Abstract: A spin dispenser module and methods for using the same is disclosed. The spin dispenser module includes a cup having a basin with sidewalls and an exhaust, a rotatable platform situated inside the cup adapted for holding and rotating a substrate, a liquid dispenser disposed over the rotatable platform for dispensing a liquid coating material on top of the substrate, one or more ejector inlets disposed over the rotatable platform, the one or more ejectors connected to a negative pressure source, and a motor coupled to the rotatable platform to rate the rotatable platform at different rotational speeds. The one or more ejector inlets may be translatable and/or rotatable with optionally adjustable suction pressure. The ejector inlets operate after a liquid coating material is dispensed to avoid deposition of suspended organic compounds after a coating is formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a 3D porous structure of parylene including a poly-p-xylylenes structure having a plurality of pores. The poly-p-xylylenes structure has a porosity. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the size of the porous structure is between 20 nm and 5 cm. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the porosity is between 55% and 85%. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the porous structure further includes a plurality of target molecules. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pores of the poly-p-xylylenes structure include pore sizes of different sizes. The pore sizes are varying in a gradient. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the porous structure is formed integrally.

Abstract: A brazing process includes placing an accessory on a tube and interposing a brazing material between a bearing surface of the tube and a complementary bearing surface of the accessory. The brazing material is melted. The bearing surface and the complementary bearing surface together define a chamber having a converging portion whose height perpendicular to the bearing surface decreases radially away from the orifice. The converging portion of the chamber has a radial width greater than one times the thickness of the tube, so that the brazing material is distributed by capillary action in the chamber, and binds the bearing surface and the complementary bearing surface to one another.

Abstract: A thermocompression bonding (TCB) apparatus can include a wall having a height measured in a first direction and configured to be positioned between a first pressing surface and a second pressing surface of a semiconductor bonding apparatus. The apparatus can include a cavity at least partially surrounded by the wall, the cavity sized to receive a semiconductor substrate and a stack of semiconductor dies positioned between the semiconductor substrate and the first pressing surface, the stack of semiconductor dies and semiconductor substrate having a combined unpressed stack height as measured in the first direction. In some embodiments, the unpressed stack height is greater than the height of the wall, and the wall is configured to be contacted by the first pressing surface to limit movement of the first pressing surface toward the second pressing surface during a semiconductor bonding process.

Abstract: A writing instrument includes a first barrel and a second barrel that are able to rotate relative to each other about the axial direction, and presenting a first distal end and a second distal end, a writing tip being arranged at the first distal end while a pad for a capacitive screen is arranged at the second distal end, the writing tip and/or the pad for a capacitive screen being retractable by causing the first barrel to rotate relative to the second barrel, and where a barrel among the first barrel and the second barrel includes a tongue extending in the circumferential direction, the tongue being configured to establish electrical contact with the other barrel among the first barrel and the second barrel.

Abstract: Device and system for characterizing samples using multiple integrated tips scanning probe microscopy. Multiple Integrated Tips (MiT) probes are comprised of two or more monolithically integrated and movable AFM tips positioned to within nm of each other, enabling unprecedented micro to nanoscale probing functionality in vacuum or ambient conditions. The tip structure is combined with capacitive comb structures offering laserless high-resolution electric-in electric-out actuation and sensing capability and novel integration with a Junction Field Effect Transistor for signal amplification and low-noise operation. This “platform-on-a-chip” approach is a paradigm shift relative to current technology based on single tips functionalized using stacks of supporting gear: lasers, nano-positioners and electronics.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes a carriage on which an imaging control section that controls imaging of an object is mounted, a movement control section that moves the carriage relative to the object, an image processing section that acquires image information, a first signal line that connects the imaging control section and the movement control section to each other, and a second signal line that connects the imaging control section and the image processing section to each other. A control signal is transmitted over the first signal line, and a data signal is transmitted over the second signal line.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a transfer paper suitable for high speed inkjet printing comprising a base layer and a film layer suitable for receiving viscous ink and releasing disperse dye from said viscous ink by having a porosity of 100 to 500 ml/min, wherein the film comprises film forming material.

Abstract: A vaporization device, including a fluid supply containing a vaporizable fluid; a plurality of bubble pumps operative to pump fluid from the fluid supply to outlets of the bubble pumps; and a fluid vaporization heater located adjacent the outlets of the bubble pumps to receive fluid from the bubble pumps.

Abstract: A vaporization device, including a fluid supply containing a vaporizable fluid; a bubble pump operative to pump fluid from the fluid supply to an outlet of the bubble pump; and a fluid vaporization heater located adjacent the outlet of the bubble pump to receive fluid from the bubble pump.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of inking a polymer pen lithography tip array (“PPL tip array”), including applying an ink composition to a PPL tip array using at least two spray applicators to deposit the ink as a non-uniform ink layer. The disclosure further provides a method of depositing at least two ink compositions on PPL tip array, including applying a first ink to a first defined area using a first spray applicator, and applying a second ink to a second defined area using a second spray applicator. The disclosure further provides a method of scaling a linear ink composition gradient provided by at least two spray applicators to a PPL tip array having a length, L, including positioning the spray applicators at a distance of about 5.0 L to about 8.0 L relative to the surface of the PPL tip array, positioning the spray applicators at a distance of about 0.5 L to about 3.0 L relative to each other, and applying an ink composition.

Abstract: A cushion sheet including: a cushion film, the cushion film defining a first surface of the cushion sheet; and an adhesive layer deposited on at least one surface of the cushion film, the adhesive layer defining a second surface of the cushion sheet, wherein the cushion film and the adhesive layer include a plurality of bubble discharge members inclined with respect to the first and second surfaces, the plurality of bubble discharge members including openings extending through the cushion film and the adhesive layer for removing air bubbles generated at adhesion, the openings having a first end in the adhesive layer and a second end in the cushion film; and each of the plurality of bubble discharge members are inclined at a penetrating angle within the cushion sheet, the penetrating angle being an angle formed between a respective one of the bubble discharge members and a line perpendicular to a plane of the cushion sheet, the line extending from the first end of the respective bubble discharge member to the

Abstract: A touch controller that can configure touch circuitry according to a scan plan, which can define a sequence of scan events to be performed on a touch panel is disclosed. The touch controller can include a configurable transmit section to generate stimulation signals to drive the panel, a configurable receive section to receive and process touch signals from the panel, and a configurable memory to store the touch signals. The touch controller can also include a programmable scan engine to configure the transmit section, the receive section, and the memory according to the scan plan. The touch controller advantageously provides more robust and flexible touch circuitry to handle various types of touch events at the panel. An active stylus that can generate stimulation signals that can be detected by the touch controller during various touch events at the panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: With respect to an image of at least one color component included among a plurality of color components, an image processing apparatus decides a position shift correction amount for reducing a shift between a position indicated by data and a position in the image in a projected state, and applies position shift correction to the image based on the position shift correction amount that has been decided. The image processing apparatus calculates an edge intensity to be used in edge emphasis processing for the image based on the position shift correction amount, and executes the edge emphasis processing with respect to the image after the position shift correction based on the calculated edge intensity.

Abstract: A method and structure are provided for implementing enhanced via creation without creating a via barrel stub. The need to backdrill vias during printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing is eliminated. After the vias have been drilled, but before plating, a plug is inserted into each via and the plug is lowered to a depth just below a desired signal trace layer. A thin anti-electroplate coating is applied onto the walls of the via below the signal trace. Then the plugs are removed and a standard board plating process for the PCB is performed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for monitoring use of a tip of a stylus, determining an amount of wear of or life remaining in the tip, and notifying a user when to replace the tip are disclosed. The tip should be replaced to avoid an abrasive material of the tip from being exposed and contacting a touch screen or other surface of a computing device to avoid scratching or otherwise damaging the touch screen or other surface of the computing device. The computing device or the stylus device may perform one or more of the monitoring, determining, or prompting steps.

Abstract: An interdental cleaning device that delivers an oral care fluid to a cleaning element via capillary action. The invention can be an interdental cleaning device comprising: a housing forming an internal reservoir containing an oral care fluid; an applicator extending from the housing, the applicator comprising a stem and at least one cleaning element extending from the stem; and wherein the stem comprises a capillary material that extends into the reservoir to be in fluid communication with the oral care fluid so that the capillary material of the stem delivers the oral care fluid from the reservoir to the at least one cleaning element via capillary action.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting apparatus includes an ejecting head that is enabled to eject a liquid; a liquid supply portion for supplying the liquid from a liquid supply source to the ejecting head; a holding frame that holds the ejecting head, the liquid supply source and the liquid supply portion; and a movement mechanism that moves the holding frame. The liquid supply portion has a flow channel forming portion that forms a liquid flow channel connecting the liquid supply source and the ejecting head and a flow channel holding portion that holds the flow channel forming portion in a swayable manner.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a feed system with a constant pressure. The feed system comprises a feed container which has a depressurize port mounted on its top, a intake port mounted at its side, and a feed port mounted on its bottom, contains a liquid material being a medicine or a liquid glue mixture; a intake structure which comprises a throttle pipeline and a throttle valve; a opening controller which connects to the throttle valve and the pressure sensor, for controlling the intake structure. The advantage of the feed system is to control the feed flow rate so as to maintain a constant during the feed process, particularly in the hybrid feed system. By steadily controlling the output flow rate, the mixed proportion is controlled to generate the product with the stable quality when two or more liquid materials must be mixed according to the specific proportion.

Abstract: A microfluidic arrangement including a fluid channel configured to receive a first fluid from a first inlet and a second fluid from a second inlet, and a mixer connected to the fluid channel, the mixer including a mixer channel configured to receive a volume of the first fluid and a volume of the second fluid from the fluid channel, the mixer channel defining a mixer capacity, wherein the mixer is (i) configured to mix the volume of the first fluid and the volume of the second fluid in order to provide a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid when the combined volume of the first fluid and the second fluid is less than the mixer capacity, and (ii) further configured to mix the volume of the first fluid and the volume of the second fluid in order to provide a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid when the combined volume of the first fluid and the second fluid is equal to the mixer capacity.

Abstract: A storage unit stores an image file that includes a plurality of dummy image data items indicating predetermined dummy images and movement specifying data specifying the movement of an image, and a plurality of display image data items indicating images of characters. A controller replaces each dummy image data item in the image file with a display image data item to generate a new image file and causes a display unit of a terminal apparatus to display the image file.

Abstract: Provided is an image recording method, including an intermediate image formation step of forming an intermediate image by applying ink onto a first intermediate transfer member; a first transfer step of transferring, onto a second intermediate transfer member, the intermediate image that is formed on the first intermediate transfer member; and a second transfer step of transferring, onto a recording medium, the intermediate image that is transferred onto the second intermediate transfer member, in which the following relationship is satisfied: Fa<Fb<Fc, where Fa represents an adhesion force between the first intermediate transfer member and the intermediate image, Fb represents an adhesion force between the second intermediate transfer member and the intermediate image, and Fc represents an adhesion force between the recording medium and the intermediate image.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of lithography using a tip array having a plurality of pens attached to a backing layer, where the tips can comprise a metal, metalloid, and/or semi-conducting material, and the backing layer can comprise an elastomeric polymer. The tip array can be used to perform a lithography process in which the tips are coated with an ink (e.g., a patterning composition) that is deposited onto a substrate upon contact of the tip with the substrate surface. The tips can be easily leveled onto a substrate and the leveling can be monitored optically by a change in light reflection of the backing layer and/or near the vicinity of the tips upon contact of the tip to the substrate surface.

Abstract: A pen which is able to modulate the trace of the pen in response to a sensory signal of the user, such as for example skin conductance or respiration. The sensory signals represent the mood of the user. By changing the trace of the pen, a change in mood of the user can be expressed.

Abstract: A medication dispenser includes a thermal drop generator ejector head. Medication is maintained in a pressurized container connected to a valve under the control of control electronics and to a compliant chamber. Fluid flows from the container to the chamber and to the ejector head. In a first mode the dispenser is operable to dispense aerosolized medication. In a second mode the ejector head is purged with fluid from the container to maintain the ejector head.

Abstract: A plotter having a pen set with ink-supply is characterized in that: the pen set with ink supply comprises a pen housing, a pen, and an ink-supply container. The pen housing is movably connected to the plotter and is provided with a fixing frame. The pen is detachably connected to the pen housing. The ink-supply container for loading ink is placed in the fixing frame of the pen housing and is in connection with the pen via a connecting tube for supplying ink to the pen.

Abstract: Inkwells adapted for use in direct-write nanolithography and other applications including use of wells, channels, and posts. The wells can possess a geometry which matches the geometry of tips which are dipped into the inkwells. The channels can be open or closed. Hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity can be used to control ink flow. SEM can be used to characterize the inkwells. Ink flow can be monitored with video. Hydrophobic material layers can be used to prevent cross contamination. Microsyringes can be used to fill reservoirs. Satellite reservoirs can be used to prevent bubble formation.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for changing the friction and stiffness characteristics of a linear guide assembly are disclosed. Micro-shims are strategically added between a carriage of the linear guide assembly and a mating component to increase or decrease the clearance between the carriage and a linear rail of the linear guide assembly.

Abstract: Two dimensional arrays of cantilevers for use in transferring inks from the cantilever tip to substrates are improved with use of viewports to view the cantilevers from a far side. This improves the leveling behavior when large numbers of cantilevers are present. It also provides for better laser access. Bioarrays and combinatorial applications are particularly important. Massively parallel direct write printing with more than 55,000 cantilever tips can be achieved.

Abstract: A pen which includes a marking device, the pen being operative to mark a visible path onto a surface. The marking device is electronically controllable to change an attribute of the path, such as line width or color. The marking device is actuated in response to a compression force sensed by a switch.

Abstract: A sanitary disposable writing instrument for minimizing the transfer of bacteria, viruses and/or chemicals from one person to another is provided. The sanitary disposable writing instrument comprises a strip of flexible holding material having a writing implement with a writing tip attached to the flexible material. A grasping means is formed from a portion of the holding material. This grasping means allows the user to grasp the writing implement to write with the writing tip. The disposable writing instruments are provided in a series of instruments that may be removed, used, and disposed of leaving a subsequent, untouched sanitary writing instrument in place for the next user. A dispenser for dispensing these writing instruments and a method of making such instruments is also provided in this invention.

Abstract: A screen display device (1) with a plurality of display elements (2), the display elements (2) comprising: (a) at least one display chamber (5) for containing display fluid; (b) at least storage chamber (6) in fluid communication with the display chamber (5); (c) the fluid being movable between the display chamber (5) and the storage chamber (6); (d) control means (7) for controlling fluid movement between the display chamber (5) and the storage chamber (6); and (d) a display screen (3); wherein each display chamber (5) is arranged to provide an image of fluid in the display chamber (5) through the display screen (3). An electronic device having a screen display device (1) according to the invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of nanolithography includes transporting a patterning compound from a nanoscopic tip to a substrate to form a pattern on the substrate. The patterning compound has a first electrostatic charge and the substrate has a second electrostatic charge which is opposite to the first electrostatic charge. The patterning compound can be an electrically conductive polymer having a charged polymer backbone. The patterns can be dots and lines having lateral dimensions of less than one micron. No electrical bias from an external voltage source between the tip and the substrate is needed.

Abstract: Inkwells adapted for use in direct-write nanolithography and other applications including use of wells, channels, and posts. The wells can possess a geometry which matches the geometry of tips which are dipped into the inkwells. The channels can be open or closed. Hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity can be used to control ink flow. SEM can be used to characterize the inkwells. Ink flow can be monitored with video. Hydrophobic material layers can be used to prevent cross contamination. Microsyringes can be used to fill reservoirs. Satellite reservoirs can be used to prevent bubble formation.

Abstract: An integrated circuit is formed on a substrate. The integrated circuit includes a transistor formed in the substrate. The transistor has a gate that forms at least one closed-loop. The integrated circuit also includes an ejection element that is coupled to the transistor wherein the ejection element is disposed over the substrate without an intervening field oxide layer.

Abstract: Methods of forming a nozzle plate include forming a first reverse imageable positive photoresist layer on the substrate and protecting an area thereof adjacent an ink ejection element from ultraviolet energy while exposing other than the protected area to such energy. Thereafter, the non-protected area is rendered insoluble by heating. Thereafter, the protected area is exposed to ultraviolet energy to weaken its structure for later removal. A second reverse imageable positive resist layer gets formed on the first layer and exposed to ultraviolet energy in a region directly above the ink ejection element. In a single step, both the protected area of the first layer and the non-protected region of the second layer are removed to form an ink flow feature, a bubble chamber or an orifice of the nozzle plate. The remainders of the first and second layers become blanket exposed to ultraviolet energy and cured in place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curing epoxy resin composition permitting water repellent and ink repellent surface treatment. The epoxy resin composition contains (A) an alkylsiloxane-containing epoxy resin, (B) a cationic polymerization catalyst, and (C) a polyfunctional epoxy compound having a molecular weight of 300 or more, and a static viscosity of 1,000 cps or more at 25° C.

Abstract: An inking apparatus including an inking head which is manually adjustable in the X, Y and Z directions to facilitate quick and easy positioning of an inking probe in proximity to a defective die on a semiconductor wafer to ink and mark the die for exclusion from further processing. A horizontal positioning plate is horizontally adjustably mounted on a base plate, and an angular adjustment arm is angularly adjustably mounted on the horizontal positioning plate. The inking head is vertically adjustably mounted on the end of the angular adjustment arm and carries an ink reservoir from which ink is dispensed through an inking probe to the dies on the wafer.

Abstract: A template 1 is brought close to or in contact with a surface to be patterned 111 and patterns are formed with liquid 62 on the surface 111. This method comprises the steps of: bringing the template 1 close to or essentially in contact with the surface 111, supplying liquid 62 to a plurality of through holes 12 established in the pattern transfer region 10 of the template 1 for supplying the liquid 62, and separating the template 1 from the surface 111 after the liquid 62 is adhered to the surface 111 via the through holes 12.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a transfer of an ink having electrorheological properties between rolls in a printing press. The method includes electrically connecting a first electrode to a first roll, electrically connecting a second electrode to a second roll, and circumscribing each of the first and second rolls with an electrically conductive layer. The method also includes establishing a rotational movement between the first and second rolls so as to enable a transfer of the ink from the first roll to the second roll across a first nip, and applying a voltage across the first and second electrodes so as to create a first electric field at the first nip. In addition, a printing unit including a first roll and a second roll configured to enable a transfer of an ink having rheological properties from the first roll to the second roll across a nip, the first and second rolls each having an electrically conductive layer circumscribed around them.

Abstract: The present invention is a test system for testing functionality of a manufactured component. The test system has a test fixture, a control unit and a marker assembly. The test fixture transmits tests signals to, and receives tests signals from, the manufactured component. The control unit produces test signals and transmits the test signals to, and receives tests signals from, the test fixture. The control unit also produces a result signal dependant on the received test signals. The control unit further produces an actuating signal in response to certain test signals. The marker assembly contains a marking material and is mounted in the test fixture. The marker assembly is configured to receive the actuating signal such that the marker assembly actuates in response to the actuating signal. Upon actuation, the marker assembly physically contacts the manufactured component leaving marking material on the manufactured component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lithographic apparatus for transferring a fine pattern having a line width less than 10 &mgr;m, a lithographic method, a structure for and a method of manufacturing an original master for transfer. The lithographic apparatus comprising an original master on which a pattern is formed within a two-dimensional plane, a slit for filling a medium in the pattern, a medium sump for feeding the medium, a pressure regulating mechanism for adjusting the pressure of the medium filled in the slit, and a lithographic substrate. With this apparatus, the pattern can be batch-transferred, thereby making it possible to easily manufacture electronic parts.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to form external interconnections to a microfluidic device for coupling of a fluid or light or both into a microchannel of the device. This method can be used to form optical or fluidic interconnections to microchannels previously formed on a substrate, or to form both the interconnections and microchannels during the same process steps. The optical and fluidic interconnections are formed parallel to the plane of the substrate, and are fluid tight.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary methods and apparatus for dispensing liquids as an atomized spray. In one particularly preferably method, a liquid is dispensed as an atomized spray from a vibratable member having a front surface and a rear surface, with the member having at least one tapered hole between the surfaces for dispensing the liquid. The tapered hole has a larger cross-sectional area at the rear surface than at the front surface. The liquid is delivered from a supply container to the rear surface of the vibratable member in an amount sufficient to cover the hole with liquid. The vibratable member is then vibrated to dispense at least a portion of the liquid through the hole and from the front surface. Additional liquid is delivered from the supply container and to the rear surface in volumes that are substantially equal to the volumes dispensed.

Abstract: An image recording liquid obtained by changing a mixing proportion of a plurality of recording liquids based on an image signal is transferred as a continuous flow to an image receiving medium to form an image thereon. To the image receiving medium, the image recording liquid is transferred in an image forming width, and a dummy liquid for forming substantially no image is transferred to the outside of the image forming width. Both edges of the image recording area are prevented from being raised or thickened on the image receiving medium or from spreading over in the width direction. The image density is prevented from increasing or decreasing on the edge of the image, the stream line of the image recording liquid can be prevented from being distorted, and the image quality can be enhanced. In another mode, the dummy liquid continues to a fore end and/or a rear end of the image forming area and is transferred to the image receiving medium.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus, applicable to copying machines, facsimile apparatuses and printers, controls pixel positions with high precision. An image of color material is formed on the surface of an image holding drum. The surface of the image holding drum divides into a number of pixel areas, and each pixel area has an adhesive-force change portion smaller than the pixel area, where adhesive force to color material changes by a predetermined stimulus. An image-signal input unit forms an image by distribution of adhesive force to the color material on the surface of the image holding drum by inputting a stimulus corresponding to an image signal into the image holding drum. A color material supply unit supplies color material particles to the surface of the image holding drum.

Abstract: A method for microfluidic printing comprising pumping and mixing colored inks which comprise a mixture of colorants, fluids, and gel-forming or gel-initiating ingredients to form ink pixels and to transfer such ink pixels to a receiver transferring position; and transferring the ink pixels to a reflective receiver which contains gel-forming or gel-initiating ingredients so that the ingredients in the transferred ink pixels and in the receiver react to form a gel and the viscosity of the transferred ink rapidly increases to limit the flow of ink pixels whereby such ink pixels are fixed to the receiver and overprinting of colors is minimized.

Abstract: A pen includes an electronically controllable marking device, for marking a visible path onto a surface. The device includes a memory for storing sets of values of attributes of the path. The pen also has a selection mode, in which the pen is caused to cycle though the stored sets of attribute values by the user sequentially marking separate paths, with a different set of attribute values applied each path compared to the preceding path.

Abstract: A printer, a print head, and a print head manufacturing method in which satisfactory precision can be obtained by simple processes are provided. Projecting objects having a predetermined shape are formed on a substrate, and a setting resin is applied on the substrate and is set. Then, the projecting objects are removed so that ink cells and nozzles are formed. The thickness of the setting resin is determined such that tip portions of the projecting objects project from the setting resin and ink cells can be formed.

Abstract: A fluorine-containing epoxy resin composition comprising a fluorine-containing aromatic epoxy resin having in one molecule at least one perfluoroalkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms and preferably at least two epoxy groups, a cationic polymerization catalyst, and optionally a compatibilizing agent having an epoxy group and a fluoromethyl group is coated on discharge openings of an ink jet recording head, followed by exposure to activation energy rays in a given pattern form to form cured coatings with a desired pattern so that the discharge openings can be endowed with ink repellency.