Abstract: A method for deposition of functional coatings comprises igniting a non-thermal equilibrium plasma within an ambient pressure plasma chamber having a gas supply inlet and a plasma outlet; and providing a substrate to be coated adjacent to the plasma outlet. A gas phase pre-cursor monomer is provided to the plasma chamber through the gas inlet. A specific energy is coupled into the plasma during the flow of the pre-cursor through the chamber sufficient to disassociate at least the weakest intra-molecular bond required to allow polymerisation of the pre-cursor when deposited on a surface of the substrate adjacent the plasma outlet, the coupled specific energy not exceeding a specific energy required break intra-molecular bonds required for the functionality of the monomer molecule.

Abstract: A seamless elastic trim having improved elasticity and elastic recovery is disclosed. The trim preferably comprises a cut edge, an elastic band, and a peripheral section of a fabric material folded over upon itself to form a substantially flat hollow structure for enclosing the elastic band. An adhesive layer is disposed on one side of the elastic band, and the elastic band is attached to a surface of the hollow structure by thermal or ultrasonic bonding, or by any suitable bonding material or technique. The elastic band may be provided continuously, or at predetermined intervals within the hollow structure. Likewise, the adhesive layer may cover the entire length of the elastic band, or the coverage may be confined to fixed intervals. A method and apparatus for fabricating the seamless elastic trim of the present invention along the periphery of a material are also disclosed.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure plasma system (1) sharing electrodes (4) defining a plasma region (5) mounted in an enclosure housing (2). The enclosure housing has an open to atmosphere entry port assembly (10) and exit port assembly (11) for the continuous transfer of work-pieces through the plasma region (5). The embodiment illustrated is for precursor process gases having a relative density less than that of the ambient air so that the precursor gases rise in the enclosure housing (2) expelling the heavier ambient and exhaust gases. Where the gases have a relative density greater than ambient the port assemblies (10 and 11) are sited above the plasma region (5).

Abstract: An illuminator (1) comprises a substrate (2) supporting light source dies (4) driven via wire bonds (5). The substrate (2) comprises a silicon strip (20) in direct contact with a brass heat sink (3), thus providing for excellent heat transfer away from the die (4). Pads (10, 11, 12) of Ni, Ti, and Ag sub-layers support the die (4) and the wire bonds (5). These both provide electrical connections for the die (4) and also light reflection upwardly because the Ag sub-layers of the pads (10, 11, 12) are evaporated over a thermally grown oxide layer (21) on the Si (20). The oxide has a very high dielectric strength, thus maintaining excellent electrical insulating properties over a large voltage range.

Abstract: An illuminator (1) comprises a substrate (2) supporting light source dies (4) driven via wire bonds (5). The substrate (2) comprises a silicon strip (20) in direct contact with a brass heat sink (3), thus providing for excellent heat transfer away from the die (4). Pads (10, 11, 12) of Ni, Ti, and Ag sub-layers support the die (4) and the wire bonds (5). These both provide electrical connections for the die (4) and also light reflection upwardly because the Ag sub-layers of the pads (10, 11, 12) are evaporated over a thermally grown oxide layer (21) on the Si (20). The oxide has a very high dielectric strength, thus maintaining excellent electrical insulating properties over a large voltage range.

Abstract: An atmospheric plasma assembly has a pair of parallel spaced apart planar electrodes each bonded to a dielectric plate. Two spacer plates separate the dielectric plates to form a plasma region. Sparge poles having nozzles are used to spray cooling water on the dielectric plates and electrodes. Ideally the dielectric plates and electrodes are vertically arranged.

Abstract: An atmospheric pressure plasma system (1) sharing electrodes (4) defining a plasma region (5) mounted in an enclosure housing (2). The enclosure housing has an open to atmosphere entry port assembly (10) and exit port assembly (11) for the continuous transfer of work-pieces through the plasma region (5). The embodiment illustrated is for precursor process gases having a relative density less than that of the ambient air so that the precursor gases rise in the enclosure housing (2) expelling the heavier ambient and exhaust gases. Where the gases have a relative density greater than ambient the port assemblies (10 and 11) are sited above the plasma region (5).