Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

Abstract: A tape data carrier for protecting articles and documents from counterfeiting and copying is formed by a polymer structure including at least one polymer layer of which at least one layer has at least one of through-perforations and pits. These through-perforations and pits are preferably between 0.001 &mgr;m and 20 &mgr;m in size and can be filled with different materials. The data carriers can carry concealed and visible macro-and micro- images created by heavy-ion bombardment of the polymer film, subsequent exposure of the bombarded film to ultraviolet radiation, and etching of the polymer film in a solvent. A device for manufacturing a data carrier of this type includes the following elements configured in series: a heavy ion source; a heavy ion beam-formation system; an ion guide; a three-dimensional amplitude modulation unit; and a target which is destined to become the data carrier.

Abstract: A cling wrap comprising a first surface having an embossed area including a plurality of protrusions therefrom forming a plurality of raised contact surfaces and a base surface, wherein the total surface area of said raised contact surfaces comprises less than about 10 percent of the total surface area of the embossed area. An adhesive is applied to cover at least 80 percent of the embossed area. The cling wrap is acceptable for direct food contact and is sufficiently heat resistant for microwave re-heating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a paper-laminated metal sheet having a structure in which at least one sheet of paper is laminated on at least one side of a metal plate via a pressure sensitive adhesive agent or an adhesive agent layer, and a protective layer is formed on a top surface of the paper-laminated side. With this structure, the paper-laminated metal sheet can be processed without wetting the paper with water, while thereby preventing the paper from being torn. In addition, the aesthetic appearance derived from the paper is kept for a long period of time. Due to high strength and processability derived from the metal base material, and high aesthetic appearance unbelievable for a metal plate derived from the paper, the paper-laminated metal sheet is valuable in various applications as a novel material.

Abstract: An optical fluorescent composite which controls fluorescence intensity comprises a solid layer containing fluorescent material (such as a phosphor) formed on an optically transparent base or substrate and optically coupled to a spectrally selective filter, also formed on the base or substrate, that modifies the intensity of either or both the excitation or emission spectra of the phosphor. Devices constructed in this manner serve as stable references for fluorescent measurements. Sets of such device is made with filters having different transmittance amplitudes, can characterize fluorescent measurement response over several orders of magnitude. In one of numerous alternative structure, the fluorescent layer can be formed on one substrate, the filter formed on a second substrate and the two substrates joined together.

Abstract: A thin glaze layer 2 is formed on a relief surface 1R to a thickness which leaves recesses on the relief surface 1R. A glaze-repellent layer 4 capable of repelling the glaze slurry is then formed on the surface of the thin glaze layer 2 to form a coated substrate. The glaze slurry is affixed to the coated substrate for forming a glaze slurry layer 5 for completing the glazing.

Abstract: An improved method for forming a vehicle trim panel, such as a headliner, utilizes a zig zag path to deposit fibrous pieces onto a fibrous layer to form part of the trim panel. In one method, the fibrous pieces are laid down in a zig zag pattern that does not extend across the entire lateral width of the layer. In this way, the designer can easily achieve selected areas having a greater amount of fibrous pieces. This allows the designer to achieve selected high density or thicker portions in the layer without requiring the entire layer to have the same amount of fibrous pieces. This results in greater control over the design of the layer, and also reduces the amount of fiber which must be utilized to form the layer.

Abstract: A thin glaze layer (2) is formed on a relief surface (1R) to a thickness which leaves recess on the relief surface (1R). A glaze-repellent layer (4) capable of repelling the glaze slurry is then formed on the surface of the thin glaze layer (2) to form a coated substrate. The glaze slurry is affixed to the coated substrate for forming a glaze slurry layer (5) for completing the glazing.

Abstract: A silicon optical bench arrangement is used to provide for proper angular orientation between various components of an optical subassembly. A set of "optical stops" comprising alignment spheres held in pyramidal detents are formed in predetermined locations across the surface of an optical substrate. The separate optical components are positioned adjacent to the optical stops and subsequently held in place by bonding or other attachment means. By properly positioning the optical stops with respect to one another, any desired orientation between the optical components can be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides performance enhancing shoe components. The invented shoe component includes an upper layer of 1,4-polybutadiene and, optionally, a rubber such as natural rubber, synthetic isoprene rubber or polyisoprene. The first layer is attached to a resilient layer which extends substantially the length of the shoe. Optionally, a third layer or a coating may be attached to the resilient layer. The invented shoe components may be formed as shoe inserts, insoles, midsoles or shoe soles.

Abstract: An improved method for forming a vehicle trim panel, such as a headliner, utilizes a zig zag path to deposit fibrous pieces onto a fibrous layer to form part of the trim panel. In one method, the fibrous pieces are laid down in a zig zag pattern that does not extend across the entire lateral width of the layer. In this way, the designer can easily achieve selected areas having a greater amount of fibrous pieces. This allows the designer to achieve selected high density or thicker portions in the layer without requiring the entire layer to have the same amount of fibrous pieces. This results in greater control over the design of the layer, and also reduces the amount of fiber which must be utilized to form the layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a selectively-activatible sheet material for delivering a substance to a target surface. The sheet material comprises a three-dimensional sheet of material having a first side and a second side. The first side has a plurality of hollow protrusions extending outwardly therefrom and separated from one another by valleys, while the second side has a plurality of depressions corresponding with the hollow protrusions. A substance adheres to and partially fills a location protected from external contact comprising the valleys and/or depressions. The sheet material may be selectively activated by deforming the hollow protrusions to deliver the substance to a target surface. The three-dimensional structure includes hollow protrusions which are adapted to progressively activate in multiple discrete stages to effect multistage progressive delivery of the substance to the target surface.

Abstract: A building panel having a three-dimensionally patterned surface, and a method and apparatus for coating the building panel are disclosed. The building panel includes convex portions partially topcoated with a first coating, concave portions partially topcoated with a second coating which is different in color from the first coating, and between the concave and convex portions topcoated with a third coating which is different in color from the first and second coatings. The third coating layer topcoated over the intermediate portions is preferably darker in color than the first coating so as to emphasize the depth of the concave portions and hence the stereographic appearance.

Abstract: An on-line paintable insert useful for being mounted into a depression having a lateral, a longitudinal and a vertical extension, said insert comprising an optionally shaped body having a paintable surface and being attachable to the depression by an adhesive layer. The lateral extension of a bottom area of the body is essentially equal to or exceeds the minimum lateral extension of the depression over the longitudinal extension of the depression, and the body is deformable at least in the outer parts of the bottom area to allow for essentially self-centering and friction-fitting mounting of the insert into the depression. The lateral extension of an upper area of the body is less than the lateral extension of the depression at the vertical position of the upper area of the body when mounted into the depression, over the longitudinal extension of the depression which results in a gap between the upper area including the paintable surface, and the depression.

Abstract: A decorative tile is made of molded hard urethane foam, having a surface patterned with smooth areas interrupted by surface textures, and colored by a coloring agent which is concentrated within the surface textures and thinly covers the smooth areas, so as to produce the convincing appearance of a weathered, aged stone tile. The surface of this tile (and other conventional tiles) is decorated in an automated fashion, by printing a clear sheeting with an electrostatic ink in a color laser printer, and then compressing the sheeting against the tile surface in a high temperature press to heat transfer the sheeting to the surface of the tile. This resulting product is a durable, light weight tile having a protected printed surface, indistinguishable from hand painted stone.

Abstract: The dial plate according to the present invention comprises a substrate formed of a ceramic material and a colored coating layer formed on the substrate. And, the colored coating layer is characterized by having a colored layer formed of a ceramic paint containing a metal compound as a principal component. The substrate formed of a ceramic material is porous; and hence, diffuses incident light to conceal a solar battery placed on the backside from view. Since the colored layer is formed of a ceramic paint containing a metal compound as a principal component, it is easy to firmly attach it to the substrate formed of a ceramic material and it is capable of forming various colors corresponding to the types of metal compounds applied.

Abstract: A reusable thermal dye donor element for a dye transfer thermal printer comprising: a base layer; and a donor layer on said base layer, said donor layer having a plurality of wells which preferentially adsorb and desorb dye into said wells.

Abstract: The disclosed gelatinous cushion comprises a gelatinous material enclosed in a membrane fixed to a support. The membrane has at least one told and the gelatinous material assumes the shape of the fold. The fold is arranged in such a way that the membrane unfolds when pressure is exerted on the cushion. Advantages: the elimination of the membrane effect due to the compression of the gelatinous material in the membrane, the improvement of wearing comfort and of dampening properties. Application in particular to the making of highly comfortably nose-pads for eyeglass frames.

Abstract: The surface of a lining member 3 is formed with a multiplicity of uneven surfaces 3a. The entire surface of the lining member 3 is coated by an intermediate layer 4 which comprises Ni. The surface of the intermediate layer 4 is additionally coated by an overlay layer 5 which comprises an Sn alloy. The lining member 3 has a surface roughness t.sub.1, as a result of forming the uneven surfaces 3a, which is chosen to be in a range from 2 to 8 .mu.mRz, and a thickness t.sub.2 of the intermediate layer 4 is chosen to be in a range from 0.01 to 0.6 .mu.m. When a sliding bearing 1 is heated, the overlay layer 5 and the intermediate layer 4 chemically react with each other to produce an Sn--Ni compound. As the overlay layer 5 becomes abraded, the Sn--Ni compound 6 will be exposed on the sliding contact surface. However, the described choice prevents the Sn--Ni compound from being exposed across the entire region of the sliding contact surface, thus improving the anti-seizure resistance of the sliding bearing 1.

Abstract: An anticopying film or layer consists of a film or of a layer of transparent material having a large number of completely or partially nontransparent regions which are arranged distances apart and whose planes are arranged in about the same predetermined position relative to the surfaces of the film or of the layer so that, from a predetermined viewing angle onto the surfaces of the anticopying film, the latter is essentially transparent. The regions consist at least partially of photosensitive material which is converted by the action of radiation into nontransparent or reflecting material, it also being possible to provide, in the transparent plastics material, furrows or grooves in which the photosensitive material is present.

Abstract: A moisture absorbent material comprises a porous matrix of absorbent alumina, the volume of the pores of the matrix being between 60 and 90%, preferably 80 to 85% of the volume of the material. The average diameter of the pores is between 5.times.10.sup.-9 and 1.times.10.sup.-6 m. The pores contain a crystalline deliquescent compound, preferably calcium chloride, in an amount of between 4 and 20%, preferably between 8 and 12%, by weight, excluding any water of crystallization, with respect to the total weight of the material. The absorbent may be incorporated in a shoe insole and absorbs up to 1.5 ml moisture per gram of dry material whilst generating heat, thereby maintaining the feet of the user both warm and dry.

Abstract: Surface haze resulting from a rough surface of a substrate e.g. a fluorine doped tin oxide coated glass piece is reduced by coating the rough surface with a smooth surface coating of sufficient thickness to smooth out the rough surface e.g. coating the tin oxide layer with a silica film having a thickness of about 100 to 2000 Angstroms.

Abstract: A flexible protective armor is provided with a very hard microstructure and a flexible macrostructure for flexurally deforming along smooth curves when impacted by a ballistic projectile, and then rebounding after the impact. The flexible protective armor includes an outward layer of hard geometric shapes, preferably spheres, which are firmly mounted to an outward side of a flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is preferably a ballistic fabric which is formed of a sixty degree weave of ballistic fibers. The spheres have mounting portions and side engagement portions. The mounting portions of the spheres are firmly bonded to the flexible membrane by a rigid adhesive, with the spheres tightly packed to mechanically interlock the side engagement portions of adjacent ones of the spheres for rotating relative to on another, free of the rigid adhesive.

Abstract: A transparent article made of a resin and having on its surface the fine unevenness formed by direct transfer of ultrafine particles. An unevenness transfer substrate having the ultrafine particles deposited thereon as a monolayer by using a binder, with a water/oil repellent film formed on the ultrafine particle layer, is placed in a mold, then a sufficiently deaerated fluid plastic resin is cast into the mold and heated to cause curing, then the mold is removed, and the unevenness transfer substrate and the cured resin are separated from each other. Consequently, the fine unevenness formed by the ultrafine particles is transferred to the resin surface.

Abstract: An information indicator used for a tire production control label or the like is provided with a film-type substrate formed of a heat-resistant resin. An information indicating surface onto which a recognizable indication indicating specified information is printed is formed on one surface of the substrate, and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer is formed via a primer layer on the other surface of the substrate. The information indicating surface is formed so as to have a surface roughness whose arithmetical mean deviation of the profile determined in JIS B 0801 lies between 0.5 and 5 .mu.m, and an indication such as a bar code, characters, figures, symbols or drawings is attached to the information indicating surface. With the information indicator formed in this way, the indication does not become blurred or erased even under the high temperatures and high pressures during vulcanization.

Abstract: The present invention provides performance enhancing shoe components, and methods of making the same, comprising 1,4-polybutadiene and a rubber selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic isoprene rubber, polyisoprene, butadiene acrylonitrile rubber and ethylenepropylene diene modified rubber. The shoe components are most advantageously placed in the user shoe beneath the ball of the foot to increase energy return and thereby enhance athletic performance. The shoe components may be formed as midsoles and parts of midsoles, insoles and parts of insoles, or shoe inserts.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer coated article includes a fluoropolymer coating layer formed on a surface of a substrate. The fluoropolymer coated article has a concave formed on a fluoropolymer coating layer side surface of the fluoropolymer coated article. The concave is inlaid with a fluoropolymer composition containing a pigment.This fluoropolymer coated article can be used in for example an inner pan of a rice cooker, in order to indicate a scale, marks or letters which is very easy to see and which is excellent in durability and in corrosion resistance, while maintaining nonadhesiveness of the fluoropolymer coating.

Abstract: A pavement marking and a method of making a pavement marking, where retroreflectivity and skid-resistance can be independently controlled while making efficient use of the optical elements and skid-resistant particles. One illustrative embodiment includes two topcoats on a base sheet having first and second major surfaces, the first major surface having a plurality of protuberances located thereon which are separated by valleys. A first topcoat is attached to the first major surface of the base sheet and a second topcoat is selectively located on the protuberances. A first mixture of optical elements and/or skid-resistant particles is attached to, e.g., partially embedded in, the first topcoat and a second mixture of optical elements and/or skid-resistant particles is attached to, e.g., partially embedded in, the second topcoat.

Abstract: The present invention discloses surface covering products and methods and an apparatus for making surface covering products. In particular, the method of the present invention includes depositing color particles on a moving carrier to form a base layer. The base layer then comes in contact with a patterned embossing device such as a roll to create a depressed or displaced pattern image on the base layer. Afterwards, accent particles or pellets are sprinkled or applied over the embossed base layer. The embossed base layer is subjected to heat and/or pressure to consolidate the accent and color particles and form a preformed mass. The preformed mass is then pressed to form a fused, texture-created structure. The surface covering products made from the process of the present invention have unique geometric patterns with well-defined grout lines or irregular decorative designs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fabric-faced wallboard product having a modular appearance and a method for preparing the composite product without using separate modules. By tucking the fabric into a grooved surface of the board, the appearance of a plurality of individual blocks, sections or modules is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stone product in sheet form suitable for use both outdoors and indoors, e.g. as a facade cladding or a fitting, etc. The stone product in question has undergone impregnation treatment with a view to causing its strength and flexibility to be increased through the presence of an impregnating agent in existing pores, cracks and other cavities in the stone sheet in question. A method for producing said stone product and means for its manufacture are also included in the invention.

Abstract: A heat-activatable adhesive article is provided. The article, preferably a tape, includes a substantially laterally stable heat recoverable carrier film having at least one surface comprising a recessed surface portion and a raised surface portion therein; and an adhesive layer in the recessed surface portion in an amount such that the adhesive does not extend above the raised surface portion thereby forming an exposed raised surface portion. In use, the carrier film recovers upon exposure to heat thereby allowing the adhesive in the recessed surface portion to contact a substrate. The heat-activatable adhesive article can be positionable, repositionable, or both.

Abstract: An information recording medium is composed of a support; a thermosensitive recording layer provided at least on one side of the support, the thermosensitive recording layer being composed of a matrix resin and an organic low-molecular-weight material which is dispersed in the matrix resin, the transparency of the thermosensitive recording layer being reversibly changeable depending upon the temperature thereof; and a thermal transfer image receiving layer for thermal printing thereon by thermal transfer recording, which is provided at least on one side of the support, opposite to the thermosensitive recording layer. A printing method using the above information recording medium is also provided.The thermosensitive recording layer and the thermal transfer image receiving layer may be replaced by a single sublimable material receiving reversible thermosensitive recording layer which have the two functions of the thermosensitive recording layer and the thermal transfer image receiving layer.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for coating a ceramic composite in which the composite has a pattern of grooves cut into the surface followed by coating to increase adhesion and inhibit cracking of the coating.

Abstract: Natural and artificial animal skins are provided with randomly spaced protuberances which simulate natural quill marks of ostrich skins. The protuberances are created from die formed depressions into which is adhered an individual glob of hot melt material. The glob has a generally semi-spherical mass extending above the inner surface of the animal skin. During manufacture of articles therefrom, the globs have the tendency to accentuate the appearance of the quill marks.

Abstract: A transfer film for use, for example, with security documents includes a pattern defining layer having concavities defining an inverted relief pattern, and a retaining layer overlying and releasably filling the concavities of the pattern defining layer. The pattern defining layer is removable from the retaining layer to transfer the relief pattern from the pattern defining layer to the retaining layer.

Abstract: An extruded connector strip is described and more particularly, but not exclusively, for use as a weatherstrip connector. The connector strip has an elongated attachment body which has a flat rear attachment wall from which a pair of spaced-apart parallel flexible spacer ribs extend outwardly and sloped towards opposed elongated end edges thereof. An adhesive transfer tape is securable to at least one or more flat portions of the rear attachment wall to secure the connector strip against an object. The flexible spacer ribs permit the attachment body to be located over a connecting surface of an object to which it is intended to be secured while preventing the outer adhesive surface of the transfer tape from contacting the connecting surface until pressure is applied to the attachment body which causes the spacer ribs to flex and the outer adhesive surface of the tape to contact the connecting surface to adhere thereto.

Abstract: A flexible carrier web has a planar surface bearing thereon a predetermined pattern consisting of at least one flat land area and at least one recess having a base and walls, and a layer of silicone on the land and/or the base of the recess while the walls of the recess are substantially free from the silicone. When that flexible carrier web is used as the backing of a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, release values can be controlled simply by selecting the size and/or number of recesses.

Abstract: Ceramic materials to be insert-cast are disclosed, which each contain not less than 65% by volume of aluminum titanate as a crystalline phase, and have an average particle diameter of crystals thereof being not less than 10 .mu.m, Young's modulus of 50 to 2,000 kgf/mm.sup.2, compression strength of 5 to 40 kgf/mm.sup.2, and porosity of 5 to 35%. Ceramic port liners are also disclosed, which are free from cracking due to compression force during insert-casting, peeling-off during use, and facilitate insert-casting. To attain this, a reinforcement which meets either one or both of requirements that differences in coefficient of thermal expansion at 800.degree. C. and Young's modulus between the reinforcement and a material constituting the port liner body are in a range of .+-.0.1% and in a range of .+-.1,000 kgf/mm.sup.2, respectively, is filled into a depressed portion at an outer peripheral surface of the port liner body to form an integrated structure with a flat or swelled surface.

Abstract: A synthetic resin pattern sheet having projecting patterns and provided at the patterns with concave surfaces variable in depth, and in the concave surfaces with different color layers comprising synthetic resin different in coloring from that forming the patterns and being variable in thickness.

Abstract: A plastic film has a series of grooves the interiors of which are rendered light absorbing to form a light-collimating film.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is an improved leaf packet useful in forming a spiral filtration module, the improved module which results from utilization of the leaf packet and a method of preparing the leaf packet. The membrane sheet utilized in forming a spiral filtration module is fused and densified in the area of its fold to increase the sheet density in this area and thus provide protection against mechanical failure. The densification includes the application of heat and pressure to the membrane surface of the sheet so as to densify the membrane surface and seal it against the penetration of feed stream liquid while also densifying the membrane, the backing and an optional reinforcing strip (if utilized).

Abstract: A plastics film having a two- or three-layer construction comprising a plastics film layer and a polymer blend layer formed on at least one side of the plastics film layer, one side of the polymer blend layer facing away from the plastics film layer being a satin surface.

Abstract: Resin-coated bottoms of pockets to provide extended life for the porous material. Coating one side of the pocket bottoms provides enhanced abrasion resistance and reduces seam slippage along the stitching on the pocket's bottom. The resin may include a polyurethane or a polyacrylate, with a polyester polyurethane combination finding particular utility. The resin fills many of the pores of material, but leaves others open. The open pores avoids perspiration and other moisture from adhering to the wearer's skin. Coloring the resin helps identify the resin's presence as well as providing an indication of origin for the garment or pocket itself. Typically, the only manufacturing of the pocket includes coating one side of the pocketing material with the uncured resin. The compound embedded on one side of the material then undergoes curing, generally through the application of heat, to form a coherent substance and open the pores.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fabric having a radiation cured crosslinked coating composition applied to the selvages of the fabric to provide ravel resistance thereto. The coating composition is a copolymer of an elastomeric-forming low viscosity monofunctional acrylate monomer and a reactive polyfunctional acrylate monomer. A method of forming a ravel resistant selvage in a fabric is also provided.

Abstract: A wear member for use in quarry chutes and the like utilizes a plurality of wear strips with a layer of resilient material therebetween. The resilient material may be a natural rubber or synthetic material as urethane. A bottom mounting plate engages a T-shaped base plate mounted to the chute to hold the wear member in an array on the chute surface.

Abstract: A masking tape for EMI shielding applications comprising an adhesive layer, a metal foil layer adhered to the top of the adhesive layer, two or more adhesive strips running parallel to the edges of the tape and extending the length of the foil along the strips are preferably inset from the outer edges of the foil so as to form a stepped or notch-like configuration. A mask layer is attached to the top of the strips. The mask alone or the mask and strips are designed to be removed after use. The tape is applied to a substrate such as a computer cabinet, the cabinet is then sprayed with a paint or finish coat and the mask is removed to reveal a conductive metal foil surface to which a conductive EMI shield can be mounted.

Abstract: A disposable washing glove is shown which includes a felted base made of carded staple fibers mechanically interlocked, structured by use of special forked needles to create a high-pile fabric, having recesses therein. The fabric is coated on one side with a detergent material which also fills the recesses to permit a timed release of the detergent during use.

Abstract: Resin-coated bottoms of pockets to provide extended life for the porous material. Coating one side of the pocket bottoms provides enhanced abrasion resistance and reduces seam slippage along the stitching on the pocket's bottom. The resin may include a polyurethane or a polyacrylate, with a polyester polyurethane combination finding particular utility. The resin fills many of the pores of material, but leaves others open. The open pores avoids perspiration and other moisture from adhering to the wear's skin. Coloring the resin helps identify the resin's presence as well as providing an indication of origin for the garment or pocket itself. Typically, the only manufacturing of the pocket includes coating one side of the pocketing material with the uncured resin. The compound embedded on one side of the material then undergoes curing, generally through the application of heat, to form a coherent substance and open the pores.

Abstract: A packaging separator adapted to be disposed in load bearing engagement between a pair of articles, such as windshields. The separator includes a sheet-like supporting element constructed of a generally nonresilient plastic foam and having enlarged opposed side surfaces for respectively contacting opposed surfaces associated with a pair of adjacent windshields. The supporting member has one or more shallow recesses formed inwardly from one of said side surfaces, and each recess contains therein a sheet-like gripping pad constructed of a resilient foam. The gripping pad, in a resiliently nondeformed condition, has a thickness which is significantly greater than the depth of the recess to define an outer gripping surface which extend generally parallel with but is normally spaced outwardly from the respectively adjacent side surface of the supporting element.