Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming absorbent articles having superabsorbent particles. Air-entrained absorbent particles are directed through a diverter valve which alternately directs the particles to first and second dispensing nozzles. The nozzles are positioned for dispensing the particles into a moving web of fibrous material, such as wood pulp fluff. Selective operation of the valve in synchronization with the conveying arrangement for the wood pulp fibrous material permits deposition of the absorbent particles in desired patterns within selected portions of the fibrous material.

Abstract: A protectant for forage crops. The protectant is made from a mixture of water and plaintain husks, such as psyllium. A thickening and suspending agent ma be used to assist the adherence of the protectant to harvested forage. A preferred agent is carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC), an accepted additive for use in food products. The mixture when dried forms a moisture resistant hardened coating which prohibits the crops from deterioration and weather. A layer of the protectant is applied to the generally upwardly facing surfaces of a quantity of forage. A common form of accumulated forage is the round bale, and the protectant of the present invention is preferably applied to round bales with a arcuate sprayboom which applies a heavier layer of the protectant to top surfaces of the bale and a lighter layer to side surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effecting zoned deposition of superabsorbent particles in a fibrous web includes the use of dual dispensing nozzles for forming selected deposition patterns. Fluidized streams of the superabsorbent particles are formed, with rotary valve assemblies employed for creating pulsed flow to each of the dispensing nozzles. The length, width, and relative positioning of the deposition patterns can be selectively varied in accordance with desired performance characteristics.

Abstract: A method of molding soft sheet material having a foam layer and a skin layer. In the method, a skin powder is sprinkled on a predetermined area of the foam layer for forming the skin layer. The predetermined area is such that when the molded product is produced, the only waste material needing to be removed is foam layer. Therefore, the method enables recycling of the waste material and provides an increased yield.

Abstract: Process for coating tacky surface areas of an object, e.g., polymer surfaces making tacky areas by irradiation, commprising bringing particulate coating material, e.g., pigments, metals, etc., into contact with the tacky surface areas, and removing excess particulate coating material particularly from non-tacky areas, the particulate coating material being compressed beyond its bulk density by continuous vibration for at least a part of the time the particulate coating material is in contact with the surface to be coated. The process is useful in the preparation of color TV screens, electrical circuits, etc.

Abstract: A laundry iron lubricating means is provided comprising a fabric substrate having a coating containing a lubrication agent. In the operation of the device, the hot laundry iron is run over the coated fabric with normal pressure. The lubrication provided by a single pass reduces iron drag by 20 to 50%, adequate for the ironing of at least one large garment without need for a second pass. The greater the sole temperature of the iron, the greater the drag reduction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing a latent magnetic image in which a layer of magnetically attractable toner powder having a specific resistance less than 10.sup.9 ohms.meter is conveyed by a toner conveyor to a developing zone past a medium carrying the latent image and an AC voltage is applied between the toner conveyor and the medium carrying the latent image.

Abstract: A thermal transfer material, comprising a support, and a heat-transferable ink layer. The heat-transferable ink layer includes at least two species of domains of heat-fusible materials. The thermal transfer material provides a transfer image of high density and clear edges even on a recording medium having poor surface smoothness, particularly when peeled off the recording medium within 50 milli-seconds after the heat application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively sintering a layer of powder to produce a part comprising a plurality of sintered layers. The apparatus includes a computer controlling a laser to direct the laser energy onto the powder to produce a sintered mass. The computer either determines or is programmed with the boundaries of the desired cross-sectional regions of the part. For each cross-section, the aim of the laser beam is scanned over a layer of powder and the beam is switched on to sinter only the powder within the boundaries of the cross-section. Powder is applied and successive layers sintered until a completed part is formed. Preferably, the powder dispensing mechanism includes a drum which is moved horizontally across the target area and counter-rotated to smooth and distribute the powder in an even layer across the target area. A downdraft system provides controlled temperature air flow through the target area to moderate powder temperature during sintering.

Abstract: A method of enhancement of a type impression printed by impact from an ink bearing fabric ribbon which involves applying thermographic powder to the type impression, applying heat to the type impression and thermogaphic powder at a temperature (usually about 100.degree.-150.degree. C./212.degree.-302.degree. F.) and for a time (usually a few seconds) sufficient to melt the thermographic powder, and allowing the melted thermographic powder to cool and adhere to the type impression. Ribbons which may be used in this process include cloth, nylon and similar fabric ribbons but exclude such non-fabric ribbons as film ribbons. Further, the ribbon must be ink bearing and cannot be a ribbon of the type commonly referred to as a "carbon ribbon". The powder may also contain a material capable of imparting an opaque, metallic or pigmented appearance to the enhanced type impression.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a temporary layer of a release agent on a substrate such as glass by applying a liquid dispersion of solid particles which do not bond to the glass or form a film and evaporating the liquid to yield a layer of loosely adherent particles on the substrate surface.

Abstract: A fabrication method for applying electrically conductive circuit traces to a substrate is described. The method uses an ink composition which is applied to a selected substrate by an ink delivery system. The ink includes an adhesive in combination with other additives, including one or more sovlents. The ink is delivered by the ink jet system in a selected pattern, followed by the application of a powdered metal to the pattern which adheres to the adhesive in the ink. After the removal of excess powder, the substrate, pattern and powder are heated in an amount sufficient to melt the powder on the substrate. This produces a pattern of conductive traces geometrically corresponding to the ink pattern initially applied to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of applying a multicolor finish to an elongated channel member, particularly a ball channel for a pinball machine. A first fusible color coating is applied to a first portion of the channel member. A second fusible color coating is applied to a second portion of the channel member, while also applying the second color coating to a part of the first portion. The part of the first portion is adjacent the second portion, and the first and second color coatings are of different colors. Upon fusion of the color coatings the part of the first portion of the channel member assumes a third color that is a blend of the first and second colors, to provide a pleasing ball channel of at least three colors.

Abstract: A thermographic relief printing method is shown for printing a substrate at a printing station. The substrate is sprinkled with a thermographic powder at successive stations with each application station being provided with an applicator for applying a powder a predetermined grain size. The grain sizes are selected to achieve the maximum packing density and the powders are formed with substantially microspheric form of a specified diameter. The diameter of the powder grains at the first application station is greater than the diameter of the powder grains at the next successive application station. The substrate is passed to an oven in which the powder is fused to the printed areas of the substrate.

Abstract: A process for providing the surface of a film made from a weldable polymer material with projections. The projections are formed by particles which are applied, in particular sprayed, in the molten state onto the film surface. The welding factor is preferably significantly below 1.

Abstract: A process for heating and coating a weld joint in a pipe comprising placing an open heating and coating ring on the pipe over the center of the weld joint; the heating and coating ring being an articulated yoke adapted to encircle the pipe when the ring is in the closed position and comprising an upper yoke section and two side yoke sections which pivot with respect to the upper yoke section, a pair of releasable locking devices mounted on the upper yoke section for engaging the side yoke sections when the latter are pivoted outwardly away from each other to an open position of the ring thereby locking the side yoke sections in the open position; the upper yoke section having a powder dispensing system mounted thereon for later dispensing a powdered coating material therefrom onto the surface of the pipe; each side yoke section having an induction heating assembly mounted thereon, each induction heater assembly including an induction coil comprising a length of hollow copper tubing wound in an elliptical patt

Abstract: Modified ink, method of printing, and articles printed therewith. Abrasive particles are combined with a conventional ink formulation. The ink, including the abrasive particles, is pushed through a conventional screen printing screen and printed onto a substrate, whereby the surface of the substrate acquires an abrasive texture in the areas so printed.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing the permanence of printed images. A substrate with a heated, fused toner image is passed by a PTFE powder coated roller for selective contact therewith by a pivotable engagement bar. The PTFE particles are adhered only to the desired imprinted areas and not to the non-printed and non-selected areas of the substrate. The powder is dispensed on a selective basis to the surface of the substrate. The invention also includes the method for enhancing the permanence of a printed image on the substrate.

Abstract: To produce a layer in a multi-layer circuit structure, a "green ceramic tape" (16) comprising a sheet of particles of ceramic, glass ceramic, or a glass/ceramic composite in an organic binder is applied to a ceramic substrate (12) on which conductive paths (14) have been deposited. A slurry of hollow microspheres (20) is then deposited onto the green ceramic tape (16), and pressure is applied to drive the spheres into the tape. A further tape layer (22) is then applied, and the resultant structure is fired.

Abstract: An improved process for the flame spray coating of an object with a polymeric material comprising a linear alternating polymer of carbon monoxide and at least one ethylenically unsaturated hydrocarbon, optionally blended with ethylene/.alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer, includes coating the object with a first coating of the polymeric material, thermally degrading at least the surface of the first coat, and subsequently supplying a second coating of the polymeric material.

Abstract: A method of manufacture for producing a decorative laminate which exhibits through-color printing is provided in which a layer of absorptive PVC resin particles of substantially only one particle thickness is printed with, for example, three differently colored vinyl plastisol printing inks. The decorative article is useful as a floor covering.

Abstract: A method for replenishing depleted portions of an ink sheet including a conductive ink layer on a dielectric layer wherein portions of ink have been transferred to a transfer medium. Conductive replacement ink material is supplied to the ink sheet and an electric charge is induced in the replacement ink and opposite charges are induced at an electrode on the opposite side of the dielectric layer. Replacement ink contacting the dielectric layer at the voids will adhere to the ink sheet, but charges in the replacement ink contacting the non-transcribed ink regions will flow to the conductive ink layer and will not adhere to the ink sheet.

Abstract: A highly aligned rare-earth transition metal alloy magnet material such as samarium-cobalt (SmCo.sub.5). The high degree of alignment is evidenced by an isolated X-ray diffraction pattern peak for Cu.sub.k.alpha. radiation at a interplane "d" spacing of 2.0 A.degree. and is produced by very high temperature deposition of the material on a hot surface. The surface temperature is maintained well above 800 degrees centigrade and most preferably is initially set at approximately 1020 degrees centigrade or higher at which temperature the isolated diffraction pattern peak dominates. A higher temperature typically occurs during deposition. Deposition of the material on the surface typically takes place by application of the material as a fine, homogeneously sized powder to the plasma flame of a plasma torch. The surface may be preheated by the application of the plasma flame to the surface without the application of the powdered material.

Abstract: A method of preventing smudging of indicia printed on a surface by selective application of an amount of coating material to lubricate the contact with surfaces abrading the printed indicia or to provide physical separation from abrading surfaces, and thus prevent smearing. The coating material is preferably a Teflon micropowder that is applied by dispensing controlled amounts through a plurality of apertures adjacent the surface of a piece of paper on which indicia has just been printed by a non-impact printer such as a laser printer.

Abstract: Gilding or relief-marking process which starts with any typographic, offset or other impression and converts it into relief of variable thickness, by the known thermography principle, but employing a hot-melt powder endowing the film forming the relief with adhesive properties capable, after it has solidified, of transferring and retaining on its surface a marking material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of casting a shape. A laser or electron gun is directed at a fusible powder in a fluidized bed. The beam melts the powder and the melted powder fuses and solidifies on a surface to form the shape. Also disclosed is apparatus for casting a shape. The apparatus includes a fluidized bed containing a fluidized powder, a surface within the bed on which the shape is cast, an electron beam or laser directed at the surface, which has an energy sufficient to fuse the powder, means for controlling the level of the powder in the fluidized bed relative to the surface, and means for controlling the horizontal position of the surface relative to the beam.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for spraying or scattering solid particulate powders onto a substrate includes powder spraying or scattering means, conveyor for supporting and conveying the substrate and rotatable disc member disposed between the spraying or scattering means and the conveyor which is spaced therefrom. The disc member is formed with at least an opening through which powders sprayed or scattered from the spraying or scattering means pass to reach the substrate on the conveyor. In operation, the disc member is rotated and the substrate is moved by the conveyor in the same direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing chip-containing decorative surfaces wherein the chips are positioned so as to provide a pattern. A first adhesive material is selectively applied to a support surface and the conditions are adjusted so that the first adhesive material is substantially non-adhesive in nature. A second adhesive material is selectively applied as a pattern on top of or adjacent to the first adhesive material and chips are applied to the surface so as to be adhered by the second adhesive material. Any non-adhered chips are removed and the conditons are adjusted so that the first adhesive material demonstrates adhesive properties. A second type or color of chip material is then applied so as to be adhered by the first adhesive material. Upon removal of the non-adhered chips, a product is obtained having a positioned chip pattern. The process may also be practiced using additional adhesives and chips so as to provide products having more than two types of positioned chips.

Abstract: Image receiving medium comprising a substrate bearing on at least one major surface thereof a coating of heat-sensitive material comprising (a) material capable of existing in a supercooled state after melting and subsequent cooling, (b) at least one anti-fouling agent, and (c) optionally, a binder. The anti-fouling agent can be a wax, a silica, a metal silicate, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method is disclosed wherein a nonwoven fabric is synchronously coated with an adhesive composition and impregnated with a radiation cross-linkable binding agent under conditions that render the composition tacky and adherent but not penetrating and that cross-link the agent to at least in part bind the fibers of the fabric.

Abstract: In repairing a rupture or opening as described herein the rupture or opening and the adjacent area of the surface in which the rupture or opening occurs is covered by a layer of an alpha-cyanoacrylate which is liquid at 20.degree. C. and has the formula CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(CN)--COOR wherein R is a hydrocarbon radical selected from the group consisting of aliphatic, aromatic and cycloaliphatic hydrocarbon groups of 1-10 carbon atoms and alkoxy, chloro and fluoro derivatives of said hydrocarbon groups in which alkoxy groups there are 1-4 carbon atoms therein; and spreading on the said layer of alpha-cyanoacrylate a layer of a powder comprising rubber.

Abstract: A process for production of a metal-coated paper, such as for use in cigarette packs having a metal coating containing a binding agent which is applied to a paper backing material by a printing process. The coating includes particles which have a flake structure and which can be fully wetted by the binding agent, as a result of which the particles of metal are so firmly embedded into the coating as to provide sufficient abrasion resistance to permit the resulting composite paper to be used in a high-speed automatic packaging machine. In this process for producing such a paper, a tool is pressed against and passed over the metal coating while still moist to smooth out the metal coating, whereupon the metal coating is dried.

Abstract: An improved process for curing solvent free inks using resin powder makes use of a caulstock laminate which is applied against a printed surface bearing ink and resin powder. The printed material and the caulstock are heated, pressed together and then cooled.

Abstract: A process for modifying the surface condition of materials comprises applying simultaneously to the surface of a material a plurality of typo-offset, silk screen printing or offset inks or varnishes having different polymerization temperatures and polymerization speeds, predrying at an appropriate temperature and for a length of time sufficient for polymerizing a certain type of ink(s), applying to the treated surface at least one batch of particles which adhere exclusively to not yet polymerized inks, removing the excess particles of a batch by suction and/or blowing and finishing the drying at a temperature and for a length of time appropriate for completing the polymerization of all the types of ink.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing synthetic decorative coverings is presented in which at least one powder (generally a polymeric resin) is selectively deposited, in accordance with a pattern or decoration, onto a base material. The power deposition is carried out under gravity without contact between the means of applying the powder and the base. At least one of the deposited powders contains particles which are fusible at a temperature below the distortion temperature of the base and which is compatible with the base material. At least one thermal treatment is then carried out at a temperature below the distortion temperature of the base so as to fix the decorative pattern produced by deposited powders. The apparatus for applying the powders consists of a continuous screen printing frame, in particular, a screen printing roller which is fed by a device providing uniform distribution of the powder into a hopper located inside the roller.

Abstract: A method for the application of highly absorbent material onto a moving substrate includes the steps of dispensing a melt adhesive film onto precisely defined areas of the substrate, covering such areas with the absorbent material and then removing excess absorbent material which did not adhere to the adhesive coated areas. The apparatus for practicing this method includes, in one embodiment, an adhesive applicator head operable to dispense the adhesive at timed intervals onto the moving substrate, a measuring head located downstream from the applicator head and timed to release the absorbent material over the adhesive covered areas moving past and a vacuum or mechanical cleaning device for removing excess absorbent material from the substrate. In an alternative embodiment, the measuring head is replaced with a receptacle containing absorbent material within which the substrate is immersed for coating the adhesive covered areas.

Abstract: A thermal transfer recording sheet is produced by placing, on one side of a sheet-like heat-resistant substrate successively along the surface, one or more thermal transfer recording layers containing a recording material which contains a binder material and a coloring material and whose viscosity is lowered and controlled by temperature-raise recording control, so that transferability to recording medium is imparted, and a thermal transfer coating layer containing a hot-melt material which is miscible (compatible) with at least a part of said binder material.The thermal transfer recording using said thermal transfer recording sheet is characterized by first subjecting the thermal transfer coating layer to temperature-raise recording control, forming a film of the hot-melt material on the surface of the recording material at least on a portion to which the recording material is transferred, and conducting thereon thermal transfer recording as usual.

Abstract: The invention described herein comprises a two component sealant composition and process for applying the same for repair of ruptures, holes, cracks, etc., in hoses, pipes, tires, etc. The first component is an alpha-cyanoacrylate glue which is applied as a layer covering the rupture or crack and after a very short period the second component, a powder, is applied to the surface of the alpha-cyanoacrylate. This second component comprises a polymerization initiator having hydroxyl and/or carboxylate groups therein, such as carbohydrates, i.e., saccharides, etc., hydrolyzed polyvinylacetate, etc. A particularly preferred initiator is alginate.

Abstract: A machine for applying a configuration of reinforcement/stiffening or decorative material in powder form to a receiving surface, for subsequent fusing, cooling and pressing to a substrate such as a shoe upper. The machine comprises a deposition station, a heating station and a press station. A tensioned receiving belt receives the configuration of powder through a cut-out in the bottom of a swept screen frame. The receiving belt is supported from beneath during the deposition activity to control the thickness of the powder deposit. The receiving belt is shuttled in a displaceable frame in a series of steps to the successive stations for melting the powder and subsequent cooling and adhesion of the melted powder to the substrate such as an unreinforced shoe upper.

Abstract: An improved process for curing solvent free inks using resin powder makes use of a caulstock laminate which is applied against a printed surface bearing ink and resin powder. The printed material and the caulstock are heated, pressed together and then cooled.

Abstract: A minute color coded identifier having a longitudinal axis, which is transversely color banded about its periphery. The identifier may, for example, be 0.015 inch long, have a transverse dimension of about 0.004 inch and have seven or more color bands such as to be observable under a power of 10 or more magnification. A method of making such identifiers, as well as a method of applying the same to articles for later identification is disclosed that involves a dispersion of identifiers in a transparent and hardenable cementitious liquid such as nitrocellulose in a suitable volatile solvent such as acetone and ethyl acetate, e.g. a common clear fingernail polish.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating and coating a section of a pipe comprising a plurality of induction type heaters supported in spaced circumferential relation around the pipe section, the heaters having relatively flat and hollow induction coils therein, the coils of the induction heaters being oriented in a cylindrical surface adjacent to, and parallel with, the surface of the pipe, a coating dispenser mounted between a pair of induction heaters for dispensing a coating material on the surface of the pipe, the heaters and dispenser being rotated as a single assembly around the pipe while simultaneously applying an alternating electric potential to the induction heaters to heat the pipe to a suitable application temperature for a coating material, the coating material being applied to the thus-heated pipe through the dispenser while continuing to rotate the assembly, water being passed through the copper coils to keep them cool during the heating of the pipe.

Abstract: With known methods for coating back-cloth with a synthetic powdery product, the back-cloth is subjected to heat treatments; either the length of cloth is used as a heat conveyor, or it is traversed by heat radiation. The present method allows to avoid this. Owing to a metering unit (2), the synthetic powdery product passes from a powder storage tank (1) to the powder dispensing and supply compartment (3) wherefrom it is distributed on a transport surface (5) by means of a scraper (4). Heat sources (7-9) operate without contact, directly to the synthetic powdery product arranged on the intermediary carrier. The back-cloth to be coated (11) is pressed by means of a pressure cylinder (10) against the intermediary carrier (5) where the mostly adhesive powder adheres immediately to the back-cloth (11).

Abstract: A powder spray gun and method of spraying powder are disclosed wherein an air flow amplifier is contained within the gun and is operable to draw ambient air into the gun and to impact air entrained powder passing through the gun with a high velocity stream of compressed air so as to accelerate the velocity of powder emitted from the gun.

Abstract: A priorly used drop wire having a single layer of PVC insulating compound, containing a relatively-expensive epoxy additive, extruded over a spaced pair of conductors, having relatively rough surfaces, is replaced with drop wire having less-costly, relatively-smooth, drawn, conductors onto which spaced, unplasticized particles of PVC resin are coated and the portions of the particles contacting the surfaces of the conductors are melted, caused to undergo controlled degradation and adhere to the surface of the conductor, and thus form a relatively-stable, texturized, discontinuous coating of adhesion sites on the surfaces of the conductors with interdispersed portions of the surfaces being exposed.Over the precoated conductors, a composition containing a plasticized PVC resin may be extruded to form an insulating covering having a relatively-stable, controlled-degree of adhesion to the adhesion sites and the interdispersed, exposed surfaces of the conductors.

Abstract: A method of applying a configuration of reinforcing/stiffening material in powder form to a receiving surface, for subsequent fusing, cooling and pressing to a shoe upper. The method comprises the utilization of a deposition station, a heating station and a press station. A tension receiving belt receives the configuration of powder through a cut-out in the bottom of a swept container. The receiving belt is supported from beneath during the deposition activity. The receiving belt is shuttled in timed steps to the successive stations for melting the powder and subsequent adhesion of the melted powder to an unreinforced shoe upper in a displaceable frame.

Abstract: A decorative laminate and method of manufacture therefor are provided wherein the laminate has a differential texture and a differential gloss wherein the textured regions contain PVC resin particles and have a lower gloss than adjoining regions without PVC resin particles. The decorative article is useful as a floor covering.

Abstract: Apparatus for depositing granules comprising feeders adapted to discharge responsive to a signal transmitter, the reception of the signal being interrupted by a moving tape, a plurality of such apparatus being employed to eliminate patterning on roofing shingles. A random signal generator may be used.

Abstract: A thermography machine applies thermography powder to the printed surfaces of sheets. Excess powder is vacuumed from the sheets under the influence of suction generated by a cyclone separator which separates the excess powder from an air stream in which the powder is entrained. A static charge eliminator is provided for neutralizing the electrical charge on the powder particles to facilitate a smooth flow of the particles through the separator. The static charge eliminator includes a plurality of electrical charged pins across which is conducted a flow of outside air which is sucked through the static charge eliminator by the suction pressure from the separator. As the air flows across the charged pins, oxygen is converted to ozone and the ozone is conducted into contact with the powder particles within the separator. The pins have a contoured profile along their length to maximize the ozone-producing process.

Abstract: A threaded fastener having an annular ring of yieldable friction material in the thread grooves thereof and bonded to the sides of the threads, in which the material is of substantially uniform thickness on the sides of the threads from adjacent the root to adjacent the crest thereof. In an embodiment of the invention two more adjacent but axially separated rings of friction material are provided, the annular zone or zones between adjacent rings having much less or substantially no friction material. In another embodiment, the friction material is applied primarily to the non-load bearing side of the threads in the ring.