Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a decorative treatment giving the illusion of depth to a surface, where the apparatus has a paint applicator roller and a roller cover. The roller cover has at least one raised foam pattern that is sized, shaped and positioned to substantially circumscribe the roller cover and create clearly defined edges along its periphery and a gap between adjacent edges of the foam pattern. The method including loading at least one coating onto the roller cover, the coating having at least one different visually perceptible characteristic than a finish of the surface to be coated, and applying the coating to the surface by moving the handle in a plurality of generally linear discrete motions. The decorative treatment resulting from the effect of a plurality of partially overlapping, semi-random pattern images formed on the surface by the coating applied to the surface using the raised foam pattern.

Abstract: An aqueous tannin stain-inhibiting coating composition comprising a titanate coupling agent. Also, a process for inhibiting tannin staining in a tannin-containing substrate is disclosed which involves applying to the substrate a coating composition comprising a titanate coupling agent.

Abstract: A method and system for finishing a golf ball to prevent tip marks is disclosed herein. The present invention includes whitening a portion of a golf ball, then positioning the golf ball in such manner that the tips of a carrier engage the whitened portion. The whitening may be accomplished by inkjet, pad printing or painting.

Abstract: A decorative painting kit including multiple-color paint applicators and a method of decoratively painting a surface though in situ surface blending of two or more paints of different colors by using a multiple-color paint applicator which is stroked over the same surface a sufficient number of time to at least partially blend the different paint colors. The partial in situ surface blending of two or more paints produces a decorative pattern on the painted surface that is color characterized by having areas with some of the original paint colors and other areas with various blends of the original paint colors thereon to produce a decoratively painted surface.

Abstract: The disclosed invention consists of a means for conveying a gypsum or gypsum/cellulose fiber board to a rotary cylinder brush station where pMDI resin is delivered onto the rotary cylinder brush just as the board passes under the brush. A resin distribution system is used to coat the rotary cylinder brush applicator with pMDI. Optionally, a second rotary cylinder brush station is included, if desired, to smooth out and spread the pMDI resin over the surface of the gypsum board substrate to achieve complete coverage.

Abstract: A method and applicator for use in applying hazardous chemical solutions to surfaces. The invention employes a pen applicator to apply a measured amount of the hazardous chemical solution to a surface as a dispensing tip is applied to the surface. A typical pen applicator includes a tubular body in which a liquid absorbing material is disposed to hold the hazardous solution. A tip in contact with the reservoir and one end of the tip acts as a wick to draw the solution from the reservoir to the tip, and the other end of the tip is configured to apply the solution to a surface when that end of the tip is placed in contact with the surface. A tip cover is provided to seal the tip and tip-end of the tubular body prevent inadvertent application of the solution and to preserve the shelf life. A cap or sealing member is provided at the end of the body to seal the reservoir.

Abstract: A method of applying makeup to one's person including the steps of preparing a liquid makeup composition by mixing together a volatile solvent (20-98%), soluble polymer (0.1-20%) and colorant powder (0.1-40%). The solvents, polymers and colorant powders usable in the invention are disclosed herein. The makeup composition is absorbed on an absorbent material which can be natural sponge, synthetic sponge and fiber and the composition on the absorbent material is dried to remove the volatile solvent. Thereafter the absorbent material with dried composition thereon is subjected to a volatile solvent to wet the same and the absorbent material with the composition thereon is rubbed on one's person to apply the polymer and colorant powder thereto. The composition, which is also on the absorbent material, increases the weight of the absorbent material from 40% to 1000%. The invention also includes the article for applying makeup to one's person which is made by the above recited method.

Abstract: A layer may be produced on the surface of a detail to thereby provide electromagnetic radiation shielding. The layer (e.g., a metallic layer) is transferred either directly or indirectly onto the detail, which may be all or a portion of, for example, a telephone casing. The transfer may be effectuated through a variety of techniques. For example, a tampon pad may be crafted to conform to the surface of the detail. After the tampon pad is coated by collecting the layer (e.g., from a foundation onto which the layer was pressed through a screen frame or from an etched plate), the layer is transferred to the detail from the tampon pad. Additional examples include transferring the layer by using a screen printing method or by sinking the detail into a fluid bath.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating blemishes in the outer surface of a plastic member of a particular color and wherein such blemishes are removed by using an applicator device provided with a one-component, water-borne material of the same color and having a fibrous tip which is capable of being saturated with the water-borne material.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an electrode and membrane assembly (MEA) for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. The MEA comprises a polymer electrolyte membrane on each side of which an electrocatalyst layer is provided in a melted state. A perfluorosulfonyl fluoride copolymer powder ranging, in particle size distribution, from 20 to 200 &mgr;m is hot-pressed at 200-250° C. to give a pre-formed sheet whose opposite sides are then coated with a catalyst ink consisting of Pt/C powder, glycerol and water. This catalyst ink-coated preformed sheet is again subjected to hot pressing at 200-250° C. to embed the catalyst ink into the pre-formed sheet. Hydrolysis in NaOH/methanol or H2SO4 solution converts the membrane of the sheet from a non-ionized form to an ionized form.

Abstract: The invention concerns a polyacrylamide-containing composition which is characterized in that it has a molecular weight of between 2,000 and 8,000 g/mol, determined by means of gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and as a 15% aqueous solution still has a Brookfield viscosity of between 100 and 500 mPas at 25° C. The invention further concerns the use of this polyacrylamide-containing composition for the flat bonding of water absorbent and hard surfaces and for equipping plastic surfaces with non-slip protection.

Abstract: A finishing composition and method for applying the composition to a fabric woven from glass fibers or from a blend of glass fibers and other fibers such as polyamide or polyester. Such finishes significantly enhance the flex life of woven glass fabrics by improving the acid and alkali corrosion resistance of the fibers. The finish, which comprises fluoropolymer and epoxy resin, can be loaded into the fabric in multiple baths. Filtration products can be fabricated from the finished fabrics and they are especially useful for making filter bags used in the bag houses for central power generating stations and similar industries.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a medical imaging system are disclosed. The imaging system is particulary suited for surgical procedures performed with respect to a lesion in a breast, although application of the invention is not so limited. An image of a portion of a patient's anatomy can be displayed on a computer. A surgical instrument and a lesion within the patient's anatomy can be displayed, showing the relative positions of each. A portion of the patient's anatomy can be monitored using markers or sensors that report position relative to an external reference point. Movement of a lesion within soft tissue can be calculated and displayed in response to changes in position or shape of the soft tissue. Accordingly, position of a lesion within a breast can be tracked in response to changes in the shape of the breast as the patient is moved or the breast is manipulated during the procedure.

Abstract: Medical cannulas are typically provided with a silicone coating to improve incision performance. In order to produce a thin, continuous and even coating layer, silicone oil is provided at one side of an elastic foil and the foil is penetrated by the uncoated cannula from an opposite side. During this operation the cannula is wetted by the silicone oil. During withdrawal of the cannula from the foil, excess silicone oil is removed from the cannula and an even, particle-free thin coating which has no bulge- or bead-forming tendency during incision is obtained. Subsequently, the silicone coating is dried.

Abstract: The adherent coating of the invention comprises a stabilizing polymer together with an active agent (a hydrophilic polymer and/or a bioactive agent) in a layer bonded to the surface of a medical device. This invention encompasses the coating liquids used for coating medical devices, methods of coating the devices, and the coated devices. The stabilizing polymer is selected to entrap the active agent in a coating that has a high degree of flexibility and has improved bonding to a wide variety of substrates. Preferred stabilizing polymers are cross-linkable acrylic and methacrylic polymers, ethylene acrylic acid copolymers, styrene acrylic copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers and copolymers, vinyl acetal polymers and copolymers, epoxy, melamine, other amino resins, phenolic polymers, copolymers thereof, and combinations.

Abstract: A system for applying adhesive to the peripheral edge of a window glass includes a brush which is held stationary while the window glass is moved with respect to the brush to apply the adhesive. The brush includes a plastic sleeve which exposes only a specified portion of the bristles of the brush. After the bristles have worn, the brush is moved to a cutting station where a portion of the sleeve is removed to expose another portion of the bristles. This operation continues until there is no material left on the sleeve to trim. At this point, the brush is discarded and replaced with a new brush automatically. Rather than have the window glass move with respect to the brush, the brush can be moved with respect to the window glass if desired.

Abstract: It is provided a water repellent coating method and apparatus which permits efficient coating either plain or curved surfaces of articles. There is disclosed in the present specification a water repellent coating method comprises the steps of: (a) loading to a carrier in the form of endless belt a coating solution containing at least a water repellent, (b) bringing said carrier into contact with an article to transfer said coating solution on the material, and (c) forming a water repellent film on said article.

Abstract: Window film (e.g., solar film) is edge-sealed by moving a porous applicator tip saturated with liquid sealant in wiping contact along an edge of the window film to be sealed so as to transfer a portion of the liquid sealant from the saturated applicator tip to the window film edge. Thereafter, the liquid sealant is allowed to dry so that a residue of the sealant (e.g., most preferably a solvated plastics material) remains as a transparent layer sealing the space between the window film edge and the adjacent window glass frame. Most preferably, a kit is provided which includes a pen-like applicator and a container which contains a quantity of liquid sealant. The applicator is provided with the porous applicator tip at one end in fluid communication with a barrel defining an interior reservoir space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating a metal substrate to provide permanent corrosion resistance. The method comprises applying a solution containing one or more vinyl silanes in admixture with one or more multi-silyl-functional silanes to a metal substrate in order to form a coating. The method is particularly suitable for use on zinc coated surfaces.

Abstract: A guide coat is formed on a surface as part of a smoothing operation, e.g., during vehicle bodywork, by distributing finely divided particulate material, e.g., a non-toxic, water-based black powder paint, over the surface so the material remains on and thus highlights any irregularities on the surface. The material may be wiped onto the surface by an applicator, e.g., synthetic foam or sponge, impregnated with the material. The material may be stored in a container in a loose, finely divided form or in a compact, substantially solid form from which finely divided particles may be removed. The majority of the material is subsequently removed from the surface as the surface is abraded to remove the highlighted irregularities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for flowable materials which comprises a generally cylindrical housing having a chamber, a discharge opening, a wick projecting through said discharge opening, and a projecting structure for shielding the user from flowable materials and for preventing placement of the applicator in inappropriate receptacles. Further, the present invention relates to a storage and shipping rack for said applicators and to a method of dispensing flowable materials onto a surface. Preferably, the applicator is filled with metal coating and treating compositions such as aqueous acidic chromate compositions. Most preferably, the acidic compositions contain a very low concentration of a fluorinated surfactant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying liquid protectorant to a targeted surface, such as a automobile tire sidewall, comprising a container for holding the liquid protectorant, a hand-held applicator, and a conduit between the container and the applicator. And one embodiment, the container is pressurized and a manually controllable valve is operable to deliver the liquid protectorant from the container to the applicator. The applicator includes a nozzle for delivering liquid protectorant. The nozzle, however, is surrounded by portions of the applicator, for example brush bristles, to prevent liquid protectorant from traveling to other than the targeted area.

Abstract: A method and a device for depositing a layer of material on a surface is provided. The device includes a rotatable hub having a plurality of fibers projecting therefrom. The fibers are constructed from the material to be deposited on the surface. As the hub is rotated, a portion of the fiber engages the surface and melted thereon. In order to vary the thickness of the layer and/or insure proper melting of the fiber, the angular velocity of the hub may be varied, or the hub and/or the surface may be moved along a corresponding axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the hub.

Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a process for modifying the properties of a hydroxylated surface of a three-dimensional substrate containing exposed zones and recessed zones, according to which a compound, such as a silane containing (a) reactive group(s), is selectively dry-transferred onto the exposed zones of said surface using a a flat stamping pad impregnated with said compound. The substrate may be made of glass and the compound may be a thiol or an alkyl- or aryl-tri(chloro or alkoxy) silane, inter alia. Use, in particular, for the production of microwell plates for biological cultures and printing plates.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to improved gel/grease compositions as well as grease compositions capable of imparting improved corrosion resistance. The grease includes a silica/silicate mixture that can imparts a relatively high pH and corrosion resistant properties to the grease.

Abstract: A coating apparatus is disclosed for applying a coating material on one or more zones of a substrate material. In one embodiment, the coating applicators have fluid-wicking strips that apply the coatings directly to the substrate, while in another embodiment, the fluid-wicking strips indirectly apply the coatings to the substrate via feed rolls. Metering mechanisms supply predetermined amounts of coating material to the fluid-wicking strips. Each coating applicator has a housing with a recess for receiving one the fluid-wicking strips therein. One of the fluid-wicking strips is mounted in each housing which has a plurality of transversely spaced passageways. Each passageway of each applicator housing is fluidly coupled to its own separate air actuated metering mechanism which dispenses coating material to the portion of the fluid-wicking strip adjacent thereto. A desired quantity of coating material is simultaneously delivered via the metering mechanisms to each of the applicator housings.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to improved gel/grease compositions as well as grease compositions capable of imparting improved corrosion resistance. The grease includes a silica/silicate mixture that can imparts a relatively high pH and corrosion resistant properties to the grease.

Abstract: A high emissivity coating composition for coating the interior of a furnace to direct thermal energy toward a load in the furnace wherein the furnace operates above 1100.degree. C. thereby increasing the thermal efficiency of the furnace. The high emissivity coating composition includes a high emissivity agent and a binder agent. The preferred high emissivity agent is cerium oxide which defines a high emissivity factor from approximately 1000.degree. C. to above 2000.degree. C. The binder suspension agent is formulated to define the consistency and drying characteristics of paint such that the coating can be applied in a manner similar to the manner in which paint is applied. Moreover, the binder/suspension agent withstands the final use temperature.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing the initial friction level of a brake friction material. The method comprises coating the friction material with a coating which is insoluble in water and which comprises a binder selected from alkali metal silicates and metal alkoxides. The coating may also comprise particulate friction-enhancing material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of applying a nailwrap to a human nail. The method includes depositing an effective amount of a polymerization catalyst on the nailwrap, placing the nailwrap on a portion of the nail, and depositing a first layer of a monomer over the nailwrap to simulate a human nail. By depositing the polymerization catalyst on the nailwrap, polymerization of the monomer occurs from the bulk, i.e., the surface of the human nail, and proceeds to the surface of the artificial nail structure. The invention also relates to a nailwrap for use on a human nail with a monomer to support an artificial nail structure. The nailwrap includes a woven fiber and an effective amount of a polymerization catalyst embedded in the fiber to substantially polymerize the monomer.

Abstract: A process for the surface treatment of materials, which includes applying on the surface of a material an aqueous composition including: (a) an inorganic silicate or colloidal silica present in an amount from 2 to 95% by weight based on the weight of dry product; and (b) a fluoroelastomer based on vinylidene fluoride (VDF) present in an amount from 5 to 98% by weight based on the weight of dry product.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the application of aqueous paints. The paint is supplied in a flexible container compressible by an adjacent inflatable bag. Paint travels from the container via a long delivery tube to a brush, roller or pad applicator. The container is compressed horizontally by means of a foldable base when compressed by the inflatable bag. The length of the tube is 1 to 3 m, and the inner diameter of the tube is 5 to 15 mm, to provide a steady delivery of paint to the applicator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a selective absorber which contains one or more layers of a non-homogeneous material (cermet), the non-homogeneous material having been produced by means of a sol-gel process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for painting all or part of a cut edge of a precoated steel sheet or its shaped article to which a masking film is attached, wherein a painting pad comprised of a sponge or nonwoven fabric and/or woven fabric is impregnated with a paint, the surface of the painting pad is wiped with gas to remove the excess paint, then the painting pad is pressed against the cut edge of the precoated steel sheet under force control.

Abstract: Using a material comprising a metal organic compound and an inorganic filler, a composite film is obtained by coating a substrate with said material and heat-treating the coating. The obtained composite film improves the properties of the substrate.

Abstract: A finger-moistening device for fingerprint recognizing apparatus includes: a container filled with a non-volatile oil or liquid in the container, a powder-metallurgy made roller rotatably mounted and capillarily impregnated in the container to form an oil-impregnated roller, and an upper cover covering the container and having an opening for protruding a peripheral portion of the roller outwardly from the cover and the container for spreading a thin layer of oil or liquid onto the finger of a person to be detected to increase the cohesion between the finger and a prism surface of the fingerprint recognizing apparatus for obtaining a clear fingerprint image for a qualified fingerprint recognition.

Abstract: Apparatus, kit and method for painting a marbleized pattern on an essentially flat interior surface using paints with a plurality of colors. Before beginning the process, if necessary, the surface is cleaned and prepared. This can include applying masking tape around the periphery of the area to be painted. Splotches of paint of one color are then applied to a portion of the total area to be painted using a stiff bristled brush. Splotches of other paint colors are then applied interspersed with the previous colors. The brush is then used to preliminarily blend the various splotches of paint. A special blending tool faced with wool is used to complete blending the paint. The wool face is moistened before use, and blending is completed by patting the paint with the wool face of the tool while changing the angles and locations of the tool between each contact. Accent veining lines can be added to the blended paint surface using a feather dipped into a paint of a different color than the blended surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a coating to an object includes a pair of reciprocating members which each include a porous resilient pad mounted for movement toward and away from each other. The apparatus includes a coating supply system for supplying coating to the resilient pads. The pads have a movement sequence from an initial rest position where the pads are spaced apart from one another to a coating loading position where the pads are in physical contact and have a degree of compression with each other to load the coating onto the pads, then the pads are moved to an intermediate rest position with the pads spaced apart an the object to be coated is moved between the pads. The sequence then includes a coating delivery position where the pads are in physical contact with each other and the object so that the pads have a degree of compression with each other and the object thereby applying the coating to the object.

Abstract: A method for preparing a castable amorphous fluorocarbon coating upon the surface of a substrate which includes the steps of initially depositing a film of a fluorocarbon having a thickness between about 1500 .ANG. and 50,000 .ANG., and thereafter applying a second coating as a coverlay upon the initial film. Both the initial film and the castable coating consist of an amorphous fluorinated (ethylenic-cyclo oxyaliphatic substituted ethylenic) copolymer having the structural repeating unit: ##STR1## wherein "m" and "n" represent integers providing a molecular weight of between about 230,000 and 500,000, with the relative values of "m" and "n" providing a copolymer with a glass transition temperature ranging from between about 160.degree. C. and 240.degree. C.

Abstract: There is provided a tool at least partly coated with at least two refractory layers of which one of the said layers is a fine-grained .alpha.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 -layer which is the top layer along the cutting edge-line and the other a TiC.sub.x N.sub.y O.sub.z - or a ZrC.sub.x N.sub.y -layer being the top layer on the clearance face. The coated tool exhibits excellent flank and crater wear and high resistance to flaking, particularly when used for machining of low carbon steel and stainless steel. Used cutting edges can easily be identified by the naked eye.

Abstract: Composition for a coating protecting the surfaces of carbon-containing products exposed to a hot, oxidizing environment such as the parts of anodes not immersed in the molten salt bath and the liners of the aluminum electrolysis cells and more generally the non-immersed parts of carbon-containing refractory elements used in electrolysis conducted below 950.degree. C. in a molten salt bath, comprising a geopolymer, preferably in the fluoropoly(sialate-disiloxo) family, the other components possibly being water as well as alumina and/or a refractory other than silica. Coating protecting the surfaces of carbon-containing products exposed to a hot, oxidizing environment such as the non-immersed parts of carbon-containing refractory elements used in electrolysis conducted below 950.degree. C. in a molten salt bath, including polysilicates and at least one inorganic polymer in the poly(sialate) family, preferably fluoropoly(sialate-disiloxo), also possibly with alumina or another refractory other than silica.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fibre bundle impregnating process, in which the fibre bundle is placed on a support and the support, together with the fibre bundle thereon, is moved past an impregnating device. In this process the fibre bundle is supported during the impregnation process and consequently a fibre-reinforced plastic is produced, fibre breaks being largely avoided during its production. One of the possible variants of the inventive concept comprises an impregnating wheel, which receives the fibre bundle and leads it past an impregnating device.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition and method for maintaining the appearance of stone floor surfaces such as marble that avoids the need for use of oxalic acid. This is provided by a stone floor surface crystallizer composition comprising from about 12% to 25% of a silicofluoride crystallizing agent such as magnesium silicofluoride; from about 15% to 25% of at least one fatty acid containing from about 16 to 22 carbon atoms such as stearic acid or mixtures of palhitic, stearic and oleic acids; from about 25% to 45% of at least one particulate abrasive, more preferably, an aluminum oxide abrasive; from about 80% to 140%, based upon the stoichiometric amount of carboxyl groups present in the fatty acid of the composition, of at least one alkaline neutralizing agent for the fatty acid such as a volatile amine such as triethanolamine; from about 0.1% to 2%, of a silicone fluid such as polydimethylsiloxane fluid having a viscosity of from about 100 to 2000 centistokes (0.01 to 0.

Abstract: A cross-linking agent for cross-linking a binding agent with a pigment for coloring textile fabrics in a continuous padding process including an emulsified mixture of at least 500% by weight of silicone fluid, at least 20% resin, at least 10% water and optional processing enhancers.An embodiment of the method for padding pigment colors onto textile fabrics according to the invention includes the steps of preparing a padding liquor of a cross-linking agent, a textile pigment, a binder and water, wherein the cross-linking agent is an emulsification of at least 50% by weight of silicone fluid, at least 20% resin, and at least 10% water. The padding liquor is then padded onto the textile fabric, and the resin in the padding liquor is cured on the textile fabric to cross-link the pigment and the binder.

Abstract: A preparation for concealing crazing in antique composition dolls. The method of making a concealer from various pigments and other compounds is disclosed. A method of using the preparation for repairing crazing marks on antique dolls is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a coating to an object includes a pair of rotating members each including a porous resilient roll mounted for counter-rotatory movement. The members are mounted so that they contact each other during a segment of the movement and are out of contact with each other at other segments of the movement. The apparatus includes a coating supply system for supplying a coating to the resilient rolls. The rotatory movement of the members includes a coating loading segment where the resilient rolls are in physical contact and have a degree of compression with the coating supply system for loading the coating into the rolls. The sequential movement also includes an intermediate segment where the resilient rolls are out of contact with each other and where an object to be coated is movable into position for movement between the resilient rolls when the rolls are in a coating delivery segment.

Abstract: Corrosion protective coatings for metallic materials, particularly aluminum and aluminum alloys, produced with simple, low-cost equipment and materials other than toxic metals or metal salts, or metal cyanides. The metallic material is cleaned, degreased, and deoxidized, the surface is converted to a substantially alkaline condition, and the surface is chemically sealed with inorganic metal compounds.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stamp comprises a high-viscosity emulsion composed of at least one synthetic emulsion and/or naturally found emulsion, including but not limited to water-based poly emulsions, acrylic latexes, vinyl acrylic latexes, polyvinyl acetate latexes, vinyl acrylic latex, styrene acrylic latexes, styrene butadiene latexes and polyurethanes. The emulsion(1) is applied to a mounting surface(2), such as a block of wood or synthetic material, in at least one layer over a predetermined design(5) on the surface and allowed to cure, forming a flexible, rubber-type material in the shape of the design(5), suitable for producing a stamp.

Abstract: The method comprises forming at least one external coating on the surface of the product to be protected, the coating being constituted by a composition mainly containing a mixture of phosphates, of silica, and of alumina belonging to a P.sub.2 O.sub.5 --SiO.sub.2 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 system, and, after drying, implementing heat treatment at a temperature that is sufficient at least to transform the external coating into an insoluble cement capable of forming a self-sealing glass. The external coating is formed of a liquid suspension that is applied by spray-painting or by means of a brush, the suspension containing said mixture of phosphates, of silica, and of alumina. Prior to forming the external coating, the product may be impregnated to the core within the residual open pores of the composite material, using a liquid solution of phosphates, of sodium, and of potassium.

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.