Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method offering an improved approach to charging mobile devices, such as an illustrative specialized compact bar code scanner, without need for cumbersome wires or charging cradles, through an innovative casement having an integrally contained, or recessed (flush-mounted) swing-out USB connector which avoids severing or disconnection of wires between the swing-out USB connector and the mobile device over the course of repeated use. The present invention also relates to an improved casement structure for mobile devices and payment processing module encased therein.

Abstract: Camouflage articles are formed of arrangements of portions of different colors. The lighter colored portions or parts thereof are formed of reflective ink in that particular color. This arrangement provides the article with a camouflage appearance, altering depth perception by animals in daylight, and reflectivity at night for safety.

Abstract: There are provided a vacuum chamber system of a coating apparatus and a coating method using the same that prevents the attraction phenomenon of a coating solution in intermittent coating, so that the failure rate of coating is reduced, thereby improving the quality of products. In one embodiment, a vacuum chamber system of a coating apparatus includes a vacuum chamber connected to a coating solution outlet of the coating apparatus. A sound pressure generating unit is connected to one region of the vacuum chamber to generate sound pressure. A buffer tank is provided between the vacuum chamber and the sound pressure generating unit. In the vacuum chamber system, a control unit is further provided between the vacuum chamber and the buffer tank. The control unit controls air to be selectively inhaled or blocked from the vacuum chamber and the sound pressure generating unit.

Abstract: A method for creating a wood like appearance on a synthetic shutter using a sales client device, a network, computer instructions for creating a work order, a tray with scannable tray identifier to hold a shutter, a production client device connected to the network with computer instructions for applying a base coat, a glaze, and a top coat with spray treatment devices to the shutter as it automatically moves on a conveyer system. Scanning a scannable tray identifier with a plurality of sensors to link the tray identifier to the work order and to authenticate and validate the location of the tray on the conveyor system, or to initiate an alerting device. The method uses temperature control environments to control humidity and heating of the shutter while spraying, drying and UV curing.

Abstract: A method of applying wax to the top surface of a surfboard. The method may include heating the wax until the wax is molten and in liquid form. Then the liquid wax may be applied to the surface. The liquid wax may then cool and harden on the top surface of the surfboard. In certain embodiments, designs, ripples and patterns may be formed on the liquid wax when the liquid wax is on the surfboard.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for changing the color of non-wood substrates. A one step method uses a solution of a water soluble pigment or dye and a metal salt. The non-toxic solution can be sprayed on a primed or unprimed substrate without wiping. The method can produce an even color on a smooth substrate, or a simulated woodgrain pattern or color on a textured substrate. The composition and method can be used on substrates as varied as fiberboard, fiberglass, steel, vinyl, plastics, metals, concrete, brick, stone, and stucco. The composition can include a resin which is emulsified when added and subsequently demulsifies. A two step method includes the additional step of applying a gall ink to the substrate. The compositions can be distributed as kits containing multiple packages of dry or concentrated ingredients, which make the final composition(s) when hydrated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for generating surface patterns on composite building materials. An example method includes: providing a base polymer; providing a natural fiber; mixing and heating the base polymer and the natural fiber to produce a base mixture including a substantially homogeneous melt blend; extruding the blend through a die to form an extruded profile; and dispensing a pigment from a micro-extruder onto a surface of the extruded profile to form a colored surface pattern.

Abstract: An inkjet ink set consisting of a black inkjet ink, a cyan inkjet ink and two inkjet inks A and B, optionally complemented by a white ink and/or a colourless ink, wherein the inkjet ink A has a hue angle H* between 70 and 85 and a chroma C* between 30 and 80; the inkjet ink B has a hue angle H* between 20 and 40 and a chroma C* between 30 and 80; and the CIE L* a* b* coordinates were determined on polyethylene coated white paper for a 2° observer under a D50 light source.

Abstract: The present invention provides building materials and methods for the manufacturer which includes an extrudable thermoplastic or thermosetting substrate having a fluorocarbon-based capstock layer applied to the substrate. The fluorocarbon-based capstock layer can further include one or more top coats for providing a variegated, colored or textured pattern. The capstock layer, with or without the top coats, preferably has a thickness less than 4 mil and contains a UV-resistant PVDF resin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for allowing a user to create a texture on a substrate while printing in line with inks are disclosed. An image of a desired texture may be provided, and the contrast levels may be adjusted to make the dark areas very dark and the light areas very light. The adjusted image of the texture may be provided to a press as one or more texture image layers. A color image layer may also be provided to the press. The press may print the texture image layers on the substrate first, allowing the ink to build up to create the texture. The final color image layer may then be printed on top of the texture image layers. The printed substrate may be folded to create a final image product, such as a gallery wrap for hanging on a wall.

Abstract: Methods for treating various substrates to impart unique and artistic finishes thereto, comprising the application of a plurality of separate pigmented curable liquid compositions thereto. In some embodiments the pigmented curable liquid compositions are applied in such fashion to preclude formation of a homogeneous pigmented mixture. In some embodiments this is achieved by applying a second pigmented curable liquid composition over a first pigmented curable liquid composition prior to the full cure of the former. In other embodiments, this is achieved by simultaneous application of two pigmented curable liquid compositions which are non-homogeneous.

Abstract: Finishing set for a floor covering, whereby this finishing set at least consists of, on the one hand, a finishing profile and, on the other hand, a holder with at least an attachment portion for attaching said finishing profile at the holder, characterized in that the holder comprises an underlay portion, which at choice can or cannot be provided underneath the remaining portion of the holder as well as a stop-forming positioning portion.

Abstract: A method for creating a wood like appearance on a synthetic component using a sales client device, a network, computer instructions for creating a work order, a tray with scannable tray identifier to hold a synthetic component, a production client device connected to the network with computer instructions for applying a base coat, a glaze, and a top coat with spray treatment devices to the synthetic component as it automatically moves on a conveyer system a portion of which is connected to the production client device. Scanning a scannable tray identifier with a plurality of sensors to link the tray identifier to the work order and to authenticate and validate the location of the tray on the conveyor system, or to initiate an alerting device. The method uses temperature control environments to simultaneously control humidity and heating of the synthetic component while spraying, drying and UV curing.

Abstract: A paint or stain color selection device includes a frame sized for arms-length handheld use. The frame at least partially surrounds a viewing aperture. A plurality of distinct paint or stain color representations having surface areas smaller than the cross-sectional area defined by the viewing aperture are disposed on the frame and distributed around the viewing aperture. The device may be held in a user's hand and used to view remote objects or surfaces through the viewing aperture while visually comparing the object or surface to one or more of the paint or stain color representations.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method of manufacturing a textured surface may include providing a first thermally stable sheet, printing a pattern of material on the first sheet to form a three-dimensional textured surface, and curing the material, then using said first sheet to impart negative texture into Tedlar faced epoxy composite blanket, which is in turn used to impart texture into a decorative laminate.

Abstract: Methods of producing an ombré finish for materials may comprise applying a stain to the surface of a material in a first concentration toward a first part of said surface and in a second concentration toward a second part of said surface, blending said stain from said first part to said second part to create a gradual transition in concentration, and sealing said surface. Said methods may also comprise applying a stain substantially uniformly to the surface of a material, removing said stain from said surface so as to create a gradual transition in concentration of said stain, and sealing said surface. Said methods may further comprise the steps of comparing the color of said material to a target color and toning said material until said color of said material matches said target color.

Abstract: The present application includes a rotor blade having an erosion protective coating, the coating being a cermet material configured to protect against erosion during the operation of the rotor blade. Further, the present application includes a method of selectively applying the erosion protective coating, a method of selectively repairing/reapplying the erosion protective coating, and a process of developing an erosion surface model map of an optimized erosion protective coating pattern and thickness.

Abstract: A method for forming a thermofusible sheet material includes providing a backing ply including a textile material and applying a mixture of a binder and a thermoplastic polymer to selected areal regions of the backing ply so as to form a two-layer bonding compound structure. The method further includes thermally treating the backing ply so as to dry the mixture and to sinter the thermoplastic polymer onto a surface of the backing ply.

Abstract: Nano-composites include a graphite material such as nanotubes or graphene sheets and a partial or complete coating of a polymer including sufficient ?-conjugated moieties to interact with surfaces of the graphite material. The polymers may also include electropolymerizable or oxidatively polymerizable moieties so the films may be crosslinked. The films may be used to form layers on substrates or patterned layers on substrates.

Abstract: A surface geometry for an implantable medical electrode that optimizes the electrical characteristics of the electrode and enables an efficient transfer of signals from the electrode to surrounding bodily tissue. The coating is optimized to increase the double layer capacitance and to lower the after-potential polarization for signals having a pulse width in a pre-determined range by keeping the amplitude of the surface geometry with a desired range.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for imparting a simulated patina, or antique appearance to a substrate by using a coating composition comprising a perlite based effect pigment. The perlite based effect pigment functions as colorant and matting agent and shows an almost angle independent brightness. The process provides, for example, decorative wall coatings showing enhanced antique, or patina effects as compared to conventional effect pigments on basis of mica.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a topographical pattern from polymer material on an endless strip with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction extending perpendicularly thereto, in which method a cylindrical rotary screen is used to apply the polymer material by the screen printing process to a circumferential side of the endless strip to be printed, wherein, when producing the pattern, the rotary screen, rotating repeatedly about its longitudinal axis, rolls on the circumferential side of the endless strip, whereby the pattern is applied to the circumferential side in at least one path running at least once uninterruptedly around the circumferential side in such a way that the beginning and the end of each revolution of the path are arranged along a common straight line, wherein, when rolling, the rotary screen performs N revolutions about its longitudinal axis during each revolution of the path on the circumferential side of the endless strip and N is a positive integer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for decorating at least one bevel surface or other surface of a laminated flooring are described. The bevel surface can be decorated by non-transfer printing such as digital printing. The digital printer can be an ink jet printer such as a piezoelectric drop-on-demand (DOD) printer that allows a color and pattern to be placed on the bevel surface that matches the print design (décor pattern or face design) of the laminated flooring. Other devices are provided such as a device that takes a picture of or scans an image of the print design, and modifies the taken picture or the scanned image so that the edge pattern thereof matches with an edge pattern of the print design.

Abstract: A process for imparting a simulated patina appearance to a copper substrate including selecting a colorant having the desired initial patina color tone and producing a noncontinuous layer of the colorant on a surface of the copper substrate to provide the appearance of patination of the desired tone via interspersed spots of the colorant. The remaining portion of the substrate is exposed for natural patination.

Abstract: A tool and method for applying a texture material to a surface is provided. The tool comprises a body having a flat surface for mating to a smooth surface, such as a repaired portion of drywall. The body is formed of a rigid plastic material, that is optionally transparent, to enable to tool to be reused indefinitely, and has a multiplicity of spatially positioned openings disposed therethrough. Each of the openings has a predetermined configuration and position on the tool, for providing a pattern substantially matching the appearance of existing textured surface adjacent to the smooth surface. The invented method includes first affixing the tool to the smooth area of the surface, then applying a texture material to the smooth surface through the openings in the tool for forming a newly textured area that substantially matches the appearance of the existing adjacent textured surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waterproofing membrane for use on inclined surfaces. The membrane is fabricated from one or more layers of flexible sheet material preferably consisting of woven or nonwoven synthetic polymers of polypropylene. The membrane has a top surface and a bottom surface, where the bottom surface is intended to face the inclined surface. A skid resistant pattern of polymer elements is applied to the top surface of the membrane. The polymer has a Tensile Modulus <15 MPa (ASTM D638, 23C, 50 mm/min), a Tensile Yield Elongation >50% (ASTM D638, 23C, 50 mm/min, and a Shore A Hardness (ASTM D2240, 23C, 0 sec)<90. In a preferred embodiment the polymer elements are made from polyvinyl chloride polymer with a Tensile Modulus <7 MPa (ASTM D638, 23C, 50 mm/min), a Tensile Yield Elongation >50% (ASTM D638, 23C, 50 mm/min, and a Shore A Hardness (ASTM D2240, 23C, 0 sec)<75.

Abstract: Wood substrate having antique appearance effects, based on only one structural substrate, which may utilize composites such as plywood, particle board, high density board, bamboo, non-wood fiber boards and other synthetic or semi-synthetic materials. A board using a composite may be formed to desired dimensions, and optionally may have tongue and groove or other interconnection structure. The board may have holes, grooves, cracks, and other intruding formations imposed therein, and may have simulated patches formed thereon. The board may then have wood grain printed thereon. Abraded texturing may be introduced to the surface. Other treatments such a staining, sealing, sanding, drying, and coating may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metallic oxide film which exhibits a high hardness and is good in terms of the transparency, and which exhibits a hydrophilic property, a defogging and dirtproof property and a self-cleaning property over a long period of time, a production process for the same, and a hydrophilic mirror comprising this hydrophilic metallic oxide film. The present invention is characterized in that the superficial shapes of a metallic oxide film formed on a substrate surface is such that the superficial shapes of the metallic oxide film are such that an arithmetic average roughness Ra is 4-8 nm, a maximum roughness (maximum irregularity difference) Rz is 40-70 nm, a 10-point average roughness RzJIS is 20-60 nm, and pitches between irregularities are 10-300 nm, the Ra, Rz, RzJIS and pitches measured by an atomic force microscope. The metallic oxide film of such superficial shapes is useful as a hydrophilic mirror, and can be used appropriately as automotive outer mirrors.

Abstract: One embodiment of a method of manufacturing a textured surface may include providing a first thermally stable sheet, printing a pattern of material on the first sheet to form a three-dimensional textured surface, and curing the material, then using said first sheet to impart negative texture into Tedlar faced epoxy composite blanket, which is in turn used to impart texture into a decorative laminate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inks for silk-screen printing technique, as well as the corresponding printing technique, designed to bestow upon the reproduction obtained by means of the use of said inks on an appropriate substrate, preferably of a paper type, a particular feel, preferably a particular roughness or coarseness. In particular, the present invention relates to an ink for silk-screen printing of catalogues or advertising leaflets for products designed for decorative wall coatings that will reproduce also the feel of the final decoration applied on the wall substrate.

Abstract: Camouflaged bottles and containers for carrying and concealing a material include: a carriable container adapted to retain the material; and a camouflage pattern imprinted on an exterior surface of the container. The camouflage pattern helps conceal the container and the material. The container may be a bottle with a camouflaged cap or be a bag with a zipper lock, and may have a label.

Abstract: A method for producing a component with a real-wood surface, which is printed by means of an inkjet printing method such that its appearance corresponds to that of an original with a grain and pore structure corresponding to a predetermined desired type of wood and a predetermined coloration, contains the following steps: Providing the original, entering original data showing the appearance of the surface of the original into an electronic data processing system, providing a component with a timber surface, the pore structure of which is similar to that of the predetermined desired type of wood, and printing the timber surface in an inkjet printing method according to the original data such that the three-dimensional surface structure of the timber surface determined by the pore structure is at least partly retained.

Abstract: There is provided a transparent, single-phase, radiation-curable ink composition for inkjet printing white, opaque features on porous and non-porous substrates, which are excellent in colour reproducibility, hiding power, and adhesiveness to the substrate, for particular application as base layer coatings.

Abstract: “Marble It” is a craft box that is made of arylonitrile-butadien-styrene with a sliding clear cover made of polycarbonate or (PC). This box will enable a child to manipulate items that roll onto paper covered with paint.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for creating an attractive and colorful decorative pattern or finish utilizing a water based polyurethane paint with specific chemical additives, and a removable taping system that prevents unsightly streaking when applying the coating on floors and walls. To achieve the effect of a colorful decorative pattern a water based acrylic pastel or white primer base coat is applied to a substrate by brush, roller, or spray-gun. A removable tape is applied to form barrier lines. A pigmented water based polyurethane dispersion containing specified additives is applied, thus chemically forming a pattern when applied. The tape is removed after the pigmented coating has dried, and a clear protective topcoat is applied over the patterned coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of components with a pre-determined surface appearance, in particular for front panels of kitchen units, whereby the components are printed with a pre-determined pattern by means of a printing method which may be programmed corresponding to the appearance achieved. The invention further relates to a device for the production of said components and a system in which groups of said components are produced.

Abstract: An artificial stone material having an improved natural stone appearance and texture is prepared from thermosetting resin, curing agent, microspheres and additives. The resin and curing agent are thoroughly mixed to form a catalyzed resin mixture. The microspheres are added to the catalyzed resin mixture and mixed to a viscosity of about 950×106 to about 1590×106 to form a catalyzed base material. The additives are worked into the catalyzed base material to provide a catalyzed stone mixture having a desired natural stone appearance. The catalyzed stone mixture is molded or applied to a surface at the point of use and allowed to cure to form the artificial stone material.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance apparatus includes a transfer roller and a dressing oil tank configured to contain dressing oil. A wick is configured to pass dressing oil from the tank to the transfer roller. A buffer brush is configured to receive dressing oil from the transfer roller and spread the dressing oil on a bowling lane. The wick may comprise a foam material having a first region having a first capillarity and a second region having a second capillarity differing from the first capillarity. The wick may also be maintained in contact with the transfer roller.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing multi-laminar wood sheets by slicing from a flitch of natural and/or laminated wood sheets glued and pre-printed with a basic pattern. A basic pattern is printed on one or both faces of wood sheets obtained by rotary cutting or slicing a natural log or a multi-layered flitch; the printed sheets are subsequently used to form a final flitch from which multi-laminar wood sheets are then sliced having a pattern designed to simulate different types of natural or fancy woods. The basic pattern is printed while maintaining process conditions designed to control the penetration into the thickness of the wood sheet and surface diffusion of the colouring agent during printing step. The penetration and diffusion of the colouring agent is controlled by maintaining process parameters and conditions at an established value.

Abstract: A process for imparting a simulated patina appearance to a copper substrate, and a substrate having that appearance. A colorant having the desired initial patina color tone is employed to produce a non-continuous layer of colorant on the surface of a copper substrate. The appearance of patination of the desired tone is created by interspersed spots of colorant with the remaining portion of the substrate being exposed for natural patination. The interspersed spots of colorant may be produced by screen printing, by spattering, as by spraying, or by mechanical removal of colorant after application to the substrate surface, or a combination. The colorant is preferably a paint and may be applied by non-uniform spraying on the substrate surface. Non-uniformity may be accomplished by varying the volume of colorant sprayed during the application process or by varying the relative movement of the spray and substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an imprinted effect in a plastic film, characterized by the following steps: (a) applying a hardenable mixture of lacquer and solvent subject to volumetric shrinkage in liquid form to a localized area of the plastic film, whereby the plastic film surface is for all practical purposes made insoluble by the solvent; (b) drying the lacquer-solvent material; (c) hardening the lacquer to a lacquer-laminate layer that is completely bound to a localized area of the surface; and (d) allowing the lacquer-laminate layer to shrink, with a simultaneous tightening of the laminated plastic film below the lacquer-laminate layer without formation of wrinkles.

Abstract: An article made from polyvinyl chloride/wood composite having a natural wood grain finish and a method for creating the article. The natural wood grain finish is created on the article by applying multiple paint transfers onto the polyvinyl chloride/wood composite. The paint is transferred by a series of printing rollers having a wood grain pattern. Optionally, the polyvinyl chloride/wood composite can be painted with a base-coat of a hydrocarbon-based paint before applying the multiple paint transfers. This method is especially suited for manufacturing window blind slats.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spatter painting wherein an open-loop paint applicator which can be a paint roller cover having a set of elongated interconnected members or fibers that are rolled in a shallow layer of paint, preferably a thixotropic paint, to randomly draw paint from the paint reservoirs onto peripheral portions of the open-loop members that extend into the paint reservoir to produce a partially loaded paint roller cover having randomly spaced globules and droplets of paint thereon. When the partially loaded paint roller cover is rolled over a surface the paint globules and droplets located in a random pattern on the paint roller cover are transferred to a surface to produce a “spatter effect” even though the paint roller cover normally produces a textured surface.

Abstract: The method of pattern transfer to an automobile part transfers a pattern to a solid curved-surface automobile part, which is a steering wheel or shift knob. The pattern transfer method has a transfer process step to supply ink to depressions which form a pattern in the surface of a lithograph roller, and transfer ink supplied to lithograph roller depressions to the surface of a transfer roller; and a transfer process step to press the surface of the steering wheel or shift knob into the surface of the transfer roller, rotate the transfer roller while pressing against the steering wheel or shift knob to flexibly deform the surface of the transfer roller, and attach ink on the surface of the transfer roller to the surface of the steering wheel or shift knob.

Abstract: A method of producing a finish for a selected wood substrate, wherein the finish provides the selected wood substrate with a color that matches the color of a target object. In accordance with the method, calculations are performed to determine the quantities of at least one group of colorants required to produce a semitransparent wood stain from a vehicle, wherein when the semitransparent wood stain is applied to the selected wood substrate, the selected wood substrate will have a color that matches the target object. The calculations are performed using reflectance measurements of the target object obtained using a spectrophotometer and previously obtained spectral data of the colorants as applied to at least one type of wood. The colorants used to form the semitransparent wood stain do not include a white colorant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a faux finish on a paintable surface. The apparatus includes a polyvinyl alcohol block having first and second ends, and a longitudinal body extending between the first and second ends. The body also includes at least one planar painting surface and a beveled surface located adjacent the first end of the body.

Abstract: A workpiece to which a transfer pattern is to be applied is formed to have a rod-like element curved into a loop-like shape to form an apparent geometric plane. A transfer film used in the liquid pressure transfer is formed on a required portion thereof, and the transfer pattern for decoration is formed to have a configuration corresponding to that of the apparent plane. The workpiece is handled so as to downwardly approach the transfer film from a position corresponding to the transfer pattern, and is then immersed in the transfer liquid. Consequently, the transfer film bonds to the rod-like element of the workpiece so as to circumferentially surround the rod-like element continuously from a bottom of the rod-like element to a top thereof on the basis of a diametric section of the rod-like element. Thus, the transfer pattern is transferred to at least the rod-like element of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for creating a pattern by applying varying concentrations of pigment in water to a synthetic fabric and allowing the pigment to bleed and preferably to reverse bleed. A pleated window shade having an Aurora Borealis like pattern is also provided. The preferred method comprises the steps of stretching a pleated synthetic fabric window shade vertically, applying pigment in water to the surface of the fabric and allowing the pigment to bleed, then inverting the fabric so that the pigment in solvent bleeds in the opposite direction. Optionally, the method further includes at least one of the steps of applying the solvent, such as for example water, to the pigmented surface before inverting or after inverting thereby inducing additional bleeding, blending, and dilution of the pigment in the wetted area.

Abstract: A pattern-transferring film having a print pattern provided on an upper surface thereof is floated on a liquid surface within a transferring bath and an objective body is immersed into a liquid within the transferring bath together with the pattern transferring film under a liquid pressure so as to transfer the print pattern onto the objective body. The print pattern is obtained by being printed by using an optional printing ink or inks of blue, yellow, red black and white inks or an ink or inks prepared by blending the printing inks. The liquid pressure pattern-transferring ink or inks comprise at least a resin ingredient and a color pigment. The resin ingredient of each of the color inks is composed of a fluoropolymer resin and the color pigment of each of the color inks is an inorganic pigment.

Abstract: A liquid pressure transfer print method for printing a steering wheel rim of an automobile includes lowering the steering wheel rim up to a boundary line of a primary transfer print portion, without attaching a mask member to the other side surface of the steering wheel rim, opposite to the primary transfer print portion, after floating the transfer print film on liquid, half drying the polyvinyl alcohol layer on the primary transfer print portion of the steering wheel rim for a predetermined time and at a predetermined rate so the polyvinyl alcohol layer at a first transfer print surface is dried to a gel state, flipping the steering wheel rim and lowering the other side surface to beyond the boundary line, and soaking the steering wheel rim having the entire surface transfer printed in a solution and cleaning the polyvinyl alcohol layers by spraying the solution against the surface of the steering wheel rim.