Plural Superimposed Laminae Transferred Patents (Class 156/239)
  • Patent number: 6544370
    Abstract: The present invention is a puff heat transfer, a puff transfer composition, and a method of applying a puff heat transfer. The puff transfer composition, i.e., ink, is actually loaded with the color. In particular, the transfer composition comprises a puff base material and at least one pigment concentrate. The puff base material is preferably included in an amount of at least about 85% by weight. On the other hand, the pigment concentrate is preferably in a total amount of about 15% by weight or less. The transfer composition is deposited on a transfer sheet to make the heat transfer. The transfer sheet is a substrate that is preferably treated with quillon. By using a substrate sheet that is treated with quillon, the puff of the present invention has an improved, velvet-like feel when the transfer sheet is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Impulse Wear, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher A. Roberts, Lawrence M. Levine
  • Patent number: 6540861
    Abstract: This invention is to prevent a substrate from dropping when it is transferred/received to/from a separating apparatus. The support surfaces of substrate holding portions (22, 23) are made horizontal, and a substrate (21) to be separated is mounted on one substrate holding portion (22) in a horizontal state (2A). The substrate holding portions (22, 23) are pivoted about rotary shafts (26, 27), respectively, to make the support surfaces of the substrate holding portions (22, 23) vertical so that the substrate (21) is sandwiched by the substrate holding portions (22, 23) (2B). The substrate holding portions (22, 23) are rotated about rotary shafts (24, 25), respectively, and simultaneously, high-pressure, high-speed water is ejected from an ejection nozzle (28) to separate the substrate (21) into two substrates (21a, 21c). The substrate holding portions (22, 23) are pivoted about the rotary shafts (26, 27), respectively, to make the support surfaces horizontal (2C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyofumi Sakaguchi, Takao Yonehara, Kazuaki Omi, Kazutaka Yanagita, Toshikazu Miyakogawa
  • Patent number: 6527898
    Abstract: Disclosed is a transfer material comprising at least a substrate sheet having releasing property, and a protecting layer formed on one surface of the substrate sheet, wherein the protecting layer is composed of an active energy ray curable resin, the active energy ray curable resin being obtained by heat-crosslinking a heat and active energy ray curable resin composition which comprises, as an active ingredient, a polymer having a (meth)acryl equivalent weight from 100 to 300 g/eq, a hydroxyl value from 20 to 500 and a weight-average molecular weight from 5000 to 50000; a polyfunctional isocyanate; and a UV absorber; characterized in that the UV absorber is a bisbenzotriazole-type UV absorber represented by the formula:  wherein R each independently represents a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, n each independently represents an integer of 4 to 8, m each independently represents an integer of 1 to 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Nissha Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuzo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6513564
    Abstract: A cleaving tool provides pressurized gas to the edge of a substrate in combination with a sharpened edge to cleave the substrate at a selected interface. The edge of the tool is tapped against the perimeter of a substrate, such as a bonded substrate, and a burst of gas pressure is then applied at approximately the point of contact with the edge of the tool. The combination of mechanical force and gas pressure separates the substrate into two halves at a selected interface, such as a weakened layer in a donor wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Silicon Genesis Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Bryan, James K. Kai
  • Patent number: 6506445
    Abstract: A versatile method for the manufacturing of image transfer sheets which provide users with cold transferring images without using supplemental heat in the course of image transfer to a wide variety of substrates includes printing an image with water-based ink onto an image transfer sheet that has a coating of water-accepting adhesive. A method of manufacturing image transfer sheets includes first applying a water impermeable layer onto a flexible substrate. A layer of water-activatable adhesive is applied upon the water impermeable layer. The adhesive is then dried in a dryer with dehumidified air. A water permeable detack layer is then applied upon the layer of adhesive. In a particular embodiment, the sheet further includes a water-accepting image holding layer in between the water-accepting adhesive layer and the water impermeable layer. The image holding layer becomes water-resisting when heated to within a range of activation temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Ghanshyam H. Popat, Shiaonung Su, Thomas Mammen, Frederick Miekka, Andre Saint, Brett Ulrich, Omar Attia
  • Patent number: 6491780
    Abstract: A technique for transferring discrete areas of material, such as hot stamping foil, from a carrier onto positions spaced apart along a substrate, such as paper. The carrier is dispensed at a rate that is much less than the speed of movement of the substrate. During transfer, a segment of the carrier is moved at the same speed as the substrate while, in between such material transfers, the speed of the carrier is sharply reduced and even reversed in direction in order to maintain the average speed of this carrier segment equal to the reduced speed at which the carrier is being dispensed. This is accomplished by a shuttle mechanism that is moved by its own motor, under control of a microprocessor-based motor control system, in synchronism with the speed of the substrate and transfer operations. This significantly improves the utilization of the material on the carrier, with an improved flexibility to adapt to various substrate speeds and ease of implementation in machinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Total Register, Inc.
    Inventor: Terence J. Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20020179223
    Abstract: A method for applying a flame for depositing a doped layer to a wafer and chuck particularly adapted for suspending the wafer over the flame. The chuck includes a frame having an opening defined by an inner wall for receiving a wafer and a ledge surrounding at least a portion of a lower end of the opening for retaining a wafer placed into an upper end of the opening, and a suspension assembly for suspending the frame over a dopant-depositing flame such that the ledge is disposed between the flame and peripheral portions of the wafer. The inner wall and the ledge may be formed from a material having substantially the same thermal conduction and expansion characteristics as the wafer. The suspension assembly may be rotatable with respect to a dopant-depositing flame. The frame may have a plurality of openings, each for receiving a wafer. The suspension assembly may include a suspension member, and a support post connecting the suspension member to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Heather D. Boek, Michael P. Carson, Haibo Huang, Pascale Laborde, William P. Ryszytiwskyj, Robert L. Young
  • Patent number: 6475323
    Abstract: To separate a composite member consisting of a plurality of bonded members without destructing or damaging it, a fluid is jetted against the composite member from a nozzle to separate it into a plurality of members at a position different from a bonding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuaki Ohmi, Takao Yonehara, Kiyofumi Sakaguchi, Kazutaka Yanagita
  • Publication number: 20020157772
    Abstract: A process for making a protective and decorative surfacing film comprises extrusion coating a solid polymeric material to form an optically clear first layer (10) on a smooth surface of a carrier sheet (12). The extrusion coated first layer is immediately cooled, followed by applying a pigmented second material (22) in thin film form. The composite paint coat is then transferred to a supportive backing, after which the carrier sheet is removed to expose the high gloss outer surface of the first layer. The second layer may be solvent cast, extrusion coated, or coextruded with the first layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Howard H. Enlow, Russell J. McCready, John E. Roys, Keith L. Truog, Frederick Young
  • Patent number: 6471810
    Abstract: First, an image receiving sheet is put on an insertion table of an image transfer device, next, the paper is overlapped on the image receiving sheet, then, a flexible hygroscopic carrier sheet is further overlapped on them and they are inserted between the pair of heat rollers in that state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuru Sawano
  • Patent number: 6440334
    Abstract: A process for making a retroreflective article that includes the steps of providing a device (tool or a mold) having a first structured surface; applying a reflective layer on the first structured surface resulting in a first adhesion value between the reflective layer and the first structured surface, the reflective layer having an exposed surface; applying a molding polymer to the exposed surface of the reflective layer resulting in a second adhesion value between the reflective layer and the molding polymer. The second adhesion value is higher than the first adhesion value. The device is separated from the molding polymer to yield a retroreflective article that has a second structured surface that is the reverse image of the first structured surface. The separation causes a transfer of the reflective layer from the first structured surface to the retroreflective article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Currens, Vera Lightle
  • Patent number: 6436226
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating a substrate having a porous layer at the porous layer is provided. A bonded substrate stack (101) having a porous layer (101b) is supported by substrate holding portions (108, 109) while being rotated. High-speed, high-pressure water (jet) is ejected from a nozzle (112) and injected against the bonded substrate stack (101), thereby physically separating the bonded substrate stack (101) into two substrates. The jet pressure is appropriately changed in accordance with progress of separation processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuaki Omi, Takao Yonehara, Kiyofumi Sakaguchi, Kazutaka Yanagita
  • Patent number: 6427748
    Abstract: This invention prevents defects generated when a bonded substrate stack having a separation layer is separated. A bonded substrate stack (101) having a porous layer (101b) is separated in two steps of the first and second processes. In the first process, a jet is ejected to the porous layer (101b) while rotating the bonded substrate stack (101) to partially separate the bonded substrate stack (101) while leaving the central portion of the porous layer (101b) as an unseparated region. In the second process, the jet is ejected to the porous layer (101b) while rotation of the bonded substrate stack (101) is stopped. A force is applied to the unseparated region from a predetermined direction to completely separate the bonded substrate stack (101). Also, the first region (peripheral portion) and second region (central portion) of the bonded substrate stack (101) having the porous layer (101b) are separated using a jet and ultrasonic wave, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazutaka Yanagita, Takao Yonehara, Kazuaki Omi, Kiyofumi Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 6423464
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a laser ablative recording material having at least one coloring agent layer and at least one overcoat layer on a surface of a support, wherein at least one of the overcoat layers contains a non-self-oxidizing, low temperature heat decomposable polymer which, when heated at a rate of 10° C./min, starting at room temperature, decreases in weight by 50% or more before reaching 300° C. This laser ablative recording material is characterized by excellent scratch resistance, a low Dmin, and a very high dye removing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuro Kubo, Tadashi Ito
  • Patent number: 6413687
    Abstract: A transfer foil for image transfer comprising a support, a releasing layer and a component layer is disclosed. The releasing layer contains inorganic or organic fine particles and 1<(average particle diameter of the inorganic or organic fine particle in releasing layer/thickness of releasing layer)×100<400.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Konica Corporation
    Inventors: Ryoji Hattori, Shigehiro Kitamura, Hideki Takahashi, Seiji Hidaka
  • Patent number: 6410082
    Abstract: A heat-transferable security stamp is provided including a carrier sheet, a top coat layer, at least one design layer between the carrier sheet and the top coat layer, a release layer between the carrier sheet and the design layer, and a base coat layer between the release layer and the design layer. The release layer includes a water-borne release component. The base coat layer includes a water-borne base coat component. The design layer includes a water-borne design component. The top coat layer includes a water-borne top coat component. The carrier sheet is resistant to heat above a predetermined heat transfer temperature. The adhesive release component of the release layer is operative to secure the carrier sheet to the base coat layer at temperatures below the heat transfer temperature and to permit release of the carrier sheet from the base coat layer at temperatures above the heat transfer temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: The Standard Register Company
    Inventors: William F. Pinell, Rajendra Mehta, Harry A. Seifert, John M. Harden
  • Patent number: 6387201
    Abstract: A rotary hot foil stamping machine is provided for repeatedly stamping a foil image onto a continuous product web at a consistent interval along the length of the product web. The rotary hot foil stamping machine includes first and second die stations, each die station comprising a servo driven rotary die holder with at least one removable die attached thereto. Counter rolls are mounted adjacent each die holder such that the outer surfaces of the dies engage the counter rolls as the dies are rotated past the counter rolls. The die holders are driven at a constant speed such that said die surfaces engage the counter rolls simultaneously at regular timed intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Best Cutting Die Company
    Inventors: John M. Stuart, Steven P. Cortese
  • Publication number: 20020055237
    Abstract: A method for transferring layers containing semiconductor devices and/or circuits to substrates other than those on which these semiconductor devices and/or circuits have been originally fabricated. The method comprises fabricating the semiconductor devices and/or circuits, coating them with a protective layer of photoresist followed by coating with a layer of wax. A special perforated structure is then also wax coated and the waxed surface of the structure is brought into a contact with the waxed surface of photoresist. The original seed substrate is removed and the exposed surface is then coated with adhesive followed by dissolving wax through the openings in the perforated structure and attaching the layer with semiconductor devices and/or circuits to another permanent substrate. As an alternative, a disk-shaped water-soluble structure can be used instead of the perforated structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Keyvan Sayyah
  • Patent number: 6382292
    Abstract: To separate a composite member consisting of a plurality of bonded members without destructing or damaging it, a fluid is jetted against the composite member from a nozzle to separate it into a plurality of members at a position different from a bonding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuaki Ohmi, Takao Yonehara, Kiyofumi Sakaguchi, Kazutaka Yanagita
  • Patent number: 6383325
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a P.U. product includes a front stage working, and a rear stage working. The front stage working includes: coating a first P.U. liquid on a releasing sheet to form a first P.U. surface layer, coating a second P.U. liquid on the first P.U. surface layer to form a second P.U. surface layer, bonding a substrate cloth on the second P.U. surface layer, thereby forming a first product which includes the first P.U. surface layer, the second P.U. surface layer, and the substrate cloth. The rear stage working includes: rolling a first mixing liquid on the first product to form a plurality of intensive small air vents in the second P.U. surface layer for increasing permeability, rolling a second mixing liquid containing a fluoride on the first product so that the fluoride infiltrates through the first and second P.U. surface layer for increasing a water repellent function, and rolling a third mixing liquid containing a P.U.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Chai-Bang Tsai
  • Patent number: 6372293
    Abstract: A test tube comprises a tube body of unitary construction including an enclosed sidewall and an integral bottom that together define a tubular container having an open top. The bottom has a concave interior surface and a planar exterior surface upon which machine readable data is encoded within a multi-layered opaque coating that is deposited onto the planar exterior surface to uniquely identify the test tube. The machine readable data is preferably an open (i.e., non-proprietary) data matrix code. This code is applied to the test tube by depositing a multi-layer coating onto the planar exterior of the tube bottom. The multi-layer coating may include a first layer of opaque material that is deposited onto the planar exterior surface, and a second layer of opaque material that is deposited onto the first layer. The machine readable code is formed in the multi-layered coating by removing portions of the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Matrix Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Mathus, Daniel J. Seguin, Victor A. Torti
  • Patent number: 6364983
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a laminate structure for use in a security thread or tape comprises: i) providing a first structure (1) having a flexible carrier (2) supporting an optically variable effect structure (4-6); ii) adhering the first structure (1) to a flexible substrate (9) with the optically variable effect structure (4-6) between the carrier and the substrate; iii) removing the carrier (2); iv) permanently bonding the carrier (2) to the resulting laminate to generate a final laminate structure; and, v) slitting the laminate structure from step iv) into at least two lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: De la Rue International Limited
    Inventor: Ralph Kay
  • Patent number: 6350342
    Abstract: A series of transfer patches are spaced along a carrier web at a first repeat. Each transfer patch includes at least a backer ply and a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive. The transfer patches are removed seriatim from the carrier web and transferred at a predetermined second repeat to a form web with the adhesive adhering to the reverse surface of the form web. The form web is die-cut from the face surface to form an integrated label or card product, depending on the composition of the transfer patches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Tamarack Products Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Steidinger, David J. Steidinger
  • Patent number: 6336988
    Abstract: A process for making a protective and decorative surfacing film comprises extrusion coating a solid polymeric material from an extruder die to form an optically clear first layer of uniform film thickness on a smooth surface of a carrier sheet traveling continuously past the extruder die opening. The extrusion coated first layer is immediately cooled on the carrier sheet to harden it, followed by applying a pigmented second layer in thin film form to the first layer to form a composite paint coat in which the first and second layers are bonded to each other. The composite paint coat is then transferred to a supportive backing sheet or substrate panel, after which the carrier sheet is separated from the paint coat, to expose the outer surface of the first layer as a high gloss surface with a high distinctness-of-image, providing a transparent protective outer coat for the underlying pigmented second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Howard H. Enlow, Russell J. McCready, John E. Roys, Keith L. Truog, Frederick Young
  • Publication number: 20020000287
    Abstract: A protective film transfer sheet comprises a peelable support and a protective film formed on the support, wherein the protective film comprises a protective layer and an adhesive layer formed on the support in this order and the adhesive layer has pressure-sensitive adhesiveness, the adhesiveness of the adhesive layer being increased upon heating after transferred on the image surface of photo masks, and is curable by exposure to ionizing radiation. The protective film formed by the protective film transfer sheet is excellent in adhesiveness to the image surface of photo masks, mar resistance and resistance to solvents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Applicant: KIMOTO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsunori Maruyama, Susumu Kurishima
  • Publication number: 20010052384
    Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer wherein the lower surface of the adhesive layer has a Sheffield roughness of at least about 10 and the adhesive article provides air egress. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the adhesive articles. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Hannington
  • Patent number: 6302989
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a lammar compound for transferring optically variable elements to objects to be protected, the laminar compound comprising a carrier substrate and isolated single elements on said carrier substrate in the contour shape of the elements to be transferred. The method comprises the steps of: providing a carrier substrate; applying at least one embossable layer on said carrier substrate with the contour shape of said element to be transferred; forming a diffraction structure in said embossable layer in the form of a relief; and forming a reflecting layer on said diffraction structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventor: Wittich Kaule
  • Patent number: 6280552
    Abstract: A method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen panel including printing an edge electrode pattern on decal paper; applying a cover coat over the electrode pattern; removing the decal paper; and transferring the edge electrode pattern to a touch screen panel. A decal to be used in accordance with this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: MicroTouch Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Bottari
  • Patent number: 6273326
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a metallic or ceramic body constructed in layers from a real body elements, the a real body elements are cut out of a body material connected to a support material. Subsequently, the a real body elements are sequentially connected to a respective last applied layer of a real body elements of the body to be manufactured by a physical or chemical connecting process. After connection with the last applied layer, the support material is removed from the a real body elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel Graf
  • Publication number: 20010009174
    Abstract: This invention discloses ink jet receptor coatings and processing conditions to provide a transferable receptor with controlled gloss properties to a receiving substrate. Image graphics produced under these conditions are significantly and unexpectedly improved with minimal coalescence of and “mudcracking” of ink jet images. The ink jet receptor on a temporary carrier web has one or more layers where one layer is a top-surface-providing layer that is weakly bonded to a temporary carrier web. The top-surface-providing layer becomes the exposed surface on a receiving substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Publication date: July 26, 2001
    Inventors: DUANE W DINKEL, DAVID WARNER
  • Patent number: 6263941
    Abstract: A cleaving tool provides pressurized gas to the edge of a substrate in combination with a sharpened edge to cleave the substrate at a selected interface. The edge of the tool is tapped against the perimeter of a substrate, such as a bonded substrate, and a burst of gas pressure is then applied at approximately the point of contact with the edge of the tool. The combination of mechanical force and gas pressure separates the substrate into two halves at a selected interface, such as a weakened layer in a donor wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Silicon Genesis Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Bryan, James K. Kai
  • Patent number: 6264782
    Abstract: A print with a hologram, such as an ID card, including a transferred image including a transferred sublimable dye image of a full color using sublimable dye inks, and a hologram and the like laminated on the transferred image for security purposes. Even when stored or used for a long period of time, the hologram causes no unfavorable phenomena, such as bleeding, in the sublimation dye thermal transferred image and has excellent durability. A process for producing such a print with a hologram is also disclosed. In the production of the print with a hologram, a transferred image 2 of a sublimable dye ink or a combination of a transferred image 2 of a sublimable dye ink with a transferred image 3 of a hot-melt ink is provided on an image-receiving sheet 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Oshima, Mikiko Kudo, Jiro Onishi
  • Patent number: 6258194
    Abstract: A personalized sticker is manufactured by first creating a plurality of copies of a personalized image, with each copy differing in size, and then interlacing the copies to form an interlaced personalized image. The interlaced personalized image is filmed and the film is utilized to print the interlaced personalized image on a sheet of paper. A lenticular lense corresponding to the interlacing of the interlaced personalized image is then formed on a surface of a plastic laminate opposite the sheet of paper. The sheet of paper is removed and the personalized image is transferred to the plastic laminate. A protective backing is next applied to the interlaced personalized image opposite the lenticular lense, which is in turn attached to a double-sided adhesive sheet for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Sandra R. Danon
  • Patent number: 6258448
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a silver halide photographic transfer element which comprises a support having a front and rear surface, a transfer coating on the front of the support comprising a material capable of holding an image that can be transferred to a receptor surface upon the application of energy to the rear surface of the support, and at least one silver halide light sensitive emulsion layer on said front surface of the support. The invention is also directed to a method for applying a photographic image to a receptor element by the steps of exposing imagewise and then developing the above-described silver halide photographic transfer element, positioning the developed photographic element against a receptor element, and applying energy to the rear surface of the silver halide photographic element to transfer a photographic image to the receptor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Foto-Wear, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald S. Hare
  • Patent number: 6254711
    Abstract: The present invention relates to graphic or informational articles that may be applied to a surface of a translucent or substantially clear substrate so that the image may be viewed through the substrate. The present invention is an indoor advertising system or kit that includes two components. The first component is a substantially clear, perforated imageable film layer with a perforated adhesive layer on a surface thereof. The second component is a non-perforated colorant transfer component that includes a removable carrier film with at least one color layer on a surface thereof. The present invention further includes a process for making the graphic articles. In the process of the present invention, an image layer is formed on a first major surface of a substantially clear, perforated imageable film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Sally J. Bull, Ernest M. Rinehart, Kenneth D. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20010001975
    Abstract: This invention is to prevent a substrate from dropping when it is transferred/received to/from a separating apparatus. The support surfaces of substrate holding portions (22, 23) are made horizontal, and a substrate (21) to be separated is mounted on one substrate holding portion (22) in a horizontal state (2A). The substrate holding portions (22, 23) are pivoted about rotary shafts (26, 27), respectively, to make the support surfaces of the substrate holding portions (22, 23) vertical so that the substrate (21) is sandwiched by the substrate holding portions (22, 23) (2B) The substrate holding portions (22, 23) are rotated about rotary shafts (24, 25), respectively, and simultaneously, high-pressure, high-speed water is ejected from an ejection nozzle (28) to separate the substrate (21) into two substrates (21a, 21c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Inventors: KIYOFUMI SAKAGUCHI, TAKAO YONEHARA, KAZUAKI OMI, KAZUTAKA YANAGITA, TOSHIKAZU MIYAKOGAWA
  • Patent number: 6217694
    Abstract: A method includes a step of transferring an image formed on an image transfer sheet to an image-receiving member under the application of heat and pressure thereto, the image-receiving member having a transparent material layer for receiving the image thereon and a support member for supporting the transparent material layer. The support member of the image-receiving member comprises concave and convex portions on the surface thereof, and the transparent material layer is provided in such a manner that the concave portions of the support member are filled with the transparent material layer and that the transparent material layer has a flat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Keishi Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 6217981
    Abstract: An adhesive sheet is disclosed including a flexible substrate (4), and an adhesive layer (20) formed on at least one of the main surfaces of the flexible substrate and containing elastic microspheres (3), in which the adhesive layer has a) an elastic microsphere layer which is in contact with the main surface of the flexible substrate, comprising elastic microspheres (3) and a tacky polymer (2) and has projections containing said elastic microspheres on a surface which is not in contact with said substrate, and b) a layer of tacky polymer (1) which covers the projections containing the elastic microspheres so that raised portions are formed on an adhesion surface (11). Bubbles of air can then escape during application and use because the adhesion surface has a contact area percentage in the range between 20 and 90%. A method of making the adhesive sheet is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mamoru Kanno, Hidetoshi Abe
  • Patent number: 6211991
    Abstract: An improved method and resulting device 10 for fabricating an electro-optical modulator material. The technique includes providing a substrate 509, which has a top surface. A first layer of electrode material 501 is defined overlying the top surface. The method also includes applying a transfer sheet 400, having an electro-optical material 405, to the first layer of electrode material 501, where the electro-optical material is affixed to the first layer of electrode material. A step of removing (e.g., peeling) 801 the transfer sheet from the electro-optical material is included. The removing step leaves a substantial portion of the electro-optical modulator material intact and affixed to the first layer of electrode material. This method generally uses less steps and provides a higher quality element than pre-existing techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Photon Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Bryan
  • Patent number: 6197144
    Abstract: Thermoplastic articles such as splash guards, in particular polyethylene splash guards, are decorated using a heat-activated decorative which includes a layer of a compatible thermoplastic adhesive which bonds an intermediate support sheet to the surface of the article. An indicia layer is then bonded to the support sheet. The support sheet is either a nonwoven web, a metal film, or a metalized cloth. The indicia layer can be an outer reflective or polymeric film bonded to the polyester nonwoven web using a compatible adhesive such as a linear alkyl polyester. If the support sheet is a metal film or metalized cloth, it can provide the indicia without a separate layer. However, a clear protective film may be required. This material remains tightly adhered to the surface of the article, even splash guards subjected to road conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: John Mahn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6187233
    Abstract: An exterior automotive trim product, and method of making the same. In certain embodiments, a color pigmented thermoplastic layer is provided. A transparent clear coat is calendared to the color pigmented layer to form a composite or laminate. The laminate is subsequently vacuum-formed into a three dimensional shape approximating the desired shape of a final trim product. The vacuum-formed laminate is then inserted into an injection molding device, and semi-molten resin injected into the mold cavity behind the laminate. The resin fuses with the vacuum-formed laminate with the result being the final automotive trim product. Thus, no spray painting or spraying of solvents is required, and burdensome dry paint transfer techniques may be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Guardian Automotive Trim, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry H. Smith
  • Patent number: 6183588
    Abstract: A process for fabricating and releasing a thin-film structure from a primary carrier for further processing. The thin-film structure is built on a metal interconnect disposed on a dielectric layer which, in turn, is deposited on a primary carrier. The thin-film structure and metal interconnect are released from the dielectric layer and primary carrier along a release interface defined between the metal interconnect and the dielectric film. Release is accomplished by disturbing the interface, either by laser ablation or dicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kimberley A. Kelly, Ashwani K. Malhotra, Eric D. Perfecto, Roy Yu
  • Patent number: 6165308
    Abstract: An improved process for manufacture of polymer coated composite substrates is described. a coated composite substrate is prepared in the press by applying a layer of a primer coating composition to the surface of a compressible mat comprising fibers and/or particles and a resin binder. The primer coating composition is formulated preferably as a fast setting polymer latex capable of forming a chemically crosslinked polymer matrix when applied to the surface of a compressible mat. A thermosetting top coat composition can be applied directly over the wet primer coating composition before heat-processing the mat to improve surface quality and release characteristics. Compressing and heating the coated mat produces a primed composite substrate directly out of the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Lilly Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Chen, Greg Muselman, Travis W. Idol, David H. Nowak
  • Patent number: 6149753
    Abstract: Disclosed is a filmless sticker for transfer-printing an ink in a pattern and/or characters thereon to a receiver. Said filmless sticker is composed of a releasing paper having a binder on one surface thereof, a soluble film disposed on said binder, and a layer of ink in a pattern and/or characters printed onto said soluble film. The process for preparing said filmless sticker is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Chao-Yi Hung
    Inventor: Chao-Tsai Huang
  • Patent number: 6143117
    Abstract: A process for fabricating and releasing a thin-film structure from a primary carrier for further processing. The thin-film structure is built on a metal interconnect disposed on a dielectric layer which, in turn, is deposited on a primary carrier. The thin-film structure and metal interconnect are released from the dielectric layer and primary carrier along a release interface defined between the metal interconnect and the dielectric film. Release is accomplished by disturbing the interface, either by laser ablation or dicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kimberley A. Kelly, Ashwani K. Malhotra, Eric D. Perfecto, Roy Yu
  • Patent number: 6136127
    Abstract: An electrically functional adhesive transfer for use in the manufacture and/or the design of flexible membrane circuits. Electrical circuit elements, instead of being printed directly upon polyester film substrates, are printed upon a carrier sheet. A pressure sensitive adhesive is applied over the exposed surfaces of the printed circuit pattern on the carrier sheet and covered by a release paper. The circuit later is applied to any desired substrate by peeling away the release paper and mounting the circuit by means of the pressure sensitive adhesive. The carrier sheet typically is peeled away after the circuit is adhesively bonded to the substrate. The carrier sheet desirably is transparent or translucent in order to facilitate visual alignment of the circuit pattern with the substrate to which it is being bonded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Chartpak, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman P. De Bastiani
  • Patent number: 6110317
    Abstract: A new method for the production of decorative designs on substrates, e.g., furniture and building walls, basically includes the steps of (a) providing a design printed on a flat release sheet, the design comprising a picture side in contact with the release surface and an exposed back side, (b) applying to an exposed surface of a substrate an imprint layer of imprint material, (c) contacting the exposed back side of the printed design with the external surface of the substrate layer, (d) imprinting the design into the substrate layer, and (e) removing the release sheet leaving the design imprinted in the layer with its picture side exposed. Alternatively, the method may include the step (f) of covering the picture side and any portion of the substrate imprint layer not covered by the design with a clear durable coating. An embodiment using two or more designs on separate release sheets with seriatim imprinting to produce dimensional effects is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Raymond P. Sandor
  • Patent number: 6083620
    Abstract: A heat-transfer label well-suited for use in decorating silane-treated glass articles. In a preferred embodiment, the label exhibits good scuff resistance, is capable of withstanding pasteurization conditions on a silane-treated glass article and includes (a) a support portion in the form of a sheet of paper overcoated with a release layer of polyethylene, (b) a skim coat of wax overcoated onto the polyethylene release layer and (c) a transfer portion, the transfer portion including a cross-linked phenoxy protective lacquer layer printed onto the skim coat, a polyester ink layer printed onto the protective lacquer layer, and an adhesive layer printed onto the ink layer, as well as onto any exposed portions of the underlying protective lacquer layer and onto a surrounding area of the skim coat. The cross-linked phenoxy resin comprises a solvent-soluble phenoxy resin of the formula ##STR1## wherein the solvent-soluble phenoxy resin is cross-linked by a melamine formaldehyde resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Jean Paul LaPrade, James S. Nugent, Friedrich H. H. Geurtsen, Darchun Billy Yang
  • Patent number: 6083338
    Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive construction repulpable in paper recycling operations, comprising a facestock which is repulpable; a dispersible pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising tacky emulsion polymers dispersible in water; and a nondispersible pressure-sensitive adhesive comprising tacky emulsion polymers not dispersible in water, wherein, on the facestock, the dispersible pressure-sensitive adhesive is closer to the facestock than the nondispersible pressure-sensitive adhesive, thereby improving both adhesive performance and recyclability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: William Scholz, Luigi Sartor
  • Patent number: 6083332
    Abstract: Plush textured multicolored flock transfers are obtained which have the appearance of a direct flocked article and the manufacturing and application advantages of a flock transfer. The method of manufacture includes applying sequentially to an adhesive coated base sheet different colored flocks which can be greater than 0.5 mm long through predetermined areas of masked screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: High Voltage Graphics, Inc.
    Inventor: Louis B. Abrams