Abstract: Process for making retroreflector sheet having protrusions which are retroreflective on selected side surfaces of the protrusions. Continuous web of polymeric base sheet having a front surface with a plurality, of protrusions, each protrusion having a top surface and at least one side surface, is provided. The web is conveyed through a nip in contact with a liquid film of bonding polymer at sufficient pressure to displace the film from the protrusion top surfaces and onto selected side surfaces, depending upon the relative speeds of the web and bonding polymer film. Retroreflective beads are applied to the liquid film which is then solidified (e.g., by temperature change) to hold the beads in place.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of making a roofing ply by providing a fiberglass mat, feeding the mat through a punching die and punching openings through the surface thereof. The mat is thereafter saturated with melted asphalt at a melting temperature of at least about 450 degrees F to impart an elastic memory to the mat.

Abstract: A process for providing a design patterns in a material wherein a selected medium is applied to the material, the material being positioned adjacent a surface of a template which surface has selected surface characteristics either topographical or non-topographical in nature. The material is held against the template surface at a selected pressure and for a selected time period, at least a portion of the medium coming into contact with the template surface, the adhesive and conesive forces of the material, the medium, and the template interacting with each other to generate a unique design relief pattern on the surface of the material which pattern differs from the pattern characteristics of the template. The material is then suitably dried. The viscosity and amount of the medium, as well as the pressure used, are selected to lie within specified ranges to produce heavy or light relief patterns on permeable or non-permeable materials.

Abstract: The invention provides that receptor films for use in microwave ovens for the browning and crisping of foodstuff are created by forming a composition which is liquid in nature and contains interactive particles. The composition is laid down in order to form a film which is then dried in order to fix the interactive particles in distributed form so that they will behave as an interactive layer when subjected to microwave radiation. It is suggested that the interactive particle layer should be covered by a protective layer such as heat curable varnish in order to isolate the particles from the foodstuff which will be adjacent thereto to be crisped and browned thereby. The composition comprises a cross linking and heat resistant resin acting as a binder so that when the composition is applied on a receiving surface, it is cured for example by subjecting it to heat to fix the particles in distributed condition.

Abstract: A flocked polyurethane foam fabric and method for manufacturing the same for which flock fibers imbedded in an adhesive on the foam are permanently flattened and entangled. Dry ink is transferred onto the flock fibers at the same time that flattening of the fibers is taking place. The flock fibers are thermally set into their flattened state along an outer surface of a polyurethane foam base of the fabric. Flattening the flock fibers causes the entanglement of the flock, thereby improving the hand, appearance, drapeability, abrasion resistance, water repellency and heat insulation qualities for apparel items over that of unflattened flock fibers.

Abstract: A process for coating a selected portion of the surface of a substrate, such as an electrical bus bar, with a coating of a fusible powdered resin. The process comprises the steps of heating the substrate to a temperature sufficient to cause gelling of a gelable liquid masking composition and to cause the fusible powdered resin to bond to the substrate surface, coating those areas of the surface of the substrate which are not to be coated with the fusible powdered resin with liquid masking composition which begins to gel upon contact with the hot substrate and continues to gel until it forms a removable mask, then coating the hot substrate with the powdered resin which adheres to those areas of the substrate that are not coated with the masking composition, cooling the substrate, and removing the mask from the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for marking plastic panels which then are capable of being laminated at temperatures above 500.degree. F. These panels can be marked before or after being formed. The marking method is accomplished with the use of fluid pressure for directing a mixture of a particulate abrasive material and particulate coloring material under high pressure toward and onto a surface of a plastic panel to be marked. The coloring material particles are of sufficiently small particle size to coat the abrasive particles, so that the coloring material is carried by the abrasive material particles toward and onto the surface to be marked at high speed. When the coated abrasive particles strike the surface to be marked, the colored particles are effectively embedded below the surface of the plastic surface and in position so that they cannot be removed by cleaning detergents and the like.

Abstract: Graphite gaskets with an improved release characteristic are treated with a finely powdered release agent such a graphite powder which is then pressed into the gasket surface.

Abstract: A process and system for providing a design pattern in a material wherein a seleced medium is applied to the material, the material being positioned adjacent a surface of a template which surface has selected surface characteristics either topographical or non-topographical in nature. The material is held against the template surface at a selected pressure and for a selected time period, at least a portion of the medium coming into contact with the template surface. The surface characteristics of the template interact with the material and the medium as the medium comes into contact with the surface to produce the desired pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic coatings applied to substrates to simulate natural stone. The synthetic coatings are curable and saturated with a thin coating of fine particulate material. An implement is then used to tamp the coated surface to produce a natural stone appearance.

Abstract: A resin impregnated and resin coated has a decorative portion coated at least 1 mil thick with a vinyl ester terminated bisphenol A epoxy resin matrix, containing hollow plastic microspheres through its thickness.

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 method of treating piston rings to render their surfaces extremely hard-wearing, wherein the rings are assembled in batches on a tubular mandrel which is then surrounded by a matching cylinder, the mandrel bearing the rings and the cylinder being subjected to relative cyclical motion while a slurry of hard silicon carbide particles is poured into the cylinder. Either the wall of the tubular mandrel, or the wall of the cylinder, or both, are provided with holes to allow the slurry to flow away. The cyclical motion may consist of relative rotation at 170 r.p.m. and simultaneous relative reciprocation at 5 cycles per minute. The slurry may consist of 220 mesh silicon carbide powder in oil, with the treatment lasting for one minute, and preferably this is followed by a further treatment of one minute with a 400 mesh silicon carbide particle slurry.

Abstract: It is possible, by means of a flame-spraying or plasma-spraying technique adjusted to suit the particular properties of a plastic, not only to provide nonreinforced plastics with a uniform coating, but also to achieve an excellent hydrophilic surface wettability at the same time.

Abstract: A method for coating a surface comprises providing an electrostatically charged powder, irradiating the powder with energy until the powder or the surface melts, and allowing the surface to solidify.

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 a process are disclosed making it possible to mount, without disadvantages, relatively hard particles, such as diamond dust and the like, on wire-like base material in such a way that the diamond dust is not damaged, wherein any desired coating, that is, especially also a coating coherent over the length of the wire, can be produced. This coating is at least macroscopically homogeneous in character. In such a process for the application of relatively hard particles to a circular wire-like form or a wire-like form without longitudinal edges, for the purpose of producing a plain or multiple saw, the form is coated under pressure with the aid of a surface of two rolls. This surface is at least partially provided with the particles to be applied. The wire-like form is turned about its longitudinal axis during this process. The form must be present in the straight, that is stretched, condition.

Abstract: Large area random and mosaic arrays of identical submicron microcolumnar structures can be produced on surfaces by directionally ion etching a monolayer film of spherical colloidal particles.

Abstract: In a methd for producing a soft sheet material containing thinned fibers or filaments and a viscoelastic substance, the improvement comprising:(A) applying a mixture of a viscoelastic substance and a temporary filler to a sheet material containing thinnable fibers or filaments;(B) thinning the thinnable fibers or filaments forming said sheet material;(B') applying temporary filler to said sheet material or relocating said temporary filler applied previously at step (A) within said sheet material, whenever necessary;(C) applying a viscoelastic substance;(D) removing said temporary filler; and(E) napping the sheet, whenever necessary.In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to obtain a leather-like sheet material which, though soft, has good mechanical properties such as high abrasion resistance and high tear strength. A leather-like sheet material is produced which is free from deficiencies such as low abrasion resistance and tear strength even where the thickness is further reduced.

Abstract: A composite material and method for forming graphics such as letters or numbers that are pressure transferable to a substrate. The composite material includes an accepting tape including a layer of latent adhesive material on a receiving web, and a friable slightly adhesive layer lightly adhered to a donor web. When the layers are pressed together and the composite material is selectively heated in graphic patterns, corresponding portions of the adhesive material and friable layer adhere together so that upon subsequent separation of the layer of adhesive and the donor web portions of the friable layer transfer to the accepting tape in the heated areas to provide graphics. When the graphics are then positioned against a substrate and are pressed against the substrate by rubbing pressure applied through the receiving web, the adhesive layer will tear around the graphic and separate from the receiving web over the graphic so that the graphic will be transferred to the substrate.

Abstract: The method of providing on location a vitreous enamel bathtub with traction means in a predetermined pattern comprising the steps of:(a) cleaning the vitreous enamel surface;(b) securing a stencil having cutouts therein to the bottom of the tub and, in the stencil cutouts;(c) removing the glaze by etching with acid, scrubbing and sanding;(d) rewashing the cutouts;(e) applying an enamel coat;(f) sprinkling on silica sand;(g) top coating with enamel; p0 (h) removing the stencil;(i) curing the resulting traction means with heat; and(j) removing any excess sand.

Abstract: A method of making a foam backed drapery fabric or the like having good textile properties, and the fabric so produced. A wet foam backing is applied to a moving web of fabric, flocking is optionally applied to the wet foam backing, and the backing is at least partially dried without significant curing. The backing is then embossed with a patterned roller, and an aqueous solution containing a release agent and a wetting agent is kiss-coated to the foam backing to penetrate the foam backing without substantial penetration of the fabric, the aqueous solution being applied at about 50 to 80% pickup on dried foam solids weight. Where a curing oven containing rollers is utilized the foam backing is then dried, and then passed to the curing oven. The final fabric has good textile-like feel, softness, drape, abrasion resistance, and appearance characteristics, and the embossed backing is capable of recovering in five seconds to one minute after 3,000 psi has been applied for five minutes.

Abstract: A method of treating metal sliding contact surfaces is disclosed. The method comprises pitting the surface (as by shot-blasting with glass or sand), impregnating the pitted surface with a dry lubricant (such as powdered graphite or MoS.sub.2), and roughening the impregnated surface to partially close the pits and to generate "peaks" of metal which are worn away during a bedding-in of the interengaging sliding contact surfaces.

Abstract: A cannula/catheter is provided which is suitable for long term or semi-permanent through-the-skin function while permitting tissue ingrowth which promotes healing and seals out sources of infection. The catheter is provided with a sheath formed of an elastomeric coating which is glow discharge treated, folded back on itself to form a cuff and surgically implanted and anchored in place. The cuff portion of the sheath is advanced outwardly by the growth of skin adherent to its periphery while the catheter is maintained in its original position.

Abstract: Non-skid vinyl floor tile having embedded in the surface thereof between about 1 and about 5 grams per square foot of thermoplastic material in the size range between about 1/32 and about 3/32 inch. The particulate material has a hardness of not more than Rockwell M-100 and a Taber abrasion weight loss of not more than about 75 mg per 1000 cycles using CS-17 wheels and 1000 gram weights.

Abstract: The process for making a cellular surface covering having a multi-level embossed decorative wear surface by applying to a porous substrate a plurality of thermoplastic resinous inks developed from thermoplastic binders having different molecular weights and therefore different melt viscosities, the inks and substrate comprising a composite structure which also includes a blowing agent. The blowing agent may be either in the substrate or in the inks applied thereto. Upon final heating to fuse and foam all the resinous material of this structure, the metal viscosity differences of the resins in the inks provide varying degrees of physical resistance to expansion of the total system in the inked areas, thus producing multi-level design areas on the final product.

Abstract: Flocked fabric products having a woven corduroy appearance, including method and apparatus for producing such fabrics wherein an indefinite length substrate sheet is transported in a generally horizontal path of travel through a coating apparatus where a mass of viscous adhesive material is applied to the upper surface of the sheet while support means located beneath the sheet prevent displacement of the sheet from its path of travel and provide dimensional stability thereto. Immediately downstream of the support means the upper surface of the sheet and the adhesive material thereon is contacted by the notched edge of a knife blade to dispose the adhesive mass in a plurality of parallel upstanding ribs having upwardly tapered sides in transverse cross-section.

Abstract: Farinaceous material and water are mixed in proper proportion, applied to panels to be decorated and/or protected in desired designs or embedded with various inert materials, and then dried. The coating material cracks, then it is stained and coated with shellac, lacquer or varnish to give further protection. After staining, the coating material has the appearance of inlaid stone.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a method and means for making a dryer or the like roll having a ferrous metal surface provided with a surface coating of a hardfacing alloy, the ferrous metal surface having a thermal conductivity relative to silver taken as 1 cal/cm.sup.2 /cm/.degree.C./sec of at least about 0.06 the hardfacing alloy being a hardfacing heat, corrosion and wear resistant iron-group metal-base alloy mechanically and metallurgically bonded to said ferrous metal surface which is preferably made of cast iron, the hardfacing alloy coating having a thickness ranging from about 0.01 to 0.15 inch, the thermal conductivity of said coating being at least 0.05.

Abstract: A sheet or web material for use in developing and fixing toner images which comprises a support and a thermo-adhesive fixing layer defining the surface of the material on which the toner image is deposited. The thermo-adhesive fixing layer comprises an organic polymeric material and has the following properties: a surface resistance above 10.sup.10 Ohm/square, freedom from blocking at least up to 35.degree. C, a melt viscosity at 190.degree. C of not more than 120 P, and an abrasion resistance at 20.degree. C above 175 g.The process for fixing a toner image on this sheet or web material comprises the steps of image-wise depositing on said thermo-adhesive fixing layer toner particles forming with the molten thermo-adhesive fixing layer a contact angle smaller than 90.degree., heating above 90.degree.

Abstract: In a process for forming an extremely hard-wearing rubber or bearing surface on a metal machine part, particles of hard grit, such as carbide grit, are deliberately formed into the surface using a resiliently-loaded tool, so that the surface becomes permanently impregnated with the hard particles. During the operation the particles can conveniently be contained in a slurry that flows over the surface. After impregnation, a lapping operation is performed on the impregnated surface using a fine carbide grit.

Abstract: A method for printing braille characters by means of a lithographic printing process in which photosensitive sheet material is exposed to form a dot image of one or more braille characters on the sheet material. The sheet material is then developed and subsequently photographed and a negative made of the developed sheet material. The negative is stripped onto a goldenrod sheet and the stripped negative is exposed on a light-sensitive lithographic plate which is subsequently developed. The dot image developed on the lithographic plate is then offset printed on sheet material stock and the printed sheet stock is passed through a thermography machine to form raised braille characters on the sheet stock.

Abstract: Methods for treating or producing original documents to inhibit, if not preclude, the reproduction of such documents by copying processes. The documents so produced favor the visual response of the human eye over the physical response of a copying machine so that the graphical information imprinted on the document background is readily perceptible by the human eye but imperceptible by the sensor and associated processes of a copying machine.

Abstract: A method for producing an embossed, two-color appearance on the surface of a fibrous board substrate. The surface of a fibrous board substrate having a uniform thickness is first coated with a prime coating having a first color. A thermosetting resin base powder having a color different from that of the prime coating color is applied over the prime coating. The coated and powdered surface of the substrate is then embossed with a heated embossing device having high and low areas which produce low and high areas respectively on the surface of the substrate. The heat from the embossing roll causes the powder to melt, set, and become concentrated on the high areas of the surface of the substrate leaving only the prime coating remaining in the low areas of the substrate. The embossing device is then removed from the surface of the substrate which now has a two-color appearance, the high areas having the color of the powder and the low areas having the color of the prime coating.

Abstract: An aesthetically pleasing texture is imparted to wet-laid fibrous mats by distributing a layer of solid expanded particles of synthetic thermoplastic resinous foamed material on the upper surface of the mat. The particles are then pressed into the wet lap to embed the particles in the fibrous material and the wet lap is subsequently heated to reduce the volume of the particles and leave depressions in the surface which result in a unique random surface texture.

Abstract: A method of producing a hard wearing bearing surface on a component such as a cylinder or cylinder liner, by pressing an accurately screened hard powder in liquid medium into engagement with the surface and on a helical path, the pressure and powder size being such that oil retaining micro-grooves are formed and also that a great number of powder particles, which particles virtually constitute the bearing surface, are embedded.

Abstract: A process of making a decorative surface covering by preparing a granular resinous dryblend containing a polymerizable monomer compatible with the resin and having at least two olefinically unsaturated sites, depositing a layer of the monomer-containing dryblend on a backing, heating the granules to form a porous, cohesive layer therefrom, cooling the layer, and printing a decorative design on the porous layer with a first printing composition containing a polymerization inhibitor which will penetrate into the porous composition. A second printing composition containing a polymerization catalyst for the monomer is then applied over the entire surface of the printed layer, and heat and/or heat and pressure is applied to fuse the resinous granules and polymerize the monomer throughout those areas not printed with the inhibitor composition.

Abstract: A process of making a decorative surface covering by preparing a granular resinous dryblend containing a vinyl resin and a plasticizer for the vinyl resin, depositing a layer of the dryblend on a backing, heating the granules to form a porous, cohesive layer therefrom, cooling the layer, and printing a decorative design on the porous layer with a first printing composition containing a polymerization inhibitor which will penetrate into the porous composition. A second printing composition containing both a polymerizable monomer, compatible with the plasticized vinyl resin, and having at least two olefinically unsaturated sites, and, a polymerization catalyst for the monomer is then applied over the entire surface of the printed layer, and heat and/or heat and pressure is applied to fuse the resinous granules and polymerize the monomer throughout those areas not printed with the polymerization inhibitor composition.

Abstract: A process of making a decorative surface covering by preparing a granular resinous dryblend containing both a polymerizable monomer, compatible with the resin, and having at least two olefinically unsaturated sites, and, a polymerization catalyst for the monomer, depositing a layer of the dryblend on a backing, heating the granules to form a porous, cohesive layer therefrom, cooling the layer, and printing a decorative design on the porous layer with a printing composition containing a polymerization inhibitor which will penetrate into the porous composition. Heat and/or heat and pressure is applied to fuse the resinous granules and polymerize the monomer throughout those areas not printed with the inhibitor composition.

Abstract: A process is provided for forming waterless lithography printing masters comprising depositing a particulate image pattern on a non-tacky rubbery uncured silicone polymer, converting the non-tacky polymer into a softened gummy state and curing said softened polymer to fix the toner thereto.

Abstract: A process for enhancing the optical density of images and the product resulting therefrom. The process comprises forming on a shrinkable substrate an image defined by a plurality of particles and having substantially less than an optimum optical density, and then forming a reduced-size image having a substantially improved optical density by shrinking said substrate with said image thereon.

Abstract: A resinous surface covering having on the surface thereof a plurality of raised cellular areas and a plurality of non-elevated areas adjacent to said raised areas, the non-elevated areas having flocked textile fibers adhesively imbedded therein; the height differential between the elevated and non-elevated areas being achieved by either a mechanical or chemical embossing technique.