Author: claimsbot

1. A computer docking station for supporting and electrically coupling to a portable computer that includes a docking connector, the computer docking station comprising:
a body including a support portion configured to support the portable computer;
a main connector moveable relative to the body between an engaged position in which the main connector is engageable with the docking connector, and a disengaged position;
a frame coupled to the body and the main connector, the frame movable relative to the body between a first position, in which the main connector is in the disengaged position, and a second position, in which the main connector is in the engaged position; and
a handle coupled to the frame, wherein the handle is operable to move the frame from the first position to the second position;
a first biasing member coupled between the body and the frame, wherein the first biasing member biases the frame toward the first position; and
a second biasing member coupled between the handle and the frame, wherein the second biasing member biases the frame toward the second position to inhibit movement of the main connector away from the engaged position.
2. The computer docking station of claim 1, wherein the first biasing member is stiffer than the second biasing member.
3. The computer docking station of claim 1, wherein the frame slides generally linearly relative to the body between the first and second positions, and wherein the handle slides generally linearly relative to the body to move the frame between the first and second positions.
4. The computer docking station of claim 3, wherein the body includes a back portion extending upwardly from the support portion and at least partially defining an opening through which the main connector extends when in the engaged position, wherein the support portion defines a front surface located substantially opposite the back portion, and wherein the frame and the handle slide toward the front surface as the frame moves from the first position to the second position.
5. The computer docking station of claim 4, wherein the body defines an outer surface, wherein the handle is recessed relative to the outer surface when the frame is in the first position and the handle is substantially flush with the outer surface when the frame is in the second position.
6. The computer docking station of claim 1, further comprising a latching mechanism coupled to the body, wherein a portion of the latching mechanism engages the handle upon movement of the frame to the second position to releasably hold the frame in the second position.
7. The computer docking station of claim 1, wherein the frame is slidably coupled to the body, wherein the handle is slidably coupled to the frame, and wherein the frame carries the handle.
8. The computer docking station of claim 1, further comprising an interlock having a first end portion coupled to the body and a second end portion substantially opposite the first end portion and movable relative to the body, wherein the second end portion engages the frame to inhibit movement of the frame from the first position to the second position, and wherein the second end portion is moved out of engagement with the frame when the portable computer is positioned on the support surface.
9. The computer docking station of claim 8, wherein the interlock includes a leaf spring and a projection that extends through an opening in the support portion, and the frame includes an interlock cutout, wherein the second end portion is moveable into and out of engagement with the interlock cutout in response to movement of the projection through the opening, and wherein the second end portion is biased into engagement with the interlock cutout.
10. The computer docking station of claim 1, wherein the support portion defines a front surface and movement of the handle towards the front surface applies a biasing force to the main connector tending to resist movement of the main connector away from the engaged position.
11. A computer docking station for supporting and electrically coupling to a portable computer, the computer docking station comprising:
a body including a support portion configured to support the portable computer;
a main connector moveable with respect to the body between an engaged position in which at least a portion of the main connector is positioned above the support portion, and a disengaged position;
a frame coupled to the body and the main connector, the frame movable generally linearly relative to the body between a first position, in which the main connector is in the disengaged position, and a second position, in which the main connector is in the engaged position, the frame defining a notch formed along an edge of the frame;
a handle coupled to the frame, wherein the handle is operable to move the frame between the first position and the second position;
a first biasing member coupled between the frame and the handle, the first biasing member biasing the frame toward the handle and resisting movement of the main connector away from the engaged position when the frame is in the second position;
a second biasing member coupled between the body and the frame, the second biasing member biasing the frame toward the first position, the first biasing member being stiffer than the second biasing member; and
an interlock including
a first end portion coupled to the body,
a second end portion substantially opposite the first end portion and movable relative to the body, the second end portion fitting within the notch in the frame to inhibit movement of the frame from the first position to the second position, and
a projection extending through the support portion of the body, the projection configured to be actuated by the portable computer when the portable computer is positioned on the support portion to move the second end portion out of the notch in the frame.
12. The computer docking station of claim 11, wherein the body includes a back portion extending upwardly from the support portion and at least partially defining an opening, wherein the support portion defines a front surface located substantially opposite the back portion, and wherein the frame and the handle slide toward the front surface as the frame moves from the first position to the second position.
13. The computer docking station of claim 11, wherein the body defines an outer surface and the handle is recessed relative to the outer surface when the frame is in the first position and the handle is substantially flush with the outer surface when the frame is in the third position.
14. The computer docking station of claim 11, wherein the interlock further includes
a leaf spring having the first end portion and the second end portion, the leaf spring biasing the second end portion into the notch in the frame, and
a fastener coupling the first end portion of the leaf spring to the body.
15. The computer docking station of claim 11, further comprising a latching mechanism coupled to the body, wherein a portion of the latching mechanism engages the handle upon movement of the frame to the second position to releasably hold the frame in the second position.
16. The computer docking station of claim 15, wherein the latching mechanism is releasable and wherein upon release of the latching mechanism the first biasing member and the second biasing member cooperate to move the frame relative to the body from the second position to the first position, and the second biasing member moves the frame relative to the body from the second position to the first position.
17. The computer docking station of claim 11, wherein movement of the frame and from the first position to the second position using the handle overcomes a bias of the second and first biasing members.
18. A computer docking station for supporting and electrically coupling to a portable computer that includes a docking connector, the computer docking station comprising:
a body including a support portion configured to support the portable computer;
a main connector moveable relative to the body between an engaged position in which the main connector is engageable with the docking connector, and a disengaged position;
a frame coupled to the body and the main connector, the frame movable relative to the body between a first position, in which the main connector is in the disengaged position, and a second position, in which the main connector is in the engaged position; and
a handle coupled to the frame, wherein the handle is operable to move the frame from the first position to the second position and is movable to a third position relative to the frame after the frame has moved to the second position and the main connector is in the engaged position to inhibit movement of the main connector away from the engaged position.
19. The computer docking station of claim 18 further comprising a first biasing member coupled between the handle and the frame, wherein when the handle is in the third position the first biasing member biases the frame toward the second position to inhibit movement of the main connector away from the engaged position.
20. The computer docking station of claim 19 further comprising a second biasing member coupled between the body and the frame, wherein the second biasing member biases the frame toward the first position.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A surgical system for opening the lens capsule in an eye, the surgical system comprising:
an application instrument which can be introduced into the anterior chamber of the eye through an incision in at least one of the cornea and sclera;
said application instrument including a contact body configured to be placeable upon the anterior capsular wall of the lens capsule of the eye;
said contact body and the anterior capsular wall conjointly defining an interface whereat a contact zone of the anterior capsular wall touches said contact body; and,
a light source configured for providing light to said contact body to generate heat in said contact zone to apply thermal energy to coagulate the biological tissue in said contact zone.
2. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein said contact body is made of a material which at least partially absorbs said light of said light source.
3. The surgical system of claim 2, wherein said material is stained with a dye.
4. The surgical system of claim 3, wherein said dye is selected from a group including trypan blue or indocyanine green (ICG).
5. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein said contact body is configured to have an annular shape.
6. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein said application instrument includes a cover skin fixed to said contact body; said cover skin is configured to at least partially cover the pupil of the eye and said cover skin has a surface reflecting andor scattering the light of said light source.
7. The surgical system of claim 6, wherein said cover skin is flexible.
8. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein said contact body is made of a material at least partly conducting said light.
9. The surgical system of claim 8, wherein said contact body is configured as a segment of a light conductor extending in the form of a loop.
10. The surgical system of claim 9, wherein said segment of said light conductor has a mirrored surface and has a side placeable upon the anterior capsular wall; and, said side has a light outlet configured to have a slit-like shape.
11. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein said contact body is flexible.
12. The surgical system of claim 1, wherein said light source is a laser or a thermal radiator.
13. The surgical system of claim 12, wherein said thermal radiator is a xenon lamp.
14. The surgical system of claim 12, further comprising:
a surgical microscope for viewing an object region;
said light source being configured to illuminate said object region; and,
a device for metering a fluid medium into the eye.
15. The surgical system of claim 14, wherein said fluid medium is at least one of the following: viscoelastikum, dye and air.
16. The surgical system of claim 12, further comprising:
a surgical microscope for viewing an object region; and,
said light source being configured to illuminate said object region.
17. The surgical system of claim 12, further comprising:
a surgical microscope for viewing an object region; and,
a device for metering a fluid medium into the eye.
18. The surgical system of claim 17, wherein said fluid medium is at least one of the following: viscoelastikum, dye and air.
19. A method for preparing an opening of the lens capsule in an eye, the method comprising the steps of:
providing an application instrument having a contact body placeable on the anterior capsular wall of the lens capsule of the eye;
providing a light source for applying light to the contact body;
placing the contact body on the anterior capsular wall;
applying light to the contact body; and,
at least partly absorbing the light from the light source applied to the contact body in a dye.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of staining the capsular wall with the dye.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of generating an air bubble formed ahead of the capsular wall, in which air bubble the contact body is arranged while releasing light entering into the capsular wall.

What is claimed is:

1. A method for creating an embossed imaged pre-press proof comprising:
a. creating a imaged pre-press proof comprising an image formed thereon;
b. creating an embossing sheet comprising an embossing impression formed thereon;
c. embossing at least one side of the imaged pre-press proof by overlaying and laminating said imaged pre-press proof with the embossing sheet; and
d. removing the embossing sheet forming an embossed imaged pre-press proof.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said embossing sheet comprises a member of the group: chop, speckles, dots, crosses and combinations thereof.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the imaged pre-press proof comprises a monochrome image.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the imaged pre-press proof comprises a multi-colored image.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the image is an ink jet generated image.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the image is a laser generated image.
7. An embossed imaged pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1000 dpi and about 4000 dpi formed by the method of claim 1.
8. An embossed imaged pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1200 dpi and about 3600 dpi formed by the method of claim 1.
9. A method for creating a dual embossed imaged pre-press proof comprising:
a. creating an imaged pre-press proof with a first side and a second side and an image formed on at least one of said sides;
b. creating a first embossing sheet by forming a first embossing impression thereon, and creating a second embossing sheet by forming a second embossing impression thereof;
c. disposing the first embossing sheet on the first side of the imaged pre-press proof and the second embossing sheet on the second side of the imaged pre-press proof and laminating said imaged pre-press proof with the first and second embossing sheets; and
d. removing the first and second embossing sheets forming a dual embossed imaged pre-press proof.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first and the second embossing impressions are identical.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein at least one of said embossing sheets comprises a member of the group consisting of: chop, speckle, dots, crosses and combinations thereof.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the imaged pre-press proof comprises a monochrome image.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein the imaged pre-press proof comprises a multi-colored image.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the image is an ink jet generated image.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the image is a laser generated image.
16. A dual embossed imaged pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1000 dpi and about 4000 dpi formed by the method of claim 9.
17. A dual embossed imaged pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1200 dpi and about 3600 dpi formed by the method of claim 9.
18. A method for creating a reinforced embossed imaged pre-press proof comprising:
a. creating an imaged pre-press proof comprising an image formed on a first side;
b. overlaying and laminating a plastic cover sheet on said imaged pre-press proof forming an overlaid imaged pre-press proof;
c. forming an embossing sheet comprising an embossed impression thereon;
d. overlaying and laminating the embossing sheet on said overlaid imaged pre-press proof; and
e. removing the embossing sheet forming a reinforced embossed imaged pre-press proof.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said embossing sheet comprises a member of the group consisting of chop, speckle, dots, crosses and combinations thereof.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the imaged pre-press proof comprises a monochrome image.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein the imaged pre-press proof comprises a multi-colored image.
22. The method of claim 18, wherein the image is an ink jet generated image.
23. The method of claim 18, wherein the image is a laser generated image.
24. The method of claim 18, wherein the imaged pre-press proof is a dual sided pre-press proof.
25. A reinforced embossed imaged pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1000 dpi and about 4000 dpi formed by the method of claim 18.
26. A reinforced embossed imaged pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1200 dpi and about 3600 dpi formed by the method of claim 18.
27. A method for creating a reinforced dual embossed imaged pre-press proof comprising:
a. creating an imaged pre-press proof comprising an image formed thereon;
b. overlaying and laminating said imaged pre-press proof with a plastic cover sheeting forming and overlaid imaged pre-press proof having a first side and a second side;
c. creating a first embossing sheet by forming a first embossing impression thereon, and creating a second embossing sheet by forming a second embossing impression thereof;
d. disposing the first embossing sheet on the first side of the overlaid imaged pre-press proof and the second embossing sheet on the second side of the overlaid imaged pre-press proof and laminating said overlaid imaged pre-press proof with the first and second embossing sheets; and
e. removing the first and second embossing sheets forming a reinforced dual embossed imaged pre-press proof.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the first and the second embossing impressions are identical.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein at least one of said embossing sheets comprises a member of the group consisting of: chop, speckle, dots, crosses and combinations thereof.
30. The method of claim 27, wherein the imaged pre-press proof comprises a monochrome image.
31. The method of claim 27, wherein the imaged pre-press proof comprises a multi-colored image.
32. The method of claim 27, wherein the image is an ink jet generated image.
33. The method of claim 27, wherein the image is a laser generated image.
34. A reinforced dual embossed imaged pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1000 dpi and about 4000 dpi formed by the method of claim 27.
35. A reinforced dual embossed imaged pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1200 dpi and about 3600 dpi formed by the method of claim 27.
36. A method for creating an embossed glossy pre-press proof comprising:
a. creating a imaged receiver sheet comprising: a support layer and a print layer comprising an image;
b. laminating said imaged receiver sheet to a sheet of receiver stock;
c. removing said support layer creating a pre-press proof,
d. overlaying and laminating said pre-press proof with a glossing sheet;
e. removing said glossing sheet forming a glossy pre-press proof;
f. creating an embossing sheet comprising an embossing impression formed thereon;
g. embossing at least one side of the glossy pre-press proof by overlaying and laminating said glossy pre-press proof with the embossing sheet; and
h. removing the embossing sheet forming an embossed glossy pre-press proof.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein said embossing sheet comprises a member of the group: chop, speckles, dots, crosses and combinations thereof.
38. The method of claim 36, wherein the image comprises a monochrome image.
39. The method of claim 36, wherein the image comprises a multi-colored image.
40. The method of claim 36, wherein the image is an ink jet generated image.
41. The method of claim 36, wherein the image is a laser generated image.
42. An embossed glossy pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1000 dpi and about 4000 dpi formed by the method of claim 36.
43. An embossed glossy pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1200 dpi and about 3600 dpi formed by the method of claim 36.
44. A method for creating a dual embossed glossy pre-press proof comprising:
a. creating a imaged receiver sheet comprising: a support layer and a print layer comprising an image;
b. laminating said imaged receiver sheet to a sheet of receiver stock;
c. removing said support layer creating a pre-press proof;
d. overlaying and laminating said pre-press proof with a glossing sheet;
e. removing said glossing sheet forming a glossy pre-press proof having a first side and a second side;
f. creating a first embossing sheet by forming a first embossing impression thereon, and creating a second embossing sheet by forming a second embossing impression thereof;
g. disposing the first embossing sheet on the first side of the glossy pre-press proof and the second embossing sheet on the second side of the glossy pre-press proof and laminating said overlaid imaged pre-press proof with the first and second embossing sheets; and
h. removing the first and second embossing sheets forming a dual embossed glossy pre-press proof.
45. The method of claim 44, wherein the first and the second embossing impressions are identical.
46. The method of claim 44, wherein at least one of said embossing sheets comprises a member of the group consisting of: chop, speckle, dots, crosses and combinations thereof.
47. The method of claim 44, wherein the imaged receiver sheet comprises a monochrome image.
48. The method of claim 44, wherein the imaged receiver sheet comprises a multi-colored image.
49. The method of claim 44, wherein the image is an ink jet generated image.
50. The method of claim 44, wherein the image is a laser generated image.
51. A dual embossed glossy pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1000 dpi and about 4000 dpi formed by the method of claim 44.
52. A dual embossed glossy pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1200 dpi and about 3600 dpi formed by the method of claim 44.
53. A method for creating an embossed pre-press proof comprising:
a. laminating a pre-laminate sheet consisting of a first print layer and a first support layer to a receiver stock;
b. removing the first support layer forming a prelaminated receiver stock;
c. creating a imaged receiver sheet comprising: a second support layer and a second print layer comprising an image;
d. laminating said imaged receiver sheet to said prelaminated receiver stock;
e. removing said second support layer creating a prelaminated pre-press proof;
f. overlaying and laminating a glossing sheet to said prelaminated pre-press proof;
g. removing said glossing sheet forming a prelaminated glossy pre-press proof;
h. creating an embossing sheet comprising an embossing impression formed thereon;
i. embossing at least one side of the prelaminated glossy pre-press proof by overlaying and laminating said prelaminated glossy pre-press proof with the embossing sheet; and
j. removing the embossing sheet forming an embossed glossy pre-press proof.
54. The method of claim 53, wherein said embossing sheet comprises a member of the group: chop, speckles, dots, crosses and combinations thereof.
55. The method of claim 53, wherein the image comprises a monochrome image.
56. The method of claim 53, wherein the image comprises a multi-colored image.
57. The method of claim 53, wherein the image is an ink jet generated image.
58. The method of claim 53, wherein the image is a laser generated image.
59. An embossed sided glossy pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1000 dpi and about 4000 dpi formed by the method of claim 52.
60. An embossed glossy pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1200 dpi and about 3600 dpi formed by the method of claim 52.
61. A method for creating a dual embossed glossy pre-press proof comprising:
a. laminating a pre-laminate sheet consisting of a first print layer and a first support layer to a receiver stock;
b. removing the first support layer forming a prelaminated receiver stock;
c. creating a imaged receiver sheet comprising: a second support layer and a second print layer comprising an image;
d. laminating said imaged receiver sheet to said prelaminated receiver stock;
e. removing said second support layer creating a prelaminated pre-press proof;
f. overlaying and laminating a glossing sheet to said prelaminated pre-press proof;
g. removing said glossing sheet forming a prelaminated glossy pre-press proof having a first side and a second side;
h. creating a first embossing sheet by forming a first embossing impression thereon, and creating a second embossing sheet by forming a second embossing impression thereof;
i. disposing the first embossing sheet on the first side of the prelaminated glossy pre-press proof and the second embossing sheet on the second side of the prelaminated glossy pre-press proof and laminating said prelaminated pre-press proof with the first and second embossing sheets; and
j. removing the first and second embossing sheets forming a dual embossed glossy pre-press proof.
62. The method of claim 61, wherein the first and the second embossing impressions are identical.
63. The method of claim 61, wherein at least one of said embossing sheets comprises a member of the group consisting of: chop, speckle, dots, crosses and combinations thereof.
64. The method of claim 61, wherein the image comprises a monochrome image.
65. The method of claim 61, wherein the image comprises a multi-colored image.
66. The method of claim 61, wherein the image is an ink jet generated image.
67. The method of claim 61, wherein the image is a laser generated image.
68. A dual embossed glossy pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1000 dpi and about 4000 dpi formed by the method of claim 61.
69. A dual embossed glossy pre-press proof with a resolution of between 1200 dpi and about 3600 dpi formed by the method of claim 61.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

What is claimed is:

1. A process of depositing a multi layer coating on at least a portion of an article surface comprising:
depositing by electroplating at least one electroplated layer on at least a portion of said article to form an electroplated article;
subjecting said article having said at least one electroplated layer to pulse blow drying to dry said article and remove any liquid spots therefrom; and
depositing by physical vapor deposition at least one layer on at least a portion of said electroplated layer.
2. The process of claim 1 wherein said electroplating comprises electroplating at least one layer selected from copper, nickel and chrome on at least a portion of said article surface.
3. The process of claim 2 wherein at least one layer selected from refractory metal, refractory metal alloy, refractory metal compound, and refractory metal alloy compound is vapor deposited on at least a portion of said at least one electroplated layer.
4. The process of claim 3 wherein said refractory metal and refractory metal alloy is selected from zirconium, titanium and zirconium-titanium alloy.
5. The process of claim 4 wherein said refractory metal and refractory metal alloy is selected from zirconium and zirconium-titanium alloy.
6. The process of claim 3 wherein said refractory metal compound and refractory metal alloy compound is selected from nitrides, carbides, carbonitrides, oxides and reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, oxygen and nitrogen.
7. The process of claim 6 wherein said refractory metal compound and refractory metal alloy compound is selected from nitrides, oxides and reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, oxygen and nitrogen.
8. The process of claim 7 wherein said refractory metal compound and refractory metal alloy compound is selected from zirconium nitride, zirconium oxide, reaction products of zirconium, oxygen and nitrogen, titanium nitride, titanium oxide, reaction products of titanium, oxygen and nitrogen, zirconium-titanium alloy nitride, zirconium-titanium alloy oxide, and reaction products of zirconium-titanium alloy, oxygen and nitrogen.
9. The process of claim 8 wherein said refractory metal compound and refractory metal alloy compound is selected from zirconium oxide, zirconium nitride, reaction products of zirconium, oxygen and nitrogen, zirconium-titanium alloy nitride, zirconium-titanium alloy oxide, and reaction products of zirconium-titanium alloy, oxygen and nitrogen.
10. The process of claim 7 wherein said electroplating comprises electroplating at least one layer comprised of copper on at least a portion of the surface of said article to provide at least one electroplated copper layer, electroplating at least layer comprised of nickel on said at least one electroplated copper layer to provide at least one electroplated nickel layer, and electroplating at least one layer comprised of chrome in said at least one electroplated nickel layer to provide at least one electroplated chrome layer.
11. The process of claim 10 wherein at least one layer selected from refractory metal and refractory metal alloy is vapor deposited on at least a portion of said electroplated chrome layer.
12. The process of claim 11 wherein said refractory metal and refractory metal alloy is selected from zirconium, titanium and zirconium-titanium alloy.
13. The process of claim 12 wherein said refractory metal and refractory metal alloy is selected from zirconium and zirconium-titanium alloy.
14. The process of claim 13 wherein a sandwich coating comprised of alternating layers of zirconium or zirconium-titanium alloy and zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride is vapor deposited over said zirconium or zirconium-titanium alloy layer.
15. The process of claim 14 wherein a zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride layer is vapor deposited over said sandwich layer.
16. The process of claim 15 wherein a zirconium oxide or zirconium-titanium oxide layer is vapor deposited over said zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride layer.
17. The process of claim 15 wherein a layer comprised of the reaction products of zirconium or zirconium-titanium alloy, oxygen and nitrogen is vapor deposited over said zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride layer.
18. The process of claim 13 wherein a layer comprised of zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride is vapor deposited over said zirconium or zirconium-titanium alloy layer.
19. The process of claim 18 wherein a layer comprised of zirconium oxide or zirconium-titanium alloy oxide is vapor deposited over said zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium nitride alloy layer.
20. The process of claim 18 wherein a layer comprised of the reaction products of zirconium or zirconium-titanium alloy layer, oxygen and nitrogen is vapor deposited over said zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride layer.
21. The process of claim 1 wherein said electroplating comprises electroplating at least one layer selected from nickel and chrome on at least a portion of said article surface.
22. The process of claim 21 wherein at least one layer selected from refractory metal, refractory metal alloy, refractory metal compound, and refractory metal alloy compound is vapor deposited on at least a portion of said at least one electroplated layer.
23. The process of claim 22 wherein said refractory metal and refractory metal alloy is selected from zirconium, titanium and zirconium-titanium alloy.
24. The process of claim 23 wherein said refractory metal and refractory metal alloy is selected from zirconium and zirconium-titanium alloy.
25. The process of claim 22 wherein said refractory metal compound and refractory metal alloy compound is selected from nitrides, carbides, carbonitrides, oxides and reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, oxygen and nitrogen.
26. The process of claim 25 wherein said refractory metal compound and refractory metal alloy compound is selected from nitrides, oxides and reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, oxygen and nitrogen.
27. The process of claim 26 wherein said refractory metal compound and refractory metal alloy compound is selected from zirconium nitride, zirconium oxide, reaction products of zirconium, oxygen and nitrogen, titanium nitride, titanium oxide, reaction products of titanium, oxygen and nitrogen, zirconium-titanium alloy nitride, zirconium-titanium alloy oxide, and reaction products of zirconium-titanium alloy, oxygen and nitrogen.
28. The process of claim 27 wherein said refractory metal compound and refractory metal alloy compound is selected from zirconium oxide, zirconium nitride, reaction products of zirconium, oxygen and nitrogen, zirconium-titanium alloy nitride, zirconium-titanium alloy oxide, and reaction products of zirconium-titanium alloy, oxygen and nitrogen.
29. The process of claim 26 wherein said electroplating comprises electroplating at least one layer comprised of nickel on at least a portion of the surface of said article to provide at least one electroplated nickel layer, and electroplating at least one layer comprised of chrome on said at least one electroplated nickel layer to provide at least one electroplated chrome layer.
30. The process of claim 29 wherein at least one layer selected from refractory metal and refractory metal alloy is vapor deposited on at least a portion of said electroplated chrome layer.
31. The process of claim 30 wherein said refractory metal and refractory metal alloy is selected from zirconium, titanium and zirconium-titanium alloy.
32. The process of claim 31 wherein said refractory metal and refractory metal alloy is selected from zirconium and zirconium-titanium alloy.
33. The process of claim 32 wherein a sandwich coating comprised of alternating layers of zirconium or zirconium-titanium alloy and zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride is vapor deposited over said zirconium or zirconium-titanium alloy layer.
34. The process of claim 33 wherein a zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride layer is vapor deposited over said sandwich layer.
35. The process of claim 34 wherein a zirconium oxide or zirconium-titanium oxide layer is vapor deposited over said zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride layer.
36. The process of claim 34 wherein a layer comprised of the reaction products of zirconium or zirconium-titanium alloy, oxygen and nitrogen is vapor deposited over said zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride layer.
37. The process of claim 32 wherein a layer comprised of zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride is vapor deposited over said zirconium or zirconium-titanium alloy layer.
38. The process of claim 37 wherein a layer comprised of zirconium oxide or zirconium-titanium alloy oxide is vapor deposited over said zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium nitride alloy layer.
39. The process of claim 37 wherein a layer comprised of the reaction products of zirconium or zirconium-titanium alloy layer, oxygen and nitrogen is vapor deposited over said zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride layer.
38. The process of claim 1 wherein at least one layer selected from refractory metal, refractory metal alloy, refractory metal compound, and refractory metal alloy compound is vapor deposited on at least a portion of said at least one electroplated layer.
39. The process of claim 38 wherein said refractory metal and refractory metal alloy is selected from zirconium, titanium and zirconium-titanium alloy.
40. The process of claim 39 wherein said refractory metal and refractory metal alloy is selected from zirconium and zirconium-titanium alloy.
41. The process of claim 38 wherein said refractory metal compound and refractory metal alloy compound is selected from nitrides, carbides, carbonitrides, oxides and reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, oxygen and nitrogen.
42. The process of claim 41 wherein said refractory metal compound and refractory metal alloy compound is selected from nitride, oxides and reaction products of refractory metal or refractory metal alloy, oxygen and nitrogen.
43. The process of claim 42 wherein said refractory metal compound and refractory metal alloy compound is selected from zirconium nitride, zirconium oxide, reaction products of zirconium, oxygen and nitrogen, titanium nitride, titanium oxide, reaction products of titanium, oxygen and nitrogen, zirconium-titanium alloy nitride, zirconium-titanium alloy oxide, and reaction products of zirconium-titanium alloy, oxygen and nitrogen.
44. The process of claim 43 wherein said refractory metal compound and refractory metal alloy compound is selected from zirconium oxide, zirconium nitride, reaction products of zirconium, oxygen and nitrogen, zirconium-titanium alloy nitride, zirconium-titanium alloy oxide, and reaction products of zirconium-titanium alloy, oxygen and nitrogen.
45. The process of claim 1 wherein at least one layer selected from refractory metal and refractory metal alloy is vapor deposited on at least a portion of said electroplated article.
46. The process of claim 45 wherein said refractory metal and refractory metal alloy is selected from zirconium, titanium and zirconium-titanium alloy.
47. The process of claim 46 wherein said refractory metal and refractory metal alloy is selected from zirconium and zirconium-titanium alloy.
48. The process of claim 47 wherein a sandwich coating comprised of alternating layers of zirconium or zirconium-titanium alloy and zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride is vapor deposited over said zirconium or zirconium-titanium alloy layer.
49. The process of claim 48 wherein a zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride layer is vapor deposited over said sandwich layer.
50. The process of claim 49 wherein a zirconium oxide or zirconium-titanium oxide layer is vapor deposited over said zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride layer.
51. The process of claim 49 wherein a layer comprised of the overreaction products of zirconium or zirconium-titanium alloy, oxygen and nitrogen is vapor deposited over said zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride layer.
52. The process of claim 47 wherein a layer comprised of zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride is vapor deposited over said zirconium or zirconium-titanium alloy layer.
53. The process of claim 52 wherein a layer comprised of zirconium oxide or zirconium-titanium alloy oxide is vapor deposited over said zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium nitride alloy layer.
54. The process of claim 52 wherein a layer comprised of the reaction products of zirconium or zirconium-titanium alloy layer, oxygen and nitrogen is vapor deposited over said zirconium nitride or zirconium-titanium alloy nitride layer.
55. The process of claim 1 wherein said article is comprised of metal or a metal alloy.
56. The process of claim 55 wherein said article is comprised of brass.
57. The process of claim 55 wherein said article is comprised of zinc.
58. The process of claim 1 wherein said article is comprised of plastic.
59. The process of claim 1 wherein said article is a faucet.
60. The process of claim 1 wherein said article is door lock hardware.
61. The process of claim 1 wherein said article is a lamp.