Abstract: In a transfer sheet and a method of transferring a figuration to a ceramic product, an ink is provided by mixing a chromophoric pigment for expressing a desired coloration, a vitreous powder and thermoplastic resin. A sheet of paper or plastic film is perpared on which an appropriate figuration is screen printed with the use of the ink to transfer it to an outer surface of a ceramic product. A thermoplastic separable layer is provided between the mount sheet and a pigment layer. The pigment layer is coated with an adhesive layer.

Abstract: A surface coating applied to a subject surface includes an undercoating, a color base layer, coated over the undercoating layer, which contains a coloring material, and a color clear layer, coated over the color base layer, which contains a coloring dye of a hue within +/-10 from a hue of the coloring material of the base color layer on the 100-division Mansell hue ring.

Abstract: A heat-transfer label that is well-suited for use on styrene-acrylonitrile surfaces. In one embodiment, the label includes a support portion, the support portion comprising a polyethylene-coated paper carrier web. The label also includes a waxlike skim coat overcoated on the support portion. The label further comprises a transfer portion printed on top of the skim coat, the transfer portion including a protective lacquer layer, an ink layer and an adhesive layer. The protective lacquer layer is printed onto the skim coat and comprises nitrocellulose, a release agent, a low molecular weight methyl/n-butyl methacrylate copolymer and a medium molecular weight methyl methacrylate copolymer. The ink layer, which comprises one or more polyamide inks and/or acrylic inks, is printed onto the protective lacquer layer.

Abstract: A medium having a phosphorescent material, and a system and method for producing images on the medium using a digital printer. The medium comprises a phosphorescent layer having a phosphorescent material and an image receiving layer disposed over the phosphorescent layer. The image receiving layer is substantially translucent and capable of retaining an image from a digital printer. The medium may comprise a thin plastic film having a resin coating on at least on surface of the film that has been co-extruded with a resin coating having a phosphorescent material dispersed therein. A scanner or computer can be used for obtaining a digital record file of an image which is forwarded to a digital printer.

Abstract: A basic part is produced which has a three-dimensionally structured surface; then the surface of the basic part is covered by means of a resin layer in such a manner that all elevations of the three-dimensionally structured surface are covered; subsequently, the resin layer is ground off to such an extent that the tips of the elevations of the surface are also partially ground; and finally at least the ground-off surface is sealed by means of a clear coating.

Abstract: The invention is textured surface release layers for dielectric substrates used in liquid electrostatic imaging processes. The invention also includes means of providing textured release surfaces for dielectric substrates, and a method of liquid electrostatic imaging using textured dielectric substrates.

Abstract: A multi-layered film disposed on a substrate, the multi-layered film comprising:(a) an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) layer; and(b) at least one fluoro-containing polymer layer;wherein the fluoro-containing polymer layer comprises a perfluoro-acrylate homo-or copolymer, or a perfluoro-vinyl non-acrylate homo-or copolymer. The substrate can be a cured adhesive, preferably a cured pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), in which case the fluoro-containing polymer layer is typically situated between the PSA layer and the IPN layer. Alternatively, the substrate can be a surface to be protected from exposure to weather, chemical exposure, graffiti, or the like, such as, for example, a vehicle such as an automobile, a truck, a boat, or an aircraft; an outdoor sign; or a building exterior.

Abstract: If at least the front surface layer and back surface layer of a plastic card formed from a plurality of layers are formed as antibacterial layers including (e. g.) coating layers, printed layers or sheets containing a powdered antibacterial agent, and this configuration is applied to hospital examination cards or various other types of cards that are handled by large numbers of persons, the spread of infections, etc., via said cards can be prevented even if said cards are not subjected to a disinfection treatment.

Abstract: A backlit sign and its method of making and usage is disclosed. The sign has a translucent film with a first image, of color, a light-filtering film with a second image of color or of a graphic, and a masking film with a third image of a graphic. The order of assembly of the films determines whether a change of color or a change in graphics or both is achieved when the assembled sign is backlit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier, such as an identity card, credit card or the like, with at least one plastic layer having first diffusely light-scattering properties at least in a partial area due to its surface quality. In this area information is provided by means of a laser in the form of local changes of surface quality which have second diffusely light-scattering properties so that the information is readable at least at a certain viewing angle but has no color contrast with its surroundings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reusable image recording material comprising an imaging member formed with good fixing properties, which can be obtained by an image forming device. The imaging member can be removed from said image recording material by a method for reusing the image recording material. A reusable image recording material comprises a substrate such as paper and a film which is comprised of an imaging member containing a releasing material such as wax, said film being formed on the surface of said substrate: an image forming device utilizing an electrophotographic system or a heat transfer system; and a method for reusing an image recording material, which comprises bringing an image and a transfer medium into close contact and applying heat and pressure to transfer the image to the transfer medium.

Abstract: A vehicular validation tab has an outer film provided with an outer surface and an inner surface. Adhesive enhancing tie coat means are secured to the inner surface in some but not all portions thereof. A layer of adhesive is secured to an inner surface of the outer film with identifying information interposed therebetween. A stripable film may be secured over the adhesive which may be pressure-sensitive adhesive and a write-resistant material may be secured to the outer surface of the outer film. Portions of the inner surface of the outer film not having the tie coat are provided with a release material to provide for differential bonding of the identifying information. The tie coat and release coat portions facilitate destruction of portions of the identifying material when the outer film is separated from the adhesive.

Abstract: An improved tanning system involves the use of a film of material which is permeable to ultra-violet light and which is adapted to be laid on part of a human body, for example the torso. The film is covered in certain desired regions with a material which is impermeable to ultra-violet light which regions are surrounded by regions which are only slightly permeable to ultra-violet light. When a person wearing the film is subjected to tanning, the result is improved appearance of the torso, for example, the person may look fitter, slimmer and/or more muscular. The tanning may be achieved by either natural sunlight or by means of a sunbed.

Abstract: The invention provides an ink-oozing plate for a stamp with an ink-impregnated part having stamp-ink impregnable open cells, where the printing face of the stamp comprises a stamp ink-oozing part and a stamp ink-non-oozing part, where the stamp ink-non-oozing part is concave and is 0.01 mm or more lower than the ink-oozing part, the stamp ink-non-oozing part being made of a stamp material-molten part and a penetrating molten-mixing part where a heat-fusing substance penetrating part and a stamp material-molten part are present together.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an injection molded object having an outer shell with a front face and a light transmitting assembly molded into the outer shell which assembly is visible from the front face. The method includes the following steps. Supporting a light transmitting assembly on a mold projecting tool which is closable with a mold cavity tool having an interior wall which defines the front wall of the outer shell. Forming narrow passages through the light transmitting assembly to connect its front and rear faces. Closing the mold to position the front face of the light transmitting assembly adjacent the interior wall of the mold cavity tool while leaving a narrow peripheral recess therearound in communication with the narrow passages.

Abstract: A non-slip mat, pad or coaster which is considerably thinner than present known and available pads, the mat or pad being formed from a thin plastic sheet having a lower surface with a tacky characteristic to provide a non-slip coefficient of friction; the mat or pad being formed from a suitable plastic material, such as polyvinyl, polyproplylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene or polyester, etc., and the lower surface is formed by coating the surface with a suitable ink, such as an ultra-violet ink, water-based ink or solvent-based ink containing a tackiness agent in the form of an acrylated polymer. The ink may be applied as a very thin firm of the ink adhesively joined to the underside of the plastic, or the ink is coated onto the undersurface of the pad or mat by silk screening, or in a multimaterial coating operation.

Abstract: A retroreflective vision control panel which includes an opaque sheet material coated with retroreflective light reflecting particles and a dark opaque color on the reverse side thereof, and an image formed over top the retroreflective particles using colored light permeable translucent inks or films to form an image thereon. The opaque sheet and image have a plurality of perforations spaced therethrough. Translucent light-permeable sheet material is provided on the back side of the panel and overlaid on one or the other side with translucent inks to form a second image. An observer on the front side of the panel will observe one or the other of the images, depending upon the relative intensity of the light incident on the front and back sides of the panel.

Abstract: A transfer composite for in-mold decoration of molded plastic or rubber articles complexing a casting substrate having a controlled release surface, and a thin discontinuously printed pressure sensitive adhesive tape-strippable pattern deposited on the casting substrate, whereby the transfer composite is suitable for inserting into a mold and adapted to resist print-distorting movement during flow of plastics or rubbers in the mold, yet capable of permanently bonding to the molded article without the use of adhesives. After removal from the mold the casting substrate and the controlled release surface are stripped from the decorated article.

Abstract: The articles of the present invention comprise optical elements embedded in either a core having a binder layer which is embedded in a road-binder or optical elements which are directly embedded into a binder layer. The binder layer may be part of a preformed pavement marking tape or may be applied directly to a traffic-bearing surface. The binder layer is comprised of a black pigment. The pavement marking articles of the present invention comprise one or more first region(s) wherein the first region(s) has a daytime appearance of black and is retroreflective.In another embodiment of the present invention, the pavement marking articles further comprise one or more second region(s) having a color which contrasts with black during the daytime and which is typically also retroreflective. The second region(s) is adjacent to the first region(s).

Abstract: A one-way see-through panel assembly enhanced by a retroreflective surface. The panel assembly has a first panel which has a dark light-absorbing surface and an opposite light reflecting surface. A retroreflective sheet is applied over the light reflecting surface to form an assembly. Light passageways, either perforations or a pattern of discrete transparent areas, are provided in the assembly. An image is imprinted on either the surface of the retroreflective panel or the light reflecting surface. The method includes mechanically perforating the assembly which is facilitated by the retroreflective sheet having non-glass reflective formations thereon.

Abstract: A decorative film, such as a film of pigmented paint or other coating covered by a film of clear coat, has the outer (clear coat) surface protected by a removably fixed thermoformable first protective film layer. A flexible plastic film forming a second protective layer is removably fixed to the first layer. The underlying paint film may be laminated to a thin wall or thick wall thermoplastic formable sheet. The second protective layer is removed just prior to forming of the paint film or laminated decorative sheet, carrying with the protective film any surface damage marks or irregularities. Subsequent compression forming, as into a body panel or trim part, thus will not cause marking of the paint film from transfer of damage marks since the underlying first protective layer remains undamaged. The first protective layer may remain in place during assembly of the formed body panel or trim part into a vehicle, and thereafter until delivery of the vehicle by a dealer to a customer.

Abstract: A microscope slide having a glass plate, a marking surface coating on an area of the glass plate, and indicia formed by etching away portions of the marking surface coating. The marking surface coating may comprise an epoxy resin material, a ceramic material, or any other substance capable of being affixed as a layer onto a glass surface. The indicia may include machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both machine-readable and human-readable indicia. In order to produce accurate, high-quality indicia, a laser directed by a computer controller may be used to etch away the portions of the marking surface coating.

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 form (1) has an integrated, separable card. Parts (K1, K2) superimposed in the card are juxtaposed in the form (1), but can be bonded together by folding onto one another. Such cards are also called butterfly cards. At least one of the two card surfaces (F1) can be individually inscribed in the form (1), the inscription in the finished card being superimposed by a further layer and is consequently optionally sealed. For producing the form (1) it is sufficient to apply a prefabricatable multilayer material (2, 3) on one side to a form sheet (1) and in the vicinity of this material to perform at least one punching (S1, S2). The cards according to the invention can be punched out completely from the form (1), i.e. in web or frame-free manner and can consequently be easily released.

Abstract: An article of composite design for attachment to another fabric article, comprising an underlying layer of twill on one side of which an ink portion of the composite design has been screen printed and heat cured. The twill is cut into a desired shape so that the twill and the ink portion form the composite design, the portion of the twill without ink printed thereon forming a substantial portion of the composite design. Methods of making and attaching the composite design are disclosed.

Abstract: Disposable paper products, such as paper toweling, are provided with an indicator means which is disposed on said disposable paper product in a discontinuous or combination discontinuous/continuous pattern. The indicator means gives a visually recognizable signal to a user that desirable properties of the disposable paper product are maintained, even after the disposable paper product has become wetted with a substantially transparent aqueous liquid. The wet gray scale difference for the disposable paper product of the present invention is at least about 64 gray scale units when the disposable paper product is wetted with a substantially transparent aqueous liquid.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an article for collecting and transporting a sample to be analyzed; containing an absorbent matrix to absorb a liquid sample, characterized in that the absorbent matrix represents the sample collecting area of a sample collecting element, which is an integral part of an envelope. In addition, the subject of the invention is a process for determining an analyte, in which liquid sample material is placed on an absorbent matrix, dried, sent to a laboratory and tested there, characterized in that the liquid sample material is placed on an absorbent matrix that represents the sample collecting area of a sample collecting element, which is an integral part of an envelope.

Abstract: Backlit sign fabric formed by coating release paper with ink, applying a plastisol coating onto the dried ink, applying a reinforcing scrim onto the coating, curing the product, then removing the release paper.

Abstract: A dye-receiver element comprising a support having thereon a dye-receiving layer containing a thermally-transferred dye image, the dye-receiving layer having on top thereof a transparent protective sheet comprising a polyester resin containing an ultraviolet absorbing agent.

Abstract: A sanitary article, particularly a sanitary fitting or plumbing fitting, having a coated surface, in which on a coating face and/or below a coating face is provided at least one print image which color-contrasts with the coating.

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: Heat activated, translucent marking films are disclosed. The translucent, heat activated marking film has a transferable, translucent, plastic film and field of a heat activated, translucent adhesive adhered to the plastic film. The marking film is prepared and stored on a polymeric liner until transfer by heat to a substrate, such as a back-lit sign or an awning. The film can be cut into images prior to heat transfer to the substrate according to commercial graphics techniques.

Abstract: An article is disclosed having both holographic and retroreflective features. The article includes a holographic layer that is perceptible under normal lighting conditions and substantially imperceptible to the unaided eye under retroreflective lighting conditions, a retroreflective layer perceptible under retroreflective lighting conditions, and means for bonding the two layers together.

Abstract: A decorative photographic floor tile comprising an enlarged photographic print to create a visual decor for use in commercial settings. The photographic floor tile comprises a lamination of clear vinyl on top of a photographic print with a self-adhesive peel-away backing. A method of using the decorative photographic floor tile to create a visual decor.

Abstract: Composite architectural panels comprising a substrate composed of a laminate of two metal sheets joined by a thermoplastic core and having a factory-applied polymeric surface coating which is not receptive to artists' materials, are prepared for use as a support or substrate for traditional artists' materials by roughening the surface using abrasive and/or chemical means. After thoroughly cleaning the prepared surface, one or more artists' materials are applied and permanently bonded to the panel surface by heating the panel substrate to a temperature which is less than the melting temperature of the thermoplastic core and maintaining the substrate at that temperature for a time that is sufficient to bond the artists' materials to the surface.

Abstract: A method and related compositions for preparing a substrate for printing are described. The invention comprises coating a non-paper substrate with an adherent base coat and a hydrophilic top coat. The base coat adheres to the substrate and the top coat, which is applied to the base coat and adheres to it, provides an ink receptive surface on which ink pigment can be deposited. A base coating composition comprises a type-A gelatin and an acrylic polymer. A top coating composition comprises a type-A or type-B gelatin and a hydrophilic organic polymer. A base- and top-coated substrate of the invention is particularly suited for use with ink-jet printers that employ aqueous-based inks. Printing substrates include such materials as canvas, leather, polymeric films and sheets, and the like.

Abstract: A method for making a decorative particulate material in which a clay based cat litter or other suitable particulate material is tumbled in a rotating barrel, sprayed with paint, and while the paint is wet, powdered mica is dispersed over the mixture. The adhesive paint adheres the mica to the particulates. Since only a single layer of mica adheres, the mica is used very efficiently. A clear gelatine-based top coat is sprayed over the mica. The finished particulates of mesh size 30 to 3 mesh, can be used in glass containers as a candle base and serve to contain liquid wax from the burning candle, preventing the wax from contacting the container walls. The resultant clump of wax and particles can easily be removed and thrown out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a document with counterfeit- and forgery-preventing means particularly for valued papers and the like, which comprise a sheet-like element having, on at least one face, a graphic marking that is visible in reflected light. The particularity of the invention resides in the fact that it comprises at least one variation in the thickness of said sheet-like element which provides a graphic representation that can be viewed against the light and is complementary with respect to the at least one graphic marking.

Abstract: Paperboard lids for containers comprising of a paperboard substrate, a coating of particulate minerals, a printed layer, and a radiation cured overprint varnish wherein the overprint varnish is mass stable and heat resistant above 325.degree. F. and does not distort or stick during platen heat sealing.

Abstract: The invention provides a light-transmitting cover foil intended to be arranged adheringly to a surface, for instance the surface of a carrier plate, optionally bearing information such as letters, numbers, images or the like, which foil consists of a laminate comprising: a first layer plastically deformable only at a relatively high first temperature, for instance in the range of 120.degree. C.-200.degree. C.

Abstract: A coating composition based on low molecular weight anhydrides having pendant, non-cyclic anhydride moieties, hydroxy-functional epoxy resin, and active catalyst wherein the coating composition cures at ambient conditions.

Abstract: A material with holographic and non-holographic displayable indicia thereupon has an embossed holographic microtexture upon a surface thereof for forming a reflection hologram and resulting in an associated visible holographic pattern. A non-holographic pattern is printed with a printing press upon the embossed holographic microtexture at a predetermined orientation relative to the holographic pattern. The pattern may have several colors printed in registration and in registration with the holographic pattern which may include 2D and 3D indicia. A reflective coating overlies the microtexture and the printed pattern.

Abstract: Disposable paper products, such as paper toweling, are provided with an indicator means which is disposed on said disposable paper product in a discontinuous or combination discontinuous/continuous pattern. The indicator means gives a visually recognizable signal to a user that desirable properties of the disposable paper product are maintained, even after the disposable paper product has become wetted with a substantially transparent aqueous liquid. The wet gray scale difference for the disposable paper product of the present invention is at least about 64 gray scale units when the disposable paper product is wetted with a substantially transparent aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A thermosensitive recording adhesive label sheet has a support, a thermosensitive recording layer provided on the front side of the support, containing a leuco dye serving as a coloring agent and a color developer capable of inducing color formation in the leuco dye upon application of heat thereto, a protective layer provided on the thermosensitive recording layer, containing a binder agent, a pigment and a lubricant, an adhesive layer provided on the back side of the support, opposite to the side of the thermosensitive recording layer with respect to the support, and a disposable backing sheet which is made from a neutral paper and attached to the adhesive layer; with the lubricant for use in the protective layer including an aliphatic acid metallic salt in an amount of 2 wt. % or less of the total solid content of the protective layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing retroreflective sheeting useful for marking or the like of signs such as road signs and construction signs; number plates of vehicles such as motorcars and motorcycles; materials for safety such as clothes and life jackets; signboards, etc.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an injection molded object having an outer shell with a front face and a light transmitting assembly molded into the outer shell which assembly is visible from the front face. The method includes the following steps. Supporting a light transmitting assembly on a mold projecting tool which is closable with a mold cavity tool having an interior wall which defines the front wall of the outer shell. Forming narrow passages through the light transmitting assembly to connect its front and rear faces. Closing the mold to position the front face of the light transmitting assembly adjacent the interior wall of the mold cavity tool while leaving a narrow peripheral recess therearound in communication with the narrow passages.

Abstract: A phosphorescent article having a first transparent resin layer, a phosphorescent layer, and a second transparent resin layer sequentially superposed in the order mentioned on a supporting layer possessed of a reflective surface. The phosphorescent layer is coated in a tightly sealed state with the first and second transparent resin layers. Preferably the second transparent resin layer has a projecting part so formed as to protrude from the surface of the part thereof which covers the phosphorescent layer, namely in the part which corresponds to the underlying phosphorescent layer, and a surface layer (printed layer) is printed or applied on the part of the surface other than the projecting part, namely on the surface of the part in which the phosphorescent layer does not exist. SrAl.sub.2 O.sub.4 is used as a phosphorescent pigment to be contained in the phosphorescent layer and a transparent resin containing no ultraviolet absorbent is used for the first and second transparent resin layers.

Abstract: A composite surface covering includes a substrate and an inorganic wear layer. The composite surface covering retains its performance characteristics after mechanical embossing. Preferably, the inorganic wear layer of the surface covering is deposited on the substrate by a reduced pressure environment vapor deposition technique. Preferably, the inorganic wear layer is aluminum oxide. The preferred substrate is a plastic material.

Abstract: A packing paper for baker's yeast, which is constituted by laminating, on one side of a base paper, at least a printing layer and a wax layer in this order and which has a carbon dioxide permeability of 400-2,000 cm.sup.3 /m.sup.2 .multidot.24 h.multidot.atm., an oxygen permeability of 100-600 cm.sup.3 /m.sup.2 .multidot.24 h.multidot.atm. and a moisture permeability of 50 g/m.sup.2 .multidot.24 h or less.

Abstract: A seal (12) that provides visual evidence if the seal is forced open or cooled below a breakdown temperature. The seal (12) includes a plastic strip (20), a layer of ink (22) printed on a surface of the plastic strip (20), and a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive (24). The seal (12) can be incorporated into a bag (10) for sealing the bag (10) closed. When the bag (10) is sealed closed, the ink layer (22) is sandwiched between the plastic strip (20) and the adhesive layer (24), and the adhesive layer (24) is adhered to a back wall (18) of the bag (10). If the seal (12) is forced open, the ink layer (22) visibly delaminates from the plastic strip (20). The adhesive layer (24) and the plastic strip (20) are chosen to have different rates of shrinking when cooled, so that when the seal (12) is cooled below its breakdown temperature, the ink layer (22) delaminates. In an alternative embodiment of the plastic strip (20'), two layers (60, 62) of ink are printed onto the plastic strip (20').