Abstract: A method for the production of a thin film on an end surface of a fiber made up of a core of an organic material, and a clad made of glass. This method involves the steps of placing the fiber in a vacuum chamber, reducing the pressure in the chamber, cutting the fiber under reduced pressure, and either simultaneously, or immediately after cutting the fiber, forming a thin film on the cut surface of the fiber.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium, essentially consisting of a polymeric, web-like substrate and a coherent thin layer of a ferromagnetic material, is produced in a chamber under reduced pressure by depositing a vapor jet of the ferromagnetic material onto the moving substrate surface guided over a roller-like cooling element.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium, consisting essentially of a polymeric, web-like substrate and a coherent thin layer of a ferromagnetic material, is produced in a chamber under reduced pressure by depositing a vapor jet of the ferromagnetic material onto the moving substrate surface guided over a cylindrical drum, by a process in which the axis of the cooling element is inclined relative to the plane of the evaporator unit.

Abstract: Apparatus 200 for applying particulate flowable super-absorbent or anti-odourant substance to an article comprises a metering component 202 rotatable about an axis. A plurality of circumferentially spaced metering chambers are provided in this component. The apparatus includes a feed device 18 for depositing the flowable substance successively in the chambers in a loading zone as the chambers move through the loading zone on rotation of the metering component so that each chamber contains a fixed quantity of the substance as it passes from the loading zone. The apparatus also includes a vacuum extraction device 50 for extracting the quantities of the substance successively from the chambers in a discharge zone spaced from the loading zone and an application device for applying the extracted quantities of substance to an article.

Abstract: An impregnating carbonizing process and apparatus which permit reduction in cost of consumable goods and can operate at a reduced cost and a heating and vacuum impregnating operation which requires a very long period of time can be performed on the outside of an expensive high pressure vessel to accomplish rapid carbonization and baking.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for treating a printed cellulosic article for inhibiting acid promoted deterioration thereof comprising providing in a pressure vessel containing said article, a transport medium containing carbon dioxide, and base material dispersed in said medium for transport to said article said vessel being pressurized with said carbon dioxide to between about 650 and about 1200 psi and maintained for a sufficient treatment period to cause substantial pervasion of said base material in said article, and separating said medium from said article.

Abstract: A process for preimpregnating reinforcing elements with a liquid substance includes the following series of steps or stages: placing the reinforcing elements in a sealable enclosure, applying a vacuum of sufficient intensity and duration to the enclosure to eliminate at least the majority of water and gas present in the reinforcing elements contained therein and introducing sufficient liquid substance into the enclosure for the substance to cover the elements once the elements have been impregnated. The device for carrying out this process includes an enclosure for containing the elements, means for applying a vacuum to the enclosure for removing at least the majority of the water and gas present in the reinforcing elements and an orifice or conduit for introducing the liquid substance into the enclosure.

Abstract: A method for treating the surface of an oxygen permeable hard contact lens, which comprises applying high-frequency glow discharge treatment to an oxygen permeable hard contact lens made of a copolymer consisting essentially of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of a silicone-containing (meth)acrylate, a fluorine-containing (meth)acrylate, a silicone-containing styrene and a fluorine-containing styrene, in a gas atmosphere of at least one member selected from the group consisting of helium, neon, argon and nitrogen gas, containing substantially no oxygen.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon material having good resistance to oxidation, comprising coating carbon material, which is a sintered body or a porous body, with an inorganic polysilazane; heating the carbon material coated with the inorganic polysilazane in an inert atmosphere to form amorphous silicon nitride on the surface of the carbon material; and reheating the heated carbon material in a non-nitriding and non-oxidizing atmosphere, the amorphous silicon nitride being decomposed and silicon carbide being formed on the surface of the carbon material; the reheating being conducted at a temperature of 1300.degree. C. to 1900.degree. C. and the non-nitriding and non-oxidizing atmosphere having a partial pressure of nitrogen determined with reference to a graph wherein the abscissa is a temperature in .degree.C. and the ordinate is partial pressure of nitrogen in atmospheres, the partial pressure being defined within an area under a line connecting a first point corresponding to 1300.degree. C. and 0.

Abstract: A process for preparing an injection-molded article having a three-dimensional pattern on a surface thereof includes placing a master film of a thermoplastic resin having a three-dimensional master pattern formed on a region thereof into a mold such that the master pattern is exposed to the mold cavity. An injection-moldable resin is then injected into the mold cavity so as to cause a surface region of the resin to conform to the three-dimensional master pattern on the master film, and to thereby transfer the master pattern onto said surface region of the resin. The master film is then removed from the surface region of the injection molded resin to thereby expose said three-dimensional pattern formed thereupon. Preferably the master film is formed of a thermoplastic resin having a melting point greater than the injection molding temperature. Other lower melting point thermoplastic films can be used by metallizing the film's surface so that it withstands the injection molding temperature.

Abstract: Method for machining flat, circular disk-shaped recording media, for example, audio, video or ROM compact disks, for the purpose of improving their surface quality and their dimensional stability, employs a lathe having a driven lathe spindle (7), a vacuum chuck (8) for holding the recording medium or substrate (15, 15'. . . ) to be machined, and a carriage (9) for holding and guiding the cuting tool (5) magazine (14) hold the machined and unmachined substrates, there being further provided a robot (10) held on the base (2) or bed (4) of the lathe and having a gripper arm (11) with gripping tongs (12) movable in several planes which transport the substrates from one magazine (14) to the vacuum chuck (8) or from the vacuum chuck to the other magazine, the stacking axes (L) of the two magazines extending at an angle to the horizontal plane (E), and the magazines being maintained within the range of action of the gripper arm (11) with gripping tongs (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the cross-directional smoothness profile of the surface of a calenderable material substantially independently of the materials's caliper profile. A plurality of adjustable nozzles selectively direct jets of steam of selected velocities against sections of the material across the material's width and in counterflow to its movement, immediately before the material enters the last nip of a calender stack. Built-in steam control valves are provided to control the amount of steam applied to each section. Suction means may also be provided upstream of the nozzles, with reference to the movement of the calenderable material, to remove excess steam and thus prevent undesirable condensation on adjacent structures. The smoothness profile may be monitored and compared to a desired smoothness profile and the valves and nozzles may be adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus for impregnating the surface of a web with a liquid in the form of a pattern, comprising a vacuum chamber having a suction wall with one or more openings therein; means for pulling and controlling a vacuum on said vacuum chamber; an impregnating chamber adapted to hold the liquid impregnant, said chamber having an exit wall with one or more openings therein, the exit wall being a substantially copolanar extension of the suction wall of the vacuum chamber; a pattern belt having an inner surface and an outer surface and perforations in the configuration of the desired pattern, said belt being mounted over the outside of said vacuum and impregnating chambers and being substantially unperforated except in the area of said pattern; means for moving the pattern belt past first the suction wall of the vacuum chamber and then the exit wall of the impregnating chamber, with the inner surface of the belt being in sealing engagement with the outside surfaces of both said walls; means for pressing the fibrou

Abstract: A process for strengthening the cellulose in materials which have been treated with an alkaline organometallic compound selected from a metal alkyl, metal alkoxide or alkyl metal alkoxide to deacidify the cellulose and which cellulosic material is wet with treatment solvent, by treating the undried cellulosic material with a polar monomer and then drying the cellulose material and polymerizing the monomer by subjecting the treated cellulose to vacuum and heat.

Abstract: A method of producing a metallized pattern on a substrate includes the steps of providing a substrate having a high aspect ratio groove defining a desired metallization pattern and applying metallization to the substrate. The high aspect ratio groove is utilized to prevent metallization across the groove boundary thereby producing electrically isolated areas. The substrate can be a circuit board, hybrid module or other component carrying structure. Also the substrate can be a resonator or a stripline device in which the groove is used to electrially isolate a lead or wire extending from the substrate in the ground plane portion of the structure.

Abstract: A metallized film has a substrate layer of a synthetic polymeric material having, on at least one surface thereof, an adherent layer comprising a homopolymer and/or copolymer comprising styrene and/or a styrene derivative, the copolymer comprising at least one or more other ethylenically unsaturated comonomer which is copolymerizable with the styrene and/or styrene derivative. A metallic layer is on the surface of the at least one adherent layer, remote from the substrate.

Abstract: A polymorph of a phthalocyanine, designated M-phthalocyanine or M-metal phthalocyanine, has spectroscopic properties different from those of any of known crystalline polymorphs of phthalocyanine, the polymorph having been prepared in an environment of at most 0.1 G. In a further aspect, a process is disclosed for preparing novel organic films comprising a closed chamber physical vapor transport (PVT) in a low gravity environment.Films of novel polymorphs have a surface roughness factor in the range of greater than 1.000000 and less than 1.000010, a density of at least 50 percent increase over anypolymorph of the same molecules produced in unit gravity, and in which at least 50 weight percent of the molecules of said film have a common uniaxial orientation.

Abstract: A continuous polymeric substrate for a magnetic recording medium, on which magnetic material is deposited during which the end portions of both sides of the substrate is masked, is wound up on a wind-up roll in a vacuum atmosphere while the substrate is fluctuated in a width direction by a fluctuating width ranging from 0.2 mm to 40 mm in a fluctuating cycle ranging from 10 seconds to 1000 seconds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an optical memory device. The method comprises the steps of forming a secondary medium layer on a substrate and forming on the substrate guide track grooves for guiding a light beam, both steps being carried out in a single vacuum chamber. The step of forming the guide track grooves comprises heating the substrate to soften the same and pressurizing the substrate by a pressure roller having transcribed patterns corresponding to the guide track grooves on its cylindrical surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to acrylate polymer and copolymer release coatings containing amounts of polyfluoropolymer powder sufficient to alter the adhesion of the release coating on a support after radiation curing of the formulation producing said coating.

Abstract: A method for reducing the tendency of a surface of a material to foul when exposed to a potential foulant comprises the step of treating the surface of the material with a plasma of a compound containing or generating hydroxyl groups to render the surface hydrophylic but substantially uncharged.The materials may be inorganic, e.g. glass, or organic, e.g. polyamide, and may be in the form of fibers, woven fabrics, membranes or plates. Suitable compounds containing hydroxyl groups include ethylene glycol and water.

Abstract: A perpendicular type magnetic recording member comprising a perpendicular-incidence magnetic film on a substrate, the perpendicular-incidence magnetic film comprising a magnetic metal and oxygen, the magnetic metal being selected from the group consisting of ferro-magnetic alloys, alloys thereof and combinations thereof; and a method of manufacturing the perpendicular type recording member by utilizing vapor deposition techniques, which may include sputtering and ionization.

Abstract: Ordered polymer fibers, such as aramid or polybenzazole, can be coated with a ceramic coating by physical vapor deposition to yield a coated fiber having improved properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a corrosion-resistant and heat-resistant aluminum-based alloy thin film consisting of a composite having a composition represented by the general formula, Al.sub.a Ni.sub.b X.sub.c N.sub.d, wherein: X is a metal element selected from Y and Zr and a, b, c and d are as follows, in atomic percentages: 70.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.93, 0.5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.7.5, 0.5.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.12 and 1.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.18, the composite being at least 50% (by volume) composed of an amorphous phase. The thin films are produced by depositing a material having the composition represented by the above-defined general formula onto a substrate by a thin film formation technique, such as sputtering, vacuum deposition or ion plating. In the production process, only nitrogen may be supplied as gas. The novel aluminum-based alloy thin film has superior corrosion-resistance and heat-resistance together with high levels of hardness and wear resistance.

Abstract: A thin film of an electrically conductive material (16) is applied to form an electrically conductive surface (22) on a surface (18) of a polymer coated fabric (14). The method involves coating a woven glass fiber fabric (14) with a polymer solution (6), curing the polymer solution on the glass fiber fabric and then depositing the electrically conductive material onto the cured polymer surface, typically by a sputtering technique, to form a flexible, electrically conductive fabric (24). This method helps to ensure that when the electrically conductive material is applied, the electrically conductive surface formed is continuous and is of a controlled, generally constant, thickness. The substantial continuity of the electrically conductive surface is maintained even when the electrically conductive fabric is flexed during subsequent manufacturing operations.

Abstract: A polymorph of a phthalocyanine, designated M-phthalocyanine or M-metal phthalocyanine, has spectroscopic properties different from those of any of known crystalline polymorphs of phthalocyanine, the polymorph having been prepared in an environment of at most 0.1 G. In a further aspect, a process is disclosed for preparing novel organic films comprising a closed chamber physical vapor transport (PVT) in a low gravity environment.Films of novel polymorphs have a surface roughness factor in the range of greater than 1.000000 and less than 1.000010, a density of at least 50 percent increase over any polymorph of the same molecules produced in unit gravity, and in which at least 50 weight percent of the molecules of said film have a common uniaxial orientation.

Abstract: Precision multilayer optical interference coating of substrates having complex topology using complementary shaped electrodes and plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition within a chamber. The materials for the optical quality thin films are obtained from starting reactants of the form M-R where M denotes a metal atom and R denotes an organic component. These vapor phase starting reactants are brought into a reactive atmosphere of the chamber through a plurality of orifices in one of the shaped electrodes. The resulting substances are deposited as thin films upon the substrates with inherently superior scatter loss performance because of the low temperature nature and simple direct vapor-to-solid phase transformation path of the process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for coating moulded plastic articles of thermoplastic polycarbonates or thermoplastic polyarylene sulphides with metal oxides, to the moulded plastic articles obtainable by the process according to the invention and to their technological application for outdoor use, for example for the production of coverings or facings in the building industry.

Abstract: A method for preparing a magnetic recording medium comprises forming a magnetic recording layer on a substrate by the physical vapor deposition method, wherein the incident angle on initiation of film formation of the flux of particles is 60.degree. or more and the incident angle on finishing of film formation is 0.degree. to 45.degree. and said recording layer is a vertically magnetized film.

Abstract: A colorimetric test tube having a colorimetric indication which includes a simple detection system for testing gases dissolved in liquids. The test tube has an indicator for the colorimetric indication of gaseous substances to be detected and it has an opening covered against the environment to be tested with a hydrophobic membrane which is permeable to the substances whose presence is to be detected and which can be used for indicating the presence of gases dissolved in liquids. The membrane is advantageously sealed with a covering which dissolves upon immersion of the test tube in a liquid.

Abstract: In manufacturing perpendicular magnetic recording medium wherein a magnetic layer containing Co and Cr as main contents on a running substrate of polymer film incident angle (.phi..sub.f) of vaporized atom to form said magnetic layer is 30.degree. or larger at the final part of the film formation to improve manufacturing capacity, and magnetic layer (119) is heated after forming the magnetic layer in an oxygen-containing atmosphere.

Abstract: A process of contacting two photographic elements by juxtaposing the elements and drawing a vacuum between them is described wherein at least one of the elements has been exposed and processed and comprises a support having thereon, as the outermost layer facing the other element, a matte layer comprising matte particles and a polymeric binder. This process is improved by utilizing as the matte layer a layer comprising less than about 1.08 g/m.sup.2 of binder and having matte particles that are present in an amount sufficient and have a mean diameter great enough so that the outermost layer has a roughness measurement, R.sub.a as defined by ANSI Standard B46.1 1985, of greater than about 1.00 microinches.

Abstract: A heating element comprises a body provided by fibrous tubes of an electrically conductive material, a voidage between the tubes providing a path for a fluid to be heated. The material may be silicon, silicon carbide, or silicon rich-silicon nitride. The heating element is manufactured by coating a fibrous carbon precursor with the material, and heating the coated precursor in an oxidizing environment so as to remove the carbon precursor by oxidation. The heating element has one application for a heat transfer system for controlling the temperature of a hot working device. The system comprises a fluid circuit including the hot working device, the heating element through which the fluid is driven by a pump, and a temperature controller for sensing the temperature of the device and controlling the temperature of the heating element as a function of the device temperature.

Abstract: A method for treating the surface of an oxygen permeable hard contact lens, which comprises applying high-frequency glow discharge treatment to an oxygen permeable hard contact lens made of a copolymer consisting essentially of a silicone-containing (meth)acrylate and/or a fluorine-containing (meth)acrylate, in a gas atmosphere of at least one member selected from the group consisting of helium, neon, argon and nitrogen gas, containing substantially no oxygen.

Abstract: A fibrous material, such as fiberglass insulation, is treated to minimize the generation of static electricity when subjected to agitation, such as by sawing, chopping, blowing, etc. during manufacturing, handling and/or installation, by applying an anti-static composition onto a mat of the material during the manufacturing process. The anti-static composition preferably is an aqueous solution containing an active anti-static agent including a nonflammable glycol humectant and two water soluble quaternary ammonium compounds, one serving as the primary anti-static ingredient and the other serving as a corrosion inhibitor and stabilizer. The anti-static composition is sprayed onto the surface of the mat as it travels through the cooling zone and the cooling air drawn through the mat causes the anti-static agent to penetrate through substantially the entire thickness of the mat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for impregnating a porous web with a chemical. The impregnating method includes applying a vacuum to one side of the web sufficient to evacuate air from the web, applying impregnating chemical into the web in a selected pattern on the same side of the web, followed by drying the web. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber for evacuating air from the web, a manifold for applying the impregnating chemical into the web located on the same side of the web as the vacuum chamber and a stencil for restricting the application of the chemical to selected areas of the web.

Abstract: In a method and in an apparatus for the production of a corrosion-resistant coating of high reflectivity on the surface of workpieces, especially reflector inserts formed from plastic, in a vacuum chamber with a glow-discharge cathode and an evaporator, there is deposited on a coating consisting of a protective lacquer a second coating of a polymer, preferably of hexadimethylsilane, then a third coating of a metal, preferably aluminum, and lastly a fourth coating of a polymer, preferably of hexadimethylsilane. Both the metal evaporation and the polymerization of the protective coatings on the reflective coating and on the lacquer coating are performed in the same vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A method for producing a thin-film magnetic recording medium having an improved corrosion resistance and which permits production of the medium at a high speed. A magnetic material vapor flow from an evaporation source and a gas or ion flow are applied to a nonmagnetic base in an evaporation chamber and the two flows reacted with each other to form the thin-film magnetic layer on the nonmagnetic base. During this process, the expression P.sub.1 /P.sub.0 .ltoreq.0.1 is maintained, wherein P.sub.0 represents the degree of vacuum in the evaporation chamber, under a first condition where only the gas or ion flow is applied after the pressure in the chamber has been reduced to a predetermined degree of vacuum, and P.sub.1 represents the degree of vacuum in the chamber under a second condition where the magnetic material vapor flow is applied to the nonmagnetic base simultaneously with the gas or ion flow. The rate of formation of the thin-film magnetic layer is 200 .ANG./sec or more on the average.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical device comprising a support having thereon a transparent amorphous layer of a low molecular weight organic compound, said layer having a glass transition temperature above about 50.degree. C. Also disclosed is a method for making the device including the step of vacuum depositing the organic compound on the support. Particularly preferred devices are integrated optical devices which include a pattern of a second index of refraction or effective index of refraction in the layer, which pattern can define an optical element.

Abstract: A process for producing high performance, metallic coated staple fibers and nonwoven insulating webs made up of such fibers includes providing a nonwoven substantially two-dimensional web of fibers wherein at least a portion of 50 percent of the fibers are exposed to one or the other side of the web. This web is metallized with a low emissivity metal(s) and/or alloy(s) to produce a coated web wherein at least 50 percent of the surface area of the web fibers are coated with metal and or alloy. The coated web is shredded into individual, staple fibers which are thereafter united to produce a nonwoven, lofty three-dimensional insulating web having a density of between about 0.02 to 2 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: A method for preparing a magnetic recording medium comprises delivering a substrate from a delivery roller, passing the substrate through one or a plurality of conveying rollers and forming a magnetic recording layer on said substrate by the physical vapor deposition method in the course of running along the circumferential surface of a rotatory drum, characterized in that said substrate is heated between the delivery roller and the conveying roller or between a conveying roller and another conveying roller, and the conveying roller through which said substrate passes after heating is made an expander roller.

Abstract: Process for the production of a bilayer membrane consisting of a selectively acting nonporous polymer membrane first layer and a microporous membrane second layer, in which a polymer solution intended for the formation of the first layer is brought into contact with one side of the second layer. A larger amount of polymer solution than is necessary for the formation of the first layer is used, and a portion of the solvent is caused to volatilize through the pores of the second layer. The polymer solution is not caused to enter the pores of the second layer. After the first layer has attained the desired thickness, the excess polymer solution is removed. The first layer may be subjected to a drying and/or cross-linking treatment.

Abstract: A vertical magnetic recording medium is prepared by a process for vacuum-depositing a metal selected from cobalt and iron to form a magnetic layer on a substrate, wherein an oxygen gas and at least one gas chemically inactive in the vacuum deposition system, which is selected from nitrogen, argon, helium, neon, xenon, radon, methane and ethane, are introduced into the vacuum to an extent such that the pressure in the vicinity of the substrate is 1.times.10.sup.-3 to 5.times.10.sup.-2 Torr.

Abstract: A tangled fibrous material from cut glass fibre bundles, with the cut glass fiber bundler being fed into a compressed air flow and a glass fibre-laden air being deflected into a turbulent eddy flow of varying direction, so that a tangled fibrous material of wadding-like consistency is formed. Through the simultaneous addition of dry polymer-based binder powder, it is possible to obtain a tangled fibrous material as a starting product for a production of glass fibre-reinforced plastic moundings, which can be compressed to a felt. This can be packed as an intermediate or further processed in a heated belt press to glass fibre-reinforced plastic plates.

Abstract: A method for producing a magnetic recording medium, comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a takeup evaporated article under a takeup tension of 13.5.times.10.sup.-8 b/t Kg-weight or more when a magnetic metal/alloy thin film is provided on a flexible substrate that is b mm wide and t m thick by takeup evaporation; (2) rewinding said evaporated article under a takup tension of 13.5.times.10.sup.-8 b/t Kg-weight or less; and (3) preserving said rewound article in an oxidation accelerating atmosphere. A method for producing a magnetic recording medium comprising the steps of: (1) preparing a takeup evaporated article by providing a magnetic metal/alloy thin film on a flexible substrate by takeup evaporation and (2) preserving said takeup evaporated article under the condition that an air stream containing an oxidizing gas is generated in winding gaps of said evaporated article.

Abstract: A system having a coating station comprised of a dispensing assembly and a fluid collection head is useful in a method to precisely coat reagents on porous supports for use in diagnostic devices. In the method, a cover having an aperture therethrough and the porous support secured to its underside covering the aperture is positioned in the coating station between the dispensing assembly and the fluid collection head. The reagent is dispensed from a cannula in the dispensing assembly onto the portion of the porous support exposed through the aperture of the cover. A reduced pressure in the fluid collection head pulls fluid through the porous support. The system is automated by providing a guide channel for holding a plurality of covers in correct orientation and a magazine for holding a stack of covers. An indexing arm delivers the bottom-most cover in the stack to the guide channel and urges covers in the channel along its length.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a vertical magnetization type recording medium, a soft magnetic film layer is formed on each of the two sides of a non-magnetic support, and then a vertical magnetization film layer is formed on each soft magnetic film layer thus formed, thereby to provide a vertical magnetization type recording medium which has both sides uniform in characteristics and has characteristics making it excellent as a vertical magnetization type recording medium.This is a division of application Ser. No. 59,242 filed 6/10/87, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 802,150 filed 11/27/85 both are now abandoned.

Abstract: An ultrathin, high-flux composite membrane for use in gas separation. The membrane comprises a metal layer, typically 500.ANG. or less thick on a microporous support. The support may be as asymmetric Loeb-Sourirajan type membrane or a two-layer composite of a microporous substrate with a very thin sealing layer. The support gives mechanical strength to the membrane but does not contribute significantly to the selectivity. Optionally the metal layer may be overcoated with a second polymeric sealing layer to plug any defects and to protect the fragile surface from mechanical damage. The membrane is particularly useful in the purfication of hydrogen.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for making a magnetic recording tape, which is free from wrinkles formed thereon, by the use of a vapor deposition technique. A length of tape reeled on a supply reel is taken up by a take-up reel after having passed through a deposition station where it is movably turned around a cylindrical drum. In one aspect, the difference in tension between two different portions of the tape moving between the drum and the take-up reel and on respective sides of a tensioning roll forming a part of at least one tension control mechanism is adjusted to a value not greater than 10N/mm.sup.2. In another aspect, a charge eraser is employed and installed in the vicinity of the drum for removing an electrostatic charge built up in the tape being moved from the drum onto the take-up reel. In a further aspect, the cylindrical drum is used having its outer peripheral surface roughened to a ten-point average surface roughness of not smaller than 0.1 .mu.m.

Abstract: A method for lubricating a low surface energy polymeric surface includes plasma treatment of the surface. A film of a polysiloxane lubricant is applied to the plasma-treated surface to give an even coating of the lubricant which is stable for a protracted period of time.