Abstract: A system and method are provided for forming electromagnetic energy transmissive layers, which are particularly configured to selectively scatter specific and selectable wavelengths of electromagnetic energy, while allowing remaining wavelengths to pass therethrough. Processes are provided by which to form, or otherwise incorporate, one or more energy scattering layers, including uniquely implementing optical light scattering techniques in such energy scattering layers, and to objects, object portions, wall plates, lenses, filters, screens and the like that are formed of, or that otherwise incorporate, such transmissive energy-scattering layers. Refractive indices of particles fixed in a matrix are tunable in order that the finished layers provide an opaque appearance when viewed from an energy-incident excited by light in the visible spectrum.

Abstract: Silver sulfadiazine-immobilized inorganic fillers are described, and their synthesis is presented. The fillers are believed to have utility in dental composites and dental adhesives to achieve potent, long-term, and none-leaching antimicrobial effects.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of producing fine particulate alkali metal niobate in a liquid phase system, wherein the size and shape of particles of the fine particulate alkali metal niobate can be controlled; and fine particulate alkali metal niobate having a controlled shape and size. Specifically disclosed are a method of producing particulate sodium-potassium niobate represented by the formula (1): NaxK(1-x)NbO3 (1), the method including four specific steps, wherein a high-concentration alkaline solution containing Na+ ion and K+ ion is used as an alkaline solution; and particulate sodium-potassium niobate having a controlled shape and size.

Abstract: There is provided a method for making hollow microspheres including heating a feed under conditions sufficient to convert at least a portion of the feed into hollow microspheres, where the heating is conducted under a vacuum. There is also provided hollow microspheres made using this method.

Abstract: A titanium-containing oxide glass having a bulky form and substantially having a chemical composition represented by the formula: (M1)1-x(M2)x(Ti1-y1(M3)y1)y2O2 [wherein M1 represents an element selected from Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Na and Ca; M2 represents at least one element selected from Mg, Ba, Ca, Sr, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Na, Sc, Y, Hf, Bi and Ag; M3 represents at least one element selected from V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Al, Si, P, Ga, Ge, In, Sn, Sb and Te; and x, y1, y2 and z satisfy the following requirements: 0?x?0.5, 0?y1<0.31, 1.4<y2<3.3, and 3.9<z<8.0, provided that x+y1?0 when M1 represents Ba, and y1?0 when both M1 and M2 represent Ba].

Abstract: A titanium-containing oxide glass having a bulky form and substantially having a chemical composition represented by the formula: (M1)1-x(M2)x(Ti1-y1(M3)y1)y2Oz [wherein M1 represents an element selected from Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Na and Ca; M2 represents at least one element selected from Mg, Ba, Ca, Sr, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Na, Sc, Y, Hf, Bi and Ag; M3 represents at least one element selected from V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Al, Si, P, Ga, Ge, In, Sn, Sb and Te; and x, y1, y2 and z satisfy the following requirements: 0?x?0.5, 0?y1<0.31, 1.4<y2<3.3, and 3.9<z<8.0, provided that x+y1?0 when M1 represents Ba, and y1?0 when both M1 and M2 represent Ba].

Abstract: A filler made of glass beads is provided. The glass improves the absorption and the distribution of the energy of the beam such that an internal wall of the hollow component is not damaged. A process for producing a through-hole in a hollow component is provided. Also, an apparatus for laser drilling is provided.

Abstract: Presently described are retroreflective articles, such as pavement markings, that comprise transparent microspheres partially embedded in a (e.g., polymeric) binder. Also described are (e.g., glass-ceramic) microspheres, methods of making microspheres, as well as compositions of glass materials and compositions of glass-ceramic materials. The microspheres generally comprise lanthanide series oxide(s), titanium oxide (TiO2), and optionally zirconium oxide (ZrO2).

Abstract: The present invention describes a composition, method and article for a photomachinable glass having a coefficient of thermal expansion from less than 6×10?6/° C. in the temperature range of 0° C. to 300° C. The photomachinable glass composition is a low expansion glass having an amorphous glass phase and crystalline phases selected from the group consisting of spudomene and lithium disilicate.

Abstract: Presently described are retroreflective articles, such as pavement markings, that comprise transparent microspheres partially embedded in a (e.g., polymeric) binder. Also described are (e.g., glass-ceramic) microspheres, methods of making microspheres, as well as compositions of glass materials and compositions of glass-ceramic materials. The microspheres generally comprise lanthanide series oxide(s), titanium oxide (TiO2), and optionally zirconium oxide (ZrO2).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to microspheres (i.e., beads) having a high index of refraction. The disclosure also relates to retroreflective articles, and in particular pavement markings, comprising such microspheres.

Abstract: Presently described are retroreflective articles, such as pavement markings, that comprise transparent microspheres partially embedded in a (e.g., polymeric) binder. Also described are (e.g., glass-ceramic) microspheres, methods of making microspheres, as well as compositions of glass materials and compositions of glass-ceramic materials. The microspheres generally comprise lanthanide series oxide(s), titanium oxide (TiO2), and optionally zirconium oxide (ZrO2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to microspheres (i.e., beads) having a high index of refraction. The invention also relates to retroreflective articles, and in particular pavement markings, comprising such microspheres.

Abstract: Presently described are retroreflective articles, such as pavement markings, that comprise transparent microspheres partially embedded in a (e.g., polymeric) binder. Also described are (e.g., glass-ceramic) microspheres, methods of making microspheres, as well as compositions of glass materials and compositions of glass-ceramic materials. The microspheres generally comprise lanthanide series oxide(s), titanium oxide (TiO2), and optionally zirconium oxide (ZrO2).

Abstract: Presently described are retroreflective articles, such as pavement markings, that comprise transparent microspheres partially embedded in a (e.g. polymeric) binder. Also described are (e.g. glass-ceramic) microspheres, methods of making microspheres, as well as compositions of glass materials and compositions of glass-ceramic materials. The microspheres generally comprise lanthanide series oxide(s), titanium oxide (TiO2), and optionally zirconium oxide (ZrO2).

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides glass beads and optical devices comprising the glass beads. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of making said glass beads and rapid glass screening methods that use glass beads. Glass beads of the invention comprise greater than 80 weight percent silica, active rare earth dopant, and modifying dopant. In another embodiment the glass beads comprise greater than 80 weight percent silica and at least 5 weight percent germania. In another embodiment, glass beads comprise and from about 20 to about 90 anion mole percent of non-oxide anion.

Abstract: Glass formulations, and a method of converting such glass formulations to glass beads having a refractive index of at least 1.59 and a high level of retroreflectivity, are provided. The methods and formulations provide beads also having high levels of resistance to degradation by environmental exposure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microspheres (i.e., beads) that comprise titania and bismuth oxide. The glass microspheres further comprise zirconia. The invention also relates to retroreflective articles, and in particular pavement markings, comprising such microspheres.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides glass beads and optical devices comprising the glass beads. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of making said glass beads and rapid glass screening methods that use glass beads. Glass beads of the invention comprise greater than 80 weight percent silica, active rare earth dopant, and modifying dopant. In another embodiment the glass beads comprise greater than 80 weight percent silica and at least 5 weight percent germania. In another embodiment, glass beads comprise and from about 20 to about 90 anion mole percent of non-oxide anion.

Abstract: A method of producing an improved aggregate product from in inferior initial aggregate material base material. A percentage weight of crushed glass material is introduced into the initial aggregate material to form said aggregate product.

Abstract: Transparent solid, fused microspheres are provided. In one embodiment, the microspheres contain alumina, zirconia, and silica in a total content of at least about 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the solid, fused microspheres, wherein the total content of alumina and zirconia is greater than the content of silica, and further wherein the microspheres have an index of refraction of at least about 1.6 and are useful as lens elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transparent microspheres (i.e., beads) that impart yellow color to retroreflected light. The microsphere preferably comprise titania plus alumina, zirconia, and/or silica and iron oxide, manganese oxide, or mixtures thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to fused microspheres that impart yellow color to retroreflected light having both transparency and mechanical properties suitable, for example, for lens elements in retroreflective articles.

Abstract: Transparent solid microspheres that contain titania plus alumina, zirconia, and/or silica in a total content of at least about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the solid microspheres, wherein the total content of alumina, zirconia, and titania is greater than the content of silica.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transparent microspheres (i.e., beads) that impart yellow color to retroreflected light. The microsphere preferably comprise titania plus alumina, zirconia, and/or silica and iron oxide, manganese oxide, or mixtures thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to fused microspheres that impart yellow color to retroreflected light having both transparency and mechanical properties suitable, for example, for lens elements in retroreflective articles.

Abstract: Transparent solid microspheres that contain titania plus alumina, zirconia, and/or silica in a total content of at least about 75% by weight, based on the total weight of the solid microspheres, wherein the total content of alumina, zirconia, and titania is greater than the content of silica.

Abstract: Glass microspheres and rear projection screens containing glass microspheres, which combine a desirable index of refraction (preferably, no greater than about 1.70) and low levels of defects (e.g., bubbles, visible haziness, frostiness, or opacity, substantially nonspherical shapes) upon formation are provided. Also provided is a coating method of placing microspheres on a film for use in a rear projection screen.

Abstract: An acid-resistant glass article is provided comprising: about 25-45 wt-% SiO.sub.2 ; about 20-35 wt-% TiO.sub.2 ; less than about 5 wt-% B.sub.2 O.sub.3 ; about 15-40 wt-% of an alkaline earth modifier selected from the group consisting of BaO, SrO, and mixtures thereof; and no greater than about 25 wt-% of an alkali-metal oxide selected from the group consisting of Na.sub.2 O, K.sub.2 O, and mixtures thereof. The glass article is preferably in the form of a microsphere that is adapted for use as a retroreflective element in pavement markings.

Abstract: Glass beads in accordance with the present invention may be constituted of SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Na.sub.2 O, K.sub.2 O, BaO, SrO, TiO.sub.2, and CeO.sub.2. The glass of which the glass beads is made will generally contain at least 40% SiO.sub.2 as the network former, from about 10 to about 25% Na.sub.2 O and K.sub.2 O as fluxes, from about 5 to about 25% of BaO and/or SrO as a fracture resistance improvement components, a small amount of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and--when made from CRT waste--very small amounts of TiO.sub.2 and CeO.sub.2. The glass beads of the invention are suitable for use as reflective elements in roadway markings and as media in shot-peening metal cleaning procedures.

Abstract: Retroreflective glass or plastic beads have fluorescent properties when irradiated with ultraviolet light and are emplaced in signs in patterns indicative of alphanumeric characters, or embedded in a hot melt comprising road stripes or embedded in the road asphalt or aggregate during construction of the road, to provide effectively bright and clear indications of signs or the extent and direction of the road. The glass beads comprise spherodized soda lime, borosilicate, phosphosilicate or aluminosilicate glasses with low levels of rare-earth dopants mixed therein, such as compounds containing one of the rare earths, or lanthanides. The plastic beads may have fluorescent materials mixed therein, typically organic pigments or dyes based on coumarin and rhodamine or the like.

Abstract: Hollow microspheres produced by the present method each have a hollow interior evacuated of gases to a predetermined pressure. A reflective material layer coats the exterior of each microsphere and, optionally, an outer layer of a protective material is applied over the reflective material layer. Permeant gases are dissolved into glass or plastic frit particles prior to heating of the frit particles to form hollow microspheres having the permeant gases contained therein. The permeant gases are subsequently out-permeated in a non-permeant gas atmosphere to substantially evacuate the interior of each microsphere. The exterior layers of reflective material and protective material are then coated about each evacuated microsphere.

Abstract: A pavement marking that has yellow-tinted, retroreflective beads partially embedded in a bead-carrier medium. The bead-carrier medium contains 0.5 to 15 volume percent of a light-scattering agent that scatters white light. The pavement marking is able to retroreflect a distinct yellow color at nighttime without using yellow pigments that contain the potentially-toxic metals, cadmium, chromium, and lead.

Abstract: A retroreflector sheet comprising a base sheet and integral protrusions having a top and a side surface. Selected side surfaces are covered with a bead bond layer including partially embedded retroreflector beads. A process for preparing the retroreflector sheet is also disclosed.

Abstract: Solid, transparent, non-vitreous, microspheres (zirconia-silica) are formed by extractive gelation (extracting carboxylic acid away from zirconyl carboxylate) of a sol in liquid medium such as hot peanut oil. Zirconyl carboxylate precursor sol is prepared and added in droplet form to the liquid extractant (peanut oil) at an elevated temperature at which a carboxylic acid is liberated from the zirconyl carboxylate. The droplets remain in the extractant for sufficient time to form stable gel spheroids which are separated from the extractant and fired to convert them to durable spheroids useful as lens elements in retroreflective sheeting.

Abstract: Solid, transparent, non-vitreous, zirconia and zirconia-silica ceramic microspheres, useful as lens elements in retroreflective pavement markings. The microspheres are characterized by:(a) containing at least one additive metal oxide selected from alumina, magnesia, yttria and mixtures thereof;(b) an index of refraction greater than 1.6; and(c) being virtually free of cracks.These microspheres are formed by a sol-gel technique of extractive gelation (extracting carboxylic acid away from zirconyl carboxylate) of a sol in liquid medium such as hot peanut oil. The microspheres of this ceramic composition have been made with relatively large diameters, (e.g. 200-1000 micrometers) making them quite useful as lens elements in pavement marking sheet materials.

Abstract: Pavement marking comprising ceramic microspheres held by a binder, said microspheres being solid, transparent, non-vitreous, ceramic particles which serve as lens elements in the retroreflective pavement markings. The ceramic microspheres formed by various sol gel techniques are characterized by having:A. at least one metal oxide phase; andB. an average minimum dimension of up to 125 micrometers.The inventive pavement markings retain reflectivity for a surprisingly long time.

Abstract: Porous glass beads for filtation applications having a homogeneous metaloxane structure and comprising oxides of Si, Zr and optionally Ti and Al. A preferred method for making these beads comprises the steps of (a) providing a mother solution of Si and Zr alkoxides in a water soluble solvent, for instance a lower aliphatic alcohol, (b) providing a liquid dispersant phase in which solution (a) is dispersible and stirring this liquid phase sufficiently to cause (a) to be formed into droplets of substantially uniform size when added to (b), (c) adding (a) to (b) at a rate sufficient to provide said droplets and effecting the hydrolysis of the alkoxides contained therein with consecutive gelation of said droplets into corresponding hardened beads of condensed mixed Si and Zr hydroxides, and (d) separating said beads from the liquid phase and drying to achieve the desired porous mixed oxide structure for the beads.

Abstract: The invention concerns glass microbubbles having an inorganic thin-film coating not exceeding about 10 nm in thickness, especially a coating of a metal, a metalloid, or an alloy thereof. When dispersed throughout a matrix such as a polymer, the coated glass microbubbles can afford surprisingly good hiding power while also imparting esthetically pleasing colors to otherwise transparent articles.

Abstract: Glass microspheres and other glass elements based on B.sub.2 O.sub.3, BaO, SiO.sub.2 and TiO.sub.2 have an improved combination of crushing strength, index of refraction, and, especially in some formulations, chemical resistance. The microspheres are especially adapted for use as retroreflective elements in pavement markings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing transparent iron oxide pigment dispersions. The dispersions are prepared by milling a mixture of iron oxide pigment and a liquid vehicle in a bead mill containing glass beads as the grinding media. The pigment dispersions can be used in the preparation of paints and coatings which exhibit transparent quality and absorb ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: Glass microspheres and rear projection screens containing glass microspheres, which combine a desirable index of refraction (preferably, no greater than about 1.70) and low levels of defects (e.g., bubbles, visible haziness, frostiness, or opacity, substantially nonspherical shapes) upon formation are provided. Also provided is a coating method of placing microspheres on a film for use in a rear projection screen.