Abstract: A sheet flooring product, including a homogeneous melt processable resin layer formed of a melt processable, non-plastisol layer, and an adjacent felt layer produced by a beater saturated method and having a substantially uniform thickness of between about 5 mils and about 40 mils. The melt processable resin layer is preferably applied by a hot melt calender (“HMC”) process to achieve enhanced can drop, refrigerator drag and indentation values.

Abstract: Laminates having microfluidic structures disposed between sheets of the laminate are provided. The microfluidic structures are raised on a sheet of laminate, typically by printing the structure on the sheet. Printing methods include Serigraph, ink-jet, intaligo, offset printing and thermal laser printing.

Abstract: Disclosed are articles having a color shifting film and indicia located behind the color shifting film. At least a first and second colored portion are arranged as a foreground and background of the indicia. The first portion includes a first fluorescent colorant and the second portion includes a different second fluorescent colorant. At least one of the colored portions is patterned. Bright fluorescent emission is visible from the different colorants over different angular ranges to produce high contrast reversal or change.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of displaying an image on a display device having first and second sides, said image including a light restricting silhouette pattern having a plurality of first transparent or translucent areas, and at least one design layer having at least one color, said at least one design layer being visible from one side of said display device and substantially less visible from the other side, said image being substantially transparent or translucent as viewed from the other side, comprising the steps: 1) providing at least a definition of said design layer to a computer, 2) generating a computerized version of said design layer with,he computer, 3) outputting the computerized version of said design layer to said display device, the computerized version of said design layer being modified to subdivide said design layer into a plurality of second discrete transparent or translucent areas and other areas; and 4) displaying said modified design layer and said silhouette pattern with

Abstract: Provided is a recording medium comprising alumina hydrate, wherein said alumina hydrate having a boehmite structure and containing silica within alumina hydrate particles, in part of or a whole of said alumina hydrate particles, and the crystallinity of said alumina hydrate obtained by an X-ray diffraction analysis of said recording medium is in a range of from 15 to 80.

Abstract: This invention relates to retroreflective sheeting that has an image, such as a validation image. In one embodiment, the image is directional having varying appearance at different angles of view. The retroreflective sheeting comprises a layer of transparent microsphere lenses, a transparent polymeric spacing layer having a front surface and a back surface wherein the spacing layer is underlying, contacting, and substantially conforming to the bottom of the lenses, and the spacing layer comprises one or more segments having a refractive index different from the refractive index of the remainder of the spacing layer, a reflective layer having a top surface and a bottom surface wherein the top surface is in contact with the back surface of the spacing layer, and a topcoat cover sheet overlying and conforming to the top surfaces of the lenses and having a flat top surface or face.

Abstract: This invention pertains to cationic acrylic colloidal dispersion polymers which contain a stabilizer that is covalently bonded to the polymer. More particularly, the invention pertains to the use of stabilizer-containing cationic acrylic colloidal dispersion polymer compositions to enhance the ink jet printability of coating formulations.

Abstract: The invention involves an improved display mat having high-definition graphics for use on a variety of surfaces including carpet. The display mat is comprised of a flexible polymeric sheeting having top and bottom sides and a thickness of at least about 0.07 inches, a high-definition image printed on the top side of the sheeting; and a coating overlying and protecting the image and providing a durable non-slip surface. The display mat has sufficient cohesion between the sheeting, image and coating to withstand repeated rolling and unrolling without separation. In addition, the invention provides a method of constructing a display mat with high-definition graphics.

Abstract: A transfer laminating element for laminating ink jet prints comprising a flexible, polymeric support having thereon a porous, fusible, transferable protection layer comprising fusible, thermoplastic polymeric particles in a polymeric binder, the protection layer having a thickness of between about 2 and about 100 &mgr;m and a particle-to-binder ratio of between about 95:5 and about 70:30, the thermoplastic polymeric particles having a particle size of less than about 10 &mgr;m and a Tm or softening point of greater than about 50° C. and the polymeric binder having a Tg of less than about 20° C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a printing medium comprising a base material and an ink-receiving layer which comprises inorganic fine particles and a binder and is provided on the base material, wherein the inorganic fine particles are partly projected from a binder layer of the ink-receiving layer and contained in a proportion of 0.05 to 3 parts per 100 parts of the binder in terms of solids.

Abstract: A dry ink transfer system is provided which allows for a very thin unsupported image to be transferred to a surface. Although unsupported, the image is able to endure large amounts of friction without image distortion or damage. Because the image is so thin, tactile discernment of its edges is impossible and friction forces against the image edges are substantially reduced. Although the method of transfer does not require heat, solvents, or high pressure, the adhesion between the image and the surface is very strong.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical sheet having and sufficiently exhibiting high light transparency and uniform light diffusivity. The optical sheet comprises transparent resin layers 2 and 3 and a fine particle layer 5 consisting of transparent fine particles 4 which are arranged as a monoparticle layer between the transparent resin layers 2 and 3 in an embedded state, wherein the refractive indexes of said transparent resin layers are different from that of said transparent fine particle. The optical sheet is produced by a process which comprises at least a step of forming a transparent resin layer having at least temporary stickiness on a substrate, a step of forming a fine particle layer by covering said transparent resin layer with transparent fine particles so as to form a monoparticle layer and fixing them, and a step of laminating a transparent resin layer on said fine particle layer.

Abstract: A unidirectionally visible printing member includes a light-transmitting base material, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a re-releasable pressure-sensitive adhesive, formed on the base material, and a sheet member including an opaque layer and an image-forming layer and having through-cuts, formed on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The sheet member, when peeled, is capable of remaining partly on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer in conformity with the cuts, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is capable of remaining on the base material and being uncovered at the part other than the part where the sheet member remains on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.

Abstract: An environment friendly method of producing gravure-printed laminated packaging materials is provided enabling a reduction in a quantity of organic solvents used in printing processes. The method includes gravure printing using aquatic gravure printing inks on a gravure-printed base film and laminating an intermediate base film and/or a heat-sealable film on the gravure-printed base film with an extrusion lamination method using a polarizing resin not requiring any anchor coating agent for the lamination. An extrusion lamination method using a polarizing resin not requiring any anchor coating agent may be used for the formation of a heat-sealable resin layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a light transmitting filter comprising (a) light absorbing layer having a first and second surface, (b) microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and (c) an optically clear, substantially uniform, conformable layer covering the microspheres, wherein the microspheres provide light tunnels through the light absorbing layer. The invention also relates to methods of making the same. The invention also relates to a method of preparing a light transmitting filter comprising the step of laminating a clear substantially uniform conformable layer over transparent microspheres embedded in a light absorbing layer wherein the transparent bead form light tunnels through the light absorbing layer. The light transmitting filters of the present invention have improved light throughput and improved angularity.

Abstract: A process for making an article with an image protected by a clear fluoropolymer film includes coating the inner surface of the fluoropolymer film with a layer of hydrophobic, ink receptive polymer composition compatible with the fluoropolymer film. An image is printed on the layer of hydrophobic, ink receptive polymer composition using an inkjet printhead supplied with a non-aqueous solvent based ink. The clear, printed fluoropolymer film is then adhered to a substrate with the inner surface facing the substrate whereby the image is viewable through and protected by the fluoropolymer film.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrophotographic recording media that are suitable for use in high speed color copiers and printers. The media are composites comprising: a) a film substrate having a front surface coated with a toner-receptive layer and a back surface coated with a polymeric layer, and b) a paper backing that is attached to the back surface of the film substrate. The toner-receptive layer comprises a mixture of a hydrophobic toner-compatible polymer and hydrophilic toner-compatible polymer. The paper backing has a Sheffield Smoothness greater than 70 SU.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thermal transfer laminate, comprising: a facestock comprising a first layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a heat-activatable adhesive layer underlying the lower surface of said first layer; an adhesion-promoting layer overlying the upper surface of said first layer; an abrasion-resistant transparent coating layer overlying said adhesion-promoting layer; and another adhesive layer overlying said abrasion-resistant coating layer. In one embodiment, an ink or graphics layer overlies the upper surface of the first layer of the facestock and provides a pictorial design and/or print message. In one embodiment, the laminate is adhered to a carrier sheet. In one embodiment, the laminate is adhered to a substrate such as an automotive interior surface.

Abstract: A non-powered composite luminous panel including two plates of light transmissive material and the interlayer of a luminescent material provided between the two plates. The luminescent material includes a light transmissive resinous material and contains a suspension of luminescent particles, preferably of the long acting emitting type.

Abstract: A method comprising: recording an image on a material by an ink jet recording system using water-based ink comprising a colorant; transferring a layer comprising a radiation-curing compound that is capable of being a resin at curing from a protective layer-imparting material comprising a support and the layer, the layer being capable of being released from the protective layer-imparting material, to a surface of the material; and curing the layer by irradiation of a radiation to form a protective layer.

Abstract: Thermal printing provides an advantageous route to producing aircraft placards able to withstand the rigorous conditions existing on aircraft exteriors. A graphic is directly printed onto a substrate such as polyester, vinyl or polycarbonate. The placard is protected by a protective layer of a UV curable ink which contains acrylates and silicone. An optional promoter containing a diisocyante can be added to the protective layer. Ultraviolet radiation is used to cure the protective layer. The resulting thermally printed placard performs equally as well as silk screen printed placards while offering economic and environmental advantages.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant laminate includes a substrate and a durable wear-resistant top layer assembly laminated over a top side of the substrate. The layer assembly includes a wear-resistant upper layer and an underlying decorative layer which together include a first paper sheet impregnated with a first resin. The top layer assembly further includes a core layer underlying the decorative layer. The core layer includes second and third paper sheets impregnated with a second resin. A fourth paper sheet is interposed between the second and third paper sheets in the core layer. The fourth paper sheet is impregnated with the first resin, whereby the fourth paper sheet functions as a balance sheet to equalize expansion and contraction of the layers under the influence of environmental factors.

Abstract: A metallized film comprises an opaque, continuous layer of metal on an aliphatic polyurethane substrate. The polyurethane substrate displays a glass transition temperature of about 25° to 110° C and a melting temperature greater than or equal to 200° C. Decorative articles can be made with the metallized film.

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: There is provided a decorative material that gives the impression of unevenness due to the differences in gloss of a film formed on the surface of the decorative material. This decorative material is excellent in solvent resistance; a pattern formed on it is not easily erased even when the decorative material is wiped with cloth or the like impregnated with a solvent.

Abstract: Proposed is a scanning image which is produced by a thermotransfer process and which has at least two kinds of scanning elements, wherein at least two kinds of scanning elements are of respectively different dimensions. In addition at least two kinds of scanning elements may respectively involve different, optically effective structures. A thermotransfer foil for the production of such a scanning image is also described.

Abstract: An enhanced resolution multicolored flock transfer comprises a release sheet having a surface coated with a release adhesive, flock having individual 0.75 millimeter 1.5 denier fibers, a design printed on the flock by use of a four color process by using side by side color separations, and a binding adhesive applied to the flock.

Abstract: Exposed lens retroreflective appliques incorporate a monolayer of beads and a dielectric mirror proximate the beads. A pigmented or otherwise colored bead bond layer in which the beads are partially embedded is visible through the dielectric mirror, giving the article a highly colored daytime appearance. The appliques exhibit an initial reflectivity. By appropriate materials selection, the appliques can be made to retain at least 75%, and in most instances at least 90%, of the initial reflectivity if subjected to fifty home laundering cycles. In one case the dielectric mirror includes zinc sulfide as a relatively high refractive index material and calcium fluoride as a relatively low refractive index material. In another case the dielectric mirror includes zinc sulfide as the relatively high refractive index material and silicon dioxide as the relatively low refractive index material.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting comprising a retroreflective base having a smooth surface layer (4) on its light-incident side and a fluorine-containing resin film (1) having a total light transmittance of 80% or more which is provided on the smooth surface layer (4) via an adhesive layer (3), wherein a printed layer (2) made of discontinuous printed parts is provided between the film (1) and the adhesive layer (3). The printed layer (2) does not cause the film (1) to separate.

Abstract: A laminated glass floor tile is disclosed, comprising a glass plate, a backing substrate and a decorative layer disposed between the glass plate and the backing substrate. A glass flooring made using laminated glass floor tiles is also disclosed, as well as, a method for making a laminated glass floor tile comprising the steps of placing a decorative layer between a backing substrate and a glass plate and laminating the glass plate, the backing substrate and the decorative layer.

Abstract: An adhesive preventing system containing a flexible tape member that may be in the form of either a sticker or an elongated tape is disclosed. This flexible tape member has an upper and a lower side and has two patterns printed on the upper side of the flexible tape member, one of which is printed with a material that is capable of bleeding through the flexible tape member and being dispersed into the underlying materials. A pattern which does not absorb the bleed-through material is printed on the underside of the flexible tape member. The underside of the flexible tape member also has disposed on it a frangible layer of material that does not adhere to the pattern printed on the underside of the flexible tape member. An adhesive layer is disposed over the frangible layer.

Abstract: A flexible, multilayered transfer tape is described which contains an auxiliary support, a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive and a binder containing a white-pigmented transfer layer having greater adhesion to the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer than to the auxiliary support. The transfer layer, which contains a binder in addition to a white pigment, is present between the auxiliary support and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The transfer tape is characterized in that a non-white pigment is present in finely dispersed form in either or both of a polymer-bonded interlayer and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The polymer-bonded interlayer may be situated between the white-pigmented transfer layer and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer or in the white-pigmented transfer layer itself. Such transfer tapes have significantly improved covering capacity as compared to transfer tapes in which only the white-pigmented transfer layer is tinted.

Abstract: When a temporary adhesive layer for peelably bonding a transfer-receiving material to a thermal transfer sheet comprising a substrate film and a heat-fusible ink layer disposed on one side thereof is caused to comprise a specific adhesive, an excellent composite thermal transfer material is provided. In such a composite thermal transfer sheet, the thermal transfer sheet is firmly bonded to the transfer-receiving material so as not to cause wrinkles or deviation, both of these members may easily be peeled from each other so that the ink layer is exactly transferred to the paper in a transfer region and it is not transferred thereto at all in a non-transfer region, whereby the transfer-receiving material is not contaminated. An antistatic treatment provides a composite thermal transfer sheet causing no trouble due to charging at the time of or after printing operation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a returnable plastic crate provided on at least one surface with an ink only label that is removable without destructive treatment of the said surface, said label being adhered to said at least one surface by an activated adhesive layer.

Abstract: A label system having an unique label stock. The label stock includes a water reducible ink system for forming a water resistant ink label and a scuff resistant protective, clear coat layer. A label carrier, formed from non-absorbent paper or plastic, receives the water resistant ink label. In the preferred embodiment, a heat-activated adhesive is applied to the surface of the color coat layer for transferring the label from the label carrier to the substrate. The heat-activated adhesive has an activation temperature less than the distortion temperature of the label carrier so as to not distort the image during transfer. A heat-activated, cross-linking agent may be added in at least one of the color coat and the protective, clear coat to improve water soak resistance. The heat-activated, cross-linking agent has an activation temperature of greater than the activation temperature of the adhesive.

Abstract: An external top coating on a toy vehicle provides a multi-color or hue variation dependent upon the angle at which illuminating rays or energy strike the coating. The coating is applied directly over previously applied color coating and application may be by spray, brush or airbrush. The external coating is characterized as combining a plurality of pigments into a carrying medium which is then applied to the exposed surface of a previously coated toy vehicle. The multi-pigmented coating includes a thin transparence or glaze of protective material so that the multi-hue or colored layer is not readily scratched or marred. A feature resides in that the multi-pigmented or hued coating is sufficiently transparent or translucent in order to provide design ornamentation applied with the conventional pre-coating to be seen therethrough.

Abstract: A mouse pad with improved self-cleaning and traction features. The mouse pad is a planar structure with a parallel top control layer and a bottom anti-skid coating. Formed on the top layer is a top control layer with a plurality of alternating, equal height, prismatic and pyramidal shapes, which provide improved cleaning and traction properties. Small troughs are formed between the adjacent shapes, which collect fine dirt and dust particles that are swept from the surface of the mouse ball during use. In one embodiment, the top control surface is made of flexible material that allows the prismatic and pyramidal shapes to bend slightly when the ball of a mechanical mouse rolls over the top surface. This bending action provides improved self-cleaning and traction features. In another embodiment, the top layer is made of transparent material. An ink layer may be applied to the bottom surface of the top layer.

Abstract: A decorative sheet is characterized in that the sheet comprises a thermoplastic resin layer (A), an adhesive layer containing a luster pigment (B) and a transparent or translucent thermoplastic resin layer (C) laminated in the order mentioned. According to the present invention, a decorative sheet which exhibits cost saving and enhanced designability and a process for producing the sheet are provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to printing ink-decorated packaging laminate for aseptic packages of the type which is produced in that a web of paper which has an outer coating of plastic is, for the purpose of sterilization, led through a bath of hydrogen peroxide prior to the reforming of the web into aseptic packages. The packaging laminate has a décor of water-based printing ink which is applied in the desired pattern on the outside of the outer plastic coating. For the purpose of protecting the water-based printing ink décor against attack from hydrogen peroxide in connection with the sterilization process, the packaging laminate is provided with an outer layer of water-based polyethylene or water-based acid-modified polyethylene which, by means of so-called dispersion coating, is applied on the printing ink-decorated outer plastic coating after, or in connection with the application of said printing ink décor.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a device for locating a rupture represented by at least one break line (22, 24, 36, 38, 40) in a transparent panel (10) comprising at least two panes (12, 14; 26, 28, 30), particularly of the windshield of the cockpit of an aircraft, characterized in that it comprises an opaque or semi-opaque obstacle (20, 32, 34) disposed between two adjacent panes. The invention also covers a panel equipped with such a device.

Abstract: There is provided a protective layer transfer sheet comprising: a substrate sheet; and a thermally transferable protective layer provided on at least a part of one side of the substrate sheet, the protective layer comprising an alicyclic polyester resin prepared using an alicyclic compound as at least one of a diol component and an acid component. There is further provided a protective layer transfer sheet comprising: a substrate sheet; and a thermally transferable protective layer provided on at least a part of one side of the substrate sheet, the protective layer comprising a thermoplastic resin and an ultraviolet absorber, the ultraviolet absorber being a benzotriazole ultraviolet absorber represented by formula (2), the content of the ultraviolet absorber in the protective layer being 10 to 40% by weight: wherein X and Y each independently represent an optionally branched alkyl or aralkyl group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms and Z represents a hydrogen or chlorine atom.

Abstract: A wiring board having an insulating substrate of aluminum oxide ceramics and a surface wiring layer formed on the surface of said insulating substrate, wherein the aluminum oxide ceramics constituting said insulating substrate contains a manganese compound in an amount of from 2.0 to 10.0% by weight in terms of MnO2, and has a relative density of not smaller than 95%, and said surface wiring layer contains copper in an amount of from 10 to 70% by volume and at least one high-melting metal selected from the group consisting of tungsten and molybdenum in an amount of from 30 to 90% by volume, and further contains copper as a matrix, said copper matrix having a diffusion structure in which are diffused the particles of said high-melting metal having an average particle diameter of from 1 to 10 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A decorative sheet is provided which possesses excellent anti-transferability to a cellophane pressure-sensitive adhesive tape and, in addition, can be stably produced. The decorative sheet comprises: a substrate for a decorative sheet; and a surface protective layer provided on the substrate, the surface protective layer being formed of a crosslinked cured product of an ionizing radiation-curable resin composition, the composition containing, as an additive, a combination of silicone (meth)acrylate with a polyorganosiloxane organic copolymer.

Abstract: An electrostatic toner receptor layer comprised of a blend of an acrylic resin, a vinyl resin, a solution or dispersion grade rubber and a plasticizer. The resulting receptor layer provide durability and flexibility when applied to a crack resistance film for subsequent application to soft-sided vehicles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a recording material in which an ink receiving layer containing at least a resin and a pigment is provided on a substrate, the recording material being characterized in that the ink receiving layer is porous, apparent density thereof is 0.2 to 0.8 g/cm3 and heat conductivity of the ink receiving layer and the substrate is 0.1 to 0.25 W/m·K. The recording material can produce highly precise image even if the amount of heat generated at the head is small and the printing pressure is low, i.e., the recording material has excellent dot reproduction and excellent dot transfer of highlighted portions.

Abstract: The invention provides a hologram-recording subject plate comprising a block and a variety of subjects fixedly contained therein, which ensures easy, stable yet continuous recording of a multiplicity of identical holograms or different holograms reconstructible by illuminating light as is the case with a hologram-replicating method, a hologram-making method using the same, and a hologram-recorded article. The subject plate comprises a transparent solid block 5 and a hologram-recording subject S contained therein. A photosensitive material film 1 is applied directly onto one surface of the subject plate, and the subject plate is then irradiated with laser light 7 through the photosensitive material film 1. Such simple operation enables a multiplicity of identical holograms to be recorded in an easy, stable yet continuous manner.

Abstract: Laser label comprising at least one polymer layer which is coated on one side with a self-adhesive composition, which is in turn optionally covered with a release paper or a release film, characterized in that an additive suitable for optical, magnetic or electrical labelling has been incorporated into the polymer.

Abstract: A secure sticker is provided comprising a waterproof base portion including a paper ply, static printed matter, and a resin, wherein the paper ply and the static printed matter are sealed within the resin, and wherein the resin is substantially transparent to light in the visible spectrum. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a secure sticker is provided comprising a substantially waterproof base portion, a liner ply, and an adhesive interface. The substantially waterproof base portion includes a paper ply, static printed matter, and a resin. The paper ply and the static printed matter are sealed within the resin. The resin is substantially transparent to light in the visible spectrum. The liner ply defines a label portion and a removable portion, wherein the label portion includes variable printed matter thereon. The adhesive interface is arranged to adhere the liner ply to the base portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sheet materials suitable for use in or as a floor covering. The sheet materials comprise a polyalkene resin in intimate admixture with at least one additive comprising a filler, wherein the polyalkene resin has a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD) and, a small amount of long chain branching and produced by a single site catalysed polymerisation of at least one, linear, branched or cyclic, alkene having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms. The present invention also extends to processes for the production of such sheet materials and floor coverings.

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.