Abstract

There are disclosed compositions comprising core-shell nano-elements composed in their core of a water-insoluble thermoplastic compound having a molecular weight of more than 0.6 kDa and in their shell of at least one fatty amine, or a part thereof, the core-shell nano-elements having a viscosity of 107 mPa·s or less and being dispersed in a polar carrier as nano-elements having an average diameter of 200 nm or less. The water-insoluble thermoplastic compound can be capable of stimulating the synthesis of skin proteins and/or enabling the delivery of active agents upon application of the core-shell nano-elements to a surface to be treated therewith. Methods for preparing the composition and uses thereof are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 1/00 - Coating compositions, e.g. paints, varnishes or lacquers, based on inorganic substances

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for styling mammalian hair fibers. The method comprises applying to the hair a hair styling composition comprising a phenol-based monomer and a water-soluble hygroscopic agent, allowing the monomers and water-soluble hygroscopic agents to penetrate within the hair and curing the monomers to internally form a polymer able to overcome the tendency of the hair to revert to its native shape. When curing is performed while the hair is in a desired modified shape, the resulting polymers may maintain the modified shape, whilst the hygroscopic agents may prolong the hair styling effect. Compositions adapted for such hair styling and kits allowing to prepare the same are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 8/368 - Carboxylic acids; Salts or anhydrides thereof with carboxyl groups directly bound to carbon atoms of aromatic rings
• A61K 8/42 - Amides
• A61Q 5/06 - Preparations for styling the hair, e.g. by temporary shaping or colouring

Abstract

There is disclosed a dermatological composition comprising a water-insoluble biodegradable compound capable of stimulating collagen synthesis (CSSC), the CSSC having a molecular weight of more than 0.6 kDa and being dispersed in a polar carrier as nano-elements having an average diameter of 200 nm or less. Methods for preparing the dermatological composition and uses thereof are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61Q 19/08 - Anti-ageing preparations
• A61K 8/02 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by special physical form
• A61K 8/35 - Ketones, e.g. quinones, benzophenone
• A61K 8/85 - Polyesters
• A61K 9/00 - Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
• A61K 9/10 - Dispersions; Emulsions
• A61P 17/02 - Drugs for dermatological disorders for treating wounds, ulcers, burns, scars, keloids, or the like

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for stably dispersing nanoparticles of a material in a curable polymer, the method comprising: a) providing a curable pre-polymer; b)providing particles of the material; and c) compounding the curable pre-polymer and the particles at a compounding temperature sufficiently high to obtain a curable melt mixture and sufficiently low for the curable melt mixture to develop a pre-determined viscosity upon compounding. The compounding is performed by applying a shear force to the heated curable melt mixture, whereby nanoparticles are formed from the particles, the viscosity of the melt being such that the nanoparticles remain dispersed in the mixture.

IPC Classes  ?

• C08J 3/20 - Compounding polymers with additives, e.g. colouring
• C08K 3/00 - Use of inorganic substances as compounding ingredients
• C08J 3/215 - Compounding polymers with additives, e.g. colouring in the presence of a liquid phase the polymer being premixed with a liquid phase at least one additive being also premixed with a liquid phase

Abstract

Disclosed are compositions comprising macroparticles of swelled polymer matrix, the macroparticles comprising a thermoplastic biodegradable polymer swelled with at least one swelling agent, the macroparticles further comprising a plurality of pigment particles dispersed and embedded therein. The pigment particles may provide a color and/or a radiation protective effect to the composition. Method of preparation and uses of such compositions are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 8/85 - Polyesters
• A61K 8/87 - Polyurethanes
• A61K 8/88 - Polyamides
• A61Q 17/04 - Topical preparations for affording protection against sunlight or other radiation; Topical sun tanning preparations

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for styling mammalian hair fibers, including providing body, straightening, relaxing, curling, or applying any other desired modification to the shape of the hair. The method comprises applying a hair styling composition comprising at least one hair-penetrating phenol-based monomer to the hair, allowing the monomers to penetrate within the hair and curing such monomers to internally form a polymer able to overcome the tendency of the hair to revert to its native shape. When curing is performed while the hair is in a desired modified shape, the resulting polymers may maintain the modified shape. Suitable compositions and kits allowing to prepare the same are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 8/34 - Alcohols
• A61K 8/9783 - Angiosperms [Magnoliophyta]
• A61Q 5/06 - Preparations for styling the hair, e.g. by temporary shaping or colouring

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for styling mammalian hair fibers, including providing body, straightening, relaxing, curling, or applying any other desired modification to the shape of the hair. The method comprises applying a hair styling composition comprising at least one thermally-curable acid-based monomer to the hair, allowing the monomers to penetrate within the hair and curing such monomers to internally form a polymer able to overcome the tendency of the hair to revert to its native shape. When curing is performed while the hair is in a desired modified shape, the resulting polymers may maintain the modified shape. Suitable compositions and kits allowing to prepare the same are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 8/81 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing organic macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
• A61K 8/87 - Polyurethanes
• A61Q 5/06 - Preparations for styling the hair, e.g. by temporary shaping or colouring
• A61K 8/41 - Amines
• A61K 8/49 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing organic compounds containing heterocyclic compounds

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for styling mammalian hair fibers, including providing body, straightening, relaxing, curling, or applying any other desired modification to the shape of the hair. The method comprises applying a hair styling composition comprising at least one thermally-curable epoxy monomer to the hair, allowing the monomers to penetrate within the hair and curing such monomers to internally form a polymer able to overcome the tendency of the hair to revert to its native shape. When curing is performed while the hair is in a desired modified shape, the resulting polymers may maintain the modified shape. Suitable compositions and kits allowing to prepare the same are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61Q 5/04 - Preparations for permanent waving or straightening the hair
• A61K 8/84 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing organic macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions other than those involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
• C08L 63/00 - Compositions of epoxy resins; Compositions of derivatives of epoxy resins
• C09D 163/00 - Coating compositions based on epoxy resins; Coating compositions based on derivatives of epoxy resins
• C08J 5/04 - Reinforcing macromolecular compounds with loose or coherent fibrous material

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for styling mammalian hair fibers, including providing body, straightening, relaxing, curling, or applying any other desired modification to the shape of the hair. The method comprises applying a hair styling composition comprising at least one non-aromatic unsaturated fatty oil to the hair, allowing the monomers to penetrate within the hair and curing such monomers to internally form a polymer able to overcome the tendency of the hair to revert to its native shape. When curing is performed while the hair is in a desired modified shape, the resulting polymers may maintain the modified shape. Suitable compositions and kits allowing to prepare the same are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 8/19 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing inorganic ingredients
• A61K 8/33 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing organic compounds containing oxygen
• A61K 8/81 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing organic macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
• A61K 8/86 - Polyethers
• A61K 8/92 - Oils, fats or waxes; Derivatives thereof, e.g. hydrogenation products
• A61Q 5/06 - Preparations for styling the hair, e.g. by temporary shaping or colouring
• A61K 8/37 - Esters of carboxylic acids
• A61K 8/85 - Polyesters
• A61K 8/87 - Polyurethanes
• A61K 8/31 - Hydrocarbons
• A61K 8/34 - Alcohols
• A61K 8/35 - Ketones, e.g. quinones, benzophenone
• A61K 8/36 - Carboxylic acids; Salts or anhydrides thereof
• A61K 8/90 - Block copolymers

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for styling mammalian hair fibers, including providing body, straightening, relaxing, curling, or applying any other desired modification to the shape of the hair. The method comprises applying a hair styling composition comprising at least one thermally-curable polyol monomer to the hair, allowing the monomers to penetrate within the hair and curing such monomers to internally form a polymer able to overcome the tendency of the hair to revert to its native shape. When curing is performed while the hair is in a desired modified shape, the resulting polymers may maintain the modified shape. Suitable compositions and kits allowing to prepare the same are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 8/34 - Alcohols
• A61K 8/85 - Polyesters
• A61Q 5/06 - Preparations for styling the hair, e.g. by temporary shaping or colouring

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for styling mammalian hair fibers, including providing body, straightening, relaxing, curling, or applying any other desired modification to the shape of the hair. The method comprises applying a hair styling composition comprising at least one electromagnetic energy-curable acrylate monomer to the hair, allowing the monomers to penetrate within the hair and curing such monomers to internally form a polymer able to overcome the tendency of the hair to revert to its native shape. When curing is performed while the hair is in a desired modified shape, the resulting polymers may maintain the modified shape. Suitable compositions and kits allowing to prepare the same are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 8/19 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing inorganic ingredients
• A61K 8/33 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing organic compounds containing oxygen
• A61K 8/81 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing organic macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
• A61K 8/86 - Polyethers
• A61K 8/92 - Oils, fats or waxes; Derivatives thereof, e.g. hydrogenation products
• A61Q 5/06 - Preparations for styling the hair, e.g. by temporary shaping or colouring
• A61K 8/37 - Esters of carboxylic acids
• A61K 8/85 - Polyesters
• A61K 8/87 - Polyurethanes

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a coating apparatus for applying a monolayer layer of particles to a receiving surface. The apparatus comprises a pressurized air source, an application chamber partially bounded by the receiving surface into which an air stream is delivered by the air source, an air return path for returning air from the application chamber to an intake of the air source to form an air circulation loop, a dosing device for introducing particles to be coated onto the receiving surface into the air circulation loop, and a controller serving to regulate the dosing device so as to maintain the particle concentration within predetermined limits. A method of applying a layer of particles is also provided, as well as printing systems benefiting from the present coating apparatus.

IPC Classes  ?

• B05B 1/00 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
• B05B 12/00 - Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a coating apparatus for applying a monolayer layer of particles to a receiving surface. The apparatus comprises a pressurized air source, an application chamber partially bounded by the receiving surface into which an air stream is delivered by the air source, an air return path for returning air from the application chamber to an intake of the air source to form an air circulation loop, and a dosing device for introducing particles to be coated onto the receiving surface into the air circulation loop, a particle deflector being positioned in the path of the air stream to break up agglomerated particles carried by the air stream prior to coating the receiving surface with the particles. A method of applying a layer of particles is also provided, as well as printing systems benefiting from the present coating apparatus.

IPC Classes  ?

• B05B 1/00 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
• B05B 12/00 - Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for producing flakes, the apparatus comprising: a) a support structure for supporting each of two supply cylinders, made of a first material from which flakes are to be produced, and a fatiguing rod assembly including at least one fatiguing rod made of a second material, each fatiguing rod having a diameter smaller than an initial diameter of the two supply cylinders; b) a compression mechanism for urging the surfaces of the two supply cylinders into contact with each fatiguing rod, and c) a drive mechanism for causing the supply cylinders to rotate while making rolling line contact with each fatiguing rod. The contact pressure between the supply cylinders and each fatiguing rod is set sufficiently high to modify the surface of the supply cylinders by fatigue and result in separation of flakes of the first material from the surfaces of the supply cylinders.

IPC Classes  ?

• B02C 15/00 - Disintegrating by milling members in the form of rollers or balls co-operating with rings or discs
• C09C 1/62 - Metallic pigments or fillers
• C09C 1/64 - Aluminium

Abstract

A method is disclosed for producing flakes of a first material, the method comprising: a) supporting two supply cylinders of the first material and a fatiguing rod assembly, that includes at least one textured fatiguing rod, so that each fatiguing rod is sandwiched between the two cylinders, each fatiguing rod having a diameter smaller than an initial diameter of the two supply cylinders and being made of a second harder material; b) urging the surfaces of the two supply cylinders into contact with each fatiguing rod; and c) causing the supply cylinders and the fatiguing rod(s) to rotate while making rolling line contact with one another; wherein the supply cylinders and each fatiguing rod are urged against one another with sufficiently high contact pressure to modify the surface of the supply cylinders by fatigue and result in separation of flakes from the surfaces of the cylinders.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09C 1/62 - Metallic pigments or fillers
• C09C 1/64 - Aluminium

Abstract

There is disclosed a transferable composition being applicable to a membrane serving to transfer a pattern of the composition to an intended substrate. The transferable composition comprises a swellable polymer swelled by a swelling agent and particles dispersed therein. Methods of preparing the composition, applying it to a transfer membrane as a pattern, and transferring the pattern to a substrate, as well as articles made thereby, are also provided. The transferred patterns may serve a decorative and/or functional purpose and the transferable compositions may accordingly include decorative and/or functional particles. When the functional particles are or can be rendered electrically conductive, a pattern formed therewith can be part of a conductive circuit and can serve, for example, for the manufacturing of a solar cell.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01B 1/22 - Conductive material dispersed in non-conductive organic material the conductive material comprising metals or alloys
• H01L 31/0224 - Electrodes
• H05K 3/34 - Assembling printed circuits with electric components, e.g. with resistor electrically connecting electric components or wires to printed circuits by soldering
• H05K 3/38 - Improvement of the adhesion between the insulating substrate and the metal

Abstract

A method is disclosed for mounting and cooling a circuit component having a plurality of contacts. The method comprises mounting the circuit component on a rigid substrate of a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material with a circuit board arranged between the circuit component and the substrate. The circuit board, which has a flexible base and carries conductive traces that terminate in contact pads, is secured to the rigid substrate with at least some of the contact pads on the circuit board disposed on the side of the circuit board facing the rigid substrate, at least some of the latter contact pads being bonded to the substrate. To establish both an electrical and a thermal connection between the contacts of the circuit component and the contact pads bonded to the substrate, blind holes are formed in the flexible base of the circuit board, each hole terminating at a respective one of the contact pads bonded to the substrate. The side of the contact pads exposed by the holes is plated to form conductive vias that fill the holes and that are soldered to the contacts of the circuit component.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 23/498 - Leads on insulating substrates
• H01L 23/538 - Arrangements for conducting electric current within the device in operation from one component to another the interconnection structure between a plurality of semiconductor chips being formed on, or in, insulating substrates
• H01L 21/48 - Manufacture or treatment of parts, e.g. containers, prior to assembly of the devices, using processes not provided for in a single one of the groups
• H01L 23/00 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices
• H01L 23/367 - Cooling facilitated by shape of device

Abstract

A jacket-securing arrangement is disclosed for mounting in a cylinder, which cylinder (220) has an outer surface and at least one recess (320) in the outer surface for receiving an inwardly turned edge of a replaceable jacket (225) overlying at least part of the outer surface of the cylinder. The jacket-securing arrangement is mountable within the recess so as not to project beyond the outer surface of the cylinder when the jacket is secured thereto, and includes a clamping lever pivotable about a shaft located within the recess between a clamping position in which the edge of the replaceable jacket is clamped between the lever and a side wall of the recess and a release position in which the lever is spaced from the side wall of the recess. A magnet is provided to retain the lever in the clamping position. The clamping lever is formed of two or more members assembled around the shaft and defining between them a bearing surface engaging an outer surface of the shaft. The shaft may be a gripper shaft including a plurality of grippers for securing a printing substrate sheet to the outer surface of a substrate transport cylinder of a printing system, the jacket-securing arrangement being disposed between grippers.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41F 30/02 - Devices for attaching coverings or make-ready devices; Guiding devices for coverings attaching to impression cylinders
• B41F 31/16 - Continuous, e.g. endless, band apparatus
• B41F 16/00 - Transfer printing apparatus

Abstract

There is disclosed a condensation curable coating composition in the form of an oil-in- oil emulsion, the coating composition being able to protect surfaces coated therewith from undesired contamination by materials coming in contact therewith. The surfaces to be so protected by the coating composition, once cured, can, by way of illustration, be of parts of printing systems and the materials coming in contact with such surfaces can be ink images or residues thereof.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 183/04 - Polysiloxanes
• B41N 7/00 - Shells for rollers of printing machines

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for printing images on generally cylindrical objects. The apparatus comprises an impression station that includes a movable imaging surface for bearing an ink image; and a transport mechanism for advancing the objects through the impression station, comprising a drive member rotatably connected to a plurality of rotatable mandrels, each for mounting a respective one of the objects, the transport mechanism being configured to cause each object to rotate during passage through the impression station such that, within a nip region of the impression station, the surface of the object makes rolling contact with the imaging surface, thereby causing the ink image on the imaging surface to be impressed on the surface of the object. An impression platen is provided opposite the imaging surface within the nip region of the impression station, the impression platen being configured to apply a force, directly or indirectly, to the objects to ensure rolling contact between the objects and the imaging surface and being stationary in the direction of movement of the imaging surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41F 17/22 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles of finite length on articles of uniform cross-section, e.g. pencils, rulers, resistors by rolling contact
• B41F 17/00 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for

Abstract

A method and system for thermal transfer printing onto a printing substrate are disclosed, as well as a substrate printed therewith. A monolayer coating of thermoplastic particles is applied to at least a segment of an imaging surface of a moveable transfer member. Thermoplastic particles within one or more selected regions of the monolayer coating are heated to render such thermoplastic particles tacky. The imaging surface and a surface of the substrate are pressed against one another to cause the thermoplastic particles that have been rendered tacky to be transferred to the surface of the substrate, thereby forming thereon a receptive image. Embellishment particles are subsequently applied onto the surface of the substrate. The receptive image, or parts thereof, can be heated prior to, and/or during, application of the embellishment particles, in order to ensure tackiness of the receptive image and cause the embellishment particle to only adhere thereto.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
• B41M 5/03 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet by pressure
• B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material

Abstract

There is disclosed a method of coating textile fibers, the method comprising applying, on the external surface of textile fibers, a pre-treated oil-in-water emulsion comprising: (i) an aqueous phase containing water; and (ii) a pre-treated oil phase containing at least one reactive condensation-curable film-forming amino-silicone pre-polymer that, subsequent to condensation curing optionally in presence of additional reactants, forms an amino-silicone coat. The pre-treated reactive oil phase includes at least one pre-treated reactant or pre-treated pre-polymer. An aqueous dispersion containing particles of a hydrophilic polymeric material is then applied to the amino-silicone coat, so as to form a polymeric layer thereon. At least one of the oil-in-water emulsion forming a first coat and of the aqueous dispersion forming a second coat may further contain a plurality of sub-micronic pigment particles dispersed therein. Suitable compositions and kits including the same are also disclosed, as well as methods for preparing the compositions.

IPC Classes  ?

• D06P 5/22 - Effecting variation of dye affinity on textile material by chemical means that react with the fibre
• D06M 15/643 - Macromolecular compounds obtained otherwise than by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds containing silicon in the main chain
• D06P 1/44 - General processes of dyeing or printing textiles or general processes of dyeing leather, furs or solid macromolecular substances in any form, classified according to the dyes, pigments or auxiliary substances employed using insoluble pigments or auxiliary substances, e.g. binders
• D06P 1/52 - General processes of dyeing or printing textiles or general processes of dyeing leather, furs or solid macromolecular substances in any form, classified according to the dyes, pigments or auxiliary substances employed using insoluble pigments or auxiliary substances, e.g. binders using compositions containing synthetic macromolecular substances
• A61Q 5/06 - Preparations for styling the hair, e.g. by temporary shaping or colouring
• A61K 8/898 - Polysiloxanes containing atoms other than silicon, carbon, oxygen and hydrogen, e.g. dimethicone copolyol phosphate containing nitrogen, e.g. amodimethicone, trimethyl silyl amodimethicone or dimethicone propyl PG-betaine

Abstract

A printing system is disclosed which comprises a writing module, and a member having an imaging surface configured to carry a polymer and movable relative to the writing module. The writing module is configured to direct onto the imaging surface a plurality of individually controllable light beams that are spaced from one another in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the imaging surface, incidence of a light beam on a spot on the imaging surface serving to soften or liquefy the polymer carried by the imaging surface at the spot. The polymer softened or liquefied at the spot can transfer to a substrate or serve as an adhesive on the imaging surface. The writing module comprises a plurality of integrated electronic modules each having an array of individually controllable light sources, each light source producing a respective one of the light beams. In the invention, each light source comprises at least two Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) light-emitting semiconductor junctions connected in series with one another and configured to direct light onto the imaging surface at the same spot as one another.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
• B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
• B41M 5/03 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet by pressure
• B41J 2/447 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using arrays of radiation sources
• B41J 2/45 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using arrays of radiation sources using light-emitting diode arrays
• B41J 2/455 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using arrays of radiation sources using laser arrays
• G03G 15/04 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for exposing, i.e. imagewise exposure by optically projecting the original image on a photoconductive recording material
• H01S 5/42 - Arrays of surface emitting lasers

Abstract

Methods, kits and structures are disclosed for providing a desired protective and/or visual effect to natural or artificial nails. One method comprises applying a base coat to at least part of an outer surface of the nail substrate; providing a flexible support having disposed, on a surface thereof, a monolayer of metallic-looking particles of at least one metallic-looking pigment; and transferring the monolayer from the flexible support to an outer surface of the applied base coat, so as to form a coat of metallic-looking particles on the nail substrate.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61Q 3/00 - Manicure or pedicure preparations
• A45D 31/00 - Artificial nails
• A61Q 3/02 - Nail coatings

Abstract

A method and system are disclosed for thermal transfer printing onto selected regions of a surface of a substrate. The system comprises a transfer member having opposite front and rear sides with an imaging surface on the front side, a coating station at which a monolayer of particles made of, or coated with, a thermoplastic polymer is applied to the imaging surface, an imaging station at which energy in the form of electromagnetic (EM) radiation is applied via the rear side of the transfer member to selected regions of the particles coated imaging surface to render the particles thereon tacky within the selected regions, and a transfer station at which the imaging surface and the surface of the substrate are pressed against one another to cause transfer to the surface of the substrate of only the regions of the particle coating that have been rendered tacky. In the invention, the rear side of the transfer member is formed of a body transparent to the EM radiation, and an EM radiation absorbing layer made of an elastomeric silicone is provided on the front side of the transfer member adjoining the transparent body, the imaging surface being formed on, or as part of, the radiation absorbing layer.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
• B41M 5/03 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet by pressure
• B41J 2/00 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for thermal transfer printing onto selected regions of a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a transfer member having an imaging surface; b) coating the imaging surface of the transfer member with individual particles formed of, or coated with, a thermoplastic polymer; c) removing substantially all particles that are not in direct contact with the imaging surface to leave a uniform monolayer particle coating on the imaging surface; d) applying energy to selected regions of the coated imaging surface to heat and render tacky the particles within the selected regions; and e) pressing the coated imaging surface and the substrate surface against one another, either during or after application of energy, to cause transfer to the surface of the substrate of only the regions of the particle coating that have been rendered tacky. Steps b) and c) can be repeated to apply a fresh monolayer coating of particles to the selected regions from which the previously applied monolayer coating was transferred to the substrate surface, to leave the imaging surface again uniformly coated with a monolayer of particles allowing printing onto a subsequent substrate surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
• B41N 10/00 - Blankets or like coverings; Coverings for wipers for intaglio printing

Abstract

A printing system is disclosed for thermal transfer printing onto a surface of a substrate. The system comprises a transfer member having opposite front and rear sides with an imaging surface on the front side, a coating station at which a monolayer of particles made of, or coated with, a thermoplastic polymer is applied to the imaging surface, an imaging station at which energy is applied via the rear side of the transfer member to selected regions of the particles coated imaging surface to render the particles thereon tacky within the selected regions, and a transfer station at which said imaging surface of said transfer member and the substrate surface are pressed against each other to cause transfer to the surface of the substrate of only the regions of the particle coating that have been rendered tacky. In the invention, the imaging station comprises a thermal print head in thermal contact with the rear side of the transfer member and operative to apply energy to the particles on the imaging surface by heat conduction through the transfer member.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
• B41M 5/03 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet by pressure
• B41J 2/00 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed

Abstract

There is disclosed a transfer member which can be used in indirect printing, in analog or digital processes. The transfer member may serve to receive an ink in any form, allow the ink to be treated so as to form an ink image and permit the application of the ink image on a substrate. The transfer member comprises a support layer and an imaging layer, which may be formed of a silicon matrix including dispersed carbon black particles.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41N 10/00 - Blankets or like coverings; Coverings for wipers for intaglio printing
• B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
• B41M 5/025 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
• C08K 3/04 - Carbon
• C08L 83/04 - Polysiloxanes

Abstract

There are disclosed methods for producing curable elastomeric compositions comprising carbon black particles, as well as their corresponding cured products. Such compositions, once cured, can be used for the preparation of numerous articles of wide industrial applicability.

IPC Classes  ?

• C08L 83/04 - Polysiloxanes
• C08K 3/04 - Carbon
• B41N 10/00 - Blankets or like coverings; Coverings for wipers for intaglio printing

Abstract

A method is disclosed for applying an electrical conductor to a solar cell, which comprises providing a flexible membrane with a pattern of groove formed on a first surface thereof, loading the grooves with a composition comprising conductive particles. The composition is, or may be made, electrically conductive. Once the membrane is loaded, the grooved first surface of the membrane is brought into contact with a front or/and back of solar cell. A pressure is then applied between the solar cell and the membrane so that the composition loaded to the grooves adheres to the solar cell. The membrane and the solar cell are separated and the composition in the groove is left on the solar cell surface. The electrically conductive particles in the composition are then sintered or otherwise fused to form a pattern of electrical conductor on the solar cell, the pattern corresponding to the pattern formed in the membrane.

IPC Classes  ?

• H05K 3/20 - Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which conductive material is applied to the insulating support in such a manner as to form the desired conductive pattern by affixing prefabricated conductor pattern
• H01L 31/0224 - Electrodes

Abstract

A method is disclosed for applying an electrical conductor to an electrically insulating substrate, which comprises providing a flexible membrane with a pattern of groove formed on a first surface thereof, loading the grooves with a composition comprising conductive particles. The composition is, or may be made, electrically conductive. Once the membrane is loaded, the grooved first surface of the membrane is brought into contact with a front or/and back of the substrate. A pressure is then applied between the substrate and the membrane so that the composition loaded to the grooves adheres to the substrate. The membrane and the substrate are separated and the composition in the groove is left on the surface of the electrically insulating substrate. The electrically conductive particles in the composition are then sintered to form a pattern of electrical conductors on the substrate, the pattern corresponding to the pattern formed in the membrane.

IPC Classes  ?

• H05K 3/20 - Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which conductive material is applied to the insulating support in such a manner as to form the desired conductive pattern by affixing prefabricated conductor pattern

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for transferring a pattern of a composition containing particles of an electrically conductive material and a thermally activated adhesive from a surface of a flexible web to a surface of a substrate. The apparatus comprises: • respective drive mechanisms for advancing the web and the substrate at the same time through a nip at which a pressure roller acts to press the surfaces of the web and the substrate against one another, • a heating station for heating at least one of the web and the substrate prior to, or during, passage through the nip, to a temperature at which the adhesive in the composition is activated, • a cooling station for cooling the web after passage through the nip, and • a separating device for peeling the web away from the substrate after passage through the cooling station, to leave the pattern of composition adhered to the surface of the substrate.

IPC Classes  ?

• H05K 3/20 - Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits in which conductive material is applied to the insulating support in such a manner as to form the desired conductive pattern by affixing prefabricated conductor pattern
• B41M 1/12 - Stencil printing; Silk-screen printing

Abstract

There are disclosed aqueous pigment dispersions containing dispersant-improving- agents, and methods of preparing and using the same.

IPC Classes  ?

• C09D 11/03 - Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder
• C09D 11/326 - Pigment inks characterised by the pigment dispersant
• C09C 3/00 - Treatment in general of inorganic materials, other than fibrous fillers, to enhance their pigmenting or filling properties
• C09B 67/00 - Influencing the physical, e.g. the dyeing or printing, properties of dyestuffs without chemical reaction, e.g. by treating with solvents; Process features in the making of dyestuff preparations; Dyestuff preparations of a special physical nature, e.g. tablets, films

Abstract

A printing apparatus is disclosed for printing on an outer surface of three-dimensional objects. The apparatus employs an offset printing process in which an ink image is deposited onto the outer release surface of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) (30) having the form of a flexible endless belt. After drying of the ink image on the ITM (30), the ITM (30) transports the dried ink image to an impression station having a nip at which the ink image is transferred onto the surface of the objects. An object transport system (14) transports the 3D object to the impression station and rotates each object about its own longitudinal axis during passage through the impression station. To optimize throughput, the velocity of the ITM (30) relative to the surface of the object at the impression station is greater than the velocity of the ITM (30) relative to the imaging station (32).

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
• B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
• B41J 2/01 - Ink jet

Abstract

There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a multi-layered article including a finished outer surface (122a) optionally having particular surface properties. The article can be a self-supported strip (122a,124a) having a smooth outer surface. The method is, for example, suitable for the preparation of a flexible intermediate transfer member (ITM) for use in an indirect printing system. Uses of such articles are also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• B32B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
• B32B 27/28 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin comprising copolymers of synthetic resins not wholly covered by any one of the following subgroups
• B41J 2/22 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of impact or pressure on a printing material or impression- transfer material
• B32B 38/00 - Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
• B32B 37/24 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer not being coherent before laminating, e.g. made up from granular material sprinkled onto a substrate
• B32B 37/26 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer which influences the bonding during the laminating process, e.g. release layers or pressure equalising layers

Abstract

A printing apparatus is disclosed for printing on an outer surface of conical objects. The apparatus employs an offset printing process in which an ink image is deposited onto the outer release surface of an intermediate transfer member (ITM) (30) having the form of a flexible endless belt. After drying of the ink image on the ITM (30), the ITM (30) transports the dried ink image to an impression station having a nip at which the ink image is transferred onto the surface of the objects. An object transport system (14) transports the conical objects to the impression station and rotates each conical object about its own longitudinal axis during passage through the impression station. In order to permit printing on conical objects, the ITM (30) is elastically deformable at least in the direction of movement of the ITM (30), and is guided in such a manner as to be elongated during passage through the impression station, the extent of elongation varying across the width of the ITM (30) so as to match the surface velocity of the ITM (30) to that of the object over the entire area of contact between the ITM (30) and the object at the nip.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/005 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
• B41J 3/407 - Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
• B41J 2/01 - Ink jet

Abstract

Disclosed are UV protective compositions comprising doped or undoped zinc titanate having the general formula Zn2Ti(1-X)FexO4, wherein x is between 0.005 and 0.1. Methods of preparation and uses of such compositions are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 8/29 - Titanium; Compounds thereof
• A61Q 17/04 - Topical preparations for affording protection against sunlight or other radiation; Topical sun tanning preparations
• A61K 8/02 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by special physical form

Abstract

Disclosed are UV protective compositions comprising BLT crystals having the formula Bi(4-X)La(X)Ti(3-y)Fe(y)O12, wherein x is between 0.1 and 1.5; and wherein y is between 0 and 2. There are also disclosed compositions comprising nanoparticles of such BLT crystals, the nanoparticles being optionally dispersed in a polymer matrix. Methods of preparation and uses of such compositions are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 8/29 - Titanium; Compounds thereof
• A61Q 17/04 - Topical preparations for affording protection against sunlight or other radiation; Topical sun tanning preparations
• A61K 8/81 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing organic macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
• A61K 8/02 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by special physical form
• A61K 8/19 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing inorganic ingredients

Abstract

A metering device is disclosed for regulating the depth of flowable product coating a surface movable relative to the metering device by directing an air curtain towards the surface. The metering device comprises a body (10) having an interior chamber (12), an inlet for connecting the chamber to a source of gas under super-ambient pressure; and an opening (16) communicating with the chamber and having a mouth through which gas is discharged from the chamber towards the surface to form the air curtain. A porous or reticulated membrane (18) is secured to, or formed integrally with, the body of the device to lie in the path of the gas discharged through the mouth of the opening.

IPC Classes  ?

• B05C 11/06 - Apparatus for spreading or distributing liquids or other fluent materials already applied to a surface; Control of the thickness of a coating with a blast of gas or vapour
• D21H 25/16 - Rearranging applied substances, e.g. metering or smoothing; Removing excess material with a blast of vapour or gas, e.g. air knife
• F26B 21/00 - Arrangements for supplying or controlling air or gases for drying solid materials or objects

Abstract

Disclosed are UV-protective compositions comprising swelled polymer matrix macroparticles comprising a thermoplastic polymer swelled with at least one swelling agent, and a plurality of nanoparticles of an inorganic UV-protective agent comprising at least one solid inorganic crystal and a dispersant associated with the crystal, wherein the inorganic nanoparticles are dispersed and embedded in the swelled polymer matrix macroparticles. Method of preparation and uses of such compositions are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 8/29 - Titanium; Compounds thereof
• A61Q 17/04 - Topical preparations for affording protection against sunlight or other radiation; Topical sun tanning preparations
• A61K 8/81 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing organic macromolecular compounds obtained by reactions involving only carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds
• A61K 8/02 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by special physical form
• A61K 8/19 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing inorganic ingredients

Abstract

An imaging device is disclosed for projecting individually controllable laser beams onto an imaging surface that is movable relative thereto in a reference X-direction. The device includes a plurality of semiconductor chips each of which comprises a plurality of individually controllable laser beam emitting elements arranged in a two dimensional array of M rows and N columns. The elements in each row have a uniform spacing Ar and the elements in each column having a uniform spacing ac. The chips are mounted on a support in such a manner that each pair of chips that are adjacent one another in a reference Y-direction, transverse to the X-direction, are offset from one another in the X-direction, and, when activated continuously, the emitted laser beams of the two chips of said pair trace on the imaging surface a set of parallel lines that extend in the X-direction and are substantially uniformly spaced in the Y-direction. The chips are arranged in at least one pair of rows on the support, and the alignment of the chips within the pair(s) of rows is such that corresponding elements in any group of three adjacent chips in the X and Y-directions lie at the apices of congruent equilateral triangles, and the imaging device further comprises a plurality of lens systems each serving to focus the laser beams of all the laser elements of a respective one of the chips onto the imaging surface without altering the separation between the laser beams. Each lens system may comprise a single gradient index (GRIN) rod, or a plurality of GRIN rods arranged in series with one another.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/447 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using arrays of radiation sources
• B41J 2/45 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using arrays of radiation sources using light-emitting diode arrays
• B41J 2/455 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using arrays of radiation sources using laser arrays
• G03G 15/04 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for exposing, i.e. imagewise exposure by optically projecting the original image on a photoconductive recording material

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for coating selected regions of a surface of a substrate with a film. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a continuously moving transfer member having an imaging surface, b) coating the imaging surface of the transfer member with individual particles formed of, or coated with, a thermoplastic polymer, c) removing substantially all particles that are not in direct contact with the imaging surface to leave a uniform monolayer particle coating on the imaging surface, d) exposing selected regions of the coated imaging surface to radiation of sufficient power to render the particles tacky within the selected regions, e) pressing the coated imaging surface and the substrate surface against one another, either during or after irradiation, to cause transfer to the surface of the substrate of only the regions of the particle coating that have been rendered tacky, the tacky regions forming a film, and f) repeating steps b) and c) to apply a fresh monolayer coating of particles to the selected regions from which the previously applied monolayer coating was transferred to the substrate surface in step e), to leave the imaging surface again uniformly coated with a monolayer of particles.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/447 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using arrays of radiation sources
• B41J 2/45 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using arrays of radiation sources using light-emitting diode arrays
• B41J 2/455 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using arrays of radiation sources using laser arrays
• G03G 15/04 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for exposing, i.e. imagewise exposure by optically projecting the original image on a photoconductive recording material

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for coating a surface that is movable relative to the apparatus with a layer of thermoplastic particles, the particles adhering more strongly to the surface than to one another. The apparatus comprises at least one spray head 1401 for directly or indirectly applying to the surface 12 a fluid stream within which the particles are suspended, a housing 403 surrounding the spray head(s) 1401 and defining an interior plenum 1406 for confining the fluid stream, the housing having a rim 1404 adjacent the surface that is configured to prevent egress of particles from a sealing gap defined between the rim of the housing and the surface to be coated, and a suction source connected to the housing to extract from the plenum 10 the sprayed fluid and particles suspended in the sprayed fluid. In operation, the suction source extracts substantially all particles that are not in direct contact with the surface, so as to leave only a substantially single particle layer adhering to the surface on exiting the apparatus.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41F 19/00 - Apparatus or machines for carrying out printing operations combined with other operations
• B41M 5/00 - Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
• B05D 1/00 - Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials
• B05C 1/00 - Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is applied to the surface of the work by contact with a member carrying the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. a porous member loaded with a liquid to be applied as a coating

Abstract

A process is described for metallising a polymeric surface of an article. The process comprises applying to the polymeric surface a liquid carrier containing a suspension of metallic or metal-looking particles. The polymeric surface and the liquid carrier are such that the wetting angle between the liquid carrier and the polymeric surface is of substantially 90° or above and the particles and the polymeric surface are such that the particles have a greater affinity to the polymeric surface than to one another or to the liquid, so that particles suspended in the liquid migrate to the interface between the liquid and the polymeric surface to form a monolayer coating of particles on the polymeric surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• B44C 1/00 - Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
• B05D 5/06 - Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces to obtain special surface effects, finishes or structures to obtain multicolour or other optical effects

Abstract

An imaging device is described for projecting individually controllable laser beams onto an imaging surface that is movable relative to the device in a reference X-direction. The device includes a plurality of semiconductor chips each of which comprises a plurality of laser beam emitting elements arranged in a two dimensional main array of M rows and N columns. The elements in each row have a uniform spacing Ar and the elements in each column have a uniform spacing ac. The chips are mounted on a support in such a manner that each pair of chips that are adjacent one another in a reference Y-direction, transverse to the X- direction, are offset from one another in the X-direction, and, when activated continuously, the emitted laser beams of the two chips of said pair trace on the imaging surface a set of parallel lines that extend in the X-direction and are substantially uniformly spaced in the Y- direction. In addition to the M rows and N columns of elements of the main array, each chip comprises at least one additional column on each side of the main array, each column containing at least one selectively operable laser emitting element capable of compensating for any misalignment in the Y-direction in the relative positioning of the adjacent chips on the support.

IPC Classes  ?

• B41J 2/447 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using arrays of radiation sources
• B41J 2/45 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using arrays of radiation sources using light-emitting diode arrays
• B41J 2/455 - Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of radiation to a printing material or impression-transfer material using arrays of radiation sources using laser arrays
• G03G 15/04 - Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern for exposing, i.e. imagewise exposure by optically projecting the original image on a photoconductive recording material

Abstract

Disclosed are compositions comprising inorganic UV-absorbing agents and the use of such compositions, in particular for protecting a subject or the surface of an inanimate object against a harmful effect of ultraviolet radiation.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 8/27 - Zinc; Compounds thereof
• A61Q 17/04 - Topical preparations for affording protection against sunlight or other radiation; Topical sun tanning preparations
• A61K 8/19 - Cosmetics or similar toiletry preparations characterised by the composition containing inorganic ingredients
• C01G 29/00 - Compounds of bismuth
• C08K 3/22 - Oxides; Hydroxides of metals

Abstract

Particulated structures and their method of manufacture for use in an electrical generator employing gas-mediated charge transfer are disclosed. The structures comprise a multiplicity of particles which contain voids between first and second opposing surfaces of said particles. At least a portion of said opposing surfaces are modified such that the charge transferability of said first opposing surfaces differs from the charge transferability of said second opposing surfaces.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02N 3/00 - Generators in which thermal or kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy by ionisation of a fluid and removal of the charge therefrom
• H02N 11/00 - Generators or motors not provided for elsewhere; Alleged perpetua mobilia obtained by electric or magnetic means
• H01J 45/00 - Discharge tubes functioning as thermionic generators