Abstract: AC waveforms biasing of bead transporter chucks and their accumulated charge sensing circuits tailored for low resistivity substrates and beads where if traditional DC quasi-static biasing potentials were used, the bead attraction potentials of the chuck would undergo rapid RC decay and cause the bead transporter chuck to stop working. Methods for selecting AC waveforms are given, including those that maximize the time average of the bead attraction potential at the bead collection zone of the bead contact surface.

Abstract: A coating apparatus which comprises a feeding means to feed a coating liquid, a coating liquid applicator having a slot extending in one direction to discharge the coating liquid fed by the feeding means, and a conveying means to move at least either the coating liquid applicator or a substrate to be coated with the coating liquid relatively one to the other, comprising: (a) a first control means which comprises (a-1) a position detecting means to detect positions of the coating liquid applicator or the substrate which is moved by the conveying means, and (a-2) a controller capable of stopping the coating liquid applicator or the substrate which is moved by the conveying means at a position detected by the position detecting means such that a start-of-coating line of the substrate is in register with the slot of the coating liquid applicator and capable of starting the movement of the coating liquid applicator or the substrate which is stopped at the position; and (b) a second control means which comprises a

Abstract: A slide bead coating method and apparatus which is able to form a stable bead over the width of coating solutions and regularly coat the coating solutions on a web to an edge region and which is able to change the width of the coating solutions without stopping the coating operation even if the width of the web changes.A discharged liquid from a nozzle is applied on both side edges of the coating solutions flowing down a slide surface. Thereby, the stable bead can be formed at the side edges of the coating solutions, so that the coating solutions can be coated on the web to the edge region. Edge bead is formed at both side edges of the coating solutions through the nozzle, so that the width of the coating solutions can be adjusted.

Abstract: The coater apparatus enclosure encloses the entire die of a coating apparatus includes an enclosure structure, a saturation station which saturates a supply gas with solvent, a device which supplies solvent-saturated gas to the enclosure to continuously purge the enclosure, and a device which controls the gas flow to the enclosure. The saturation station could include a heated jacketed vessel and a porous metal bubbler, or it could include a series of heat exchangers. No streaks can form due to coating fluid drying on the die lip because the gas supplied to the die enclosure is saturated with the solvent.

Abstract: A hopper bar having a longitudinal channel formed in the portion of the bar which normally would support a coating lip wherein a wall of the channel is a precision cylindrical locating pin, and has a replaceable hopper lip element, formed to fit within the channel, is provided with a precision round bushing for receiving the locating pin such that upon assembly of the element to the hopper there is no offset significant to the coating process between the slide surface of the hopper bar and the slide surface of the lip element. The lip element may be attached to the hopper wall along the remainder of their mutual length by either bolts or magnets to permit independent longitudinal thermal expansion of the hopper bar and lip element.

Abstract: A slide bead coating method and apparatus which is able to form a stable bead over the width of coating solutions and regularly coat the coating solutions on a web to an edge region and which is able to change the width of the coating solutions without stopping the coating operation even if the width of the web changes. A discharged liquid from a nozzle is applied on both side edges of the coating solutions flowing down a slide surface. Thereby, the stable bead can be formed at the side edges of the coating solutions, so that the coating solutions can be coated on the web to the edge region. Edge bead is formed at both side edges of the coating solutions through the nozzle, so that the width of the coating solutions can be adjusted.

Abstract: A device for chemical wet treatment of substrates has a tank containing a treatment fluid for treating the substrates. At least one substrate carrier for supporting the substrates within the tank is provided. At least one substrate lifting device for lifting the substrates off the substrate carrier is provided. A lifting apparatus for lifting and lowering the substrate carrier is positioned in the tank. The lifting apparatus has a first transport carriage connected to the substrate lifting device and a second transport carriage connected to a holder of the substrate carrier. The first and second transport carriages are connected to one another by a jointed connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chucks and methods for positioning multiple objects, optionally for transport onto a recipient substrate. Instead of using conventional clamps that employ mechanical force, the present invention is directed to the use of a non-mechanical force such as negative pressure in a vacuum chuck, or static electricity in an electrostatic chuck as the force applied to the objects held by the chuck. Further, the chuck has a layer for holding the objects which are optionally subsequently transferred to a recipient substrate, the layer having a configuration substantially corresponding to the configuration of the recipient substrate. In certain aspects, the present invention is directed to a chuck for positioning objects with an average width or diameter less than or equal to one millimeter, and a thickness preferably less than about 3 millimeters, such as beads used in the chemical industry.

Abstract: In a coating device, a nozzle is configured by combining a front block and at least one back block. A front block includes a portion which is projected toward the base member with respect to the back block, and a top face of the projected portion is processed into a curved face having a predetermined curvature radius. A top face of the back block, which is opposed to the base material, is processed into a flat face, and a plurality of discharging openings are provided therein for discharging a coating material therethrough. The base material first travels along the curved face of the front block. The base member then travels over the flat face of the back block substantially in parallel with the flat face, while the coating material is discharged through the discharging openings, thus forming a stripe-shaped coating film on the surface of the base material. A line width and a thickness of the thus formed stripe-shape coating film is controlled to stay at designed values and fluctuation thereof are eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved flywheel for damping vibrations in a coating roll. The improved flywheel has an inner plate and an outer plate and sandwiched between the two plates are alternating rings of a solid body material such as aluminum or steel and conventional vibration damping material. Typically, the flywheel is attached to the coating roll outside of the bearing mounting block. The flywheel is designed such that movement of the inner and outer plates relative to each other works to compress the damping material sandwiched between the two plates. The plates are fastened together so that torsional motion between the plates, alternating rings, and coating roll is prevented. This compression of the damping material results in the absorption and dissipation of vibrational energy of the radial bending of the coating roll.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved coating roll drive that used frameless, inside out motor and a set of magnetic bearings, axial and radial, mounted inside a coating roll to provide adaptive positioning of the coating roll relative to a given reference, such as a hopper lip. The present invention minimizes the variation of distance between the coating roll and the given reference during operation.

Abstract: A length of conductive wire is supported between a first reel and a second reel. The first reel is driven to move the wire through the device in a stepped fashion. Each time the wire stops a reciprocating plunger brings a material to be evaporated into contact with the wire. An electric current is passed through the length of wire in the area where the material contacts the wire. The wire is heated by the electric current to melt the material onto the wire to form a bead of material thereon. The wire is advanced to repeat the bead forming process. The wire with the beads formed thereon is wound onto the first reel for later use in an evaporator process. An infrared sensor monitors the heating process to determine if the material is melted at the desired temperature. A sensor is also provided to stop the device if the wire breaks. The advancing of the wire, the operation and refilling of the plunger and the heating of the wire are all performed automatically.

Abstract: A slide bead coating apparatus including a break and associated offset in the coating lip surface. Slide bead coating is employed in the manufacture of single- and multi-layered elements such as photographic film.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing coatings, such as wax or hot melt adhesive, onto the tops and necks of wine bottles or similar objects. A slot nozzle die has elongated air slots along a vertically oriented slot extrusion opening. A hot melt or wax gun is disposed above the bottle neck to apply a bead of adhesive to the bottle top. In the operation of the apparatus, the air flow is initiated from both air slots prior to the initiation of the hot melt flow and is continued beyond that point in time, when the hot melt flow ceases. The air carries a film of coating material horizontally to the bottle neck. Means are provided for spinning the bottle about its vertical axis. The delays between the operations of the air flow and the coating flow are on the order of micro seconds. The merged coatings are heated to smooth the coating finish to produce a traditional neck seal.

Abstract: The centrifugal fluidizing granulator for powder coating granulation has a sensor for detecting changes of viscosity of the growing particles by means of a load cell or a displacement detector; and output signal of the sensor is compared with the data stored in a memory contained in a control unit which determines whether the growing particles are in their wetted state or dried state. The control unit controls the spraying of the liquid and the dispersion of the guest powder based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: The method of and apparatus for equipping a surface of an article with a profiled gasket, bead or a profiled frame, after appropriate pretreatment of the surface. A thermoplastic elastomer is supplied via an extruder and a heated pressure hose to a heated extrusion nozzle. The nozzle is guided by a robot, and the elastomer is extruded and laid by means of the extrusion nozzle onto the surface. The gasket is applied, for example, to an automobile glazing as a profiled frame along its border.

Abstract: A criss cross coating hopper 10 is provided which is capable of producing uniform flow distribution patterns. The hopper 10 is comprised of a first and second hopper halves 12,14. First and second hopper halves 12,14 each have a first and second planar surface 20,40, respectively, adjoining a first and second cavity 22,42, respectively, each cavity 22,42 having a land surface 28,50 near the entrance end 26,48 and exit end 24,46. Inserts 62,64 are positioned against the land surface 60 of the first hopper half 12 and the land surface 50 of the second hopper half 14, respectively. The first and second hopper halves 12,14 and the inserts 62,64 cooperate to form an exit slot 69 recessed into first and second planar surfaces 20,40.

Abstract: A method and apparatus 10 are disclosed for applying a bead or strip of material 16 upon an object 18, such that the bead 16 has a desired cross-sectional area. Moreover, system 10 includes a source 30, controller 38, a dispensing apparatus 28, and a gun 14. In operation, controller 38, by controlling gun 14, ensures that a constant pressure of material is output from unit 28 to gun 14, for a variety of material flow rates from unit 28.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the bead edge in slide-bead coating is dislcosed employing bead edge guides in a gap between a coating lip and a moving substrate. The apparatus provides for improved coating quality and less material loss typically observed with increased line speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus for premetered "patch" coating discrete, incremental surfaces or substrates, such as printed circuit boards, integrated circuits and the like, with a pre-configured layer of a liquid in which a controlled volume per unit area of the liquid is applied to the substrate are disclosed. The liquid is dispensed from an applicator slot that is fluidly coupled to a liquid containing chamber. The volume of the liquid in the liquid containing chamber is varied in order to (1) sharply and distinctly start the coating "patch" by producing a pulse of liquid that flows out of the applicator slot to form a connecting bead of liquid coating on the coating surface and (2) sharply and distinctly terminate the coating "patch" by removing the bead of liquid connecting the applicator slot with the coated surface. The width of the coated "patch" is determined by the length of the applicator slot.

Abstract: A device for applying a thin layer of joint compound to the inner and outer surfaces of a corner bead. The device includes a hopper for supporting a quantity of joint compound. The hopper has two openings which are aligned with one another and have a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to that of a corner bead. The device includes rubber panels for closing off a selected portion of the openings. In use, a corner bead is inserted through one of the openings, pushed through the hopper where joint compound adheres to the bead, and is extracted from the other opening. The rubber panels scrape off all but a thin layer of joint compound from the concave surface of the bead and forces the bead against the bottom of the hopper so as to permit only a thin layer of joint compound to remain on the convex surface of the bead.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing a viscous adhesive onto a glass member to be attached to a vehicle body is disclosed. A reciprocating pump supplies adhesive to a dispensing point, with a pulse dampener member disposed between the pump and the dispensing point. A rolling diaphragm defines two chambers within the pulse dampener member, with the adhesive being communicated into a first variable volume chamber. A pressurized gas force is maintained on the opposite side of the diaphragm from the first variable volume chamber. The pulse dampener member includes a T-connection, with the pump supplying fluid into a first leg, the second leg being connected to the variable volume chamber and the third leg connected to the dispensing point. As fluid enters the first leg, the amount of fluid demanded at the dispensing point moves from the first leg directly into the third leg. Any excess fluid supplied into the first leg moves upwardly into the variable volume chamber through the second leg.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for bead coating a web with liquid composition with a pressure differential applied across the bead of composition between the lip of the slide hopper and the web. An enclosure is disposed under and open to the bead. Vacuum is applied to the enclosure by a turbine driven by an AC induction motor. Servo means are provided for regulating the speed of the motor and thereby the pressure differential across the bead. The AC motor and the servo means allow the desired pressure to be maintained without surges and allows the differential pressure to be rapidly changed, as for the passage of a splice in the web through the bead.

Abstract: In the hopper coating of liquid compositions on moving webs, as in the coating of photographic layers on film supports, the trapping of solid particles or bubbles in the hopper slots causes line defects or streaks in the coated layers. These defects are avoided or reduced by determining the conditions under which the composition can be flowed through one or through a plurality of adjacent slots of the coating hopper at slot Reynolds numbers less than about 10 and flowing the composition through such slot or slots under said conditions.

Abstract: An arrangement for improved dispensed material bead profile control, in which a viscous material is dispensed in a stream upon a surface. The stream is transported along that surface and forms a bead of the viscous material. The bead is then confined with air streams which also reshape the profile of the bead. The material is dispensed by a nozzle which has at least two orifices in its proximity. One orifice is located at a distance from the nozzle which is greater than for the other orifice. The orifices form air streams under pressure and direct the air streams toward the material stream, as well as toward the bead formed on the surface when the material stream is transported along that surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for the manufacture of large-surfaced, band-shaped silicon bodies for solar cells through a continuous layering process which uses a net-like structured graphite carrier unit. The net-like structure is used in conjunction with a melting pot made from graphite for receiving silicon smelt. The smelt is fed via a drain opening provided in the floor section of the melting pot to the carrier unit guided through a canal which has been arranged in horizontal direction below the melting pot. In order to ensure a continuous replacement of the smelt volume in the layering canal, the canal is shaped in downward direction as a shallow basin made from quartz, whereby the basin areas "a" and "b" are of different depth. In this manner, a "reserve volume" is provided, which ensures a uniform layering. The apparatus allows a continuous production of silicon bands for solar cells.

Abstract: The coating device comprises a furnace (1) comprising a crucible (4) and a lateral distribution conduit (3) whose outlet communicates with an externally open release aperture (2) serving to distribute the molten metal over the entire width of the metal strip (6) to be coated. This strip (6) is entrained from a supply spool (7) to a storage spool (8) and passes over a positioning roll (10) mounted opposite to the release aperture (2), the spacing between this roll and the edge of the release aperture being adjustable by means of a screw (15). A bank of burners (16) is located opposite to the reverse of the strip (6) and upstream of the release aperture (2) in order to heat the strip before it passes in front of the release aperture (2). A molten metal bath is thus constantly maintained between this release aperture (2) and the face to be coated of the strip (6) which is covered with a layer of metal during its displacement.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for asymmetrically coating a tape-shaped carrier body with crystallized silicon for further processing into solar cells. In an exemplary embodiment a carrier body in the form of a graphite mesh is to be drawn through a guide channel leading from the floor of a melt vat and is moistened by the melt. The silicon is caused to crystallize above the melt vat because of a temperature gradient generated at right angles relative to the path of the coated carrier body. The temperature gradient can, for example, be produced by means of single-sided heating, or by a plate-shaped body extending from the melt parallel to the carrier body, or by guide lips with upper boundaries exhibiting different heights and widths. The method and apparatus serve for the continuous manufacture of silicon tapes for solar cells.

Abstract: A device for laying down a plastic bead on an essentially plane surface of a part consists of a table supporting a movable frame having a drive track. The drive track cooperates with a pinion rotatable about an axis fixed to table so as to drive the frame. The part is mounted on the frame. A slotted rod is fixed to the frame and cooperates with a roller mounted on the table for preventing the frame from rotating about itself. A gun for depositing the bead is positioned above the axis of the drive pinion. As the drive pinion rotates the frame, the gun will deposit a bead on the part mounted on the frame along a line corresponding to the contour of the drive track.

Abstract: Coating, particularly a method for uniformly depositing a micro thin layer of fluid upon the surface of an object such as a substrate, or the like. Flowing the coating material through a permeable and sloping surface, so as to develop a downward laminar flow of coating material on the outside of the sloping surface. The object to be coated is advanced tangentially to the flow of coating material such that the surface to be coated intersects laminar flow of coating material at the apex of the sloping surface. Meniscii of coating material are supported both at the leading edge and the trailing edge of coating material in contact with the surface to be coated. The uniform disengagement and drainage of deposited excess coating material from the coated surface are ensured by uniform meniscii and the constant downward laminar flow of coating material on the outside of the sloping surface.

Abstract: A barrier means for a parts washer apparatus including a fluid curtain (30, 32) generated at the entrance and exit of the wash zone (12) of the parts washer (10), said fluid curtain defined in a thin planar shape and substantially covering the opening to and exit from said wash zone. The fluid barrier (30, 32) is produced by the flowing of fluid over one or more edges (36, 46) of a reservoir (34) positioned at the top of said wash zone (12), said edge (36, 46) defined such that said fluid flows thereover in a uniform manner. Alternately, said fluid curtain is generated by fluid emanating from a plurality of nozzles (84), each nozzle defined with a fan-shaped opening such that a laminar flow of fluid (83) is generated thereby.

Abstract: Method and means for continuously contact-coating one side only of a ferrous base metal strip with a molten coating metal. One or more roll means are provided to conduct the strip surface to be coated above the surface of a bath of the molten coating metal. The strip surface to be coated is caused to travel sufficiently close to the molten coating metal bath surface that the surface tension and wetting characteristics of the coating metal will permit the formation of a meniscus which will continuously contact and coat the strip surface. The coating is subjected to jet finishing. The strip is maintained in a protective non-oxidizing atmosphere at least until the one side thereof is coated. The strip may be maintained in the protective non-oxidizing atmosphere until it is sufficiently cooled to prevent the formation of a visible oxide on the uncoated side thereof.

Abstract: A moving essentially non-porous web is positioned above and in close proximity to the upper surface of a narrow, very shallow pool of coating solution. A coating meniscus extends directly from the upper surface to the web to transfer coating solution from the pool to the web. Stagnation of solution in the pool is eliminated by feeding solution to the pool at the center and bottom thereof, and removing excess solution through ports at the top surface of the pool at each end thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a coating of photographically sensitive liquid on one side of a moving aluminum web is constructed with a backing or support roller having stepped portions at each end of an unstepped central portion. The latter is engaged with the anterior surface of the web and is narrower than the web so that coating liquid applied to one surface of the web does not migrate to the edges of the web to contaminate the anterior side thereof. The width of the central portion is great enough so that mechanical stress on the web is not excessive and the undercut height is sufficient to exceed deflection of the web at the edges thereof.

Abstract: A coating apparatus in which a coating material is passed from an internal reservoir through a narrow orifice to a surface to be coated. At the end of the orifice the apparatus has two surfaces which are adjacent the surface to be coated, one of which is closer to the surface to be coated and functions as a metering surface. A reservoir of coating material is built up between the other surface and the surface to be coated and coating material is metered therefrom. The apparatus is particularly suited for applying an imaging suspension to an electrode of a photoelectrophoretic imaging system.