Abstract: There is provided a synthetic wood article formed as an irregularly shaped substrate. The substrate is made from at least one plastic and preferably from post-consumer plastics such as, for example, from disposed of PET bottles or PE trash bags. The article may have the appearance of a wood chip, bark, shredded wood, or sawdust. The substrate is formed by chipping, shredding, or pulverizing a solid piece of plastic which has been extruded. The substrate may have multi layers thereby presenting a wood grain appearance. A plurality of such articles may be used as a synthetic wood mulch.

Abstract: A thin layered replicated stone surface comprising a plurality of simulated stones separated by simulated intervening grout lines.

Abstract: A pliable paperweight and article holder having an outer skin of soft flexible material defining an enclosed hollow inner cavity having a central portion and a plurality of hollow generally tubular projections integral therewith extending outwardly from the central portion is completely filled with a mass of shiftable heavy granular material. The shiftable heavy granular material and outer skin of soft flexible material act in cooperation to provide a pliable structure capable of being manipulated to hold and grip various articles. When placed either horizontally of vertically on a surface, the central portion will spread somewhat to conform generally to the surface upon which it is placed, and each of the tubular projections can be manually manipulated or bent to assume various positions as desired for holding various objects or for gripping various objects, and the tubular projections will remain in the desired holding or gripping position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making and administering a blinded oral dosage form and the blinded oral dosage form therefor, used for disguising the identity of tableted medications. The method includes making a blinded oral dosage form by placing a tableted medication within a capsule have a diameter greater than its height. The blinded oral dosage form is the combination of the above-described capsule and the tableted medication.

Abstract: A method for producing a laminated tile is disclosed which comprises providing a sheet of natural stone having opposed first and second major surfaces and providing a plurality of ceramic substrates, each having opposed first and second major surfaces. An adhesive material is provided on at least one of the first and second major surface of the sheet of natural stone and the first major surface of each of the plurality of ceramic substrates. The plurality of ceramic substrates and the sheet of natural stone are assembled to form a laminated assembly such that the first surface of each of a portion of the plurality of ceramic substrates faces the first major surface of the sheet of natural stone with adhesive material therebetween, and the remainder of the ceramic substrates face the second major surface of the sheet of natural stone with adhesive material therebetween.

Abstract: An artificial marble formed by molding a material, in which said material comprises an unsaturated polyester, an unsaturated polymerizable monomer, and a filler. The unsaturated polyester consists essentially of an acid component and an alcohol component, wherein said alcohol component contains at least a glycol selected from a group consisting of 2-methylpropane-1,3-diol, 3-methylpentane-1,5-diol, 3-methyl-2-pentene-1,5-diol, 2-isopropylidene-1,3-propanediol, 2-isopropyl-1,3-propanediol, and 2-methylene-1,3-propanediol.

Abstract: A decorative article of manufacture has a penetrable core into which the ends of sprigs are inserted. Leaves forming the ends of the sprigs preferably conceal the core completely. The sprigs include preserved leaves on the unsupported projecting ends which define an approximate geometric shape. The sprigs have their natural leaves on their unsupported ends and are preferably form of preserved eucalyptus The core is preferably formed of a rigid plastic foam. The geometric shape defined by the sprigs' ends may have for example a conical, semi-conical, toroidal, or spherical shape.

Abstract: Means, methods and compositions for simulating natural desert varnish. A solution containing soluble metallic acetate salts selected from the group consisting of iron (II), manganese(II) and mixtures thereof and indigenous clay when appropriate is sprayed on distressed or abused natural or artificial rock to produce a preselected patina which is compatible to the indigenous area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composite artificial log for use in gas-fired artificial log fireplace assemblies or stoves, and more particularly, to a composite artificial log which has a ceramic concrete section molded to resemble a real log and having a relatively high thermal conductivity, which radiates a substantial amount of heat to the surroundings when heated, and one or more ceramic fiber sections having a relatively low thermal conductivity, which glow visibly when heated above about 1470.degree. F.

Abstract: Artificial marble or granite having excellent aesthetic properties, patterns and tonalities which cannot be found in natural materials are prepared from a composition containing a polymerizable poly(allyl carbonate) of a polyol and mineral filler, where the mineral filler is a carbonate type in the case of marble, and silicate or silica type in the case of granite, and is in the form of particles of which at least 40% to 100% by weight have a particle size greater than 0.5 mm. The artificial marble and granite produced by the process of the invention require a limited quantity of polymerizable poly(allyl carbonate) binder, have excellent aesthetic properties and high aging resistance, making them suitable for external use.

Abstract: A method for making a rubbery weatherstrip having a suede appearance and a suede feel includes a step for coextruding a welt portion of a weatherstrip and an outer rubber layer containing fibrillated fibers, namely bast fibrillated fibers, leaf fibrillated fibers and mixture thereof, or a welt portion of a weatherstrip, a sealing portion and an outer rubber layer containing fibrillated bast or leaf fibers to adhere these sheets, a step for vulcanizing the entire portions thereof, and a step for subjecting the outer rubber layer to buff processing.

Abstract: Construction and method of making a decorative cracked glass laminate in tile, panel, sheet, plate, veneer or in situ form. It comprises three layers laminated together, an inner backing layer, a substantially light-transparent outer layer, and a decoratively cracked glass intermediate layer sandwiched between the inner and outer layers. The intermediate layer, preferably a mirror, is made of tempered glass and the outer layer is made of annealed glass. The laminate is made by laminating the inner and outer layers to the intermediate layer while it is in uncracked condition, and then causing it to crack in situ as by cutting into an exposed edge. Alternatively, the two glass layers may be laminated together and then laid in a backing material such as plastics which then forms the backing layer of the two-glass laminate.

Abstract: A sodium chloride filler for resin-based simulated stone products is disclosed, as well as a simulated stone product including the sodium chloride filler, and a method of preparing same. The product includes a resin base, a catalyst capable of polymerizing the resin and particulate sodium chloride. Pigments and other fillers may be included to yield special aesthetic effects. The method of the invention comprises the steps of mixing a quantity of the resin with catalyst and particulate sodium chloride, and perhaps pigment and other fillers. Two sodium chloride filler particle size ranges are preferred. Finally, the mixture is transferred to a mold, the mold having been coated with a gel coat, and/or a coat of resin with an alternative filler, in preparation for receiving the mixture. A kit including the foregoing ingredients and instructions for combining same is also within the scope of the invention.

Abstract: In an imitation gem consisting of acrylic glass with an underside and a jewel-like display side the underside is provided with a lacquer coating which is of a predetermined thickness and able to resist temperatures of at least 100.degree. C., a metal layer is disposed on the lacquer layer and a heat fusible adhesive material is disposed on the metal layer to permit fastening the gem to a material by the application of heat without damaging the acrylic glass gem.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing mouldings with the appearance of natural stones from a composition including a coloured or colourless thermoplastic resin matrix and, per 100 parts by volume of this matrix, 0.2 to 80 parts by volume of at least two fillers chosen from natural fibres, carbon fibres and mineral fillers having a different grain size or dimensions. By chosing the color of the matrix and the number, proportion, grain size and color of the different fillers, the general appearance and colors of a natural stone may be imitated. The mouldings obtained after working may be used due to their aesthetic appearance, particularly as packaging for cosmetic products.

Abstract: Frames for displaying articles are made of polymeric marble comprised of a matrix forming amount of a resin composition and a filler to provide a marbleized appearance.

Abstract: Artificial snow granule in granule form comprising a super absorbent polymer in granule form as a nucleus and an ice layer surrounding the nucleus is provided here.Artificial snow granule in an aggregate form of snow granule granules comprising super absorbent polymer in granule form as nucleus and ice layers surrounded the nucleus wherein said aggregate form is caused by a linkage of the adjacent ice layers and/or granules.Further, a snow granule quality improver is provided.A method for making the above-mentioned snow granule in granule or an aggregate form is also provided here.

Abstract: A method of touching up tainted photographs in which one or more of the posers are photographed with closed eyes, in order to form opened eyes thereon. The method utilizes dry-transfers, with each dry-transfer being formed in the shape of an eye, with the dry-transfers being provided on a backing substrate, which substrate includes a plurality of rows of eye-shaped dry-transfers, each eye-shaped dry-transfer of each row being identical, with each row of such eye-shaped dry-transfers having eye-shaped dry-transfers that are of larger size than the adjacent, lower row, in order to provide a plurality of differently-sized eye-transfers, whereby photographs taken at different distances, different lenses, and the like, may be touched up by choosing that eye-transfer that has the most suitable size for a particular photograph and person photographed.

Abstract: An insulating board is provided in which the capacity to absorb the moisture exemplified by wood fiber based board, cellulose fiber based board and perlite based board is coupled with the high permeability of fiberglass insulation to provide a board having a balance between the capacity to hold moisture and sufficient permeance to allow the board to give up the moisture as the board is passed through a cycle of absorption and desorption, whether it be on a daily or seasonable cycle.

Abstract: A member having a protruding irregular surface area, a thin and malleable metallic foil member covering a substantial surface portion of the member and secured thereto by an adhesive material, and means securing the otherwise protruding edges of the foil against being pulled loose.

Abstract: The invention is a board of non-timber hardwood-replacement lumber. The primary constituent is rinds of a grass selected from the group of grasses consisting of sugarcane and sorghum. The board has an integral mass of parallel elongate flattened rinds aligned along the length of the board, parallel to a board surface and joined together by adhesive bonding. A "cant" (from which the boards are made) is also disclosed and like the boards sawed from it, the cant is substantially void-free and of substantially constant density throughout its cross-section. The board is furniture-grade and exhibits grain characteristics very closely similar to natural hardwood.

Abstract: A monolithic-like stone furniture piece and method is provided, wherein the furniture piece consists of a plurality of panels joined to form the three-dimensional structure of the furniture piece, wherein the panels are joined in a box-like structure having a hollow cavity. A foam core is injected or inserted into the hollow cavity to provide structural integrity and rigidity for the furniture piece. The plurality of panel members are formed of a plurality of stone tile members butt-joined in end-to-end and side-to-side fashion to form the panel members making up the furniture structure.

Abstract: The fountain device includes a casing with a plurality of pipes and a pump connected to the pipes from which spouts of water gush out to provide visual effects. An illuminating device and a music producing device are provided in the casing. The casing has an artificial three dimensional landscape within the same and a programmable panel which automatically controls the overall operations of the illuminating device and the music producing device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) is provided for producing vinyl siding (76) having aesthetically pleasing, wood-like striations embedded therein. Apparatus (10) includes processing structure (12) for processing topcoat compound and substrate compound extruders (18, 20) respectively. Acrylic colorant is discharged from feeders (64, 66) into barrel (34) via adapter (72) and thereby mixed with the topcoat compound. The interval of discharge is four seconds every twenty seconds. Adapter (72) utilizes a water jacket to keep colorant cool prior to its introduction into barrel (34) where it experiences a temperature sufficient for melting, usually about 380.degree. F. Due to the interval of discharge and the twenty second period thereof, striations (82) are uniform and continuous in nature so as to simulate wood grain.

Abstract: A decorative article for use on garments and the like to enhance the appearance thereof including a base with a flat central zone and an ornamental rim disposed about its periphery, and an ornamental center element sized and configured for receipt within the ornamental rim and including an exposed upper surface and a flat lower surface which is adhesively secured to the flat central zone of the base. Further, the base includes a bottom surface which may be adhesively secured to the garment, thereby providing an article which is easily assembled and implemented, and does not require special knowledge or tools.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of making articles and items with one or more surfaces with a solid stone-like appearance by filling a space with two materials, one of which is a finely cut-up material and the other of which is a filler. The method includes steps which eliminate the apparent thickness of the transparent medium through which the finely cut-up material is seen, thus enhancing the stone-like appearance.

Abstract: A method for producing a laminated tile is disclosed which comprises providing a sheet of natural stone having opposed first and second major surfaces and providing a plurality of ceramic substrates, each having opposed first and second major surfaces. An adhesive material is provided on at least one of the first and second major surface of the sheet of natural stone and the first major surface of each of the plurality of ceramic substrates. The plurality of ceramic substrates and the sheet of natural stone are assembled to form a laminated assembly such that the first surface of each of a portion of the plurality of ceramic substrates faces the first major surface of the sheet of natural stone with adhesive material therebetween, and the remainder of the ceramic substrates face the second major surface of the sheet of natural stone with adhesive material therebetween.

Abstract: Decorative structures comprising a combination of a flexible sheet member and a decorative bag member simulate a universal conception of the appearance of a well known theme. For example, a combination structure for simulating a universal conception of the appearance of a ghost and Halloween jack-o-lantern pumpkin comprises a flexible sheet member placed over a support bag member and having facial indicia simulating an appearance of a face of a ghost thereon, and a generally rounded bag for receiving filling material and having indicia simulating a pumpkin. The free ends of the sheet member are secured to the ground at spaced apart positions, to provide a substantially pyramidal or generally inverted conical shape, so that, if desired, the resultant structure can flutter when subjected to wind. The support bag member may be fixed to the ground, for example, by means of pegs.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a dental appliance or prosthesis comprising a resin, which includes the steps of applying to a resin portion of the dental appliance or prosthesis a lightweight, woven aramid or extended chain polyethylene fabric, and covering the fabric with more of the resin. Also disclosed are reinforcing materials (preferably a plasma-coated Spectra.TM. fabric), and dental appliances or prostheses reinforced by a lightweight, woven aramid or extended chain polyethylene fabric.

Abstract: A method of forming a dry, three dimensional block of sculptable material preferably involves the steps of painting the grains of a granular material, allowing the painted grains to dry, mixing a water resistant binder with the painted grains to form a slurry and hardening the slurry to form the block. The amount of binder added is selected to provide a block with a hardness between about 0.25 and 4.0 on the Mohs scale. The formed block has a wide variety of uses, including but not limited to use as a sculptable article, a sanding object, a sign or as a paving stone.

Abstract: Fireplace logs (10-10A) for simulating a wood burning fire using a fuel log (18) which is economical, readily available, and safer than gas, and which requires minimal cleaning effort, while maintaining the desired qualities of a wood burning fire such as flame quality, sound, and smell. The fireplace logs (10-10A) include a first and second non-combustible ceramic log (12-14) in a spaced apart fashion such that a fuel log (18) may be centrally placed. Top logs (16-44-60) are placed above the fuel log (18) and engage at least a portion of the first and second logs (12 and 14). Openings (50-52-62) are defined between the logs (12-14-16-44-60) and cooperate with opening (53) to enhance the flow of air to the fuel log (18) and to cause the flame (26) derived from the burning fuel log (18) to lick the third log (16) to give an appearance of a wood burning fire.

Abstract: In the present invention, polymer binder systems are filled with inert fillers, such as calcium carbonate, and with specific thermoplastic microspheres bearing a surface coating of an inert particulate material compatible with the polymer binder system. The preferred inert particulate material on the microspheres is particulate or fibrous forms of calcium carbonate. The microspheres have a very low density, and the inert particulate for fibrous coating is thermally bonded to surface thereof. The microspheres may be employed in proportions up to as much as about 70 volume percent of the casting or molding composition, resulting in a product of exceptionally low weight and density.The products of the present invention also provide high impact strength, high resistance to cracking and crack propagation, high tensile and yield strength, and a high modulus of elasticity, particularly compared to the usual cast marble products known to the art.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, compositions, and articles manufactured from scrap treated skin and/or leather which has been finely pulverized and mixed with synthetic resin. It further includes a method for the manufacture of improved leather products made from animal skin and/or leather and/or animal gelatin including the products derived therefrom and the method of producing skin and/or leather powder by use of steam and pulverization for combining with a fluid plastic material or resin in which the powder is uniformally dispersed in the plastic resin material for molding, extruding or manufacture of sheet material or for incorporation into coatings, paint or other plastic resinous products.

Abstract: In a crystallized glass article consisting of crystallized glass masses fusion bonded together and having a principal surface, said principal surface having a surface pattern determined by said masses in a surface layer including said principal surface, said small crystallized glass masses in said surface layer are mainly of flaky crystallized glass pieces, each being a relatively large flattened piece, said flaky pieces overlapping one another at random to make said principal surface rough, said crystallized glass masses in another layer adjacent to and fused to said surface layer being considerably smaller than said flaky pieces. The article is produced by preparing flaky pieces and the smaller masses both of a SiO.sub.2 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: A doll having hair comprising synthetic fiber consisting essentially of an acrylonitrile polymer comprising 30 to 80% by weight of an acrylonitrile and 70 to 20% by weight of at least one of a vinyl chloride and a vinylidene chloride. The fiber hair of the invention have the excellent flame resistance, the natural touch, the natural and quiet luster, the excellent curl retention and the excellent bulkiness.

Abstract: A crystallized glass article with a colored surface pattern, which comprises a crystallized glass substrate having a surface and small glass masses having a color different from the substrate and dispersed and fusion-bonded in the surface to form the colored surface pattern. The crystallized glass article is produced by depositing and dispersing small glass masses with a color on a surface of a substrate of a crystallizable glass with a different color which can precipitate crystals therein with softening and deforming by heat-treating at a heat treating temperature higher than the softening point of the crystallizable glass, then heating the substrate together with the small glass masses at the heat treating temperature.

Abstract: A shaped article of solid ceramic-like material having indentations or fissures of irregular shape and depth, the indentations produced by chemical reaction; and process of manufacture.

Abstract: A doll having hair comprising synthetic fiber consisting essentially of an acrylonitrile polymer comprising 30 to 80% by weight of an acrylonitrile and 70 to 20% by weight of at least one of a vinyl chloride and a vinylidene chloride. The fiber hair of the invention have the excellent flame resistance, the natural touch, the natural and quiet luster, the excellent curl retention and the excellent bulkiness.

Abstract: A cast simulated-stone containing flattened globules of overfilled, cured resin, which flattened globules substitute for natural stone chip additives and other such additives. The globules are formed by mixing an excess of a filler with a catalyzed liquid resin composition, the filler being added in an amount sufficient to cause the liquid to break apart into discrete, separable globules of resin composition. The globules are combined with a liquid resin composition and compressed and flattened in forming the simulated-stone.

Abstract: An architectural safety glass laminate is provided having a glass sheet, a plastic substrate, and therebetween an adhesive film. The substrate is provided with a decorative pattern on one surface thereof. An acrylic based substance is employed as the adhesive.

Abstract: A sheet of mulch material and method of making the same are provided, the sheet of mulch material comprising a sheet of polymeric material having openings passing therethrough and opposed sides one of which is to face the ground on which the sheet of mulch material is to be disposed, and a sheet of fabric material being coextensive with and being secured to the one side of the sheet of polymeric material and overlapping the openings thereof to tend to prevent plant growth through the openings.

Abstract: There is provided an imitation stone counter material and a method of making the same. In one embodiment, the material consists of a layer of gel coat over a stone matrix layer. The matrix layer mixture consists of a hardenable resin, a thickening agent, and a crushed stone aggregate. To the stone matrix layer is applied a layer of fiberglass and curable resin. In an alternative embodiment, alternating layers of foam and fiberglass are applied to the stone matrix layer to provide the desired structural integrity to the final imitation stone counter material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composite artificial log for use in gas-fired artificial log fireplace assemblies or stoves, and more particularly, to a composite artificial log which has a ceramic concrete upper section molded to resemble a real log and having a relatively high thermal conductivity, which radiates a substantial amount of heat to the surroundings when heated, and a ceramic fiber lower section having a relatively low thermal conductivity, which glows visibly when heated above about 1470.degree. F.

Abstract: There are disclosed several sliding devices. One sliding device comprises a sheet mounted on a slope and having a descending substrate, a plurality of recesses arranged uniformly on the substrate, a plurality of balls engaged in the recesses for supporting the ski and rotatable in full directions, the plurality of balls being exposed over the substrate so that the ski contacts the balls, and projecting edges provided at peripheries of the recesses on the substrate for preventing the plurality of balls from getting out from the recesses.

Abstract: A simulated vegetation product and method of making same is the subject of this disclosure. The method includes the steps of providing a mass of ground rubber-like particles, preferably urethane foam, providing a quantity of an adhesive solution capable of binding the ground particles together followed by mixing of the adhesive and the ground particles to present a homogeneous mass. The mass is then spread into a uniform layer or formed into another desired shape and dried to present the finished product.

Abstract: Composite or assembled gemstones are usually made by laminating together several layers of rock or mineral substances. Established lapidary processes used in making these stones are very effective when the gem-material part of the composite stone is of stable composition. Such material can then be easily cut and ground into the smooth flat layers necessary for laminating. These same methods, however, prove much less effective when applied to poorly-consolidated gem material: material that because of its friable nature tends to chip and flake when attempts are made to cut it into layers. My process is designed specifically for use on this latter type of gem material and is especially suited to processing gem-quality fossil ammonite shell. This process differs from the traditional methods in that it eliminates the need for cutting and grinding the gem material into smooth, flat layers. Instead, the gem material is simply shredded or fragmented into a mass of small, thin flakes.

Abstract: A holder for barrettes. A length of braided hair looped through a mounting ring and an elastic band mounted on the end of said braided hair to hold the loose ends together.

Abstract: A method of making a stone veneer panel including finishing one face of a slab of stone material; placing the slab finished face down on a support plate; machining the unfinished face to obtain a predetermined thickness of the slab; and bonding a backing sheet to the unfinished face of the stone slab to produce a composite stone veneer panel.

Abstract: The process provides for the structural reinforcement of manufactured articles made of stone or, in general, agglomerates by means of a sequence of steps which comprise the following: (a) the article to be treated is heated; (b) spraying on one surface of the article a particular adhesive called primer; (c) spraying on the same surface a resin preferably containing glass fibers or fibers of another material; (d) spraying on the same surface grit of stone having a constant and defined granulometry; (e) applying an action of vibration or compression on the article in order to facilitate the cohesion of the grit with the resin; (f) letting the resin undergo a catalytic reaction which eventually may require application of heat; (g) levelling the surface by mechanical operations. The same process may be repeated on the other surface of the article if one desires to cut the article along its thickness for the purpose of obtaining a very thin product.

Abstract: Substitute lumber pieces having strengths and densities substantially equivalent to lumber are cut from single layer panels of over about 1 and normally less than 4 inches thickness made from wood wafers. The wafers are oriented with their lengths having a mean deviation to the longitudinal length of the panel measured in the major plane of the panel in the range of 0 to 10 degrees and a mean deviation measured in a minimum longitudinal plane perpendicular to the major plane from 0 to about 5 degrees and have an average effective length of at least 8 inches (200 mm), and preferably an average thickness less than 0.15 inches (4 mm) and a width of at least 0.25 inches (6 mm). Lumber is made by cutting the panel longitudinally. Preferably the panels are formed to have a substantially uniform density profile throughout their thicknesses.