of rods embedded in a resin matrix material. The rods extend in the span-wise direction of the blade to resist centrifugal forces imposed on the blade during operation. The core is encased in a skin formed from preforms which may comprise fabric reinforcements.

Abstract: A shell assembly includes a shell and an ornamental element attached to the shell. The shell includes a main body with an ornamental area, and a plurality of crossed grooves are defined in the ornamental area. A crossed portion of every two grooves defines a through hole. When the ornamental element is applied to the ornamental area of the main body, air between the ornamental element and the main body can be vented to outside the shell via the grooves and through holes.