Abstract: A novel solid-state heating element is disclosed. The heating element comprises a plurality of heating layers comprised of a mixture of carbon and a polymer or plastic. The heating layers are disposed on or infused into a substrate. Each heating layer can be disposed on, or infused into, its own substrate, or the heating layers can be disposed on or infused into opposites sides of the same substrate. A radiating element can be disposed in proximity to one or both of the heating layers. The radiating element absorbs the radiation put out by the heating layer(s) and reradiates heat. A heat transfer fluid such as air or a liquid can be directed across the radiating element and/or other areas of the heating element to transfer heat from the heating element to another location.

Abstract: Ammunition, consisting generally of a casing, propellant, projectile and primer, is entirely coated with a coating that renders the ammunition resistant to infiltration by moisture or deleterious matter, such as sand or salt, that have the effect of fouling the propellant or otherwise causing the ammunition to misfire or not fire properly. Methods of making ammunition in accordance with the invention are described.

Abstract: A new and improved process for printing a durable image prepared from sublimable inks on a substrate of natural or synthetic materials by first providing the substrate with a transparent polymeric top coating formed from an acrylic polyol or isocyanate resins or mixtures thereof and transferring onto the substrate the image formed from sublimable inks by sublimation.

Abstract: A method for rendering durable, matte-finish images on a stone or masonry substrate, comprising: providing a stone or masonry substrate presenting a substantially flat image-receiving surface or otherwise shaped to accept an image, the image-receiving surface having a specular reflectivity suitable for accepting an image; applying a polymer to the image-receiving surface and curing the polymer thereto, the polymer being characterized by an avoidance of coloration or discoloration over time and a degree of clarity sufficient that the specular reflectivity of the image-receiving surface of the stone or masonry substrate is substantially unaltered, and the natural appearance thereof substantially unchanged, after cure of the polymer thereto, the polymer further being characterized by a cure hardness such that a transferable sublimable ink image carried on the image-receiving surface after transfer of the image into the cured polymer, is not eroded from the image-accepting surface by effects of weather, wear, abr

Abstract: A new and improved process for printing a durable image prepared from sublimable inks on a substrate of natural or synthetic materials by first providing the substrate with a transparent polymeric top coating formed from an acrylic polyol or isocyanate resins or mixtures thereof and transferring onto the substrate the image formed from sublimable inks by sublimation.