Abstract: A process for making a decorative steel article includes the steps of providing a stainless steel preform, washing the preform, coating a surface of the preform, and transferring step involves securing a transfer foil with the decorative pattern to the coated surface, heating the transfer foil and preform, and removing the transfer foil while leaving the decorative pattern on the coated surface.

Abstract: A method of production of a multilayer optical recording medium capable of avoiding difficulties in separating a stamper and forming a semi-transparent film on a thin flexible film and a production method thereof, comprising steps of forming a first optical recording layer on a substrate formed with a pattern of irregularities for a first optical recording layer on a surface thereof, forming a transfer substrate comprised of an acrylic resin formed with a pattern of irregularities on a surface thereof, forming a second optical recording layer on the pattern of irregularities of the transfer substrate, adhering a flexible film at the upper portion of the second optical recording layer by an adhesive layer, separating the second optical recording layer and the transfer substrate at their boundary to transfer the second optical recording layer to the flexible film, and bonding together the first optical recording layer and the second optical recording layer with them facing each other.

Abstract: Processes for producing a holographic material involve producing the holographic image on a polished, substantially smooth surface and then transferring the holographic image to a substrate. A metallic coating is applied to a smooth surface of a printing element to provide a coated surface, the coated surface is embossed to provide the holographic image, and the holographic image is transferred to a substrate via a bonding material, thereby producing the holographic material. The holographic material may be used to provide a decorative cover for an object or item, such as a floral grouping or a potted plant.

Abstract: A method and product for reducing reflected light glare into a human's eyes from the human's cheeks while simultaneously providing a non-verbal communication to others is provided, especially for use by participants in athletic contests. Underneath the human's eyes on the cheeks at a reflective location on the cheeks at which incident direct or indirect light is likely to be reflected into a human's eyes a non-toxic, non-reflective colored and finished material in the form of a predefined clearly demarcated geometric shape is applied. Within a week after the application (typically within less than a few hours after the athletic contest is over) the non-reflective material is removed. The non-reflective material may comprise eye black, applied using a stencil, or it may comprise a temporary tattoo or decal, applied in the conventional manner. The shape preferably is a sports apparel or equipment manufacturer's or distributor's logo and/or letters, or a team name, mascot or logo.

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.

Abstract: A method for transferring devices to a device substrate is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing an array of devices on a carrier substrate having a generally horizontal surface, where the array comprises multiple device pluralities. The method includes tilting the device pluralities with respect to the generally horizontal surface of the carrier substrate. Each tilted device plurality is preferably in substantially the same pattern, and each tilted device plurality is placed on device regions on respective device substrates.

Abstract: Articles such as glassware, ceramicware and hollowware are decorated with hot stamping foil along their exposed edge. The hot stamping foil is adhered to an underlying radiation curable adhesive ink which avoids the use of inks or frits having heavy metals such as lead which are leachable. The hot stamping foil may have a metallized noble metal decorative layer. The hot stamping process employs a polymer die having a hardness in the range of from about 50 to 80 durometer for adhering the hot stamping foil to the article under applied heat and pressure.

Abstract: A coated transfer sheet comprising a substrate having a first and second surface; at least one thermosetting and/or UV curable polymeric barrier layer overlaying said first surface, at least one release layer overlaying said at least one barrier layer; and an optional image receiving layer; wherein the coated transfer sheet exhibits cold peel, hot peel, or warm peel properties when transferred. The sheet may be imaged in electrostatic printers and copiers or imaged with other image marking techniques such as Ink Jet, conventional printing inks, thermal wax, and all craft-type markers. The resulting image may be imagewise applied to a receptor.

Abstract: A versatile method of 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. The sheet is then applied to the substrate to transfer only the portions of the adhesive that bear the image onto the substrate, with the remainder of the adhesive remaining attached to the sheet. 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.

Abstract: A method and product for reducing reflected light glare into a human's eyes from the human's cheeks while simultaneously providing a non-verbal communication to others is provided, especially for use by participants in athletic contests. Underneath the human's eyes on the cheeks at a reflective location on the cheeks at which incident direct or indirect light is likely to be reflected into a human's eyes a non-toxic, non-reflective colored and finished material in the form of a predefined clearly demarcated geometric shape is applied. Within a week after the application (typically within less than a few hours after the athletic contest is over) the non-reflective material is removed. The non-reflective material may comprise eye black, applied using a stencil, or it may comprise a temporary tattoo or decal, applied in the conventional manner. The shape preferably is a sports apparel or equipment manufacturer's or distributor's logo and/or letters, or a team name, mascot or logo.

Abstract: A kit, comprising at least one transfer material comprising a support sheet and a transfer coating thereon, the support sheet having a front and back surface, the transfer coating positioned on the front surface of the support sheet, the transfer coating capable of melting and adhering to a receptor element having valleys or pores on the surface thereof by hand ironing, and a tack resistant and stick resistant overlying sheet.

Abstract: A sublimation decalcomania of the surface of a watch case includes a first step in which the surface of the watch case is provided with a coating before the watch case and a decal-bearing paper are held in a plastic bag. The plastic bag containing the coated watch case and the decal-bearing paper is exhausted of air by a vacuum device. The vacuum bag is then baked in an oven to bring about the sublimation transfer of the decal to the coated surface of the watch case.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying an image to a fabric, which comprises the steps of (i) hand ironing an imaged copier or printer transfer material having a support sheet and a transfer coating to a receptor element having valleys on the surface of the receptor element, (ii) peeling away the support sheet to obtain an imaged receptor element, (ii) placing a tack-free overlay sheet over the imaged receptor element, and (iv) pressing the overlay sheet by hand ironing to drive the coating into the valleys of the receptor element.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for preparing a printed product in which a transfer layer of an intermediate transfer recording medium can be transfer via a transferring adhesive layer having a suitable adhesive property to either one of the transfer layer and a transfer-receiving material, and thus transferred images do not have turbulence. This objects can be achieved by providing, a method for forming a printed product through that a transfer layer bearing an image is transferred on a transfer-receiving material via a transferring adhesive layer, characterized in that the method comprises following steps. The first step is preparing an intermediate transfer recording medium comprising at least a base film and the transfer, and an adhesive layer transfer sheet comprising at least a substrate sheet and the transferring adhesive layer comprising at least an uppermost layer and a basement layer.

Abstract: An ink transfer sheet and method for using the same. The transfer sheet includes a backing layer, a release layer on the backing layer, and an ink receiving layer on the release layer. The ink receiving layer contains a quaternary ammonium salt thereon or impregnated therein. To use the transfer sheet, an ink containing an anionic coloring agent is applied to the ink receiving layer, preferably using thermal inkjet methods. Thereafter, the transfer sheet is positioned on a fabric substrate. Heat is applied to the sheet which causes the release layer and ink receiving layer to adhere to the substrate. The backing layer is then detached from the release layer leaving the release and ink receiving layers (with the printed image thereon) on the substrate. This process transfers the image to the fabric substrate, with the image being stabilized by interactions between the quaternary ammonium salt and anionic coloring agent.

Abstract: A process for printing and decorating an article by the use of sublimable inks, includes providing preformed images on a substrate, these preformed images are obtained using the sublimable inks; applying the substrate on surfaces of the article; applying a pressure to the preformed images for pressing the preformed images against the surfaces, providing a heat thermoretractable material and heating the heat thermoretractable material at a temperature suitable for causing a thermoretraction of the heat thermoretractable material for generating the pressure; heating the preformed images until the sublimable inks are transferred by sublimation onto the surfaces. The thermoretractable material can be polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). An apparatus for printing and decorating an article by the use of sublimable inks has compression parts for applying a pressure to images provided on a substrate applied on surfaces of the articles.

Abstract: Images are impressed on the surface of plastic tiles by a sublimation process. A tile having top and bottom surfaces is placed in a heating press having top and bottom platens. A transfer medium with a printed image thereon is placed in contact with the top surface of the tile. The tile is heated to a temperature sufficient to sublimate the dye and transfer the image onto the top surface of the tile. Heat is applied from both the top and bottom of the tile to prevent warping of the tile. The heat applied to the bottom of the tile is preferably slightly greater than the heat applied to the top of the tile.

Abstract: An assembly of rib structures sandwiched between a dielectric glass layer and a glass substrate for use in a flat panel display, such as plasma addressed liquid crystal (PALC) displays, is formed by a number of methods. One method includes molding thermoplastic glass frit containing paste into rib structures, transferring the rib structures to a thin transparent layer of a thermoplastic dielectric glass frit containing composition on a drum, and transferring the rib structures with the thin transparent dielectric glass layer to a glass substrate having metallic electrodes already formed thereon.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for transferring a colored decoration to an article by applying the decoration onto a first support, transferring the printed decoration onto a second support and then transferring the decoration to the article. To transfer the decoration, it is floated upon a liquid and the article is pressed against the floating decoration.

Abstract: A method of printing on a substrate is disclosed. The method includes depositing an ink on a membrane, placing the membrane in juxtaposition to the surface of the substrate and applying heat and pressure to produce a high quality color control image on the substrate. The ink preferably comprises a thermal transfer dye, a thermal transfer pigment, a protective polymer and a carrier.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a ferroelectric liquid crystal device, the following steps are applied in order to effect spacing apart of two substrates and by spacers. The spacers are applied to a surface of a transfer member, and the transfer member is then pressed onto a receiving surface of one of the substrates. The transfer member is then removed so as to transfer the spacers from the transfer member to the receiving surface at the required positions. Finally the other substrate is pressed onto the spacers on the receiving surface so as to form an assembly of the two substrates spaced apart by the spacers. Such a sequence of steps enables the spacers to be placed in the required positions in a particularly straightforward manner, whilst minimising the number of fabrication steps used in the process.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for making a dual-layer DVD disc that does not require a stamping step (typically, as part of the 2P prior art manufacturing process) during its manufacture. As proposed by Mueller, a polycarbonate substrate is molded and coated with a semireflective data layer in the usual way. A PMMA substrate is molded and coated with a fully reflective data layer. Adhesive is placed on the semireflective data layer, and the fully reflective data layer is transferred from its PMMA substrate to the polycarbonate substrate. The polycarbonate substrate thus ends up with two data layers in conformance with the DVD specifications, and the PMMA substrate can even be recycled for another use. However, instead of using a PMMA substrate that is larger than the polycarbonate substrate as proposed by Mueller, in the invention they have equal diameters. This allows conventional molding equipment to be used with no major changes.

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.

Abstract: A release sheet according to the invention comprises a base release sheet, which is a laminate of a base material and a release resin layer, and a design printed sheet which can be stacked releasably on the base material of the base release sheet. Said design printed sheet have a base sheet and a convex image layer with the desired pattern positioned on the one side of the base sheet. In the release sheet according to the invention, the base release sheet may be used repeatedly and only the design printed sheet may be replaced with another one having the desired convex image layer. The use of such a release sheet makes it possible to prepare synthetic leather in various kinds and small lots.

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.

Abstract: Process for the production of variously decorated artefacts, comprising the steps of: preliminary preparation of the surfaces of the artefact, possible application of preliminary painting cycles or other surface treatments; covering or tight-wrapping up of the artefact with a transfer support bearing the decorations desired, realized from gas-tight thermoformable plastic material such as polyvinyl alcohol; creation of a vacuum between said transfer support and the artefact covered by the same, so that the support adheres to the shape of the artefact; and heating for the transfer of the decoration and the polymerization of the colors

Abstract: In a method for the making of a secured document, a layer of bonder is prepared on at least one face of the document; one or more information elements and/or images are printed on a first face of an information transfer sheet; the first face of the information transfer sheet is applied to the layer of bonder of said face of the document. In this way, the information elements are printed on a transfer sheet that has no layer of bonder and yet there are obtained information elements that get merged into the layer of bonder.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method of creating a transfer. The method comprises providing a heat sensitive polymer substrate having a heat sensitive opaque polymer film and a heat activated adhesive disposed thereon, and providing a second carrier film having a second polymer film and a second adhesive wherein the second adhesive has a peel strength which decreases with increasing temperature. The method further includes printing resin solids in a desired graphic onto the opaque polymer film at a temperature which is below the temperature at which the polymer substrate is activated to create a printed transfer, positioning the printed transfer on the second polymer film, and adhering the printed transfer onto an adherable article by applying sufficient heat to the polymer substrate at a temperature which is above the temperature which the polymer substrate activates and at which to substantially reduce the peel strength of the second adhesive.

Abstract: An ink transfer sheet and method for using the same. The transfer sheet includes a backing layer, a release layer on the backing layer, and an ink receiving layer on the release layer. The ink receiving layer contains a quaternary ammonium salt thereon or impregnated therein. To use the transfer sheet, an ink containing an anionic coloring agent is applied to the ink receiving layer, preferably using thermal inkjet methods. Thereafter, the transfer sheet is positioned on a fabric substrate. Heat is applied to the sheet which causes the release layer and ink receiving layer to adhere to the substrate. The backing layer is then detached from the release layer leaving the release and ink receiving layers (with the printed image thereon) on the substrate. This process transfers the image to the fabric substrate, with the image being stabilized by interactions between the quaternary ammonium salt and anionic coloring agent.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for preparing a printed product in which a transfer layer of an intermediate transfer recording medium can be transfer via a transferring adhesive layer having a suitable adhesive property to either one of the transfer layer and a transfer-receiving material, and thus transferred images do not have turbulence. This objects can be achieved by providing, a method for forming a printed product through that a transfer layer bearing an image is transferred on a transfer-receiving material via a transferring adhesive layer, characterized in that the method comprises following steps. The first step is preparing an intermediate transfer recording medium comprising at least a base film and the transfer, and an adhesive layer transfer sheet comprising at least a substrate sheet and the transferring adhesive layer comprising at least an uppermost layer and a basement layer.

Abstract: An exterior automotive quality paint coat is laminated to the surface of a plastic car body member of panel. A dry paint transfer film is first laminated to a relatively thin semi-rigid thermoformable resinous backing sheet. The backing sheet side of the resulting laminate is then laminated to a relatively thick thermoformable substrate sheet of the same or a compatible polymeric material. The two sheets are joined by extruding the thick substrate sheet and using the heat of extrusion to then laminate the thin backing sheet to the thicker extruded substrate sheet. The resulting thick sheet laminate is then thermoformed, preferably by first heating the laminate to a forming temperature, followed by vacuum forming the laminate to a three-dimensional shape of the finished automotive part, such as a fascia, ready to put on a vehicle.

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.

Abstract: A method and a system for efficiently using media stamped on a substrate include a feedroller, a shuttle, a cylinder and a control arrangement. The media has at least one registration mark. The feedroller is coupled to the media and provides the media with a first velocity component. A shuttle is coupled to the feedroller via the media and moves linearly with a variable periodic velocity. The shuttle provides the media with a second velocity component, the second velocity component being a function of the velocity of the shuttle. A cylinder has at least one die and a stamping area in which one of the at least one die urges the media against a substrate. The media and the substrate have same velocity in the stamping area during the urging, but the substrate has a greater average velocity than an average velocity of the media. A control arrangement is coupled to the feedroller, the shuttle and the cylinder. The control arrangement maintains a registration between the media and substrate.

Abstract: A versatile method of 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. The sheet is then applied to the substrate to transfer only the portions of the adhesive that bear the image onto the substrate, with the remainder of the adhesive remaining attached to the sheet. 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.

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.

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.

Abstract: Applicant's unique method provides for the use of a single piece of transfer tape for multiple transfers, with the transfer tape being forgiving, clear, having a high shelf life, and being non-self destructive. Such a method has been heretofore unavailable.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer label including a backing layer and a transfer layer which is releasably attached to the backing layer. The transfer layer includes an ink layer and on each side of the ink layer a top and bottom containment layer. The top and bottom containment layer contact one another outside the perimeter of the ink layer to form a closed envelop around the ink layer. The transfer label according to the present invention can be applied to a container such as a crate and can be easily removed therefrom in a washing process without the ink dissolving in the wash liquid.

Abstract: A method of producing ceramic articles with a relief image comprises the steps of providing a ceramic article formed with a relief image thereon, providing a planar transfer decal having an image corresponding to the relief image, perforating the transfer decal to form a plurality of perforations through the transfer decal, applying the perforated transfer decal to the ceramic article, and firing the ceramic article with the perforated transfer article in a kiln. A pin tool comprising an array of pins is used to perforating the transfer decal. The relief image of the ceramic article can be formed in a mold or by an impressing roll such that an internal angle formed by each element of the relief image with respect to a surface of the ceramic article is less than 50 degree, preferably less than 45 degree. Pressure is applied to the perforated transfer decal against the surface of the relief image of the ceramic article manually or mechanically prior to the firing step.

Abstract: A heat activated transfer is formed having a lower thermoplastic or thermoactive adhesive layer, an upper transparent thermoset layer and indicia. The indicia is formed from sublimation dye or diffusion dye which is heat transferred into the thermoset material, preferably as the heat activated transfer is being applied to a cloth substrate. This permits printing and application of individual unique indicia on each individual heat activated transfer at a very low cost. Due to the extreme clarity of the formed product as well as the ease by which different unique indicia can be provided with each heat activated transfer, this method and product is uniquely suitable for use in preparing coated machine-readable indicia such as bar codes. This permits inventory control for cloth items such as hospital garments, linen and the like. It also permits uniforms and the like to be marked with the individual user's name at a relatively low cost.

Abstract: A transfer film for printing onto at least partially three-dimensional articles, with the intention that surfaces having different planar portions can be printed onto at the same time and with equally good effect, is partially cut into in the region of contour lines of the planar portions. The article printed onto is characterized by scarcely visible printing defects in marginal zones of the printing. Applications include any articles having raised planar portions, for example containers, rotary knobs etc.

Abstract: Veneer tape for temporarily joining pieces of veneer to be bonded to a substrate, for example, core board. The present invention also provides a method of forming a veneer assembly.

Abstract: The method consists in applying a thermoadhesive or HF-weldable film (2) on a temporary protection paper (1), applying an adhesive layer 2a) on said film, flocking fibers (F) on this adhesive layer, preparing a pre-printed paper with multicolor designs constituted by sublimable dyes and transferring by sublimation the multicolor-designs from the pre-printed paper onto the flock-fibers by close contact between the two elements under a predetermined pressure and temperature.

Abstract: A process for producing a printing form on a form cylinder, which process operates reliably even in the case of large form cylinders and high laser powers, contains the process steps of drawing a blown film tube onto the form cylinder, transferring surface elements of the tubular film, in accordance with an image, as a result of heating by a laser beam, and removing the blown film tube from the form cylinder.

Abstract: Colored or metallic foil is applied to toner printed onto a substrate, such as paper, in a high speed, versatile manner, using a rotating impression cylinder, and a rotating transfer cylinder having circumferentially spaced heated raised portions. The toner, which preferably includes a thermoplastic component, is applied to the paper with any suitable printer, such as a computer controlled MIDAX (ion deposition) print engine. The toner may be heated by an infra red heater just before the paper is fed to the nip between the impression and transfer cylinders. A foil strip having an adhesive layer facing outwardly, a foil layer, and a release coating on a backing, is also fed to the nip, and the backing taken up downstream of the nip. Heat and pressure applied at the nip transfer the adhesive and foil from the foil strip to the tacky toner, producing the desired foil printed paper, which then may be further processed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high weight percent of silicone within the silicone-urea block polymer for use with or as a dielectric layer material for electrostatic printing. The high weight percent comprises between about 66 and about 94 weight percent.

Abstract: In a transfer sheet and a method of transferring a figuration to a ceramic product, an ink is provided by mixing a chromophoric pigment for expressing a desired coloration, a vitreous powder and thermoplastic resin. A sheet of paper or plastic film is prepared on which an appropriate figuration is screen printed with the use of the ink to transfer it to an outer surface of a ceramic product. A thermoplastic separable layer is provided between the mount sheet and a pigment layer. The pigment layer is coated with an adhesive layer.

Abstract: A panel which comprises a substrate of transparent or translucent material having applied to one or both sides a design superimposed on, or forming part of, an opaque pattern so that the design on one side of the panel cannot be seen from the other side. This is a Reissue of a Patent which was the subject of a Reexamination Certificate No. B1 4,673,609, dated Jul. 25, 1995, Request No. 90/003,201, Sep. 21, 1993.

Abstract: A label particularly adapted for use in in-mold labeling of blow-molded polyethylene containers comprising a heat activatable ethylene polymer adhesive layer and a surface printable layer with optional intermediate layers to provide interlayer adhesion and recycle of reground labels.