Abstract: Disclosed is a materials handling system, a patterned product, and process of fabricating a patterned product, such as non-pvc thermoplastic, through-color, flooring product includes a narrow, long-grained, striated color pattern. The process includes mixing colored particles into a mixed composition, receiving the mixed composition between calendering rolls wherein a front calendering roll which is hotter than a back calendering roll, and forming a product with an elongated pattern. The materials handling system includes a mixing portion disposed to mix colored particles into a mixed composition. The system also include a processing portion disposed to receive the mixed composition, the processing portion having a front calendering roll which is hotter than a back calendering roll.

Abstract: Described herein is a linoleum flooring product that includes a linoleum substrate and a printed wear layer having decorative indicia. The printed wear layer includes a wear layer and an ink print layer. The linoleum substrate may include a base linoleum layer applied on a backing material and the printed wear layer may be adhesively bonded onto the linoleum substrate.

Abstract: A linoleum flooring product in one embodiment includes a linoleum substrate and a printed wear layer comprising a decorative indicia. The printed wear layer includes a wear layer and an ink print layer. The linoleum substrate may include a base linoleum layer applied on a backing material, and in some embodiments further includes a visual linoleum layer formed on top of the base linoleum layer. The printed wear layer may be adhesively bonded onto the linoleum substrate. In one embodiment, an ultraviolet curable adhesive may be used. A related method for forming the linoleum flooring product is also provided.

Abstract: A linoleum flooring product in one embodiment includes a linoleum substrate and a printed wear layer comprising a decorative indicia. The printed wear layer includes a wear layer and an ink print layer. The linoleum substrate may include a base linoleum layer applied on a backing material, and in some embodiments further includes a visual linoleum layer formed on top of the base linoleum layer. The printed wear layer may be adhesively bonded onto the linoleum substrate. In one embodiment, an ultraviolet curable adhesive may be used. A related method for forming the linoleum flooring product is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a materials handling system, a patterned product, and process of fabricating a patterned product, such as non-pvc thermoplastic, through-color, flooring product includes a narrow, long-grained, striated color pattern. The process includes mixing colored particles into a mixed composition, receiving the mixed composition between calendering rolls wherein a front calendering roll which is hotter than a back calendering roll, and forming a product with an elongated pattern. The materials handling system includes a mixing portion disposed to mix colored particles into a mixed composition. The system also include a processing portion disposed to receive the mixed composition, the processing portion having a front calendering roll which is hotter than a back calendering roll.

Abstract: A non-directional tile is obtained by surface applying and consolidating a relatively thin, non-porous, multi-colored, resin particulate decorative layer onto a backing layer. The non-directionality is the result of the proper selection of resin particle size distribution and the use of contrasting colors. The result is a tile that an ordinary observer cannot discern the machine direction and a tile floor having seams that are indiscernible by an ordinary observer.