Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for transferring a decorative image to a bowling ball by sublimation from a transfer sheet. The method includes applying at least one transfer sheet containing sublimation inks representing a decoration, such as an image or graphic, to the outer surface of the bowling ball and transferring the decoration from the transfer sheet to the bowling ball by applying sufficient heat and pressure to sublimate the inks. A heat press apparatus is one exemplary apparatus that is contemplated for providing the heat and pressure. The heat and pressure may be maintained after sublimation to allow the inks to penetrate beneath the outer surface of the bowling ball. This allows decorating the bowling ball with a durable image or graphic that does not does not affect the performance of the bowling ball. The decoration may cover the entire bowling ball, or any portion thereof.

Abstract: A molding system and related method for forming a molded article, such as a container, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the injection material is supplied though a side gate and drawn into the mold cavity using a vacuum assist and optional heating of the mold portions, if necessary. This creates a preform having a closed end with a smooth outer surface without gate marks or other vestiges of the injection molding process. The preform is then blow molded to form an article or container having a smooth outer surface adjacent to a closed end thereof.

Abstract: Method for producing decorative grass, such as Easter grass, from a sheet or web of material having printed material and/or embossed patterns thereon. The printed material and embossed patterns may be in register or out of register with one another. A method for producing decorative grass having the appearance of a blend of decorative grasses is also disclosed.

Abstract: An integral label for composite materials. The label, printed with magnetically doped ink, may be embedded between layers of a composite during manufacture. The label may be embedded on the surface of the composite material using a heat curable resin. The indicia on the label can be read with magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) or other magnetic scanning technology. There is no need for visual contrast between the composite, label and/or indicia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for use in forming an irregularly shaped part using in-mold labeling which includes receiving at least one of text and image information at a first computing unit. A mold is formed using a mold cutter controlled by a second computing unit based on the at least one of text information and image information. The mold has a cavity, an interior surface, and at least one aligning characteristic on the interior surface. A label is printed based on the at least one of text information and image information to provide the at least one decoration. The label is cut from a sheet of paper using a label cutter controlled by a third computing unit based on the at least one of text information and image information. The label is inserted into the cavity and aligned with the at least one aligning characteristic and moldable material is inserted into the mold to form the part and the label integral to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a lenticular sheet for use in forming a substantially ghost-free lenticular image. In a preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention includes providing a means for forming a lenticular sheet and forming the lenticular sheet out of a polymeric material using the means such that the lenticular sheet has an actual thickness (da) that is within about ±15% of an optimal thickness (do) as determined according to the formula: do=(ns−1)r/s(n−1), wherein n is the refractive index of the polymeric material, s is the number of interlaced scenes in the lenticular image, and r is the radius of the lenticles formed using the means.

Abstract: A key top including a resin film, a key top body made of resin and being covered by the resin film except for the rear surface thereof, and a first extending portion extending outward from the peripheral surface of the key top body. A gate mark formed by a mold and a vent mark formed by a mold which are located on the rear surface of the first extending portion. The rear surfaces of the key top body and the first extending portion are flat and located rearward from the rear surface of the resin film.

Abstract: Electrical circuit elements such as electrically conductive strips are permanently applied to the surface of polyolefin parts, such as polyethylene parts which are manufactured by rotational molding, by use of a transfer which can be applied to the interior surface of a rotational mold at the start of the molding cycle or can be applied to the molded part after its formation. The transfer comprises a carrier sheet on which the conductive circuit elements are printed with a mixture of wax or polyethylene powders containing from 30 to about 60 weight percent of conductive particles, preferably metal flakes. After application, the carrier sheet is removed and the conductive circuit elements are permanently incorporated into the surface of the polyethylene part by heating, either during the rotational molding cycle or by post-cycle heating of the formed part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for placing process survivable indicia on a support for an imaging element comprising providing a support wherein the support comprises a closed cell foam core and adhered thereto at least one flange layer, wherein the closed cell foam core layer comprises a polymer that has been expanded through the use of a blowing agent, and placing process survivable ink on at least one flange layer, wherein the process survivable ink forms process survivable indicia. The invention also relates to a method for placing process survivable indicia on a support comprising a closed cell foam core and adhered thereto an upper flange layer and a lower flange layer. The invention also includes a method for placing process survivable indicia on a support by placing process survivable indicia on said closed cell foam core.

Abstract: An outsole for a shoe, especially a house slipper, has an outer layer constituted of a fabric material, and a backing layer constituted of a shape-retaining, moldable material. The fabric layer and the backing layer are molded integrally together to provide the outsole with increased slip resistance, quieter usage and increased shape retention.

Abstract: A raw material composition of environmental protection coffin comprises a composite material, a filling material, and an adhesive. The composite material is made of powders formed by crushing an agricultural waste. The filling material is a natural amylum material, and is used to fill gaps of the composite material. The adhesive is polyvinylalcohol, and uses water as the medium for adhesion to bind the filling material and the composite material together. A manufacturing method of an environmental protection coffin comprises the steps of: raw material baking, raw material crushing, material mixing, mold pressing, drying by air, waterproof processing, assembly, and painting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a cosmetic case formed in a structure of two layers between which is printed a pattern including the logo for a beautiful appearance. The method of manufacturing a cosmetic case comprises the steps of: manufacturing a case core 10 by injecting plastics; forming a pattern 20 on the surface of the case core 10; adding a small amount of hardener and antifoaming agent to Formica stock solution and diluting them; manufacturing a case 40 by hardening and drying after forming a Formica layer 30 on the surface of the case by fixing the case core 10 in the mold and injecting Formica dilute solution; cutting a surface of the case 40; and glossing the surface of the case 40.

Abstract: New form of handgrip for various home appliances, and method for fabricating the same, including a core 2 with decorative color, and a transparent outer shell 3 for enclosing the core 2, thereby solving problems of the present handgrip of peeling off of coating, and damage to carved, or relieved figures, or characters, and providing an outer look distinctive from the present handgrip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vacuum thermoforming disposable drink cups lids including the step of imparting printing to the lids while they are in contact with the vacuum thermoforming platen.

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

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.

Abstract: A decorative relief pattern is applied to one or both sides of thermoplastic slat material by rolling an embossing roller in contact with the side(s) to receive the pattern. The embossing roller has an inverse relief pattern which is an inverse of the relief pattern applied to the slat material. A transfer roller applies an ink layer to the embossing roller, with the resulting thickness of the ink layer varying according to features of the inverse relief pattern. Depressed areas of the inverse relief pattern receive relatively little ink. An air stream from an air knife is applied to the ink layer, with ink being preferentially cleaned from relatively smooth areas of the inverse relief pattern. Then, a portion of the ink remaining on the embossing roller is transferred to the slat material along with the formation of the embossed pattern in the slat material.

Abstract: A bar code identification stencil for uniquely identifying a plurality of articles. The stencil includes a carrier strip, which carries an identification code or symbology. The identification code or symbology is formed of a plurality of spaced apart data cells, or data cells, which are used to form a machine readable bar code. The stencil will be made of materials compatible to the manufacturing processes, which make the articles to be marked, and compatible to the materials out of which the articles to be marked are made. The stencil is scalable in size and shape, as are the data cells, or data cells, scalable in size and shape—all as required by the specifications of the data symbology to be directly marked on the part, or article. The bar code is unique for each of the plurality of articles to be identified.

Abstract: A part employing internally molded shapes and surface finish to provide cosmetic features or design elements includes a body, at least a portion of which is molded of a transparent or semi-transparent material having an internal surface and an external surface. A cosmetic feature is formed in the internal surface of the body and is visible through the body of the part from the external surface. In some embodiments, the part is within a mobile phone.

Abstract: Curled decorative grasses having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of paper on at least a portion of one surface thereof are disclosed, as are methods for making such curled decorative grasses from materials wherein at least a portion of one surface of the materials is modified to simulate the texture or appearance of paper.

Abstract: A method of producing cone diaphragm having color patterns includes steps of using a fiber-made thin sheet as a base material; printing the base material with a high molecular ink; soaking the printed base material in a high molecular resin material; or alternatively, first soaking the base material in the high molecular resin material and drying the base material, and then printing the base material wish the high molecular ink; so that the base material is coated with a layer of the high molecular resin to maintain a desired brilliance of the color patterns; drying the base material and positioning it in a high-temperature mold, so that the base material is molded into a cone having a predetermined shape; painting outer surfaces of the molded cone with a paint; and trimming the molded and painted cone to produce a finished cone diaphragm having color patterns.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a molded article bearing a lenticular image on its surface that is prepared by a method comprising the steps of: A providing a mold in which to form the molded article; B. inserting a lenticular image into the mold; C. introducing a molten plastic into the mold to form the molded article with the lenticular image attached to a surface of the molded article; and D. removing the molded article with the attached lenticular image from the mold.

Abstract: Method for producing decorative grass, such as Easter grass, from a sheet or web of material having a decorative pattern thereon. The decorative pattern may be printed material and/or embossed patterns thereon, or a non-linear side edge that provides the decorative grass with a contoured configuration.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacturing decorative panels includes the steps of forming a first continuous fiber reinforced resin layer, laying a continuous decorated sheet on the first fiber reinforced resin layer, forming a second continuous fiber reinforced resin layer on the continuous decorated sheet, eliminating a substratum of the decorated sheet so that the first and second fiber reinforced resin layers can join one another to form a continuous consolidated strip of fiber reinforced resin with an image suspended therein, curing the continuous consolidated strip, and cutting a panel from the continuous consolidated strip. The first fiber reinforced resin layer is preferably at least partially cured in a first curing step before the second fiber reinforced resin layer is formed.

Abstract: A method of making a plastic molding is disclosed. The multi-step method entails applying a metallic layer 20 to 150 nm thick to a translucent plastic film having a thickness of 50 to 750 &mgr;m, removing part of the metallic layer, and applying to the metallized side of the film an adhesive layer 5 to 50 &mgr;m in thickness to obtain a product, and injection molding the product with a translucent thermoplastic. The plastic molding thus made is suitable for the preparation of keys, fittings, trim strips, reflectors, keyboards, casings, shields, advertising panels and packaging items and identification cards.

Abstract: Flexible polymeric materials having a cloth-like appearance suitable for use in the formation of flower pot covers, floral wrappings and ribbon materials are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for making a decorated article is described. The process entails printing, using a high temperature ink, a design on a surface of transfer paper, and transferring the design by sublimation to the surface of a clear flat substrate to obtain a decorated substrate. The thus decorated surface is then placed in a mold and thermoplastic resin is injected to form an article. The placing of the decorated substrate in the mold is such that the surface carrying the design faces the inside of the mold. An additional embodiment entails forming the decorated substrate to attain a three dimensional decorated substrate prior to placing it in the mold.

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 colored polyolefin film is printed by digital printing techniques. The colored polyolefin film is formed by blending a coloring agent, such as a pigment or a dye, with a polyolefin, and forming a film from the blend by an extrusion process. Digital signals are supplied to a printer adapted to respond to such signals to print the colored film. Indicia may be placed on the surface of the colored film by electrostatic printing, thermal transfer printing or ink jet printing, especially with an ultraviolet (UV) curable ink jet ink. The colored polyolefin film may be a multi-layer film having an opaque, cavitated core layer and at least one colored skin or tie layer.

Abstract: A process for producing multilayered microparticles for marking and later identifying substances or objects of any desired type, even animals and plants, has the following steps: several marking layers are successively applied in the liquid state onto a web-shaped or sheet-shaped substrate, each layer being dried and/or hardened before the next marking layer is applied, until a stack of layers of the desired type and in the desired order is obtained; the substrate is separated from the stack of layers; and the stack of layers is crushed into multilayered microparticles without affecting the integrity of the series of marking layers. A first disclosed process is characterized in that the individual marking layers are applied by a printing process. Alternative processes are characterized in that the individual marking layers are applied by bronzing, by spray painting or by roll coating.

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: A method of making and assembling foam crown molding includes shaping a volume of foam into at least one strip having a desired shape of crown molding, finishing the at least one strip, and mounting the at least one strip onto at least one partition for decorating the at least one partition.

Abstract: The present invention is a process and its product by embossing or processing the transparent soft or solid thermoplastic polyvinyl chloride(PVC) sheet, the thermoplastic polyethylene(PE) film sheet, the ethylenevinyl acetate copolymer(EVA) film sheet, and the PEVA(the mixture) film sheet; and more particularly a product by utilizing said thermoplastic material plastic sheet printed by lithographic or gravure printing; whereon a pattern arranged by a computer is printed. The plastic sheet is further embossed by a embossing machine on both front and rear sides to produce a coordinated indension so as to produce a product with a stereo flash effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing thick-walled brushes, in particular toothbrushes, with a grip piece and a brush head supporting bristle filaments. In order to increase the productivity, the method mentioned at the start is further developed by the present invention in that a core produced in a first injection molding cycle is coated with a plastic component in at least one subsequent injection molding cycle so as to form a multi-layered grip piece.

Abstract: A flat semi-finished product includes a filled fluoroplastics substrate in the form of a sheet, which is coated at least partially on at least one surface with a soft, thin coating of fluoroplastics. The substrate material of the sheet has a Shore-D hardness of at least 65 and the average layer thickness of the thin sheet coating is at most 20 &mgr;m. A component, in particular a flat gasket, is made from the semi-finished product. A process for the production thereof is also provided.

Abstract: A molding process and apparatus are disclosed herewith including extruding a polymer from at least one nozzle into a mold cavity, and displacing at least one of the nozzle and the mold cavity during the step of extruding to deposit at least a portion of a layer of polymer into the mold cavity, and subsequently enclosing the mold cavity with a mating mold section to produce a molded part.

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.

Abstract: A shaving razor having a razor handle comprising an extruded substantially rigid inner core and a compatible covering layer over the rigid inner core except for a select region at which an exposed portion of inner core is provided. A marking, such as printed matter and/or any other type of indicia, may thereby be readily provided on the inner core rather than on the covering layer. The marking is preferably provided on a flat surface of the handle. Additionally, the razor handle may be formed by an extrusion process utilizing a die set which forms a handle with a cross-section which is at least partially asymmetrical.

Abstract: A stereolithographically fabricated marking for a semiconductor device component, such as a packaged or unpackaged semiconductor device or another substrate. When formed on a semiconductor device with a stereolithographically formed package structure, the marking may be integral with the package. The marking may be formed as apertures through or recesses in one or more stereolithographically fabricated layers of material, or the marking may include one or more stereolithographically fabricated layers that protrude from a surface of a semiconductor device component. Raised markings may also be formed on the surfaces of packaged or bare semiconductor device components. Alternatively, the marking may be fabricated separately from a semiconductor device component, then secured thereto. Methods for stereolithographically marking semiconductor device components are also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: Method for producing decorative grass, such as Easter grass, from a sheet or web of material having printed material and/or embossed patterns thereon. The printed material and embossed patterns may be in register or out of register with one another. A method for producing decorative grass having the appearance of a blend of decorative grasses is also disclosed.

Abstract: Buoyant balloons are provided with a texturizing layer which is operated upon with embossing or other techniques to provide interesting visual effects. The texturizing is formed on the outer surface of the texturizing layer, which is located on the outer surface of the balloon film. One or more ink coatings may be used in conjunction with the texturized balloon film to augment visual interest.

Abstract: Mechanically embossed resilient surface coverings having superior textural fidelity are prepared by mechanically embossing a polyurethane coated floorcovering before the polyurethane is cured. The mechanical embossing is conducted when the polyurethane is dry and the underlying plastic layer and the polyurethane are softened by heating. After the mechanical embossing step, the polyurethane is cured using ultraviolet (UV) light. The product can be cooled before or after UV curing. The invention is applicable to a variety of resilient surface covering products including floor and wall coverings which otherwise have a wearlayer which can be softened by heating. This includes surface coverings having the full range of decorative effects available in the art, including surface coverings which also have been, for example, chemically embossed, mechanically embossed, chemically and mechanically embossed or not embossed at all prior to application of the process of the invention.

Abstract: A shrink sleeve [101] for a contoured article [103] is made of a preferentially orientated shrink film [102]. The sleeve comprises a contoured side seam [104] defining a contoured shape portion similar to the shape of the contoured article. The contoured shape of the sleeve allows use of lower ratio shrink films and reduces distortion of printing 101F in the contoured shape portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: In this method, a fibrous material is embedded between the surfaces of a membrane and a dissimilar coloring material as the mating surfaces of the membrane and the coloring material are cured or cosolidify. This results in an encapsulation bond where fibers embedded in and originating from within the membrane are also embedded in and terminating within the adjacent coloring material. This method also results in delamination-resistant colored laminates comprising dissimilar layers and having a permanent and durable bond between the various layers of the composite.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for simulating a mould-imparted texture including applying a textured skin to a moulding from a pre-textured mould.

Abstract: A method of applying a decorative color to a thermoplastic strip suited for use to produce slats for blinds is characterized by the use of a heat sensitive printing paper of the type normally used to color the fabric material from which valances are generally made. By using that type of color transferring medium to color the thermoplastic slats it becomes possible, for instance, to manufacture blind slats having the same color as the fabric valance to be hung decoratively from the window for which the blind is to be installed. There is also disclosed a blind structure for attenuating the flapping noise produced when the slats enter in contact with each other.

Abstract: A package includes a white contrast layer on an upper surface of a black encapsulant. A mark is in the white contrast layer and extends through the white contrast layer such that the black encapsulant is visible through the mark. Since the black encapsulant is visible through the mark, the mark has a high contrast relative to the white contrast layer and is extremely effective as an advertisement or as a package identification mark.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the identification marking of a workpiece which is made of a deformable material. The workpiece identification marking has a plurality of identification elements, each of which comprises elevations that project out of the surface of the workpiece. For each of the plurality of identification marking elements there is an opening in the workpiece identification marking mold of the device, through which thermal radiation can be applied to the surface of the workpiece to generate an image point, so that material that extends through the opening extends into the opening.

Abstract: A system and method of mass-producing a bait station of wax matrix material for pesticide or insecticide delivery is disclosed. The apparatus and method includes a water-heated vat 110 which supplies liquid wax matrix material to molds which may be of various forms in accordance with the desired bait station to be manufactured. A fluid pump 120 pumps the wax matrix material from the vat through a tube 130 into molding tubes 140. At a molding tube station 140 the molds are filled and then carried by a conveyer belt 100 to a cooling tunnel 160. The wax-containing molds may be shaken by an in-line shaker in order to reduce air bubbles in the wax matrix. After the wax-containing molds are cooled by the cooling tunnel 160 the conveyer carries them to a labeling station 170, after which the finished bait stations are removed from their molds and packaged.