Abstract: A three-layer asphalt composition shingle where the top layer is of a full width, a middle layer is less than the full width, and a bottom layer has a width shorter than the middle layer. The middle and top layers of the shingle have tabs and cutouts. The tabs of each such layer generally differ in some feature. Moreover, the corresponding tabs between the middle layer and top layer also differ with respect to some feature, such as a lengthwise size, a widthwise size, shape or in color. Each of the three layers includes color zones, and often plural color zones. The different tab features and the different color features of the various layers provide a high degree of randomness to enhance a visual appearance to a roof shingled with such type of shingles.

Abstract: A multi-layer flexible non-skid cushioning tape having a top layer of plastic material having a frictional surface thereon, an elastomeric cushioning layer comprising a neoprene/EPDM/SBR blend, and an adhesion layer of a plastic sheet with a pressure sensitive adhesive thereon. The layers are laminated together for application to a platform. The cushioning tape provides a vibration-absorbing, non-skid surface with an improved coefficient of friction-resisting slippage.

Abstract: A novel artificial stone which contains an inorganic aggregate and a resin and has an uneven surface wherein the inorganic aggregate is exposed, wherein the average depth of concave grooves of the surface is in the range of 0.02 mm to 1.0 mm and the volume percentage of the inorganic aggregate is 25% to 75%. The artificial stone has an elaborate structure, exhibits transparent and deep sense, has excellent massive feeling and color like a marble, has a high surface hardness, exhibits good formability, and exhibits excellent non-slop performance even when it is contacted by bare feet or by hard soles of shoes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical element comprising substrate with a surface feature having a roughness average (Ra) of from 1 to 200 micrometers containing a dispersion of minute layered particulates in a polymer binder.

Abstract: Composite pavement markings with improved wear resistance and other advantages are disclosed. The composite pavement markings typically include a unitary retroreflective article attached to a base pavement marking. With the composite construction, different portions of the pavement marking are provided at different heights. The taller portions of the pavement marking may preferably offer some protection to the shorter portions from wear caused by vehicle traffic and/or snowplow blades. By combining two different retroreflective pavement markings to form the composite pavement markings of the present invention, a combination of features and properties may be obtained that is provided by neither of the pavement markings alone. Methods of manufacturing composite pavement markings are also disclosed.

Abstract: Algae-resistant roofing granules consisting of one or two coats of a fired semi-ceramic composition having a metallic copper powder which does not significantly affect the color tint strength of the pigment contained in the coatings.

Abstract: A roofing membrane, includes at least one support layer and a plurality of strips arranged in spaced-apart disposition at least on one side of the support layer and made of bituminous material and have a penetration depth between about 120 and 170 at a temperature of 50° C., and a softening point between about 100° C. and 110° C. The strips of bituminous material are separated from one another by a layer of scattered material and are covered by a fusible film. The film is composed of a plurality of strips which are oriented in parallel relationship to the bituminous strips but not interconnected.

Abstract: An infill layer for use in an artificial turf system is provided. The artificial turf system may include a pile fabric having a turf backing and a plurality of turf fibers extending upwardly from the turf backing. The infill layer may include particulate material disposed upon an upper surface of the turf backing and between the turf fibers. The infill layer may advantageously comprise ceramic support material in one or more courses. The ceramic support material may also be combined with other hard particles and/or with resilient particles in the infill layer. Alternatively, recycled support material or support material having a substantially consistent size and shape may be used instead of ceramic support material.

Abstract: A soil amendment for use in the running surface of an animal competition arena comprises highly absorbent and durable calcined clay granules. The clay granules are porous and contain micropores and microstructures to capture and retain moisture for release over time. Additionally, because the clay granules are formed of a particularly hard calcined clay, they are sufficient to support the weight of even heavy animals even when mixed with soft soil such as sand. Methods of fabricating the soil amendment and amending soil include methods which provide the soil amendment granules and arena surface with selected hardness and porosity for the particular soil and use of the arena surface.

Abstract: A self-adhering surface covering is disclosed having a substrate, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer which is disposed on the substrate and has an adhesive surface distal from the substrate, and a barrier layer disposed on the adhesive layer. In one aspect, the surface covering has substantially no tack at about 10 psi at 140° F. but has tack at about 20 psi at 75° F. In another aspect, an adhesive which is substantially non-stringing is employed in the adhesive layer. The barrier layer includes substantially non-adhesive particles which have a crash resistance of at least about 10 psi while disposed on the adhesive layer. A method of making the self-adhering surface covering includes applying an adhesive to a substrate to form an adhesive layer having an adhesive surface, and applying a barrier layer comprising substantially non-adhesive particles to the adhesive surface to form the surface covering.

Abstract: A synthetic turf comprises a backing with a plurality of pile filaments secured to the backing and extending upwardly therefrom and filled with particulate fill material. The fill material comprises a lower ballast layer of gravel residing on the backing and an upper layer of resilient particles above the lower layer. The lower layer of gravel provides weight and stability to hold down the synthetic turf without migrating to the surface. The upper layer provides cushioning and uniform resilience for the synthetic turf while the pile filaments create a grass-like appearance for the playing surface.

Abstract: A synthetic grass assembly for installation on a supporting soil substrate includes a pile fabric with a flexible sheet backing and rows of upstanding synthetic ribbons representing grass blades, extending upwardly from an upper surface of the backing. An infill layer of two distinct graded courses of particulate material is disposed interstitially between the upstanding ribbons upon the upper surface of the backing and of a depth less than the length of the ribbons. A bottom course of intermixed hard sand and resilient rubber granules with substantially identical particle size distribution characteristics is installed upon the backing and a top course exclusively of resilient rubber granules is placed upon the bottom course.

Abstract: A self-adhering surface covering is disclosed having a substrate, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer which is disposed on the substrate and has an adhesive surface distal from the substrate, and a barrier layer disposed on the adhesive layer. In one aspect, the surface covering has substantially no tack at about 10 psi at 140° F. but has tack at about 20 psi at 75° F. In another aspect, an adhesive which is substantially non-stringing is employed in the adhesive layer. The barrier layer includes substantially non-adhesive particles which have a crush resistance of at least about 10 psi while disposed on the adhesive layer. A method of making the self-adhering surface covering includes applying an adhesive to a substrate to form an adhesive layer having an adhesive surface, and applying a barrier layer comprising substantially non-adhesive particles to the adhesive surface to form the surface covering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glass fibre-reinforced plastic-plate which is provided with an anti-slip coating, consisting of resin and sand, as well as a production process of such a plate. The process according to the invention is a continuous one and does not require manual production steps. Initially, for the production a resin is bonded (10) with glass-fibre mats to a glass fibre-reinforced laminate as base material (20) and heated. As is conventional, the plate (20) is covered on both sides with carrier films (11, 12). In the subsequent phase of cooling-down (13) the point in time is waited for in which the plate (20) is in actual fact partly gelatinized, but the surface which is supposed to be coated is not yet completely cured. In this stage the upper carrier film (11) is pulled-off and a premixed coating compound consisting of resin and sand is applied (18) from above onto the base material (20). Alternative to the application of a premixed coating material, the resin and sand can be applied separately.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible abrasive article containing minimal releaseable amounts of physical and chemical contaminants that may be used to clean surfaces. The abrasive article is made of a foraminous substrate, at least one binder and abrasive particles. Methods of making such abrasive articles are also provided.

Abstract: A process for the production of a manufactured article for coatings, for components of sanitary ware, kitchen fittings, etc., in polymerized transparent resin in which marble and other stones are embedded. The surface of the product is worked by brushing with abrasives, so as to obtain depressions corresponding to the resin, and slight projections with substantially uniform distribution corresponding to the inserts; advantageously, the inserts are “decapitated” to give smoothed surfaces.

Abstract: The invention provides coated abrasive products having as a backing material a barrier-coated tear-resistant laminate of fabric and paper overcoated on the barrier coating with an abrasive coating. The coated abrasive product is made by laminating at least one fabric sheet and at least one paper sheet with adhesive to provide a laminate having at least one major surface provided by the fabric sheet, coating the surface of the fabric with a barrier coating and coating the barrier coated surface with an abrasive layer.

Abstract: A cutting line intended to trim and cut vegetation which can be used in rotary-head implements such as brush cutters and edge trimmers. The cutting line consists of a core of the monofilament type, which is coated with a granular coating, especially in the form of inorganic particles. The line thus has an uneven and/or rough surface appearance. The composite cutting line of this kind has a lower operating noise, a better cutting effect, and eliminates the problems of sticking and breaking at the eyelet in the rotary head.

Abstract: The following artificial stone having a deep color tone and a glaze and having a luminousness is provided at low costs. An artificial mixture in which a fine powder component of an inorganic material having a size of from 5 to 70 mesh is used, the sum of this fine powder component and a finely divided component of an inorganic material of 100 mesh-under is 89% by weight or more of the product and a resin component is 11% or less is struck and integrated into a cured slab which has been cured.

Abstract: This invention relates to a roofing or siding membrane comprising a non-woven mat coated with an asphaltic composition containing, in addition to 35-75 wt. % bitumen, a mixture of isotactic and amorphous propylene polymers and between about 0.08 and about 15 wt. % of a functionalized, olefin polymer to provide a non-staining membrane of high tensile strength, low polyolefin content with respect to asphalt, improved compatibility between asphalt and non-functionalized polymers and reduced light end asphalt and polymer exudates. The invention also relates to a method for preparing the membrane.

Abstract: A synthetic grass assembly for installation on a supporting soil substrate includes a pile fabric with a flexible sheet backing and rows of upstanding synthetic ribbons representing grass blades, extending upwardly from an upper surface of the backing. An infill layer of two distinct graded courses of particulate material is disposed interstitially between the upstanding ribbons upon the upper surface of the backing and of a depth less than the length of the ribbons. A bottom course of intermixed hard sand and resilient rubber granules with substantially identical particle size distribution characteristics is installed upon the backing and a top course exclusively of resilient rubber granules is placed upon the bottom course.

Abstract: Colored roofing granules and methods for their preparations, having decorative metallic appearance and enhanced stability against discoloration of color containing a silica-encapsulated metallic flake or colored lamellar effect pigment distributed in an insolubilized alkali silicate coating.

Abstract: An asphalt-based roofing material includes a coating having a top portion containing a mixture of asphalt and igneous and/or metamorphic rock particles, while the mat portion of the coating contains a mixture of asphalt and a filler which contains less than 10% igneous and/or metamorphic rock particles. In other embodiments, the top portion but not the bottom portion of the coating meets or exceeds a pliability standard, passes a weathering performance test, or has a high solar reflectance. In another embodiment relating to a laminated roofing material, the top portion but not the bottom portion has viscoelastic properties effective to prevent the coating from sticking to an adjacent shingle in a bundle. The invention also relates to a continuous process of applying first and second coatings to a mat for manufacturing a roofing material.

Abstract: A roofing system (10) adapted to be supported on a support surface (18), the system including a plurality of panels (14) arranged in partially overlapping relation to form a roof, the panels each having first (42) and second (44) side edges, an upper (26) and lower (30) surfaces providing a series of barrels (46) and pans (50), a first side region (83) defining a portion of a barrel and a first cylindrical mating surface (82), and a second-side region (66) defining a portion of a pan and a second cylindrical mating surface, the panels being arranged in overlapping relation so that the first and second mating surfaces are sealingly engaged.

Abstract: An improved roof and method wherein each course of slate is underlaid with an interlayment material layer such that the interlayment material acts as a base to the through joints, resulting in a reduction in the amount of slate used by approximately 40% to 50%. The slate meets side to side (the through joint), the underlaying interlayment material providing sufficient waterproofing to protect the roof as well as being of lighter weight and a more economical slate roof than the slate which it replaces.

Abstract: A shock absorbing and slip resistant pad made of a foam material that has a resilient texture and a sufficient depth to absorb shock. The pad has a slip resistant surface and an engaging surface. The slip-resistant surface has sand evenly distributed therealong to form a rough surface for slip resistance. The engaging surface has an adhesive substance applied thereon to adhere the pad to the skateboard. A pattern is stenciled and color printed on the slip resistant surface for a decorative or a commercial effect.

Abstract: Coated articles, methods for making such articles, and waterproofing systems incorporating these. An exemplary coated article comprises a body with surface coating of inorganic particles reactive with hydroxide generated from hydration of concrete or mortar to form hydration products. The articles are designed to be used with cast concrete or masonry. The inorganic particles comprise at least one of (a) aluminum oxide trihydrate; (b) silica dioxide; (c) fly ash; (d) blast furnace slag, (e) silica fume; (f) an alkali or alkaline earth metal salts; or mixture thereof. The particles improve bonding with hydratable cementitious compositions that are cast against the coated surface and allowed to set.

Abstract: A canvas abrasive material has a coating of resin and abrasive grains on a woven fabric layer, wherein the crossing places of the yarns form grinding places and free places that are distributed in a grid form over the surface of the abrasive material. A VELCRO-type clinging layer on the abrasive material facilitates manipulation.

Abstract: An ornamental water ball includes a base and a soft shell portion located on a top of the base. The soft shell portion may be designed into different shapes. Two discs are separately positioned at inner and outer sides of a peripheral area surrounding a bottom opening of the soft shell portion and are locked into one unit with screws to tightly clamp the peripheral area of the soft shell portion between them. The two discs are provided at the sides facing each other with annular ribs and annular grooves that engage with one another to continuously bend the peripheral area of the soft shell portion while clamping the same between them. Inner and outer injection ports are provided at centers of the two discs and a plug is compressed between the two discs to seal the two injection ports. Ornamental liquid may be injected into the soft shell portion via the injection ports by piercing a needle of a syringe through the plug and the injection ports into the soft shell portion.

Abstract: The present invention refers to multi-layered decorative laminates including a decorative layer, such as a wood veneer layer, and one or more reinforced polymer layer(s), such as a reinforced polyvinyl chloride (PVC) layer. Methods of making and using such laminates and of producing overly and underlay layers, which supplement the decorative layer, are described herein. The invention also relates to laminates of improved fire resistance including reinforced polymer layers.

Abstract: Decorative elements and decorative grass provided with a substantially flat configuration which, upon activation, can assume a curled or crimped configuration, preferably at the point of sale or point of use, as well as methods for producing same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-flammability shingle comprising at least one double-sidedly bituminized textile sheet material to whose surface has been applied a pulverulent or flaky flame protectant at least single-sidedly, and to roofs comprising these shingles.

Abstract: A seamless covering for an article includes a bonding system and a layer of aggregate bonded to the article by the bonding system. The bonding system is preferably a preconstructed article having adhesive on opposing major surfaces. The seamless covering is especially suitable for floor, wall and cementitious object coverings.

Abstract: A method for fabricating hollow artificial stone comprises a step of material preparation, a step of locating the bush blank, a step of pouring, a step of solidification, and a step of mold releasing. The step of material preparation provides a mixed material of stone powder and adhesive, a molding tool having an inner wall with the same shape as a contour of finish work piece for the hollow artificial stone, and a bush blank having the almost same shape as the molding tool with a size smaller than the set of molding tool. The step of locating the bush blank is to place the bush blank into a mold room in the molding tool such that a clearance being formed between the inner wall and the bush blank. The step of pouring is to pour the mixed material into the clearance so as to fill with the clearance. The step of solidification is the mixed material being solidified as a firm shape and being associated with the bush blank.

Abstract: A roofing membrane which exhibits improved properties, particularly reduced propensity to blister, is produced by selecting a the group consisting of straight run asphalts with a rod & ball softening point in the range of from 80 to 130 degrees F.; oxidized asphalts, solvent washed asphalts, road tars, refined tars, and blends thereof; selecting a modifying polymer from a group consisting of: styrene-butadiene-styrene (“SBS”) block co-polymer, atactic polypropylene (“APP”), and a combination of SBS and APP; modifying the bitumen by adding the polymer while the bitumen is in a molten state in a sealed mixing vessel; exposing the modified bitumen to a pressure less than ambient during or after modification while still in a molten state to allow release of entrained gases; and forming the roofing membrane from the molten modified bitumen.

Abstract: A non-slip, water resistant, oil resistant surface structure for use where water and/or oil are likely to create a slippery surface, including a rubber-bottom mat upon which a thrice coated, non-slip surfaced substrate is fastened, the coating on the substrate including crushed walnuts, or the equivalent, to provide for a non-slip surface and the coating comprising a thermosetting epoxy resin material with an amine hardener.

Abstract: The airport marking system of the present invention includes a multi-pigmented artificial turf segment having a backing with base fibers and marking fibers, wherein the marking fibers are visually different than the base fibers. The different marking fibers are adaptable to define a plurality of different shapes and patterns. The different marking fibers of the turf of the present invention define: (i) one or more characters including numbers and letters; (ii) a character having a border around it; (iii) a plurality of parallel lines; (iv) a dashed line; (v) a plurality of parallel lines and a plurality of intersecting lines perpendicular to the parallel lines; (vi) a plurality of chevrons; (vii) a plurality of parallel lines disposed at an angle relative to a side of the area; (viii) a plurality of checkered four sided shapes; (ix) one or more arrows; and (x) an arrow adjacent to a character.

Abstract: A moisture and weather proofing membrane is disclosed, comprising a carrier layer having opposite top and under faces. A waterproof layer made of a waterproof material, preferably bitumen, is coating the top face of the carrier layer; and spaced self-adhesive bituminous pieces are bonded to the under face of the carrier layer, leaving therebetween interconnected spaces of uncoated carrier layer. The interconnected spaces act as bond breakers and thereby allow the diffusion of vapor pressure formed underneath the membrane once installed on a roof. A method for manufacturing such a membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: A synthetic-grass structure for laying on a subfloor comprises:

Abstract: The invention concerns a multiple-layer composite sheet and a method of manufacturing such a sheet. The composite sheet comprises a supporting sheet bonded to a “hetero sheet”. The hetero sheet consists of a heterogeneous blend of an elastic thermoplastic fundamental substance that cures semicrystalline or amorphous subsequent to processing and particles of added material distributed therein. The particles can be mixed and extruded along with the fundamental substance although they are heterogeneously bound therein. In the hetero sheet the particles of added material heterogeneously distributed therein are detached, by stretching for example, from the surrounding fundamental substance (2) and the material of the hetero sheet stands up at the many areas of detachment to create a fleecy surface. At least one hetero sheet (20) is enclosed in at least one supporting sheet (10 & 30).

Abstract: The following artificial stone having a deep color tone and a glaze and having a luminousness is provided at low costs.

Abstract: Provided is an artificial stone molded product in which protrusions or embedded grooves for a figure or a pattern are provided integrally on or in a flat surface of a substrate, and a main composition comprises an aggregate of an inorganic material and a resin, characterized in that

Abstract: This invention relates to a color stable pigment composition for coating hard mineral granules employed for weather surfacing asphalt roofing and siding shingles. The composition is a 40-60% aqueous slurry of pigment containing ferrosoferric oxide and a silicate/clay mixture which is suitable for coating the surface of the mineral granules. The invention also pertains to a process for the manufacture of the coated granules, to the dry coated mineral granule product containing ferrosoferric oxide bonded in a silicate/clay matrix which is suitable for surfacing asphaltic shingles, to the dried composition containing from about 5 to about 50 wt. % total pigment in a silicate/clay matrix in which the pigment contains Fe3O4 in a concentration of between about 2 and about 100% and to a Fe3O4 pigment mixture per se.

Abstract: The variegated shingle comprises a shingle layer having front and rear surfaces the front surface including a butt portion and a headlap portion. The shingle layer contains granules on the front surface forming a plurality of horizontal striations providing gradations having color values ranging from light to dark extending between a leading edge of the butt portion and an upper portion thereof. The striations include an upper striation along the upper portion, a lower striation closer to the leading edge, and an intermediate striation between the upper and lower striations. The upper striation is darker in color value than the lower striation, whereas the intermediate striation is no darker in color value than the upper striation and no lighter in color value than the lower striation. The color values of at least one of the upper, lower, and intermediate striations vary across the granule layer.

Abstract: Method of preparing colored roofing granules (18) from granulated mineral-containing matter having an elemental iron content of about 15% to about 70% is disclosed. The method comprises heating the granules (18) to a temperature of from about 450.degree. C. to about 1,000.degree. C. and maintaining the temperature for a period of time sufficient to effect a color change in the granules. The resulting oxidized granules are permanently colored and will not fade in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite material and a method for the manufacture thereof. The disclosed material includes a layer of polymeric material in substantially continuous surface-to-surface contact with a layer of cementitious material. The composite material can be used as both a planar tactile warning and as a subunit in the construction of three dimensional structures. The external surface of the polymeric material can be configured, i.e., textured or smoothed, as needed for a given application.

Abstract: Abrasive articles comprising a cured thermosetting binder and abrasive grains. The binder is prepared with a poly-functional molecule comprising at least two functional groups selected from the group consisting of carboxyl and anhydride, and a crosslinking agent which is selected from the group consisting of a mono(hydroxyalkyl)urea comprising a single urea group, a single hydroxyl group, and at least two carbon atoms disposed between the urea group and the hydroxyl group, and 2-oxazolidone. The abrasive articles comprise bonded, nonwoven or coated abrasive articles.

Abstract: An adhesive backed article, method for its manufacture and a kit including such an article are provided. The article of the invention is provided as an antislip product comprised of a backing and an oil resistant adhesive applied to a major surface of the backing. In one aspect of the invention, an article is provided comprising: a backing having a first and second major surfaces, the first major surface being textured to provide a slip resistant surface; and a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the second major surface of the backing, the adhesive formulated to be resistant to peel in use when exposed to oily environments, the adhesive comprising the polymerized reaction product of (a) acrylic acid; (b) at least one N-vinyl containing monomer; (c) at least one acrylate selected from the group consisting of isooctyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and combinations thereof; (d) optionally, less than about 20 weight % fluoroalkyl siloxane; and (e) optionally, a cross linking agent.

Abstract: Abrasive articles are provided having at least one of a backing material saturated with a saturant, a barrier coat, a make coat, a size coat layer or combinations thereof wherein the saturant and layers consisting essentially of 100% solids radiation-cured resin of one or more vinyl ether monomers and/or oligomers.

Abstract: Process for the manufacturing of a decorative thermosetting laminate with a wear-resistant and a scratch resistant surface layer, wherein a continuous paper web is impregnated with melamine-formaldehyde resin, that one side of the web is coated with hard particles with a size of 30-90 .mu.m. After drying, the other side is coated with a melamine-formaldehyde resin containing hard particles with an average particle size of 1-15 .mu.m. The paper is, after drying, placed as the uppermost sheet in a laminate with the side coated with the smallest particles directed upwards towards a continuous pressure surface.