Abstract: An improved decorated metal slot machine token produced by coating a metal base with a sublimative dye receptive coating, then infusing sublimative decorative dye into the coating under heat and pressure.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a decorative wood article includes the steps of applying a decorative overlay onto at least one surface of a wood article, applying a radiation curable powder coating onto the outer surface of the overlay, heating the applied radiation curable powder coating at a temperature sufficient to melt and flow the powder coating, and exposing the applied powder coating to radiation energy to cure the powder coating and form a film on the outer surface of the decorative overlay.

Abstract: A method of marking a plastics surface comprises at least the following steps: a) applying a composition comprising at least one coloring component to a plastics surface, b) irradiating the plastics surface with light from a light source.

Abstract: A photo-alignment layer having excellent long-term stability to light and heat is manufactured by coating a material for the photo-alignment layer, which contains a dichroic dye having two or more polymerizable groups per molecule, on a substrate, and exposing the coating layer to polarized light, thereby imparting a photo-alignment function, and polymerizing the polymerizable groups by heating or light exposure.

Abstract: A photocurable primer composition containing (A) an acrylic resin having through an urethane linkage a polymerizable unsaturated group on its side chain and containing the polymerizable unsaturated group in an amount of 0.2 to 2.0 mol/kg in a solid content of the resin (A), (B) an urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer containing at least one polymerizable unsaturated group in one molecule, and (E) a photopolymerization initiator, and a coating method.

Abstract: The invention comprises a composition and method for controlling the gloss of surface covering products through curing of the composition to create a wearlayer surface, and preferably on a floor covering product. The surface covering product preferably is prepared by application of an aromatic polyester acrylate composition including a flatting agent and/or hard particles, and at least one free-radical generating compound to a substrate, and then the coating is partially cured by exposure to low peak irradiance UV light in either ambient or inert air, followed by fully curing the coating with high peak irradiance UV light in preferably an inert atmosphere to form a low gloss abrasion resistant wearlayer surface. Alternatively, a high gloss wearlayer surface is obtained by solely exposing the preferred composition to high peak irradiance UV light in ambient atmosphere. Furthermore, a differential gloss flooring product is obtained by using the present inventive method described herein.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for coating substrates by applying at least one coating composition to an optionally precoated substrate and then curing the coating layer(s) thus obtained, wherein at least one of the coating layers is produced from a coating composition which contains a binder system having olefinic double bonds capable of free-radical polymerization and having reactive functional groups within the meaning of addition and/or condensation reactions, the resin solids of the coating composition having a C═C-equivalent weight from 300 to 10,000, preferably from 300 to 8,000, and curing of this (these) coating layer(s) is carried out by irradiation with NIR radiation in the wave length range 760-1500 nm.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a multi-layer coating wherein a colour- and/or special effect-imparting base lacquer coating compound is applied to a substrate optionally precoated with a primer and/or primer surfacer coating compound and/or further coating compounds and a clear lacquer layer is then applied to the colour- and/or special effect-imparting base lacquer layer, wherein the colour- and/or special effect-imparting base lacquer coating compound used is one which contains binders which can be cured by free-radical and/or cationic polymerisation under the action of high-energy radiation.

Abstract: Process for producing a multi-layer lacquer finish, in which a surfacer coating compound is applied to a substrate optionally pre-coated with a priming layer and/or further coating layers, and a top coating comprising a color-imparting and/or special-effect-imparting base lacquer layer and a transparent clear lacquer layer, or a top coating comprising a pigmented one-layer top lacquer, is then applied, in which the surfacer coating compound which is used is one which either contains binders which are curable exclusively by free radical and/or cationic polymerization, wherein the said binders are cured by means of high-energy radiation, or is one which contains binders which are curable by free radical and/or cationic polymerization, wherein the said binders are cured by means of high-energy radiation, and additionally contains chemically cross-linking binders.

Abstract: Process for curing powder lacquers by coating substrates with the powder lacquers and irradiating by radiation in the near infrared range (NIR radiation), which is characterized in that the curing times and/or the surface temperatures, obtainable by means of the radiation during certain curing times, of the substrates coated with the powder lacquers are controlled by setting the barium sulfate and/or aluminium oxide content of the powder lacquers to 1 to 50 wt. % and/or setting the carbon black content of the powder lacquers to 0.1 to 5 wt. %, the percentages by weight relating to the entire powder lacquer composition in each case.

Abstract: A process for multi-coat lacquering by applying a coat of filler and/or other coating compounds on to a substrate and then a top coat consisting of a base coat/clear lacquer construction or of a pigmented one-coat finish, at least one of the coats in the multi-coat construction being prepared from a coating compound which is at least partially curable by high-energy radiation, and irradiating this (these) coat(s) with UV radiation and IR radiation, a UV source having a proportion of IR radiation in its emission spectrum being, used for the irradiation with UV and IR radiation and, by alternately adding a UV filter and an IR filter and/or alternately adding and removing a UV filter or an IR filter in front of the radiation source, at least two irradiation intervals being formed, during which irradiation is variously carried out with UV radiation, IR radiation or UV radiation and IR radiation simultaneously.

Abstract: Described are chiral liquid crystalline polymer materials and polymerizable compounds used for preparing them. The polymer materials can serve as a carrier material or are coated onto a carrier material. Also described are methods of making such material and using them to make pigment flakes used in paints, printing inks, spray paints, cosmetic products, colored plastics, optical elements and security applications.

Abstract: A disclosure is directed to a coating method of a liquid on the surface of a member during a coating head and the member are moved relatively, thereby forming a coating film. An improvement resides in that a process of mixing plural kinds of coating liquid with one another, and a process of supplying the resultant mixed liquid to the coating head are substantially, simultaneously carried out. The method is used, for example, in producing a color filter of a liquid crystal display device.

Abstract: A versatile method for the manufacturing of image transfer sheets which provide users with cold transferring images without using supplemental heat in the course of image transfer to a wide variety of substrates includes printing an image with water-based ink onto an image transfer sheet that has a coating of water-accepting adhesive. A method of manufacturing image transfer sheets includes first applying a water impermeable layer onto a flexible substrate. A layer of water-activatable adhesive is applied upon the water impermeable layer. The adhesive is then dried in a dryer with dehumidified air. A water permeable detack layer is then applied upon the layer of adhesive. In a particular embodiment, the sheet further includes a water-accepting image holding layer in between the water-accepting adhesive layer and the water impermeable layer. The image holding layer becomes water-resisting when heated to within a range of activation temperatures.

Abstract: Method of lacquering a substrate by applying a clear-lacquer coating compound to a precoated substrate or a one-coat top lacquer coating compound to an optionally precoated substrate, followed by curing, the substrate being a motor-vehicle body or parts thereof, in which the substrate is subjected, after the application of the clear-lacquer coating compound or one-coat top lacquer coating compound, optionally to a drying phase and the curing is then performed by irradiation with NIR radiation having the wavelength from 760 to 1500 nm.

Abstract: A process for removing contaminants from the surface of a substrate comprises contacting the substrate with a cleaning composition comprising at least one mono-, di-, or trialkoxy-substituted perfluoroalkane, perfluorocycloalkane, perfluorocycloalkyl-containing perfluoroalkane, or perfluorocycloalkylene-containing perfluoroalkane compound, the compound optionally containing additional catenary heteroatoms. The compounds exhibit good solvency properties while being environmentally acceptable.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for forming an inked image on game balls, golf balls, and the like, through the use of novel curable inks that are low energy curable and require minimal curing through multiple source radiation curing processes, such as UV radiation, visible radiation, and electron beam radiation. Production inks, logo inks, and methods for forming production prints and logos on golf balls, game balls, and the like are disclosed.

Abstract: In a strip-shaped mould for producing surface materials, in particular surfaces of melamine resin in the production of laminate panels, with a structured surface, a flexible strip (10) of paper or foil is provided with a layer (12) having a separating action in relation to the surface material, with the formation of slightly cross-linked regions, and a three dimensional shaped structure consisting of UV-hardening printing inks is applied thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides an indicator for determining when curable coatings have crosslinked or cured thereby permitting the applier to know what part of the floor may be used without affecting the surface and what part of the floor is still in the curing process and may not be disturbed. The invention involves the incorporation in the liquid materials applied to the floor, of a dye or pigment which is visible to the naked eye when the coating is in the liquid state and significantly less visible after the coating has cured. Almost any dye or pigment may be used which is compatible with the various coatings which may be employed in the present invention; provided however, the amount of dye or pigment added is sufficient to be visible when the material is liquid but not so much to prevent the color intensity from being greatly diminished upon curing.

Abstract: Process for producing a multi-layer lacquer finish, in which a surfacer coating compound is applied to a substrate optionally pre-coated with a priming layer and/or further coating layers, and a top coating comprising a colour-imparting and/or special-effect-imparting base lacquer layer and a transparent clear lacquer layer, or a top coating comprising a pigmented one-layer top lacquer, is then applied, in which coating compounds which contain binders which are curable by free radical and/or cationic polymerisation are employed as the surfacer, the base lacquer and the clear lacquer as well as the one-layer top lacquer, and wherein the said binders are cured by means of high-energy radiation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a high gloss coating on a printed surface. In the present method, an aqueous coating composition is deposited onto a surface to be printed using a blanket roller coating face which is a low energy, non-stick, smooth surface profile. In the present method, simultaneous with the deposition of aqueous coating onto a substrate, or shortly thereafter, pressure either alone or in combination with heat may be applied to the coating in order to create a substantially tack-free surface conforming to the surface of the coating face. By using a highly polished coating face, high gloss coatings may be readily obtained using this methodology in a number of traditional printing techniques including wet trap inline sheet-fed printing, heat-set offset printing, dry trap inline flexographic printing, offset web-fed printing and gravure printing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a plastic film on metal surfaces, and a treatment liquid for producing this film. The treatment liquid, prior to wetting the metal, contains 0.1 to 50% (by weight) of a non-volatile film-forming mixture of resins, and 99.9 to 50% of a water-miscible, water-soluble or water solvent, and forms a film on the metal. The treatment liquid, just prior to wetting the metal, has a temperature of 10-100° C., and the metal surface has a temperature higher than the treatment liquid by at least 20° C. and a temperature in the region of 30 to 700° C. The treatment liquid is adjusted in such a way that its constituents do not substantially coagulate, settle or decompose, and such that the molecular weight distribution and the viscosity of the treatment liquid does not substantially change during use.

Abstract: A laser marking apparatus and method for marking the surface of a semiconductor chip are described herein. A laser beam is directed to a location on the surface of the chip where a laser reactive material, such as a pigment containing epoxy, is present. The heat associated with the laser beam causes the laser reactive material to fuse to the surface of the chip, creating a visibly distinct mark in contrast to the rest of the surface of the chip. Only reactive material contacted by the laser fuses to the chip surface, and the remaining residue on the non-irradiated portion can be readily removed.

Abstract: Radiation-curable formulations comprising i) at least one aliphatic, urethane-functional prepolymer which on average has at least two ethylenically unsaturated double bonds, ii) at least one monofunctional ester of an &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid with a monofunctional alkanol which has a saturated, carbocyclic or heterocyclic structural element, and iii) if desired, a di- or polyfunctional ester of an &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid with an aliphatic di- or polyol are used to coat substrates.

Abstract: A curable composition is disclosed that is useful for securing color coded optical fibers in a matrix of an optical fiber cable. The matrix material can be stripped from the individual fibers without removing the color coding associated with the individual fibers. The matrix material is also resistant to solvents used in the stripping process.

Abstract: Method for the production of a laser-inscribable sheet of glass, wherein a laser-sensitive coating, comprising a) a base polymer and b) a radiation-sensitive additive which exhibits a color change on laser irradiation, is applied to at least part of a sheet of glass and hardened, and the sheet of glass is subsequently inscribed by means of a laser.

Abstract: Processes for coating sewing thread using a radiation curable composition and the resultant coated sewing thread. Sewing thread is coated with a radiation curable composition, which exhibits a self sustaining cure after exposure to radiation. The composition is applied using contact coating techniques to coat and impregnate the thread with resin. The coated thread is then exposed to radiation to cure the coating. Because the cure is self sustaining, the composition more fully and completely reacts to form a coating with increased durability and reduced susceptibility to stripping or flaking during use in demanding industrial applications.

Abstract: A process for multilayer lacquering, wherein a surfacer coating compound is applied to an optionally precoated substrate and then cured, a top coat layer of a color-imparting and/or special effect-imparting base coat and a clear coat coating compound or of a pigmented one-coat top coat coating compound is applied to the surfacer layer obtained and cured, wherein, after application of the surfacer coating compound, the not yet cured surfacer layer is irradiated with NIR radiation in the wave length range from 760 to 1500 nm.

Abstract: A substantially water-free, water-washable, energy-curable composition includes an epoxy oligomer and/or urethane oligomer having at least two ethylenically unsaturated moieties, at least one alkoxylated polyol monomer having at least two ethylenically unsaturated moieties and capable of being copolymerized with the oligomer, and a surface active agent capable of being integrated into the molecular structure of the cured polymer and further capable of rendering the uncured composition dispersible in water. Optionally, the composition can contain a photoinitiator. The composition is self-dispersible in water and is especially suitable for use as a coating material for a printing screen.

Abstract: A process for lacquer coating substrates with a colored and/or effect base lacquer and a clear lacquer topcoat, in which a colored and/or effect base lacquer layer of a base lacquer coating composition is applied onto a substrate and is provided in a wet-on-wet process with a clear lacquer coating. Before being jointly stoved or jointly cured with the base lacquer layer, the uncured clear lacquer layer is exposed to high-energy radiation. In the clear lacquer coating composition, the resin solids content contains 50 to 98 wt. % of a system A) thermally curable by addition and/or condensation reactions, which system contains substantially no free-radically polymerisable double bonds and substantially no groups capable of reacting in another way with free-radically polymerisable double bonds of a system B). The resin solids content further contains 2 to 50 wt.

Abstract: Provided is an improved optical glass fiber, ribbon unit having the capability of providing mid-span access to individual color-coated optical glass fibers contained therein by application of finger pressure from a human hand. The ribbon unit is made of a plurality of coated optical glass fibers each further coated with a cured color-composition; and a matrix material which binds the plurality of color-coated optical glass fibers together, wherein a bonding force between the cured color-composition and the coated optical glass fibers is greater than a bonding force between said cured color-composition and said matrix material, and wherein the matrix material has been selected or formulated to provide a modulus and Tg sufficiently high such that when opposing pressure is applied to the ribbon unit using the fingers of a human hand, the matrix material buckles and separates from said color-coated optical glass optical fibers instead of compressing and absorbing the opposing pressure.

Abstract: To provide a method for repairing a coated surface of a vehicle, using an ultraviolet curing resin having excellent quick-drying property, and giving a good finish in a shortened working time, a method for repairing the damage on a coated surface of a vehicle being a depression and/or a depletion of a coating film, which is characterized by comprising the following steps a) to c): a) filling a putty raw material comprising an ultraviolet polymerizing resin composition in an optionally pretreated damage portion and ultraviolet curing the putty raw material to fill the damaged portion with the putty; b) uniformly spray coating, on the coated surface including at least the putty-covered surface after the step a), a primer surfacer raw material comprising an ultraviolet polymerizing resin composition having a viscosity sufficient for spray coating and ultraviolet curing the obtained raw material coating film to form a primer surfacer layer; and c) applying a top coat on the primer surfacer layer obtained in b)

Abstract: An ink composition for ink jet printing contains an amino functionalized polyetheracrylate as radiation curable compound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new, energy-efficient photoinitiators in the form of &agr;-amino enol ether compounds. The present invention is also directed to a method of generating reactive species, which includes exposing one or more photoinitiators to radiation to form one or more reactive species. Also described are methods of polymerizing unsaturated monomers, methods of curing an unsaturated oligomer/monomer mixture, and methods of laminating using the photoinitiators of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing scratch-resistant coatings which comprises applying a coating composition which in the cured state has a storage modulus E′ in the rubber-elastic range of at least 107.6 Pa and a loss factor tan &dgr; at 20° C. of not more than 0.10, the storage modulus E′0 and the loss factor having been measured by dynamic mechanical thermoanalysis on homogeneous free films having a film thickness of 40±10 &mgr;m. The present invention additionally relates to the use of the process for producing multicoat finishes and also to coating compositions suitable for this process.

Abstract: The invention provides a mobile coating and curing apparatus for applying and curing an ultraviolet or an electron beam curable material. The apparatus includes a housing containing a first compartment containing a coater, a second compartment containing an ultraviolet or electron beam curing energy source, a partition wall between the first and second compartments and a means for moving the housing across a surface to be coated. The apparatus provides a means for coating surfaces which are generally too large to be coated by stationary coating and curing devices.

Abstract: Paint compositions and coatings having improved overall visual appearance, richness or depth of color and aesthetic properties such as for spray-painting automobiles, boats, aircraft and home appliances. The present paint compositions are high solids content, heat-curable, transparent or translucent compositions containing embedded light-refractive colorless and/or tinted transparent glass beads preferably between about 10 to 20 microns diameter, and one or more color-enhancing agents such as pigments, dyes, aluminum flakes, mica, opaque glass beads, holographic flakes, and similar conventional light-enhancing agents. The present bead-containing refractive paint compositions may be based upon volatile organic solvents, water or may be solvent-free powder compositions, but in all cases the resinous binder material is cross-linkable at the baking temperature of the paint, or upon exposure to ultraviolet radiation, to cure as a hard, translucent, chip-resistant paint.

Abstract: A curing process for cationically polymerisable monomers, which comprises applying a composition comprising: (a) at least one cationically polymerisable monomer, (b) as photoinitiator at least one iodonium salt containing an SbF6, PF6 or BF4 anion, (c) one pigment, and (d) at least one sensitiser, to a substrate, irradiating it with light having a wavelength of 200-600 nm and then heat-postcuring it, is distinguished by little yellowing of the cured formulation.

Abstract: An ultraviolet curable coating composition for cationic electrodeposition applicable to metal plated materials which composition comprises 100 weight parts of acrylic resin containing 10 to 70% by weight poly-functional acrylate per se having 3 or more acryloyl groups and 90 to 30% by weight of a resin of molecular weight 2,000-30,000 having a cationic electrodeposition property, and 0.1-10 weight parts of 2 or more species of photopolymerization initiators which absorb ultraviolet radiation in a wavelength range of 300-400 nm, as effective ingredients. The coating composition can readily be deposited electrically on metal materials including plated products and plastic materials provided with electrical conductivity and cured by irradiation of ultraviolet radiation within a short period of time to give a dry coating film which is appreciable in adhesiveness to the plated materials and good in appearance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for applying coating films to three-dimensionally curved substrates, and to a process for producing coating films. In order to apply the coating film, which has at least a coating layer and an adhesive layer, the radiation-curable coating layer of the coating film is partially cured so as to be free from tack before being applied to the substrate. Following application, the coating film is subjected to electromagnetic radiation at below the wavelength of the visible spectrum and is fully cured. To produce a coating film, the coating layer is partially cured so as to be free from tack and in this state is stored until it is applied to a substrate. The coating layer can be attached at least indirectly to a smooth support base in conjunction with an adhesive layer. The coating layer and/or the coating film can be detached from a roller in applying the coating film to a substrate.

Abstract: A laser marking apparatus and method for marking the surface of a semiconductor chip are described herein. A laser beam is directed to a location on the surface of the chip where a laser reactive material, such as a pigment containing epoxy, is present. The heat associated with the laser beam causes the laser reactive material to fuse to the surface of the chip, creating a visibly distinct mark in contrast to the rest of the surface of the chip. Only reactive material contacted by the laser fuses to the chip surface, and the remaining residue on the non-irradiated portion can be readily removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of obtaining a simulated deep acid etch sign. The steps include creating a custom image on the sign through computer programming and hand applied manipulation. A coating of ink is applied and then cured with ultra violet light, post cured and then providing a conventional mirroring process.

Abstract: A colored photosensitive composition is composed of a pigment composition, a binder polymer having an acidic group, a multi-functional monomer having at least two ethylenic unsaturated double bonds, and a photopolymerization initiator. The pigment composition is composed of an organic pigment, a dispersant, and an organic solvent. The dispersant is a copolymer of a polymerizable oligomer having an ethylenic unsaturated double bond in its terminal position and one or more monomers at least one of which has a nitrogen-containing group and an ethylenic unsaturated double bond.

Abstract: This invention relates to an economical coating composition for porous substrates that provides extremely glossy surfaces, is capable of supporting holographic images, provides good oxygen barrier properties as well as good oil, grease, solvent and water resistance. Said coatings on paper substrates are printable, biodegradable, recyclable, and repulpable. They are also suitable for use in conjunction with food products. This invention also relates to a process for applying said coatings onto porous substrates as well as a process for the economical production of inexpensive holographic images on substrates such as paper and cardboard containers.

Abstract: A process for applying marks, letterings and/or structures on the surface of a card, comprising the steps of applying varnish that includes a photo-initiator and/or color printing ink that includes a photo-initiator on the surface of the card; and before the entire hardening of the varnish and/or the color printing ink, exposing the varnish and/or color printing ink in selected areas that define shapes of the marks, letterings and/or structures to ultraviolet light so that the degree of shine in the selected areas changes relative to surrounding areas.

Abstract: A method of preparing a coated substrate comprising: providing a radiation curable composition comprising a resin component including an unsaturated monomer and an unsaturated oligomer, binder or mixture of oligomer and binder; applying the radiation curable composition at a temperature in the range of from 35 to 150.degree. C. to the substrate; and subjecting the applied coating to radiation to thereby cure the coating. The invention also provides a composition for application of pigmented finishes and a method of coating in which a radiation curable composition is applied to a wet substrate.

Abstract: A method for making a optical sensor for measuring the pH of a fluid includes the steps of applying a solution containing (a) a cellulose acrylamide, (b) an acrylamide, and (c) a copolymerizable monomeric fluorescent indicator species to the distal end of an optical fiber and polymerizing the solution to form a pH sensor means.

Abstract: A method for making a fiber optic sensor includes the steps of applying an adhesive composition to the distal end of an optical fiber, and applying a solution containing a copolymer of (a) a cellulose acrylamide, (b) an acrylamide, and (c) a copolymerizable monomeric fluorescent indicator species thereto to form a sensing layer.

Abstract: A color filter solution for applying on a face glass of a cathode ray tube and a method for patterning a color filter to improve the brightness and contrast characteristics of the color filter. The color filter solution comprises a pigment, an anion surfactant which contains sodium or ammonium ion or citric acid as a dispersion agent, a mixture solvent of a glycol and a pyrrolidone containing methyl or ethyl, a nonionic surfactant and a pure water. A method for patterning a color filter in a cathode ray tube comprises the steps of:preparing a color filter solution which comprises a pigment, an anion surfactant which contains sodium or ammonium ion or citric acid as a dispersion agent, a mixture solvent of a glycol and a pyrrolidone containing methyl or ethyl, and a nonionic surfactant;forming a photoresist slurry by adding an alcohol-sodium or ammonium dichromate to the color filter solution ; andcoating, exposing and developing the photoresist slurry on a face glass.

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.