Abstract: Disclosed is an in-line skate wheel that includes: (a) a braking portion including a high friction surface material having a hardness from about 75 to about 95 Shore A, and a coefficient of friction from about 0.45 to about 1.5; and (b) a skating portion including a low friction surface material having a hardness from about 75 to about 95 Shore A, and a coefficient of friction from about 0.1 to about 0.45. The skating portion includes a higher proportion of low friction surface material than the braking portion. The wheel delivers variable traction in response to the angle of wheel contact with the ground, without sacrificing a smooth ride or wheel durability. Utilizing the variable traction of the wheel a skater can stop safely and reliably, using known ice-skating maneuvers, wherein the wheel is turned away from the skater's direction of travel.

Abstract: A conductive quasi-solution useful for making a homogeneously conductive single-phase polyurethane, comprising a transition metal salt, a carrier solution, and a dispersing agent, wherein said conductive quasi-solution has a transition metal salt concentration between 10 and 30% by weight, and methods of making thermoset and thermoplastic polyurethane polymers therewith.

Abstract: A process of thermal transfer printing which is accomplished in two printing steps. The process utilizes ribbon including a backing layer and an ink donor layer. The ribbon is drawn from a supply spool through a first printing station at which a first portion of the ink is transferred to the backing layer to form a first image thereon. The ribbon continues to and through a second printing station at which the remainder of the ink is transferred to a workpiece in the form of a second image which contrasts with the first image. All that remains of the ribbon as it leaves the second printing station is the backing layer which continues to and through the first printing station once again for the operation already mentioned. Thereupon, the ribbon is drawn onto a take-up spool for eventual disposal. The ink may be fluorescent.

Abstract: A printing cartridge adapted for use with thermal transfer printing apparatus. The cartridge includes a frame defining first and second printing stations, a ribbon supply spool, and a ribbon take-up spool, both of the spools being rotatably mounted on the frame. The ribbon has a backing layer and an ink donor layer and is guided in a feed path extending from the supply spool through the first and second printing stations, again through the first station, then to the take-up spool. The frame of the cartridge is adapted to receive a thermal printing head for engaging the ribbon at each of the first and second printing stations. The feed path has a first leg extending from the supply spool, through the first printing station, to the second printing station; a second leg extending through the second printing station to the first printing station; and a third leg extending through the first printing station to the take-up spool.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a fluorescent ink layer for a fluorescent thermal transfer sheet is disclosed. The method comprises first forming a solution of a mixture comprising at least one acidic monomer, at least one basic monomer and at least one fluorescent dye. Thereafter, an emulsion of the solution is formed and the emulsion is polymerized.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a fluorescent ink layer for a fluorescent thermal transfer sheet is disclosed. The method comprises first forming a solution of a mixture comprising at least one acidic monomer, at least one basic monomer and at least one fluorescent dye. Thereafter, an emulsion of the solution is formed and the emulsion is polymerized.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of emulsion polymers having a solid content of about 65% to about 80% is disclosed. The process comprises the step of adding a monomeric mixture to a reaction system maintained at a temperature of from about 60.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C., the monomer addition not exceeding an hourly rate of about one-fourth of the total monomer to be added, the mixture comprising monomers having a particle size of from about 10-100 microns, the system having therein an emulsifier and initiator at the time of the monomeric addition.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of toners that exhibit relatively low conductivity (10.sup.-9 to 10.sup.-14 ohm.sup.-1 cm.sup.-1) and positive triboelectrical properties (5.0-30.mu. c/g) is disclosed. The process steps include first forming a homogeneous dispersion of both carbon black particles and particles of a second pigment saturated with monomer and initiator by intimately mixing at least one monomer, carbon black, particles of the second pigment, and a polymerization initiator and adding the mixture to a mixture of sufficient water and at least one alcoholic dispersing agent to form a homogeneous dispersion solution. The solution is then heated to a temperature sufficient to substantially complete the polymerization of the monomer and form a homogeneous polymeric dispersion of the carbon black particles and the particles of the second pigment. Thereafter a weak organic acid (PKa 3.0-6.0) or a weak acid anhydride (PKa 3.0-6.