Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet-like material in which a plant-derived raw material of low environmental impact is used. The invention also provides a sheet-like material that ideally has a uniform and refined nap and a sheet-like material that is strong, has excellent shape stability, is lightweight and is very pliable. This sheet-like material is characterized in being made of nonwoven fabric that is made of polyester microfiber containing a 1,2-propanediol-derived component in an amount prescribed in the present application and a polyurethane elastomer resin containing structural monomers prescribed in the present application.

Abstract: A site-specific photographic camouflage arrangement and method for making the same are provided. The site-specific photographic camouflage arrangement includes a digital photographic image and distorting disruptive patterns placed on the digital photographic image to create visual confusion to disguise the recognizable form of a camouflaged object by breaking up its outline.

Abstract: An assembly for displaying a surfacing material can comprise a surfacing material sample defining a first pattern and a printed display having an illustration of the surfacing material. The printed display can define a second pattern. The illustration of the surfacing material can define at least a portion of the second pattern. The surfacing material sample can cover and couple to a portion of the printed display. A scale between the second pattern and the first pattern can be 1:1 so that the first pattern of the surfacing material sample cooperates with the second pattern of the printed display to provide a coordinated visualization of an installation of the surfacing material.

Abstract: A surface collectible (10) includes a surface member (12) and a textile (316) secured to the surface member (12). The surface member (12) is detached from a venue surface (11). The surface member (12) can be event-used. In one embodiment, the surface member (12) can include flooring. The textile (316) can include at least a portion of an article of clothing. The article of clothing can also be event-used. The surface collectible (10) can also include an image (214) imprinted on the surface member (12). The image (214) can include a sporting logo. Alternatively, the image (214) can include at least one of a professional athlete, a non-professional athlete, an athletically-involved person, an entertainer, an actor, a historical figure and a public figure. The surface collectible (10) may further include an autograph (418) inscribed on the surface member (12) and/or on the textile (316).

Abstract: A fabric having a first side and a second side and comprising weft yarns and warp yarns woven together in pattern. At least some of the weft, or warp, yarns float over a number of warp yarns, or weft yarns, and below a number of warp yarns, or weft yarns, to provide weft, or warp, over portions on the first side and under portions on the second side. The under portions and/or over portions of the yarns form loops. At least some of the yarns that form the loops are conjugate yarns comprising a plurality of filaments that are separable, i.e., splittable into sub-filaments. The loops of the conjugate yarns extend for a length of at least three adjacent warp, or weft, yarns.

Abstract: A new process for creating a decorative surface on a cast concrete tile. A mold is prepared by coating with mold release. An aggregate of water, coloring dye, sand, Portland cement, and preferably filler material such as pea gravel is pre-mixed. Baking soda is mixed with a significant volume of water to create a high-viscosity paste. The paste preferably has a high solid to liquid ratio so that it can be crumbled into baking soda clumps of various sizes. The dampened baking soda clumps are sprinkled randomly onto the bottom surface of the mold (which will bear against what becomes the top surface of the cast tile). The pre-mixed aggregate is then added to the mold. Once the aggregate is cured, the cast concrete tile is removed. The baking soda clumps create complex voids in the tile's upper surface, producing a surface texture similar to limestone.

Abstract: A container for a catheter simulator includes an accommodating unit for accommodating a liquid, the accommodating unit being defined by side walls and a bottom face. On the side walls, there are formed connection units capable of retaining any one of the heart models selected from a four-chamber heart model, a coronary artery model, and a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation model, the heart model being installed in the accommodating unit in a state of having the accommodating unit filled with a liquid; and installation parts for inserting a catheter from the outside of the container into simulated blood vessels of the heart model.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing artificial marble including a granite soil storage unit for supplying a granite soil; a granite soil heating unit for heating the soil; a resin storage unit for storing a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) resin; a mixing-transporting unit for accommodating the resin and the heated granite soil therein and melting and mixing them to produce and simultaneously transport an artificial marble slurry; a material guide unit for guiding the soil and the resin into the mixing-transporting unit; a discharge unit for discharging the slurry; a mold supply unit for continuously supplying a mold for accommodating and molding the slurry; a mold guide unit for guiding the mold to accommodate the slurry; a forming unit for forming an artificial marble by applying vibration and pressure to the slurry; an extraction unit for extracting the mold; and a lamination unit for laminating and storing the mold extracted.

Abstract: A composite resin molded body includes a base compound resin and a molten-kneaded mixture which contains an organic fibrous filler, and a dispersing agent. In the composite resin molded body, a content of the organic fibrous filler is at least 5 mass % and at most 70 mass %, and a proportion T of the organic fibrous filler carbonized in the composite resin molded body is equal to or less than 0.1.

Abstract: A camouflage system includes a camouflage surface having a plurality of segments. The camouflage surface includes a first pattern disposed on a first segment of the plurality of segments, the first pattern including a depiction of a first microterrain of a natural environment, a second pattern disposed on a second segment of the plurality of segments, the second pattern including a depiction of a second microterrain of the natural environment, and a third pattern disposed on a third segment of the plurality of segments, the third pattern including a depiction of a third microterrain of the natural environment. The first microterrain differs from the second microterrain and the second microterrain differs from the third microterrain.

Abstract: A reinforced composite panel and method of making the composite panel uses processed natural fibers such as bamboo along with a polymeric material. The method includes the steps of: treating a plant source comprising natural fibers with a solvent and processing the treated plant source. The processing step can include arranging the natural fibers into a sheet-like orientation in a variety of ways. A polymeric material is then applied to the natural fibers to form a composite sheet, and the composite panel can be formed from one or more composite sheets.

Abstract: A fabric having a first side and a second side and comprising weft yarns and warp yarns woven together in pattern. At least some of the weft, or warp, yarns float over a number of warp yarns, or weft yarns, and below a number of warp yarns, or weft yarns, to provide weft, or warp, over portions on the first side and under portions on the second side. The under portions and/or over portions of the yarns form loops. At least some of the yarns that form the loops are conjugate yarns comprising a plurality of filaments that are separable, i.e., splittable into sub-filaments. The loops of the conjugate yarns extend for a length of at least three adjacent warp, or weft, yarns.

Abstract: A fast method for batch screening diamonds includes placing diamonds on a worktable, turning on a light source arranged on one side of the worktable to shed light on the diamonds where the light includes visible light, photographing the diamonds on the worktable through an imager to obtain a basal image showing the distribution of the diamonds, switching the light source to shortwave UV light with a wavelength ranging from 180 nm to 250 nm, maintaining the light source in work condition for a period of time and then turn it off, photographing the diamonds on the worktable through the imager to obtain a phosphorescence distribution image showing phosphorescent diamonds, overlapping the basal image with the phosphorescence distribution image to obtain a phosphorescence comparison map, marking the phosphorescent diamonds on the phosphorescence comparison map through image recognition technology, and then picking out the phosphorescent diamonds as suspicious diamonds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing the latent hydraulic and/or pozzolanic reactivity of materials, especially of waste and by-products, comprising the steps: providing a starting material containing sources for CaO and at least one of SiO2 and AI2O3 mixing the starting material with water at a water/solids ratio from 0.1 to 100 hydrothermal treating of the starting material mixed with water in an autoclave at a temperature of 100 to 300° C. and a residence time from 0.1 to 24 hours to provide an autoclaved product suitable as supplementary cementitious material.

Abstract: A greeting card having a greeting card body and an interactive element which includes a mechanical balloon attached to the greeting card body which is operative to move from a flat positon to an inflated position by the operation of a mechanical spring mechanism contained in an interior cavity of the balloon. The greeting card also has audio capabilities wherein a sound module is operative to store and playback at least one audio file upon interaction with a user.

Abstract: A filament for use in an artificial grass field, wherein the filament has a front and a back surface and at least one of the front surface and back surface includes a plurality of adjacent concave indentations extending generally from a first end to a second end.

Abstract: Engineered stone, and methods of manufacturing same. An engineered stone comprises: a surface of the engineered stone, wherein the surface comprises one or more pores; and a sealant mixture including a sealant material and a functional component, wherein the functional component modifies one or more properties of said engineered stone.

Abstract: This document describes systems and processes for forming improved synthetic molded slabs suitable for use in living or working spaces (e.g., along a countertop, table, floor, or the like).

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for preparing leather for cases, which comprises: a. selecting cow leather, which comprises dermis layer and subcutaneous tissue layer; b. uniformly cutting the subcutaneous tissue layer as an lamellar layer, and holding it in the inner side of the cow leather; c. sculpturing the cut lamellar subcutaneous tissue layer as a desired embossed pattern, and removing its peripheral portion; d. placing the cow leather sculptured with embossed pattern in a three-dimensional mold, and pressing the embossed pattern portion towards the inner side of the dermis layer so that the raised pattern structure same with the embossed pattern is formed on the outer surface of the dermis layer; e. performing antiseptic treatment; f. performing rubber injection treatment; g. inlaying metal trim parts. With the above processing, the present invention can produce leather for cases with aesthetic style, good visual effect and noticeable feeling of touch.

Abstract: A sheet including a substrate and a security device including at least one area having an interferential effect. The security device further includes at least one tactile recognition member provided in the same region as the area having an interferential effect. A security document and an article to be authenticated including the sheet are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a surface composition for reducing degradation and fading of surfaces subjected to extended periods of submersion in an aqueous liquid. The surface composition comprises at least one clear barrier layer and at least one under layer, wherein the clear barrier layer is in use, disposed atop the under layer and in contact with the aqueous liquid whereby the clear barrier layer protects the structure and appearance of the under layer. The surface composition is particularly useful in applications where the surface is subjected to extended periods of submersion in liquids containing hydrolyzing or oxidizing agents, exposure to ultra violet radiation, or combinations thereof, whereby the clear barrier layer provides structural protection against degradation from chemical attack and from fading due to UV exposure. There is also provided a method of manufacturing a boat or other watercraft surface composition.

Abstract: An artificial flagstone for use in combination with other similar flagstones for covering a surface with a natural random look, the flagstone having a generally hexagonal body comprising a first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth consecutive vertices; a first pair of first and second sides extending radially from the first vertex; a second pair of third and fourth sides extending radially from the third vertex; a third pair of fifth and sixth sides extending radially from the fifth vertex; wherein the sides of at least one of the first, second and third pair of sides have at least one split deviation along their length and are respectively rotational images of each other, and the artificial flagstone has no rotational symmetry when rotated about a central axis.

Abstract: A filament for use in an artificial grass field, wherein the filament has a front and a back surface and at least one of the front surface and back surface includes a plurality of adjacent concave indentations extending generally from a first end to a second end.

Abstract: A printed circuit board of the present invention includes a base body, a through-hole that penetrates through the base body in the thickness direction, and a through-hole conductor that covers an inner wall of the through-hole. The base body has a fiber layer including a plurality of glass fibers and a resin that covers the plurality of glass fibers. The glass fibers have a groove-shaped concavity on a surface exposed to the inner wall of the through-hole. The concavity is filled with a part of the through-hole conductor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a vessel having a sculptural interior, comprising attaching a textile core to the air inlet port of an I.S. machine, inserting a gob of molten glass into a mold to surround the textile core, applying compressed air to press the molten glass around the textile core, applying compressed air to inflate the textile core creating the bottle, allowing the bottle to cool sufficiently to withdraw the core from the bottle, and withdrawing the textile core from the bottle.

Abstract: Wood particles having fibers aligned in a grain, wherein: the wood particles are characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially parallel to the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L; the L×H dimensions define two side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers; the W×H dimensions define two cross-grain end surfaces characterized individually as aligned either normal to the grain or oblique to the grain; the L×W dimensions define two substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces; and, a majority of the W×H surfaces in the mixture of wood particles have end checking.

Abstract: A refrigeration system can use a flash tank to separate vapor refrigerant from liquid refrigerant. The refrigeration system can include a liquid-refrigerant injection system that can inject liquid refrigerant into an intermediate-pressure location of the compressor. The injected liquid refrigerant can absorb the heat of compression during the compression process. The refrigeration system can include an economizer system that injects a refrigerant vapor into an intermediate-pressure location of the compressor in conjunction with the injection of the cooling liquid. The refrigeration system can incorporate a cooling-liquid injection system that can inject a cooling liquid into an intermediate-pressure location of the compressor.

Abstract: Plant biomass particles coated with a biological agent such as a bacterium or seed, characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially parallel to a grain direction and defining a substantially uniform distance along the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L. In particular, the L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers, the W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers, and the L×W dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: Decorative grass and methods of providing same are disclosed wherein the decorative grass is either maintained in flattened configuration until restraint is removed and/or the decorative grass is curled and/or crimp at a point of use and/or sale.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates generally to packaging materials for packaging articles. The packaging materials may include a substratum with a printed pattern disposed thereon that provides a grass-like appearance, and/or the packaging materials may include a plurality of individual strips, strands, or units of material bondably connected thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions for forming an aesthetic image that is a work or object of art, design or architecture. These compositions generally include a synthetic polymer or a polymer that is transparent or synthetic and translucent, with this polymer present in an amount sufficient to enable the image to have at least one aesthetic or formal element. In different embodiments, the image support medium may be an image support stabilizer, the polymer may be a conductive polymer, a light emitting conductive polymer or a synthetic absorbent polymer, it may be a transparent or synthetic translucent polymer with a property provided or enhanced to facilitate the creation or preservation of the image by at least one stabilizer, or this composition may be a work or art, design or architecture. The invention also relates to a method for preparing the composition and a method for using it to make art, design or architecture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a three dimensional model object, a method of producing the three dimensional model object, and a kit comprising the three dimensional model object and a scaled measurement device. The method in accordance with the present invention includes surveying a constructed structure which is georeferenceable in the real world, obtaining spatial data associated with the constructed structure, generating a digital three dimensional model of the constructed structure in a computer, and producing a physical model object with accurately surveyed as-built data of the constructed structure. The physical model object of the constructed structure can incorporate, on its surface, surveyed and measured useful real world intelligence, such as dimensions, georeference data, or orientation, associated with the constructed structure.

Abstract: A camouflage covering which has a surface coating composition which is a metamer of a natural object from an environment of an animal, such as plant life or soil, as perceived by the vision system of the animal, which is created by completing the steps of creating a mathematical model of the vision system of the animal, measuring a set of spectral characteristics from the natural object, entering the set of spectral characteristics as an input into the mathematical model, and using an output of the mathematical model to iteratively create the surface coating composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to articles, e.g., sheet metal, comprising surface coatings that have the appearance of polished stone and methods for making such articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to an armor unit to construct armor layers of mound breakwaters, revetments and groins for shore protection or hydraulic and maritime structures featuring a cubic or parallelepiped shape (2) and having one or more protrusions (1) on its faces to prevent coupling between the different armor units and to increase interlocking with the underlayer (3) of the armor layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for adjusting the relative stiffness of a synthetic turf system's synthetic ribbons. A stiffening agent is applied to the synthetic turf system such that its synthetic ribbons that are responsive to the stiffening agent will stiffen subsequent to the application of the stiffening agent.

Abstract: Plant biomass particles coated with a bioactive agent such as a fertilizer or pesticide, characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially parallel to a grain direction and defining a substantially uniform distance along the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L. In particular, the L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers, the W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers, and the L×W dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: Wood particles having fibers aligned in a grain, wherein: the wood particles are characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially parallel to the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L; the L×H dimensions define two side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers; the W×H dimensions define two cross-grain end surfaces characterized individually as aligned either normal to the grain or oblique to the grain; the L×W dimensions define two substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces; and, a majority of the W×H surfaces in the mixture of wood particles have end checking.

Abstract: An industrial feedstock of plant biomass particles having fibers aligned in a grain, wherein the particles are individually characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially parallel to the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L, wherein the L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers, the W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers, and the L×W dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces, and wherein the particles in the feedstock are collectively characterized by having a bimodal or multimodal size distribution.

Abstract: An artificial stone laminate including a layer of particulates, a layer of reinforcing fibers backing the layer of particulates, a substrate attachment layer backing the layer of reinforcing fibers, and a binder that binds the particulates, the reinforcing fibers, and the substrate attachment layer is provided. An exposed surface of the layer of particulates is polished flat. The reinforcing fibers include, for example, glass fibers. The substrate attachment layer is, for example, a cellulosic layer, a layer of cenospheres, a layer of fleece, or a layer having a hook side or a loop side of a hook and loop fastener. The binder is, for example, a polyester resin with a filler or an acrylic resin. The particulates include, for example, one or more of quartz particulates, metal pieces, transparent particulates coated with metal and colored glass, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides transparent chips with natural metal-like texture by coating silica-containing transparent chips with colored material, such as a metal powder, in a transparent resin as a base resin. The present invention also provides artificial stone with natural metal-like texture and patterns by mixing the colored material coated transparent chips and inorganic filler with a matrix resin. The artificial stone of the present invention can be prepared by mixing about 4 to about 24 parts by weight of inorganic filler and about 0.1 to about 5.0 parts by weight of the colored material coated transparent chips, per about 1 part by weight of the matrix resin. The colored material coated transparent chips can have a specific gravity of about 2.0 to about 2.65, while the matrix resin can have a specific gravity of about 2.2 to about 2.

Abstract: A coated leather, in particular split cowhide leather, has a preferably nubuck-like appearing surface structure. The coating is formed with a surface layer formed with a mechanically and moisture-stable polymer and bonded to the surface of the leather or split leather by a polymer-based bonding layer. The outer layer is notable for inner smoothness and is formed with soft polyurethane. It includes in the non-embossed region microdepressions which are essentially closed in the direction of the leather but are open towards the outside, have an internal width of less than 130 ?m and are arranged close-packed to each other in the manner of soapy foam cells. The microdepressions are each separately bounded by thin mutually crosslinked stays which have on the outside a matt or finely fibrous fine-roughness structure surface, and have an essentially semispherical-shaped concave inner surface which faces outward and is smooth.

Abstract: A method of making mixed media artwork includes cutting a metal sheet; applying an adhesive layer to an outer surface of the metal sheet; applying one or more polymer layers to the adhesive layer, wherein the one or more polymer layers create an image on the outer surface; and deforming the metal sheet to create a three-dimensional outer surface.

Abstract: A method of making a structural component (and such a structural component) comprising mixing together wood pulp, water, bentonite clay, and calcium chloride and forming the mixture into the structural component.

Abstract: The invention discloses jewelry made of disinfected, pulverized and chemically bonded primary teeth. The teeth are pulverized into two or more parts, located in a mold, and bonded with a bonding agent to form a tooth matrix that is shaped for connection to a jewelry frame. In another embodiment, a hollow interior of a deciduous tooth is filled with a bonding agent. The tooth is positioned in a mold with other tooth particles and bonded to form the tooth matrix. In another embodiment, the hollow interior and/or occlusal of a deciduous tooth is filled with a bonding agent to form a tooth matrix for mounting on a jewelry frame. A display side of the tooth is positioned adjacent to a display surface in a mold. A bonding agent fills the space between the tooth and the mold to form a solid tooth matrix. The solidified tooth matrix is machinable.

Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing synthetic construction elements that replaces lumber. A synthetic composition is provided containing cementitious material, synthetic fibers, and low-density particulate material. At least one polymer may be added to improve performance. The density of the synthetic composition is controlled by varying the volume of the low-density particulate material in the mix. Reinforcement elements are provided. The reinforcement elements are preferably pre-stressed or post-stressed in tension. The synthetic compound is molded around the reinforcement elements to form a construction element of a particular shape. The molding of the synthetic material around the reinforcement elements can be a two-step process. In the first step, a first synthetic compound of a high density is molded into a rough form around the reinforcement elements. A second synthetic compound of a lower density and strength is then molded around the rough form to complete the construction element.

Abstract: The decorative figurine is formed from at least two golf balls and at least one golf tee. A blind bore is formed in a first golf ball, and a diametrically extending countersunk bore is formed through a second golf ball. A golf tee is then inserted into the golf balls with the shaft extending through the countersunk bore and into the blind bore, the head of the tee being seated in the countersunk portion of the throughbore. Adhesive secures the tee in the bores, forming the body of the figurine. The body is preferably mounted on a base, and the body is decorated with any desired ornamentation and/or props.

Abstract: A fabric having a camouflage appearance in the near infrared (NIR) spectrum with a substantially a single color appearance in the visible (VIS) spectrum is provided. The novel fabric may include at least two synthetic polymer multifilament yarns. The multifilament yarns are selected from 3 types of multifilament yarns: multifilaments comprising carbon black, multifilaments comprising pigments which modify the NIR reflectance characteristics of the multifilaments, and multifilaments substantially free of additives capable of modifying the NIR reflectance characteristics of the multifilaments. The fabric is dyed to a substantially single color appearance in the visible spectrum. In general, the fabric has a NIR spectrum comprising two reflectance curves having about 10% to about 85% reflectance separated by about 5% reflectance in a range of wavelengths from about 700 to about 860 nanometers (nm).

Abstract: An article comprises a volume of material having at least one faceted or curved surface, and at least one diffraction grating on at least one surface of the article. The diffraction grating comprises a set of diffractive elements formed in a deformable layer attached to the surface of the article. A method comprises forming the set of diffractive elements by deformation of the deformable layer, and attaching the deformable layer to a surface of the article. The layer can be deformed to form the diffractive elements before or after it is attached to the surface of the article.

Abstract: Attenuating, while in or on a body of water, one's own emanated electromagnetic field by wearing apparel that includes an electromagnetically shielding fabric. The shielding fabric comprises a substantially continuous system of conductive fibers combined with non-conductive fabric. Or attenuating, while a person is in or on a body of water, the electromagnetic field emanated by the person, by (i) providing to the person apparel that includes the electromagnetically shielding fabric, and (ii) instructing the person to wear it while in or on the water. The attenuation of the emanated electromagnetic field decreases the likelihood of a person being located in the body of water by a water-borne predator detecting that person's emanated electromagnetic field.