Abstract: A method for the surface treatment of a metal workpiece which involves the generation between a major exposed portion of an anode and successive restricted areas of a first surface of the workpiece serving as a cathode, a vacuum arc discharge having an arc current which is not substantially less than 50 amp. and having a positive voltage-current gradient.

Abstract: An object (30) is plasma processed by placing an electrically conducting grid (34) over all or a portion of the surface (32) of the object (30) so that the grid (34) generally follows the contours of the surface (32) but is displaced outwardly from the surface (32). Ions or electrons from a plasma surrounding the object (30) are accelerated into the surface (32) of the object (30) using as a processing driving force an electrical potential applied to the electrically conducting grid (34). The use of a contoured conducting grid (34) allows plasma processing of large, electrically nonconducting objects and objects having sharp surface features or recesses.

Abstract: Bubbles are removed from small cavities, such as blind via holes in a semiconductor wafer, by immersing the article having the cavities in a liquid medium. A wetting agent is preferably present in the liquid medium. A vacuum is applied to the liquid medium, and the vacuum is vented to air. The application of vacuum and venting are repeated several times, causing the bubbles to be drawn from the cavities and to dislodge from the surface of the article. The bubbles float free, and processing within the cavities can commence.

Abstract: A thin plate such as a magnetic disk substrate is rotatably placed in a hole of a carrier provided between upper and lower surface plates forming a dynamic pressure producing surface in a temperature-controlled polishing liquid. When the number of revolutions of the surface plates increases, the dynamic pressure effect of the polishing agent is produced between the surface-plate surface and the substrate surface so that the substrate is polished in the non-contact state with the surface plate. The substrate surface is polished by fine free abrasive grains in the polishing liquid flowing between the surface plate and the substrate to provide a high plane degree to which surface precision of the surface plate is transferred. The present invention makes employs a float polishing, and is particularly suit to surface polishing of a thin plate such as a magnetic disk substrate which resets a residual processed strain. A magnetic disk having an excellent surface state can be realized.

Abstract: Silicone hydride (Si--H) can be produced on the surface of silicone rubbers by plasma treatment of silicone rubber in the presence of hydrogen or an inert gas such as nitrogen, helium, neon or argon in a plasma chamber which is substantially free of oxygen and oxygen-producing compounds. The silicone hydride can then be used as a grafting site for the covalent attachment for many substances, including bioactive molecules.

Abstract: A process for modifying surfaces of fluorine resins including irradiating an ultraviolet laser beam on the surfaces in the presence of an inorganic silicon compound. The inorganic silicon compound could be a silicate, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, or silicon carbide.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for annealing a substance, such as polysilicon, which is deposited on a substrate, such as a glass plate, the annealing temperature is required to be greater than the softening temperature of the substrate. To prevent deformation of the substrate it is supported on a liquid of density greater than that of the substrate. The liquid is preferably molten tin.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a fullerene layer on a substrate by chemically treating a surface of the substrate to provide a bond-forming species at the surface effective to covalently bond with fullerenes in solution and contacting the treated substrate surface with a solution of fullerenes to form a fullerene layer covalently bonded to the treated substrate surface. Alternately or in addition, a fullerene layer is formed on a substrate by chemically modifying fullerenes to provide a bond-forming species thereon, chemically treating a surface of the substrate to provide a bond-forming species effective to covalently bond with the bond-forming species of the fullerenes in solution, and contacting a solution of treated fullerenes with the treated substrate surface to form a fullerene layer covalently bonded to the treated substrate surface.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides for automatically controlling positioning of a moistening nozzle relative to an envelope flap being moved therepast at high speed. The invention has particular application as an envelope flap moistener in a high speed mailing machine. Envelopes are moved to and past the nozzle at a speed of at least about 65 inches per second along a given path with the flap extending from the envelope in an opened configuration thereof. A sensor attached to the nozzle senses the location of the edge of the flap within about 0.2 inch of the nozzle upstream thereof a plurality times as the flap moves to and past the nozzle. The nozzle is then positioned to track the flap edge in accordance with sensing of the envelope flap. The nozzle may be pre-positioned by a lower bandwidth servo system having an envelope sensor located further upstream of the tracking sensor. A higher bandwidth servo loop controls tracking of the nozzle in response to the tracking sensor.

Abstract: A method of pre-treating steel-hybrid circuit board substrates or carrier plates before the application of coatings that are to be burnt in or fired. In prior art steel-hybrid circuit boards of this type, the burning-in of the coatings in a kiln produces undesirable warping of the circuit boards due to the different coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials employed for the coatings and for the carrier plates, unless relatively thick steel-hybrid circuit board carrier plates are employed. This warping is avoided, while still permitting the use of steel hybrid circuit boards of a lesser thickness, by pre-treating the steel-hybrid circuit board carrier plates to provide same with a mechanical pre-stress causing a defined curvature which compensates for the warping of the circuit board to be expected during burn-in.

Abstract: Recycling polyolefin material, e.g. biaxially oriented polypropylene film, coated with a chlorine-containing polymer, such as polyvinylidene chloride homopolymer and/or copolymer, and having a primer therebetween. First, a caustic solution is formulated containing from about 0.1 wt. % to about 50 wt. % caustic, and from about 0.05 wt. % to about 1.0 wt. % of a wetting agent. The formulated caustic solution is heated to a temperature from about 25.degree. C. to about 140.degree. C. The polyolefin material is soaked in the heated caustic solution until the material is separable from the chlorine-containing polymer. After separating the polyolefin material from the chlorine-containing polymer, the material is reprocessed into desired product by extrusion, molding or other product forming process.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a rigid magnetic recording disk, the disk's rigid substrate member is subjected to a force that produces plastic deformation in a manner so as not to remove material therefrom. In this way, the disk is provided with a surface topography that contains a controlled texture, for example in the area of the disk's start/stop track. In an embodiment of the invention, an ultrasonic probe and a disk shaped substrate member are placed in close proximity within a container that holds a fluid abrasive slurry, i.e. a suspension of hard particles in a liquid. Operation of the ultrasonic probe, as the substrate member rotates, causes the slurry to texture an adjacent portion of the substrate member by means of plastic deformation and in the absence of material removal from the substrate member. Operation of the probe thus provides texturing of the disk at an inner diameter track area thereof, for example in the disk's start/stop area.

Abstract: Described is a method of neutralizing acid containing compositions present in an insulation board comprising the steps of providing an insulation board containing a leachable acid composition and neutralizing the leachable acid by applying to the board an effective neutralizing amount of an inorganic alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt. Preferably, the board is a phenolic foam having opposing sides of a fiberglass facer with the neutralizing agent embedded in the fiberglass facer.

Abstract: A microtiter plate containing a plurality of reaction wells for conducting immunogenic reactions the bottom wall of the reaction well has an inner surface which is substantially hydrophilic, and the side wall of the reaction well has an inner surface which is substantially hydrophobic and a process for producing said trays.

Abstract: A process and machine are provided to manufacture furniture parts and the like with a unique, durable, low gloss finish which has a soft, satin feel, and imparts a monolithic appearance to the part. A blank cut from a suitable substrate material is grooved about its marginal edge to a depth near the opposite surface of the blank. A liquid edge protection material is poured into the groove and fully cured. The blank is then cut through at the filled groove to create a decorative protective strip about the marginal edge of the blank. The formed blank is next coated with a selected paint or base material. After the base coat is cured, a layer of UV curable, protective material is applied to the painted surfaces of the blank. The UV coated blank is then translated through a multi-stage, continuous feed, ultraviolet processor to selectively and sequentially cure the protective coat. Powered rollers arranged in spaced apart groups convey the parts through the processor.

Abstract: The process for the photochemical treatment of a solid material consists of exposing the latter to light pulses produced by at least one glow discharge elongated tube (4) having a rare gas under low pressure and whereof the gas, the pressure and the characteristics of the discharge are adapted to said material and its precursors, each pulse containing an extensive emission spectrum between 160 and 5000 nm. An electrical circuit with modulatable electrical characteristics (LC) makes it possible to modulate the discharge characteristics of the tube and the storage of the energy necessary for said discharge.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing printed substrates having a phase change ink layer of non-uniform thickness are disclosed. Application of a combination of heat and pressure reorients the printed ink layer to provide a layer having a substantially uniform thickness and flat surface conformation, at least in the area of each discrete color. A release surface (55) is positioned adjacent the printed ink layer during processing. A resilient contact surface (56) is also provided to facilitate reorientation of the printed ink layer. Mechanical buffing of the processed, printed substrate improves image quality. Application of a light transmissive, protective coating that overlays the printed ink layer also improves image quality.

Abstract: A method for producing a sheet-formed recording medium having a heat treatment step of a synthetic resin base material, in which the base material is formed into a sheet before or after providing a recording layer on the surface of the base material, and a plurality of the sheet-formed base materials, juxtaposed to each other and supported so that the surface is parallel to a vertical direction, are subjected to to heat treatment. The heat treatment is made by blowing air in a direction along the surface of the juxtaposed base materials, thereby removing foreign substances present between the base materials and achieving uniform heat treatment.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing process for laser ablation deposition (LAD) in which metal features are written from a source substrate onto a target substrate. The source substrate and target substrate are mounted in close proximity to one another within a vacuum chamber. A laser beam is scanned in a programmed sequence or selected pattern through a transparent target substrate and onto a metallic film formed on the source substrate. Ablation of the metal film and deposition onto the target substrate may be closely controlled by the laser being focused directly at the metal film on the source substrate and by the selection of a source substrate having a suitable thermal conductivity. The process may be further controlled by selective heating of the source substrate. The process can be used to ablate and deposit a single or multiple metal layers on the target substrate.

Abstract: In a process for treating an organic orientation layer on a substrate plate for a liquid crystal cell, the orientation layer for causing the orientation is rubbed in the conventional way in a specified direction. Rubbing is then performed in the opposite direction, but with a weaker rubbing pressure. Rubbing in the opposite direction with weak pressure leads to an increase of some degrees in the pretilt angle, and this is essentially independent of the material used for the orientation layer.

Abstract: Method of producing a paint or other plastic resinous material or product which on application to a surface imparts the surface with a tanned skin or leather-like appearance. The method includes incorporating into a paint or a plastic resin fluid a granular non-flocculating resin-plastic-compatible leather powder having a specific gravity of about 0.38 to about 0.5 g/cc. The leather powder is produced from tanned skin and/or leather chips and/or strips which have been steam heated a period of time sufficient to permit the chips and/or strips to swell and simultaneously cause the naturally occurring twisted and tangled collagen fibers therein to shrinkk and to automatically loosen and become less twisted and less tangled which upon pulverization produces a powder including relatively smooth granules having lubricity and relatively non-fibrous.

Abstract: A surface treatment process for improving surface properties of a timber as to wetness by exposing the timber to a plasma mixture of an inert gas and a reactive gas at a near atmospheric pressure. Prior to being exposed to the plasma mixture, the timber is treated to reduce a moisture content below a fiber saturation point of the timber so as to eliminate free moisture from the fibers of the timber which would otherwise lead to unstable plasma and therefore detract an uniform improvement over substantially the entire surface expected at the subsequent exposure to the plasma mixture. Thus, the plasma treatment can be effected in the absence of the free moisture to obtain a desired surface improvement uniformly across the surface of the timber, which gives an enhanced practicability of improving the surface properties of the timber, in addition to that the plasma mixture is generated at near the atmospheric pressures readily available without requiring substantial vacuum generating equipments.

Abstract: A method for treating the surface of a molded article, which comprises a combination of the steps of:providing a molded article made of a thermoplastic elastomer composition obtained by a thermal treatment of a mixture in the presence of an organic peroxide, which mixture is comprised of (A) an oil-extended olefinic copolymer rubber of an olefinic copolymer rubber having a Mooney viscosity (ML.sub.1+4 100.degree. C.) of 90-200 and a mineral oil type softening agent, (B) an olefinic plastic, and (C) a bismaleimide compound, the ratio by weight of (A) the oil-extended olefinic copolymer rubber to (B) the olefinic plastic, A/B, being 24/76-80/20, the content of (C) the bismaleimide compound being 0.

Abstract: According to this invention, there is provided an atmospheric pressure plasma surface treatment process comprising the steps of introducing a gas in a plasma reaction apparatus having a pair of dielectric-covered electrodes having opposing surfaces on at least one of which is provided with a solid dielectric; performing plasma excitation under atmospheric pressure; and surface treating an object placed between the opposing electrodes, wherein the gas introduced is a gaseous composition consisting essentially of argon, helium and/or ketone. This process makes it possible to quickly imparting hydrophilic nature to surfaces of an object made of a plastic to be treated. The hydrophilic nature given lasts long.

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 in which a liquid is sprayed through a nozzle to form minute droplets of substantially uniform size. These uniform droplets are sprayed into and frozen by a refrigeration medium, such as liquid nitrogen, to form uniform diameter frozen particles. The frozen particles are ejected onto the surface of a substrate used in a liquid crystal display device to orient the liquid crystal material applied to the surface.

Abstract: A lightweight structural panel is formed by subjecting a surface of a metal cover sheet to an oxidizing treatment to remove any foreign substances thereon, applying an adhesive layer to a core member, and bonding the treated surface of the metal cover sheet to the adhesive layer on the core member. Preferably, the oxidizing treatment is by electron plasma surface treatment for a period of time sufficient to oxidize any oil, chemical film, or rust on the surface of the metal sheet. The core member is made of a plastic material which may also be subjected to electron plasma surface treatment. The metal cover sheet may instead be flame-treated, or treated with oxidizing chemicals such as hydrazine. Metal cover sheets may be bonded on both sides of the plastic core.

Abstract: A process and a system for the complete stripping of the photoresist layer from semiconductor wafers after each processing step (lithography step) in a multi-step production process. At the end of each such step the photoresist must be removed, preparing the wafer for the next step, and such removal is also required after the final processing step. Up to 15 or more steps are needed in such wafer production process. According to the invention a high intensity pulsed laser beam sweeps the wafer surface as a narrow, preferably rectangular and strip the photoresist by sweeping the entire surface of the wafer. Pulse duration is generally shorter than 500 nano-sec (nsec) and preferably about 10 to 100 nsec, with much larger time intervals between pulses. The interaction of the beam with the photoresist ablates the photoresist. The ablation proceeds stepwise, each pulse ablating a certain area of the photoresist to a certian depth, and this without any damage to the processed wafer.

Abstract: A deflection compensated doctor blade (1) and method for coating a moving web and scraping a backing member (5). The deflection of the doctor blade is compensating by first determining the deflection of the doctor blade and then adapting appropriately selected, non-continuous forces to be exerted on the doctor blade (1) so as to achieve by these forces such deformations in the doctor blade that have an equal magnitude but an opposite direction in relation to those caused by blade loading on the doctor blade (1). This approach results in the nullification of the superimposed deflection (11). The forces are adapted to be exerted at a determined distance (RT) from the pivotal bearing points of the doctor blade (1) and at a determined distance (RV) from the pivotal axis (3) of the doctor blade.

Abstract: Binder mixtures crosslinkable by radiation comprising as component A a product obtained by reaction of an epoxy compound with more than one epoxide group per molecule with at least one carboxylic acid in a molar ratio of epoxide groups to carboxyl groups of 1:0.5-0.9 and subsequent reaction of the reaction product with at least one unsaturated isocyanatocarbamate esters and as component B a product obtained by reaction of an epoxy compound with more than one epoxide group per molecule with at least one olefinic unsaturated carboxylic acid in a molar ratio of epoxide groups to carboxyl groups of 1:>>1 and subsequent reaction of the reaction product with at least one polybasic carboxylic acid or anhydride(s) thereof, components A and B being present in a weight ratio of 3:1 to 1:3 useful for the product of superior photo-resists and protective lacquers.

Abstract: An exceptionally effective chromium free corrosion protective surface treatment composition for aluminum and its alloys is an aqueous acidic liquid comprising water and: (A) from about 0.8 to about 1.2 w/o of H.sub.2 ZrF.sub.6 ; (B) from about 0.08 to about 0.12 w/o of dispersed silica; (C) from about 0.08 to about 0.12 w/o of a water soluble or dispersible polymer of 3-(N-methyl-N-2-hydroxyethylaminomethyl)-4-hydroxystyrene; and (D) from 0.10 - 0.15 w/o of 1-propoxy-2-propanol. The surface to be treated is contacted with the composition and then dried without rinsing. A conventional organic coating may advantageously be applied over the surface produced by this treatment.

Abstract: A treatment, typically plasma treatment apparatus comprises a plasma creating chamber adapted to create a plasma therein, a treating chamber in communication with the plasma creating chamber through an electrode for drawing electron beams from the plasma, an input conduit coupled to the treating chamber for introducing a reaction gas therein, and directive means associated with the input conduit for imparting directivity to the reaction gas. With the apparatus, plasma treatment, typically plasma CVD or plasma etching is carried out on an article in the chamber by forming a high density region of the reaction gas substantially perpendicular to the electron beams in the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for achieving and maintaining an inert atmosphere as oxygen-deficient as possible in a treatment chamber, having a reaction zone, particularly an irradiation chamber, traversed by a length of material, wherein the length of material is supplied to the chamber through an inlet channel and conducted from the chamber through an outlet channel. A circulating inert gas stream, which detaches the entrained gas boundary layer held by the material, is moved countercurrently to the length of material in the inlet channel and is supplemented in a controlled manner with fresh inert gas in such amount that a given maximum oxygen concentration is not exceeded in the reaction zone and the flow rate of the inert gas stream is controlled, so that the pressure before the exit gap of the outlet channel is the same or slightly higher than the surrounding pressure.

Abstract: A shaped body formed of a polypropylene resin is surface-treated by a method which includes the steps of:providing a shaped body formed of a composition containing (A) 5-95% by weight of a specific propylene-ethylene block copolymer and (B) 5-95% by weight of a specific ethylene-propylene copolymer rubber;contacting a surface of the shaped body with a UV-ray absorbing liquid at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to swell the surface; andirradiating UV rays having wavelengths of 300 nm or less on the swollen surface thereby increasing the surface energy of the surface of the shaped body. The thus treated shaped body is ready for coating with a coating material.

Abstract: A thermal transfer record sheet comprising a substrate sheet and a dye receptive layer and a non-tacky layer in this order on at least one surface of the substrate sheet; the dye receptive layer being composed of a crosslinking reaction product of a composition comprising (A-1) a saturated polyester containing units derived from 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane in the main chain of the polyester and having a glass transition temperature of at least 60.degree. C. and (A-2) a polyisocyanate compound, and the non-tacky layer (B-1) comprising a water-insoluble or sparingly water-soluble fluorine-containing surface-active agent and (B-2) having a thickness of 50 to 200 angstrom.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for improving the surface quality of a resin molding by treating it with a plasma gas, measuring and integrating ion density and stopping the treatment when the integration reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A shaped body formed of a synthetic organic polymer is surface-treated for increasing the surface energy by a spark discharge treatment which is preceded and/or followed by a treatment with a UV ray-absorbing organic liquid and/or a UV irradiation treatment.

Abstract: A method of improving the paint adhesion properties of a cycloolefin polymer article comprising exposing the surface of said article to a solution of sodium hypochlorite or a solution of potassium permanganate. Preferably the solution is of sodium hypochlorite and it further contains a detergent solution.

Abstract: Steel is prepared for hot-dip coating in molten zinc, by forming lead chloride on it in a greater mass (at least 12 g/m.sup.2) than possible by evaporation from saturated aqueous solution. One way of so forming the lead chloride is to cathodize the steel (24000 coulomb/m.sup.2) in 1:1 HCl saturated with lead chloride, and air-dry the steel. The steel thus prepared is dipped for 2 minutes in molten zinc or, for greater corrosion resistance, in molten scrap zinc.

Abstract: A method is provided to reduce the core loss measured at frequencies of 60 Hz or higher in light-gauge, grain-oriented, silicon steel sheet or strip of less than 7 mil thickness and conventional permeability of .mu.10<1850 at 60 Hz, the method includes coating such steel with tension-inducing stress coatings in order to exert tensile stresses on the silicon steel of at least approximately 600 psi and further provides a method with the step of preparing the surfaces of the light-gage, grain-oriented, silicon steel products to support the stresses of the applied tension-inducing stress coatings in order to prevent spalling of the coatings.

Abstract: Procedure for the denaturation of paints collected in painting booths and comprising a cleansing apparatus in which the air laden with paint droplets is placed in contact with a fluid to which is added a powder selected from phenolic or polyisocyanate powders.Applications to the denaturation of paints in painting booth installations.

Abstract: A device for fusing and fixing electrophotographic toner powder to a receiver sheet and a method for using the same. The device comprises a first fusing member, such as a fusing roll, having a resilient surface for pressure contact with thermoplastic toner on the receiver sheet. A second member, which can be a non-resilient pressure roll, presses the toner into contact with the resilient surface. The device also is designed to heat the toner. The fusing member has a layer of an elastomeric, amorphous silarylene-siloxane alternating or random copolymer which is thermally stable, has good wear resistance, and good thermal conductivity and exhibits little or no swelling when contacted with poly(dimethylsiloxane) release oils.

Abstract: A process for retarding the formation of incrustation on plant parts in contact with phosphating solutions in phosphating plants and where the working phosphating solution immediately after contacting the metal surface to be phosphated and while the solution is at its working temperature is caused to flow to contact an additionally presented solid surface that is disposed outside the region in which the workpiece metal surface and phosphating solution contact each other. The ratio of the second solid surface area which is contacted by the phosphating solution in the phosphating plant to the surface area of the plant parts in contact with the phosphating solution is at least 2.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process disclosed for the pre-treatment of synthetic materials (plastics), particularly polyetherimide, polycarbonate and poly(ester-co-carbonate), for the adhesive chemical metallization, involving treating the synthetic material with a quaternary base dissolved in an organic solvent.

Abstract: A novel primer composition containing a partial hydrolyzate of an aminoalkyl-substituted trialkoxysilane, a carboxylic acid salt of tin and a solvent is applied to a moisture-cured silicone substrate and dried to improve the adhesion of a subsequently applied coating. The composition and method are of particular value for painting a moisture-cured silicone substrate disposed on a support, such as a building sealant used on a window assembly or an encapsulant used on an electrical device.

Abstract: In a process of dressing a refractory structure, a comburent gas stream carrying a mixture of particles is projected against the site to be dressed. The particle mixture comprises particles of one or more elements which is or are oxidizable to form one or more refractory oxides ("fuel particles") together with refractory oxide particles and the fuel particles are caused or allowed to burn during projection. The mixture further incorporates a fluxing agent, the fluxing action of which is such that under the heat released by combustion of the fuel particles, the refractory structure becomes softened to an extent such that the structure becomes dressed by removal or displacement of material thereof under the mechanical action of the impinging stream.Suitable fuels include very fine particles of aluminum and/or silicon.

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 magnetic disk is rotated while a tape of initially abrasive free permeable cloth tape is fed around a roller in engagement with a radial region of the disk surface. A slurry with free abrasive particles is applied to the tape prior to engagement of the tape with the disk. The roller is radially oscillated and the oscillation frequency is related to the disk rotation speed to abrade grooves in the disk surface in a pattern in which grooves vary from the circumferential direction by no more than a maximum angle of 5 to 45, preferably 8, degrees. The slurry application is halted and a rinse liquid is applied to the disk surface while the feeding of clean tape continues. Thin film layers including a magnetic medium are deposited on the abraded disk surface. The groove pattern may be abraded on the entire magnetizable area of the disk surface or may be restricted to the head landing area.

Abstract: A method for forming an electrostatic field deflector tube (50) for use in an electron beam machine (10) which comprises the use of a rigid boring bar (88) with a diamond scribe tip (90) and a rigid holder (92) for the metal coated tube. The scribe tip (90) is positioned within the bore of the tube and the boring bar (88) is stroked in a direction parallel to the tube axis while engagement with the inner coating to scribe very narrow lines (66) on the inner surface of the tube. These lines (66) are formed over a major portion of the length of the tube and of a width less than 0.001 in. After each scribing step, the tube (or the boring bar and scribe tip as the case may be) is incrementally rotated to form a number of separate electrically isolated areas. Dial position indicators with digital readouts (92) locate the scribe tip (90) within a few ten thousandths of an inch and optical and resiatance means are used to determine the integrity of each scribed line.