Abstract: A system and method for photo-grafting a coating polymer onto the surface of a medical device are provided. The system comprises a plurality of stations including a novel grafting station. The system and method of the invention are both time- and resource-efficient. The system includes several stations, each station including a dipping tank. The system allows for the automated, semi-automated, or manual dipping of medical devices into the dipping tanks in a specified order, as desired, wherein at least one of the stations is a grafting station for photo-grafting the coating polymer onto the surface of the medical device. The system is modular, which allows for modification of the process as required, depending on the needs of the user. The system may comprise stations for incorporating an antimicrobial agent into the coating, and/or for rendering the coating lubricious.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for controlling the depth of a layer of a layer of adhesive on a peripheral surface of a rotary member (e.g., a wheel) for the application of the adhesive to an object. The apparatus comprises a heated reservoir containing a supply of hot melt adhesive maintained within a desired temperature range, where the rotary member is partially immersed in the adhesive and is rotated by a motor such that the as the rotary member is rotated up out of the peripheral surface of the rotary member has the layer of adhesive thereon. A computer controls system controls the motor such that the speed of the rotary member may be increased or decreased so as to vary the depth of the adhesive on the peripheral surface of the rotary member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for continuous coating with a rotational die in which coating materials flow in a radial direction. The linear speed of a substrate in need of coating is identical to the tangential speed of the surface of the rotational die so that the coating material, which flows in a radial direction of the rotational die, flows onto the substrate perpendicularly. Therefore, the ingredients of coating materials overlap one another (or stand vertically as a layer), and the vertical sequence of the coating material is ensured. This method and apparatus can be used to make organic electronic devices, organic light-emitting diodes and organic photovoltaic devices. Particularly, this method and apparatus can be used in bulk-hetero-junction of mixed coating of P-type and N-type semiconductors.

Abstract: A plating jig can perform the processing of plating wherein a thickness of a plating film formed on each object to be plated becomes even when a plurality of objects to be plated are plated at a time. The plating jig is horizontally disposed, immersed in plating solution, and rotated about a rotational axis. The plating jig includes a plurality of supporting rods and a pair of end plates which support both ends of the supporting rods. The supporting rods are disposed on the circumference of the end plates. A plurality of notches are formed on the supporting rod at regular intervals along the rotational axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for single-sided bilayer formation includes a first fluid chamber including a sidewall and a second fluid chamber extending through the sidewall. A barrier wall separates the first and second fluid chambers and includes a nanopore therein across which a planar lipid bilayer (PLB) is formed. In use, an electrolyte is added to the first and second fluid chambers and a lipid/organic solvent mixture is added to the first fluid chamber to form a lipid/organic solvent layer. The electrolyte level within the first fluid chamber is adjusted such that the lipid layer is raised above the barrier wall and a PLB is formed. Electrolyte levels may be adjusted manually or utilizing a fluid level regulator with or without feedback control. Optionally, the apparatus may be in the form of a nanopore array. The apparatus may be incorporated into an ion channel sensing system.

Abstract: A spreading head particularly for spreading one or more adhesives or mixtures of adhesives, of the hot-melt or cold type, comprising a body which has two or more ducts, which are all separate or of which two or more converge, each duct being connected to one or more feed channels for conveying the one or more adhesives or mixtures of adhesives to one or more extrusion chambers formed on the upper surface of the body; an abutment element for the one or more adhesives or mixtures of adhesives which exit from the one or more mixing chambers is associable in an upper region with the body.

Abstract: A dispensing container apparatus having a tubular container with a bottom end and a rotatable annular upper end connected to a tubular shaft, and a compression member associated with the tubular shaft which causes a material disposed within the containment region to communicate into the tubular shaft or into a containing area upon rotation of the rotatable annular upper end. A brush applicator removably fits into an open end of the tubular shaft for receiving paste to be dispensed via brush application. Also, the container apparatus includes a top member having paste-access holes sized and adapted to closely receive different threaded shaft sizes of fasteners. In one form, the top member is partially rotatable for closing the holes, and then further rotatable for moving the piston (and hence paste) within the container.

Abstract: A feeding mold including a runner and a gate structure is provided. The runner is adapted to be filled with a liquid-like material. The gate structure includes a storage cavity, a running passage and a filling cavity. The storage cavity communicates with the runner and is adapted to store the liquid-like material filled by the runner. The running passage communicates with the storage cavity. The running passage is adapted to carry the liquid-like material from the storage cavity so as to evenly distribute the liquid-like material. The running passage has a protruding buffering cavity which is located between the storage cavity and the filling cavity and is adapted to change the velocity of the liquid-like material in the running passage, and lower the temperature of the liquid-like material flowed onto a surface of a workpiece.

Abstract: A device for guiding a strip through a liquid contained in a tank, includes an immersed diverting roller, in particular a roller immersed in a bath of liquid metal such as zinc, mounted rotatably about an axis on two aligned supporting shafts extending through two respective side walls of the tank, and each rotating in a centering bearing positioned outside of the tank. Each bearing of one shaft of the roller includes two rotary supporting members mounted in a fixed housing and spaced apart from each other, namely an outer supporting member and an inner supporting member. The housing of the bearing is held against a support plane formed on the wall and perpendicular to the axis of a hole through which the shaft passes. The wall has measures for centering the housing on the axis.

Abstract: An example fuel cell electrode forming method includes covering at least a portion of a copper monolayer with a liquid platinum and replacing the copper monolayer to form a platinum monolayer from the liquid platinum.

Abstract: A line for the dip coating of objects operates with a known conveyor system. In order to avoid a collision between the objects and the hard structure adjoining the movement path, a position transducer measuring the absolute value is provided for each possible degree of freedom of movement of the object fixed to the holding frame. The course of a first boundary surface or a boundary line, which reproduces the course of the hard structures along the movement path of the object, is stored in a memory. Also stored is the course of a second boundary surface or boundary line, which runs at a distance from the first boundary surface or boundary line. Finally, the course of a contour which represents the course of the object fixed to the holding frame is also stored.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved sputtering systems. In one embodiment of the present invention, a deposition system for use with a substrate, the system comprising a solution deposition apparatus; at heating chamber; and at least assembly for holding solution over the substrate to allow for a depth of at least about 0.5 microns to 10 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for thoroughly soaking wood for use in the grilling or preparation of food. The apparatus being capable of accepting and soaking wood in the form of wood planks, wood chunks, or wood chips. The apparatus in a form of a tank which holds the cooking wood plank in liquid for any amount of time, ensuring that the plank absorbs the liquid evenly and for a long enough period for proper cooking. Other items can be added to the liquid while soaking, such as seasonings, sauces, or other wood types. These flavors will meld with the liquid in the tank and evenly distribute the flavor to the cooking plank.

Abstract: A head for dispensing a thin film over a substrate is disclosed. The head includes a body assembly that extends between a first and a second end that is at least a width of the substrate. The body includes a main bore that is defined between the first and the second ends, the main bore connected to an upper side of a reservoir through a plurality of feeds that are defined between the main bore and the reservoir. The body also includes a plurality of outlets connected to a lower side of the reservoir and extend to an output slot. The plurality of feeds have a larger cross-sectional area than the plurality of outlets and the plurality of feeds are fewer than the plurality of outlets. Wherein fluid is configured to flow through the main bore, through the plurality of feeds along the bore and fill the reservoir up to at least the threshold level before fluid is evenly output as a film out of the output slot onto the substrate.

Abstract: A flow regulating member of a hot dip coating tank which is able to suppress stir-up of bottom dross, characterized by being provided with flow regulating member horizontal plates which are respectively arranged horizontally from below two side end parts of a sink roll, which is arranged inside of a coating tank in a rotatable manner, toward outside directions of the sink roll and side members which are arranged at positions separated from the two ends of the sink roll, which extend upward from the end parts of the respective horizontal plates, and in which large numbers of dispersion holes are formed, the side members having an aperture ratio of 20 to 80%, and the dispersion holes having a hole diameter of 5 to 50 mm.

Abstract: A communication line such as an optical fiber or cable is attached along a wall, ceiling, trim piece, or other target surface inside of a building by laying out the line from an applicator tool. An outer surface of the line is placed in a temporarily tacky condition as the line is laid out from the tool along the target surface. The temporarily tacky condition of the line is due at least in part to an adhesive component that is pre-applied to the outer surface of the line. The adhesive component is activated by an agent or medium that is associated with the applicator tool. The line becomes non-tacky after it is attached to the target surface.

Abstract: An adhesive applicator is disclosed for the application of a hot melt adhesive to the spine of a book block so as to adhesively bind the book block to its respective cover so as to form a perfect bound book. The applicator has a heated head in which a small quantity of a hot melt adhesive sufficient to bind at least one book block to its cover is quickly heated to a temperature such that it may be applied to the spine. The head is brought into operative engagement with the spine and is moved with respect to the spine so that the melted adhesive forced (dispensed) out of the head onto the spine. This applicator is particularly well suited for use with print on demand book printing and binding apparatus. A method of applying the adhesive to the spine of a book block is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a film deposition apparatus, which includes a first cover and a second cover, wherein the first cover and the second cover are disposed opposite to each other, and the first cover has at least two holes, and a spacer disposed between the first cover and the second cover, wherein the first cover, the spacer and the second cover form a film deposition space.

Abstract: A processing assembly for a semiconductor workpiece generally includes a rotor assembly capable of spinning a workpiece, a chemistry delivery assembly for delivering chemistry to the workpiece, and a chemistry collection assembly for collecting spent chemistry from the workpiece. The chemistry collection assembly includes a weir assembly surrounding the rotor assembly and having a plurality of weirs. Methods for processing a semiconductor workpiece generally include moving at least one of the rotor assembly and the weir assembly.

Abstract: This is a device for impregnating a cleaning cloth, making available on a basin a pre-fixed amount of impregnation liquid, after having extracted it from a bucket by means of a pump.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a waterproof breathable (WPB) fabric and method of producing the same are provided wherein a WPB membrane is laminated to a first side of a fabric, the laminated fabric is then treated with a treatment agent, and the treated fabric is cured. The treatment agent may include at least one of an oleophobic (oil repellent) compound and/or a hydrophobic (water repellent) compound. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic compound may be a durable water repellent (DWR) treatment. The treatment agent may provide protection for the fabric by repelling oil-based and/or water-based substances.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for coating a substrate. The apparatus includes one or more enclosures positioned at an angle relative to a plane. Each enclosure is capable of receiving one or more substrates. The one or more enclosures include one or more inlets for receiving a coating fluid. The coating fluid flows in a pre-defined direction to coat the one or more substrates with the coating fluid. The one or more enclosures are positioned at the angle relative to the plane by one or more supporting structures and are dynamically adjustable to enable the flow of coating fluid in pre-defined direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of a deposition reactor that compensates for lateral flow variation are disclosed. The reactor has at least one wall defining a deposition chamber comprising a first region and a second region, the wall having a purposely formed curvature defining a height of the deposition chamber. An inlet for a fluid comprising reactants or deposition material is in fluid communication with the deposition chamber. Portions of the fluid flowing through the deposition chamber have a residence time within the deposition chamber that varies by ?20% across a cross-sectional width of the deposition chamber. The deposition chamber may further comprise an outlet in fluid communication with a third region. The reactor is suitable for depositing material layers having a uniform thickness. Methods of using the reactor also are disclosed.

Abstract: A formic acid aqueous solution that contains Fe (II) ions is produced by dissolving metal iron in a formic acid aqueous solution. Nitrogen is supplied from a nitrogen supply device to a chemical liquid tank and then discharged from a discharge line to reduce the dissolved oxygen concentration in the aqueous solution. The chemical liquid tank is filled with the formic acid aqueous solution sealed with nitrogen, and is transferred from a factory to a nuclear reactor building designated as radiation-controlled areas. Inside the nuclear reactor building, the chemical liquid tank is installed in a film deposition apparatus connected to a reactor water recirculation pipeline. The formic acid aqueous is supplied from the chemical liquid tank to the inside of the reactor water recirculation pipeline, and then a ferrite film is formed on the inner surface of the reactor water recirculation pipeline.

Abstract: A process for depositing a layer on at least part of the surface of a substrate by at least partially submerging the substrate in a solution comprising a solvent and at least one compound intended to form the layer, then drying the substrate, this drying being at least partially carried out in an atmosphere that is isolated from the solution. The submersion in the solution and the drying of the substrate are carried out in the same controlled-atmosphere enclosure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for coating a pipe or a pipe section with a layer of at least one polymer. The method includes providing the pipe or the pipe section having an outer surface defining the periphery of the pipe or the pipe section; applying on the outer surface of the pipe or pipe section a layer of at least one polymer material in melt stage using a nozzle, which is mounted on a carriage capable of travelling along the periphery of the pipe or the pipe section; and moving the carriage along at least a part of the periphery during the application of the polymer material to form a layer on the surface of the pipe or the pipe section that is particularly useful for coating field joints in pipelines.

Abstract: A continuous galvanizing line uses a coating pot containing a molten zinc bath having bottom dross and further comprises a pump. The pump agitates the bottom dross so the bottom dross interacts with aluminum and converts to top dross, which can be removed without needing to stop the galvanizing line. A reaction vessel may also be used to provide a higher concentration of aluminum to react with the bottom dross.

Abstract: A manufacturing equipment for galvannealed steel sheet includes coating tub to coat steel sheet dipped in coating bath wherein the bath including molten zinc and Al is stored at bath temperature T1, separating tub to separate by flotation top-dross by precipitating the top-dross in the bath wherein the bath transferred from the coating tub is stored at bath temperature T2 lower than T1, Fe of the bath is supersaturated, and Al concentration A2 of the bath is controlled to high concentration by supplying first metal, adjusting tub to adjust Al concentration A3 of the bath by supplying second metal wherein the bath transferred from the separating tub is stored at bath temperature T3 higher than T2, Fe of the bath is unsaturated, and dross is dissolved, and circulator to circulate the bath in order of the coating tub, the separating tub, and the adjusting tub.

Abstract: A manufacturing equipment for galvanized steel sheet includes coating tub to coat steel sheet dipped in coating bath wherein the bath including molten zinc and Al is stored at bath temperature T1, separating tub to separate by a flotation top-dross by precipitating the top-dross in the bath wherein the bath transferred from the coating tub is stored at bath temperature T2 lower than T1, adjusting tub to dissolve dross wherein the bath transferred from the separating tub is stored at bath temperature T3 higher than T2 and Fe of the bath is unsaturated, and circulator to circulate the bath in order of the coating tub, the separating tub, and the adjusting tub.

Abstract: An installation for the hardened galvanization of a continuously-moving rolled steel strip, includes a coating tank receiving a liquid metal mixture containing, for example, zinc and aluminum to be deposited on the strip which is immersed in the mixture. The liquid mixture is permanently circulated between the coating tank and a preparation device, in which the temperature of the liquid mixture is deliberately lowered in order to reduce an iron solubility threshold and is sufficiently high for initiating fusion of at least one ingot containing a zinc-aluminum Zn—Al alloy in a so-called fusion zone of the preparation device, in an amount necessary to compensate for the liquid mixture used for deposition on the strip. The installation includes a loop for circulating the liquid mixture that is thermally optimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to the electrical contacting of planar goods 1 in the form of segments in in-line plants for the electrolytic and/or wet chemical treatment of the treatment side 10 of the good by applying electrical external current while keeping the upper contacting side 9 dry and dipping the treatment side 10 into the treatment liquid 11. By use of the known transport systems having upper and lower transport and/or contact means, treatment liquid 11 is transferred from the lower means to the upper ones so that the top side of the good is often inadmissibly wetted and the upper contacts are electroplated, therefore needing to be continuously de-metallized, thus requiring a larger effort. According to the invention, the level is lowered in the region of upper contacts 6. Therefore, the same cannot be wetted, even when no good is present in the region of the contacts 6. This is achieved by means of down pipes 5 which are assigned to each contact 6.

Abstract: An assembly and method for processing human waste includes providing a supporting base having an opening within which a waste reservoir is affixed. The assembly may be installed on or below a rim of a toilet bowl. Solidification and pathogen killing materials are provided. The materials are deposited in the reservoir either prior to or upon accumulation of waste in the reservoir. The reservoir with the solidified waste is then sealed and transported to a collection facility.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provided a coating apparatus includes an applicator, material supply unit, and first, second, and third moving mechanisms. The applicator includes a meniscus pillar forming portion configured to form a meniscus pillar of the material in conjunction with a surface to be coated of the object to be coated and a recess. The material supply unit supplies the material to the applicator. The first moving mechanism moves the position of the applicator relative to the surface along the surface. The second moving mechanism moves the position of the applicator relative to the surface so that the meniscus pillar between the surface and the recess. The third moving mechanism moves the position of the applicator relatively toward and away from the surface.

Abstract: A dip coating apparatus includes a housing and a workpiece holder movably and rotatably received in the housing. The housing includes an immersing portion configured for carrying out immersion process and a drying portion configured for carrying out drying process. The inner spaces of the immersing portion and the drying portion are communicated with each other. The lifting workpiece holder is configured for fixed workpieces thereon and moving and rotating relative to the immersing portion and the drying portion of the housing. The workpieces are driven by the lifting-rotating to carry out the immersion process and the drying process.

Abstract: A composite coating apparatus includes a first device configured for forming a nanoscale metal particle layer on an electrically conductive workpiece and a second device configured for forming metallic film on the nanoscale metal particles. The first device includes a Q-switch laser source for providing impulse laser light beams, a first liquid-ejecting member configured for ejecting electrolyte liquid contained therein onto the workpiece, and a first hollow light guide conduit for guiding the impulse laser light beams through the first liquid-ejecting member onto the workpiece. As such, an electrochemical reaction occurs on the workpiece. The electrolyte liquid forms a metal film and is then vibrated into nanoscale particles by the impulse laser light beams.

Abstract: A spin coating device includes a container and a rotating member. The container is used for holding a first solution and includes a sidewall which a plurality of substrates are arranged on. The rotating member is rotatable within the container and includes an inlet and at least one outlet. A second solution flows into the rotating member through the inlet, and flows into the container through the at lease one outlet. A mixture of the first solution and the second solution is spread onto the substrate by centrifugal force of the rotating member.

Abstract: A treatment tank is used which has a non-contact type liquid sealing unit capable of controlling liquid leakage in non-contact with a web.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a personal cleansing device that has a pourable sodium soap impregnated substantially throughout the interior thereof and produces lather in hard water as well as soft water. The method comprises the steps of: providing a pourable sodium soap having a melting point of 120° F. to 160° F. that is in essentially solid form at a first temperature, and in essentially pourable molten form at a second temperature; heating the pourable sodium soap to the second temperature such that the pourable sodium soap is in pourable molten form; applying the molten pourable sodium soap to one or more portions of a substrate comprised of web of fibers; and allowing the pourable sodium soap to cool down to the first temperature to resolidify within interstitial spaces between the fibers of the substrate. The pourable sodium soap comprises at least one sodium soap and 5% to 35% glycerine.

Abstract: A buffer apparatus and a thin film deposition system are provided. The buffer apparatus is connected between a liquid material supply apparatus and a deposition machine. The buffer apparatus includes a container and a baffle. The container is used for containing a liquid material supplied from the liquid material supply apparatus. The top of the container has an input hole and an output hole. The baffle is disposed in the container and located under the input hole.

Abstract: A wet-coating apparatus includes a main body, a cleaning agent bin, a coating agent storage bin, a hot-air injector, a heater, and a transport. The main body defines a coating chamber. The coating chamber includes a first sub-chamber, a second sub-chamber, and a third sub-chamber located between the first and second sub-chambers. The cleaning agent storage bin is received in the first sub-chamber. The coating agent storage bin is received in the first sub-chamber and located adjacent to the third sub-chamber. The hot-air injector is received in the third sub-chamber. The heater is received in the second sub-chamber. The transport is located over the cleaning agent storage bin and the coating agent storage bin, and configured to transport a substrate from the first sub-chamber to the second sub-chamber.

Abstract: A meniscus coating apparatus and method for coating at least one surface of a metal strip includes an apparatus having an adjustable coating tray, a roll enclosure disposed adjacent the coating tray, an adjustable baffle, and/or a gas delivery device operable to help seal the roll enclosure.

Abstract: Structures and apparatuses for fabricating magnetic nanoparticles are provided. In one embodiment, a structure for fabricating magnetic nanoparticles is described including a substrate that defines at least one cavity through a portion thereof, and an agglomerate of magnetic nanoparticles within the at least one cavity, wherein the at least one cavity has an aspect ratio of greater than one.

Abstract: Provided is a sealant applicator which enables an operator to uniformly apply a given amount of sealant to a fastener in a short time regardless of the skill of the operator. The sealant applicator according to the present invention includes: an inner space defined by a substantially cylindrical inner surface that receives a fastener in an axial direction from one end; and a concave-convex portion formed in the inner surface and composed of a convex portion to be located adjacent to the fastener and a concave portion to be located apart from the fastener.

Abstract: A masonry method for adhering together first and second structures includes loading a dry adhesive into a bag and sealing the bag closed. After transport to a jobsite, a portion of a tip of the bag is cut to provide an orifice in preparation to apply the adhesive. Liquid is introduced into the bag through the orifice and the liquid and the dry adhesive are mixed within the bag to produce hydrated adhesive. The hydrated adhesive is squeezed from an orifice though the bag onto a surface of a selected one of the first and second structures.

Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a liquid storing vessel in which coating liquid to be applied to a coating object is stored, and a film forming body that has an annular shape and includes an opening over which a film is stretched by immersing the film forming body in the coating liquid that is stored in the liquid storing vessel. In the coating apparatus, the film forming body is moved relatively to the coating object and the coating object is inserted into the opening over which the film is stretched, so as to apply the coating liquid on a surface of the coating object.

Abstract: A powder dispensing system comprises an enclosure, a grate, a tub, an air filter and a fan. The enclosure has an upper opening and a lower opening. The grate extends across the upper opening. The tub holds powder and is supported by the grate. The air filter is supported within the enclosure beneath the grate. The fan is coupled to the housing and configured to force air from the enclosure through the lower opening.

Abstract: A method applies layers to channels of a resistance heating element, where the channels are arranged in a honeycomb structure and receive a medium to be heated. Adjacent layers communicate with electrically conducting end-face metallizations of the resistance heating element and have, at an opposite end, an insulation region in relation to another respective end-face metallization. To apply the layers, a miniature lance is immersed into the channel to be coated. The miniature lance is hollow, closed at a lower end, has an upper end communicating with a reservoir of metal paste, and includes outlets in a lower region that are directed to inner walls. Metal paste is uniformly applied to the inner walls of the channel by pressure while simultaneously moving the miniature lance. The miniature lance is inserted into an adjacent channel for coating inner walls of the adjacent channel from the other end-face metallization side.

Abstract: A deposition method which deposits a CdS buffer layer on a surface of a solar cell from a process solution including all chemical components of the CdS buffer layer material. CdS is deposited in a deposition chamber by heating the surface of the solar cell absorber to cause the transfer of heat from the solar cell absorber layer to at least a portion of the process solution that is in contact with the surface. Used solution is cooled, and replenished in a solution container and redirected into the deposition chamber.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for depositing a silicon oxide onto a substrate from solution at low temperatures in a manner that produces homogeneous growth of the silicon oxide. The method generally comprises the following steps: (a) Chemically treating a substrate to activate it for growth of the silicon oxide. (b) Immersing the treated substrate into a bath with a reactive solution. (c) Regenerating the reactive solution to allow for continued growth of the silicon oxide. In another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a first container holding a reactive solution, a substrate on which the silicon oxide is deposited, a second container holding silica, and a means for adding silica to the reactive solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for single-sided bilayer formation includes a first fluid chamber including a sidewall and a second fluid chamber extending through the sidewall. A barrier wall separates the first and second fluid chambers and includes a nanopore therein across which a planar lipid bilayer (PLB) is formed. In use, an electrolyte is added to the first and second fluid chambers and a lipid/organic solvent mixture is added to the first fluid chamber to form a lipid/organic solvent layer. The electrolyte level within the first fluid chamber is adjusted such that the lipid layer is raised above the barrier wall and a PLB is formed. Electrolyte levels may be adjusted manually or utilizing a fluid level regulator with or without feedback control. Optionally, the apparatus may be in the form of a nanopore array. The apparatus may be incorporated into an ion channel sensing system.