Abstract: A heat sealable, multi-layer film structure for multi-color printing or lamination processes and method for making the same are provided. The multi-layer film structure may include a core layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer and essentially no migratory slip agents; a functional layer on a first side of the core layer, wherein the functional layer is a printable layer or a laminatable layer; and a heat sealable skin layer on a second side of the core layer, the heat sealable skin layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a slip system. The multi-layer film structure is prepared without any migratory slip additives. Without migratory slip additives, the multi-layer film structure exhibits excellent machinability on typical packaging equipment.

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.

Abstract: A molded article, such as a door trim panel, for a vehicle interior comprises a coverstock configured to provide at least a portion of an A-side of the molded article; a decorative element coupled to the coverstock by an adhesive; and a substrate molded behind the coverstock and configured to provide structural support to the coverstock. The decorative element may be an injection molded plastic material. The adhesive may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The coverstock and substrate may comprise a recess for the decorative element to be located at least partially within.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a molded foam sports board made by steps: molding a foam core having a molded contour surface; laminating an extruded adhesive resin layer to a polyolefin foam sheet layer forming a film foam laminate; and thermoforming and heat laminating the film foam laminate to the molded foam core by pressing the molded foam core towards the film side of the film foam laminate and mating against the profile of a thermoforming bottom die surface. The board has a thermoformed polyolefin foam skin having an outer surface and an inner surface, a molded foam core having a molded contour surface, an extruded adhesive resin layer bonding the inner surface of polyolefin foam skin layer to the molded contour surface of the molded foam core. The molded foam core may comprise homopolymer or copolymer of expanded polystyrene foam, expanded polyethylene foam, expanded polypropylene foam and polyurethane foam.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an outer casing of a refrigerator with various designs expressed thereon, and a method for manufacturing the same. The outer casing of the refrigerator includes a layer (17, 57, 77, 250, 370) defining the outward appearance of the refrigerator and having an image formed thereon. In this configuration, the outer casing of the refrigerator can be variously formed according to the tastes of the consumers to satisfy even the consumers preferring special splendid designs. Accordingly, the reliability of the product and the recognition of the product by the consumers increase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a ball with color impression. The ball includes an inflatable bladder, which is enclosed by a reinforcement layer and further wrapped by a body layer and a color composite sheet. The method includes a process for making the color composite sheet, which include a step of making a color film, which is made of a porous material having minute pores and on which a pattern is printed, with the pores maintained after printing, and a step for making a transparent layer, which is made by heating a material for making the transparent layer into a flowable liquid form for filling into the pores of the color film to form the color composite sheet, wherein the printed pattern that is formed on the color film is observable through the transparent layer.

Abstract: A composite that contains an elastic film laminated to a meltblown facing is provided. During lamination, apertures and discrete bond sites may be concurrently formed in the elastic film. The discrete bond sites may be located proximate (adjacent or near to) a perimeter defined by corresponding apertures formed by displacement of the film. The location of the bond sites adjacent to or near the apertures may enhance the durability of the meltblown facing by strengthening the area surrounding the apertures. Furthermore, the content of the elastic film and the temperature/pressure of lamination may be selected to that the film possesses a sufficient tack for adhering to the facing at regions other than those fused together by the bonding elements of the patterned roll. Such secondary bonding further stabilizes the meltblown facing and renders it suitable for printing. Further, the film is under tension in the machine direction during lamination.

Abstract: An electronic device comprises a housing having a panel with an opening extending therethrough, a light source disposed within the electronic device and configured to transmit light through the opening, an optically-transmissive layer located on a side of the panel opposite a side of the light source and extending over the opening, and a reflective element disposed on the optically-transmissive layer and located at least partially coincident with a location of the opening.

Abstract: An instrument panel with a one piece body constructed of a thermoformed material and exhibiting first and second visually differentiable surface patterns. An associated process includes the creation of an instrument panel, such as through the use of a clamshell slush mold, and including the formation of a groove between the surface patterns which exhibits a visually appealing and rounded cross sectional profile.

Abstract: In the present invention, a manufacturing process is provided in which a complete multi-component synthetic closure is achieved which incorporates printed indicia formed thereon, in a continuous, in-line manufacturing operation. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the core member of the synthetic closure is formed by a continuous extrusion process which enables the core to be manufactured as an elongated, continuous length of material. As the continuous elongated length of extruded material forming the central core is advanced from the extruder towards an outer skin forming station, the central core passes through a printing station for forming any desired indica on the outer surface of central core prior to the application of the outer skin layer.

Abstract: A food container configured as a decoratable figurine comprising a body configured to hold food having an opening positioned on said body to dispense food from said body. The container having a three dimensional head representation positioned on said body. The container has a cover to seal said opening and at least one item for decoration of said body that is removable and adhered onto said body. The decoratable figurine entices a child to play with the container instead of being immediately discarded leading to high brand recognition and desire to both initially purchase and repurchase product because of its secondary uses other than packaging.

Abstract: A self-contained parts kit is created by forming a container around parts formed using a direct manufacturing process. The formation of the container is part of the same process by which the parts are formed. The container can be formed with one or more openings by which the parts can be removed. The container can also be formed with perforations in one or more surfaces to allow the parts therein to be cleaned without removing the parts, such as by shaking or by the external application of a fluid such as pressurized air. Indicia can also be formed on the container.

Abstract: A receiver element for thermal dye transfer, a print assembly including the receiver element, and a method of printing are described wherein the receiver element includes a dye-receiving layer on a support, wherein the dye-receiving layer includes a polymer, an optional release agent, and alpha-tocopherol or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: A cable for ensuring the authenticity thereof and discouraging the unauthorized counterfeiting of the cable may include a cable core and an opaque outer jacket surrounding the cable core. The jacket may include identifying indicia visible on an inner surface of the opaque outer jacket when opened, but visually obscured from viewing from outside the opaque outer jacket when unopened. The indicia may be integrally molded plastic stripes, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing nonwoven and nonwoven obtainable by said method. Particularly, the invention relates to a nonwoven provided with improved tactile and absorbent characteristics, which make it suitable for use in the field of surface cleaning, personal hygiene, or formation of garments.

Abstract: Methods for making a molded beverage container insulator from a slurry including water and a polysaccharide by presenting at least one male mold, which may have an elliptical cross section, therein and causing a portion of the slurry to temporarily adhere to the at least one mold. After a suitable period of time, removing the mold from the slurry and then removing the insulator. At such time, and particularly if the mold is not characterized as elliptical in cross section, the insulator is subject to bidirectional compression in order to collapse the same. Opposing hinge elements may be formed in the insulator, either at the time of molding or subsequently, to localize stresses resulting from the collapsing of the insulator. The resulting insulator is fully recyclable/compostable and possesses a constricting bias to mitigate container slip issues.

Abstract: A flexible tubing for fine bubble aeration is provided with an air passageway defined in part by an upper portion and a lower portion. The tubing can be made of a uniform weighted material with more material in the lower portion than in the upper portion. This makes the tubing self-orienting, in that it will tend to orient itself with micro-slits along the upper portion facing upward and the lower portion facing downward when submerged in a body of water. An automated, one-stage production line converts raw tubing material to a finished tubing product without the need for separate processing. A method of coiling the tubing places the micro-slits approximately 90° away from the surface of a spool hub, thereby avoiding a longitudinal arch in the tubing and ultimately preventing roll-over and improper slit orientation after installation in a water body.

Abstract: This invention provides method for placing indicia on a support for an imaging element comprising embossing indicia, such as a logo, on a roller; providing a support wherein said support comprises a closed cell foam core and adhered thereto at least one flange layer, wherein said closed cell foam core comprises a polymer that has been expanded through the use of a blowing agent; and pressing said support against said embossed roller.

Abstract: A decorative surface covering includes a fabric; and a layer of molded resin disposed on said fabric, where the resin is molded into decorative features of the covering. A method of forming a decorative surface covering includes molding resin disposed on a fabric to produce decorative features, the resin adhering to the fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a printed and textured web substrate is disclosed. The apparatus has a printing apparatus and an apparatus for imparting elastic-like behavior. The printing apparatus has at least one rotatable ink roller for transferring an ink to the web substrate. The apparatus for imparting elastic-like behavior has a pair of intermeshing rollers capable of providing at least a portion of the web substrate with an elastic-like behavior.

Abstract: A polyester resin composition is calendered to produce a film or a sheet. The polyester resin composition is a polyester having a crystallization half time from a molten state of at least 5 minutes combined with an additive for preventing sticking of the polyester to calendering rolls.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for production of a decorative article comprising a body having at least one engagement stage, and a decorative member made of a decoration material capable of being thermally softened and having at least one surface which is engageable with the engagement stage of the body. The said method comprises the steps by placing softened decoration material into a mold shaped and sized to correspond to the decorative member to be produced and having at least one surface that is brought into surface-contact with the engagement stage of the body and then press-molding; taking the semi-finished decorative member out of the mold to cool down slowly to room temperature; and placing the surface of the cooled semi-finished decorative member over the engagement stage of the body and splicing them together. By using the method of the present invention, a decorative article can be produced.

Abstract: To enable molding of a hydrodynamic pressure producing part on the flat surface of a material by simple steps highly accurately and at low costs. A microdroplet 13 of an ultraviolet curable type ink from a nozzle head 11 by the ink jet method is caused to land or dropped on the upper end face 2b1 of the material 2b?. The nozzle head 11 and a light source 14 which irradiates a ultraviolet ray are disposed sequentially according to the direction of travel of the material 2b?, and are provided at positions opposing the material 2b?. While the material 2b? is relatively slid, landing or dropping of the ink from the nozzle head 11 and curing of the ink by the ultraviolet ray irradiated from the light source 14 are gradually conducted according to in the direction of travel of the material 2b? to form the hydrodynamic pressure producing part.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a three dimensional emblem is disclosed. A pattern is formed in the back surface of a piece of transparent material. Multiple colors are printed to form an emblem in the pattern. After printing, the pattern is filled with resin to make the back surface of the piece of transparent material flat. When the front surface of the transparent material is viewed, the pattern appears as a three dimensional emblem. Since the emblem is under the front surface of the transparent material, the three dimensional emblem is protected and cannot be inadvertently dislodged from the transparent material.

Abstract: A label marks a composite material. In one embodiment, the label may be printed with magnetically doped ink and may be embedded between layers of the composite during manufacture. In one embodiment, the label may be embedded on the surface of the composite material using a heat curable resin. In one embodiment, the label carries indicia that may be read with magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) or other magnetic scanning technology. In one embodiment, there is no need for visual contrast between the composite, label and/or indicia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recycling waste FRP which can simply and effectively reuse waste FRP. This process comprises the steps of mixing a cellulose fine powder derived from wood, a resin powder, and an FPR powder derived from waste FRP, to obtain a mixture; and melting and molding the mixture into a given shape to prepare a molded resin product containing 10-65% by weight of said cellulose fine powder, 25-40% by weight of said resin powder, and 10-30% by weight of said FPR powder on the basis of the mixture.

Abstract: A method of forming a multi-component molded article is described. The method includes first introducing a first plastic film and a second plastic film separately into a first cavity of an injection mold, the first and said second plastic films each being positioned within the first cavity so as to form a void there-between. Next, a first thermoplastic material is injected into the void, thereby forming a first molding. The first molding is then released from the mold, and the first molding and at least one second molding are together introduced into a second cavity of the mold. Finally, a second thermoplastic material is injected into the second cavity of the mold, thereby combining the first molding and second molding together thus forming a multi-component molded article.

Abstract: A molding apparatus is configured by a first, a second sliding die, a first, a second fixed die, and a sliding film forming chamber. The first, the second sliding dies are moved in directions reverse to each other to take a primary molding position, a film forming position and a secondary molding position. The sliding film forming chamber includes a first, a second masking plate and are arranged to be remote from the first, the second fixed dies. Further, the sliding film forming chamber is slid in an up and down direction. The first, the second sliding dies are respectively formed with recess portions and cores, the first, the second fixed dies are respectively formed with cores and recess portions.

Abstract: An imprinting apparatus and an imprinting method that prevents movement of an imprinting mold during an imprinting process. The imprinting method includes coating a resin on a substrate; aligning an imprinting mold on the resin; temporarily securing the imprinting mold on the substrate; pressing the imprinting mold; hardening the resin; and detaching the imprinting mold.

Abstract: A method forms a first active electronic layer, prints an array of pillars on the first active electronic layer, dispenses a curable polymer over the array of pillars, molds the curable polymer by contacting the curable polymer with a mold structure to displace the curable polymer from upper surfaces of the pillars, cures the curable polymer to produce a hardened polymer, and removes the array of pillars to leave an array of holes in the hardened polymer. Another method provides a substrate having selected areas, prints an array of pillars on the substrate, dispenses a curable polymer over the array of pillars, molds the curable polymer by contacting the array of pillars with a mold structure to displace the curable polymer from upper surfaces of the pillars, cures the curable polymer to produce a hardened polymer, and removes the array of pillars to leave an array of holes in the hardened polymer corresponding to the selected areas.

Abstract: A thermoforming methodology for laminated thermoplastic sheets which preserves the class “A” finish and high gloss thereof. A thermoformer has a vacuum box component which includes a mold, and a pressure box component which is selectively sealable in relation to the vacuum box component. A heated laminated thermoplastic sheet is placed in the thermoformer, the class “A” side thereof facing away from the mold, and the thermoformer sealed. Vacuum is applied to the vacuum box component and simultaneously air pressure is applied to the pressure box component, including application of chilled compressed air, resulting in forming of the sheet on the mold and controlled cooling of the sheet which preserves its class “A” finish and high gloss.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes a golf putting practice device, a method for practicing putting using same, and a method for advertising using same. According to one aspect of the subject matter described herein, a golf putting practice device is provided. The golf putting practice device includes a substantially bell shaped member having an upper surface, a lower surface for resting on a putting surface, and a sidewall for joining the upper and lower surfaces and receiving impact from golf balls during putting practice. At least one visual target is located in or on the sidewall for providing an area of visual focus for a golfer during putting practice.

Abstract: A security and/or tracking information and graphic image fusion system to be used with verification equipment to provide a tamper proof labeled article having security and/or tracking information thereon. The label comprises a printable sheet having at least one RFID device thereon, and an outer layer thereon. The RFID device provides security and/or tracking information for the labeled article. The label may further include at least one visible image printed thereon. To provide additional layers of security, at least one invisible IR or UV image, or both, may also be printed on the printable sheet to provide security and/or tracking information. The visible image provides the graphic image. The label is permanently fused by an in-mold molding process to an article made of plastic, rubber or the combination thereof to render it tamper proof.

Abstract: The invention provides a printing ink for printing on a decorated sheet for application to integral molding of synthetic resin, which is less capable of curling the decorated sheet and less susceptible to run during molding.

Abstract: A laminate comprising a printed layer, a transparent thermoplastic polyurethane layer and a layer forming a substrate of a thermoplastic material is disclosed. The laminate that is characterized in that the printed layer is interposed between the layer forming a substrate and the polyurethane layer is suitable for the preparation of a variety of articles.

Abstract: Method and systems for producing three-dimensional objects. One exemplary method, among others, includes: forming an identifiable structure within the three-dimensional object. The identifiable structure within the three-dimensional object can be detected using a non-invasive dimensional imaging device.

Abstract: An injection-molded container with surface fringe and a method for manufacturing the same comprises a container and a pattern substrate, wherein the method comprises: firstly, printing and hot pressing the surface of the pattern substrate, to form the pattern of fringe; then, pressing the patterned pattern substrate, so that the pattern substrate has a shape as desired for the container; further, putting the pattern substrate into a mold, so that the pattern substrate has a slightly arc-shaped bottom; and injecting and adhering a material used for the container onto the pattern substrate directly, wherein the arc-shaped bottom of the pattern substrate uniformly disperses the impact of the injected material used for the container to form the shape of the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a silicone-based ocular prosthesis. In one aspect, the prosthesis includes a posterior sclera portion fabricated from a white-tinted silicone material. The sclera portion is formed from a molding process. The prosthesis also includes an anterior iris portion placed on the sclera portion. The prosthesis further includes a transparent layer over the sclera portion and the iris portion to provide a protective coating, and depth to the eye. Finally, a clear coat finish may optionally be applied to the prosthesis to create a realistic, wet look. A method for making the silicone-based ocular prosthesis using a molding process is also provided herein.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing plastic product includes the steps of: forming a work piece (30) in an injection molding apparatus, the work piece (30) including at least an original product (34), a butt end (36), and gate (32), the gate (32) connecting a corresponding original product (34) with the butt end (36); precutting the gate (32) in a mold before the work piece (30) has completely cooled; removing the work piece (30) from the injection molding apparatus; separating each original product (34).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing environmental protection sponge comprises the steps of mixing material which are formed by predetermined ratios so as to form a mixing material; wherein the material contains PVA and starch; agitating and then boiling the mixing material; filling the mixing material into a mold so as to form a sponge; the sponge being taking out from the mold; washing the sponge; dewatering the sponge so as to form as environmental protection sponge; drying the environmental protection sponge; compressing the environmental protection sponge through at least one stage and then the compressed environmental protection sponge being cooled; rolling the environmental protection sponge by turning the environmental protection sponge through at least one roller so that the environmental protection sponge has a uniform structure; cutting and printing patterns on the environmental protection sponge; and packaging the shaped environmental protection sponge.

Abstract: A filtration membrane and method of making the same wherein the filtration membrane comprises obstructions and/or spacers.

Abstract: A two-sided inmold molding method utilizing continuous film passing between a stationary mold and a movable mold, which thereby prevents cut scraps from being mixed into a molded product and prevents striking pock from being formed on the molded product, and which is capable of enhancing the yield of the molded product.

Abstract: A process is provided for coating/decorating molded resin products having excellent waterproofing properties, which is able to simply and effectively reuse waste FRP. The surface of the molded resin product obtained by mixing, melting, and making mixture 8 containing wood-derived cellulose fine powder 3, resin-derived resin powder 7, and waste FRP 4-derived FRP powder 5 into a given form is coated/decorated. In the process for coating/decorating molded resin products, the surface of the molded resin product is subjected to UV coating/decorating, and after roughening, the surface is subjected to the UV coating/decorating again.

Abstract: A polyester resin composition is calendered to produce a film or a sheet. The polyester resin composition is a polyester having a crystallization half time from a molten state of at least 5 minutes combined with an additive for preventing sticking of the polyester to calendering rolls.

Abstract: An automotive trim product is made as follows. A single or multiple layer sheet is extruded so as to include at least one color pigmented and/or metallized layer therein. Optionally, a clear coat may be laminated to the sheet, or may even be coextruded therewith. In certain embodiments, a roughened surface texture may be embossed into a major surface(s) of the sheet prior to lamination. In other embodiments, a design (e.g., logo) may be silk-screened onto the clear coat layer prior to lamination. The sheet, after optional lamination, is then thermoformed into a three-dimensionally shaped preform or article via vacuum forming or the like.

Abstract: An in-mold and in-line decorating method is disclosed which, using a single sheet layer, allows the placement of the highest possible quality graphics into the surface of products made from a variety of moldable thermoplastic, thermoset, and vulcanizable materials using a variety of molding processes. The methods also provide new or improved capabilities for product identification, safety, and serialized tracking.

Abstract: A button, knob or control key with an etchable support plate which is engraved on the backside with a fine symbol by laser, erosion or mechanical engraving, which only cuts into the material of the support plate, but not through the support plate. The backside of the support plate is optionally coated. A foil is applied on the laminated layer and affixed thereto. The front side of the support plate is treated with a material-removing substance. The material removal with the material-removing substance is performed until the engraving extending into the support plate is at least partially or completely exposed on the front side. Application of a protective layer to the front side of the support plate from which the material was removed. A function symbol is provided on the button such that it can be backlit. It is engraved in a fine line width providing a sharp optical definition erosion, mechanical engraving.

Abstract: A method for using a single injection molding apparatus to manufacture at least two and up to four different levels of automobile trim pieces as well as automobile trim level pieces manufactured by the methods of this invention.

Abstract: A method of preparing a molded article by means of an in-mold decoration process, is described. The method includes, providing a laminate (4) of a plurality of separate releasable thermoplastic labels (14) superposed over a carrier film (26). A decoration (86) is applied in-line to the exposed second surface (68) of the labels (14), thereby forming a decorated laminate (5). The decorated laminate (5) is forwarded and indexed into a mold (20) such that the exposed first surface (77) of the carrier film (26) abuts at least a portion of the interior surface of the mold, and the decorated second surface (68) of the label (14) faces the interior space of the mold. Plastic material (e.g., thermoplastic material) is injected into the mold against the decorated surface of the label, thus forming a molded article. The carrier film (26) is then separated from the molded article.

Abstract: A method of making golf club grip includes the steps of overlapping a textile fabric on a first raw rubber layer and painting a rubber latex on the textile fabric to attach the textile fabric on the first raw rubber layer to form a thin reinforced rubber layer laminated with the textile fabric; preparing a second raw rubber layer which is shaped and sized to form two control members; shaping the first raw rubber layer to form two anti-slip members; aligning the anti-slip members with the control members in an end to end manner in two halves of heat mold respectively; and vulcanizing the anti-slip members and the control members in a heat mold to form the golf club grip including a tubular anti-slip arrangement and a tubular control arrangement coaxially extended from a lower end of the anti-slip arrangement.