Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention may be used to charge a layer (such as a passivation layer and/or antireflective layer) of a solar cell (e.g., wafer) with a positive or negative charge. The layer may retain the charge to improve operation of the solar cell. The charged layer may include any suitable dielectric material capable of retaining either a negative or a positive charge. Systems and methods of the present invention permit in-situ charging of a layer. Charging of a layer may be accomplished during or after deposition of the layer including after completing the whole solar cell process, in other words, on a finished cell.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention may be used to charge a layer (such as a passivation layer and/or antireflective layer) of a solar cell (e.g., wafer) with a positive or negative charge. The layer may retain the charge to improve operation of the solar cell. The charged layer may include any suitable dielectric material capable of retaining either a negative or a positive charge. Systems and methods of the present invention permit in-situ charging of a layer. Charging of a layer may be accomplished during or after deposition of the layer including after completing the whole solar cell process, in other words, on a finished cell.

Abstract: A method of forming surface modified substrates includes providing a substrate of material (M) having a bulk portion and an outer surface integrated with the bulk portion. A coating is deposited including metal organic molecules including at least one metal X or particles of metal X onto the outer surface. The coating is laser irradiated with a laser beam, where atoms of metal X diffuse into the outer surface to form a modified surface layer including both M and atoms of metal X on the bulk portion. The modified surface layer has a thickness of at least 1 nm, and a 25° C. electrical conductivity that is at least 2.5% above or 2.5% below a 25° C. electrical conductivity in the bulk portion.

Abstract: A method of providing an oxidation resistant coating is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate having a first surface and cooling holes. A portable coating device includes electro-spark deposition (ESD) equipment and an ESD torch connected with the ESD equipment. The ESD torch has an inert gas source and a rotary electrode conductive material. The rotary electrode is positioned within the ESD torch, and is shielded by an inert gas. The rotary electrode applies a compositionally controlled protective coating to the first surface of the substrate. Then the rotary electrode is inserted into the cooling hole and generates an electrospark between rotary ESD electrode and the substrate to form a rounded edge and deposit a coating of electrode material alloy at a cooling hole edge.

Abstract: A coater apparatus that coats a substrate with a chemical liquid includes a chemical liquid nozzle, a solvent nozzle, a solvent bath, a dummy dispense port, and an ionizer. The chemical liquid nozzle dispenses the chemical liquid onto the substrate. The solvent nozzle dispenses a solvent onto the substrate. The solvent bath contains a solvent and stores a tip of the chemical liquid nozzle when the chemical liquid nozzle is in standby such that the tip is exposed to a solvent vapor. The dummy dispense port exhausts the chemical liquid being dummy dispensed from the chemical liquid nozzle and stores the solvent nozzle when the solvent nozzle is in standby. The ionizer ionizes an atmosphere around the dummy dispense port.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating moving strip material with a metallic coating material, the apparatus including a container for holding metallic coating material, the strip running through the container during use, and including a wiping device for controlling the thickness of the coating on the strip. The container is provided with an opening for the strip leaving the container. The wiping device includes foils or sheets for producing the coating. The walls of the container forming the opening for the strip are directly coupled to the foils or sheets.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heating system for a roll-to-roll tape deposition system. The heating system includes a sacrificial tape that is transported through a deposition zone between a susceptor plate and a process tape. The sacrificial tape receives an accumulation of deposition material that otherwise may accumulate on the susceptor plate and reduce its efficiency and temperature uniformity. In some embodiments, the sacrificial tape is heated by passage of an electrical current, thereby allowing the sacrificial tape to replace the susceptor plate and separate heating elements used to heat the process tape. The sacrificial tape may be provided on a payout roll that passes through the deposition system to a takeup roll or in the form of a continuous loop of tape.

Abstract: Provided are a device for forming a thin layer that may be applied to mass production and a method of manufacturing a display using the same. The device for forming a thin layer includes a vessel that has a material for forming a thin layer, a multi-nozzle part that is on a substrate and that is connected to the vessel to receive the material for forming the thin layer, which multi-nozzle part includes a plurality of nozzles arranged in parallel at a distance from each other, and a pulse generator that applies a switching voltage to one of the substrate and the multi-nozzle part such that an instantaneous potential difference between at least one of the plurality of nozzles and the substrate is provided, and such that a discharge of the material for forming the thin layer is controlled.

Abstract: A manufacturing device includes a material supply module, a winding machine as well as a low-temperature furnace, a tension wheel set, a microwave graphitization module and a gluing module sequentially installed between the material supply module and the winding machine, so that a carbon fiber raw material can be manufactured continuously in mass production to enhance the graphitization efficiency and lower the process cost significantly.

Abstract: A device for forming a roll-to-roll pattern includes: a plurality of rollers, that are separated from each other, for transferring a substrate in one direction; a pattern former provided on the substrate between neighboring rollers from among the plurality of rollers, and forming a pattern on the substrate; an absorber facing the pattern former with the substrate therebetween, and absorbing the substrate; a light irradiator neighboring the pattern former and irradiating light to the pattern; and a controller for controlling the roller, the pattern former, the absorber, and the light irradiator so that the pattern may be formed on the substrate and light may be irradiated to the pattern.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preparing microscale polymer relief structures from a thin polymer layer on an absorbing substrate are described. The described methods are ultrafast (about 8 nanoseconds) and allow formation of patterned microstructures having complex morphologies and narrow line widths that are an order of magnitude smaller than the masks used in the methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating layers are provided that use a plasma zone sealed from the outer atmospheric pressure. The apparatus includes a plasma reactor with a substrate carrier in form of a container receiving device and a closing element that is joined with the substrate carrier by a lifting device.

Abstract: The synthesis of single graphene sheets decorated with metal or metal oxide nanoparticles, and their uses.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for lining a wellbore. In certain aspects, the systems and methods comprise providing a fluid composition that is solidifiable or gellable on exposure to actinic radiation of a predetermined wavelength at the wall of open-hole wellbore and providing actinic radiation at the predetermined wavelength to solidify or gel the composition. The predetermined wavelength lies in a range from 100 nm to 1500 nm.

Abstract: A discharge surface treatment apparatus generates a pulsed discharge between poles, that is, between a discharge electrode and a workpiece, and the discharge electrode is obtained by compression-molding of any one of a metal powder, a powder of a metal compound, and a powder of ceramics or a mixture thereof. The apparatus forms a film made of an electrode material or the like on a workpiece surface by thermal energy due to the discharge. The apparatus includes: a capacitor that is connected to any one of the discharge electrode and the workpiece at one end; and a parallel circuit of a resistor and a diode, which is provided between another one of the discharge electrode and the workpiece and another end of the capacitor via a connection line.

Abstract: A laser cladding device for applying a coating to a part comprising a laser which can generate laser light, which is adapted to heat the coating and the part, a main body defining a laser light channel adapted to transmit the laser light to the part, a coating channel adapted to transmit the coating to the part, and a vacuum channel and a nozzle having an exit. The nozzle comprises a delivery port at one end of the laser light channel, a coating port at one end of the coating channel, and a vacuum port at one end of the vacuum channel, wherein the vacuum port is positioned generally adjacent the delivery port In operation the vacuum port draws a vacuum, pulling the coating towards the part.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device (1) for stabilizing and minimizing the deformation of a strip (4) made of ferromagnetic material during its feeding in a system for coating the same strip with molten metal, by applying a distribution of force which is continuous in the direction transversal to the strip regardless of the width thereof. The device comprises first electromagnets and second electromagnets mirroring the first electromagnets with respect to said theoretical pass-line (50) of said strip (4). Each electromagnet includes a core comprising one pole and one feeding coil wound about the pole. The electromagnetic device comprises a connection element (26) made of ferromagnetic material which connects the cores of the first electromagnets (15, 15?, 15?, 15??) and a connection element (26?) made of ferromagnetic material which connects the cores of the second electromagnets (16, 16?, 16?, 16?). The connection elements (26, 26?) mirror the theoretical pass-line (50) of the strip (4).

Abstract: A device for producing or building up a metal part by sintering and laser fusion, the device including a laser beam generator, a mechanism for deflecting the beam to scan a surface of the part to be produced, a sintering pan including a metal powder used to cover the surface of the part and to be melted by the laser beam to thicken the part, and at least one mechanism for heating powder contained in an area of the sintering pan by induction.

Abstract: A system and method for repairing a metal substrate includes an electrospark device and an electrode removably supported in the electrode holder. The electrospark device applies a coating of a material when placed into contact with the metal substrate. A cooling device to lowers the temperature of shielding gas flow below an ambient temperature. A conduit is arranged to direct a flow of the shielding gas to the interface of the electrode and the substrate to cool the area of the substrate receiving the coating.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording medium are provided which can easily demagnetize a magnetic layer with a high coercivity. The method includes: forming a magnetic layer on a substrate; applying magnetic fields parallel to the surface of the magnetic layer having a coercivity reduced below the intensity of said magnetic field by heating of the magnetic layer; and removing said magnetic field.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for plating high strength steel such as advanced high strength steel (AHSS) after irradiating the high strength steel with at least one of laser light and plasma to remove Si/Mn/Al oxides from the surface of the high strength steel, modify the surface of the high strength steel, or make the surface of the high strength steel suitable for a post process such as a zinc plating process. For this, a plating method includes heating high strength steel; treating a surface of the high strength steel with plasma to remove at least one of a Mn oxide, an Al oxide, and an Si oxide formed on the surface of the high strength steel during the heating of the high strength steel; and plating the surface-treated high strength steel.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a sliding rail of a longitudinal adjustment device for a vehicle seat, in which the longitudinal adjustment device has at least one pair of rails having two sliding rails and having sliding and/or rolling elements, the two sliding rails can be moved in the longitudinal direction against one another, the sliding and/or rolling elements are disposed between the sliding rails, and the sliding rails have contact tracks by which the sliding and/or rolling elements are in contact. A sliding rail is produced and then painted. Subsequently, at least one contact track is irradiated with a laser. In this way the layer of paint located on the contact track is removed.

Abstract: An electrode material applying apparatus 14 includes a flow path 14a which allows passage of slurry containing at least graphite particles dispersed in a solvent, a filter 14b disposed in the flow path 14a, magnets 14c1 and 14c2 disposed so as to generate, on the filter 14b, a magnetic field having magnetic lines of force extending along the flow path 14a, and an applying member 14d which applies, on a current collector, the slurry having passed through the filter 14b.

Abstract: A device, a method for marking a substrate (14) with a plasma generator (5) and a corresponding marking are disclosed. A plasma jet (11) is directed onto the substrate (14) and is superimposed with a powder jet (12). In a powder dosing and dispersing unit (7), a powder (20) and a marker substance (30) in powder form are mixed. The marking forms an adhesive layer (15) of the powder (20) material in which a marker substance (30) is homogeneously distributed and permanently embedded.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided an image recording composition comprising a curable material capable of immobilizing a colorant material in a received ink and curable by an external stimulus.

Abstract: Space- and cost-efficient antenna apparatus and methods of making and using the same. In one embodiment, the antenna is formed using a deposition process, whereby a conductive fluid or other material is deposited directly on one or more interior components of a host device (e.g., cellular phone or tablet computer). The antenna can be formed in a substantially three-dimensional “loop” shape, and obviates several costly and environmentally unfriendly processing steps and materials associated with prior art antenna manufacturing approaches.

Abstract: A substrate for depositing diamond by CVD, comprising a base body of hard material and a coating layer that holds diamond particles as seed crystal in a matrix and is deposited joined thereto on a surface of said base body, wherein: the seed diamond particles have an average particle size of 1 ?m or smaller; the matrix comprises a first metal selected from a first group of Si, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo and W and/or a first compound between said first metal and a non-metallic substance selected from boron, carbon and nitrogen, said matrix holding the diamond particles distributed therein; and a joint zone developed as a result of a diffusion process and extending over said base body and coating layer comprises either or both atoms of said first metal and a component metal of the hard material.

Abstract: A processing method and apparatus uses at least one electric field applicator (34) biased to produce a spatial-temporal electric field to affect a processing medium (26), suspended nano-objects (28) or the substrate (30) in processing, interacting with the dipole properties of the medium (26) or particles to construct structure on the substrate (30). The apparatus may include a magnetic field, an acoustic field, an optical force, or other generation device. The processing may affect selective localized layers on the substrate (30) or may control orientation of particles in the layers, control movement of dielectrophoretic particles or media, or cause suspended particles of different properties to follow different paths in the processing medium (26). Depositing or modifying a layer on the substrate (30) may be carried out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a multiplicity of holes in thin sheet-like workpieces of dielectric material or semiconductors is provided. The perforation points are marked by HF coupling points and caused to soften using HF energy in order to obtain dielectric breakdowns. The breakdowns are then widened into holes.

Abstract: Device for generating a plasma discharge near a substrate for patterning the surface of the substrate, comprising a first electrode having a first discharge portion and a second electrode having a second discharge portion, a high voltage source for generating a high voltage difference between the first and the second electrode, and positioning means for positioning the first electrode with respect to the substrate. The device is further provided with an intermediate structure that is, in use, arranged in between the first electrode and the substrate while allowing for positioning the first electrode with respect to the substrate.

Abstract: Techniques for handling media arrays are disclosed. The techniques may be realized as a system for handling a plurality of substrates. The system may comprise a plurality of row elements for supporting the plurality of substrates, wherein the plurality of row elements may be operable to change configuration of the substrates from open configuration to a high-density configuration, where a distance between adjacent substrates in the open configuration may be greater than a distance between the adjacent substrates in the high-density configuration.

Abstract: A plant for the surface decoration of elongate items includes an inlet section and an outlet section for one or more items having an external peripheral surface to be decorated, a support system for the elongated objects on a predetermined lying plane, a system for continuously forwarding the items from the inlet section to the outlet section along a longitudinal feeding direction, with the items substantially parallel to the same longitudinal direction, and a decorating system for the external surface of the items. The decorating system includes a plurality of jet devices arranged along the longitudinal direction, at least one of which is oriented to direct a jet of a pigmented substance on a portion of the external surface of the items at least partially different from another surface portion designed to be decorated by another device. A method for decorating elongate objects is also described.

Abstract: Durable nanoporous nanostructured materials that modify, eliminate and destroy biofilms that may develop due to the presence of bacteria, fungi and other microbes and method for making the same. Such nanoporous nanostructures may be deposited as coatings on a substrate and such coatings may include at least one nanopore and a plurality of nanoparticles which adhere to the substrate and/or other particles. The nanostructure can be produced using a single-sided electrode arrangement which is configured to produce an electrical arc or discharge at one end of an electrode and to emit the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles form a non-porous framework which delineates any nanopores and which can be deposited as one or more layers of nanothickness. Such nano structures may be resistant to removal from the substrate. Also described are testing methods and apparatus for the quick, accurate and simple evaluation of the efficacy of the antibiofilm properties of the nanoporous nano structure.

Abstract: A thin film forming apparatus which automatically forms, on an electrode layer formed on a substrate, a functional thin film which is crystallized from a precursor layer is disclosed, including a water-repellant film forming unit which forms, on a region other than a region on which is to be formed the functional thin film on the electrode layer, a water-repellant film which includes a self-assembled monolayer; an inkjet coating unit which coats, on the region on which is to be formed the functional thin film on the electrode layer, the precursor layer by an inkjet method; and a controller which controls, to within a predetermined time, a time from forming the water-repellant film with the water-repellant film forming unit to coating the precursor layer with the inkjet coating unit.

Abstract: A solar cell, a solar cell manufacturing device, and a method for manufacturing the solar cell are discussed. The solar cell manufacturing device includes a chamber; an ion implantation unit configured to implant ions into a substrate inside the chamber and a mask positioned between the ion implantation unit and the substrate. The mask includes a first opening to form a lightly doped region having a first concentration at one surface of the substrate, a second opening to form a heavily doped region having a second concentration higher than the first concentration at the one surface of the substrate, and at least one connector formed to cross the second opening. The second opening includes finger openings formed in a first direction, and bus openings formed in a second direction crossing the first direction.

Abstract: Method and equipment to produce nanopowders of materials based on pure metals, their alloys and chemical compounds of these metals with elements taken from the row of B, C, O and Si, encapsulated into a salt shell selected from the group of NaCl, NaF, LiCl, and LiF or their mixtures, includes independent evaporation by means of electron beam and/or laser radiation sources of the material and alkali metal(s) halogenide and simultaneous deposition of a mixture of their vapor phases on a substrate in a closed pumped-down volume. To achieve the required ratio of vapor flows, a screen with variable cross-section diaphragms is placed between the substrate movable in parallel to the evaporators, and the evaporators, thus allowing an independent regulation of the intensity of the vapor flow coming to the substrate from each of the evaporators.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method, called herein the “wrap-around” method, of applying polymers to glass articles having one or a plurality of shaped edges. The glass articles have a selected length, selected width and selected thickness which define a first face, a second face and one or a plurality of edges. Circular and oval articles are deemed to have a single edge. Rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, and other shapes having angled corners are deemed to have a plurality of edges defined by the faces and thickness of the glass. The glass articles can be either (1) flat or planar as shown in FIG. 6a, which is sometimes referred to as a two dimensional or 2D article, or (2) three dimensional or 3D article in which the glass article is non-planar as is illustrated in FIG. 7b.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for cold spraying with a spraying unit, a particle supply, a gas supply, and at least one heating unit. The heating unit contains a graphite felt that can be heated with an electric heater current, through which a gas stream can flow, wherein the at least one heating unit is arranged separately and/or in a pressure tank through which the gas stream can flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for coating a substrate (S) whereby a metal alloy layer comprising at least two metallic elements is continuously deposited on the substrate (S) by means of a vacuum deposition facility (1) comprising a vapor jet coater (7) for spraying the substrate (S) with a vapor containing the metallic elements in a constant and predetermined relative content, the vapor being sprayed at a sonic velocity. The process is more particularly intended for depositing Zn—Mg coatings. The invention also relates to a vacuum deposition facility (1) for continuously depositing coatings formed from metal alloys, for implementing the process.

Abstract: High throughput systems and processes for recrystallizing thin film semiconductors that have been deposited at low temperatures on a substrate are provided. A thin film semiconductor workpiece (170) is irradiated with a laser beam (164) to melt and recrystallize target areas of the surface exposed to the laser beam. The laser beam is shaped into one or more beamlets using patterning masks (150). The mask patterns have suitable dimensions and orientations to pattern the laser beam radiation so that the areas targeted by the beamlets have dimensions and orientations that are conducive to semiconductor recrystallization. The workpiece is mechanically translated along linear paths relative to the laser beam to process the entire surface of the work piece at high speeds. Position sensitive triggering of a laser can be used generate laser beam pulses to melt and recrystallize semiconductor material at precise locations on the surface of the workpiece while it is translated on a motorized stage (180).

Abstract: A process is described for producing sheet- or plate-type objects, particularly for producing electrodes and/or separators for constructing an electrochemical energy storage, preferably designed for use in a motor vehicle, or for producing parts of such electrodes and/or such separators, wherein the sheet- or plate-type objects have a first object side surface and a second object side surface on the opposite side to the first object side surface. The production process includes the following steps: reducing (S5?) the electrostatic charge on the first object side surface of the sheet- or plate-type objects by applying a plasma, particularly an atmospheric plasma, to act on the first object side surface of the sheet- or plate-type objects, and reducing (S5?) the electrostatic charge on the second object side surface of the sheet- or plate-type objects by applying a plasma, particularly an atmospheric plasma, to act on the second object side surface of the sheet- or plate-type objects.

Abstract: A method for treating containers in which, at a treatment station, the containers are provided on container outer surfaces thereof with a print that including a colorant. The colorant can be dye or ink. The method includes, at a treatment station, processing the colorant by irradiating the containers with non-thermal energy radiation. Processing the colorant includes drying or curing it. The method also includes decontaminating a region of the containers with the same radiation, either by disinfecting or sterilizing it. The region includes either or both a container opening and a container inner surface.

Abstract: A first layer of a catalyst material is formed on a substrate and heat treated to form a first plurality of nanoparticles. A second layer of a catalyst material is then formed over the substrate and the first plurality of nanoparticles and heat treated to form a second plurality of nanoparticles. The first layer of nanoparticles is advantageously not affected by the deposition or heat treatment of the second layer of catalyst material, for example being pinned or immobilised, optionally by oxidation, before formation of the second layer.

Abstract: A method for producing an analytical consumable is proposed. The analytical consumable comprises at least one carrier and at least one analytical aid connected to the carrier. At least one optically sensitive material is applied to the carrier, said material being designed to carry out at least one optically detectable alteration in the event of action of an electromagnetic radiation. In at least one coding step, at least one function information item about the analytical consumable is introduced into the optically sensitive material by means of electromagnetic radiation. The function information item is designed to enable at least one analytical instrument to use the analytical consumable correctly.

Abstract: An apparatus to provide ultra-violet (UV) irradiation to cure a gel nail. The apparatus includes a top section and a bottom section, the top and bottom sections forming a unit with an opening sized to allow at least a portion of a human hand to be inserted. An array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed in the unit to emit UV irradiation in a first direction when supplied with electrical power. At least one LED is disposed in the unit to emit UV irradiation in a second direction when supplied with electrical power. The first direction is approximately perpendicular to the second direction such that fingernails and a thumbnail of a human hand inserted into the opening substantially simultaneously receive amounts of UV irradiation sufficient to cure a UV curable gel applied to the fingernails and the thumbnail at approximately the same time.

Abstract: A method for smoothing a medium includes depositing a magnetic layer onto a base, depositing an overcoat layer onto an outer surface of the magnetic layer, and burnishing an outer surface of the overcoat layer. Further, the method includes at least one of (i) directing a first ion beam comprised of first energetic ions toward the outer surface of the magnetic layer at a first shallow grazing angle and smoothing the outer surface of the magnetic layer via etching engagement between the first ion beam and the outer surface of the magnetic layer; and (ii) directing a second ion beam comprised of second energetic ions toward the outer surface of the overcoat layer at a second shallow grazing angle and smoothing the outer surface of the overcoat layer via etching engagement between the second angled ion beam and the outer surface of the overcoat layer.

Abstract: A floor curing apparatus is disclosed, including an ultraviolet lamp, a replaceable reflector configured to direct light energy transmitted from the ultraviolet lamp, the replaceable reflector including one of a plurality of interchangeable reflectors, a shutter mechanism configured to selectively move a shutter to expose the ultraviolet lamp and the reflector toward a surface upon which the floor curing apparatus operates, and wheels. The ultraviolet lamp and the reflector height from the floor surface are maintained at a predetermined distance above the surface. The plurality of interchangeable reflectors provides varying transmission characteristics.

Abstract: A roller includes a cylindrical main body, a resin coating formed on a peripheral side surface of the main body, and a plurality of micro recesses defined in the resin coating. The resin coating is a polymer resin coating having the molecular chain with fluorine element. A method for making the roller and a system for making the roller are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a coating to a substrate comprises a deposition chamber. A crucible may hold a melt pool of coating material. The melt pool is rotated during deposition.

Abstract: A sealing film forming method is capable of forming a sealing film having high moisture permeability resistance in a shorter time and at lower cost. The sealing film forming method for forming a sealing film 13 that seals an EL device 12 includes forming a first inorganic layer 13a on a surface of the EL device 12; forming a hydrocarbon layer 13c on the first inorganic layer 13a; flattening the hydrocarbon layer 13c by softening or melting the hydrocarbon layer 13c; curing the hydrocarbon layer 13c; and forming a second inorganic layer 13e thicker than the first inorganic layer 13a on the hydrocarbon layer 13c after curing the hydrocarbon layer 13c.