Abstract: Biocompatible material is deposited onto a substrate by laser deposition, for example by pulsed laser beam deposition and ion-assisted pulsed laser beam deposition. The deposition can be done at room temperature, in a variety of different atmospheres, with control over the stoichiometry, adhesion and porosity of the deposited film. Apparatus for carrying out the deposition, and articles formed by such deposition, are also described. The articles so formed are particularly useful as medical prosthesis, for example, implants.

Abstract: In situ formation of metal-ceramic oxide microstructures is carried out on a starting oxide phase containing at least a most noble metallic component (e.g., iron) and a least noble metallic component (e.g. manganese) and subjecting the starting oxide phase to a temperature and oxygen partial pressure and for a time period to cause reduction of only part of the most noble metallic component to elemental metal.

Abstract: An article is coated with a thermal barrier coating system to increase its thermal cyclic spallation life. A single layer bond coating is applied to the surface of the article to a surface roughness in the range of 200 to 600 microinches RA by low pressure plasma spraying of coarse MCrAlY alloy particles into the surface. A metal selected from aluminum and its alloys is applied to the bond coating by aluminiding and is diffused into the bond coating to provide an aluminum-rich bond coating metal outer surface, while substantially retaining the surface roughness of about 2300 to 600 microinches RA. A metal oxide thermal barrier coating layer is then applied onto the aluminum-rich bond coating outer surface.

Abstract: A magnetic layer is overlaid on the front surface of a substrate, and a backing layer is overlaid on the back surface of the substrate. The backing layer is formed by the application of a coating composition, which contains inorganic grains and a binder, to the back surface of the substrate. The coating composition is prepared from the steps of kneading a mixture of the inorganic grains and the binder, in which the weight ratio of the inorganic grains to the binder falls within the range of 100:10 to 100:30, in a two-shaft continuous kneading and mixing machine. A dilution kneading process is then carried out on a mixture of the kneaded mixture, which results from the kneading process, and an organic solvent in a two-shaft continuous kneading and mixing machine. Thereafter a dispersion process is carried out on the diluted mixture, which results from the dilution kneading process.

Abstract: Fibers such as caustic treated non round polyester fibers are prepared having certain lubricants strongly adhered to the surfaces thereof. These fibers are prepared by contacting the fibers, such as immediately prior to a crimping device, with a suitable heated hydrophilic lubricant in a processing operation followed by heating to dry or the lubricant onto and/or into the surface of the fibers.

Abstract: Metallic substrates or substrates metallized at at least one surface are electrostatically powder coated with fluorinated polymers processable from the melt in admixture with 0.1 to 4% by weight of potassium titanate fibers.

Abstract: A film pattern of a desired material is formed on a substrate by forming a pattern of powder of inorganic material on the substrate, forming at least a single layer of film of desired material on the substrate on which the pattern of the powder of inorganic material is formed so that a part of the film of the desired material is formed on at least a part of the pattern of the powder of inorganic material, and mechanically removing the pattern film of the powder of inorganic material together with a part of the film of the desired material formed thereon.

Abstract: A method and instrument produce compound semiconductor crystallized ultrafine particles of Groups II-VI or Groups III-V using vapor phase reaction of an element of Group II or III with an element of Group V or VI. Charged ultrafine particles are transported by imposing a voltage onto a needle electrode, moving the needle electrode sufficiently close to the charged particles to electrostatically deposit the charged particles on the surface of the needle electrode, transporting the deposited particles to a position close to a desired location, and placing the charged particles on the desired location by either grounding the needle electrode or imposing a small reverse voltage on it. A gain modulation type quantum box laser element is constructed by geometrically disposing the ultrafine particles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method including a droplet coating generator for generating a stream of electrically charged coating droplets within an evacuable chamber towards a substrate positioned within the evacuable chamber. A piezoelectric vibrator and orifice plate coupled thereto generate the stream of coating droplets. The coating droplets are urged to move in a sweeping motion across the substrate by at least one pair of opposing spaced apart electrodes powered by an electrical power supply. A uniform coating is thus produced while the evacuable chamber is maintained at subatmospheric pressure as required during typical semiconductor processing. Multiple applications of a photoresist coating may be applied by the coating apparatus without requiring that the evacuable chamber be repeatedly vented and pumped down to subatmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Refractory filaments in the form of a multifilament tow or fabrics woven therefrom are coated with protective oxide coatings to provide reinforcing materials that are useful in creating refractory composites. The refractory filaments are contacted with a liquid medium which contains a metal oxide or metal oxide precursor so that a substantially continuous coating of metal oxide or metal oxide precursor forms on the surface of each of the filaments. The filaments are then treated to substantially remove residual components of the liquid medium other than the metal oxide or metal oxide precursor. The coated filaments are stabilized, the above steps optionally are repeated to increase the coating thickness, and the coated filaments are heated to convert the metal oxide or metal oxide precursor into substantially continuous, uniform metal oxide coatings on the filaments.

Abstract: A method for the powder pack coating of hollow structural components is performed with spherical powder particles of a donor metal in which the hollow component is embedded. During the embedding, the component is subjected to a tumbling motion about several spatial axes to fill all cavities in the component. After the powder pack coating process the cavities of the component are cleared of any excess powder particles under the action of a gas stream. This method is suitable especially for coating engine blades having cooling ducts and cooling air holes, such as turbine blades. The effect of the forced air flow through the internal cavities for the removal of excess powder out of the hollow component is enhanced by simultaneously vibrating the component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus uniformly impregnate stranded material with dry powder such as low solubility, high melt flow polymer powder to produce, for example, composite prepregs. The stranded material is expanded in an impregnation chamber by an influx of air so that the powder, which may enter through the same inlet as the air, penetrates to the center of the stranded material. The stranded material then is contracted for holding the powder therein. The stranded material and powder may be pulled through the impregnation chamber in the same direction by vacuum. Larger particles of powder which do not fully penetrate the stranded material may be combed into the stranded material and powder which does not impregnate the stranded material may be collected and reused.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously producing polymer coated particles, and in particular, a polymer coated fertilizer, wherein the coating material used is, for example, an aqueous film forming latex. The coating process is conducted with a plurality of fluidized beds, connected in series, under conditions such that, preferably, the relative humidity of the air in the initial coating zones is maintained below the critical relative humidity of the particle to be coated.

Abstract: A composite material, particularly useful for prestressing concrete and in stay cables for cable-stayed bridges and other such uses where strength, corrosion resistance and resistance to fatigue failure are particularly important, comprises high strength wire strand coated and impregnated with an impermeable and strongly adherent epoxy based resin. The impregnated and coated epoxy increases the flexural stiffness of the composite against bending fatigue in the areas of the anchorages in dynamically loaded situations and reduces relative movement and rubbing of the wires of the strand so as to reduce fretting and hence fretting fatigue, the principal mechanism for failure in dynamically loaded strand.

Abstract: Phosphor coatings for use in mercury discharge tubes and glass plates for illuminated signboards are provided by applying phosphor particles to a surface by means of a binder. The phosphor and an inorganic binder are suspended in a volatile fluid. The suspension is used to coat the surface. Evaporation at a temperature not exceeding 175.degree. C. is used to remove the volatile fluid.

Abstract: Preparation of feed screw having a wear resistant alloy coating thereon for the injection molding or extrusion of plastic. Nickel-based alloys that have shown themselves to be compatible with inlaid barrel liners by virtue of similar wear ratios, modulus of elasticity, ultimate yield strength, and linear thermal coefficients of expansion, are sprayed at high velocity onto a heated feed screw to mechanically bond the alloy to the feed screw. The alloy is then fused to the feed screw in a controlled manner. Following the fusing process, the feed screw and alloy thereon is heated and allowed to cool in a highly controlled environment to produce a crack-free dense coating of the alloy on the screw substrate.

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: Silica microspheres formed by hydrolysis of a silica precursor having a mean diameter in the range of about 0.1 to 10 .mu.m are provided with a thin surface layer, often a monolayer, of a metal to provide the appearance of a solid particle of the metal as its oxide. The microspheres are contacted with an aqueous or alcoholic solution of a metal compound to deposit the surface layer.

Abstract: A particle deposition system having an atomizer, wafer transport, sheath flow means, particle counter and computer control for accurately depositing a desired density of particles onto a surface. The sheath flow keeps an article clean, while the particle flux in the deposition chamber is rising from zero to an equilibrium state. The particle counter measures particle flux by sampling the atmosphere in the deposition chamber. The computer determines when the rate of change of particle flux is substantially zero and then actuates transport of the article completely or partially out of the sheath flow into the mist of falling particles. The computer also calculates the required deposition time for providing the article's surface with a desired particle density, actuating transport of the article back into the sheath flow after the desired density is reached. The operator of the system can specify particle size, desired density and full or partial coverage of the surface with particles.

Abstract: Comminuted wood is converted to a colored wood product useful as a mulch by feeding the comminuted wood into the lower end of an angularly upward positioned screw conveyor having an internal auger. The comminuted wood is contacted in a basin in the lower end of the conveyor by a liquid color-imparting agent, preferably an aqueous solution containing iron oxide pigment, carbon black pigment or a mixture of both pigments. After contacting, rotation of the auger draws the moist colored wood product towards the upper end, permitting runoff of excess liquid agent, which returns by gravity to the basin for further contacting with newly-fed comminuted wood. The liquid level in the basin is monitored and additional liquid agent is blended from water and pigment concentrate to maintain the level in the basin. Colored wood product discharges through a chute at the upper end of the conveyor for further drying, if necessary.