Abstract: An apparatus for printing a variable pattern on a substrate, a method using the apparatus, a product produced by using the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes an ink bath containing a printing agent to be applied to the substrate, a roller that picks up ink from the ink bath, a doctor blade to wipe of excess printing agent on the roller, and a means for intentionally varying the design printed on the substrate from the roller.

Abstract: Novel devices, systems, and methods for providing exterior flooring that can be installed over existing exterior surfaces, such as surfaces of an outdoor deck, are provided herein. In some aspects, a joint device or joint member for an exterior floor covering can include a body portion and at least one tongue portion extending from the body portion. The joint device can be adapted to connect adjacent floor panels and secure the floor panels to an underlying surface. The joint device can, but is not required to pass liquid therebetween. The joint device and adjacent floor panels can be made of water resistant materials. The joint device can further include an optional opening adapted to receive an attachment member for attaching portions of the joint member to an underlying surface.

Abstract: Novel devices, systems, and methods for providing exterior flooring that can be installed over existing exterior surfaces, such as surfaces of an outdoor deck, are provided herein. In some aspects, a joint device or joint member for an exterior floor covering can include a body portion and at least one tongue portion extending from the body portion. The joint device can be adapted to connect adjacent floor panels and secure the floor panels to an underlying surface. The joint device can, but is not required to pass liquid therebetween. The joint device and adjacent floor panels can be made of water resistant materials. The joint device can further include an optional opening adapted to receive an attachment member for attaching portions of the joint member to an underlying surface.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing surface elements, such as floor panels, having a wear layer containing hard particles are disclosed, as well as the resulting surface elements. In the manufacturing method, the wear layer is partially manufactured, or may even be purchased as a stock item, before the décor is applied onto the wear layer. Preferably, the décor is applied to the wear layer at a position opposite the intended outer surface of the surface element. Preferably, the décor is printed onto the wear layer on the side of the wear layer intended to be affixed to a supporting core.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to systems and methods for covering a gap between two floor elements having different flooring heights. A multi-purpose reducer for this purpose can include a foot configured to fit in a gap between adjacent floor elements, a first arm extending in a first direction from the foot, and a second arm extending in a second direction substantially perpendicularly from the foot. The first arm can define a first thickness, and the second arm defining a second thickness less than the first thickness. In addition, the first arm can include a lower surface that can be angled with respect to a plane perpendicular to the foot.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly can be manipulated to form an end molding, a T-molding, a hard surface reducer, a carpet reducer, and/or a stair nose molding.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing surface elements, such as floor panels, having a wear layer containing hard particles are disclosed, as well as the resulting surface elements. In the manufacturing method, the wear layer is partially manufactured, or may even be purchased as a stock item, before the decor is applied onto the wear layer. Preferably, the decor is applied to the wear layer at a position opposite the intended outer surface of the surface element. Preferably, the decor is printed onto the wear layer on the side of the wear layer intended to be affixed to a supporting core.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly can be manipulated to form an end molding, a T-molding, a hard surface reducer, a carpet reducer, and/or a stair nose molding.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for manufacturing a surface element (1), especially a floor panel, with a supporting core (2) and a surface (4) to be imprinted, comprising the following steps: impregnating the surface (4) to be imprinted with a dyed resin or application of printing ink (5) onto the surface (4) to be imprinted for creation of a decorative pattern, attaching a pressing tool (10) and application of pressure onto the surface element (6), with a redistribution of printing ink (5) or dyed resin occurring alongside the surface (4) to be imprinted depending on a structure (11, 12) of the pressing tool (10), so that a colour saturation is influenced at least of areas of the decorative pattern.

Abstract: A ventilated quarter round molding or shoe molding can be used, in combination with a water impervious underlayment to dissipate water vapor which is often generated from subfloors. Such water vapor can damage certain flooring, and the invention allows for the installation of devices to limit or eliminate such damage without significant cost.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly can be manipulated to form an end molding, a T-molding, a hard surface reducer, a carpet reducer, and/or a stair nose molding. A kit can include the joint cover assembly an a tool for forming a flooring transition from a generic element having break-away sections.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly can be installed to be a flush or near-flush arrangement with adjacent flooring elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing a variable pattern on a substrate, a method using the apparatus, a product produced by using the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes an ink bath containing a printing agent to be applied to the substrate, a roller that picks up ink from the ink bath, a doctor blade to wipe of excess printing agent on the roller, and a means for intentionally varying the design printed on the substrate from the roller.

Abstract: A protective mat, coaster or cutting board are embodiments of some products that can be obtained from the present invention. In one such embodiment, a floor mat having two major surfaces, i.e., an upper and lower surface, each of which can optionally be formed of a laminate, preferably, but not necessarily, having different decors, is provided. The floor mat can be made in one piece, but preferably, is assembled from several pieces, optionally packaged as a kit, in combination with joining elements and optionally an edge border, or glue, and/or gripping pad or pads.

Abstract: A ventilated quarter round molding or shoe molding can be used, in combination with a water impervious underlayment to dissipate water vapor which is often generated from subfloors. Such water vapor can damage certain flooring, and the invention allows for the installation of devices to limit or eliminate such damage without significant cost.

Abstract: The invention is a joint cover assembly for covering a gap adjacent an edge of a panel that covers a sub-surface, and a method of covering such a gap. The assembly can be manipulated to form an end molding, a T-molding, a hard surface reducer, a carpet reducer, and/or a stair nose molding.

Abstract: A circuit for measuring the relative absorption signals from an infrared detector to measure gas concentrations in the detector, wherein an absorption gas wavelength signal is compared to a reference gas wavelength signal, through circuits and a computer processor, together having automatic compensation for absorption variables and which permit the measurement of gas absorption by use of Beer's Law equations.