Abstract: Fabrics, formed, for example, by joining stitch and loop yarns to form a fabric prebody, with the loop yarn forming in loops that overlay the stitch yarn at the technical face and back of the fabric prebody, and thereafter finishing the fabric prebody to form raised fleece at both surfaces, have a first surface and an opposite, second surface of contrasting, i.e., different, colors. Regions of one or both surfaces may be treated to resist raising so that design elements of the raised or fleece regions stand out in relief, forming surface(s) with contour. Methods of forming the fabrics are also described.

Abstract: A source of IR-radiation, having an enclosure defining between its walls a sealed-off, electrode-less chamber, the walls having at least one portion transparent to IR-radiation, and the chamber containing a gas mixture of at least one, molecular, IR-active gas, of at least one buffer gas and of at least one noble gas. A method for producing a source of IR-radiation is also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for embossing and decorating a thermoplastic velvet-like fabric. A transfer sheet supporting a thermally-activated decoration is simultaneously passed with a fabric between two rolls which are under pressure with respect to each other. At least one of the rolls is engraved so as to cause embossing of the fabric. The passing of the fabric and transfer sheet between the rolls is carried out at a temperature sufficient to activate the decoration and allow the transfer of the decoration to the embossed portions of the fabric. The fabric may be heated prior to the embossing-decorating step so that the velvet-like pile is at least partially plasticized. The fabric is then brushed to erect the pile to an erect position. If the decorating is printing, the fabric may be heated immediately before and after the embossing/printing step to transfer a sufficient amount of dye, and to penetrate and seal the dye within the fabric.

Abstract: A laser comprising an RF matching unit having an RF power input and an RF power output, an optical cavity including electrode apparatus extending along the optical cavity, receiving the RF power output and defining a discharge gap having a gaseous lasing medium disposed therein, the RF power output being operative to produce a population inversion in the gaseous lasing medium, and an arrangement for providing direct fluid cooling contact with the electrode apparatus generally along its entire extent.