General Electric Company

Dennis Allen Kopp

Robert Russell Gallucci

James Robert Wilson

Peter Joseph Codella

Martin John Lindway

Jenny Z Bu

Lynn Winston

Harry Van Baal

Chad Daniel Lehman

A molded article suitable for direct application of a reflective metal coating includes an amorphous thermoplastic or thermoplastic blend having a glass transition temperature greater than about 170&deg; C. and at least one thermally stable colorant that contributes to the article's dark appearance. The article has excellent dimensional stability, and the surface to which a metal coating can be applied exhibits low gloss. Application of a metal coating to the molded article produces a metalized surface with high total reflectivity, low diffuse reflectivity, and low haze. Compositions and methods for forming the article are described.

Dark colored thermoplastic compositions, articles molded therefrom, and article preparation methods

A countertop assembly kit is designed for ease of assembly with a resulting superior appearance at minimal cost while meeting all functional requirements. It comprises some combination of the following items. A rigid substrate having pre-formed grooves in its upper and front surfaces. An upright member includes an underlying rib for fitting engagement with the upper surface groove for firm mounting on the substrate and an upper longitudinally extending groove in its upper surface. A finishing T-cap member of plastic material has a planar head and an integral downwardly projecting ledge for fitting engagement with the upper groove so as to be engaged with and coextensively overlie the upper surface of the upright member. A plastic backsplash member coextensively overlies the front surface of the upright member. A plastic countertop coextensively overlies the upper surface of the substrate while allowing for mounting of the upright member. Finally, an edge profile includes an upright bight engaged with the front surface of the substrate, an upper flange engaged with the open sided channel of the countertop, an intermediate flange engaged with the front longitudinally extending groove of the substrate, and a lower flange engaged with the lower surface of the substrate. The plastic members are laminated; co-extruded or tri-extruded of materials chosen for optimal surfacing characteristics yet at minimal expense and mutually abut for sealing continuity.

Countertop kit

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Pittsfield, MA, United States of America

Dennis Allen Kopp