Abstract: A coated freestanding film, a surface covering and a method of manufacturing such coated freestanding film and surface covering are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the coated freestanding film and surface covering include a film having a print layer forming a pattern or design disposed on one side of the film. A discontinuous gloss layer is disposed on the other side of the film substantially in-register with at least a portion of the printed pattern or design. Additionally, the gloss layer has at least one portion thereof which has a gloss level different from the side upon which the gloss layer is disposed. The film may be a rigid or semirigid film. In another embodiment, the coated freestanding film and surface covering has a film and a discontinuous gloss layer disposed on one side of the film. The gloss layer forms a pattern or design and at least one portion thereof has a gloss level different from the side upon which the gloss layer is disposed.

Abstract: A transparent component portion includes a first weld surface and a first taper locking surface formed opposite from the first weld surface. An absorbing component portion includes a second weld surface and a second taper locking surface formed opposite from the second weld surface. The first and second taper locking surfaces cooperate to force and lock the first and second weld surfaces into abutting engagement for laser welding.

Abstract: A coated freestanding film, a surface covering and a method of manufacturing such coated freestanding film and surface covering are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the coated freestanding film and surface covering include a film having a print layer forming a pattern or design disposed on one side of the film. A discontinuous gloss layer is disposed on the other side of the film substantially in-register with at least a portion of the printed pattern or design. Additionally, the gloss layer has at least one portion thereof which has a gloss level different from the side upon which the gloss layer is disposed. The film may be a rigid or semirigid film. In another embodiment, the coated freestanding film and surface covering has a film and a discontinuous gloss layer disposed on one side of the film. The gloss layer forms a pattern or design and at least one portion thereof has a gloss level different from the side upon which the gloss layer is disposed.

Abstract: Laser welding is used to attach a laser-transparent component portion to an absorbing component portion at a laser weld joint area. The transparent component portion includes a first weld surface and a first taper locking surface formed opposite from the first weld surface. The absorbing component portion includes a second weld surface and a second taper locking surface formed opposite from the second weld surface. Prior to laser welding, the first and second taper locking surfaces cooperate to force and lock the first and second weld surfaces into abutting engagement at a predetermined pressure. A laser beam is then directed toward the first and second weld surfaces to permanently attach the component portions together. The first and second taper locking surfaces maintain the predetermined pressure during the laser welding process.

Abstract: A surface covering and a method of manufacturing such surface covering is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface covering includes a film having a print layer forming a pattern or design disposed on one side of the film. A discontinuous gloss layer is disposed on the other side of the film substantially in-register with at least a portion of the printed pattern or design. Additionally, the gloss layer has at least one portion thereof which has a gloss level different from the side upon which the gloss layer is disposed. In another embodiment, the surface covering has a film and a discontinuous gloss layer disposed on one side of the film. The gloss layer forms a pattern or design and at least one portion thereof has a gloss level different from the side upon which the gloss layer is disposed. A surface texture is mechanically embossed into the film substantially in-register with the pattern or design of the gloss layer. Optionally, a web may be laminated to the surface covering.

Abstract: Structures of microminiature dimensions are formed by scanning a nearly parallel beam of high energy light ions across the surface of a resist material such as PMMA in a predetermined pattern. The resulting chemical changes in the exposed resist material allows a chemical developer to remove the exposed material while leaving the unexposed material substantially unaffected. In addition because the ions have a well defined range in the material depending on their energy, the resist can be exposed to a predetermined well defined depth. By this method, resist structures of three dimensional complexity can be micromachined. This is achieved by simultaneously scanning the beam and orienting the resist layer in a controlled manner. Further enhancement may be achieved by the use of multiple deposition and exposure of resist layers. These resist microstructures may be further utilized to produce microstructures in other materials by the application of processes such as electroplating and micromoulding.

Abstract: A magnet for protecting a vehicle tire from metallic debris is suspended from a web having an upper portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of this web is fixed to the vehicle with the intermediate portion of the web hanging in a vertical planar relationship facing the forward treaded surface of the tire. The magnet is at least approximately as wide as the treaded surface of the tire. The foward portion of the magnet is hinged to the lower portion of the web and rotation of the magnet about the hinge is restricted to a preselected maximum angle below horizontal.