Abstract: Apparatus and method to improve vapor phase diffusion coating of articles. The apparatus provides a barrier to segregate the portion of the article requiring coating from the portion of the article not requiring coating. The fixture is reusable, being unaffected by the coating gases. The fixture reduces the exposure of the coating gases with the portion of the article not requiring coating. By use of an optional seal, the portion of the article not requiring coating can be isolated from the coating gases.

Abstract: The interface between a moving conveyor belt and a work piece can be lubricated using an air driven stream of finely divided droplets of a lubricant composition. Droplets of a preferred size are directed by the air stream onto the conveyor with little waste of lubricant off the conveyor. The lubricant provides a very low coefficient of friction and little or no stress cracking in the containers. Using a low pressure and low flow rate air stream in conjunction with a low flow rate liquid lubricant attains the useful particle size in the lubricant add on spray. The liquid lubricant is sheared by the effect of the air flow creating the desirable droplet size and pattern of lubricant on the conveyor.

Abstract: Systems to achieve both more uniform and particle free DLC deposition is disclosed which automatically cycles between modes to effect automatic removal of carbon-based buildups or which provides barriers to achieve proper gas flow involves differing circuitry and design parameter options. One ion source may be used in two different modes whether for DLC deposition or not through automatic control of gas flow types and rates and through the control of the power applied to achieve maximum throughput or other desired processing goals. Arcing can be controlled and even permitted to optimize the overall results achieved.

Abstract: A flame retardant adhesive tissue paper for fabricating moldable structures, particularly suitable for forming laminates for the interior of automobiles is provided. The flame retardant adhesive tissue is prepared by screen printing an aqueous paste dispersion including a flame retardant and thermoplastic adhesive dispersed therein in discontinuous pattern onto one surface of the paper. After removal of water, the drying temperatures is increased to activate the thermoplastic adhesive to adhere to the surface of the tissue with the flame retardants solids dispersed within the interior of the tissue paper. The adhesive coated tissue paper has good acoustic properties and imparts flame retardancy to a laminate including it.

Abstract: A compressor coating is described which can reduce corrosion in the turbine system of a gas turbine engine. The coating is essentially not wet by droplets or aerosols of sea water or other corrodants. The coating reduces the build up of salt deposits on compressor components and their subsequent passage into the turbine section, thereby preventing severe localized corrosion which would otherwise occur.

Abstract: A process for creating plasma polymerized deposition on a substrate by a corona discharge is described. The corona discharge is created between an electrode and a counterelectrode supporting a substrate. A mixture of a balance gas and a working gas is flowed rapidly through the electrode, plasma polymerized by corona discharge, and deposited onto the substrate as an optically clear coating or to create surface modification. The process, which is preferably carried out at or near atmospheric pressure, can be designed to create an optically clear powder-free or virtually powder free deposit of polymerized plasma that provides a substrate with properties such as surface modification, chemical resistance, and barrier to gases.

Abstract: A process for producing a peel-off protective layer for surfaces, especially for painted surfaces of motor vehicle bodies. A curable liquid coating material is sprayed by a spray nozzle onto the surface to be protected, where it forms a two-dimensional protective layer which cures. Coating material emerging essentially as a continuous strand or strip of material from an applicator nozzle is applied to the surface to be coated at the edges of the areas of the coating material which has been sprayed onto the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and/or systems for applying treatment fluid to a plurality of fabric articles in a fabric treatment apparatus. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus capable of carrying out such methods and/or systems.

Abstract: The invention provide a method for applying a coating to an ophthalmic lens or a mold for making the ophthalmic lens or a medical device other than ophthalmic lens. The method comprises spraying at least one layer of a coating liquid onto an ophthalmic lens using a spraying process selected from the group consisting of an air-assisted atomization and dispensing process, an ultrasonic-assisted atomization and dispensing process, a piezoelectric assisted atomization and dispensing process, an electro-mechanical jet printing process, a piezo-electric jet printing process, a piezo-electric with hydrostatic pressure jet printing process, and a thermal jet printing process. The coating can comprise a property/functionality pattern or a color image or combination of both.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spraying an atomized liquid compound onto a sheet material traveling along a material coating process line. The apparatus and method heats and mixes a liquid compound then atomizes and sprays the atomized liquid compound to coat the sheet material. The apparatus and method selectively provide an atomized liquid compound which improves coating, dries quickly on the sheet material, and increases process line productivity.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for painting vehicle bodies in which the bodies are moved past at least one paint-applying application device with the aid of a conveyor system, said application device for its part being guided by an application machine, and in which faces of the vehicle body which have different inclinations are painted.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating, or TBC (26), and method for forming the TBC (26). The TBC (26) is formed of a thermal-insulating material that contains yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) alloyed with at least a third oxide. The TBC (26) is formed to also contain elemental carbon, and may potentially contain carbides and/or a carbon-containing gas that forms from the thermal decomposition of carbon. The TBC (26) is characterized by lower density and thermal conductivity, high temperature stability and improved mechanical properties. To exhibit the desired effect, the third oxide is more particularly one that increases the lattice strain energy of the TBC microstructure as a result of having an ion size that is sufficiently different than a zirconium ion.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing simultaneous pass-by vapor deposition of a uniform thickness thin film of a lubricant on at least one surface of each of a plurality of substrates, comprising: (a) chamber means having an interior space adapted to be maintained at a reduced pressure below atmospheric pressure, including entrance and exit means at opposite ends thereof; (b) at least one linearly extending vapor source means for supplying the interior space of the chamber with at least one linearly extending stream of lubricant vapor; (c) a substrate/workpiece mounting/supporting means adapted for supporting thereon a plurality of substrates/workpieces; and (d) a transporter/conveyor means for continuously moving the substrate/workpiece mounting/supporting means transversely past the at least one linearly extending stream of lubricant vapor for depositing a uniform thickness thin film of lubricant on the surfaces of each of a plurality of substrates/workpieces carried by the substrate/workpiece mounting/supportin

Abstract: This device for supplying coating products to the atomizers of an installation for spraying coating products on objects to be displaced by a conveyor, comprises at least one principal tank, adapted to supply secondary tanks each intended for an atomizer, at least one station for distributing the contents of the principal tank between the secondary tanks, and means for displacing the full secondary tanks towards application robots adapted to displace said atomizers opposite said objects. Each secondary tank forms with the atomizer for which it is intended, a sub-assembly adapted to be displaced, by the afore-mentioned displacement means, between an application member and the distribution station, and vice versa.

Abstract: A generally T-shaped paint shield formed of a flexible plastic such as high density polyethylene (HDPE). The paint shield includes straight edges of varying and variable lengths to allow it to be used for shielding a variety of surfaces. The paint shield includes left hand and right hand inside corner shields, and left hand and right hand outside corner shields. Preferably, the paint shield includes radiused corners for the left and right hand outside corner shields for accommodating the slight radius typically found on sheet rock, plaster, etc., wall constructions. Because of the inherent flexibility in the paint shield, it can be bent to conform to various wall configurations.

Abstract: A method for preparing an &agr;-Al2O3 nanotemplate of fully crystalline &agr;-Al2O3 directly on the surface of a metal alloy is provided. Also provided is a related apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method that is capable of crystallizing a very small amount of solution arranged on a substrate at a predetermined position. By ejecting a solution prepared by dissolving a thin film forming material in a solvent using an ink jet method, droplets of the solution are arranged on the substrate. Crystalline nuclei are created in the solution by controlling a partial pressure of a gas made up of the same components as those of the solvent in the vicinity of the droplets immediately after being arranged to, e.g., a value equal to or substantially equal to the saturation vapor pressure. After creation of the crystalline nuclei, the partial pressure of the gas in the vicinity of the droplets is reduced.

Abstract: A method of partially applying a hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesive composition to a backing material, in which the hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesive composition is applied by an applicator to a moving transfer means in such a way that a film formed from the hot-melt adhesive composition comprises voids; the film applied to the transfer means is subsequently applied to a backing material, which is likewise moving.

Abstract: A dual-sided stamper/imprinter for simultaneously forming magnetic transition patterns in spaced-apart first and second layers of magnetic material by contact printing comprises a mechanically hard, substantially rigid magnetic material having high saturation magnetization and high permeability and including first and second oppositely facing imprinting surfaces, wherein each of the imprinting surfaced has a topographical pattern formed therein comprising a patterned plurality of spaced-apart recesses with a plurality of non-recessed areas therebetween, each topographical pattern corresponding to a magnetic transition pattern to be formed in a respective layer of magnetic material. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing dual-sided stampers/imprinters.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for applying adhesive to an outer circumference of a section of tubing. The apparatus includes opposed grippers with concave adhesive transfer areas that can be moved into surrounding relationship with the tubing. Adhesive dispensing passages communicate with the adhesive transfer areas for delivering adhesive to the tubing. Counterbores are at opposed ends of the adhesive transfer areas and communicate with a vacuum source for removing excess adhesive.