Abstract: A method for forming a solid state humidity sensor is disclosed which comprises the steps of: (a) dissolving a tungstate salt into an aqueous solution; (b) adjusting the pH of the aqueous tungstate salt solution to below 8.5; (c) forming one or a pair of electrodes on an insulating substrate; (d) placing the substrate into the pH-adjusted aqueous tungstate salt solution and heating the aqueous solution containing the substrate at temperatures above 70.degree. C. to thereby form a pyrochlore-type crystalline tungsten trioxide film over the electrode or pair of electrodes; and (e) forming another electrode over the pyrochlore-type crystalline tungsten trioxide film if only one electrode is formed during step (c).

Abstract: A method for forming a desired pattern of a material of conductive or non-conductive type on a variety of substrates. It is based on the use of a pen which essentially consists of a refractory tip wetted with the material in the molten state. The pen preferably consists of a pointed tungsten tip attached to the top of a V-shaped tungsten heater, forming a heater assembly. The tip and the heater top portion are roughened at the vicinity of the welding point. In turn, the ends of the V-shaped heater are welded to the pins of a 3-lead TO-5 package base. The pen is incorporated in an apparatus adapted to the direct writing technique. To that end, the pen is attached to a supporting device capable of movements in the X, Y and Z directions, while the substrate is placed on an X-Y stage for adequate X, Y and Z relative movements therebetween. The two pins of the pen are connected to a power supply to resistively heat the heater.

Abstract: A craft kit for children having minimal craft skills, making it possible for a child to create a toy figure, such as a miniature dinosaur, and to decorate this figure. Included in the kit is a collapsible cloth casing which when erected then assumes the shape of the desired figure, and a rubber balloon which is inserted in a deflated state into the casing through an opening therein. The cloth casing is impregnated with a curable resin and the balloon inflated to erect the casing so that it assumes the shape of the figure whereby when the resin cures, the casing is then rigidified to create the toy figure. The balloon is then deflated and withdrawn from the figure which may then be painted or otherwise decorated by the child.

Abstract: A method for making thermochromic writing instruments using topically applied thermochromic pigments includes the steps of: providing a water-based or solvent-based lacquer having a predetermined viscosity; dispersing a predetermined concentration of thermochromic pigment in the gasket lacquer; applying the resulting thermochromic lacquer to writing instruments; removing the excess thermochromic lacquer from the coated writing instruments; and curing the coated thermochromic writing instruments.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a dual magnetoresistive (DMR) sensor with improved sensor-to-sensor match is disclosed. A first Mo conductor layer and a first NiMn antiferromagnetic layer are formed on top of a first gap layer in wing regions of the DMR sensor. The first NiMn layer is formed on top of the first Mo layer. A first NiFe sensor layer, a first spacer layer and a second NiFe sensor layer are deposited on top of the first NiMn layer in the wing regions and on top of the first gap layer in the active region. The first NiFe sensor layer, the first spacer layer and the second NiFe sensor layer are all deposited in a single vacuum deposition run to minimize material mismatches, and are simultaneously patterned to the desired geometry to minimize misalignment between the two sensor layers. A second conductor layer and a second antiferromagnetic layer are formed on top the second NiFe sensor layer in the wing regions.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating single and multilayer printed boards which employ electronically conductive adhesive compositions are provided. The composition comprises a solder powder, a chemically protected cross-linking agent with fluxing properties and a reactive monomer or polymer as the principal components. The compositions may also comprise three or more of the following: a relatively high melting metal powder; solder powder; the active cross-linking agent which also serves as a fluxing agent; a resin; a reactive monomer or polymer; and a metal additive. Compositions comprising metal powder are ideally suited for creating the conductive paths and vias on printed circuits.

Abstract: Cookware with a multi-layer, non-stick coating on its cooking surface has a random spattered pattern of raised dots or globules in an inner coat, made by spraying the globules on at an angle to create a random, stone-like appearance.

Abstract: Cookware with a multi-layer, non-stick coating on its cooking surface has a random spattered pattern of raised dots or globules in an inner coat, which is applied by spraying at least two applications, with the first having more coverage and a darker color than the second.

Abstract: For the manufacturing using an LCVD process of a rod-shaped, three-dimensional structure extending into three dimensions, two laser beams (12, 13) are focused on a common focal point (12a) in a gaseous or liquid medium containing a compound which produces the structure material when decompounded by the laser beams. In this way, structures which extend three-dimensionally may also be made from minimally absorbent materials which are essentially transparent. This additionally allows for good control of the direction of the growth of the structure.

Abstract: There is provided a method of producing a decorative plate which can be made quite easily without any danger of damage to user's skin. The method comprises the steps of:preparing a base plate having thereon a predetermined design,applying a water-based acrylic paint (water paint of acrylic resin) along a predetermined design to thereby expand the design three-dimensionally,permitting the coated paint to become cured to form a first transparent film portion,applying a water-based acrylic paint on the cured transparent film to thereby further expand the film portion three-dimensionally, andpermitting the expanded film portion to become cured to form a second transparent film portion so that a shrinkage of the first transparent film is compensated by the film portion of the second transparent film.

Abstract: Marangoni flow induced print defects are alleviated by underprinting and/or overprinting by a primary ink-jet ink with at least one treating solution that is capable of inducing the precipitation of the colorant in the primary ink-jet ink upon sustained contact. Since the time scale of precipitation is fast compared with the development of print defects due to Marangoni flow, the deleterious effects of Marangoni flow are forestalled. The method of the invention offers an effective and easily-implemented solution to the problem of Marangoni flow induced print defects that supplants the use of specially-treated paper and its associated high cost and inconvenience.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrically conductive contact on an insulated substrate such as a printed circuit board includes the step of defining a contact area on the substrate and applying a copper buss on the substrate so that it extends beyond the marginal edges of the contact area. A thin layer of soldermask is then applied to cover the upper surface of the copper buss outside of the contact area and to cover areas of the substrate not covered by the copper buss. Thereafter, a Thick Film Polymer (TFP) conductive paste is applied over the exposed portions of the copper buss and over a small portion of the soldermask so that the copper buss is covered completely.

Abstract: A full color three electrode surface discharge type plasma display device that has fine image elements and is large and has a bright display. The three primary color luminescent areas are arranged in the extending direction of the display electrode pairs in a successive manner and an image element is composed by the three unit luminescent areas defined by these three luminescent areas and address electrodes intersecting these three luminescent areas. Further, phosphors are coated not only on a substrate but also on the side walls of the barriers and on address electrodes. The manufacturing processes and operation methods of the above constructions are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to printed substrates having a metallic finish and methods for producing such printed substrates, preferably using an offset lithographic press. The method comprises coating a printing substrate with three coats of ink applied successively as follows: (1) a first coat comprising a solid color corresponding to the final color of the desired printing substrate; (2) a second coat comprising a moire pattern color; and (3) a third coat comprising water pearl.

Abstract: A deposition rate of a dielectric material is varied with the electrical polarity of an underlying layer to obtain excellent deposition and planarization characteristics. A conductive layer and the underlying dielectric are surface-treated to have different electrical polarities so that the dielectric is formed by using the difference of deposition rates of the dielectric material between that on the conductive layer and that on the underlying dielectric. A CVD apparatus having a DC power source connected between a susceptor and a gas injection portion thereof is provided. The deposition and planarization can be performed at low temperatures and are simplified in process.

Abstract: An arbitrary pattern write head assembly for writing timing-based servo patterns on magnetic storage media is provided, comprising: (a) a first pole piece comprising a substrate comprising a magnetic material, said substrate having a major surface; (b) a plurality of electrically conducting windings formed on the major surface; and (c) a second pole piece formed on the substrate, with a portion thereof formed above the plurality of electrically conducting windings and electrically insulated therefrom, the second pole piece having at least one opening therethrough defining a gap above the electrically conducting windings and the substrate, the second pole piece comprising at least two layers, each layer comprising a magnetic material. A method of batch fabricating servo writer heads is also provided for batch fabrication of servo writer heads at a very low cost. The method enables fabrication of heads capable of azimuthal recording commonly practiced in the video recording art.

Abstract: A cosmetic sampler formed by screen printing a slurry of cosmetic powder and solvent onto a paper base. To prevent off-set of the cosmetic sample during packaging and handling, a protective thin film overlay is laminated to a perimeter adhesive printed on the paper base around the cosmetic. The paper base may be replaced by a pressure sensitive adhesive stock to form a unit dose or single application of a cosmetic that can be applied as a label to any desired surface. In other embodiments, a non-pressure sensitive removable adhesive is used in a two-layer removable label construction or a three-layer coupon construction. The sampler can also be provided with or without the protective overlay in a simple folded hand-out version or as a pad of cosmetic sampler sheets. The sampler can also be used to provide unit doses or single applications of creams, lipsticks, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, lotions, and other high viscosity, waxy materials.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for electroless plating of a conductive metal layer onto the surface of a non-conductive substrate, in which the substrate surface is prepared for receiving a coating of activator using conventional methods, and the coating of activator is applied by contacting the substrate surface with a stabilized sensitizing solution comprising ions of at least one Group VIII and IB transition metal, preferably palladium chloride, stannous ions in a molar concentration in excess of that of the transition metal ions, an acid, and a buffering salt; followed by contacting the sensitized substrate surface with a noble metal activating solution to catalyze the substrate surface for subsequent electroless plating. The sensitized and activated substrate is then contacted with an aqueous dry film photoresist, which is then imaged and developed to form a predetermined electrical circuit pattern, using conventional methods.

Abstract: Decorative surface coverings comprising a multicolored, fused plastisol layer comprising (a) a fused plastisol composition of a first color; and (b) a fused plastisol composition of a second color, the second colored plastisol being distributed within the first colored plastisol such that the multicolored plastisol layer exhibits color gradients between the first and second colored plastisols. According to certain aspects the invention, the decorative surface covering products comprise a patterned solid plastisol mixture having a three dimensional appearance. Methods for manufacturing such decorative surface coverings comprise the steps of (a) applying to a substrate a coating of a first colored fluid plastisol; (b) distributing in the first colored fluid plastisol a second colored fluid plastisol to form a patterned fluid plastisol mixture; and (c) forming the patterned fluid plastisol mixture into a patterned solid plastisol mixture.

Abstract: A pellicle structure comprises a frame having a vertical through opening and a pellicle film spread on the upper the upper end of the opening of the frame. The pellicle film has a coating layer comprising a coating agent formed at least on the inner surface thereof, and a bonding portion for bonding the end edge of the frame to the peripheral edge of the pellicle film through an adhesive layer. The coating agent, in the bonding portion, is dissolved or dispersed in the adhesive so that the pellicle substrate is directly contacted by and bonded to the adhesive.

Abstract: A heater array for an ink jet printhead includes an insulating substrate, which can be a layer of ceramic, flexible plastic, insulated flexible metal, polysilicon, or single crystalline silicon. A first material layer is deposited atop the insulating substrate and patterned in parallel stripes. A first insulating layer is deposited atop the first material layer and patterned with contact windows above the first material layer in corresponding desired heating locations, usually in a symmetrical grid. A second material layer is deposited atop the first insulating layer and pattern in parallel stripes orthogonal to those in the first material layer. The first and second material layers are in physical and electrical contact with each other through the contact windows in the first insulating layer to form a resistive diode junction at each desired heating location. The entire surface of the heating array is covered with a second insulating layer, with contacts provided to the first and second material layers.

Abstract: A process for preparing an X-ray mask structure comprises an X-ray transmissive film, an X-ray absorptive member held on the X-ray transmissive film and supporting frame for supporting the X-ray transmissive film. The X-ray absorptive member is constituted of crystalline grains having a grain boundary size of 1 .mu.m or larger, or has a density of 90% or more relative to the density of the bulk material.

Abstract: A release agent is first applied to a target article and on top of the release agent is applied an ultraviolet radiation fluorescent material to enable fraud detection. To prevent fraud, a security label may also be used comprising a label substrate, a release layer, a layer of ultraviolet radiation fluorescent material, and an adhesive layer for adhering to a target article. When the substrate is peeled off, part of the ultraviolet sensitive material will be peeled off also to enable detection.

Abstract: An electrical connecting device including a first circuit board providing thereon with input/output terminals, each of the terminals having a tip surface coated with gallium and a second circuit board providing thereon with contact terminals, each of the terminals having a tip surface coated with indium or tin. A low-melting point alloy layer is formed by a mutual action between gallium and indium or tin, when the input/output terminals of the first circuit board are in contact with the respective terminals of the second circuit board and electrically connected to each other. The second metal layer includes a plurality of wire-like metal supports extending substantially perpendicular to the surface of the terminal and a low-melting point metal retained by the wire-like metal supports.

Abstract: An effective non-specular reflector, for use in a Liquid Crystal Display, is formed by first coating a substrate with a two component solution. One component hardens when heated or when exposed to ultraviolet light (optionally through a mask) while the other component remains liquid. The result is a solid layer in which are dispersed multiple liquid regions, some of which break the surface where they are easily removed, leaving behind a roughened surface. Once a high reflectance metal has been deposited onto this surface it becomes an effective nonspecular reflector. Examples of materials for use as the two components are given.

Abstract: A method for patterned metallization of substrate surfaces, especially circuit boards, even three-dimensional ones, by using electromagnetic UV radiation, particularly from an excimer laser. In the method a primer layer is applied to the full substrate surface in the area of a metal layer that is subsequently applied; insulating channels then are made in the primer layer by complete removal of the primer in certain areas by the action of electromagnetic radiation in the UV range; and afterward the remaining patterned primer layer is provided with the metal layer to form conductor strips. The method makes it possible to create insulating channels with extremely sharp contours in the primer layer on the surface of even three-dimensional, electronic circuit media.

Abstract: A material with holographic and non-holographic displayable indicia thereupon has an embossed holographic microtexture upon a surface thereof for forming a reflection hologram and resulting in an associated visible holographic pattern. A non-holographic pattern is primed with a priming press upon the embossed holographic microtexture at a predetermined orientation relative to the holographic pattern. The pattern may have several colors primed in registration and in registration with the holographic pattern which may include 2D and 3D indicia. A reflective coating overlies the microtexture and the primed pattern.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hot-stamped decal includes step A: preparing a metalized polyester film including a metalized layer disposed on a top surface thereof, a clear polyester sheet disposed to an under side of the metalized layer, an adhesive layer disposed to an under side of the clear polyester sheet and a release sheet disposed to an under side of the adhesive layer, step B: applying a printing process on the metalized layer to form a mark thereon composed of a printed ink layer, step C: preparing an alkaline corrosive solution, step D: flushing the top surface of the metalized layer with the alkaline solution composed of water and NaOH to the top surface of the metalized layer to corrode the metalized layer not covered by the printing ink layer, step E: flushing the top surface of the metalized layer with water and step F: drying the hot-stamped decal.

Abstract: Polymeric ledges on a metal stencil screen are made using a polymeric layer which is partially removed by a developer solution.

Abstract: A method and device for selectively reducing the frequency-temperature shift of piezoelectric crystals. The piezoelectric device (100) includes a substrate (102), a piezoelectric element (106) and a temperature dependent interface structure (120) for beneficially stressing the piezoelectric element at a predetermined temperature range. The substrate (102), piezoelectric element (106) and temperature-dependent interface structure (120) define a piezoelectric package having a predetermined non-compensated third order Bechmann curve having a low temperature end and a high temperature end, with an inflection point therebetween, whereby the frequency-temperature shift is reducable on the third order Bechmann curve.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for the raster-pattern coating of fabrics with hot melt adhesives by application of hot melt adhesive layer (1) on an intermediate carrier (12, 14) and by transfer of the hot melt adhesive layer (16) from the intermediate carrier (12, 14) to a final support (18), especially lining material, wherein the hot melt adhesive-containing layer (16) on the intermediate carrier (12, 14) is provided with a further layer (8) which results in the adhesion to the final support. Also, a fabric (38) obtainable through this method is described. Such a fabric can be used as a fixable liner material, especially in outerwear.

Abstract: A method for decorating an article with a plurality of separate and distinct radiation curable compositions, without the need for completely curing each composition prior to application of the next composition, comprising separately applying each single composition to the article in a pre-determined design and subjecting said applied composition to the radiation by which it is curable for a period of time sufficient to effect a partial cure of said applied composition, and repeating the application of each single composition followed by partial radiation curing thereof until the last of the desired number of compositions has been applied, after which all of said applied compositions are subjected to the radiation by which they are curable for a period of time sufficient to effect a complete cure of all of said applied compositions.

Abstract: A process for making an absorbent structure having a capillary substrate and regions of osmotic absorbent on the capillary substrate. The osmotic absorbent is cured from a liquid precursor applied to the capillary substrate. The capillary substrate has regions of topographically different elevations, taken normal to the plane of the capillary substrate. The capillary substrate is passed through a gap between a transfer roll and an anvil roll in a printing apparatus. The transfer roll has at liquid precursor on its periphery. The liquid precursor is applied to only the topographically elevated regions of the capillary substrate which contact the periphery of the transfer roll. By changing the topography of the capillary substrate, the liquid precursor can be applied to the capillary substrate in different pattern, without changing the transfer roll.

Abstract: A security element for the authentication of a substrate has a pattern comprising optical diffraction elements which are embossed in a carrier material of plastic material and unembossed neutral areas. On the embossing side of the carrier material a reflecting layer covers only surfaces with relief structures of the diffraction elements while the neutral areas which lie therebetween are free of the reflecting layer and are therefore non-reflecting. If the security element is stuck in the form of a stamp onto the substrate and the carrier metal is transparent, image portions, which are covered by the stamp, of a feature on the substrate can be discerned through the neutral areas.

Abstract: A process for providing indicia to the surface of an article. The process comprising the steps of: providing an article having material initially forming at least a portion of its exterior surface; coating at least part of the material whereat indicia is to be provided to thereby form a film; contacting, with radiation from a radiation beam, indicia areas of the film intended to be provided with indicia, the radiation thereby removing the film and modifying the surface of the material of the indicia areas and also forming a mask in the non-indicia areas of the film; applying an ink to the indicia areas thereby forming the indicia on the surface; drying the ink; and removing the film.

Abstract: In forming a thin film pattern, first a seed material film is formed on a substrate and then exposed using electron beam lithography, for example, in the shape of the pattern. The latent image is then removed and an oriented material is deposited on one of the seed material and the substrtate, which have different hydrophilicity properties, to form the pattern. The oriented film is formed by an LB film forming method, in one example, and in another example the LB film material is a cresol novolak resin having a proportion of p-cresol novolak to m-cresol novolak of at least 20%.

Abstract: This invention provides a shaped ceramic composite article comprising ceramic oxide fiber(s), a first coating comprising a carbonaceous matrix which includes boron nitride particles in contact therewith, and a second coating comprising silicon carbide. The inventive composite article is useful in applications requiring good heat resistance and mechanical properties, such as gas fired radiant burner tubes, gas burner nozzle liners, heat exchangers, thermowells, core busters or flame dispersers, and other gas fired furnace components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a printed circuit board, which comprises the steps of:(1) forming, on the surface of an insulating substrate on a necessitate portion of which electrolessly plated copper is to be precipitated, a layer of a light-sensitive resin composition comprising (a) 40 to 80 parts by weight of a vinyl-polymerized high molecular weight binder having an acid value of 10 to 46 mgKOH/g, (b) 20 to 60 parts by weight of a compound having at least two polymerizable unsaturated double bonds in a molecule, with the total amount of Components (a) and (b) being 100 parts by weight, and (c) a photopolymerization initiator generating free radicals by irradiation of active light in an amount of 0.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline cleaner and process for cleaning aluminum and tin surfaces. The aqueous alkaline cleaning solution includes(A) at least one inorganic base;(B) at least one cationic surfactant which is a quaternary ammonium compound; and(C) water.Aluminum and tin surfaces cleaned with the cleaning compositions are characterized by improved surface cleanliness and brightness.

Abstract: A fabrication method of a printed wiring board in which the halation effect of light irradiated to a solder resist film is utilized in a process of selectively removing the solder resist film. After a conductive layer is patterned to a given circuit pattern including soldering pads, the solder resist film is formed on the base material to cover the patterned conductive layer. The solder resist film is selectively exposed to light utilizing reflection of the irradiated light from the insulating base material and developed so that the solder resist film is selectively left in areas adjacent to the respective soldering pads. Then, an etching resist film is formed to cover the patterned conductive layer except for the soldering pads, and surface areas of the respective soldering pads are selectively etched using the etching resist film as a mask to produce solder resist dams made of the solder resist film left on the base material. Solder films are formed on the respective soldering pads thus selectively etched.

Abstract: A method of screen printing water-based chemical compositions is provided, where the water-based chemical compositions are virtually solventless, that is, having less than 12% volatile organic solvents when press ready, and the method produces screen printed substrates that are weather-resistant and have excellent color retention.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive (MR) read transducer assembly having passive end regions separated by a central active region, and a method of fabricating it. Layers of a first biasing material and a nonmagnetic decoupling spacer material are deposited on a substrate, then covered by a mask only in the central region. By etching or ion milling, those parts of the layers not covered by the mask are removed to define a transverse biasing means in the central region and define the passive end regions. With the same mask remaining in place, a conductive material and exchange layer comprising a second biasing material are deposited over all regions. The mask is removed to define and provide conductor leads and longitudinal biasing means only in the end regions. MR material is thereafter deposited as a continuous thin film in direct contact with the central region containing the transverse biasing means and in direct contact with the end regions containing the longitudinal biasing means.

Abstract: Coating formulations, unique methods for their production and use, which have high drying capacity, maintain high levels of brightness, even after the application of a wax coating onto the printed substrate. Precipitated amorphous silicates, titanium dioxide, and other fillers are combined and coated onto heavyweight linerboard to facilitate ink drying and minimize brightness loss associated with wax dipped cartons.

Abstract: Electrification is suppressed with a water-soluble electrification-suppressing film having an electron conductivity and comprising a polymer resin. A high electrification-suppressing effect which is also high in vacuum can be easily obtained by using the electrification-suppressing film with less contamination.

Abstract: Electrolessly deposited metal films having improved adhesion can be obtained by coating the surface of the substrates to be metallized with a formulation consisting of UV-curable varnishes which contain noble metal compounds as activators and, in addition, either fillers or solvents or a combination of fillers and solvents, curing these varnishes by means of UV radiation, followed by electroless metallization of the substrates thus treated.

Abstract: A method of fabricating three-dimensional objects in a layerwise fashion, and having high structural strength and high density, is disclosed. Methods are disclosed by which nanocomposite powders of ceramic-ceramic systems, ceramic-metal systems, ceramic-polymer systems, and metal-polymer systems are produced. Disclosed examples utilize solution chemistry approaches, such as sol-gel processing, by way of which a gel is produced which is then fired and milled to form a powder suitable for selective laser sintering, where a laser fuses selected portions of layers of the powders according to a computer-aided-design data base. The ultraheterogeneity of the powder results in larger surface area and grain boundaries of the constituents, which enhances the solid state diffusion mechanism, and thus reduces the time and temperature required for sintering to occur. In addition, the higher stored metastable energy of the nanocomposite powder is believed to enhance densification during solid-phase sintering.

Abstract: A repair and rehabilitation treatment process for reinforced concrete structures involves the removal of concrete from above rebar or other metal reinforcement material in the concrete structure. After removal of concrete, the metal reinforcement materials are saturated with corrosion inhibiting agents. Saturation is best achieved by multiple spray applications of the corrosion inhibitor. The cavity in the concrete structure with the treated rebar or other metal reinforcement materials is then backfilled and/or overlaid with repair concrete. Preferably, the repair concrete includes corrosion inhibitors which will diffuse to the rebar over time or is a low permeability concrete that reduces the rate of diffusion of chloride corrosion causing agents to the rebar. The repair and rehabilitation process significantly increases the concrete structure's service life.

Abstract: An optical recording medium comprises a substrate, a recording layer overlying the substrate in a manner such that it is not present at the inner and outer peripheral portions of the substrate, a metal reflective layer overlying the recording layer in a manner such that the inner periphery of the metal reflective layer is coterminous with that of the recording layer while the outer peripheral portion of the reflective layer extends over the outer periphery of the recording layer, and a protective layer wholly covering the metal reflective layer extending over the recording layer, both at the inner and outer peripheral portions. The optical recording medium exhibits an excellent adhesion strength of the protective layer even when stood under high humidity and high temperature conditions for a long period of time, and the protective layer is not peeled off when subjected to a tape peeling test.

Abstract: A process of powder coating of workpieces in which initially a workpiece is coated with color powder such that the powder adheres to the workpiece and subsequently the powder is baked in an oven, in which subsequent to coating and prior to baking the powder adhering to the workpiece is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation within a particular, defined surface portion so that the powder within the defined surface portion will gelate and stick to the workpiece, and in which the color powder adhering to the workpiece outside of said defined surface portion is removed subsequent to irradiation.

Abstract: Articles, such as plastic parts, having the appearance of a naturally-occurring material such as wood or leather are formed by the techniques of (1) providing a plurality of grooves in a surface of the article, (2) applying a surfactant to the surface of the article, and (3) applying one or more color solutions to the surface of the article. The article may be a solid substrate, a part or a film. A topcoat is preferably applied to the surface of the article. The techniques include controlling movement of an applicator implement for applying the surfactant and color solutions to the surface of the substrate, and controlling movement of a saturator tool for modifying and synthesizing the surfactant and color solutions on the surface of the part and permeating the surfactant and color solutions into the plurality of grooves.