Abstract: A process for making a metal-polymer composites suitable for shaping into container end panels having improved resistance to feathering and angel hair formation. A polymer coating is applied to a metal sheet. The polymer coating includes at least one polymer selected from polyolefins, anhydride modified polyolefins, epoxies, and phenoxies. The polymer coating on the composite is then irradiated with an electron beam. The metal sheet preferably comprises an aluminum alloy and the polymer coating preferably comprises maleic anhydride modified polyropylene.

Abstract: A process for making printing plate material suitable for imaging by laser radiation. A metal substrate is electrocoated in a bath containing a polymeric resin and laser-sensitive particles, thereby depositing a laser ablatable layer on a principal surface of the metal substrate. In one embodiment, the laser-ablatable layer is treated with a corona discharge for a time sufficient to render the layer non-ink wettable. In other preferred embodiments, the laser-ablatable layer is overcoated with an overlayer such as a non-ink wettable silicone layer or a water-wettable layer comprising an organophosphorus polymer, preferably a copolymer of acrylic acid and vinylphosphonic acid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extrusion coating both sides of a metal strip. A metal strip, such as aluminum alloy strip, is moved through a pre-conditioner, two extrusion dies, a post-heater and a cooling system. Both sides of the strip are coated with thin coatings of thermoplastic polymers. The coated metal strip is useful for containers, such as cans and can ends, as well as for automobiles, appliances, aerospace, construction and electrical devices.

Abstract: A method for impressing holographic images or holograms in the surface of metal objects such as aluminum cans, sheet metal or metal foil. The surfaces of metal shims and print rolls bearing holograms are hardened as by coating them with thin amorphous diamond coatings or diamond like coatings so the holograms can be embossed into many thousands of metal objects with clarity and consistency.

Abstract: A process for making lithographic sheet material suitable for imaging by laser radiation. A metal substrate is electrocoated in a bath containing a polymeric resin and laser-sensitive particles, thereby depositing a laser ablatable layer on a principal surface of the metal substrate. In one embodiment, the laser-ablatable layer is treated with a corona discharge for a time sufficient to render the layer non-ink wettable. In other preferred embodiments, the laser-ablatable layer is overcoated with an overlayer such as a non-ink wettable silicone layer or a water-wettable layer comprising an organophosphorus polymer, preferably a copolymer of acrylic acid and vinylphosphonic.

Abstract: A process for making printing plate material suitable for imaging by laser radiation. A metal substrate is electrocoated in a bath containing a polymeric resin and laser-sensitive particles, thereby depositing a laser ablatable layer on a principal surface of the metal substrate. In one embodiment, the laser-ablatable layer is treated with a corona discharge for a time sufficient to render the layer non-ink wettable. In other preferred embodiments, the laser-ablatable layer is overcoated with an overlayer such as a non-ink wettable silicone layer or a water-wettable layer comprising an organophosphorus polymer, preferably a copolymer of acrylic acid and vinylphosphonic acid.

Abstract: A method for impressing holographic images or holograms in the surface of metal objects such as aluminum cans. The surfaces of metal shims and print rolls bearing holograms are hardened as by coating them with thin amorphous diamond coatings or diamond like coatings so the holograms can be embossed into many thousands of metal objects with clarity and consistency.

Abstract: A promotional gaming device for beverage cans which includes ink jet printed indicia of winning status on an exterior surface of the can and an opaque removable material covering the printing. The opaque material may be scratched off or peeled off the reveal the prize indicia.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extrusion coating both sides of a metal strip. A metal strip, such as aluminum alloy strip, is moved through a pre-conditioner, two extrusion dies, a post-heater and a cooling system. Both sides of the strip are coated with thin coatings of thermoplastic polymers. The coated metal strip is useful for containers, such as cans and can ends, as well as for automobiles, appliances, aerospace, construction and electrical devices.

Abstract: A lithographic sheet material comprising a metal substrate coated with a non-photosensitive thermoplastic adhesive layer, and a coating of mineral or metal particles adhered to and within the adhesive layer. A photosensitive layer is coated over the particles.

Abstract: A method for impressing holographic images or holograms in the surface of metal objects such as aluminum cans. The surfaces of metal shims and print rolls bearing holograms are hardened as by coating them with thin amorphous diamond coatings or diamond like coatings so the holograms can be embossed into many thousands of metal cans with clarity and consistency.

Abstract: A printing plate is made by coating a metal substrate with a polymer layer having an outer surface, coating the polymer layer with solid particles having an average particle size of less than about 30 microns, and compressing the solid particles so that most of them are below the polymer layer outer surface. The solid particles are preferably alpha-alumina particles having an average size of about 1-10 microns. The printing plate has improved wear resistance.

Abstract: A process for making lithographic sheet material. A metal sheet substrate is coated with a thermoplastic adhesive layer, and a particle layer is adhered to and within the adhesive layer while it is near its melting point. The adhesive layer is preferably polyethylene terephthalate and the particle layer preferably contains alumina particles.

Abstract: A method for extrusion coating both sides of a metal strip. A metal strip, such as aluminum alloy strip, is moved through a pre-conditioner, two extrusion dies, a post heater and a cooling system. Both sides of the strip are coated with thin coatings of polyester material. The coated metal strip is useful for containers, such as cans and can ends, as well as for automobiles, appliances, aerospace, construction and electrical devices.

Abstract: A product for heating a load at different rates using microwave radiation provided at a substantially constant power level. The product may include a polymer matrix alone or in combination with a metal substrate, with the polymer matrix located on the surface of the metal substrate that does not contact the load and is thus disposed to the incident microwave radiation. The matrix includes dielectric and magnetic components in amounts that enable at least initial absorption of the incident radiation and thus initial thermalization of the radiation within the matrix. The matrix is designed to change its rate of thermalization and the rate at which it conducts thermalized radiation to the substrate and load after a predetermined time of exposure to the radiation at a predetermined temperature of the matrix.

Abstract: Means and method for heating loads with microwave energy, with the loads being located on a metal substrate or in a metal container. A layer of organic material is located on the outside surface of the container or substrate, the layer having microwave absorbing substances contained in a minimum thickness of the layer. The absorbing substances include both dielectric and magnetic components that provide useful power absorption, the amount of the dielectric component being effective to compress the wavelength of the microwave energy while simultaneously preserving useful impedance to the magnetic component of the energy. Useful power absorption within a range of minimum layer of thicknesses is obtained. The amounts of the dielectric and magnetic components, in addition, transport the heat generated within the layer to the metal container or substrate at rates sufficient to maintain internal temperature of the layer near that of the load.

Abstract: A method of producing a pair of container bodies. A cylindrical, hollow preform of a thermoplastic polymer material having a cylindrical body having a sidewall and an opened neck finish on each longitudinal end of the preform is provided. The preform is heated to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the polymer and below the melting temperature of the polymer, and is stretched. The preform is stretched longitudinally by applying force to at least one of the ends, and is stretched transversely by introducing fluid pressure into the preform sufficient to form a stretch blown component having a first neck at one end and a second neck at the other end, and a body portion between the necks. The stretch blown component is separated transversely through the body to provide two container bodies, each having a neck finish corresponding dimensionally with the respective neck finish on the preform from which the container bodies are stretch-blown.

Abstract: A filler composition containing at least two surface modifiers and comprising a powdered inorganic filler, a carboxylic acid or mixture of carboxylic acids and an organosilane. A preferred filler composition comprises alumina trihydrate, isostearic acid and vinyl-tris (2-methoxyethoxy) silane. When filler compositions containing both the carboxylic acid and organosilane surface modifiers are blended with thermoplastic resins to form thermoplastic compounds, the resulting filled compounds display improved physical properties compared with controls.

Abstract: A novel and improved microwave oven cooking utensil wherein a water absorbing member generally underlies a microwave opaque cooking container such that food contained in the container may be cooked in a microwave oven through direct exposure to microwave radiation and indirect heating of the container by steam evolved from the water absorbing member upon simultaneous exposure thereof to microwave radiation.

Abstract: An improved metallic food container system especially adapted for cooking dough or pastry based foodstuffs in a microwave oven and including improved configurations of microwave opaque and microwave transparent container portions as well as an improved dome or cover structure therefor.