Abstract: A method of stencil printing includes printing a layer of non-sag adhesive onto a first substrate, adding topography to the layer of non-sag adhesive, and contacting the layer of non-sag adhesive with a second substrate. The second substrate initially contacts only about 5% or less of exposed surface area of the layer of non-sag adhesive.

Abstract: A manufacturing system includes a sensing system that provides high-resolution feedback for web guiding and tension control. The system may be especially useful for web material that is manufactured to include micro-replicated structures with micron size scale. A micro-replication station forms a pattern of micro-replicated lenses on a web material. The sensing system illuminates a measurement area on the web material and detects an angular distribution of light exiting a set of the micro-replicated lenses within the first measurement area. A control system that adjusts at least one process control parameter of the transport system based on the detected angular distribution.

Abstract: A keypad having a virtual floating image that appears to a user to be in a plane other than the apparent plane of the keypad surface. More particularly, the indicia on the keypad appear to float above or below the surface of the device. The keypad can be, for example, the keypad on a cell phone. For such an application there would be more than one array of indicia present on the keypad. For example, there might be ten arrays of indicia, which provide the numerals from 0 to 9 and two more arrays to provide virtual images of the * and # keys. In some embodiments, the keypad is integrated with an illumination source that light up the indicia. The present disclosure also provides a method of manufacturing a key pad with a virtual floating image.

Abstract: A keypad having a virtual floating image that appears to a user to be in a plane other than the apparent plane of the keypad surface. More particularly, the indicia on the keypad appear to float above or below the surface of the device. The keypad can be, for example, the keypad on a cell phone. For such an application there would be more than one array of indicia present on the keypad. For example, there might be ten arrays of indicia, which provide the numerals from 0 to 9 and two more arrays to provide virtual images of the * and # keys. In some embodiments, the keypad is integrated with an illumination source that light up the indicia. The present disclosure also provides a method of manufacturing a key pad with a virtual floating image.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating a multi-unit printing arrangement, including multiple individual motors is provided. The method comprises the steps of operating the multi-unit printing arrangement, stopping the multi-unit printing operation by braking the multiple motors in stop operations, and staggering impression throw operations for individual units by a preselected time delay between commencement of each impression throw operation, a duration of the time delay between commencement of sequential impression throw off operations being selected to be of sufficient duration such that there is no overlap of large torque disturbances experienced at the multiple motors.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of embedding secondary particles onto the surface of a primary particle by means of a polymeric material and in particular to methods of making retroreflective elements.

Abstract: A method for minimizing waste resulting from defects caused at the edges of a coating on a substrate which was applied to the substrate by a slide coater. A first fluid flows through the first slot main portion at a first flow rate and through the first slot end portions at flow rates which differ from the first flow rate. A second fluid flows through a second slot onto a second slide surface positioned relative to the first slide surface and oriented such that the second coating fluid flows from the second slide surface onto the first coating fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus continuously smoothes a wet coating of magnetizable particles and binder on a moving flexible web. A first longitudinal end of a flexible film is held in contact with the wet coating on the substrate and is free to drag against the wet coating. The first longitudinal end is deflected toward the substrate along a line extending transversely between the first and second transverse ends. The amount of deflection is adjusted and varied during coating to adjust the radius of curvature of the deflection of the first longitudinal end. A smoothing bar or a cylindrical rod, with or without a sharp edge, can hold the flexible film in position. The deflection and adjustment can be performed by a screw. Alternatively, a cylindrical rod is used by itself.