With Printing Patents (Class 156/244.16)
  • Patent number: 11065789
    Abstract: This invention relates to a wind turbine blade with retrofitted coating in and around areas where the blade is especially exposed to erosion damages, which is established by the coating including a glue layer, a fiber reinforced polymer layer and one or more non-reinforced polymer layers over the fiber reinforced layer, since the polymer layers stretch themselves out over the fiber reinforced layer and includes areas of the wind turbine blade's surface, which are less exposed to erosion damages. A method for creation of such a wind turbine blade and creation of such a coating and the coating itself, is also established with the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Blade Repair Solutions IVS
    Inventor: Kim Tangager
  • Patent number: 10311212
    Abstract: A system and method include exploding a recipe via a computer system for a process to make an end food product into a set of hierarchical process steps, obtaining nutrient values for each input material to be used in making the end food product, obtaining loss profiles for input materials, the nutrient loss profiles including a process loss profile for steps in the process to make the end food product and a storage loss profile for storing intermediate food product resulting during the process, and performing a hierarchical based nutrient loss calculation using the nutrient values and loss profiles to quantify nutrients remaining in the end food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: SAP SE
    Inventor: Eileen Riediger
  • Patent number: 10105877
    Abstract: Multilayer riblet applique and methods of producing the same are described herein. One disclosed example method includes applying a first high elongation polymer material to a web tool, where the web tool is to be provided from a first roll, and heating, via a first heating process, the first high elongation polymer material. The disclosed example method also includes applying a second high elongation polymer material to the first high elongation polymer material, and heating, via a second heating process, the second high elongation polymer material. The disclosed example method also includes applying, via a laminating roller, a support layer to the second high elongation polymer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Diane C. Rawlings, Bruce K. Keough, Larry K. Olli, Alan G. Burg, James M. Kestner, George Michael Granger, James Charles McGarvey
  • Publication number: 20150107752
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for joining materials as well as articles manufactured using such processes. The invention pertains to a process for joining a first substrate to a second substrate. The process includes irradiating a portion of a first substrate with a laser beam having a first wavelength and intensity sufficient to increase the absorbance of the first substrate to light having a second, different wavelength. The laser beam may carbonize at least a portion of the irradiated portion of the first substrate imparting a higher absorbance to light than non-irradiated portions of the first substrate. A second substrate is then placed in contact with the irradiated portion of the first substrate. The first substrate is then irradiated with a second laser having a second wavelength, different to the first wavelength; with a sufficient intensity to heat and, preferably melt, the irradiated portion of the first substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Erik Mikael Olsson, Jonathan Riveron, Armando Raul Tovar
  • Patent number: 8974619
    Abstract: A method of making a decorated extruded profile. An exemplary method includes the steps of extruding the profile, decorating at least one surface of the profile, coating the decorated surface of the profile, embossing the decorated surface of the profile, and cutting the profile into a plurality of profile members having a predetermined length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Royal Mouldings Limited
    Inventors: Steven Mitchell, Brandon Nadler, Bob Campbell
  • Publication number: 20140370252
    Abstract: A laminate structure is provided which includes a first polymeric substrate laminated to a second polymeric substrate. A primer coating comprising the reaction product of polyethyleneimine and formaldehyde is included on the surface of the first polymeric substrate which is subsequently printed with an ink or toner image prior to lamination to the second polymeric substrate. The primer coating provides good toner and/or ink adhesion to the polymeric substrate. The primer coating also provides improved bond strength upon lamination of the first and second polymeric substrates as well as providing water resistance to the laminate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Baptiste Regnier
  • Publication number: 20140272258
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a recycled polystyrene foamed sheet apparatus for displaying images and a method of making the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Michael J. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20140147626
    Abstract: Decorative films, useful for making a wide range of decorative laminates, that have a relatively deep texture on one major face and a relatively smoother, print receptive surface on the other major face. Notwithstanding the deep texture, the films have superb tracking characteristics and are compatible with a wide variety of automated printing operations. This allows automated printing equipment to print information directly onto the films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Omnova Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Omnova Solutions, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140124130
    Abstract: The present relates a laminate comprising: an outer polyethylene (PE) layer; a first adhesive layer; a substrate layer with one side selectively vacuum metalized or selectively reverse printed and said printed or metalized side is toward first adhesive layer; a second adhesive layer; an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) polymer barrier film layer; an linear density polyethylene (LDPE) extrusion layer; and an inner polyethylene (PE) layer. The present disclosure further relates to tubes made of the partially opaque and partially clear laminate. The present disclosure also relates to a process of manufacturing of tubes using the said laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: ESSEL PROPACK LTD.
    Inventors: Tapan Kumar Banerjee, Chandrashekhar Ramchandra Abhyankar, Mrinal Kanti Banerjee
  • Publication number: 20130129992
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for making a multilayer structure with a printed pattern by providing a film substrate having a crystalline organic compound layer, wherein the substrate optionally has a metal or metaloxide layer between the film substrate and the organic compound layer; applying a printed pattern via a plurality of printing rolls wherein the following steps are performed: optionally, applying as a first layer a primer over the whole surface, applying one or more ink layers on the film to obtain a printed pattern, and optionally, applying a cover varnish layer to obtain a film substrate with a crystalline organic compound layer and a printed pattern. The invention further relates to a laminate comprising a multilayer structure and a plastic film; the laminate preferably comprises a primer substantially covering the whole surface of the organic compound layer, on which primer the print is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: DSM IP ASSETS B.V.
    Inventor: DSM IP Assets B.V.
  • Publication number: 20130111843
    Abstract: Surface covering tiles made using synthetic materials employ junction strips which enable the tiles to be connected to one another. The connections can be made with or without adhesive. When the tiles are connected, a space is left between adjacent decorative surfaces to permit the application of grout or simulated grout therein. When the tiles are used as floorcovering they can be used to make floating floors. As wall coverings, the tiles are adhered to the walls using conventional means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: TARKETT INC.
    Inventor: Tim Litral
  • Patent number: 8361266
    Abstract: A fabrication method for producing a hollow three dimensional object is disclosed. The method includes disposing a layer of adhesive over a top surface of an elastic material, disposing a layer of fabric to the top surface of the elastic material, such that the layer of adhesive secures the layer of fabric to the elastic material, applying a silkscreen stencil to the outward facing side of the layer of fabric, applying printable material to the outward facing side of the layer of fabric via the silkscreen stencil, applying heat to set the printable material to the layer of fabric, pressing an inside surface of a mold against the top surface of the elastic material, so as to produce a first three-dimensional object having an open end and removing excess elastic material from a rim of the open end of the first three-dimensional object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Alexandre Viana Colchiesqui
  • Patent number: 8123891
    Abstract: Method of making a heat transfer materials are generally provided, along with the materials and the methods of using the materials. A splittable layer can be formed to overlie a base sheet, and an image-receptive coating can be formed to overlie the splittable layer. The image-receptive coating can include thermoplastic microparticles, a thermoplastic binder, and a humectant. The thermoplastic microparticles can be styrene particles having an average particle size of from about 5 microns to about 80 microns and melt at temperatures between about 90° C. and about 115° C. A second thermoplastic microparticle can also be included in the image-receptive coating. Alternatively, a combination of thermoplastic polyester microparticles and thermoplastic polyamide microparticles can be included in the image-receptive coating. The heat transfer material can then be dried. The humectant is configured to draw moisture back into the heat transfer sheet after drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Neenah Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Dolsey
  • Publication number: 20110274892
    Abstract: A laminate film including at least one bio-based polyolefin layer including at least 53 pMC of radiocarbon (14C) content is disclosed. The laminate film may include additional layers such as a second bio-based polyolefin resin-containing layer of at least 53 pMC radiocarbon content, and a metal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: TORAY PLASTICS (AMERICA), INC.
    Inventors: Keunsuk P. Chang, Michael F. Brandmeier
  • Patent number: 8012290
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a heating station, a laminating and transfer-printing station, and a molding station in succession, and a transport arrangement that transports the material being processed among the stations. In the heating station, a substrate is pre-heated and consolidated. In the laminating and transfer-printing station, a decorative cover layer is laminated onto the substrate and simultaneously a surface decoration (design, pattern, image, colors, text, etc.) is transfer-printed by sublimation of inks or dyes from a transfer paper onto an outer surface of the decorative cover layer. The resulting laminated body with a transfer-printed surface decoration is then three-dimensionally deformed and molded to form a three-dimensionally contoured, molded, laminated article with the transfer-printed surface decoration. The article may be a motor vehicle interior trim component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Herbert Olbrich GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Spengler
  • Patent number: 7980596
    Abstract: the invention provides a composition having laser engraving properties, comprising a host material and a laser enhancing additive. The host material comprises a material, such as a polymer, modified by a first process, whereby the host material as modified by the first process has increased thermal conductivity as compared to the host material before the first process. The laser enhancing additive comprises a first quantity of at least one of copper potassium iodide (CuKI3), Copper Iodide (CuI), potassium iodide (KI), sodium iodide (NaI), and aluminum iodide (AlI), and a second quantity of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of zinc sulfide (ZnS), barium sulfide (BaS), alkyl sulfonate, and thioester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: L-1 Secure Credentialing, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian C. Labrec
  • Patent number: 7947147
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing nonwoven/film laminates for personal hygiene articles, from an initial film web consisting of a thermoplastic polymer and an initial nonwoven web. According to said method, the initial film web and the initial nonwoven web, whose melting point lies above the crystallite melting point of the polymer, are heated to a temperature that exceeds the crystallite melting point of the polymer and lies below the melting point of the initial nonwoven web. The laminate is then guided through a cooled nip and is cooled to a temperature that lies below the crystallite melting point of the initial film web. The invention also relates to laminates that can be produced by said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: RKW SE
    Inventors: Ludwig Börmann, Günter Schreiner
  • Patent number: 7927680
    Abstract: A temporary facial decal comprising a mask-like substrate having apertures for the eyes and mouth and having a nose opening taken from the group of slit and aperture with the body of the mask having a transferable image thereon covered by a removable protective sheet that is removed from the decal which is then placed on the user's face using the provided apertures for alignment whereupon an agent, preferably water, is used to transfer the image onto the user's face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Douglas Marshall
  • Patent number: 7887667
    Abstract: A heat transfer paper configured to reduce the amount of stray toner on a heat transfer material, especially when the image is formed via a laser printer or laser copier, is generally disclosed. The heat transfer material includes an image-receptive coating overlying a splittable layer and a base sheet. The image-receptive coating includes thermoplastic polyolefin wax microparticles, a thermoplastic binder, and a humectant. The thermoplastic polyolefin wax microparticles have an average particle size of from about 30 microns to about 50 microns and melt at temperatures between about 130° C. and about 200° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Neenah Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Dolsey
  • Publication number: 20100266828
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a multilayer flexible sheet and a multilayer flexible sheet. The method for manufacturing a multilayer sheet comprises steps of metalizing atleast one of the surfaces of a core polymer layer; priming the metalized surface of the core polymer layer with a primer; extrusion laminating the primed surface of the core polymer layer with polyolefin and/or co-polymer of polyolefin; and co-extruding first heat sealable layer over the extrusion laminated layer. The multilayer polymer sheet of the present invention atleast comprises a core layer having one of the polymer sides plasma treated, a metal layer deposited on the plasma treated side of the core layer, a primer layer applied on the metalized surface of the core layer, an extrusion polymer lamination layer of poiyolefin and/or copolymer of polyolefin and a heat sealable layer on the extrusion polymer lamination layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Mrinal Kanti Banerjee
  • Patent number: 7615276
    Abstract: A decorative architectural panel can be formed using multiple image layers to create one or more three-dimensional effects in a final product. In particular, a reference image layer comprises an extruded sheet having an artistically-designed reference image formed thereon. A next image layer comprises an extruded sheet having a differently sized iteration of the artistically designed reference image. A manufacturer can place the next image layer over the reference image layer, and set the combined image layers such that the final product shows the artistically-designed image in three-dimensions. Additional image layers, such as a color layer, or a layer having embedded objects, can be combined with the stratified product for additional artistic effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: 3Form, Inc.
    Inventor: R. Talley Goodson
  • Patent number: 7604856
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique heat transfer material for use in transferring a discontinuous coating onto a substrate, such as an article of clothing. The heat transfer material of the present invention may be used cold peel transfer processes, resulting in an image-bearing coating having superior crack resistance, washability, and breathability compared to conventional image-bearing coatings. Additionally, the materials may be used on dark colored fabrics without washed-out appearance typically associated with printing on darker fabrics. The heat transfer material of the present invention produces superior results due to the use of discontinuous coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Neenah Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Kronzer, Robert A. Janssen
  • Patent number: 7594976
    Abstract: The present application is related to substrates having light transmitting areas and light shielding areas. The application discloses methods of manufacturing the substrates, including modifying a light shielding layer be contact to a structured surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey O. Emslander, John R. David, Ronald S. Steelman, Danny L. Fleming, Robert K. Galkiewicz, Graham M. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20090165939
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a complex including a support layer, based on a textile, a foam or a heavy mass, combined with a surface layer based on a polymeric material having a predefined surface state. The method of consisting of: (i) depositing a coating film of the said polymeric material of the surface layer on a sheet of paper having a surface state complementary to the predefined surface state of the complex to be obtained; (ii) calendering the support layer with an intermediate layer based on a second polymeric material obtained by extrusion upstream of the calender, and the assembly formed from the sheet of paper and the coating film; and (iii) withdrawing the sheet of paper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Textitles ET Plastiques Chomarat
    Inventors: Olivier Ferrand, Philippe Sanial
  • Publication number: 20080302472
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making a laminate comprising paperboard and plastic film, and a non-aqueous adhesive layer between the paperboard and the plastic film, the process comprising the steps of: (a) surface oxidation treatment of at least one side of the plastic film; and (b) extrusion laminating the plastic film to the paperboard; wherein the non-aqueous adhesive layer is applied by extrusion between the plastic film and the paperboard to form the laminate, and wherein the process further comprises the step of printing inks onto the surface oxidation treated surface of the plastic film either before or after the extrusion lamination step; and to a process for making a carton, whereby the carton is erected from a blank which is formed from the laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Mohamed Ali Barakat, Wolfram Beck, Neil John Rogers
  • Patent number: 7364636
    Abstract: The present invention was directed to a unique heat transfer material for use in transferring an image-bearing coating onto a substrate, such as an article of clothing. The heat transfer material of the present invention may be used in cold peel transfer processes, resulting in an image-bearing coating having superior washability, compared to conventional image-bearing coatings. Additionally, the materials may be used on dark colored fabrics without graying of the opaque background or dulling of colored images typically associated with printing on darker fabrics. The heat transfer material of the present invention produces superior results due to the addition of crosslinking agents to the coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Neenah Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Kronzer
  • Patent number: 7300535
    Abstract: The present invention includes a process for making a magnetically readable card. The process includes providing a polymeric extrudable substrate material and one or more magnetic strips. The substrate is extruded in an extruder. The magnetic strips are aligned and coextruded with the polymeric substrate in the extruder to form a continuous length of magnetic strips and polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Travel Tags, Inc.
    Inventors: Duncan McCannel, Daniel A. Eke
  • Patent number: 7244690
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a thermal transfer image receiving sheet which can enhance sensitivity by low heat conductivity and can be easily manufactured at a low cost compared with the lamination of a foaming film. In a thermal transfer image receiving sheet 1 wherein a thermal insulation layer 5 and a dye receiving layer 8 are formed on a base material sheet 2, the thermal insulation layer 5 is formed by extrusion-molding a resin containing at least one of a foaming agent and hollow bodies. The resin extruded at the time of forming the thermal insulation layer 5 is inserted between the base material sheet 2 and the base material film 6, and the base material sheet 2 and the base material film 6 are bonded to each other via the thermal insulation layer 5. The dye receiving layer 8 is formed outside of the base material film 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takenori Omata, Taro Suzuki, Masamitsu Suzuki, Yoji Orimo
  • Patent number: 7238410
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique heat transfer material for use in transferring a discontinuous coating onto a substrate, such as an article of clothing. The heat transfer material of the present invention may be used cold peel transfer processes, resulting in an image-bearing coating having superior crack resistance, washability, and breathability compared to conventional image-bearing coatings. Additionally, the materials may be used on dark colored fabrics without washed-out appearance typically associated with printing on darker fabrics. The heat transfer material of the present invention produces superior results due to the use of discontinuous coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Neenah Paper, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Kronzer
  • Patent number: 6955736
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a flexible film-type laminate (7) from two or more films (9a,9b) for packaging materials, whereby at least two films (9a,9b) are laminated to each other to give a film-type laminate and the film or film-type laminate is printed on, and at least one free surface of the film-type laminate is provided with a sealing lacquer coating (14). The invention is characterized in that the lamination (12), the printing (12) and the coating (14) of the film or film-type laminate with a sealant lacquer take place in-line at individual coating stations (1, 2, 4) in a production device (10) using an electrostatic coating process in which coating particles are electrostatically charged and deposited on the film surface to be coated using transfer means by applying an electric field, and melted and/or cured to give a coating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Alcan Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventors: Karolina Rosenberger, Fabian Bonsch, Hans-Rudolf Nageli, Juerg Frey
  • Patent number: 6899942
    Abstract: An optical disk of the type rotated by a spindle positioned in a centrally-located hole, and including a disk body including an annular data area, and a centrally-located, integrally-formed annular web positioned radially inward from the annular data area and covering a hole formed in the disk body. The annular web is formed sufficiently thin to be deflected upwardly out of the plane of the disk body by the spindle during placement on the spindle and during rotation. The web may be broken away from the disk, or made sufficiently thin and resilient that it will deform upwardly when placed on the spindle and resume its former position when removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Concept Design Electronics and Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Lee Clark
  • Patent number: 6890400
    Abstract: Overlaminated faceless PSA label constructions of this invention comprise a low material cost, thin prelaminate PSA construction having a layer of pressure-sensitive material disposed on a release surface of a removable substrate, and a nonblocking continuous film disposed over a surface of the layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive to render the pressure-sensitive adhesive tack free. An optically transparent overlaminate film layer is disposed over the nonblocking continuous film, and a printed indicia is interposed between the overlaminate film layer and nonblocking continuous film. The prelaminate PSA construction does not include a conventional facestock formed from paper, cardboard or plastic, and is highly conformable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Scholz, Eric Chen-nan Su, Norman A. Conti, Johannes Schut, David J. Scanlan, Steven J. Vargas, Ronald Ugolick, Jose Luis Mendez, Edward I. Sun
  • Patent number: 6841023
    Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of a core forming a carrying structure for decorative laminates. The core comprises particles of cured, and optionally foamed, rigid, polyurethane, polyisocyanurate and/or phenolic resin. The particles are bonded to each other in a pressing procedure with a bonding agent comprising an adhesive such as a polymerizing monomer. i) The particles are achieved by grinding cured, and optionally foamed, rigid, polyurethane, polyisocyanurate and/or phenolic resin so that it passes through a 2 mm screen, preferably a 1 mm screen, ii) 100 parts per weight of particles is mixed with 1-100 parts per weight of fiber, the fiber additive having an average length in the range 1-15 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Pergo (Europe) AB
    Inventor: Laurence Mott
  • Publication number: 20040188006
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a printed, laminated pickup truck bed and bed liner includes the steps of forming by extrusion or another process a single or double layer substrate of a desired thickness and strength. If a single layer, it will preferably be formed of a thermoplastic material such as high density polyethylene (HDPE). If a double layer, the lower layer may be HDPE or HDPE reinforced with random fibers or a fibrous material to improve its strength and ruggedness. Additionally, a cast or blow film upon which may be printed a desired pattern such as, for example, camouflage or indicia, is utilized as the top layer of the material. The two or three layers are laminated together either with or without the use of an adhesive and then formed into a bed or bed liner by a thermoforming process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: John C. Montagna, Donald J. LaBelle, Gary J. Nehring
  • Patent number: 6676869
    Abstract: Described is a method of indirect printing on a thermoplastic film having texture, wherein said method comprises: a) providing a heated thermoplastic melt; b) providing a tool having a molding portion that comprises a texture having a surface and a plurality of cavities in said surface, and that comprises a material having a surface energy sufficient to release ink; c) applying ink to said texture; d) substantially drying or curing said ink; e) contacting said thermoplastic melt with said molding portion having ink applied to it; f) forming a texture in said thermoplastic melt, wherein said texture comprises a plurality of protrusions and an area between said protrusions, that is the inverse of the texture of said molding surface; g) transferring said ink from said molding portion to said thermoplastic melt; h) quenching said thermoplastic melt to form a thermoplastic film; and i) removing said thermoplastic film from said molding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brandon T. Berg, Tony B. Hollobaugh, David D. Nguyen, Bruce H. Koehler, Bruce A. Nerad
  • Patent number: 6673423
    Abstract: The invention relates to an information-carrying molded part containing one or more plastic layers, at least one of which bears an informative representation. A ‘molded part’ is understood to be in particular a card such as ‘smart cards’, key cards, identification cards, telephone cards, credit cards or bank cards. According to the invention at least one of the plastic layers herein is made from a block-copolyester consisting of soft blocks of a flexible polymer and hard polyester blocks of repeating units of at least one alkylene glycol and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid or an ester thereof. The block-copolyether layer can very well be provided with an informative representation with the aid of laser writing and for example sublimation printing. The information-carrying molded part according to the invention also has a good stiffness combined with a good flexibility and a good resistance to breaking and tearing, good adhesion to for example polycarbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: DSM N.V.
    Inventors: Saskia I. Kranenburg-Van Dijk, Franciscus W.M. Gelissen, Markus J.H. Bulters, Christiaan Schröder
  • Patent number: 6562178
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a unique printable multi-layer composite structural material, and in turn a unique scratch-resistant, self-laminated printed material. A printable multi-layer composite structural material is formed which includes a first underlying substrate capable of being transported through a printing device, a second layer formed on the first layer which is flowable when heated to at least it's melting point and being fusible below it's melting point, and a third layer formed on the second layer which is printable. The third layer is also permeable so that when the second layer is in a flowable state it permeates through and about said second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Spencer & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas J. Romaine
  • Patent number: 6537658
    Abstract: Film-based dressing material lined on the side remote from the wound with a backing material of the same size as the film, which in particular is transparent, the wound-facing side of the film bearing an imprint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Beiersdorf AG
    Inventors: Witta Bruss, Sebastian Trotter
  • Publication number: 20020157773
    Abstract: An environment friendly method of producing gravure-printed laminated packaging materials is provided enabling a reduction in a quantity of organic solvents used in printing processes. The method includes gravure printing using aquatic gravure printing inks on a gravure-printed base film and laminating an intermediate base film and/or a heat-sealable film on the gravure-printed base film with an extrusion lamination method using a polarizing resin not requiring any anchor coating agent for the lamination. An extrusion lamination method using a polarizing resin not requiring any anchor coating agent may be used for the formation of a heat-sealable resin layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kawai, Hirotsugu Fukumori
  • Patent number: 6468380
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to transparent articles including a microembossed image such as a hologram or diffraction grating, coated at least in-part, with a layer of material having a refractive index that differs from the refractive index of the transparent layer by about 0.2 units and can be prepared by solution coating techniques such as conventional printing, e.g., rotogravure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Foilmark, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Christuk, Nikos J. Georgakakis, Robert J. Balaam
  • Patent number: 6425967
    Abstract: Methods for making decorative grasses from materials wherein at least one surface of the material is modified to assimilate the appearance of cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: SouthPac Trust International, INC
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6399182
    Abstract: A substrate for a microelectronic package comprising a substrate that has grooves on a surface for bonding. A method for preparing a substrate for bonding comprising forming a grooved surface in the substrate for accepting a die for bonding, wherein the grooves are of sufficient size to provide a substantially uniform die bond, but no so large as to nullify the thermal path to the underlying substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: CMC Wireless Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Erich K. Rubel, Jonathan H. Harris, Gabriel M. Carrasco
  • Patent number: 6361847
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to printing ink-decorated packaging laminate for aseptic packages of the type which is produced in that a web of paper which has an outer coating of plastic is, for the purpose of sterilization, led through a bath of hydrogen peroxide prior to the reforming of the web into aseptic packages. The packaging laminate has a décor of water-based printing ink which is applied in the desired pattern on the outside of the outer plastic coating. For the purpose of protecting the water-based printing ink décor against attack from hydrogen peroxide in connection with the sterilization process, the packaging laminate is provided with an outer layer of water-based polyethylene or water-based acid-modified polyethylene which, by means of so-called dispersion coating, is applied on the printing ink-decorated outer plastic coating after, or in connection with the application of said printing ink décor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Tommy Magnusson, Rolf Malmgren, Ib Leth, Mikael Berlin, Mats Bentmar
  • Publication number: 20010026851
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plastics material part, the method being characterized by the fact that it comprises the following steps:
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Olivier Hilmarcher
  • Patent number: 6296731
    Abstract: A method produces a decorative sheet with the use of an apparatus having a metallic endless belt that is wound on a first roller and a second roller, and an emboss roller that is placed to abut through the metallic endless belt onto the first roller. The method includes the steps of: adhering a first resin sheet having a pictured layer onto the metallic endless belt abutting the first roller; running the first resin sheet, adhered onto the metallic endless belt, along the outer circumferential face of the emboss roller; guiding a second resin sheet, moltenly extruded from a molten-resin extrusion means, between the emboss roller and the metallic endless belt abutted to the first roller; laminating and joining the second resin sheet to the first resin sheet; and embossing patterns onto the second resin sheet with the emboss roller during the laminating and joining step for the first and second resin sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Fujii, Tohru Yukumoto
  • Patent number: 6296732
    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: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Howard H. Enlow, Russell J. McCready, John E. Roys, Keith L. Truog, Frederick Young
  • Patent number: RE37248
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: Carol A. Dudley