Abstract: A film for application to the upper surface of a floor covering comprising: (a) a blend of an acrylic resin and a fluoropolymer resin; and, optionally (b) anti-slip particles wherein the film comprises two or more layers. A method of forming the floor covering is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flooring material including a base portion, a coating portion being positioned in contact with an upper surface of the base portion and creating an upper surface of the flooring material, wherein the coating portion is substantially free from contaminants from the base portion which decrease the stain resistance of the coating portion and wherein the coating portion includes a first particulate material which at least partially penetrates the base portion and is proud from the upper surface of the flooring material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flooring material including a base portion, a coating portion being positioned in contact with an upper surface of the base portion and creating an upper surface of the flooring material, wherein the coating portion is substantially free from contaminants from the base portion which decrease the stain resistance of the coating portion and wherein the coating portion includes a first particulate material which at least partially penetrates the base portion and is proud from the upper surface of the flooring material.

Abstract: A film for application to the upper surface of a floor covering comprising: (a) a blend of an acrylic resin and a fluoropolymer resin; and, optionally (b) anti-slip particles wherein the film comprises two or more layers. A method of forming the floor covering is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flooring material including a base portion, a coating portion being positioned in contact with an upper surface of the base portion and creating an upper surface of the flooring material, wherein the coating portion is substantially free from contaminants from the base portion which decrease the stain resistance of the coating portion and wherein the coating portion includes a first particulate material which at least partially penetrates the base portion and is proud from the upper surface of the flooring material.

Abstract: Silicon carbide particles coated with a pigmented coating result in silicon carbide particles which can be used in slip resistant flooring to achieve the desired slip resistance whilst giving improved aesthetic properties. The pigmented coating can be an organic coating such as a two part epoxy system or a water based or solvent based epoxy. Alternatively the pigmented coating can be an inorganic coating such as a ceramic glaze. Also provided are methods of coating silicon carbide particles with either an organic or an inorganic pigmented coating. Further provided are safety flooring materials including silicon carbide particles having a pigmented coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slip resistant flooring material including a low surface tension additive to improve resistance to marking.

Abstract: Silicon carbide particles coated with a pigmented coating result in silicon carbide particles which can be used in slip resistant flooring to achieve the desired slip resistance whilst giving improved aesthetic properties. The pigmented coating can be an organic coating such as a two part epoxy system or a water based or solvent based epoxy. Alternatively the pigmented coating can be an inorganic coating such as a ceramic glaze. Also provided are methods of coating silicon carbide particles with either an organic or an inorganic pigmented coating. Further provided are safety flooring materials including silicon carbide particles having a pigmented coating.

Abstract: A flooring material (1) comprises a base portion (2) having a coating portion (3) which imparts improved stain resistance to the flooring material (1) and is positioned in contact with an upper surface of the base portion (2). The coating portion (3) creates an upper surface of the flooring material (1). A particulate material (6) is embedded in the coating material (3) and at least partially penetrates the base portion (2). The particulate material (6) provides a roughened effect to the upper surface of the flooring material (1) and protects the coating from wear. The coating (3) merges into the base portion (2) where they meet at joint (4) to form a stratified portion (5).

Abstract: In a brokering system for items of software or data, submission inputs are made to a database. Each submission input includes a descriptive data set in relation to a unit of data or software, together with an address field. The brokering system loads the submission input to the database and copies it to temporary stores identified in the address field. Each temporary data store is allocated to a respective index management interface and is viewable to that index management interface only. Inputs can be made at the index management interface to transfer the descriptive data sets received to an index accessible by a plurality of search interfaces, or simply to delete the descriptive data set from the temporary data store.

Abstract: Fastener installation apparatus, for installing fasteners such as blind rivets of the type which includes a washer-like member (13) which is free to fall away from the installed fastener, is provided with temporary retaining means for temporarily retaining the washer-like member on the installation apparatus after installation of the fastener. The temporary retaining means comprises a pair of gripping faces (42, 42) which project forwardly from the reaction faces (25, 25) of a pair of members (40 or 48) which are part of the nosepiece of the apparatus. The gripping faces (42, 42) close together automatically to grip the washer-like member as the installation apparatus installs a fastener, and draw apart again to release the washer-like member as the installation apparatus returns to be ready to receive a further fastener for installation.