Abstract: A non-specular reflecting surface for use in a Liquid Crystal Display is obtained by randomly embedding particles in a layer of a resin solution and then baking to hardness. The particles' sizes are approximately the same as the layer's thickness, so a randomly uneven surface is the result. The particles are most commonly, but not necessarily, commercially available plastic microspheres. If a photosensitive resin is selected, it may be shaped into a desired pattern without the need for a separate photoresist and etch step. When a high reflectance metal is deposited onto the resin surface it becomes an effective non-specular reflector.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photo-imaging resist ink containing (A) an unsaturated group-containing polycarboxylic acid resin which is a reaction product of (c) succinic anhydride with an additive reaction product of (a) an epoxy resin with (b) an unsaturated group-containing monocarboxylic acid, wherein (a) the epoxy resin is represented by the following formula (1): ##STR1## wherein M stands for ##STR2## n is at least 1 on the average; and m is 1 to n on the average. The resist ink is excellent in developability and photosensitivity, while the cured product thereof is excellent in flex resistance and folding resistance, and well satisfactory in adhesion, pencil hardness, solvent resistance, acid resistance, heat resistance, etc.

Abstract: Radiation sensitive compositions, processes for using the compositions, and articles of manufacture comprising the compositions. The photoimageable compositions of the invention comprises a radiation sensitive component, a resin binder and a polybutadiene that comprises one or more internal epoxide groups. In preferred aspects, the compositions of the invention further comprise a crosslinking agent such as a melamine or an epoxidized material, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: There are disclosed photosensitive compositions based on water as solvent and/or dispersant for the components of said compositions, comprising 10-50% by weight of water-soluble and/or water-dispersible solid, crosslinkable film-forming polymers as binder, 4-50% by weight of water-soluble and/or water-dispersible photopolymerisable acrylate and/or methacrylate monomers and/or corresponding oligomers, 0.1 to 10% by weight of water-soluble and/or water-dispersible photoinitiator compounds for the photopolymerisable acrylate and/or methacrylate monomers and/or corresponding oligomers, and if the binder contains non-selfcrosslinking polymers, 2.5-40% by weight of water-soluble and/or water-dispersible crosslinking agents for the polymeric binder as thermal hardener, selected from the group consisting of epoxy resins, melamine resins and blocked polyisocyanates.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a vibrational enhancement to the recoating process in stereolithography are disclosed. The formation of a thin layer of building material over a previous layer of structure of a partially completed three-dimensional object, in preparation for formation of an additional layer of structure, is enhanced by the use of vibrational energy imparted to the building medium. In a first preferred apparatus, vibration is induced into the surface of the material by a plurality of vibrating needles that penetrate below the working surface to a sufficient depth to ensure adequate coupling but not deep enough to come into contact with the surface of the partially completed part. In a second preferred apparatus, vibration is coupled directly to the object support. The vibrational energy is then transmitted through the part to the surface of the building material.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for applying a curable resin, such as a photosensitive resin, to a substrate such as a papermaker's dewatering felt. The method comprises the steps of providing a substrate; providing a curable liquid resin; providing a second material different from the curable liquid resin; applying the second material to the substrate to occupy at least some of the voids in the substrate intermediate the first and second surfaces of the substrate; applying the curable resin to the substrate; curing at least some of the resin to provide a resin layer on the substrate; and removing at least some of the second material from the substrate, wherein at least some of the second material is removed from the substrate after applying the curable resin to the substrate.

Abstract: A retroreflective article comprising a transparent base sheet having first and second broad faces, the second face being substantially planar and the first face having an array of substantially hemi-spheroidal microlenses thereon, the microlenses being wider and shorter than portions of true spheres, the shape of the microlenses and thickness of the base sheet being such that collimated light substantially orthogonally incident to the array is focused approximately at the second face, wherein the second face has a coating of a nacreous pigment composition thereon. The article can include an optional layer of adhesive over the reflective layer to permit the article to be adhered to a document as a tamper-indicating, authenticating, and protective overlay. Special images can be formed within the article to enhance the security provided thereby. Also, a method for making such base sheets, and a method for making a forming master.

Abstract: A method is for curing ultraviolet light-curable coatings, inks or adhesives on heat sensitive substrates, wherein the substrates are coated and then passed under ultraviolet light. It includes reducing the temperatures of the substrates while being passed under the ultraviolet light by providing a shield at a location between the ultraviolet light and the substrates. The shield is substantially infrared light reflective and absorptive to prevent infrared light from reaching the substrates and is also substantially ultraviolet light permeable to permit ultraviolet light to reach the substrates. An ultraviolet light curing device utilizing the aforesaid shield is also described for curing ultraviolet light-curable coatings, printings and adhesives on heat sensitive substrates.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for stereolithographically forming a three-dimensional object includes a vessel for holding a building material and a smoothing member for forming a uniform coating over a previously formed layer of the object. The smoothing member has a plurality of blades. The smoothing member is swept over a previously formed layer of the object, in at least two directions. Different clearances between the lower surface of the smoothing member and the upper surface of the previously formed layer are used to provide a uniform coating for a subsequent layer over the previously formed layer. The sweeping velocity of the smoothing member can be varied. Retractable needles are attached to the smoothing member for adjusting a blade gap between a lower surface of the smoothing member and the surface of the building material.

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: A throttle body assembly (10) including a throttle plate (22) mounted in the main bore (16) of the throttle body. Either the throttle plate, the bore or both are pre-sludged around the throttle plate/bore interface, using a sealant (24) that is cured with Ultraviolet energy, in order to maintain better air flow control over the life of the throttle body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a UV-curable coating material comprising the steps of effecting a hydrolysis reaction of (a-1) 40 to 90 parts by weight of colloidal silica, and (a-2) 60 to 10 parts by weight of a hydrolyzate of an alkoxy silane compound containing not less than 50% by weight of a compound of the formula (I) ##STR1## replacing the dispersion medium of the colloidal silica with a nonpolar solvent when the amount of dehydration is in the range of 50 to 90% of theoretical value; and effecting a further condensation reaction while maintaining in the state of 30 to 90% by weight of solid components in the presence of the nonpolar solvent.A coating composition containing the UV-curable coating material can form an anti-abrasion-coating film having excellent abrasion resistance, surface smoothness, thermal resistance, chemical resistance, durability, weather resistance and adhesion to the substrate.

Abstract: Molded inkjet modules having still closed nozzles are coated with a polymer solution, preferably a PEEK solution. By means of Eximer laser radiation of a definite wavelength the nozzle ports extending through the PEEK layer and the layer of channel formation material (14 and 16) are formed by application of the laser ablation mask process. Then the surface of the PEEK layer is irradiated with a considerably reduced laser intensity (11) using the same wavelength as in the ablation process. The desired contact angle can be set in response to the irradiation.

Abstract: A formulation for a resilient gasket coating which is curable by ultraviolet radiation without emitting fumes into the surrounding environment. Different portions of the coating are cured by successive exposure to two different wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation during a continuous in-line process. The first wavelength cures an inner portion of the coating and bonds the coating to the substrate. The second wavelength cures a coating surface. The formulation permits ultraviolet curing of thicker pigmented coatings than have been previously known.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for applying a curable resin, such as a photosensitive resin, to a substrate such as a papermaker's dewatering felt. The method comprises the steps of providing a substrate; providing a curable liquid resin; providing a second material different from the curable liquid resin; applying the second material to the substrate to occupy at least some of the voids in the substrate intermediate the first and second surfaces of the substrate; applying the curable resin to the substrate; curing at least some of the resin to provide a resin layer on the substrate; and removing at least some of the second material from the substrate, wherein at least some of the second material is removed from the substrate after applying the curable resin to the substrate.

Abstract: A solid imaging apparatus and method produces an integral three-dimensional object from a multiplicity of cross sectional portions of the object by selectively exposing successive layers of a liquid photoformable composition to actinic radiation. The apparatus includes a vessel for containing the composition so as to present a free surface, and a movable platform disposed within the vessel below the free surface. Part of the composition is transferred above the free surface by lowering and raising a dispenser at predetermined positions located away from the platform. A doctor blade contacts the composition transferred above the free surface, and then moves over the platform to form a substantially uniform layer of the composition.

Abstract: An optical molding process for obtaining a three-dimensional resin model by scanning a surface of a photocurable resin liquid held in a photocurable resin liquid tank by a light beam to cure the same and successively building up the scanned and cured layers on an elevator. When the molding of one constant-height section layer is ended and the elevator is made to descend, the overflow of the photocurable resin liquid from the photocurable resin liquid tank to an overflow tank is temporarily blocked and then after the blocking of the overflow is lifted, the next constant-height section layer is molded.

Abstract: An improved method for stereolithographically making an object by alternating the order in which similar sets of vectors are exposed over two or more layers. In another method, a pattern of tightly packed hexagonal tiles are drawn. Each tile is isolated from its neighboring tiles by specifying breaks of unexposed material between the tiles. Using an interrupted scan method, vectors are drawn with periodic breaks along their lengths. In another method, modulator and scanning techniques are used to reduce exposure problems associated with the acceleration and deceleration of the scanning system when jumping between vectors or changing scanning directions.

Abstract: An improved method for stereolithographically making an object by alternating the order in which similar sets of vectors are exposed over two or more layers. In another method, a pattern of tightly packed hexagonal tiles are drawn. Each tile is isolated from its neighboring tiles by specifying breaks of unexposed material between the tiles. Using an interrupted scan method, vectors are drawn with periodic breaks along their lengths. In another method, modulator and scanning techniques are used to reduce exposure problems associated with the acceleration and deceleration of the scanning system when jumping between vectors or changing scanning directions.

Abstract: A method of forming a button-type battery includes: a) providing an electrically conductive sheet having an exposed surface which is divisible into a plurality of areas; b) depositing an uncured electrically insulative gasket material onto the conductive sheet into a plurality of the areas, the gasket material being deposited to define at least one discrete pattern within the respective deposited areas, the respective discrete patterns covering less than a total of their respective areas; c) curing the deposited gasket material; d) cutting and forming a plurality of discrete first terminal housing members from the areas of the conductive sheet, the respective first terminal housing members comprising at least a portion of one of the discrete patterns of gasket material; d) providing a discrete electrically conductive second terminal housing member in facing juxtaposition to one of the first terminal housing members; e) providing an anode and a cathode having a separator and electrolyte positioned therebetween

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making high resolution objects by stereolithography utilizing low resolution materials which are limited by their inability to form unsupported structures of desired thinness and/or their inability to form coatings of desired thinness. Data manipulation techniques, based on layer comparisons, are used to control exposure in order to delay solidification of the material on at least portions of at least some cross-sections until higher layers of material are deposited so as to allow down-facing features of the object to be located at a depth in the building material which is equal to or exceeds a minimum cure depth that can effectively be used for solidifying these features. Similar data manipulations are used to ensure minimum reliable coating thicknesses exist, above previously solidified material, before attempting solidification of a next layer. In addition, horizontal comparison techniques are used to provide enhanced cross-sectional data for use in forming the object.

Abstract: The present invention discloses 1) a process for photopolymer replication on plastics, and 2) the scale-up step-and-repeat process in photopolymers. High fidelity optical element replication using a master optical element having submicron diffractive pattern feature sizes embossed into a UV curable photopolymer material for step-and-repeat "tiling" replication of the master optical element to create light weight, low cost, large area diffractive optical elements (LADOE). Furthermore, by using a chrome mask to eliminate ridge formation around a single diffractive optic element extremely narrow seams result, thereby increasing the optical fidelity of the resulting LADOE. Accordingly, each LADOE made according to the present invention is characterized by having minimum seam widths between patterns of discrete diffractive optic elements that introduce negligible optical distortion to a viewer.

Abstract: A method of supporting an object made by stereolithography or another rapid prototype production method, in which a support is provided with at least one supporting structure which is airier than a supporting structure made of solid standing walls, including those made with notches at the top and/or at the bottom. The supporting structure can be made airy by using walls of which at least a number are provided with openings over a major part of their surface.

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: The instant invention contemplates a process for manufacturing jewelry including the steps of: (a) creating a photographic negative from a computer-generated image; (b) masking the negative over a photopolymerizable resin backed by a rigid substrate; (c) irradiating the unmasked resin with ultraviolet radiation; (d) removing the unpolymerized resin from the photopolymer, using a washing agent such as water, resulting in a positive three-dimensional likeness of the object to be cast; (e) placing the resulting etched resin plate into a container and pouring tooling resin into the container thereby creating a plug bearing the negative impression of the jewelry item to be created; (f) inserting the tooling resin plug into a jewelry item mold having an empty sleeve which receives the plug resulting in a completed jewelry mold; (g) filling the completed mold with plastic resulting in a plastic model of the jewelry item to be created; (h) using the plastic model in a "lost wax" casting process to create an individua

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: Controlled laser texturing of a magnetic recording disk is accomplished by use of a textured test band on the disk and an analyzing laser system to provide feedback to the texturing laser. The analyzing laser system determines, from diffracted laser light, the average height of the laser-induced bumps formed in the test band by the texturing laser. The analyzing laser beam is directed to the substrate surface and overlaps a group of individual bumps formed in a repetitive pattern. A scanning linear photodector array receives light diffracted from the surface. The digitized output of the array is the angular distribution of diffracted light intensities and is used to compute the average height of the bumps in the test band. The disk is then translated radially so that the texturing laser is aligned with the region of the disk where the textured landing zone is to be placed.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an object using stereography is disclosed. The apparatus has a bath of liquid material in a container, the bath having a free surface. A support in the container supports and positions the object relative to the surface. A means for applying electromagnetic radiation solidifies a layer having solidified sections of the material. A wiper extends across the surface in a first direction. The wiper is at least partly formed of a flexible material and has a substantially horizontal lower edge, and it is positioned below the free surface of the bath in a working position. Displacement means displaces the wiper in the working position in a second direction substantially transversely to the first direction to move a portion of the liquid material in the bath. The lower edge of the wiper is flexibly yielding so as to apply a thin film of liquid material on a surface of the solidified layer and liquid material between solidified sections when displacing the wiper in the second direction.

Abstract: A light influencing element and the process of fabricating the same is disclosed, wherein the light influencing element is fabricated by disposing a layer of a substantially opaque material upon a transparent substrate. One or more openings or wells may then be cut or formed in the surface of the layer of opaque material. Into such openings a light influencing material is then disposed, preferable said materials are injected thereinto as by ink-jet type injection heads. Liquid crystal displays and subassemblies formed upon the light influencing elements of the instant invention are also provided.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: A system is provided for producing a three dimensional object from a reactive liquid medium capable of being solidified. The object is constructed from many successive layers of the solidified reactive liquid medium when subjected to appropriate synergistic stimulation. A reservoir contains both the reactive liquid medium and an underlying supporting, substantially immiscible, non-reactive liquid medium. To begin forming the object, a platform within the reservoir is initially positioned at a depth equal to the thickness of a first layer to be solidified, and continues to support the object being constructed. The synergistic source radiates toward the reactive liquid medium and imaging apparatus defining a three dimensional object of required configuration selectively controls the size and shape of that part of a new two dimensional layer to be solidified. At least part of the new layer is solidified, after which a further layer is applied.

Abstract: A friction promoting layer is provided which comprises a binder and particulate material and is suitable for use with film backed coated abrasives. The binder used is one that shrinks upon drying and curing to ensure that particulates in the layer are not buried in the binder component.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: In a high-speed electrogalvanizing process, steel strip is protected from the formation of troublesome zinc nodules by masking the edges of the strip, while the strip is moving and upstream from the electrogalvanizing step, with an ultraviolet curable coating, and curing the coating, while the strip is moving, prior to introduction to the electrogalvanizing step.

Abstract: A method of forming heat-resistant raised print on a substrate using a thermographic radiation-curable powder by a thermographic process that includes radiation curing. The powders include free radical photoinitiated compositions of acrylated polymers and acrylate-modified aminoamides, and cationic photoinitiated compositions of resins using sulfonium salts.

Abstract: A minute-particle iron oxide red pigment slurry is formed by adding sodium silicate to a minute-particle iron oxide red pigment slurry, and used to form a red filter formed between a phosphor layer of a color cathode ray tube and a panel thereof. Therefore, even if the red filter is brought in contact with a black matrix under the condition of a process of manufacturing the color cathode ray tube at high temperature, the red filter does not discolor the black matrix.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminas, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: The present invention is a lenticular sheet having lenticles over only a portion of the sheet. The lenticular sheet is formed by bonding a base substrate to a thermosetting polymer sheet having a lenticular array on its top surface. In one embodiment of the invention, a lenticulated image is printed on the top surface of the base substrate. In a second embodiment of the invention, the lenticulated image is printed on the bottom surface of the base substrate. In another embodiment of the invention, which can be used with either of the first two embodiments, text or other material is printed on a portion of the base substrate not underlying lenticles and not having the lenticulated image printed thereon.

Abstract: A system for generating three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object to be formed at a selected surface of a fluid medium capable of altering its physical state in response to appropriate synergistic stimulation by impinging radiation, particle bombardment or chemical reaction, successive adjacent laminae, representing corresponding successive adjacent cross-sections of the object, being automatically formed and integrated together to provide a step-wise laminar buildup of the desired object, whereby a three-dimensional object is formed and drawn from a substantially planar surface of the fluid medium during the forming process.

Abstract: A method for producing an object by layerwise solidification of the object by means of electromagnetic radiation is expedited by simultaneously solidifying the material of a layer at a plurality of places.An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises an irradiation device (11, 12, 14, 15, 16) generating a plurality of beams (20, 21, 22) as well as a control device (7, 17, 18, 19) directing each of the plurality of beams independently to different regions of the layer (8a . . . 8d).

Abstract: In a method for producing a three-dimensional object by successive solidification of superposed layers of the object a deformation of the object caused by shrinkage during the solidification shall be reduced. To this end first of all respective partial regions (6a . . . 6k) of a layer are solidified and simultaneously connected with underlying partial regions of the previously solidified layer to form multilayered cells and thereafter adjacent partial regions of the same layer are interconnected by solidifying narrow connecting regions (8a . . . 8p). The intermediate regions (7) between the individual partial regions are solidified by post-curing.

Abstract: Apparatus for finishing of workpieces comprising: a beam generator for providing a line of sight; voltage activating beam impinging along the line of sight on a workpiece surface to be finished, thereby causing the workpiece surface to be charged with electrical charges having a first polarity; an electrostatic spray gun operative to direct onto the workpiece surface which is charged with electrical charges having the first polarity, a particle spray which is charged with electrical charges of a second polarity; and a high energy source which dries said workpiece sprayed by said particle spray by directing a substantially defined beam of energy onto a surface of said workpiece.

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: A formulation for a resilient gasket coating which is curable by ultraviolet radiation without emitting fumes into the surrounding environment. Different portions of the coating are cured by successive exposure to two different wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation during a continuous in-line process. The first wavelength cures an inner portion of the coating and bonds the coating to the substrate. The second wavelength cures a coating surface. The formulation permits ultraviolet curing of thicker pigmented coatings than have been previously known.

Abstract: Lacquer films sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) and/or electron beam radiation re applied to substrates as masking layers by a process known as the "spin on process". This invention is a new method of applying a lacquer film sensitive to UV and/or electron beam radiation. A vinyl-containing substance and a linear or cyclic siloxane are vaporized and then deposited onto the substrate to be masked. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the substances utilized are octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane and trivinylmethylsilane.

Abstract: A photosensitive resin composition formed by dissolving a photosensitive resin and a metallic salt or a metal complex in a common solvent or by dispersing reduced metal colloid particles in a photosensitive resin. Also disclosed is a method of forming electrically conductive patterns by applying the photosensitive resin composition to a substrate, pre-baking the resin and then successively subjecting it to exposure, development and post-baking. The result is subjected to electroless plating, directly in the case of the photosensitive resin containing dispersed metal colloid particles, and after reducing the metallic salt or a metal complex to a metal in the case of the photosensitive resin composition containing a metallic salt or metal complex. The reduction of the metallic salt or metal complex is conducted after pre-baking or one of the ensuing steps.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object is fabricated from a light curable liquid resin by repeating the following process to superimpose a plurality of cured resin layers. The process utilizes a vessel containing a volume of the liquid resin and a vertically movable platform. In the process, the platform is immersed in the liquid resin in the vessel to dispose an overlay surface of an immediately previously cured layer sufficiently below the liquid level of the liquid resin. The platform is then raised such that the overlay surface is slightly higher than the liquid level of the liquid resin in the vessel, while keeping the liquid resin on the overlay surface connected with the surrounding liquid resin in the vessel by the effect of surface tension acting on the liquid resin. An excess amount of the liquid resin on the overlay surface is removed to form a liquid resin layer having a desired thickness.

Abstract: Polymer precursor formulations suitable for stereolithography may be prepared from compositions containing vinyl ether functionalized compounds and epoxy functionalized compounds plus an effective amount of a cationic photoinitiator and an ultraviolet light-absorbing compound to provide a predetermined depth of cure. Preferably, the ultraviolet light-absorbing compound is anthracene or its derivatives.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of coating to make a resilient, flexible surface covering that has a wear surface having stain, mar, scuff, and soil resistance. The improved resilient surface covering comprises (a) a resilient support surface; and (b) a resilient wear surface adhered to the resilient support surface, the resilient wear surface comprising an underlying wear layer base coat and an overlying wear layer top coat adhered to the wear layer base coat, the wear layer base coat comprising a flexible, thermoset, polymeric composition having a flexibility such that the wear layer base coat passes a 1 inch mandrel diameter face out mandrel bend test when applied at a nominal dry film thickness of 1.0 mil over a flexible 80 mil underlying substrate, the wear layer top coat comprising, a hard, thermoset, UV-curable blend of acrylic or acrylate monomers, the wear layer top coat having a glass transition temperature of greater than 50.degree. C.