Abstract: A central labeling data (CLD) management system provides centralized management, assembly, and distribution of labeling data for use in generating replacement labels for damaged vehicles. For example, the CLD management system includes a database that stores label data for a plurality of vehicles produced by a plurality of different manufacturers. The CLD management system presents an interface to receive an electronic communication from a client computing device associated with a repair shop. The electronic communication includes a request for label data associated with an original vehicle label. The CLD management system retrieves the requested label data from the database and communicates the label data to an output device for printing a new vehicle label for use by the repair shop.

Abstract: The method of the present invention is directed to masking or protecting a substrate utilizing a protection sheet (10) having a contact surface containing a plurality of protrusions (14) spaced apart by a plurality valleys (12), and an opposing back surface containing a plurality of hollow portions corresponding to the protrusions (14). The valleys (12) of the contact surface of the protection sheet (10) are coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive (16), while the protrusions (14) provide spacing which prevents premature sticking of the protection sheet (10) onto the substrate. The invention is particularly suited for use in automotive repair applications.

Abstract: A central labeling data (CLD) management system provides centralized management, assembly, and distribution of labeling data for use in generating replacement labels for damaged vehicles. For example, the CLD management system includes a database that stores label data for a plurality of vehicles produced by a plurality of different manufacturers. The CLD management system presents an interface to receive an electronic communication from a client computing device associated with a repair shop. The electronic communication includes a request for label data associated with an original vehicle label. The CLD management system retrieves the requested label data from the database and communicates the label data to an output device for printing a new vehicle label for use by the repair shop.

Abstract: A method of protecting a substrate using a protection sheet is disclosed. The protection sheet comprises a multilayer structure having a support layer and a thermoplastic backing layer, wherein the support layer contains a plurality of raised portions and a plurality of anchor portions bonded to a surface of the backing layer. The raised portions of the protection sheet are capable of releasably engaging with a mechanical mating member. In an embodiment, the backing layer of the protection sheet is surface treated to increase wetting tension to facilitate the adherence of paint particles to the surface of the protection sheet. The protection sheet may be used to protect horizontal substrates, vertical substrates, and objects, such as the walls of a paint booth, a work surface and a vehicle.

Abstract: A flexible window is formed by a multi-layer sheet having a transparent flexible base layer and one or more transparent flexible protective layers, wherein the protective layers have a greater abrasion resistance than the base layer. The base layer and the protective layers are formed of substantially plasticizer-free polymeric materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of finishing a wood surface for exterior exposure of the wood using a finishing film material in the form of a sheet. The finishing film comprises a flexible polymeric sheet material having a first major surface and a second major surface and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer covering at least a portion of the first major surface of the sheet material. The finishing film is adhered to the surface to the wood surface by the adhesive layer. The method of the present invention is particularly suitable for the finishing of brightwork on boats, for example, teak or mahogany brightwork. The method of the present invention is particularly suitable for finishing curved and/or compound curved surfaces due to the flexibility and elongation of the finishing film.

Abstract: A blow molding apparatus having a mold clamping apparatus of the clam shell type, and having a linkage controlling the opening and closing of the mold, the linkage being comprised of two links pivotally connected to each other and driven by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The links are configured to provide the cylinder with mechanical advantage so that little mold separation force is recognized at the cylinder.

Abstract: A blow molding apparatus having a mold clamping apparatus of the clam shell type, and having a linkage controlling the opening and closing of the mold, the linkage being comprised of two links pivotally connected to each other and driven by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The links are configured to provide the cylinder with mechanical advantage so that little mold separation force is recognized at the cylinder.