Abstract: A textile composite contains a sublayer coated with unactivated solid sublimation dyes and incorporated with the layers of the textile composite or placed between a fabric layer and a backing layer. The sublimation dyes are activated with heat and pressure, and dying or coloring the inner strata of the textile composite.

Abstract: An unshaped product including, as weight percentages, A) particles (a) of at least one refractory material other than a glass and a glass-ceramic, and the main constituent(s) of which are alumina and/or zirconia and/or silica and/or chromium oxide: B) 2% to 15% of particles (b) of a hot binder chosen from glass-ceramic particles, particles made of a glass, and the mixtures of these particles, a glass being a noncrystalline material exhibiting a glass transition temperature of less than 1100° C., the hot binder not being in the solid state at 1500° C., C) less than 2% of particles (c) of hydraulic cement, D) less than 7% of other constituents, the particles (a) and (b) being distributed, as weight percentages in the following way: fraction<0.5 ?m: ?1%, fraction<2 ?m: ?4%, fraction<10 ?m: ?13%, fraction<40 ?m: 25%-52%.

Abstract: A preparation method of a separator for an electrochemical device, and a preparation apparatus therefor are provided. The preparation method includes: supplying a porous separator substrate; coating one surface of the porous separator substrate with a first coating agent and a second coating agent by means of a first coating part of a die coating method that includes a first roller; coating the other surface of the porous separator substrate with a third coating agent by means of a second coating part of a roll coating method that includes a second roller; and forming a first coating layer, a second coating layer and a third coating layer by drying the porous separator substrate coated with the first coating agent, the second coating agent and the third coating agent coated thereon, in which a pattern is formed on the surface of the second roller.

Abstract: To provide a transfer apparatus correcting a curl of a card efficiently while preventing the card from deteriorating, a printing apparatus includes a transfer section transferring a transfer surface of a transfer film to the card, a rotating unit reversing the front side and back side of the card in two-sided transfer, a decurl mechanism correcting a curl of the card with the transfer surface transferred in the transfer section, and a control section controlling the decurl mechanism. The control section controls the decurl mechanism such that a correction amount for the card with the transfer surface transferred to one surface in two-sided transfer is smaller than a correction amount for the card in one-sided transfer, and that the total sum of correction amounts for respective surfaces of the card in two-sided transfer is smaller than the correction amount for the card in one-sided transfer.

Abstract: A recording medium, including: an ink-receiving layer configured to receive an ink for inkjet recording; and a transparent sheet having a total luminous transmittance of 50% or more, wherein the recoding medium has a layered structure in which the transparent sheet and the ink-receiving layer are sequentially stacked, and the ink-receiving layer includes a gap-absorption-type ink-receiving layer including a composition including at least inorganic fine particles and polyvinyl alcohol having a weight-average polymerization degree of 2,000 or more and 5,000 or less and a saponification degree of 70 mol % or more and 90 mol % or less.

Abstract: The system (10) includes at least one elastomeric, vulcanizable ink (18) that defines a decorative decal image (20). The decal image (20) has perimeter edges (22) and a display area (24) extending between the perimeter edges (22). The vulcanizable ink is vulcanized upon a carrier sheet (12). A heat-activated adhesive layer (26) is applied to overlie the display area (24) of the decal image (20), and the heat-activated adhesive layer (26) is also partially activated upon the display area (24) of the decal image (20). The decorative decal image (20) having the partially activated adhesive layer (26) is then thermally transferable to a vulcanized rubber product (28) such as a side wall (30) of an automotive tire (32), after which the carrier sheet (12) is removed.

Abstract: A method of transferring a dye to a composite material comprising applying the dye to a transfer media to create a colored transfer media, placing the colored transfer media into contact with the composite material, and applying, using an autoclave, at least one of heat, external pressure, vacuum pressure to infuse the dye to the composite material to create a colored composite material.

Abstract: A glass panel is partially printed with a plurality of layers in the form of a print pattern which subdivides the panel into a plurality of discrete printed areas and/or a plurality of discrete unprinted areas, the layers being in substantially exact registration. Exact registration is achieved by the application of a plurality of superimposed layers to a sheet of glass. One layer contains-ceramic ink comprising glass frit. The glass sheet and layers are subjected to a heat treatment process which causes the glass frit to fuse to the glass and bind at least one other layer of ink within the print pattern. Ink outside the print pattern is burnt off and/or vaporised during the heat treatment process and/or removed by a subsequent finishing process, to leave the desired layers in substantially exact registration within the print pattern.

Abstract: An evaporation donor substrate which enables only a desired evaporation material to be evaporated at the time of deposition by an evaporation method, and capable of reduction in manufacturing cost by increase in use efficiency of the evaporation material and deposition with high uniformity. An evaporation donor substrate capable of controlling laser light so that a desired position of an evaporation donor substrate is irradiated with the laser light in accordance with the wavelength of the emitted laser light at the time of evaporation. Specifically, an evaporation donor substrate in which a region which reflects laser light and a region which absorbs laser light at the time of irradiation with laser light having a wavelength of greater than or equal to 400 nm and less than or equal to 600 nm at the time of evaporation are formed.

Abstract: A method of transferring a dye to a composite material comprising applying the dye to a transfer media to create a colored transfer media, placing the colored transfer media into contact with the composite material, and applying, using an autoclave, at least one of heat, external pressure, vacuum pressure to infuse the dye to the composite material to create a colored composite material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermosensitive multiple recording sheet characterized in that a second base material having light transmission properties is attached to the side of a first thermosensitive recording layer of a first thermosensitive recording sheet comprising a first base material and the first thermosensitive recording layer formed on one surface of the first base material, through a temporary adhesive layer, the second base material is composed of an information disclosing portion and an information non-disclosing portion, a shielding layer is formed at the position corresponding to the information non-disclosing portion on the second base material, and an ultraviolet curable resin layer are formed as an outermost layer of the sheet.

Abstract: Thermal transfer printing method and apparatus are provided to make initial character image data left on a spent ink ribbon illegible. In the method, after forming an initial character image FGi1 on an ink layer 11b in black of the ink ribbon 11, a forefront position S1 of the ink layer 11b is aligned with a forefront position S2 of an intermediate transfer film 25. Then, overwrite character image data UGD1 is applied on a thermal head 19 to produce a first superimpose character image KG1i1 on the ribbon 11 and a first superimpose character image KG1m1 on the film 25. After that, the forefront position S1 of the ink layer 11b is shifted from the forefront position S2 of the film 25 by a predetermined distance and further, the overwrite character image data UGD1 is applied on the thermal head 19 to produce a second superimpose character image KG2i1 on the ribbon 11 and a second superimpose character image KG2m1 on the film 25.

Abstract: A method for creating imagery on a surface by establishing a visual boundary between two surface color regions and applying a dry transfer object proximate the visual boundary such that when the dry transfer object is substantially the same color as one of the surface regions, a negative space effect is created within the second surface color region to define thereby a desired image.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing a substrate-supported aligned carbon nanotube film including: synthesizing a layer of aligned carbon nanotubes on the substrate capable of supporting nanotube growth, applying a layer of a second substrate to a top surface of aligned carbon nanotube layer, removing said substrate capable of supporting nanotube growth to provide an aligned carbon nanotube film supported on said second substrate.

Abstract: A method for producing a lenticular material having a predetermined surface characteristic of high quality and definition formed on one side thereof is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a rotating, engraved cylindrical roll, advancing a material along a predetermined path of travel while directing one surface of the material into contact with a peripheral surface of the rotating, engraved cylindrical roll, applying to the peripheral surface of the roll a coating of a uncured resin, such that the coating is located about the roll and beneath the material, controlling the thickness of the coating, curing the resin coated about the material, and directing the material with the cured resin thereon away from the rotating cylindrical roll.

Abstract: An optical coating is applied to an article surface of an article by providing a deposition substrate other than the article surface, wherein the deposition substrate is made of a removable material. The optical coating is thereafter deposited onto the deposition substrate. The optical coating is thereafter transferred to the article surface using a transfer support, which may be the deposition substrate or may be a different piece. The method includes thereafter affixing the optical coating to the article surface, and thereafter removing the transfer support.

Abstract: Articles for applying color on a surface comprise a sheet of dry color component and an adhesive on one surface of the sheet of dry color component. The article further includes a releasable liner, and the sheet of dry color component is arranged between the releasable liner and the adhesive. Methods for providing a substantially permanent color effect on an architectural surface comprise delivering such an article to the architectural surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a masking media for heat activated graphics. The masking media includes a film having a first release surface, an opposite. treated surface, and a two-part adhesive applied to the treated surface. The adhesive is adapted to secure graphics to the film to enable the graphics to be hot-pressed onto a fabric substrate. The adhesive includes acrylic and isocyanate in a ratio of isocyanate to acrylic of at least about 1.1%. The media can be wound upon itself with the adhesive contacting the release surface and subsequently being unwound with the adhesive releasing from the release surface.

Abstract: A method of producing a reflective design includes the steps of lasering a pattern on an adhesive side of a reflective laminated material. The lasering ablates the adhesive and causes these areas to not adhere. The reflective laminate material is applied to a substrate. A carrier layer of the reflective laminate is removed to produce a reflective design on the substrate. This method allows for highly customized designs at a reasonable cost that are very visually appealing. The substrate may be a textile, paper, or decal material. The textile may be the garment or may be a patch that is sewn onto a garment or applied to the garment with an adhesive.

Abstract: When an image is formed by imparting aqueous ink discharged from a recording head onto a recording medium P, water content contained in the aqueous ink is evaporated by a heater to suppress curl generated in the recording medium P after the image formation. The aqueous ink contains at least 15% by weight of curl control agent, and the viscosity of the aqueous ink is lower than 4 cp. The viscosity is increased to suppress the curl generation by evaporating the water content contained in the aqueous ink imparted on the recording medium P after the image formation.

Abstract: An ink jet printing process in which an image is permanently bound, directly or indirectly, to a final substrate by reaction of the ink with the substrate. An ink jet ink is that is comprised of reactive dyes, direct dyes or combinations thereof are printed according to the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer sheet suitable for the formation of electrode patterns, dielectric layers, barrier layers, etc. in plasma display panels (PDPs), field emission displays (FEDS), liquid crystal displays (LCDS), fluorescent displays, hybrid integrated circuits, etc. The transfer sheet comprises a base film and a transfer layer releasably provided on the base film, optionally with a protective film provided on the transfer layer. The transfer layer comprises an inorganic component including a glass frit and an organic component removable by firing, optionally with an electrically conductive powder.

Abstract: A process for the production of a coating layer from a thermally curable coating composition on a substrate, comprising the successive steps: a) providing a substrate to be coated, b) applying a backing foil coated on one side with an uncured or at least only partially cured coating layer of a thermally curable coating composition, with its coated side on the entire surface or at least one sub-zone of the surface of the substrate, c) supplying thermal energy onto the entire coating applied in step b), and d) removing the backing foil from the coating which remains on the substrate; wherein the supply of thermal energy onto the coating proceeds prior to and/or after removal of the backing foil.

Abstract: A process for decorating an article, including preparing a transfer sheet of flexible paper by printing with at least one subliming substance; applying the transfer sheet to the article to be decorated; and applying heat by dipping the article to be decorated and the transfer sheet into a bath of non-ferrous metal alloy maintained at a nominal temperature to activate the subliming substance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot marking method enabling decoration to be made on an article, the method comprising the steps consisting in: supplying a multilayer structure comprising a layer of varnish that hardens under the effect of radiation, a backing layer, and a layer of decoration, the varnish layer being situated between the backing layer and the decoration layer; bringing said multilayer structure into contact with the article; applying pressure and heat to the backing layer at the location where it is desired to transfer the decoration layer onto the article, the varnish layer being such as to be transferred locally onto the article together with the decoration layer; withdrawing the backing layer; and causing the layer of varnish that has been transferred onto the article to harden by exposing it to said radiation.

Abstract: A method of producing a reflective design includes the steps of lasering a pattern on an adhesive side of a reflective laminated material. The lasering ablates the adhesive and causes these areas to not adhere. The reflective laminate material is applied to a substrate. A carrier layer of the reflective laminate is removed to produce a reflective design on the substrate. This method allows for highly customized designs at a reasonable cost that are very visually appealing. The substrate may be a textile, paper, or decal material. The textile may be the garment or may be a patch that is sewn onto a garment or applied to the garment with an adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention includes an image transfer sheet. The image transfer sheet comprises a release layer and a polymer layer. One or more of the release layer and the polymer layer comprise titanium oxide or other white pigment.

Abstract: Thermal transfer printing method and apparatus are provided to make initial character image data left on a spent ink ribbon illegible. In the method, after forming an initial character image FGi1 on an ink layer 11b in black of the ink ribbon 11, a forefront position S1 of the ink layer 11b is aligned with a forefront position S2 of an intermediate transfer film 25. Then, overwrite character image data UGD1 is applied on a thermal head 19 to produce a first superimpose character image KG1i1 on the ribbon 11 and a first superimpose character image KG1m1 on the film 25. After that, the forefront position S1 of the ink layer 11b is shifted from the forefront position S2 of the film 25 by a predetermined distance and further, the overwrite character image data UGD1 is applied on the thermal head 19 to produce a second superimpose character image KG2i1 on the ribbon 11 and a second superimpose character image KG2m1 on the film 25.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting articles comprising a colorless thermal mass transferred image, methods of thermal mass transfer printing substrate such as polymeric films with a colorless thermal mass transferable composition, and thermal mass transfer ribbon articles comprising a colorless thermal mass transferable composition are described. The thermal mass transfer composition comprises a homogeneous unreactive thermoplastic composition comprising at least one acrylic resin and less than 3 wt-% of components that are opaque at ambient temperature.

Abstract: Thermal sublimation card printers and associated method for printing image onto a card are disclosed. One proposed method includes receiving target image data; moving a card; transferring dyes of a ribbon onto the card according to the target image data while moving the card; detecting the movement of the card; when the card has moved a predetermined distance, determining image characteristics corresponding to remaining image data of the target image data that has not printed yet; determining image content to be printed onto remaining area of the card according to determined image characteristics; and transferring dyes of the ribbon onto the remaining area of the card according to the image content.

Abstract: A process for the production of a coating layer from a thermally curable coating composition on a substrate, comprising the successive steps: a) providing a substrate to be coated, b) applying a backing foil coated on one side with an uncured or at least only partially cured coating layer of a thermally curable coating composition, with its coated side on the entire surface or at least one sub-zone of the surface of the substrate, c) supplying thermal energy onto the entire coating applied in step b), and d) removing the backing foil from the coating which remains on the substrate; wherein the supply of thermal energy onto the coating proceeds prior to and/or after removal of the backing foil.

Abstract: A substrate supporting frame, a substrate supporting frame assembly including the frame, a method of framing a substrate using the frame, a method of fabricating a donor substrate using the substrate supporting frame assembly, and a method of fabricating an Organic Light Emitting Display (OLED) using the donor substrate each include a substrate supporting frame having a main body having an opening, a plurality of pins protruding from at least two sides of a top surface of the main body, and outer pressing units for respectively pressing the plurality of pins outward from the main body.

Abstract: A substrate supporting frame, a substrate supporting frame assembly including the frame, a method of framing a substrate using the frame, a method of fabricating a donor substrate using the substrate supporting frame assembly, and a method of fabricating an Organic Light Emitting Display (OLED) using the donor substrate each include a substrate supporting frame having a main body having an opening, a plurality of pins protruding from at least two sides of a top surface of the main body, and outer pressing units for respectively pressing the plurality of pins outward from the main body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-setting label sheet that is a polymeric transfer sheet that can be marked and transferred by the consumer. Also encompassed by the present invention is a method of transferring the heat-setting label sheets. The heat-setting label sheets of the present invention comprise a support; an optional pressure sensitive adhesive layer; an Adhesion Layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer which melts in the range of 50–250° C., a wax which melts in the range of 50–250° C., or combinations thereof; an optional opaque layer comprising a styrene-butadiene latex, thermoplastic polymer, elastomer, and optional pigment; and a second optional opaque layer comprising vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, thermoplastic elastomer, elastomer and optional pigment. The heat-setting label sheet of the present invention can be imaged by an electrostatic printer or copier, ink jet printer, offset or screen printing, craft-type marking, and the like.

Abstract: The method of transferring a coating onto articles having skew surfaces comprises the steps of applying a coating on the articles, which coating is carried by a transfer support that has a pyrolysis temperature lower than a melting temperature of the coating, the coating itself having a sealing temperature lower than the pyrolysis temperature of the transfer support, and then of subjecting articles coated in this way to the melting temperature of the coating.

Abstract: A method of applying an edge electrode pattern to a touch screen. The method includes depositing, on a first surface of a decal strip, conductive material in the form of an edge electrode pattern, placing the first surface of the decal strip on one edge of a touch screen, applying heat and pressure to an opposite surface of the decal strip until the edge electrode pattern is transferred from the first surface of the decal strip to the touch screen; and removing the decal strip.

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

Abstract: High quality full color images are printed with sublimation inks on transfer paper. The images are applied to prepared surfaces on parts, especially surfaces such as anodized aluminum prepared according to specific processes but also to other materials. Image transfer is accomplished by heating the part and/or the transfer paper and image under pressure. Once the image transfer is complete the parts are processed to ensure longevity of the image. The process may be used to apply images to parts having any 3 dimensional shapes.

Abstract: An ultraviolet post cure heat transfer label for application to an item includes a carrier web, a release coat applied to the carrier web and a composition including a cationic ultraviolet curable ink applied to the release coat. The ink has a solvent in a concentration of at a least about 20 percent by weight of the ink. The ink is dried in a non-UV process to form a storable film on the carrier web. The composition is transferred to the item and the ink is cured, by application of ultraviolet energy, following transfer to the item. A method for making the label and a method for marking an item are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for forming a dye sublimation image in a substrate, particularly a plastic substrate, and apparatus to perform the method. According to the method taught by the present invention, a substrate is disposed on a perforated platen and a dye carrier having an image formed thereon of a dye sublimation ink is disposed on the substrate such that the image is in contact with the substrate. The substrate, dye carrier and at least a portion of the perforated platen are then covered with a flexible membrane. A clamping pressure is then applied to the substrate and the dye carrier through the membrane. Once the clamping pressure is attained, the substrate and dye carrier are first heated, then cooled. The invention disclosed herein further teaches a number of novel apparatus to effect the method, resulting in significantly superior dye sublimation imaging than heretofore attainable in rigid plastic sheets.

Abstract: A method of using an overlay (310) to verify or form folding, embossing, or rule die (320) comprising the steps of: forming an overlay consisting of the steps of: creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and a support layer (145); laminating a plastic sheet (260) with the imaged receiver sheet thereby encapsulating the image; removing the support layer forming an overlay with an electrostatic charge; and using the overlay to verify or form a folding, embossing, or rule die.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for producing an image on one or more surfaces of a wood or wood composite substrate by applying a receptor coat to at least the one or more surfaces of the substrate, transferring the image to the receptor coat using a variety of image transfer processes and applying a topcoat to the image and receptor coat. The system implements the above method using a series of stations and includes a series of platens connected together by a chain and a set of rollers that allow the substrate to travel through the stations on the platens. The resulting wood or wood composite product includes a substrate, a receptor coat disposed on one or more surfaces of the substrate, an image disposed on or within the one or more surfaces of the receptor coat and a top coat disposed on the image and receptor coat.

Abstract: A process for the production of a coating layer from a coating composition curable with high-energy radiation on a substrate, comprising the successive steps: a) providing a substrate to be coated, b) applying a backing foil coated on one side with an uncured or at least only partially cured coating layer of a coating composition curable by means of high-energy radiation, with its coated side on the entire surface or at least one sub-zone of the surface of the substrate, c) irradiating the entire coating applied in step b) with high-energy radiation, and d) removing the backing foil from the coating which remains on the substrate; wherein irradiation of the coating proceeds through the backing foil and/or after removal of the backing foil.

Abstract: A method of forming an overlay (310) to form a rule die (320) comprising the steps of: forming an overlay using a method consisting of the steps of: creating an imaged receiver sheet (140) having an image (210), a first thermal print layer (224), and first support layer (150); laminating an imageless receiver sheet (160) having a second thermal print layer (228) and a second support layer (170) with the imaged receiver sheet, thereby encapsulating the image; removing the first support layer; and removing the second support layer. The overlay has an electrostatic charge to verify or form the rule die.

Abstract: A method of making a glow in the dark puff heat transfer material and a composition of glow in the dark puff heat transfer material are presented in this invention. Unlike many prior art heat transfer methods, the heat transfer method utilized in the present invention adheres to OSHA regulations 29 CFR 1910.1017. The process of making the glow in the dark puff heat transfer material comprises the steps of applying one or more layers of a specific glowing material between the colors layers. The composition comprises specific amounts of a glow clear base, glow puff material, translucent inks, and an effective amount of glowing material. A printable adhesive base may be added to the composition if the glowing material is not mixed with the glow clear base or with the glow puff material. The composition is printed on a paper substrate and cured through a conventional dryer.

Abstract: A printed product and an accompanying method for forming the product wherein a transfer layer of an intermediate transfer recording medium can be transferred by a multi-layer transferring adhesive layer having a suitable adhesive product to either the transfer layer or a transfer-receiving material without the transferred images becoming turbulent.

Abstract: An improved ink-jet printable heat-transfer medium comprising a base substrate having a surface coated with a hot-melt layer and an ink-receptive layer is provided. The ink-receptive layer comprises: i) non-polymeric organic particles that are a reaction product of a diamine and two molecules, each molecule having at least one carboxylic acid group and at least five carbon atoms, ii) thermoplastic polymer particles, and iii) a thermoplastic film-forming binder. The heat-transfer paper can produce printed images having improved color quality, hand, and wash-durability on a variety of fabric materials.

Abstract: A process for transferring a thin polymeric film to either woven or non-woven fabrics by first coextruding the thin polymeric film with a plastic support layer, then adhesively laminating the polymeric film to a fabric, followed by delaminating the support layer. The thin base layer remaining on the fabric imparts desired properties to the fabric while maintaining the soft feel, or drapeability, of the fabric, as opposed to lamination of thicker polymeric films to fabrics.

Abstract: A method of forming a scratch resistant color ink pattern of multi-color coatings (5) onto a see-through panel (6) with exact registration between successive color coatings of the pattern.