Abstract: A paper or plastic surface material of appropriate thickness and stiffness which can be coated with or laminated to asphaltic or non-asphaltic adhesives. The surface material can have a plurality of individual slits formed in substantially parallel spaced rows extending transversely from one end to the opposing end of the surface material. The flexible surface material is expandable by extending the opposing ends of the surface material whereby the slits form an array of openings. The length, width and spacing of the cuts can be varied to achieve desired stretch ratios. The surface material can be easily stored in the non-expandable position and easily expanded to be stretchable and conformable around windows, skylights or other suitable uses.

Abstract: A modified trapezoid material is provided to form a scarf configured to wrap around a neck of a container and to rest on a shoulder of a container. More specifically, the material is in the form of a trapezoid, with at least one opening in one of the parallel surfaces. The opening is sized to receive an opposite triangular portion of the material. As the triangular portion is pulled through the opening, the material forms a scarf. The size of the scarf may be adjusted based upon the desired size.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes aerogel composites comprising organic-inorganic hybrid aerogel particulates and binders, in particular systems with aerogel and binders covalently bonded along with methods for preparing the same. Said composites can be formed into articles having complex geometries.

Abstract: A low-temperature plasma treatment is applied to a surface of an aramid paper so as to allow the surface to have a compositional atomic ratio X (O/C) of the number of oxygen atoms (O) to the number of carbon atoms (C) ranging from 110% to 220% of a theoretical atomic ratio. The treatment is performed at an intensity ranging from 120 to 1500 W·min/m2 with a low-temperature plasma treatment apparatus of internal electrode system. The aramid paper is superposed with a nonhydrolyzable resin film and the resulting article is pressurized to give an aramid-resin film laminate. The laminate is inexpensive, has both superior electrical properties and high mechanical strength, excels in elasticity, and is useful as an insulation material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bi-composition preformed thermoplastic pavement marking material having a first composition of thermoplastic material with specified melting temperature in the range of 90° to 120° C. and a second composition of thermoplastic material having desired profiles with a specified melt temperature of 10° C.-70° C. higher than the first composition wherein preformed thermoplastic pavement marking has embedded reflective elements and where the first composition melts at an observably lower temperature than the second composition preventing overheating of the second composition and providing good bond to pavement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fragrance emitting patch that a user can attach to the body or an article of clothing, and more particularly to a fragrance emitting patch having a configuration that permits the easy application and removal of the fragrance emitting patch by a user.

Abstract: A sectional hollow structure includes a plurality of hexagonal templates, pentagonal templates and fastening parts to assemble a Buckminster-ball-like hollow structure. Five hexagonal templates adjoin a pentagonal template via five sides of the pentagonal template. A hexagonal template adjoins three hexagonal templates and three pentagonal templates alternately via six sides of the hexagonal template.

Abstract: A flange of a plastic container particularly adequate to receive a metallic lid that is seamed onto the flange. The flange includes an external diameter, an internal diameter, a necking rim, a rim thickness, an external radius, an internal radius, and a fluidness triangle that includes a vertex. The difference between the size of the external diameter and the size of the internal diameter is between about 2.50 mm and about 4.30 mm; and the rim thickness is between about 18% and about 36% of the internal height of the metallic lid that is intended to be seamed in the flange.

Abstract: An array comprises a plurality of ring elements and a plurality of mortar elements. The ring elements comprise polyhedroids interconnected to one another to form a closed ring shape, with the polyhedroids having a generally polyhedral shape. The mortar elements are configured to connect ring elements to each other.

Abstract: According to the invention, a system for insulating a structure is disclosed. The system may include an insulation panel. The insulation panel may define an internal volume. The internal volume may be at a lower pressure than an exterior of the insulation panel. The insulation panel may be disposed within a portion of the structure.

Abstract: A plank structure includes a base plate having an outer surface and an integrated annular frame having an inner surface matched with the outer surface of the base plate, wherein the frame is mounted with the base plate in such a way that the inner surface of the frame is coupled to the outer surface of the base plate. Thus, the plank structure of the invention has a simple manufacturing process and is suitable for manufacturing articles of an irregular shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a layered adhesive construct comprising a backing layer and a first and second layer of a hydrocolloid adhesive, where the first and second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive have different composition, and the second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive is interposed between the first layer of hydrocolloid adhesive and the backing layer where the first adhesive layer is a layer moldable adhesive paste comprising hydrocolloids having a Strain Recovery below 45% and the second adhesive layer is a layer of hydrocolloid adhesive having a Strain Recovery above 55%.

Abstract: A self checkout POS system including a security zone; an emitting tower including one or more infrared emitters; a detecting tower including one or more infrared detectors, the detecting tower located on a side of the security zone opposite the side on which the emitting tower is located, the infrared detectors of the detecting tower aligned for reception of infrared radiation emitted by the infrared emitters of the emitting tower; a security shield installed on one side of the detecting tower; and a security shield installed on one side of the emitting tower, the security shield installed on one side of the emitting tower including: a clear acrylic pane; and a polycarbonate film having a matte finish, the polycarbonate film laminated to the clear acrylic pane with an adhesive, the polycarbonate film capable of reducing incident infrared radiation transmitted through and reflected by the clear acrylic pane.

Abstract: Diamond SPM and AFM probes which are durable, particularly for scanning hard surfaces such as diamond surfaces. Interlayers and seeding can be used to improve diamond deposition, and the diamond can be ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD). Tip sharpening improves resolution.

Abstract: There is provided an elastic laminate of a base layer with one or more attached elastic elements forming an elastic region. The elastic region width varies from a terminal end of the elastic tab to a proximal end of the elastic tab such that a width adjacent the terminal end is 20 to 80 percent narrower than a width adjacent the proximal end. The elastic region is defined by a plurality of segments, having differing average widths in the length direction of the elastic tab elastic region. The one or more elastic elements vary in one or more properties such that a plurality of the segments having different widths have substantially the same degree of elongation at a given elongation of the shaped elastic tab laminate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for calibrating an annular-shaped body which is made of thermoplastic or at least partially crystalline plastic material, to an annular-shaped body which is produced according to the method, and to an oscillating object which is used in the method. Also disclosed is an oscillating object which is used to stimulate oscillations and which is introduced into an annular-shaped body by means of axial forward motion. Localised warming of the annular-shaped body is performed until the glass transition temperature of the material thereof is exceeded by localised contact of the oscillating object with the annular-shaped body. A desired, economical internal measurement having high precision is produced when the calibration section of the oscillating body is immersed into the annular-shaped body.

Abstract: A spacer for forming a gap in a device includes a predetermined geometric shape and is less than about 500 micrometers in a broadest dimension. A plurality of spacers can be fabricated where each spacer of the plurality of spacers has a predetermined geometric shape, the same predetermined geometric shape, or a variety of predetermined geometric shapes. The spacers of the plurality of spacers can also include a polydispersity of about 1.0005. The spacer can be positioned between two components of a device to provide accurate spacing of the components.

Abstract: A III-V nitride, e.g., GaN, substrate including a (0001) surface offcut from the <0001> direction predominantly toward a direction selected from the group consisting of <10-10> and <11-20> directions, at an offcut angle in a range that is from about 0.2 to about 10 degrees, wherein the surface has a RMS roughness measured by 50×50 ?m2 AFM scan that is less than 1 nm, and a dislocation density that is less than 3E6 cm?2. The substrate may be formed by offcut slicing of a corresponding boule or wafer blank, by offcut lapping or growth of the substrate body on a corresponding vicinal heteroepitaxial substrate, e.g., of offcut sapphire. The substrate is usefully employed for homoepitaxial deposition in the fabrication of III-V nitride-based microelectronic and opto-electronic devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate a method and apparatus of non-abrasive mechanical relief of a cellulose sheet to allow for uniform radius bending. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanically relieved sheet comprises a sheet comprising a cellulosic material and having a first surface, and at least a notched section on the first surface of the sheet comprising a plurality of indentations, wherein the first surface of the sheet is substantially free of visible cracks, wrinkles and abrasions.

Abstract: There is provided an elastic laminate of a base layer with one or more attached elastic elements forming an elastic region. The elastic region width varies from a terminal end of the elastic tab to a proximal end of the elastic tab such that a width adjacent the terminal end is 20 to 80 percent narrower than a width adjacent the proximal end. The elastic region is defined by a plurality of segments, having differing average widths in the length direction of the elastic tab elastic region. The one or more elastic elements vary in one or more properties such that a plurality of the segments having different widths have substantially the same degree of elongation at a given elongation of the shaped elastic tab laminate.

Abstract: A padded corner bumper comprises an elongated core formed of a cushioning material, an outer decorative cover formed of vinyl-coated fabric, and a backing material formed of polypropylene mesh. The core has a front, a back coextensive with the front, and a continuous side edge extending between the top and bottom. The outer decorative cover and backing material are stitched together to form a casing that completely surrounds the core, the backing being positioned only over the back of the core. The padded corner bumper is sufficiently flexible to allow it to wrap around an outside corner created by two mutually perpendicular surfaces. The corner bumper has a non-uniform horizontal cross section perpendicular to the axis. For three-sided corners, a top cushion is attached to a second side cushion that wraps around the vertical edge.

Abstract: The glassware scarf is a flexible, absorbent device used to soak up excessive condensation from glassware. The scarf is wrapped about a stem of a glass, such as a wineglass, sherbet glass, etc., and absorbs condensation that drips down from the bowl of the glass. The glassware scarf has a rectangular central body portion and first and second ends tapering from opposite ends of the rectangular central body portion. A slit is defined in the rectangular body portion adjacent to the first end. The glassware scarf is wrapped about the stem of the glass, and the second end is drawn through the slit and pulled so that the glassware scarf is secured about the stem.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cladding resin composition curable by heat, ultraviolet radiation, an electron beam or the like. The composition comprises a polyoxyalkylene polyol phosphate ester (hydroxyl value: 10–2,000 mg KOH/g) and a polymerizable or reactive functional group-containing compound. This composition is highly conductive as it is and, without incorporation of the conventional conductive additives, can be used successfully in the field of coatings and protective films where electric conductivity is a requisite.

Abstract: A paint mask particularly adapted for masking corner areas of a demarcation zone to facilitate painting of an area of a workpiece disposed on the other side of the demarcation zone is formed of a thin, flexible sheet having opposite faces. The paint mask includes a first leg and a second leg that are generally rectangular in shape, and the legs intersect to form a right angle adapted for masking a corner and adjacent area. The bottom side of the paint mask which contacts the surface to be masked includes an adhesive for adhering the mask to the workpiece. The top side has release means for releasing stacked paint masks from each other.

Abstract: A system for securing a gaming cloth to a gaming table of various shapes and sizes. In one embodiment, a Velcro loop strip is attached to the bottom surface of flaps which form the border of the cloth. A continuous Velcro hoop strip is positioned around the table perimeter. The gaming cloth is securely attached to the table by positioning the cloth over the table and stretching the cloth until the loop containing flap portions engage the hooks on the table hook strip. In a second embodiment, a continuous metal hook strip is mounted around the circumference, or perimeter, of the table. The gaming cloth is securely attached to the table by positioning the cloth over the table and stretching the cloth until the loop containing flaps engage the hooks on the table metal hook strip.

Abstract: A method for formation of shaped components such as shaped absorbent cores, for disposable absorbent articles, contemplates that a relatively wide web of material be provided from which the components are cut. The web of material is longitudinally slit to form a plurality of subdivided webs each having shaped components arranged in serial relationship. The shaped components of adjacent ones of the subdivided webs are nested with each other, that is, a line extending longitudinally of the web extends through the components of adjacent subdivided webs. Efficient formation is facilitated by collecting the marginal portions of the web of material, and at least partially recycling the collected portions for formation of the wide web.

Abstract: The present invention involves an applique for applying a fabric pattern to an object. The applique comprises a laminate having an outer periphery to define a first predetermined shape corresponding to the fabric pattern and has etches formed adjacent the periphery to simulate an appearance of stitching. In one embodiment, the laminate comprises a top fabric layer and a bottom fabric layer with a periphery, wherein the bottom fabric layer periphery corresponds to the outer periphery. The top fabric layer is a strip attached to the bottom layer, wherein the top fabric layer is disposed adjacent the outer periphery. The laminate has etches formed on the top fabric layer so that the top fabric layer simulates the appearance of stitching. In another embodiment, the laminate comprises a top fabric layer and a bottom fabric layer, wherein the top fabric layer has a second predetermined shape. The top fabric layer is attached to the bottom fabric layer and disposed inward from the outer periphery.

Abstract: An inexpensive and disposable, highly absorbent pad for placement on a floor surface, directly in front of a urinal, for absorbing fluid not deposited within the confines of the urinal which would otherwise drip on the floor. Fluid absorbed by the pad is prevented from reaching the underlying floor thereby eliminating the problems associated with fluids being deposited on the floor. The pad includes a normally concealed incorporates a normally concealed, flexible, thin plastic disposal container connected to a pad removal member. The disposal container is stored in a normally concealed location, preferably beneath the pad, and automatically deploys and envelops the pad when a force is exerted on the removal member during the pad removal process.

Abstract: An elastic pad is formed of a protective covering, and an elastic member which is encased by the protective covering and is formed of three elastic bodies capable of expanding and springing back to their original shapes. One of the three elastic bodies is sandwiched between other two of the three elastic bodes, so as to provide the elastic pad with a good quality of elasticity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cloth adapted to be secured about a handle of a device such as a shopping cart or refrigerator. The cloth may be either disposable or reusable.

Abstract: The purpose is to obtain efficiently, from a large piece of flat optical material, flat optical elements that allow for miniaturization of optical devices because they are octagonal, and that can be fixed securely in the inner opening of permanent magnets by brazing. Rounded openings 11, 12 . . . that are circular or elliptical in shape are made at intersections P1, P2 . . . of the cut lines C1, C2 . . . at which flat optical material 10 is cut vertically and horizontally; the flat optical material 10 in which the openings 11, 12 . . . have been made is cut vertically and horizontally; and a number of flat optical elements, each with a nearly octagonal outline with sides that are alternately four straight lines and curves, are obtained.

Abstract: A glass spacer, obtained by a drawing process, having an approximately polygonal bearing cross-section with at least one rectangle having the dimensions a, b, and the spacer having a height 1, the dimensions of the glass spacer satisfying the relationship of a<300 &mgr;m, 0.2 mm<1 <20 mm, and b/a<1000, and preferably b/a<200.

Abstract: A method for improving the thermal barrier properties of silicone resin/ glass fiber composites. Composites comprising a layer of polysiloxane (silicone resin) matrix with a glass or quartz fiber reinforcement embedded in such matrix and an organic polymeric layer were subjected to multi-cycle heat treatment, preferably with quartz lamps. The polysiloxane layer was pre-coated with graphite dispersion in order to ensure acceptable optical receptivity of the polysiloxane layer. As a result, the silicone resin was converted into a thick porous layer of silicone dioxide, the latter having the improved thermal barrier properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming thin films, wherein thin films with a uniform thickness can be formed on substrates as objects such as spheroids, even when the films are formed by conventional film-formation methods using an incident particle beam coming from a specific direction (e.g., evaporation and sputtering). In the method, thin films are formed on substrates such as spheroids with an incident particle beam coming from a particle source located in a specific direction by performing a spin motion together with a swing motion. The spin motion is a rotation of the substrate at a constant angular velocity about the spheroidal axis. The swing motion is a rotational oscillation of the same substrate for rotationally oscillating the axis at a constant cycle in one surface, where the center of the rotational oscillation is in the vicinity of the midpoint between two focal points on the axis of the spheroid.

Abstract: A blend capable of being melt fabricated into an antistatic film which has improved antistatic action practically immediately after production comprises ethylene &agr;,&bgr;-ethylenically unsaturated C3-8 carboxylic acid copolymers having 0-90% of the carboxylic acid groups neutralized by metal ions, particularly sodium ions, and an antistatic effective amount of a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid, particularly Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monolaureate.

Abstract: A pre-cut award ribbon including an inverted, generally V shaped unitary piece of ribbon stock which, when placed underneath a seal, gives the appearance of being two separate pieces of ribbon located under the seal.

Abstract: Vehicle floor mats for the front driver's side, the front passenger's side, and the rear driver's or passenger's side, are provided individually or packaged together in a kit containing one each of the front driver's side mat and the front passenger's side mat and two of the rear driver's or passenger's side mats. The mats are formed from a paper board product and have features, such as cut-out regions, cut lines, fold lines, a directional rigidity and a directional flexibility, which provide for a snug, customizable fit without slippage or wrinkling.

Abstract: A pre-cut award ribbon including an inverted, generally V shaped unitary piece of ribbon stock which, when placed underneath a seal, gives the appearance of being two separate pieces of ribbon located under the seal.

Abstract: A paint mask particularly adapted for masking corner areas of a demarcation zone to facilitate painting of an area of a workpiece disposed on the other side of the demarcation zone is formed of a thin, flexible sheet having opposite faces. The paint mask includes a first leg and a second leg that are generally rectangular in shape, and the legs intersect to form a right angle adapted for masking a corner and adjacent area. The bottom side of the paint mask which contacts the surface to be masked includes an adhesive for adhering the mask to the workpiece. The top side has release means for releasing stacked paint masks from each other.

Abstract: A label for an optical disc having a non-circular perimeter includes a sheet having a non-circular having a non-circular perimeter and a central aperture disposed in a sheet which has a perimeter for enabling registration of a label with an optical disc in order to provide for balanced rotation of the optical disc in order to provided for balanced rotation of the optical disc with the label fixed thereto. The sheet may be provided with an adhesive for fixing a sheet to the optical disc.

Abstract: An acoustical panel has a fiberboard which includes a fibrous filler and a base binder, and a nodulated overlay disposed on the fiberboard, wherein the overlay includes nodulated wool and an overlay binder and has a substantially smooth surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fibrous filler is mineral wool and the base binder is granular starch. In an another embodiment of the present invention, the nodulated wool is nodulated mineral wool and the overlay binder is cooked pearl cornstarch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solution to the needs described above through method and apparatus for an encased optical article. The outer surface of a first substrate is grasp with a first holder, whereby the outer surface of the first substrate is held to an inner surface of the first holder. The outer surface of a second substrate is grasp with a second holder, whereby the outer surface of the second substrate is held to an inner surface of the second holder. The inner surfaces of the first and second holders are arranged to face one another in a selected angular relationship, and an optical article is inserted between the first and second substrate, wherein a first layer of adherent is between a first surface of the optical article and the inner surface of the first substrate, and a second layer of adherent is between a second surface of the optical article and the inner surface of the second substrate.

Abstract: A disposable, protective, sanitary cover sheet for use in nail drying machines, the cover sheet being adapted to lie flat on the interior floor of the machines and provided with a rear recess and a forward recess to accommodate support columns found in certain nail drying machines, and with a pair of forwardly-extended flap members which extend from the front of the nail drying machine so as to be disposed beneath the palm and wrists or feet of the user, whereby the user does not contact floor of the machine nor the surface supporting the machine.

Abstract: A paint mask particularly adapted for masking comer areas of a demarcation zone to facilitate painting of an area of a workpiece disposed on the other side of the demarcation zone is formed of a thin, flexible sheet having opposite faces. The paint mask includes a first leg and a second leg that are generally rectangular in shape, and the legs intersect to form a right angle adapted for masking a comer and adjacent area. The bottom side of the paint mask which contacts the surface to be masked includes an adhesive for adhering the mask to the workpiece. The top side has release means for releasing stacked paint masks from each other.

Abstract: A wrapper for a floral grouping includes a sheet of material having a contoured configuration such that the wrapper formed therefrom has a contoured configuration which closely approximates the configuration of the floral grouping, as well as methods for making same. The sheet of material may be constructed of waxed tissue, non-waxed tissue or a tissue substitute, such as a tissue having a texture or appearance simulating the texture or appearance of waxed tissue.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a glass spacer, obtained by a drawing process, having an approximately polygonal bearing cross section with at least one rectilinear bearing surface which falls within a rectangle having the dimensions a, b, and the spacer having a height l, the dimensions of the spacer satisfying the following relationships:

Abstract: A desk chairmat includes a semi-rigid and substantially planar member of solid plastic material, the chairmat having four side edges with a lip portion extending from one of the side edges, an upper side of the chairmat having a substantially smooth upper surface. At least a first handle attached to or formed integrally with the chairmat along one of the side edges of the chairmat.

Abstract: A desk chairmat adapted for use over a carpet and for supporting a desk chair, the chairmat comprising a semi-rigid substantially planar member, said member having four side edges with a lip portion adapted to extend into a well area under the desk; an upper side of the chairmat having a substantially smooth surface; a pair of hang tabs formed integrally with said substantially planar member and projecting away from one of said four side edges, each said hang tab having a relatively small aperture formed therein and adapted to receive a display support member; said upper side of said planar member having at least one elongated groove formed therein and extending substantially between two of said four side edges; and a laminate strip pressed into a lower side of said planar member in alignment with said at least one elongated groove to thereby form a fold hinge in said planar member.

Abstract: A packing buffer assembly includes a pair of sleeves and an accessory supporting plate. Each sleeve has a first buffer member, a pair of second buffer members mounted on the first buffer member in a wedging manner, and a pair of shoulder pads. Each first buffer member has a pair of upper and lower plates, a side plate, and a first receiving space. The shoulder pads of each sleeve are disposed in the first receiving space. Each second buffer member has upper and lower end portions. The accessory supporting plate has a central part, a pair of risers, a second receiving space which is defined by the central part and the risers, and a pair of wings which extend oppositely and respectively from the risers so as to be laid on the sleeves.

Abstract: An inexpensive and disposable, highly absorbent pad for placement on a floor surface, directly in front of a urinal, for absorbing fluid not deposited within the confines of the urinal which would otherwise drip on the floor. Fluid absorbed by the pad is prevented from reaching the underlying floor thereby eliminating the problems associated with fluids being deposited on the floor. The pad includes a normally concealed, flexible, thin plastic disposal container connected to a, pad removal member. The disposal container is stored in a normally concealed location, preferably beneath the pad, and automatically deploys and envelops the pad when a force is exerted on the removal member during the pad removal process.