Abstract: A cap for a fluid container includes a main body, an actuator ring slidable along the main body and having an annular groove, and a plurality of latches having secure and release states and that may be placed in the release state by contact with the actuator ring. A closure system for a fluid container includes the cap, and a lip attached to a fluid container that is engaged by the latches of the cap. The lip may be integral with a fluid container or part of an adapter that is connected to the fluid container. A method of automated handling of a container includes engaging an annular groove of an actuator ring of a cap using a robotic arm, driving the actuator ring, and removing the cap from the container. The method may further include transporting the container via engagement of the robotic arm with the cap.

Abstract: An inkjet coating machine is provided to prevent the components in the paint from precipitating. The inkjet coating machine includes: a robot arm having a chuck at a front end and a nozzle head unit detachably mounted on the chuck. The nozzle head unit includes a nozzle head having a nozzle for spraying the paint, a nozzle control unit for controlling driving of the nozzle, and a head-side circulation path enabling the paint to circulate within the nozzle head. The nozzle head, the nozzle control unit and the head-side circulation path are integrally configured. The coating machine further includes a standby holding unit that holds at least one nozzle head unit in standby and a head replacement unit that replaces the nozzle head unit.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus having a housing with lateral, upstream and downstream walls, and a top plate disposed at a significant angle to incoming overspray air to accelerate and guide the particulate-laden air. The angle of the top plate directs the air upstream and away from the filters so the larger solids impact the top plate and wall and adhere, removing paint from the air. Larger solids too massive to turn while accelerating through an opening into an entry chamber collect on the upstream sidewall and the highly filtered air flows toward filter units disposed downstream of the entry opening. Lighter solids that flow downstream are removed by the filtration media. An overhang of the angled top plate reduces flow into the filter units of collected solids.

Abstract: A coating system includes coating robots configured to coat a vehicle, and an operation robot. The operation robot includes a first arm configured to turn around a first axis; a second arm configured to turn around a second axis parallel to the first axis; a third arm configured to turn around a third axis parallel to the first axis; a fourth arm configured to turn around a fourth axis perpendicular to the first axis; a fifth arm configured to turn around a fifth axis parallel to the fourth axis; and a tip jig is supported at the fifth arm and is configured to turn around a sixth axis. The sixth axis is selectively parallel to the fifth axis or perpendicular to a plane which includes the fourth axis and the fifth axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated makeup application allow a user to select and apply desired makeup styles to the user's face. The systems and methods include a computer application with a graphical user interface which allows selection of a look from a plurality of preconfigured looks. A camera coupled with a robotic arm records a face map and color coding and sends that data to be stored on a virtual server database. The application calculates formula quantity and a pump extracts desired formula amounts from appropriate formula cartridges which it releases into reservoirs on the robotic arm's head. An airbrush compressor mixes the formula and plug triggers release one of several airbrush nozzles to start spraying the user's face with formula. A cleaning mechanism is provided between makeup applications and after the final application.

Abstract: A method of applying a surface treatment on a contoured surface includes attaching a surface treatment repair assembly to the contoured surface that includes a robotic unit and an array of applicator heads, each applicator head being configured to apply a repair treatment to the contoured surface. A location of the surface treatment relative to the surface treatment repair assembly is determined using an optical sensor configured to scan the contoured surface and generate an image data set of the contoured surface. A damaged portion of the surface treatment is identified and a target area for surface treatment repair is defined based on comparing the image data set generated by the optical sensor and a pristine image data set. The surface treatment repair assembly is positioned with the array of applicator heads adjacent to the surface treatment, and each applicator head is selectively operated to repair the surface treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for generating motion around a remote center of motion (RCM), comprising a distal link (L12) arranged to revolve about the remote center of motion and to translate through the remote center of motion, a proximal link (L10) arranged to revolve about a proximal center of motion (LCM), coupled to a base link (L1), through a rotational joint (150) and a sliding joint (181), a first mechanism comprising a first link (L9) pivotally coupled to the proximal link (L10) and to the distal link (L12) and operable to transfer motion of the proximal link relative to the proximal center of motion to a motion of the distal link relative to the remote center of motion by maintaining a parallelogram (PAR1), and a second mechanism operable to move the first link with two degrees of freedom in a plane parallel to the plane of motion of the proximal link, characterized in that the second mechanism comprises one link or a serial connection of links (L4, L8, L3, L7, L2, L6) connecting the base link to the first link,

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system for registering an object in a direct-to-object print system and a direct-to-object print system configured to operatively use various embodiments of the registration system of the present invention. In one embodiment, the marking system comprises a registration panel with a plurality of registration markings. A camera captures an image of the object in the object holder and the registration panel. A processor receives the image and analyzes the image to determine a position of the object relative to the markings on the registration panel. The processor determines whether the object is registered. If the object is registered, a controller causes the object holder to move the object past the printhead. Otherwise, if the object is not properly registered then the processor prevents the object from being printed and communicates a notification to a user that the object in the object holder is not registered.

Abstract: A method and system for improving borehole image forward modeling of formation properties is disclosed. An imaginary circle (106) having a plurality of bins (202) is centered at a location of interest at an axial position along the target wellbore (102). The imaginary circle is perpendicular to an axis (110) of the target wellbore and represents a region of the formation to be analyzed. A pseudo log relating to the parameter of interest at the axial position along the target wellbore is then determined. The pseudo log comprises at least a value for the parameter of interest at a desired point corresponding to one of the plurality of bins. The determined pseudo log is then visualized.

Abstract: An apparatus for the intermittent application of a liquid to pasty medium onto an application surface, comprising an application valve which can be switched between an open and a closed state and is intended for dispensing the medium onto the application surface, a volumetric delivery pump for metering a volume of the medium to be passed on to the application valve, and a drive for operating the volumetric delivery pump is, inter alia, described and illustrated. The characteristic feature consists in that the apparatus has an electronic controller which, in each case cyclically, activates the drive and the application valve in dependence on each other.

Abstract: Method of delivering compositions to organic substrates, particularly lumber. Method involves heating a target zone of the substrate and then applying the composition to the surface of the substrate wherein the temperature of the composition is lower than that of the target zone of the substrate. Compositions include biocidal, strength modifiers, waterproofing and polymers.

Abstract: The substrate coating device (10) includes a slit nozzle (1), a first camera (3), a second camera (4), a control section (5), a pump (8), and a pressure control chamber (9). The control section (5) controls the supply of the coating liquid from the pump (8) to the slit nozzle (1) in accordance with the result of comparison between a bead shape imaged by the first camera (3) and a reference shape. The control section (5) also controls the air pressure on the upstream side of the slit nozzle (1) by the pressure control chamber (9) in accordance with the result of comparison between a distance measured from an image taken by the second camera (4) and a reference distance.

Abstract: A method of applying a homogeneous layer of a coating material on a surface with a manually operated application device is presented, the device comprising a number of drop-on-demand printing nozzles perpendicularly to a main direction of movement, with means for measuring the movement with respect to the surface and with an electronic printing nozzle control, characterized by the steps, that an operator makes a selection of the printing nozzles, that the application device gives the operator feedback on the selection made, that the operator moves the application device over the surface, wherein the movement of the application device is measured continuously, that the selected print nozzles are driven with a clock rate that is based on their respective speed and which is configured that successive printing dots overlap, and that those nozzles of the selection, which have a negative velocity component with respect to the main direction of movement, are not be actuated.

Abstract: A method of making a glass article with an anti-smudge surface includes providing a glass article with a target surface. The method includes providing a coating solution consisting essentially of a fluorosilane compound and a solvent that is miscible with the fluorosilane compound. The method includes spray-coating the target surface with the coating solution while controlling the spray-coating to form a coating layer having a thickness in a range from 1 to 20 nm on the target surface.

Abstract: A can coating machine control system includes a coating control signal that functions as a go/no-go signal based on a plurality of monitored conditions such as can in position, vacuum pressure, gun in position, guard in position and speed condition. Local pressure regulation of the coating material in the spray gun is provided along with optional control of the material temperature. Local pressure regulation allows for optional spray weight control based on a wrap number derived from speed and gun spray durations. A CAN to CAN network buffer is provided as well for primary network isolation. A gun control circuit may be used to select specific gun drive signals and to adjust gun drive signals based on real-time feedback of the actual spray duration.

Abstract: A system and method of coating a workpiece is disclosed. A controller is in electronic communication with a robotic manipulator having a coating dispenser. A layer of coating is applied to a surface of the workpiece by the robot. A wet-surface time is determined corresponding to the areas of the surface upon which the layer of coating is applied. A second layer of coating is applied prior to the expiration of the wet-surface time of the first layer. The layers of coating in adjacent segments can be applied in an overlapping manner within the boundary regions of the segments.

Abstract: A stent has first and second members. The stent is supported by a mandrel in a first position such that the mandrel is in contact with the first member and the second member is spaced from the mandrel. A method for coating the stent includes spraying or drying the stent, placing the stent in a second position such that the first member is spaced from the mandrel and the second member is placed in contact with the mandrel, and spraying or drying the stent while the stent is supported by the mandrel in the second position.

Abstract: A coating method of coating a surface of an object with a paint containing a glitter pigment, including: spraying the paint onto the surface of the object; and controlling a color shade of the paint on the object by adjusting a particle size of paint particles to be sprayed according to a spray width indicating a width of a spread of the paint particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a graphical application system to apply a desired pattern by multiple tiles onto a target surface. The system comprises a graphical application device comprising a base structure with a trackable optical feature, at least one nozzle for expelling paint, a driving unit for positioning the nozzle and a local camera for a local referencing of the nozzle. A controller controls the driving unit and the expelling of the nozzle to achieve an application of the desired pattern on the target surface. The system also comprises an external referencing device located remote from the graphical application device, for a global referencing of the application device according to the trackable optical feature. The desired pattern is applied with a primary alignment of the application range by the global referencing and with a fine-alignment of the actual tile to a previously applied tile according to the local referencing.

Abstract: An ejection device in which a multi-nozzle mechanism including failure nozzles ejects droplets such that variation in amounts of droplets (spacers) is prevented and droplets are disposed on spacer regions of a substrate. An ejection device includes a multi-nozzle mechanism including a pair of nozzle row units prepared by equally dividing a nozzle row including a plurality of nozzles ejecting a spacer dispersion liquid, a moving mechanism relatively moving the multi-nozzle mechanism and a substrate in the longitudinal direction and the align direction of spacer regions, and a control mechanism controlling the nozzles and the moving mechanism. When one nozzle row unit includes a failure nozzle, the control mechanism gives a command to the failure nozzle not to eject the liquid and a command to a corresponding nozzle of the other unit to halve cycles of forward and backward paths.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electronic circuit in three-dimensional space provides for interconnecting electronic components within the circuit by directly writing conducting lines. The method may include observing a direct writing tool of a direct write system using a vision system, determining proper placement of the direct writing tool at least partially based on the step of observing, and directly writing conducting lines in three dimensions using the proper placement. The direct writing may be on a surface or in free space. The method may include stacking a plurality of chips to provide a stack having a top surface and edges extending away from the top and interconnecting connections of the chips by directly writing conducting lines along one of the edges.

Abstract: A method feeds a continuous core of a print cartridge cleaning blade along a path. The path passes, in the following order, firstly through a coating bath or spray coating station, secondly by a curing station, thirdly through a cutter, and fourthly to a finisher station. Thus, the method herein coats portions of the continuous core that are in the coating bath/spray station with an outer covering. For portions of the continuous core that are adjacent the curing station, the method cures the outer covering of the continuous core; for portions of the continuous core that are in the cutter, the method cuts the continuous core into predetermined lengths; and for portions of the predetermined lengths of the continuous core that are adjacent the finishing station, the method finishes the outer covering of the predetermined lengths of the continuous core to produce a finished print cartridge cleaning blade.

Abstract: A method for controlling a flow rate of a pump (10) transporting a liquid being driven by a drive system having a sliding portion, wherein a flow rate is maintained at a minute first flow rate (R1) at an early stage of operation of the pump (10); and subsequently the flow rate is increased to a steady second flow rate (R). With the method, at the early stage of operation of the pump (10), a state is established beforehand in which the pump (10) is kept stable at the minute first flow rate in order for the stick-slip phenomenon not to occur; and because the flow rate of the pump is increased from the state, transition from static friction to kinetic friction does not occur; and thus a disorderly flow rate of the pump (10) due to the stick-slip phenomenon of a motor (12) is suppressed. This makes it possible to attain a stable control of the flow rate at the early stage of operation of the pump (10).

Abstract: Methods for applying fluid materials to a substrate, such as circuit board, while continuously moving the fluid dispenser. Some methods generally involve correcting the dispense location for each of the dispensed amounts of fluid material by executing a statistical comparison of either the predicted and actual landing locations on the substrate, or the predicted and actual positions of the dispenser at each of the dispense locations. Other methods generally involve initiating the dispensing of amounts of the fluid material at dispense locations corrected by a correction factor specified in terms of the servo cycle for the movement of the dispenser or by a correction factor specified in terms of partial servo cycles courtesy of a timer.

Abstract: Inkjet print head dies are directly seated upon an exterior of a tubular member so as to face different directions.

Abstract: A wet processing apparatus for wet-processing substrates can suppress the reduction of throughput when some component part thereof becomes unserviceable. The wet processing apparatus includes a first nozzle unit and a second nozzle unit. When the wet processing apparatus operates in a normal mode, a substrate carrying mechanism is controlled so as to deliver substrates alternately to processing units of a first group and those of a second group so that the substrates are processed sequentially in order. When the processing units of the first group (the second group) are unserviceable due to the inoperativeness of the substrate holders, a processing liquid supply system or a nozzle support mechanism, the nozzle unit for the processing units of the second group (the first group) is moved to process substrates by the serviceable ones of the first group (the second group).

Abstract: A coated film with no observable streak is formed. The landing positions of a first discharge liquid discharged through a first printing head and the landing positions of a second discharge liquid discharged through a second printing head are disposed in a mixed manner in an area on a substrate where the first printing head and the second printing head overlap. Which discharge liquids are to be landed is determined according to random numbers. Since a coated film which is formed with the first and second discharge liquids in a mixed manner is disposed between a coated film formed with the first discharge liquids and a coated film formed with the second discharge liquids, a boundary is obscured and no streak appears.

Abstract: A coating method and a coating apparatus are used to apply coating material to struts of a medical device (e.g., stent) which bound openings. The method involves optically scanning the medical device to produce position information identifying positions of the struts, using the position information to calculate a predetermined position, setting an applying manner to apply the coating material based on the predetermined position, setting an applying path accommodating the applying manner, and relatively moving the medical device and an applicator head along the applying route and path while dispensing the coating material from the applicator head and applying the coating material to the struts.

Abstract: A method for die bonding includes positioning a dispenser in a die bonding apparatus, wherein the dispenser includes a reservoir having bonding adhesive therein including particles and a liquid carrier. The dispenser is moved to provide mechanical agitation to the dispenser for mixing the bonding adhesive into a homogeneous mixture of particles and the liquid carrier, wherein the bonding adhesive is not dispensed during moving. After the moving, the bonding adhesive is dispensed onto a bonding location on the workpiece without removing the dispenser from the die attach apparatus. An integrated circuit (IC) die is attached onto the bonding adhesive over the bonding location. The method can also include determining an amount of time elapsed after the last mixing of the bonding adhesive or the positioning of the dispenser in the die bonding apparatus, and automatically initiating movement for mixing only if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating a component (16), wherein the component (16) is provided with at least one coating layer that can be cured by applying UV light, said layer having UV light applied thereto in an exposure chamber (14) comprising a substantially spherical or ellipsoidal interior (18), wherein the at least one coating layer is applied to the component (16) in a coating chamber (12) comprising the exposure chamber (14).

Abstract: A modular tire spraying system includes a downdraft spray booth for receiving a tire, a fluid delivery system disposed in the spray booth, a robot for transporting the tire to the spray booth, and a platform on which each of the spray booth, the fluid delivery system, and the robot is disposed. The fluid delivery system includes at least one spray gun for delivering a coating to the tire.

Abstract: A treatment unit for the surface treatment of articles having at least one treatment chamber and a conveying system which conveys articles to be treated into the treatment chamber, along a conveying path through the treatment chamber and back out of the treatment chamber. Each article in each position on the conveying path prescribes a conveying direction tangential to the conveying path. An application system includes at least one multiaxis application robot, which takes along with it an application device and moves along a robot path of movement. The conveying system and the application system are set up such that the at least one application robot moves in relation to the conveying direction of an article optionally with a movement component parallel to the conveying direction of the article and/or a movement component perpendicular to the conveying direction of the article. Also, an installation and a method for the surface treatment of articles.

Abstract: In an imprinting method for transferring a pattern of a mold to a resin coated on a substrate by using an imprinting apparatus including a mold holding unit and a resin coating unit, the resin is coated in n shot areas arranged in a direction parallel to a direction in which the holding unit and the coating unit are arranged where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2, and the pattern is transferred to the shot areas on a one-by-one basis. A distance D between the coating unit and the mold and a width W of each shot area as seen in the direction parallel to the direction in which the holding unit and the coating unit are arranged are selected so as to satisfy a condition D>(3/2?1/n)W, and the coating and the transferring are performed repeatedly on the substrate.

Abstract: A painting device for painting a curved surface (102) of an object (101), with a paint material ejection device (103), with a guide device (104, 105) and with a control device. The paint material ejection device (103) is designed for ejecting paint material. By means of the guide device (104, 105) the paint material ejection device (103) can be mechanically guided along a curved surface of an object. By means of the control device the paint material ejection device (103) and the guide device (104, 105) can be controlled in such a way that by means of guiding the paint material ejection device (103) along a predefinable path and by means of predefinable ejection of paint from the paint material ejection device (103) along the predefinable path a curved surface (102) of an object (101) to be painted can be painted.

Abstract: A liquid adhesive dispensing system operable for more uniformly applying liquid adhesive foam onto moving substrates, notwithstanding changes in line speed, adhesive liquid flow rates, or foaming/atomizing air pressures. The illustrated liquid adhesive system includes a header having a plurality of air atomizing spray guns; the spray guns each having a respective variable speed positive displacement pump for directing a metered quantity of liquid adhesive from a liquid adhesive supply to the respective spray gun; and a control for controlling the operating speed of the positive displacement pumps in relation to the speed of the moving substrate and the foaming/atomizing air pressure to the spray guns in relation to the operating speed of the positive displacement pumps. The control further is operable for monitoring pressures across the positive displacement pumps for insuring the accurate direction of metered quantities of liquid to the spray guns.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plurality of secondary containment panels and assembling and installing the panels in a secondary containment system of an above-ground liquid storage tank or other retention facility includes forming a plurality of flexible substrate pieces. A liquid impermeable coating is applied to the upper surface of each piece such that an edge segment of the piece remains uncoated. The coating is applied to the substrate piece in an indoor enclosure. The coated pieces are delivered to the site of the tank and extended across the ground adjacent to the tank. At least a pair of the pieces are juxtaposed relative to one another such that a first one of the pieces overlaps the uncoated segment of the second piece to form a seam. An adhesive substance is then applied to the seam to fasten the first and second pieces together.

Abstract: A deflecting air ring is disclosed having a plurality of deflecting air nozzles for discharging a deflecting air jet onto a spray jet of a vaporizer in order to shape the spray jet. The deflecting air nozzles are configured such that the deflecting air jet is substantially laminar within a close region, while the deflecting air nozzles also generate turbulence in a remote region situated downstream of the close region of the deflecting air jet.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a coated analytic substrate using a compact and portable automated instrument located in the laboratory setting at the point of use which can consistently produce one or a plurality of coated analytic substrates “on demand” for using the analytic substrate immediately after coating, preferably without a step of rinsing the coated analytic substrate before use. The apparatus preferably uses applicator cartridges having a reservoir containing the coating compositions used to form the coatings. Preferably the cartridges are removable and interchangeable to facilitate the production of individual analytic substrates having different coatings or different coating patterns. These coated analytic substrates have superior specimen adhesion characteristics due to the improved quality of the coatings applied by the coating apparatus and due to the quickness with which the coated analytic substrates can be used in the lab after production.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spraying a liquid onto a surface. An apparatus comprises a nozzle and a number of disks. The nozzle is configured to generate a spray of a liquid towards a surface. The number of disks is positioned relative to the nozzle and configured to form a gap through which a portion of the spray of the liquid passes towards the surface.

Abstract: Method of delivering compositions to organic substrates, particularly lumber. Method involves heating a target zone of the substrate and then applying the composition to the surface of the substrate wherein the temperature of the composition is lower than that of the target zone of the substrate. Compositions include biocidal, strength modifiers, waterproofing and polymers.

Abstract: A production assembly and associated process for mass producing such as a thermoplastic pallet and which utilizes a multiple insert supporting and continuously moving carousels inter-faceable with an input line upon which is transported a plurality of rigid and planar shaped inserts, as well as an output line a spaced relationship from the input line for removing, from the carousel, the resin coated articles. The invention further teaches a series of subset variants for spray applying a two part resin and hardener upon the insert according to a selected thickness, following which the inserts are cured and dried prior to transferring to the output line and in order to create a finished product.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for printing functional blocks from a plurality of printheads to a target substrate. In exemplary embodiments, the printing system comprises a main printhead for the majority of printing process, and a secondary printhead for supplemental printing. The system further comprises a controller, utilizing a positioning intelligence system to distribute the printing of the functional blocks between the main printhead and the secondary printhead, to minimize the motions of the printheads while maximize the printing speed.

Abstract: A tire dressing system includes an imaging device that captures an image of a vehicle tire or portion thereof and at least one application device that applies tire dressing to the tire based on the captured image. The system determines one or more tire parameters based on the captured image. The tire dressing system configures the at least one application device based on the tire parameter(s) such that the application device substantially restricts application of tire dressing to within the boundaries of the tire sidewalls. By determining the tire parameters, the tire dressing system may apply the tire dressing to the tire sidewalls while reducing or minimizing application of tire dressing to the body or rims of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automated fluid dispenser for smoothly applying a viscous fluid onto a component is provided. The automated fluid dispenser can have a nozzle with a nozzle tip and a support. The nozzle can be pivotally attached to the support about a pivot axis. In addition, a tension member can be attached to the nozzle, the tension member applying an anti-pivoting force to the nozzle when it pivots about the pivot axis.

Abstract: An electric circuit is applied to an object having a curved surface. The curved surface of the object is divided into sections, and the circuit is applied one section at a time. The circuit is formed between layers of dielectric material. The dielectric is applied by a computer-controlled device, which controls the position of a spray head and the rotation of the object, such that the spray head is held substantially perpendicular to the surface of the object at all times, and such that a controlled thickness of dielectric material can be deposited. The fine-featured circuits formed by the invention are rugged, and can be used on objects intended to be exposed to harsh environments.

Abstract: An aerosol spray apparatus and a method of forming a film using the aerosol spray apparatus are disclosed. The aerosol spray apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: a carrier gas injection unit, which forms carrier gas by vaporizing liquefied gas and increases the pressure of the carrier gas; an aerosol forming unit, which forms an aerosol by mixing the carrier gas with powder; and a film forming unit, which sprays the aerosol in a normal pressure environment such that the film is formed on the surface of the board. The apparatus can perform a coating process with no restriction of the type and size of powder, simplify the process because the film can be formed in a normal temperature and pressure environment, and control a wide range of film thickness in a short time.

Abstract: Methods for operating a material dispensing system. The method includes measuring numerical values of an operating parameter, such as line velocity, material pressure, or material temperature, of the dispensing system to predict a future numerical value of the operating parameter. The predicted numerical value of the operating parameter is used to accurately define a start time, which is measured from the detection of the presence of a workpiece being transported past an applicator of the dispensing system, at which to initiate dispensing of the material from the applicator. A calibration procedure is provided for deriving a mathematical relationship used to determine the predicted numerical value of the operating parameter.

Abstract: A stent is coated by ejecting droplets of a coating substance from a reservoir containing a coating substance. A reservoir housing can have a plurality of reservoir compartments. A transducer is used to eject the coating substance from the reservoir. Energy from the transducer is focused at a meniscus or an interface between the coating substance and another coating substance in the reservoir.