Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin film buffer layers of chalcogenide on a substrate web through the chemical combination of a metal and chalcogen in solution form. The web and/or the solutions may be heated by one or a plurality of heating elements that may be disposed out of physical contact with the web, allowing enhanced control over the reaction speed through fine temperature control. One or more properties of the chalcogenide layer may be measured, and the temperature of the system may be adjusted in response.

Abstract: A coating die has a discharge port for discharging a solution. A chamber has an opening. The coating die and chamber are disposed such that the discharge port and the opening are close to a support moving in an X direction. The solution is discharged through the discharge port. The discharged solution is applied to a surface of the support as a coating film. Wet air having parameters ?Tw and ?Tsolv adjusted to a predetermined range is blown through the opening to the discharged solution. The wet air contacts the solution so water vapor condenses on the surface of the solution to generate water drops. While the water drops grow up, a solvent is evaporated from the solution actively. The growth of cores of the water drops is prevented at an early stage by utilizing a decrease in fluidity of the solution due to the evaporation of the solvent.

Abstract: A machine including at least one curtain applicator device which coats onto one application segment of the material web path further includes a segment in the web path immediately following a turning arrangement of the coating application segment which directs the material web downward which is a drying section where the material web passes through at least one non-contact drying device which subjects the coating medium to the effects of heat. Alternatively or in addition, the material web after turning of its path and/or at the end of the coating application segment is supplied to the drying device of a drying section in such a way that the heat effect of the drying device upon the coating medium begins at a lower level relative to the coating application segment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention contemplate the formation of a high efficiency solar cell using a novel processing sequence to form a solar cell device. In one embodiment, the methods include the use of various etching and patterning processes that are used to define active regions of the device and regions where the device and/or contact structure is to be located on a surface of a solar cell substrate. The method generally includes the steps of forming one or more layers on a backside of a solar cell substrate to prevent attack of the backside surface of the substrate, and provide a stable supporting surface, when the front side regions of a solar cell are formed. In one embodiment, the one or more layers are a metalized backside contact structure that is formed on the backside of the solar cell substrate. In another embodiment, the one or more layers are a chemical resistant dielectric layer that is formed over the backside of the solar cell substrate.

Abstract: A method of surface functionalization of an organic fiber, characterized in that a surface portion of the fibers is chemically modified using a uniform surface treatment at atmospheric pressure, in a controlled gas environment, and in that said surface portion is brought into contact with a solution comprising at least one sizing agent making it possible to improve the functionalities of said fiber.

Abstract: A coating line for a vehicle, which includes a station where an intercoating step is conducted, stations where a topcoating step is conducted, and a station that is disposed downstream from these stations and in which a baking/drying step is conducted. It further includes the following stations disposed in the following order downstream from these stations: a coating station where a coating step for applying a protective-layer-forming material to the surface of the coating is conducted; a sealing station where sheet joints are sealed with a sealing material; a sheet attachment station in which a bituminous sheet is attached to the vehicle in a given position; and a heating station where a heating step for fusion-bonding the bituminous sheet and drying the sealing material and protective-layer-forming material is conducted.

Abstract: An optical compensatory sheet producing apparatus produces an optical compensatory sheet having a liquid crystal layer. In the apparatus, a rubbing unit is supplied with resin film having a first layer including resin, and subjects the first layer to a rubbing process, so as to form an orientation layer. A dust remover removes dust from the orientation layer by use of liquid such as perfluorocarbon, to which the orientation layer is insoluble. A liquid crystal layer coater is disposed downstream from the dust remover, for coating the orientation layer with coating liquid including liquid crystalline compound, so that the liquid crystal layer is formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling local flow along a slot jet with applications to airknives is disclosed. The airknife provides improved options for on-line control over coating thickness and edge build-up prevention. The gap of the slot nozzle of the airknife can remain constant while the outflow pattern is controlled by a series of preset throttle valves in combination with a single moving component, the multi-port aero-valve. This valve can be actuated locally or remotely, in rotation or translation, thereby changing gradually from a conventional uniform outflow to one which increases in velocity and mass flow rate along the airknife span to produce a bow effect. The valve can also change gradually from a conventional uniform outflow to one which increases in velocity, mass flow rate and outflow angle along the span to simulate bow effect in combination with fan-like outflow.

Abstract: A cord drying apparatus dries cords for forming cord-inserted bands, such as belts and components of tires, such as carcasses. A plurality of cords C unwound from a plurality of reels 1a held in a wheeled creel 1 are passed through guide holes formed in a guide plate 21 and are extended to an insulation head 6. Vertically movable rollers 4 are moved down from their home positions above the cords C to cause the cords C to extend along curved heating surfaces of heating boards 5. The cords C are moved along the heating surfaces of the heating boards 5 to dry the cords C. The cords C can be easily extended along and pressed against the heating surfaces of the heating boards 5. Thus cords C can be changed in a short time and the efficiency of operations for drying cords C by a drying process can be improved.

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 provides, in a hot dip plating system having an annealing furnace for hot dip plating steel sheet containing Si, a continuous annealing and hot dip plating method and system causing internal oxidation without causing surface oxidation of the Si in the steel and avoiding a drop in the plating ability of the steel sheet and retardation of alloying, that is, a continuous annealing and hot dip plating method using an annealing furnace having, in order, a front heating zone, rear heating zone, soaking zone, and cooling zone and a hot dip plating bath, comprising heating or soaking the steel sheet at a steel sheet temperature of a temperature range of at least 300° C. or more by indirect heating, making an atmosphere of the zones one comprised of hydrogen H: 1 to 10 vol % and a balance of nitrogen and unavoidable impurities, making a steel sheet peak temperature during heating at the front heating zone 550 to 750° C. and making the dew point less than ?25° C.

Abstract: The present invention is method and system for applying a finish to non-woven fabric as part of the production line, during the production process, and provides for the selective application of, for example, colorants so as to produce patterns or graphic designs to the non-woven fabric before completion of the drying process.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrode forming method with steps of arraying chip-style electronic components on an arraying flat bed thereby positioning and aligning the components, lowering a film coated with an adhesive in relative manner together with an adhering top plate parallel to the arraying flat bed thereby adhering ends of the positioned and aligned chip-style electronic components to the adhesive, then lowering the first film to which the chip-style electronic components are adhered in relative manner together with a coating top plate parallel to a coating flat bed provided with a conductive paste layer of a constant thickness thereby pressing the other ends of the chip-style electronic components to the coating flat bed and coating the ends of the electronic components with the conductive paste.

Abstract: The inventions refer to method of product surface treatment, technological line and device for hot applying the coating on lengthy products. Line for applying the coating on lengthy product comprising supplying device, product surface preparing unit, devise for continuous applying the coating, cooling camera and final product acceptance unit. Device for applying the coating comprises camera (13) for applying the coating, fixed above the tank (14) with melt. In cover (16) of camera (13) there is an outlet 19 for creating pressure discharge, and in cover (21) of tank (14) there is an inlet (22). Camera (13) is provided with intake vertical passage (20) plunged into the melt of the tank. In the walls of camera (13) there are passages (23) and (24) for product (2) transporting. In working state the melt in the tank (14) and in the camera (13) occupies levels (25) and (26) correspondingly.

Abstract: An apparatus for plating a wire material is provided in which a range of the plated layer where the temperature is high and flowability is large, thus, easily generating thickness deviation, and a range of the plated layer where the temperature is low and the flowability is small, thus generating thickness deviation only with difficulty are allowed to cool in an appropriate manner, respectively, whereby a plated wire material whose thickness deviation is not more than 2.0 can be produced with high productivity in a stable manner.

Abstract: A film sheet which has a polymer layer formed of a coating solution is drawn from a balk roll and transported toward a rubbing apparatus. Thereby, first and second blowers sequentially disposed respectively apply to the polymer layer an air of temperature 45±2° C. and humidity 50%–60%, and an air of temperature 25±1° C. and humidity 30%–35%. Thus, damages which occurred in transporting and rolling the film sheet are removed. Thereafter, a rubbing action is performed to the film sheet such that the polymer layer has alignment. Then a liquid crystal layer is formed on the polymer layer, to obtain an optical compensation film.

Abstract: The coating construction has flexibility corresponding to the number of layers of multiple coating layers, by which a multilayer coating film can be produced with small film thickness without adherence of dust to a film surface, a drying fault such as unevenness induced by drying-wind on the film surface, or a coating fault such as a level variation and a streak. The multilayer coating film has a coating surface state of high quality with coating thickness deviation of 3% or less. A coating device is constructed in which at least a feed roller, a coater and a dryer are integrally incorporated in a casing, and the coating device is given a function as an independent device, whereby the production apparatus of the multilayer coating film can be constructed by only appropriately placing as many coating devices as the number corresponding to the number of layers of the multiple coating layers formed on a web between a delivery device and a winder.

Abstract: A paper or paperboard web (W) is precalendered. A web that has undergone earlier dewatering stages is calendered to attain a suitable surface for the coating process. The web is calendered (C) one-sidedly in such a manner that the absorption level of the second side (W2) of the web entering the calendering, which is higher than the absorption level of the first side (W1), is reduced in the calendering nearly to the same level or at least to the same level with the first side (W1).

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for curtain coating of a moved substrate like a paper web substrate is moved below a liquid supply means providing a single or multilayer liquid coating in the form of a free-falling curtain impinging the substrate at a dynamic wetting line and a blade or air shield located upstream of the dynamic wetting line with respect to the moving direction of the substrate. The dynamic wetting line of the coating curtain on the substrate or web is oriented generally perpendicular to the moving direction of the substrate or web, providing substantially the same air pressure over an essential part of the coating curtain on its front and back side with respect to the moving direction of the substrate and providing a first supply air flow upstream to the wetting line.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrode forming method with steps of arraying chip-style electronic components on an arraying flat bed thereby positioning and aligning the components, lowering a film coated with an adhesive in relative manner together with an adhering top plate parallel to the arraying flat bed thereby adhering ends of the positioned and aligned chip-style electronic components to the adhesive, then lowering the first film to which the chip-style electronic components are adhered in relative manner together with a coating top plate parallel to a coating flat bed provided with a conductive paste layer of a constant thickness thereby pressing the other ends of the chip-style electronic components to the coating flat bed and coating the ends of the electronic components with the conductive paste.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a plant for the continuous dip-coating of a metal strip (1), of the type comprising a tank (11) containing a liquid metal bath (12), a duct (13) through which the metal strip (1) runs and the lower end (13a) of which duct (13) is extended by at least two internal walls (20; 22) each located on one side of the strip (1) and directed towards the surface of the metal bath (12) in order to form at least one compartment (21; 23) for recovering the metal oxide particles and intermetallic compound particles. The duct (13) has a fixed upper part (30) and a movable lower part (31) joined together by a deformable element (32) and means (35) for positioning the movable lower part (31) with respect to the metal strip (1).

Abstract: A method for the application of liquid through viscid medium onto the surface of a pre-dried material web including the steps of applying a viscid medium to at least one side of the material web, routing the material web through a press nip and supporting the material web substantially without free draw.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device in a paper machine, coating machine, intermediate winder, unwind stand of a slitter-winder, or in any other device for treatment of a web. In the event of disturbance, the web (P) is made to be wound in a controlled way around at least one web guide roll (18a).

Abstract: In a process of hot dip coating of metal strips, in particular, of a hot rolled steel strip, in which the metal strip is transformed into a continuous strip in an unwinding station with an adjoining welding machine, and then the continuous strip is subjected to a downstream modifying process including primary and secondary prickling and, in the final treatment step; in the hot dip coating section, guiding the continuous strip through a melt bath, a variable coating process with reduced costs becomes possible when the continuous strip, in a first treatment step, is directly transported into a pickling installation. In a suitable installation for effecting the process, the primary pickling installation is located in the entry section which is separated from the hot dip coating section by an entry accumulator.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for coating metal strip, particularly cold-rolled steel strip, with a coating metal which is in the molten state. The metal strip is heated and annealed in a heating furnace and subsequently the required strip temperature and surface properties are adjusted in a cooling zone. The strip is conducted through a coating container and, following the coating container in strip pulling direction, the coating metal thickness and the solidification process are controlled by a gas-operated stripping device. The operating gas for the stripping device is preheated in a partial area of the cooling zone of the heating furnace.

Abstract: A coating such as liquid milk chocolate is applied to articles such as confectionery bars. The bars are conveyed by conveyor under a curtain of liquid chocolate issuing through an outlet slot in a trough. A layer of air is caused to flow through the outlet slot in the trough so as to modify the flow characteristics of the curtain. The layer of air permits a curtain of even thickness to be achieved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extrusion coating both sides of a metal strip. A metal strip, such as aluminum alloy strip, is moved through a pre-conditioner, two extrusion dies, a post-heater and a cooling system. Both sides of the strip are coated with thin coatings of thermoplastic polymers. The coated metal strip is useful for containers, such as cans and can ends, as well as for automobiles, appliances, aerospace, construction and electrical devices.

Abstract: Gas wiping apparatus and method can reliably prevent edge overcoat and splash, and has face gas wiping nozzles extending widthwise of a strip material, a pair of baffle plates spaced from an edge of the strip material, an edge wiping nozzle disposed between baffle plates at its inner edge and adjacent the strip material edge, all with critical spacing relative to each other.

Abstract: A curtain coater and a curtain-coating method for coating a moving web of paper or board are described. The curtain coater has an applicator nozzle for applying a coating mix to the surface of the web in the form of a continuous curtain extending uniformly over the cross-machine width of the web. In one aspect, a doctoring means located upstream (in terms of the direction of travel of the web) from the applicator nozzle substantially removes the air boundary layer traveling on the surface of the web. In another aspect, the doctoring means comprises a suction nozzle for removing the air boundary layer. In yet another aspect, a gas nozzle located downstream from the applicator nozzle sprays gas on the coating curtain in order to help apply the coating mix to the surface of the web.

Abstract: A device for impregnating a paper web with a molten polymer to produce a paper with improved resistance to oil and grease are provided. The device includes, as part of an on-machine process, an ordinary paper web composed of cellulose or synthetic fibers, a polymer applicator, a hot reel, and a winding reel. The web, which is created through a series of processes located upstream of the subject invention, first encounters the polymer applicator, which deposits a quantity of molten polymer onto the surface of the web. The web is next transferred to a hot reel, which maintains the temperature of the molten polymer above its melting point and thereby facilitates wicking of the molten polymer into the web. After the web passes the hot reel, it is wound onto a winding reel, where additional wicking occurs until the molten polymer cools to a temperature below its melting point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved doctor blade and bedplate apparatus wherein there is a recess in the bedplate from some position upstream of the doctor blade to some position downstream of the doctor blade. This recess or gap in the area of the bedplate under the doctor blade allows one to form an even or uniform coating on the back of a web of material. This is particularly helpful in forming uniform coatings on the back of a greige good which has face fibers of varying lengths. The present invention also relates to an improved process for preparing a relatively uniform coating on the back of a web of material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extrusion coating both sides of a metal strip. A metal strip, such as aluminum alloy strip, is moved through a pre-conditioner, two extrusion dies, a post-heater and a cooling system. Both sides of the strip are coated with thin coatings of thermoplastic polymers. The coated metal strip is useful for containers, such as cans and can ends, as well as for automobiles, appliances, aerospace, construction and electrical devices.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to techniques for reducing premature drying of solvent-based coatings, including premature drying at sites on the apparatus that applies the coatings. By introduction of solvent vapor proximate to the coating apparatus, and by passively bringing the solvent vapor to the site, the risk of premature drying is reduced. In the presence of the solvent vapor, solvent in the coating fluid tends not to evaporate quickly. The solvent vapor may be introduced by any of a variety of solvent vapor emission devices, and may be brought to the site passively by, for example, increasing the concentration of solvent vapor in a boundary layer that moves with the substrate being coated, diffusion, or natural convection.

Abstract: A process for producing a donor sheet for a thin-film formation comprising: while transporting a sheet on which a light-to-heat conversion layer has already been formed, forming a transfer layer on the light-to-heat conversion layer and drying the transfer layer.

Abstract: A process using ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 160 to 500 nanometers without higher wavelengths and a high intensity between about 1 and 40 watts/cm2 to surface treat a carbon containing fiber is described. The treated fiber contains an enhanced amount of oxygen on the surface which significantly improves the bondability of the fiber in composites.

Abstract: A method and device for continuously coating at least a metal strip (1) with a crosslinkable polymer fluid film which is free of non-reactive solvent or diluent, and which has a softening temperature higher than 50° C. The method includes the steps of: continuously unwinding the metal strip (1) on at least a back-up roll (30); forming, by forced flow on an applicator roll (20) having a deformable surface, a layer of the crosslinkable polymer; and forming on the applicator roll (20) the crosslinkable polymer film and transferring the film from the applicator roll onto the metal strip. The device implements this method.

Abstract: A UV curing system includes a light source, which produces UV light and non-useful light (heat energy), a shade member having a lamp-side surface that reflects light and provides thermal insulation to the target substance, and a housing having an internal reflecting surface. The shade member is situated between the light source and the target substance so that all, or most, light from the light source does not directly strike the target substance. The housing is situated on the opposite side of the light source from the barrier and partially encloses the light source.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and finishing a continuous fabric web in a single operation. The apparatus includes a fabric web forming station for forming a continuous fabric web and a finishing station downstream from the fabric web forming station for receiving the continuous fabric web from the fabric web forming station and for providing a finishing treatment to the continuous fabric web. In the preferred embodiment, the finishing station includes a substantially excess-free applicator which helps to prevent thick spots in the coated fabric web which may occur when a coating applicator is stopped and restarted. In the preferred embodiment, the finishing station includes a curing station downstream from the applicator. The curing station may include both a drying station and a heat set station downstream from the drying station. The operating temperatures of the drying and heat set stations are controlled to minimize the amount of air having VOCs to be treated before being discharged into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating paperboard comprising a flame treater, a heater, a coater for applying a thin coating of a water-dispersible polymer, a dryer, and a cooler with an air curtain to keep the heat confined to the hot end of the apparatus.

Abstract: Decrease in sensitivity can be avoided to obtain a stable and highly sensitized photosensitive layer in a process for preparing a photopolymerizing lithographic plate including a coating step and using rubber rollers before and after the coating site. This is achieved by excluding an antioxidant and/or aging retardant from at least the surface of rubber rollers placed before and after the coating site. The photopolymerizing lithographic plate excellent in its sensitivity as compared with the conventional one can be obtained.

Abstract: A coil coating system for embedding discrete masses of material in a resinous coating on sheet metal as it is pulled from a dispensing coil through a series of rollers, said system comprising a paint pan, a roller rotating in the pan and picking up said resinous coating composition and transferring it to an applicator roller; thenceforth to the moving sheet metal, an oven, and a sprayer that can heat thermoplastic resin particles to a molten or plastic state and spray the particles to the moving sheet metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved doctor blade and bedplate apparatus wherein there is a recess in the bedplate from some position upstream of the doctor blade to some position downstream of the doctor blade. This recess or gap in the area of the bedplate under the doctor blade allows one to form an even or uniform coating on the back of a web of material. This is particularly helpful in forming uniform coatings on the back of a greige good which has face fibers of varying lengths. The present invention also relates to an improved process for preparing a relatively uniform coating on the back of a web of material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for curing a coated fiber, comprising either two fiber coating curing stages separated by a cooling stage, or two fiber coating curing stages separated by a distinct time interval, or both. One of the two fiber coating curing stages responds to the coated fiber, and provides a partially cured fiber coating. The other of the two fiber coating curing stages responds to the partially cured coated fiber for further curing the coating of the fiber. In one embodiment of the invention, a cooling stage is placed between the two curing stages, while in the other the curing stages are placed a set distance apart such that polymerization of the coating initiated by the first curing stage has time to complete prior to the coating being irradiated by the second curing stage.

Abstract: With a method and a device for coating a continuously delivered, web-like sheet formation (2) a first layer (3) of a paste-like plastic is deposited in sections. A second layer (4) of powder-like thermoplastic plastic is subsequently flatly scattered on. The coated sheet formation (2) is subsequently subjected to thermal treatment. Before the thermal treatment, the powder (7) deposited between the sections of the first layer (3) is swirled up by an air jet (L) directed obliquely against the surface (6) of the sheet formation (2) and is simultaneously sucked off by a suction means (10).

Abstract: An apparatus for passing multiple fibers having curable coating thereon through a high intensity curing zone comprises an irradiator having a curing zone; a transparent tube enclosing the curing zone; a plurality of coating dies disposed upstream of the irradiator to coat the fibers; and a plurality of take-up mechanisms disposed downstream of the irradiator to guide the fibers through the curing zone. The coating dies and the take-up mechanisms are rotatably displaced relative to each other about a longitudinal axis through the centerline of the curing zone so that the fibers at an intermediate location between the coating dies and the take-up mechanisms define a cylindrical volume having a diameter less than the diameter of the tube so that the multiple fibers can pass simultaneously through the tube.

Abstract: A sheet coating machine in which sheets are fed along a bed through a working area where they are given a coating of a volatile substance to an adjoining oven where the coating is cured. At least one cover is moveable to provide access when necessary to the working area and which enables vapors produced by evaporation from the substance to be contained within the working area. Air inlet means enable the vapors to be extracted for incineration, and suction means which are arranged to extract the vapors downwardly from within the working area.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a stationary sliding bar for guiding a paper or cardboard web extends across the entire web width B. Viewed in cross section, the sliding bar has a convex, rounded surface. Due to a relatively high speed of travel of the web, an aerodynamic flotation web forms between the sliding bar and the web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a paper or board web, wherein the web to be coated is brought to a film transfer coater and taken to a nip between the film transfer roll of the coater and its backing roll, and coating mix is applied onto the surface of the film transfer roll. The web is taken through the nip between the rolls and the rolls are turned, whereby the coating mix applied onto the applicator roll is at least partly transferred onto the surface of the web. The web is supported through the nip by means of a belt traveling at the same speed as the web, the belt having been arranged to travel on the backing roll. The web is taken onto the surface of the belt prior to the nip and separated from the belt after the nip, and it is pressed against the film transfer roll by means of the belt. The length of the path where the web and the film transfer roll are in contact with each other is controlled by varying the position of the web and the belt.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an applicator for applying a fluid to a surface, comprising a frame, an applicator roller, such as a cylindrical brush, rotatably mounted in the frame, a fluid pick-up roller rotatably mounted in the frame, the pick-up roller being positioned beneath and parallel or substantially parallel to the applicator roller and in contact or near contact with the applicator roller, and a reservoir positioned beneath the pick-up roller. The applicator further comprises a skimmer, which is located parallel or substantially parallel to at least part of the pick-up roller.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying a first material to a moving second material that has at least two edges. The apparatus may include at least one supporter for supporting the second material in a substantially non-horizontal orientation and at least one applicator for applying the first material to the second material adjacent to one edge of the second material such that the first material substantially migrates across the second material towards the other edge thereof as the second material moves in a predetermined direction. The apparatus may include apparatus for dispersing the first material on the second material such that the first material that remains on the second material is substantially uniformly distributed thereon. The apparatus may also include interchangeable reservoirs for containing the first material.