Abstract: The present invention provides an extrusion coating apparatus which can control the coating shape in end portions regardless of the coating thickness and can suppress high edges. The extrusion coating apparatus includes a coating width regulating plate inserted into both end portions of a slit, a slit die discharging the coating solution from a discharge opening of the slit, and a chamber depressurizing in a web running direction on an upstream side. The coating width regulating plate has a protruded portion bent toward the web downstream side and facing the web. The coating solution is applied to the web in a state in which the coating solution is oozed on a web facing surface of the protruded portion of the coating width regulating plate by depressurization of the chamber.

Abstract: The objectives of the present invention are to enable the manufacturing of an organic thin-film photoelectric conversion element under normal atmosphere, improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the element, and enhance its durability. A hole-blocking TiO2 layer is created between the photoelectric conversion layer and the electrode by a wet process. In the manufacturing process, the hole-blocking TiO2 layer is air-dried so that it will be an amorphous layer. It is possible to provide a concentration gradient layer of PCBM/P3HT in which the PCBM concentration is higher in a region close to the hole-blocking TiO2 layer. This structure will reduce the electric resistance of that region and minimize the current loss within the photoelectric conversion element. In the vicinity of the hole-blocking TiO2 layer, the PCBM concentration is increased, which in turn makes it easier for electrons to flow into the TiO2 layer since PCBM is electrically conductive.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of preparing and coating a large structure such as a ship's hull while in a dry dock wherein a plurality of spray guns disposed in an array are positioned by a robotic arm in a spaced relationship along the surface to be treated so that their spray patterns overlap. The array of spray guns is traversed downwardly and thus painting a strip whereupon the spray guns are secured, move horizontally and then are activated to be moved upwardly until another strip adjacent to and overlapping the first strip is painted. These steps are repeated until the surface area is substantially entirely painted. A shroud is provided for collecting paint oversprays and other excess paint is mounted in the array assemblage. An auxiliary spray gun may be positioned and its spray pattern adjusted to apply paint to area which were missed by the original spray pattern emanating from the array of spray guns.

Abstract: A coating solution including a polymer and a metal selected from scandium, yttrium, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, boron, aluminum and silicon can be deposited on a substrate and then exposed at elevated temperature to a reducing atmosphere including a gaseous carbon source. Solvent evaporates and the polymer decomposes and a metal carbide film forms on the substrate. Metal carbide films of titanium carbide, vanadium carbide, niobium carbide, tantalum carbide, tungsten carbide, silicon carbide, and several mixed carbides were prepared. X-Ray diffraction patterns of metal carbide films provide evidence of a highly ordered structure and excellent alignment with the substrate. A composite film of niobium carbide and carbon nanotubes was also prepared.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispersion comprising at least metallic copper particles with gelatin provided on the surface thereof, a polymeric dispersant, and an organic solvent. The dispersion is produced by reducing copper oxide in an aqueous solvent in the presence of gelatin having an amine number and an acid number such that the difference therebetween (amine number?acid number) is 0 or less, then subjecting the reaction solution to solid-liquid separation, and then mixing the resultant metallic copper particles with gelatin provided on the surface thereof and a polymeric dispersant having an amine number and an acid number such that the difference therebetween (amine number?acid number) is 0 to 50, into an organic solvent.

Abstract: A nonwoven is formed from basalt fiber and/or grass fiber together with cellulosic fiber. The nonwoven is treated with fire resistant chemicals. The nonwoven has enhanced fire barrier performance, such as char elongation and char strength.

Abstract: An alkali-containing transition metal sputtering target, the method of making the same, and the method of manufacturing a solar cell using the same.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a reinforced matrix composite comprising the step of providing a composite preform having a fibrous structure and applying matrix material onto the preform in locations along the preform. A barrier material is applied to at least a portion of the coated preform to direct the flow of matrix material into the preform. The composite preform is heated to a temperature sufficient to render the matrix material viscous and insufficient to cure the matrix material. The pressure to the interior of the composite preform is reduced, while the pressure to the barrier material is increased. The temperature is maintained to flow the matrix material into the composite preform and to force gases from the fibrous structure. The composite preform is then cured and cooled to form a reinforced matrix composite having a low void content and a substantially uniform matrix distribution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating the surfaces of silicon wafers, comprising transport rollers for transporting the silicon wafer, and at least one conveyor device which wets the surface of the silicon wafer with an aqueous medium on a transport plane which is determined by the transport rollers. The conveyor device is configured such that it can apply the process medium to the surface of the silicon wafer, which is oriented in a downward manner and which is arranged on the transport plane. Several suction pipes for suctioning gaseous or mist-like distributed process mediums from the area surrounding the conveyor device are provided. The suction pipes are arranged in the vertical direction below the transport plane.

Abstract: Process for the chemical treatment of lignocellulose materials, in particular of at least one piece of wood, characterized in that said materials are subjected to impregnation by a chemical agent comprising hydrocarbonaceous chains, this agent being chosen from mixed anhydrides, except for the mixed anhydride of acetic/benzoic acid, said agent being suitable for providing covalent grafting of a plurality of hydrocarbonaceous chains to said materials.

Abstract: A direct metal laser sintered material including a substrate formed from a laser sintering process, the substrate having at least one surface, and a cladding material brazed onto at least a portion of the surface.

Abstract: A layer system that filters sun and heat can be applied to glass by a vacuum coating process. The system comprises at least one series of metal layers in addition to a respective series of lower dielectric layers and a respective series of upper dielectric layers. At least one series of metal layers and one series of upper and lower dielectric layers are configured as a sandwich system, wherein one metal layer is encapsulated by an upper and a lower intermediate layer consisting of hypostoichiometrically nitrided or oxidized metal of the metal layer and sandwich systems of the series of layers contain individual sandwich layers of a stoichiometric and hypostoichiometric oxide or nitride of a metal or semiconductor. An oxygen or nitrogen deficit of the sandwich layers increases towards a neighboring sandwich system and the oxide and nitride layers are produced in a vacuum coating process.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a high-impact resistant tool comprises a superhard material bonded to a substrate at a non-planer interface, the superhard material comprising substantially pointed geometry with a substantially conical portion, the substantially conical portion comprising a tapered side wall with at least two different, contiguous slopes that form an angle greater than 135 degrees, and the thickness from an apex of the superhard material to the interface is greater than the thickness of the substrate.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide a film formation apparatus capable of forming an EL layer with a high purity and a high density, and a cleaning method. The invention is a formation of an EL layer with a high density by heating a substrate 10 by a heating means for heating a substrate, decreasing the pressure of a film formation chamber with a pressure decreasing means (a vacuum pump such as a turbo-molecular pump, a dry pump, or a cryopump) connected to the film formation chamber to 5×10?3 Torr (0.665 Pa) or lower, preferably 1×10?3 Torr (0.133 Pa) or lower, and carrying out film formation by depositing organic compound materials from deposition sources. In the film formation chamber, cleaning of deposition masks is carried out by plasma.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.

Abstract: A nanovolume microcapillary crystallization system allows nanoliter-volume screening of crystallization conditions in a crystal card that allows crystals to either be removed for traditional cryoprotection or in situ X-ray diffraction studies on protein crystals that grow within. The system integrates formulation of crystallization cocktails with preparation of the crystallization experiments. The system allows the researcher to select either gradient screening in crystallization experiments for efficient exploration of crystallization phase space or a combination of sparse matrix with gradient screening to execute one comprehensive hybrid crystallization trial.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to insulate a panel by providing a core material disposed in the panel; and providing a vacuum region in the panel by removing air from the panel.

Abstract: A method for producing a reinforced polyester non-woven material suitable for use as a roofing material, comprising: forming a mixture comprising glass fibers and a liquid binder; applying the mixture to a polyester non-woven material; and curing the liquid binder to form a layer comprising glass fibers that is attached to the polyester non-woven material.

Abstract: A method of using a film formation apparatus for a semiconductor process includes removing by a cleaning gas a by-product film deposited on an inner surface of a reaction chamber of the film formation apparatus, and then chemically planarizing the inner surface of the reaction chamber by a planarizing gas. The inner surface contains as a main component quartz or silicon carbide. The removing is performed while supplying the cleaning gas into the reaction chamber, and setting the reaction chamber at a first temperature and first pressure to activate the cleaning gas. The planarizing is performed while supplying the planarizing gas into the reaction chamber, and setting the reaction chamber at a second temperature and second pressure to activate the planarizing gas. The planarizing gas contains fluorine gas and hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A high-energy treated cutter comprising a substrate having a top surface, an outer region, and an inner core and a wear resistant layer coupled to the top surface. The high-energy treatment alters the substrate's physical properties so that the inner core provides greater toughness and the outer region provides greater hardness, and greater abrasion resistance. The layer is protected prior to commencement of the treatment. In one embodiment, a cover is positioned to surround the layer and then the cutter undergoes treatment, wherein the cutter is subjected to impact forces with other cutters. In another embodiment, the cutter is positioned within a recess formed in a tray table, thereby providing protection to the layer. The cutter is secured in place via vacuum, glue, or weight. A spray nozzle applies shot material directed to the substrate of the cutter, thereby applying the impact forces to alter the substrate's properties.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter pad comprising fibers including natural, synthetic and/or hybrid fibers. In particular embodiments, the filter pad comprises wool fibers. The filter assembly also includes a bonding emulsion, wherein the bonding emulsion comprises casein resin. The filter assembly also includes a structural support. In particular embodiments, at least a portion of the fibers are treated with a solution that is fire resistant or fire retardant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning device (5) to be used in a preimpregnated carbon fiber placement machine including at least one guiding roller (47) for guiding a band (21) of tows to an application head (25), comprising two filtering elements (11, 13) arranged such that a band (21) of tows supported by two plates (15, 17) joined with adjustable clamping means (29) for said filtering elements (11, 13) and means of fixing/separating them to/from said machine, circulates between them. The invention also relates to a preimpregnated carbon fiber placement machine with at least one cleaning device (5).

Abstract: A method of forming a dielectric film that includes nitrogen. The method includes incorporating nitrogen into a dielectric film using a nitridation gas and a rapid thermal annealing process, wherein an ultra-low pressure of equal to or less than about 10 Torr is used for the rapid thermal annealing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of certain amine-modified siloxanes, exhibiting at least one molecular unit with an amine-modified radical and at least one molecular unit with a hydrophilic radical, as protecting agents. These protecting agents are suitable for protecting materials, such as wood and other substances based on cellulose and/or lignin, but also other materials, such as plastics, minerals, and metals, from infestation by and spread of harmful microorganisms, such as fungi. The present invention further relates to a method of enhancing surfaces and workpieces, comprising the application and/or incorporation of the protecting agent of the invention to the surfaces and/or into the workpieces.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ceramic porous membrane on inner wall surfaces of through holes of a porous base member. The through holes of the base member are arranged in a vertical direction, a ceramic sol liquid having a temperature difference of 50° C. or less between the sol liquid and the base member is supplied to the inner wall surface of the base member, the liquid supply is stopped when the sol liquid exceeds an upper end portion of the base member, and then the sol liquid is extracted from the bottom of the base member. After the sol liquid is completely extracted, a pressure difference is created so that a pressure on the side of an outer peripheral surface of the base member is lower than that on the side of the inner wall surface of the base member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a film forming method comprising continuously discharging a solution adjusted so as to spread over a substrate by a given amount to the substrate through a discharge port disposed in a nozzle, moving the nozzle and substrate with respect to each other, and holding the supplied solution onto the substrate to form a liquid film, wherein a distance h between the discharge port of the nozzle and the substrate is set to be not less than 2 mm and to be in a range less than 5×10?5 q? (mm) given with respect to a surface tension ? (N/m) of the solution, discharge speed q (m/sec) of the solution continuously discharged through the discharge port, and a constant of 5×10?5 (m·sec/N).

Abstract: Three dimensional anti-reflection porous films or coated substrates and method for forming the films or coated substrates are disclosed, where the films or coatings have optical transmittances of at least 86% or a reflectance of at most 4%. The 3D anti-reflection porous film or coating compositions (a) one polymer or a plurality of network polymers, (b) one particles and/or a plurality particles, (c) optionally one crosslinking agent or a plurality of crosslinking agents, (d) optionally one oligomer or a plurality of oligomers, (e) optionally one polymerized monomer or a plurality of polymerized monomers, and (f) optionally void spaces, where the composition has a transmittance value of at least 86% or a reflectance value of at most 4%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method and apparatus for preparing thin films of materials for various applications including electronic devices such as solar cells. In one aspect, each of the method and apparatus passing an electrical current through at least one of the base or sheet to provide controlled localized heat to the base or sheet, or to layers disposed above the base or sheet. In another aspect, the controlled localized heat is provided in combination with a process environment that can be a non-inert gas that contains an element that will become part of a compound on the base or sheet, or an inert gas that allows for the process environment to provide annealing.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a lithographic printing plate without any deterioration in plate making performance caused by deformation and breakage of fine particles. An inorganic compound dispersion as a coating liquid is applied onto a surface of a strip-shaped flexible support at a pressure P applied to the coating liquid of 1.5×105 Pa or less to form a coating layer. Also, an inorganic compound dispersion as a coating liquid is applied onto a surface of a strip-shaped flexible support at a shearing stress ? applied to the coating liquid of 1.5×105 Pa or less to form a coating layer.

Abstract: An organic material layer fabrication method includes the step of coating a surface of a substrate with an organic material that contains an organic solvent, and the step of lowering the pressure around the organic material to lower the solvent content of the organic material. By reducing pressure around the organic material to lower the solvent content of the organic material during the fabrication of the organic material layer, the invention eliminates material overflow, improves manufacturing quality, shortens the fabrication time, and reduces the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a spindle motor manufacturing method for forming an oil repellent film which prevents a lubricating oil from flowing out, on a predetermined area adjacent to a hydrodynamic bearing, the predetermined area being located on at least one of a stationary member and a rotating member. The spindle motor manufacturing method mentioned above comprises a step of supplying an oil repellent solution by a supplying portion onto a part of the predetermined area for forming the oil repellent film, a step of applying an air current to the part of the predetermined area on which the oil repellent solution is supplied so as to peel off an excess part of the oil repellent solution supplied onto the part of the predetermined area, and a step of making a relative movement of the predetermined area in which the oil repellent film is formed, the relative movement being made with respect to the supplying portion by which the oil repellent solution is supplied.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a reinforced matrix composite comprising the step of providing a composite preform having a fibrous structure and applying matrix material onto the preform in locations along the preform. A barrier material is applied to at least a portion of the coated preform to direct the flow of matrix material into the preform. The composite preform is heated to a temperature sufficient to render the matrix material viscous and insufficient to cure the matrix material. The pressure to the interior of the composite preform is reduced, while the pressure to the barrier material is increased. The temperature is maintained to flow the matrix material into the composite preform and to force gases from the fibrous structure. The composite preform is then cured and cooled to form a reinforced matrix composite having a low void content and a substantially uniform matrix distribution.

Abstract: The invention includes a hermetic container provided with a substrate mount; a vacuum exhauster connected to the hermetic container; a current member; and a current member raising and lowering mechanism. When the current member is raised and lowered as a function of the pressure inside the hermetic container, a liquid flow of the coating solution on the substrate is controlled, thereby controlling the uniformity of the film thickness of the coating solution.

Abstract: Polypyrrole (PPy) is one of the most commonly studied conducting polymers due to its good stability, high conductivity, ease of preparation and non-toxicity. The stability of the conductivity of polypyrrole films depends on the choice of dopant anion, the method of preparation, and the conditions of aging. Most of the existing methods only improve stability by sacrificing conductivity, as well as sensitivity. This invention provides a method for coating conducting polymer onto a substrate by first applying an anionic dopant and an oxidizing agent onto the substrate. The monomer is then allowed to form the conducting polymer at about ?10 to ?80° C. for a sufficient period of time. After storage for a long period of time (nearly a year), the conductive polymer coating still retains almost the same strain sensitivity and at least up to 85% of its initial conductivity.

Abstract: A non-stick surface comprising a porous, hard metal-ceramic coating such as chromium oxide applied to the cook surface of a cooking utensil by arc or plasma spraying. The pores of the coating are impregnated under vacuum with an inert release agent of low viscosity such as food grade liquid silicon resin. After vacuum impregnation, the impregnate is thermally cured and the cook surface is mechanically abraded/polished to remove the protruding peaks of metal-ceramic material to expose flattened bare metal portions interspersed between and substantially co-planar with the surfaces of the impregnated release agent residing in the valleys/pores.

Abstract: The invention provides a complex oxide film having a high crystallinity, produced by forming the complex oxide film on a substrate surface and then calcining the complex oxide film in atmospheric gas under oxygen partial pressure of 1×10?3 Pa or less at 400° C. or more and a production method thereof. Further, the invention provides a dielectric or piezoelectric material containing the complex oxide film, a capacitor and a piezoelectric element using the material, and an electronic device comprising the element.

Abstract: A method of coating a stent using a pressure mandrel is provided.

Abstract: A method for directly forming patterns on face membrane by vacuum absorption is to have foamed polyurethane (PU) injected on the surface of substratum cloth to form a face membrane. Then, the face membrane is heated at a preset temperature by a preheating box to be continuously kept in a softened condition before it is not thoroughly hardened. Subsequently, a roller having functions of vacuum absorption and cooling has its superficial patterns quickly pressed and absorbed on the heated face membrane by vacuum absorbing force, and simultaneously the patterns on the face membrane is quickly cooled off and fixed in shape by the roller, thus shortening a producing process, saving factory equipment, conforming to environmental conservation and economizing energy source.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of coating a substrate, such as a honeycomb having a plurality of parallel channels defined by the honeycomb walls. The honeycomb has different zones along the length of the channels. The zones are defined by their coating (or lack of coating) and extend for a length of the channel in which there is the same coating and architecture. Soluble components in coating compositions are fixed in their respective zones by forcing a heated gas stream through the channels.

Abstract: Disclosed are a flexible metal-clad laminate comprising a metal foil and a heat-resistant resin film layer formed on one side of the metal foil, the heat-resistant resin film layer comprising a crosslinked condensation polymer and having an N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone-insolule content of at least 1%, and a method for producing the flexible metal-clad laminate comprising the steps of applying a heat-resistant resin solution to a metal foil; predrying the metal foil until the heat-resistant resin layer has an residual solvent content of 10 to 40% by weight; and carrying out solvent removal and heat-treatment while controlling the crosslinking reaction of the resin.

Abstract: Method for providing a thermal barrier coating and substrate. The thermal barrier coating (5) is provided on a thermally grown oxide (4) which is grown on a metallic bond coating (3) provided on the substrate (1) Adhesion between the bond coating (3) and thermally grown oxide coating (4) is improved by providing projections at the interface of yttriaalumina garnet (4) compounds. Service life at relatively high temperature of the thermally grown oxide coating (4) is improved by having alumina grain (6) with relatively large size. These are obtained by pre-annealing the bond coating (3) in an inert gas atmosphere followed by controlled preoxidation.

Abstract: A method for reducing formaldehyde emissions from articles prepared from, or which otherwise comprise formaldehyde-emitting compositions, such as formaldehyde-containing resins, and relates especially to a method for reducing formaldehyde emissions from products such as cellulose laminates, permanent press (wrinkle-free) textiles, floral foams and ceiling or acoustical tiles, which involves isolating the article in an enclosed space a formaldehyde scavenger, particularly a formaldehyde scavenger carried by a substrate.

Abstract: An impurities elimination apparatus including a base plate, a first nozzle for removing impurities on the base plate using air suction, a glass substrate disposed on the base plate, and a second nozzle for coating the glass substrate with an organic material.

Abstract: Among the many embodiment, in one embodiment, a method for processing a substrate is disclosed which includes generating a fluid layer on a surface of the substrate, the fluid layer defining a fluid meniscus. The generating includes moving a head in proximity to the surface, applying a fluid from the head to the surface while the head is in proximity to the surface of the substrate to define the fluid layer, and removing the fluid from the surface through the proximity head by a vacuum. The fluid travels along the fluid layer between the head and the substrate at a velocity that increases as the head is in closer proximity to the surface.

Abstract: A phosphor film high in efficiency and less in luminescence irregularity and a method of producing the phosphor film are provided. The phosphor film includes a zinc sulfide compound containing an additive element(s). The additive element is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ag, Cu and Au; the concentration of the additive element is 0.2 mol % or more and 5 mol % or less with respect to Zn; and the film thickness of the phosphor film is 10 nm or more and 2 um or less.

Abstract: A process for extending the cyclic service life of thermal barrier coatings made of yttrium-stabilized zirconium oxide (YSZ) or the like which have been applied to a substrate with an oxidizing bond coat in between includes increasing or long-term stabilizing the strain tolerance of the thermal barrier coating.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a turbine engine composite containment casing is provided. The method comprising impregnating a plurality of fiber-reinforced layers with a resin to form a preform, heating the preform to a first temperature, applying a vacuum to the preform, varying an amount of pressure applied to the preform when the temperature reaches the first temperature, heating the preform from the first temperature to a second temperature at a first temperature rate, and heating the preform from the second temperature to a third temperature at a second temperature rate to facilitate curing of the preform.

Abstract: A preform and method for forming preforms and structural members are provided. The preform can be formed by cold spraying a structural material onto a base member, such that the preform has dimensions approximating the dimensions of the machined structural member to thereby reduce material waste and machining time when forming the structural member from the preform. In addition, the preforms can be plastically deformed to more closely correspond with the desired dimensions of the structural member. Further, hydrogen can be provided in a mixed stream of gas and structural material for spraying, and the resulting structural member can be subjected to a sub-atmospheric pressure to release hydrogen therefrom.

Abstract: Metallic substrates having a deformable vitreous coating, obtainable by applying an alkali metal silicate-containing coating sol to the substrate and thermally densifying the layer thus obtained in a two-stage heat treatment process, the heat treatment being carried out, in the first stage, either (A) in an oxygen-containing atmosphere or (B) in a vacuum at a residual pressure of ?15 mbar and, in the second stage, in a low-oxygen atmosphere up to full densification with formation of a vitreous layer.

Abstract: A method for increasing the corrosion resistance of a data/information storage and retrieval medium comprises sequential steps of: (a) providing a thin film data/information storage retrieval medium comprising, in overlying sequence: (i) a non-magnetic substrate; (ii) a layer stack including at least one magnetic layer; and (iii) a protective overcoat layer comprising a plurality of pores and/or channels extending therethrough; (b) maintaining the medium at an elevated temperature in a reduced pressure environment for an interval sufficient to remove moisture contained in the pores and/or channels of the protective overcoat layer; and (c) filling the pores and/or channels of said protective overcoat layer with a hydrophobic material.