Abstract: A process for making inorganic, metal oxide spheres that includes exposing solidified, molded microparticles that include a glass precursor composition to a temperature sufficient to transform the molded microparticles into molten glass and cooling the molten glass to form inorganic, metal oxide spheres.

Abstract: The described “Replacement Upholstery System and Method For Identifying and Ordering Replacement Upholstery,” provides a unique and convenient process for replacing worn upholstery and software for ordering replacement upholstery, which is shipped directly to and installed by the end user. The process utilizes a hook and loop upholstery recovering system, which allows the end user to easily replace damaged or worn upholstery. Once the system is in place, the physical seating arrangement, and dimensions of the seating furniture are mapped digitally, and associated with the specified product for each piece of seating furniture. A system administrator then establishes an account for the end user, which can be accessed by software installed on any general use computer. The end user then clicks on the digitally represented piece of furniture to generate an order for a replacement cover. The replacement cover is then fabricated and shipped to the end user for installation.

Abstract: A process for making inorganic, metal oxide spheres that includes exposing solidified, molded microparticles that include a glass precursor composition to a temperature sufficient to transform the molded microparticles into molten glass and cooling the molten glass to form inorganic, metal oxide spheres.

Abstract: A process for making inorganic, metal oxide spheres that includes exposing solidified, molded microparticles that include a glass precursor composition to a temperature sufficient to transform the molded microparticles into molten glass and cooling the molten glass to form inorganic, metal oxide spheres.

Abstract: A process for making inorganic, metal oxide spheres that includes exposing solidified, molded microparticles that include a glass precursor composition to a temperature sufficient to transform the molded microparticles into molten glass and cooling the molten glass to form inorganic, metal oxide spheres.

Abstract: A process for making inorganic, metal oxide spheres that includes exposing solidified, molded microparticles that include a glass precursor composition to a temperature sufficient to transform the molded microparticles into molten glass and cooling the molten glass to form inorganic, metal oxide spheres.

Abstract: A process for making inorganic, metal oxide spheres that includes exposing solidified, molded microparticles that include a glass precursor composition to a temperature sufficient to transform the molded microparticles into molten glass and cooling the molten glass to form inorganic, metal oxide spheres.

Abstract: A exposed-lens retroreflective article exhibiting retroreflection under dry and wet conditions is provided. The inventive article comprises a first set of optical elements having a first reflective layer disposed on the embedded portion of the elements. The first set contributes mainly to dry retroreflection. The article further comprises a second set of optical elements having a second reflective layer behind a spacing layer. The second set contributes mainly to wet retroreflection. In one embodiment, the first and second sets of optical elements have substantially the same average diameters, refractive index, and density.

Abstract: A continuous process for imparting a striking glittering or sparkling appearance to a roll of initially non-glittering cube corner sheeting includes exposing the sheeting to a combination of heat and pressure. The process includes passing the sheeting through an extended heated zone and applying pressure to the sheeting after it has been heated. At least one belt is employed to support or carry the sheeting as the sheeting is passed through the heated zone and as the pressure is applied. In one embodiment the sheeting is sandwiched between a pair of endless belts that pass through the extended heated zone, the nip, and a cooling zone downweb of the nip. The process is particularly advantageous for converting rolls of non-glittering cube corner sheeting into rolls of glittering cube corner sheeting.

Abstract: A transfer film configured for transferring optical beads to a substrate is disclosed. The transfer film typically contains optical beads, a temporary bead carrier layer retaining the optical beads, and an optional adhesive layer configured to permanently adhere the optical beads to a substrate. The temporary bead carrier layer contains a carrier backing and a heat-resistant carrier coating that temporarily holds the beads during application at elevated temperatures to a substrate. The carrier coating is formed such that it initially softens to retain the beads, but is then hardened or thermoset (such as by crosslinking) to prevent the carrier coating from softening during transfer of the beads to a substrate.

Abstract: Simplified continuous processes are disclosed for converting standard woven or nonwoven fabric into reflectorized fabric in a continuous fashion and in bulk quantities. These processes are easily capable of achieving reflectivities of well over 100 cd/(lux·m2). In the processes, an extended length of fabric is provided such as by unwinding an input roll of fabric to be reflectorized, and the fabric is passed through a station that applies a coating of binder material to the fabric. The fabric then passes through a station where aluminum-coated beads are applied to the coating of binder material. An etching station removes exposed portions of the aluminum coating from the beads after the binder material is allowed to substantially solidify. End-use materials other than fabrics but suitable for enhancing personal conspicuity can be reflectorized in the same way.

Abstract: A continuous process for imparting a striking glittering or sparkling appearance to a roll of initially non-glittering cube corner sheeting includes exposing the sheeting to a combination of heat and pressure. The process includes passing the sheeting through an extended heated zone and applying pressure to the sheeting after it has been heated. At least one belt is employed to support or carry the sheeting as the sheeting is passed through the heated zone and as the pressure is applied. In one embodiment the sheeting is sandwiched between a pair of endless belts that pass through the extended heated zone, the nip, and a cooling zone downweb of the nip. The process is particularly advantageous for converting rolls of non-glittering cube corner sheeting into rolls of glittering cube corner sheeting.

Abstract: A single lever manual control for marine propulsion units includes a shift gear train and a throttle gear train mounted in side-by-side coaxial relation on a rotating input shaft, said trains terminating in shift lever and throttler lever outputs respectively. Push-pull cable units couple the levers to the engine. The throttle cable has an outer sleeve pivotally mounted by a pivot arm with a pivot axis adjacent the outer wall of the control housing. A key extends through the input shaft into a shift gear having a direct drive notch and an adjacent circumferentially enlarged warm-up notch. A warm-up button is connected to a rod which engages one edge of the key. A spring-loaded pin within the shaft engages the opposite key face to resiliently establish the direct drive connection. The button is depressed and forces the rod and key into the warm-up notch and the pin into an opening in a shift lever to prevent rotation thereof. The opening and pin are only aligned in neutral.