Abstract: Methods for producing durable oxide coatings on various substrates are provided. The method involves depositing an oxidizable metal layer, such as zirconium, aluminum, titanium, magnesium, or niobium, onto a substrate using physical vapor deposition techniques, including sputtering, evaporation, or cathodic arc deposition. The oxidizable metal layer is subsequently treated using anodization or micro-arc oxidation (MAO) to convert at least a portion of the layer into a robust oxide coating. The MAO process employs high voltages and current densities in an electrolytic bath containing water, salts, and additives to enhance surface properties. The resulting oxide layer provides exceptional hardness, corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and aesthetic finishes, including a black appearance. The method is compatible with diverse substrates, including metals, alloys, and plastics, enabling applications in aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, and decorative industries.

Abstract: A coated article includes a doped TFMG layer and/or undoped TFMG layer disposed over and optionally contacting a substrate. A top layer is disposed over and optionally contacts the TFMG layer. The top layer includes a metal-containing layer and/or a carbon-containing layer. The coated article can also include a doped TFMG layer and an undoped TFMG layer with a leveling primer layer.

Abstract: A personal vaporizer is configured to be used with a separately-formed vial. The vial can be sandwiched between a proximal and distal portion of the vaporizer, which in turn can be releasably attached to, and powered by, a battery assembly. Attaching the proximal and distal portions, with the vial in place, can both hold the vial in place and provide access to the vial so that vaporizing media within the vial can flow to an atomizer of the vaporizer. The vaporizer can include a child-proof locking structure for releasably engaging the proximal and distal portions.

Abstract: A bioactive coated substrate includes a base substrate, an indicator layer disposed over the base substrate, and a bioactive layer disposed on the indicator layer. Characteristically, the indicator layer has color sufficiently different from the bioactive layer to be visually perceived by a user when the bioactive layer wears away.

Abstract: An arc deposition system includes a coating chamber and a central cathode target disposed within the coating chamber. At least two anodes surround the central cathode target. Each anode is positively biased with respect to the central cathode target such that each anode independently induces an associated racetrack erosion profile on the central cathode target. At least two magnetic components are located within the central cathode target. The magnetic components guide an associated arc that forms its associated racetrack erosion profile. Characteristically, each anode of the at least two anodes has an associated magnetic component.

Abstract: A method for forming an article coated with an antimicrobial coating includes a step of depositing a mixed metal layer over a substrate. Characteristically, the mixed metal layer includes copper and an oxidizable metal. The mixed metal layer is oxidized in an electrolyte solution by anodization or by applying a sufficient voltage to a surface of the mixed metal layer sufficient to form an electrical discharge that oxidizes at least a portion of the mixed metal layer to form an antimicrobial copper-containing layer that includes a mixture of oxides of copper and the oxidizable metal.

Abstract: A coated article having an antimicrobial coating is provided. The coated article includes a substrate and at least one adhesion layer disposed over the substrate. The at least one adhesion layer includes a component selected from the group consisting of a copper oxide, a zirconium oxide, and combinations thereof. Advantageously, an antimicrobial copper suboxide layer disposed over the at least one adhesion layer.

Abstract: A personal vaporizer has a hollow tube that extends from an atomizer through a tank for holding vaporization media. The hollow tube has a vapor tube portion and a filling path portion. A mouthpiece can be advanced over the hollow tube to a first position, at which the mouthpiece lumen communicates with the tank via the filling path portion. During manufacture, vaporization media can be injected into the mouthpiece lumen and will flow into the tank. After the tank is filled with vaporization media, the mouthpiece can be moved to a second position in which the tank is sealed relative to the mouthpiece lumen, but the vapor tube is unblocked so that the vapor tube communicates vapor to the mouthpiece lumen.

Abstract: A method for making a coated article is provided. The method includes a step in which a liquid silicon-containing composition is applied onto a surface of an article to form an uncured silicon-containing layer. The uncured silicon-containing is cured (or allowed to cure) to form a silicon-containing quasi-ceramic layer disposed over and optionally contacting the surface of the article. Characteristically, the silicon-containing quasi-ceramic layer includes a plurality of siloxane units. Advantageously, the silicon-containing quasi-ceramic layer can also include a plurality of metallosiloxane units. A metal-containing layer is applied by physical vapor deposition onto the silicon-containing quasi-ceramic layer.

Abstract: A personal vaporizer has a hollow tube that extends from an atomizer through a tank for holding vaporization media. The hollow tube has a vapor tube portion and a filling path portion. A mouthpiece can be advanced over the hollow tube to a first position, at which the mouthpiece lumen communicates with the tank via the filling path portion. During manufacture, vaporization media can be injected into the mouthpiece lumen and will flow into the tank. After the tank is filled with vaporization media, the mouthpiece can be moved to a second position in which the tank is sealed relative to the mouthpiece lumen, but the vapor tube is unblocked so that the vapor tube communicates vapor to the mouthpiece lumen.

Abstract: A bioactive coated substrate includes a base substrate, an outermost bioactive layer disposed over the base substrate, and a topcoat layer disposed on the outermost bioactive layer. Characteristically, the topcoat layer defines a plurality of pinholes that expose the outermost bioactive layer. A method for forming the bioactive coated substrate is also provided.

Abstract: A rotary cathode assembly includes a cathode having a tube shape and defining a hollow center, a shield surrounding the cathode, the shield defining an access opening that exposes a portion of the cathode, and a rotary magnet subassembly disposed within the hollow center of the cathode. The rotary magnet subassembly includes a first magnetic component having a first magnetic field strength and a second magnetic component having a second magnetic field strength. The first magnetic field strength is greater than the second magnetic field strength. Characteristically, the first magnet component and the second magnetic component are rotatable between a first position in which the first magnetic component faces the access opening and a second position in which the second magnetic component faces the access opening. A coating system including the rotary cathode assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A personal vaporizer is configured to be used with a separately-formed vial. The vial can be sandwiched between a proximal and distal portion of the vaporizer, which in turn can be releasably attached to, and powered by, a battery assembly. Attaching the proximal and distal portions, with the vial in place, can both hold the vial in place and provide access to the vial so that vaporizing media within the vial can flow to an atomizer of the vaporizer. The vaporizer can include a child-proof locking structure for releasably engaging the proximal and distal portions.

Abstract: A personal vaporizer has a hollow tube that extends from an atomizer through a tank for holding vaporization media. The hollow tube has a filling hole formed through a side wall thereof. To fill the tank, vaporization media can be injected into a mouthpiece and flows into the hollow tube. A divider wall in the hollow tube deflects vaporization media through the filling hole and into the tank. After the tank is filled with vaporization media, vaporizer is moved to an assembled configuration in which the filling hole is blocked.

Abstract: A personal vaporizer is configured to be used with a separately-formed vial. The vial can be sandwiched between a proximal and distal portion of the vaporizer, which in turn can be releasably attached to, and powered by, a battery assembly. Attaching the proximal and distal portions, with the vial in place, can both hold the vial in place and provide access to the vial so that vaporizing media within the vial can flow to an atomizer of the vaporizer. The vaporizer can include a child-proof locking structure for releasably engaging the proximal and distal portions.

Abstract: A personal vaporizer has a hollow tube that extends from an atomizer through a tank for holding vaporization media. The hollow tube has a vapor tube portion and a filling path portion. A mouthpiece can be advanced over the hollow tube to a first position, at which the mouthpiece lumen communicates with the tank via the filling path portion. During manufacture, vaporization media can be injected into the mouthpiece lumen and will flow into the tank. After the tank is filled with vaporization media, the mouthpiece can be moved to a second position in which the tank is sealed relative to the mouthpiece lumen, but the vapor tube is unblocked so that the vapor tube communicates vapor to the mouthpiece lumen.

Abstract: A coated substrate includes a substrate, a zirconium-containing layer disposed over the substrate, and one or more copper alloy layers disposed over the substrate. Variations include coated substrate with a single copper alloy layer, alternating copper layers, or a combined copper alloy/zirconium-containing layer.

Abstract: A personal vaporizer is configured to be used with a separately-formed vial. The vial can be sandwiched between a proximal and distal portion of the vaporizer, which in turn can be releasably attached to, and powered by, a battery assembly. Attaching the proximal and distal portions, with the vial in place, can both hold the vial in place and provide access to the vial so that vaporizing media within the vial can flow to an atomizer of the vaporizer. The vaporizer can include a child-proof locking structure for releasably engaging the proximal and distal portions.

Abstract: A vacuum coating and plasma treatment system includes a magnetron cathode with a long edge and a short edge. The magnetic pole of the magnetron results in an electromagnetic barrier. At least one remote arc discharge is generated separate from the magnetron cathode and in close proximity to the cathode so that it is confined within a volume adjacent to the magnetron target. The remote arc discharge extends parallel to the long edge of the magnetron target and is defined by the surface of the target on one side and the electromagnetic barrier on all other sides. There is a remote arc discharge cathode hood and anode hood extending over the arc discharge and across the short edge of the magnetron cathode. Outside of the plasma assembly is a magnetic system creating magnetic field lines which extend into and confine the plasma in front of the substrate.

Abstract: An article is coated with a coating having a dark color. In a preferred embodiment, the coating comprises a nickel or polymer basecoat layer, and a first color layer comprised of oxygen-rich refractory metal oxycarbides, a second color layer comprising oxygen-rich refractory metal oxycarbides and a top layer of refractory metal oxides.