Abstract: A bowling ball wherein one or more sacrificial molds are encapsulated in said bowling ball and methods for manufacturing same.

Abstract: A method for decorating a composite placed in a mold in a resin transfer molding process includes selectively depositing unbonded pigments on one or more areas of a preform of the composite, and injecting a resin into the mold via one or more resin input ports operably connected to the mold. The injected resin carries the selectively deposited unbonded pigments on a path on one or more areas of the preform of the composite along a direction of flow of the injected resin, thereby creating ornamental pigment flow patterns in the composite for decorating the composite. The method also creates bands of ornamental pigment flow patterns by depositing the unbonded pigments on a transfer medium positioned on the composite, positioning the transfer medium in proximity to the resin input ports, and selectively injecting the resin onto the transfer medium deposited with the unbonded pigments, via the resin input ports.

Abstract: A decorative molded candle and method of making the candle is disclosed in which coloring agents are limited to the outer peripheral surface of the candle.

Abstract: A decorative molded candle and method of making the candle is disclosed in which coloring agents are limited to the outer peripheral surface of the candle.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming desired patterns on ceramic tile from a slurry comprising: a means for preparing a slurry; at least one slurry holding tank for holding at least one type of slurry; at least one pattern forming tray; at least one means for connecting said at least one tank to at least one pattern forming tray and a filter pressing unit; wherein the pattern forming unit dispenses a predetermined type, amount, colors of slurry at a predetermined order into the pattern forming tray to form a desired pattern, said slurry with desired pattern is pressed with the filter pressing unit to form ceramic tiles or slabs with a desired pattern running though its entire thickness.

Abstract: An assembly for molding and demolding hardened cementitious products comprises a flexible mold and a demolding apparatus. The flexible mold has a top side with separate openings for receiving cementitious material therein for hardening thereof, an opposite closed rear side and a perimeter. The apparatus for demolding the hardened cementitious products from the flexible mold comprises a conveyor, a holding member, a clamp, and a movable member. The conveyor conveys the flexible mold. The clamp grips a portion of the perimeter. The holding member engages the mold. The ovable member moves the clamp and the clamped portion of the mold about the holding member thereby disengaging the flexible mold from the cementitious material.

Abstract: A decorative molded candle and method of making the candle is disclosed in which coloring agents are limited to the outer peripheral surface of the candle.

Abstract: A decorative column comprising a rigid center post, a plurality of pre-cast pieces with each piece having a hole extending therethrough so the pre-cast piece slides onto the center post and remains in place on the center post. Each pre-cast piece being stacked upon another pre-cast piece, the pre-cast pieces being of a predefined shape, and a compressible center core liner filling a portion of the hole of the pre-cast piece. The compressible center core including a cutout shape consistent with the cross sectional shape of the rigid center post thereby allowing passage of the center post through the compressible center core.

Abstract: The artificial marble with good natural pattern and color in accordance with the present invention is prepared mixing ununiformly at least two liquid resins through a line mixer 1, feeding the ununiformly mixed resin on a moving steel belt 4 at a constant speed through a flexible hose 2 and an exit nozzle 3, and reciprocating the exit nozzle perpendicularly to the steel belt by a predetermined program for the exit nozzle to stop at different positions for different durations. The line mixer used in this invention is a Kenics type and has inner elements of eight or less than eight. A line mixer with four to eight elements can be more preferably used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of concrete blocks or concrete slabs of varying formats and sizes, whereby concrete is filled into molds for several blocks or slabs, the surface layer of which or the facing concrete layer of which has a base color and the surfaces, which have regions of difference colors, is puddled by means of vibration and/or compacting and subsequently hardened, whereby, before puddling, at least one portion of a pigmented and/or variously-pigmented and/or a color- and/or various color-containing finishing material is projected or thrown by means of at least one application device.

Abstract: A method for providing embedded vinyl products comprises applying design material to a bottom or a top surface of a liquid vinyl substrate. When applying to the bottom surface liquid vinyl substrate, the design materials are applied to a conveyor and the vinyl substrate layer is applied over the design material. When applying to an exposed top layer of the vinyl substrate, the design material is applied so that at least a portion of it remains visible from the top surface of the exposed layers so that it creates a design therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing artificial stone boards with polymerizable resins with a “veined effect” by means of the vibro-compaction under vacuum system comprising a first grinding phase of the different materials forming the filler, a second phase containing a resin with the catalyst and optionally a third phase consisting of the mixing of the two previous phases until the homogenization of the materials with the resin, a fourth phase of moulding and compaction of the obtained paste by vibro-compression under vacuum, a fifth hardening phase by polymerization of the resin by means of heating and a last cooling, cutting and polishing phase.

Abstract: A method for forming recess patterns in a handle of a skipping rope includes the steps of preparing materials for forming the handle and a filler made of rubber materials having a certain color, forming the recess patterns in the surface of the handle while making the handle with synthetic resins, and filling the recess patterns with the filler and solidifying the filler to form in a body with the handle. The filler is made of rubber materials and thereby it can be prevent the handle slipping from a user's hand. Further, the recess patterns can have various shapes and the filler can has various colors and thereby the appearance of the handle is beauty.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for constructing and installing a roofing tile having an arbitrary design of color, patterns, textures, and the like in accordance with the requirements of a user, a designer, an architect, or the like, and provides an ability to select a color scheme for a base tile, variegations within the color of the base tile, as well as accent medallions having color, textures, and the like. Moreover, a texture may be provided to improve adhesion of the accent medallions to the base tile. In alternative embodiments, no texturing is required, but may be provided simply as a design element affecting shading in varied lighting.

Abstract: A yarn to produce, in a synthetic grass, filiform formations reproducing natural grass comprising at least one layer of marbled (Moiriert, marbré) aspect given, for example, by the presence of stripes, streaks, bands or granular patterns each with at least marginally different coloration.

Abstract: A method of forming a thermoplastic article, including the steps of (a) forming a workpiece of a thermoplastic material of a first colour by injection molding; (b) applying a second colour on the workpiece by over-molding part of the workpiece with the thermoplastic material of the second colour by injection molding; (c) raising the temperature of the workpiece to at least the forming temperature of the thermoplastic material; and (d) enlarging the workpiece by blow molding.

Abstract: The present invention is the apparatus and method for producing a plastic sheet having a pattern produced in a layer therein. The plastic sheet is a single layer sheet or a multi-layer sheet. The pattern is produced by mixing two or more plastic extrudants together in a mixer. The pattern is visible in the layer containing the two or more plastic extrudants because an at least one of the plastic extrudants is at least partially transparent. The mixer used to produce the pattern includes a housing having an end configured to expel the mixture of the two or more extrudants through a plurality of outlets. The mixer further comprises a rotatable shaft and at least one projection coupled to the shaft and rotatable with the shaft, the at least one projection configured to orient the mixture of the two or more extrudants relative to the plurality of outlets in the housing. The mixer further comprising a thrust bearing configured to couple an end of the shaft to the housing.

Abstract: Method of glazing ceramic articles, consisting of preparing a glaze compound in liquid suspension, preferably aqueous; feeding the glaze compound in liquid suspension, preferably aqueous, into the forming cavity of a porous mould, for the time required to create a glaze film of desired thickness on the surface of the cavity by absorption of the liquid phase; feeding the slip into the same cavity for the time required to create the wall of the article by absorption of the liquid phase.

Abstract: A process and equipment for producing multi-color concrete products, including architectural concrete blocks, concrete bricks, modular concrete products that are suitable for use in landscaping applications, such as retaining wall blocks, concrete pavers, and concrete slabs. The invention includes a spray mechanism that sprays liquid pigment onto concrete discharged from a hopper. The concrete then proceeds to a blending mechanism which blends the pigment into the concrete to produce a multi-color concrete blend. The concrete blend is then used to produce multi-colored concrete products.

Abstract: A method and composition for providing a colored high performance wear surface for floor coverings is disclosed. Specifically, the floor covering includes a substrate and a high performance layer comprising a radiation cured pigmented composition. The exposed surface of the floor covering has a stain resistance of less than about 150 Delta E units. A pigmented high performance wear layer can be added in register with a printed design on the substrate or in register with an embossed texture of the substrate. Additionally, a high performance topcoat wear layer may be added. The pigmented high performance layer may include a nacreous pigment.

Abstract: A method of forming a three-dimensional sculpture comprises the steps of providing a mold having a lining and a casting cavity, applying a powder to the mold lining, pouring a casting material into the casting cavity and curing the casting material to form a casting object, said powder being transferred to said casting object during curing of said casting material, and removing said casting object from said casting cavity to form a powder-laden three-dimensional sculpture.

Abstract: A series of three-dimensional burls are formed in a filled-acrylic solid surface material by curing partially mixed steams of acrylic resin casting compositions with defined parameters of viscosity, density and surface tension.

Abstract: A method of infusing a dye into the surface of an article formed of a plastic material comprises contacting the surface with a solution including one or more solvents each aggressive to the plastic material, one or more dyes and one or more substances each capable of plasticizing the plastic material. If the plastic material is polycarbonate, then the aggressive solvent may be one or more chlorinated hydrocarbons. The dye may be a photochromic dye, a cosmetic tinting dye, dyes for absorbing infrared, laser and ultraviolet radiation, or combinations thereof. A wide range of plasticizers has been investigated. The article is contacted by the solution for ten seconds to one minute; and nearly all the infused solvent is then evaporated from the article by heating. The use of one or more plasticizers reduces or eliminates bubbling or hazing of the contacted surface during solvent evaporation.

Abstract: A process for the production of a manufactured article for coatings, for components of sanitary ware, kitchen fittings, etc., in polymerized transparent resin in which marble and other stones are embedded. The surface of the product is worked by brushing with abrasives, so as to obtain depressions corresponding to the resin, and slight projections with substantially uniform distribution corresponding to the inserts; advantageously, the inserts are “decapitated” to give smoothed surfaces.

Abstract: A colored substrate is positioned between a material and a laser, and the material is scribed with a laser that has been directed through the colored substrate. By so doing, color is transferred to the material to form the color graphic without undesirably carbonizing, melting or burning through the material. The energy density per unit time can be defined as continuous power divided by the area of the spot and the speed.

Abstract: A method of preparing a smooth watertight concrete in-ground pool surface that eliminates the use of a plaster outer surface layer that includes allowing the concrete pool body to cure for at least thirty days at which time a grinder is used to grind the surface to a smoothness and depth that is watertight and that exposes aggregates within the pool surface resulting in an aesthetically desirable permanently finished pool surface.

Abstract: A method and equipment for making plastic floor tiles of different thickness includes polyvinyl chloride (PVC) of one color or different colors heated first and then moved to a first press roller unit of a compress extending machine to be compressed into a first half-finished product. Then this first half-finished product get through a second and a third press roller units to be respectively compressed into a second half-finished product and a third half-finished (or finished) product. Further, a heating device is provided respectively beside the second and the third press roller units for heating the half-finished products with balanced temperature. Thus, the half-finished product is properly fused to make finished plastic floor tiles with different thickness from 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

Abstract: A multicolored, patterned floor covering is disclosed along with a method for its manufacture. The floor covering is made of a sheeting which has a first color, and a granular material dyed differently from the sheeting which is embedded in the sheeting along at least in the area of the top side. The sheeting and the granular material consist of cross-linkable, elastomeric materials, the granular material comprising particles which have at least two subregions dyed differently from each other and from the sheeting. The quantity and color of the fractions of each component as selected so that the mixed color resulting from an homogeneous intermixing of all the components contained in the floor covering agrees with the first color.

Abstract: A device and a method for producing concrete paving stones. These paving stones can be made from coarse grained concrete and a series of layers of colored concrete material. These layers of colored concrete material are placed in a container on top of a slider that is transversely displaceable. There is also an additional slider and a closing member disposed at the bottom of the container. The first slider, can be moved to form a passage slot between the first slider and the housing. The second slider can be moved to form a passage slot between the second slider and the housing. In addition, between the first slider and the second slider is a first deflecting curve for the colored concrete to mix around and between the second slider and the closing member is a second deflecting curve for further mixing of the colored concrete. This colored concrete is then added to the coarse grained concrete and compacted with it to create paving stones.

Abstract: A visual effect, such as a granite-look, is produced in a thermoplastic product by directly applying a sufficient amount of at least one color-containing thermoplastic resin system to the surface of an extruded sheet of a thermoplastic resin. The color-containing thermoplastic resin system is applied onto the extruded sheet after it emerges from the die and prior to it entering the rollstack.

Abstract: A method for producing artificial marble having a stripe pattern comprising injecting liquid resins having different colors into a molding cell so that they are laminated to form two or more layers; then moving a comb-like tool through the laminated liquid resins while allowing the teeth to contact the bottom surface of the molding cell, then curing the liquid resins to form artificial marble, wherein, the comb-like tool is allowed to move through the liquid resins while the interval between teeth of the comb-like tool is allowed to vary. Artificial marble can be produced having a natural marble-like appearance in which the interval of stripe varies in a natural fashion or having a radial cut moire stripe pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a composite article that includes a soft trim component employs a pair of mold halves, wherein a suitable skin material is sprayed onto a first mold cavity surface to obtain an in-mold coating, and a substrate is positioned between the mold halves such that a first area of one side of the substrate is located in opposition with the in-mold coating. A sprue defined in the second mold half, in opposition with the other side of the substrate, directs injected foam through an aperture in the substrate and into a gap defined between the one side of the substrate and the in-mold coating. A portion of the first mold half includes a layer of a sealing material that is harder than the substrate material to thereby eliminate the need to otherwise trim the overmolded soft trim component upon release from the mold.

Abstract: A visual effect, such as a granite-look, is produced in a thermoplastic product by directly applying a sufficient amount of at least one color-containing thermoplastic resin system to the surface of an extruded sheet of a thermoplastic resin. The color-containing thermoplastic resin system is applied onto the extruded sheet after it emerges from the die and prior to it entering the rollstack.

Abstract: A visual effect, such as a granite-look, is produced in a thermoplastic product by directly applying a sufficient amount of at least one color-containing thermoplastic resin system to the surface of an extruded sheet of a thermoplastic resin. The color-containing thermoplastic resin system is applied onto the extruded sheet after it emerges from the die and prior to it entering the rollstack.

Abstract: A method of forming a simulated stone and solid color plastic molded article includes a densified surface coating material that is sprayed on the surface of a mold. A glass fiber preform is inserted into the mold and the mold is filled with resin at low pressure. The densified coating material includes a matrix-forming resin and large and small densifier particles in a prescribed size ratio. Articles made in accordance with the method are also described.

Abstract: An impressed emblem is disclosed which includes a cover sheet which is used together with heat and pressure to impress a desired pattern on an emblem. The emblem can also be impressed with a pattern and simultaneously heat-sealed onto a desired substrate.

Abstract: A process for applying color to an article made of clay. Color can be applied to such diverse articles as pottery, earthenware, figurines, ceramics, porcelains, china, tiles domes and other decorative roofings. The application of color to clay articles is easily adapted to industrial, commercial or artistic uses.

Abstract: A method of making a cast concrete stepping stone whose exposed upper surface has the appearance of two or more grouted attractive natural stepping stones. A liquid release agent is applied to the mold which is then placed on a vibrator table and filled with wet concrete. The mold is vibrated for about 30 seconds and the surface of the concrete troweled smooth. Dry body color is sprinkled over the concrete surface and troweled to completely cover the concrete. A dry release agent containing powdered color having a darker shade than the body color is sprinkled over the dry body color covering the concrete. The desired pattern is then pressed into the surface of the concrete and after a six hour drying time, the cast stepping stone is removed from the mold. Excess body color and release agent are washed away and the washed surfaces totally dried. Finally a clear concrete sealer is applied to the exposed upper surface of the concrete stepping stone.

Abstract: A method for molding a novelty candle having flat sides incorporating a plurality of defined shapes located at the outer surface of the flat sides of the candle and a method of making same are provided. The method has the steps of: forming a sheet of wax to a desired thickness; heating the sheet of wax to below the melting temperature of the wax; cutting a plurality of shapes from the heated sheet of wax; arranging the plurality of shapes in a mold having an interior defined by flat sidewalls flush against the flat sidewalls and filling the interior of the mold with wax. In another embodiment, a novelty candle having a tree-like wax ornamentation on the surface thereof and a method of making same are also provided.

Abstract: A method for achieving high definition graphics in the surface of a body molded from plastic powders. The method is specifically described for use in achieving high definition graphics in the surfaces of kayaks formed by rotational molding using plastic powders, with the kayak mold being heated to above the transition temperature of the plastic powders. The high definition graphics are achieved by preplacing a stencil containing cut-outs for the desired design against the surface of the kayak body mold. The openings of the stencil are filled with a plastic powder corresponding to the color(s) of the design. After removal of the stencil, an overlayer of plastic powder corresponding to the main kayak hull is applied. Local heating is achieved to form a skin on the combination of these pre-placed powders. Subsequent heating of the entire mold in a heated oven, with appropriate rotation of the mold, distributes the bulk powder for the hull, melts the powders, and forms the entire hull.

Abstract: A method for producing a wall, roadway, sidewalk or floor of cementitious material having the appearance of natural stone and mortar including a base with an outer surface with a plurality of irregular shaped protrusions disposed in a random pattern to simulate natural stones and a plurality of simulated grout lines formed therebetween, the method including the steps of preparing a cementitious material, pouring the cementitious material into a form, vibrating the cementitious material, allowing the cementitious material to cure forming the base with the outer surface, releasing the base with the plurality of irregular shaped protrusions disposed in the random pattern to simulate natural stones and the plurality of simulated grout lines formed therebetween from the form, coloring the outer surface and accenting the plurality of simulated grout lines.

Abstract: A decorative sheet for construction is disclosed. The decorative sheet for construction comprises a thermoplastic polyester resin foam forming a surface layer, a large number of inorganic aggregates scattered over the surface of the foam in the presence of an adhesive, said inorganic aggregates forming a decorative face layer by the medium of the adhesive, and a backing layer formed on the decorative face layer. The decorative sheet of the present invention enablesits decorative face layer with a backing layer to be reliably and readily transferred to the surface of concrete construction or products, and yet which enables a foam layer as a protective layer for the decorative face layer with a backing layer to be readily removed after application. A decorative concrete product for construction using the same, and processes forpreparing them are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of producing replicated paving stone including a base having a shaded and stratified layered upper surface with a plurality of simulated grout lines formed therein including the steps of preparing a cementitious mortar, applying a release agent to the interior of a forming mold, pouring the cementitious mortar into the forming mold, leveling the mortar, vibrating the forming mold and cementitious mortar therein, allowing the cementitious mortar to cure forming a base with an upper surface, releasing the base from the forming mold, applying an acid stain to the base, allowing the acid stain to etch the base to shade the upper surface, accenting the plurality of simulated grout lines with a pigment and sealing the replicated paving stone with an acrylic polymer sealer.

Abstract: Simulated granite articles manufactured by coating a mold with a gel coat and then a spray composition including a gel coat material and crushed natural granite, crushed synthetic granite and mixtures thereof. Backing material fills the remainder of the mold. Gel coat and crushed synthetic granite may be sprayed directly on the mold, with a modified spray gun being used to efficiently and uniformly spray the granite composition.

Abstract: A patterned tool and method for producing a durable tactile warning surface for sidewalks and other walkways including pouring a concrete base, applying pigmented or colored hardener to the upper surface of the concrete base, stamping the upper surface of the concrete base with the patterned tool including a substantially flat member having a plurality of symmetrically disposed recesses of a predetermined diameter and depth formed on the lower surface thereof and a plurality of corresponding vent channels formed through the substantially flat member in communication with each corresponding recess and curing the concrete base to form a durable tactile warning surface including a plurality of symmetrically disposed raised elements of a predetermined diameter, height and spacing corresponding to the plurality of recesses to produce an uneven surface visually contrasting with adjacent surface areas.

Abstract: There is provided an imitation stone counter material and a method of making the same. In one embodiment, the material consists of a layer of gel coat over a stone matrix layer. The matrix layer mixture consists of a hardenable resin, a thickening agent, and a crushed stone aggregate. To the stone matrix layer is applied a layer of fiberglass and curable resin. In an alternative embodiment, alternating layers of foam and fiberglass are applied to the stone matrix layer to provide the desired structural integrity to the final imitation stone counter material.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a mixture of polymeric phases wherein a plurality of fluid material having different phases are fed into a phase programmer, and said phase programmer separately and sequentially injects pulses of said polymeric materials into a reservoir. The material may be passed through an extrudate shaping device so as to provide a moasic structure comprising an agglomeration of a plurality of said polymeric phases, each of which phases are substantially non-continuous in any dimension and which are interrupted with substantially no intermixing between phases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing an inlay in golf irons which includes preparing an iron having a large cavity in its back and placing a preselected number of small weights in the bottom inner spline of the club and covering said weights with a first layer of epoxy. A second layer of epoxy having a decorative material included is placed over the first layer shortly after the first layer has set. During the setting of the second layer it is swirled a number of times. A protective coating is applied over the second layer after it has substantially cured.

Abstract: A synthetic onyx material and method of preparation having veined coloring marks, within a matrix, in a smoothly flowing, variegated pattern resembling the flow of colored contaminants in natural onyx; the patterns are in juxtaposed portions revealing an optical boundary.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a molded outer covering, comprising the steps of mixing two or more powder resin materials having different colors at a desired mixing ratio to prepare a powder mixture, and then heating the powder mixture in a preheated molded die, so that the powder mixture melts, resulting in a formation of a molded product having a pepper and salt pattern on the outer surface thereof.