With Transparent Or Protective Coating Patents (Class 428/142)
  • Publication number: 20090053468
    Abstract: An optical film includes: a transparent substrate having a roughened surface with an average surface roughness Ra ranging from 40 nm to 120 nm; and an optical functional layer attached to the roughened surface of the transparent substrate. A method for making an optical film includes: (a) providing a transparent substrate having a surface; (b) roughening the surface of the transparent substrate such that the roughened surface has an average surface roughness Ra ranging from 40 nm to 120 nm; and (c) forming an optical functional layer on the roughened surface of the transparent substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Chin-Wei LU, Chiao-Ning HUANG
  • Publication number: 20090029107
    Abstract: This invention relates to a nonslip decorative and protective coverings in order to cover and protect distinct surfaces, its composition and the manufacturing process thereof; characterized in that it consists of a foamed cellular film based on dry mixed and calendared suspension resins, defining a smooth textured and decorated upper surface, and a rough lower surface with high adherence; said film consists of a composition of: a) suspension resin of vinyl polychloride and/or copolymer of vinyl chloride; b) plasticizers in order to provide flexibility to the covering; c) other components such as elastomers, Barium/Zinc or tin stabilizers; lubricants, biocides, flame retardants, pigments and charges, in order to facilitate the processing thereof, and d) foaming agents, obtained by a process consisting of the following steps: a) Feed and homogenize the components in an intensive high speed mixer until a dry mixture is obtained; b) feed the dry mixture into mixers until plasticized; c) form the decorative film i
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Gabriel Lopez Montiel
  • Publication number: 20080311346
    Abstract: The present invention provides an external wall panel which is excellent in ornamental design and weather resistance and a coating method for the external wall panel. The coating method is capable of providing a stable coating in the vicinity (including a slope area) of a corner edge area of a convex portion even if the area has cracks, hairline cracks, blowholes and/or pinholes. The resulting coating can solve the problem caused by cracks and the like. The external wall panel has a joint portion which has an excellent weather resistance and a matte appearance and looks glossy in the vicinity (including a slope area) of a corner edge area of the convex portion where cracks, hairline cracks, blowholes and/or pinholes tend to occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: NICHIHA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Syouzou Ohno
  • Publication number: 20080304008
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an article having at least one surface, wherein said surface is at least partially coated with a ultra high hydrophobic film having a surface roughness such that the film exhibits a static water contact angle at least equal to 115°, preferably 120°, even better 125°, and wherein said film is a nanostructured film comprising a first layer comprising nanoparticles bound by at least one binder adhering to the surface of the article, and a second layer of an anti-fouling top coat at least partially coating said first layer. The present invention also concerns a process for preparing the above article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale d'Optique)
    Inventors: Richard Muisener, Haipeng Zheng
  • Patent number: 7462399
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating plumbing articles such as plumbing fixtures, which have stainless steel surface or surfaces with a so-called stainless steel appearance. According to the invention, at least one siloxane is applied to at least a portion of the surfaces and, to be precise, essentially only in the recesses, channels, grooves and the like, which are provided in the surfaces, while being coated or filled with the siloxane. The coated surfaces are preferably ones that have been subjected to a prior surface treatment, particularly ones that have been brushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hansgrohe AG
    Inventor: Armin Waidele
  • Publication number: 20080296252
    Abstract: A method of making a hydrophobic, disordered composite material having protrusive surface features includes the following steps: making a disordered composite body comprised of a recessive phase and a protrusive phase, the recessive phase having a higher susceptibility to a preselected etchant than the protrusive phase; treating a surface of the composite body with the preselected etchant so that the protrusive phase protrudes from the surface to form a plurality of protrusive surface features and the recessive phase defines a recessive surface between the surface features; and applying a hydrophobic coating to the protrusive surface features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Brian R. D'Urso, John T. Simpson
  • Patent number: 7452488
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition consisting essentially of: a) from about 60 to about 99 mole % of SnO2, and b) from about 1 to about 40 mole % of one or more materials selected from the group consisting of i) Nb2O5, ii) NbO, iii) NbO2, iv) WO2, v) a material selected consisting of a) a mixture of MoO2 and Mo and b) Mo, vi) W, vii) Ta2O5, and viii) mixtures thereof, wherein the mole % s are based on the total product and wherein the sum of components a) and b) is 100. The invention is also directed to the sintered product of such composition, a sputtering target made from the sintered product and a transparent electroconductive film made from the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: H.C. Starck Inc.
    Inventors: Prabhat Kumar, Rong-Chein Richard Wu, Shuwei Sun
  • Publication number: 20080264931
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transparent or translucent glass-ceramic plate, intended for example to cover or receive at least one heating element, in particular intended to serve as a hob, said plate having a coating, in particular intended to at least partly mask the underlying elements when not in use, while still allowing the heating elements and optional displays to be detected when they are in use, characterized in that most and preferably all of the coating is on the face of the plate intended to be turned toward the heating element(s) in the use position. The invention also relates to the process and the device for manufacturing the plate and to the cooking apparatus comprising said plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Pablo Vilato, Franck Demol
  • Patent number: 7433105
    Abstract: A film having a Fresnel lens is placed adjacent a design to create a three-dimensional image. The film can be used separately or laminated to a substrate to create enclosures such as cartons, dispensers, or containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Christine Marie Mau, Duane Lyle McDonald
  • Patent number: 7425122
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a painted plastic component such as painted air bag covers, side cladding or exterior bumpers, which includes a painted film sheet and a one-piece thermoplastic elastomeric structural carrier. A bottom contact surface of the film sheet bonds with a front contact surface of the structural carrier by diffusion between the contact surfaces thereof within a mold cavity of an injection mold separate from the mold cavity of a vacuum mold which is utilized to vacuum-mold the film sheet to form the desired painted plastic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Cadence Innovation LLC.
    Inventors: Larry J. Winget, Darius J. Preisler, Jason T. Murar
  • Publication number: 20080213508
    Abstract: The present invention provides a highly practicable color purity improving sheet that while preventing unevenness in color and brightness from occurring, allows light with an improved color purity to be used for an image display efficiently and can improve color reproducibility of the image display. The color purity improving sheet includes a light-emitting layer which improves the purity of a color in a target wavelength range by absorbing light in a specific wavelength range other than the target wavelength range and converts the absorbed light to emitted light in the target wavelength range. The surface of the light-emitting layer on at least the light outgoing side is roughened so as to have an arithmetic average surface roughness Ra defined in JIS B 0601 (1994 version) in the range of 0.1 to 100 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Megumu NAGASAWA, Michie SAKAMOTO, Akira OOTANI
  • Publication number: 20080193717
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for preparing a flexible mechanically compensated layered material comprising a transparent carrier both sides of which are at least partly covered with a transparent inorganic material, comprising the consecutive steps of a) providing two temporary substrates; b) applying a transparent inorganic material layer onto each of the temporary substrates; c1) applying a transparent carrier onto the transparent inorganic material layers; or c2) applying a polymerizable precursor for a transparent polymerized carrier onto the transparent inorganic material layers followed by polymerizing the polymerizable precursor to the transparent carrier; and d) removing the temporary substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Akzo Nobel N.V.
    Inventors: Gert Jan Jongerden, Rutger Schlatmann, Jan Mahy
  • Publication number: 20080176037
    Abstract: The invention teaches a novel paper substrate having a transparent field of a dense array of a plurality of laser-formed microperforations. The resultant paper can be useful as a replacement for glassine paper, and can be useful in secure documents. The transparent field is integral to the paper substrate and can be formed by laser techniques surprisingly resulting in a transparent field retaining acceptable strength characteristics after lasing. The transparent field acts as a self authentication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Appleton Papers Inc.
    Inventor: Pauline Ozoemena Ukpabi
  • Publication number: 20080176039
    Abstract: A surface covering is described wherein the surface covering includes at least one support surface, such as a core, with at least one base coating located on the support surface. The support surface preferably has a textured top surface. A printed pattern is located on the base coating and preferably the printed pattern is in register with the textured surface. At least one protective layer is located on the printed pattern. Methods of making the surface covering are further described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Hao A. Chen, Nathan W. Easterday
  • Patent number: 7399516
    Abstract: A top layer comprises a flexible support and a plurality of hard elements anchored in a binder over the flexible support, and a method of forming the same is provided. In one embodiment, certain ones of the hard elements have a contact surface adapted to contact the conductive surface, with the binder being disposed below the contact surface of each of the certain ones of the hard elements. In another embodiment, the top layer comprises a flexible support, a plurality of hard elements are anchored in a binder over the flexible support such that certain ones of the hard elements have a top surface and the binder is disposed below the top surface of each of the certain ones of the hard elements, and a hard material coating is disposed over the plurality of hard elements and the binder, thereby creating a contact surface of the hard material coating at locations corresponding to the top surface of the certain ones of the hard elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bulent M. Basol, George Xinsheng Guo
  • Patent number: 7396580
    Abstract: One object of the present invention is to provide a transparent electrode substrate with an ITO film formed thereon, used for example as the transparent electrode plate in a dye sensitized solar cell, for which the electrical resistance does not increase even when exposed to high temperatures of 300° C. or higher. In order to achieve the object, the present invention provides a substrate for a transparent electrode, wherein two or more layers of different transparent conductive films are formed on a transparent substrate, and an upper layer transparent conductive film has a higher heat resistance than that of a lower layer transparent conductive film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Kawashima, Hiroshi Matsui, Kenichi Okada, Nobuo Tanabe
  • Publication number: 20080152868
    Abstract: A substrate with a transparent conductive oxide film (especially a substrate with a transparent conductive oxide film useful as a substrate for a thin-film silicon-based solar cell) being excellent in mass production efficiency and being characterized by having a low resistance, a high transparency and a good light scattering performance over a full wavelength region (300 nm to 3 ?m) of solar ray, a process for its production, and a photoelectric conversion element (especially, solar cell) employing the substrate, are presented. A substrate with a transparent conductive oxide film, comprising a substrate and a transparent conductive oxide layer formed on the substrate and constituted by a plurality of ridges and a plurality of flat portions, wherein the surfaces of the ridges and the flat portions, have many continuous micron-size protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Kazuo Sato, Naoki Taneda, Makoto Fukawa, Nobutaka Aomine, Mika Kambe
  • Patent number: 7390554
    Abstract: Disclosed is decorative surface covering that has a substantially non-aqueous absorptive layer and a water retentive layer. The decorative surface covering may be a vinyl-backed floor covering that can be adhered to a substantially non-aqueous absorptive subfloor with a water-based adhesive. The water retentive layer is formed from a polymer matrix and super absorbent water retentive particles. The water retentive layer may also include a hydrophilic additive to facilitate movement of water from the adhesive to the super absorbent water retentive particles. The water retentive layer may also be applied to the substantially non-aqueous absorptive subfloor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Kean M. Anspach, William J. Kauffman
  • Publication number: 20080145610
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protective coating for a mechanically stabile, in particular mineral and/or metallic base, comprising an inorganic polysilicate-cohesion adhesive layer which is uniformly distributed, essentially, on the base. A coating made of a glass film material having a thickness of less than 2 mm, preferably, less than 0.3 mm, is applied to the polysilicate cohesion adhesive layer prior to the hardening thereof, which covers the polysilicate-cohesion adhesive layer. According to the method for producing the protective coating, initially, the inorganic polysilicate-cohesion adhesive and the glass film material are prepared, then the cohesion adhesive is applied to the base which is to be coated and/or one side of the glass film material, and the glass film material is applied to the base which is to be coated prior to hardening of the polysilicate-cohesion adhesion layer, such that the glass film material covers the cohesion adhesion layer. Subsequently, the cohesion adhesion layer is hardened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Claus-Michael Muller, Eugen Kleen, Thomas Schmitz, Ulrich Bensing, Horst Schillert, Roland Huttl, Bernd Hillemeier
  • Publication number: 20080138547
    Abstract: The invention discloses optical coatings with improved durability, the coating comprising a durability enhancing layer, a nucleation layer and an infrared reflecting layer. The invention also discloses methods of making thin film layers having enhanced durability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: AGC Flat Glass North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter MASCHWITZ
  • Publication number: 20080113159
    Abstract: A stainless sheet for a tool cabinet has an external surface and a transparent painting layer. The external surface is rough, and the transparent painting layer is formed on the rough external surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: George C.M. Liu
  • Publication number: 20080075869
    Abstract: Coated substrates include a substrate coated with a coating composition comprising a metal oxide, a binder and optionally a mordant and a crosslinker for the binder. The substrate may be paper, such as commodity paper, and the metal oxide may be a fumed metal oxide or a colloidal metal oxide. The coating may be non-glossy and may be applied at a low coat weight. Methods for making coated substrates are also disclosed. The coating may be applied to the substrate during manufacture of the substrate, for example the coating may be applied to paper using a size-press machine during its manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: DEGUSSA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Leo M. Nelli
  • Patent number: 7348069
    Abstract: A first ceramic substrate includes a substrate (2) and a glaze layer (3), wherein the glaze layer has a surface having an Ra of 0.02 ?m or less and a Ry of 0.25 ?m or less. A second ceramic substrate is formed by subjecting a glass layer (24) formed on a surface of a substrate (2) to heating-and-pressurizing treatment, thereby forming a glaze layer (3) on the substrate (2), and planarization-polishing the surface of the glaze layer. A third ceramic substrate includes a substrate (2), a glaze layer (3) containing substantially no pores formed on the substrate (2) and the surface thereof being planarization-polished, and a wiring pattern (21), wherein at least one first end of the wiring pattern is exposed to the glaze layer (3) surface of the substrate (1), and at least one second end is exposed to another surface of the substrate (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Ichiyanagi, Jun Otsuka, Manabu Sato, Masahiko Okuyama
  • Publication number: 20080044625
    Abstract: A projection board provides an acrylic transparent base material with a flat facial side thereof uniformly adhered with a metal grain layer made of aluminum powder to show an image projected from a projector brightly by means of refection of the metal grain layer. Further, another flat facial side of the transparent base material is uniformly adhered with a frosted layer, which has light penetration rate between 40 to 95% and thickness between 1 to 4 micrometers for obtaining much better effect of image display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: SHIH-JEN WANG, Jung-Teng Liao
  • Patent number: 7332231
    Abstract: A ceramic substrate for a thin film electronic component, a production method thereof, and a thin film electronic component using the ceramic substrate A first substrate (1) includes a dense glass-ceramic mixed layer (33) containing glass in its surface portion. A second substrate is prepared such that a glass layer (32) formed on a surface of a substrate base portion (2) is subjected to a heat-pressure treatment so as to form or rather partly change the glass portion (32) into a dense glass-ceramic mixed layer (33) in which glass is dispersed into a surface portion of the substrate base portion (2). A surface of the dense glass-ceramic mixed layer (33) is then subjected to grinding or rather polishing to flatten and expose a surface of the dense glass-ceramic mixed layer (32). A third substrate includes a substrate base portion (2) having a dense glass-ceramic mixed layer (33) containing glass on a surface portion in one face side, and a wiring pattern (21) formed inside the substrate base portion (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Ichiyanagi, Jun Otsuka, Manabu Sato
  • Patent number: 7329434
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming an integral protective layer on a polarizing layer comprising coating the layer with a sol, gelling the sol, and then curing the coating to form a contiguous crosslinked adherent protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: YuanQiao Rao, Tomohiro Ishikawa, Paul T. Lubberts, Timothy C. Schunk
  • Patent number: 7288309
    Abstract: A method of making a polymer coating on a microstructured substrate. The method may be performed by vaporizing a liquid monomer or other pre-polymer composition and condensing the vaporized material onto a microstructured substrate, followed by curing. The resulting article may possess a coating that preserves the underlying microstructural feature profile. Such a profile-preserving polymer coating can be used to change or enhance the surface properties of the microstructured substrate while maintaining the function of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Fleming, Joseph M. McGrath, Christopher S. Lyons
  • Patent number: 7279074
    Abstract: The invention refers to a paper machine clothing, in particular a forming wire or dryer felt, having a paper side and a machine side, the paper side being constituted by plastic elements (1, 11, 21, 31), for example in the form of a belt layer, yarns, coils or planar element rods, or the like, the plastic elements being equipped, at least on the surfaces constituting the paper side, with an anti-adhesive coating (5, 6, 14, 15, 24, 25, 34, 35) whose adhesion is less than the adhesion of the material of which the plastic elements (1, 11, 21, 31) are substantially made, which is characterized in that the plastic elements (1, 11, 21, 31) have, at least on the paper side, depressions (3, 4, 12, 13, 22, 23, 32, 33) into which anti-adhesive coating (5, 6, 14, 15, 24, 25, 34, 35) is incorporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Heimbach GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Walter Best, Walter Schaaf, Frank Zils
  • Patent number: 7258731
    Abstract: A hydrophobic disordered composite material having a protrusive surface feature includes a recessive phase and a protrusive phase, the recessive phase having a higher susceptibility to a preselected etchant than the protrusive phase, the composite material having an etched surface wherein the protrusive phase protrudes from the surface to form a protrusive surface feature, the protrusive feature being hydrophobic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: UT Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Brian R. D'Urso, John T. Simpson
  • Patent number: 7157024
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal oxide particle comprising tin atom, zinc atom, antimony atom and oxygen atom, having a molar ratio SnO2:ZnO:Sb2O5 of 0.01–1.00:0.80–1.20:1.00 and having a primary particle diameter of 5 to 500 nm; and a process for producing the metal oxide particle comprising the steps of: mixing a tin compound, a zinc compound and an antimony compound in a molar ratio SnO2:ZnO:Sb2O5 of 0.01–1.00:0.80–1.20:1.00; and calcining the mixture at a temperature of 300 to 900° C. The metal oxide particle is used for several purposes such as antistatic agents, UV light absorbers, heat radiation absorbers or sensors for plastics or glass, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadayuki Isaji, Osamu Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7156530
    Abstract: An antireflection film having a hard coat layer prepared on one side of a transparent substrate directly or through other layers, and further an antireflection layer laminated on a surface of the hard coat layer, wherein the antireflection layer is formed by a dry cured film obtained from a solution comprising a siloxane oligomer (A) obtained by condensation polymerization after partial hydrolysis of a hydrolyzable alkoxy silane that contains a tetra alkoxy silane represented by a general formula (1): Si(OR)4 (where R represents methyl group or ethyl group) as a principal component and a compound (B) having a fluoro alkyl structure and a polysiloxane structure, is excellent scratch-proof property, stain resistance, and cured in a short period of time at comparatively low temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Miyatake, Tomoaki Masuda, Takayuki Shigematsu, Masahiro Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 7151664
    Abstract: A portable media device includes a memory, a data interface port communicatively coupled to the memory, and a portable housing encasing the memory and data interface port. The portable housing may include a locking retaining portion such as a carabineer clip or the like that locks the media device to a desired article. In certain example embodiments, the portable media device may be a digital camera, an MP3 player, a pocket flash memory or other similar digital devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Hosey
  • Patent number: 7141292
    Abstract: A laminar mat comprises a rigid planar tile of moulded plastics material having on respective faces a planar layer integrated therewith during moulding of the tile, the planar layers each being of similar material. Non-adhesive integration of the planar layers during moulding eliminates the need for adhesive. The mat may be moulded so as to include one or more projections, recesses and living hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Innavisions, Limited
    Inventor: John Kenneth Kirby
  • Patent number: 7101606
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a mechanically and chemically embossed surface covering having selectively textured surfaces. The method includes forming a web coated with a wear layer. The coated web is heated to a temperature at which the wear layer is cured, the foam layer expands, and the pattern is chemically embossed to form a surface covering having foamed regions and nonfoamed regions. The temperature gradient of the surface covering is adjusted such that there is a temperature gradient difference between the foamed and nonfoamed regions. A surface texture is then mechanically embossed into the wear layer and selectively set onto the wear layer substantially overlying the non-foamed regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: W. Craig Brossman, Steven F. Hynicka, Lisa Moyer, William J. Kauffman
  • Patent number: 7090910
    Abstract: Selectivity embossed surface coverings are prepared by mechanically embossing a wear layer which overlays at least one printing ink containing a photoinitiator which has been printed in a pattern or design. The embossed wear layer is subjected to ultraviolet radiation which causes curing of the wear layer in the surface areas disposed over the printing ink. The product then is fused whereby the mechanical embossing in surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink relaxes and becomes smooth. In a variant of the invention, a thermoplastic wear layer is employed which can be mechanically embossed in the surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink with a texture different from the first applied mechanical embossing. In another variant, two different spectral regions of UV curing radiation are used so that a urethane coating can be employed as a top coat with a selectively embossed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Domco Tarkett Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-François Courtoy Courtoy, René Ménard, Victor Caldas, Claude Charest
  • Patent number: 7081291
    Abstract: Selectivity embossed surface coverings are prepared by mechanically embossing a wear layer which overlays at least one printing ink containing a photoinitiator which has been printed in a pattern or design. The embossed wear layer is subjected to ultraviolet light which causes curing of the wear layer in the surface areas disposed over the printing ink. The product then is fused whereby the mechanical embossing in surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink relaxes and becomes smooth. In a variant of the invention, a thermoplastic wear layer is employed which can be mechanically embossed in the surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink with a texture different from the first applied mechanical embossing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Domco Tarkett Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-François Courtoy, René Ménard, Victor Caldas, Claude Charest
  • Patent number: 7070859
    Abstract: A laminate which is excellent in appearance, adhesion, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance and hot water resistance and has a high level of weatherability and excellent durability, and an acrylic resin composition and an organosiloxane resin composition both of which can be used for the manufacture of the above laminate and have excellent storage stability. The laminate comprises a polycarbonate substrate, a first layer formed on the surface of the polycarbonate substrate, and a second layer formed on the surface of the first layer, wherein the first layer is composed of a crosslinked acrylic copolymer and an ultraviolet light absorber, and the second layer is composed of a crosslinked organosiloxane polymer; and the crosslinked acrylic copolymer comprises specific recurring units and an urethane bond in a specific ratio, and the organosiloxane polymer has a specific structure composed of colloidal silica and alkoxysilanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Teijin Chemicals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Imanaka, Shunsuke Kajiwara, Tatsuya Ekinaka, Toshio Kita, Takehiro Suga, Ryou Niimi, Isao Sogou
  • Patent number: 7060658
    Abstract: Use of internal gas-forming compound to adjust coating porosity to control copper release rates in algae-retardant roofing granule products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: ISP Investments Inc.
    Inventor: Ingo B. Joedicke
  • Patent number: 7045193
    Abstract: The invention involves en improved display mat having high-definition graphics for use on a variety of surfaces including carpet. The display mat is comprised of a flexible polymeric sheeting having top and bottom sides, a high-definition image printed on the top side of the sheeting; and a coating overlying and protecting the image and providing a durable non-slip surface. The display mat has sufficient cohesion between the sheeting, image and coating to withstand repeated rolling and unrolling without separation. In addition, the invention provides a method of constructing a display mat with high-definition graphics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventors: Michael L. Tanel, Ronald P. Davis
  • Patent number: 7026036
    Abstract: Single coat coating systems (22), as well as articles coated with such non-stick coating systems, are provided. The single coat system includes a fluoropolymer copolymer (14a), such as fluoropolymer terpolymer including tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride monomers, with fluoropolymer copolymers are referred to collectively as THV. The single coat system exhibits excellent substrates adhesion and release properties, is resistant to separation failure at the interface between the binder (12) and fluoropolymer components (14a), and exhibits adhesion to smooth substrates (16). The single coat system may also include a high level of fillers to provide increased damage resistance without compromising the above benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Whitford Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Leech, Daniel C. Chung, Michael W. Miller
  • Patent number: 7018702
    Abstract: A component including a base body of a relatively hard material and a coating of a relatively soft material, wherein the coating covers at least a main surface area of the base body. The main surface area is delimited by an outer periphery and an edge portion of the coating extends from the periphery and comprises a reinforcement made of a relatively hard material and engages the base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank Hacke
  • Patent number: 6946185
    Abstract: Surface coverings and surface covering components that include a textured transparent or translucent wear layer and a design layer, where the design layer is printed with an ink that includes collapsible microspheres, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such surface coverings and surface covering components. In one embodiment, a pattern is printed on a substrate to be coated with a wear layer. In another embodiment, a clear transparent or translucent layer underlies the design layer. The ink includes collapsible microspheres, and can also include foaming inhibitors. A number of surface covering substrates and surface coverings can be prepared using the methods described herein. The surface coverings include a substrate, for example, a foamable substrate, a design layer printed with an ink composition that includes collapsible microspheres, and a wear layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: William J. Kauffman, Malcolm John Selby, Rajmeet Kaur Jagdev
  • Patent number: 6946187
    Abstract: A water-vapor-permeable, water-resistant composite material includes a water-resistant, water-vapor-permeable functional layer with a first and a second side, a material attached to the first side of the functional layer, a plurality of discrete polymer spots forming a discontinuous, lining-producing pattern on the surface of the second side of the functional layer, and a water-vapor-permeable cover layer that is joined at least to the polymer spots. Clothing produced from the water-vapor-permeable, water-resistant composite material includes the features listed above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Sympatex Technologies, GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Hürten, Volker Schuster
  • Patent number: 6939597
    Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a painted plastic component having a badge, emblem or other ornamentation, such as air bag covers having a badge, or wherein the component is the badge itself. The method includes providing a painted film sheet and a one-piece thermoplastic elastomeric structural carrier. A bottom contact surface of the film sheet bonds with a front contact surface of the structural carrier by diffusion between the contact surfaces thereof within a mold cavity of an injection mold separate from the mold cavity of a vacuum mold which is utilized to vacuum-mold the film sheet to form the desired painted plastic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Patent Holding Company
    Inventors: Larry J. Winget, Darius J. Preisler, Jason T. Murar
  • Patent number: 6905754
    Abstract: The present invention relates to optical elements comprising fluorochemical surface treatments having the general structure Rf-[G]m(CH2)n—X wherein Rf is a fluorinated alkyl group, G is a divalent linking group selected from oxygen (—O—) and sulfonamido (—SO2R—), m is an integer ranging from 0 to 1, n is an integer ranging from 1 to 24, and X is polar group or polar group containing radical. The invention further relates to materials such as retroreflective sheetings, pavement markings and beaded projection screens comprising a binder and the surface treated optical elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Naiyong Jing, Zhongxing Zhang, Zai-Ming Qiu
  • Patent number: 6902823
    Abstract: Disclosed is decorative surface covering that has a substantially non-aqueous absorptive layer and a water retentive layer. The decorative surface covering may be a vinyl-backed floor covering that can be adhered to a substantially non-aqueous absorptive subfloor with a water-based adhesive. The water retentive layer is formed from a polymer matrix and super absorbent water retentive particles. The water retentive layer may also include a hydrophilic additive to facilitate movement of water from the adhesive to the super absorbent water retentive particles. The water retentive layer may also be applied to the substantially non-aqueous absorptive subfloor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Kean M. Anspach, William J. Kauffman
  • Patent number: 6875500
    Abstract: A flooring system for floors exhibiting surface movement, and/or for cushioning hard floors, which includes an epoxy or polyurethane primer, a two-component ambient temperature cured polyurethane membrane substrate base atop the primer of a urethane grade castor oil, polyether based polyol, a tin catalyst and a thickening agent, along with a polymeric isocyanate activator, and a polyurethane or polyurea, aromatic or aliphatic coating atop the substrate base, in providing a very tough, but flexibly soft non-cracking overlay which moves with the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: William H. McGrath, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6872441
    Abstract: The invention relates to glass, ceramic and metal substrates with at least one self-cleaning surface, comprising a layer with a micro-rough surface structure which is arranged on the substrate and made at least partly hydrophobic. The layer contains a glass flux and structure-forming particles with a mean particle diameter within the 0.1 to 50 ?m range; the glass flux and structure-forming particles are present in a volume ratio within the 0.1 to 5 range, and the micro-rough surface structure has a ratio of mean profile height to mean distance between adjacent profile tips within the 0.3 to 10 range. To produce the subject of the invention the substrate is coated with a composition containing a glass flux and structure-forming particles, and the layer is burnt in and made hydrophobic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Ferro GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Baumann, Klaus-Dieter Fritsche, Dagmar Korbelarz, Stephan Ludwig, Lutz Poth
  • Patent number: 6869662
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-blocking roll of roofing membrane employing a combination of silicone rubber sealant, non-woven fiberglass scrim and pressure sensitive adhesive. The method utilizes a process by which silicone rubber sealant is applied to the top surface of the non-woven fiberglass scrim and made to penetrate {fraction (1/10)} to {fraction (9/10)} of the way into the thickness of the scrim, thus no silicone rubber sealant reaches the bottom or underside surface of the scrim. To the remaining {fraction (9/10)} to {fraction (1/10)} of the scrim's thickness and to the bottom surface of the scrim is applied pressure sensitive adhesive. This construction results into a self-adherent roofing membrane that can be packaged and transferred in roll form without the need to include an additional release liner sheet or non-blocking material such as talc, mica, or clay powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: James John Barton
  • Patent number: 6863953
    Abstract: The present invention provides a surface material which can be replaced to the conventional surface material made of soft polyvinylchloride resin. This surface material is useful for the various uses such as the material for car interior, surface material furniture or the material for porches. The present invention is the urethane resin surface material comprising, a mixed resin sheet composed of 50-95 wt. % thermoplastic polyurethane and 50-5 wt. % of acrylic soft resin and the Shore A hardness of said urethane resin surface material is 60-80. On one side surface of the mixed resin sheet, a layer of knitted, woven, nonwoven fabric or soft foam sheet can be provided. As the thermoplastic polyurethane resin, the thermoplastic polyurethane resin of Shore A hardness 65-90 is desirable, and as the acrylic soft resin, the acrylic soft resin of Shore A hardness 50-80 is desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Okamoto Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshimasa Mori, Yoshinari Hatori, Tetsuo Nodera, Haruhide Kawai