Abstract: A decorative article is made by a process in which a controlled-flatness substrate having an effective edge in a closed pattern on its surface receives a fluent plastic composition which is cast into an area defined by the edge. The fluent plastic flows to the effective edge and is then cured to form a clear plastic cap. During casting and curing the substrate is held flat and horizontal by reason of its being releasably adhered to a flat, smooth-surfaced, stiff release liner. The resulting decorative article is free of optical distortions and may be used as a covering preferrably for elongated automotive components such as the external vertical pillars between the passenger compartments of automobiles.

Abstract: A decorative article is made by a process in which a substrate having an effective edge in a closed pattern on its surface receives a fluent plastic composition which is cast into an elongated area defined by the edge. Relative movement between a casting head and the substrate is effected in a direction generally parallel to the direction of elongation of the area while varying amounts of the fluent plastic composition area cast on portions of the area in relation to the widths of the portions. The fluent plastic flows to the effective edge and is then cured to form a clear plastic cap.

Abstract: A cover mechanism for covering a lock having a key opening in a lock support surface includes a cover plate which may be pivoted between a closed position in which the key opening of the lock is covered and an opened position in which the key opening is exposed. A detent arrangement includes a first stop which engages the cover plate to hold it in its opened position until insertion of a key into the key opening, whereupon a second stop of the detent arrangement engages the cover plate and prevents movement of the cover plate into its closed position until withdrawal of the key is initiated. A damping arrangement slows movement of the cover plate from its opened position into its closed position.

Abstract: Trim strips are provided for decorating automobile doors and the like. The trim strips are of generally rectangular shape and have a length longer than the width of the door that is to be decorated. The trim strip includes a foil member whose upper surface is provided with a decorative pattern. A partial section of the upper surface of the foil member bears a weather-resistant and impact-resistant plastic overlay having radiused edges and providing a lens effect to the foil member. The plastic overlaid section of the foil member is essentially coextensive with the width of the door to be decorated. When the trim strips of the invention are applied to a door, the uncoated ends of the foil member are wrapped around the door edges and bonded to the door's underside.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming foil shapes having a cast plastic cap such as decorative inlays, emblems or automobile body side moulding wherein the apparatus comprises(a) means for advancing a continuous foil member along a horizontal path,(b) means for cleaning and priming at least one surface of the foil member,(c) means for providing an adhesive composition to one surface of the foil member,(d) means for affixing a release liner to the surface of the foil member provided with adhesive,(e) means for printing the foil member with a plurality of decorative patterns in one or more colors,(f) means for embossing said foil member in registry with the decorative patterns,(g) means for cutting foil shapes from the foil member in registry with the decorative patterns,(h) means for casting a clear fluent plastic material onto the foil shapes, and(i) means for curing or otherwise hardening the plastic.

Abstract: A method of casting decorative emblems is disclosed wherein a fluent, viscous, plastic material is dispensed by a means having a plurality of dispenser orifices onto a foil substrate typically lithographed or screen printed with an array of designs. The cast plastic melds together and forms a meniscus which, when hardened, gives a lens effect to the foil shape. The process is well adapted for automated, mass production of foil backed emblems.

Abstract: A closed loop fast idle control system is disclosed for controlling the idle speed of an internal combustion engine during the transitional warm-up period. The system compares the actual engine speed with a reference speed signal and controls the air delivery to the engine to minimize the difference. The reference speed signal is generated as a function of the engine's temperature. Being a closed loop control, the system automatically compensates for changes in the engine's load thereby providing for increased efficiency and a reduction in undesirable exhaust emissions.