Abstract: A system is provided for positioning a substrate having a surface required to be characterized with a contact angle measurement. The system includes a stage which supports the substrate and a dispenser assembly having a dispensing tip through which a liquid droplet having a preselected volume is dispensed onto the surface of the substrate. A first actuating mechanism moves the stage in response to first actuation signals and a second actuating mechanism which changes the vertical spacing between the dispensing tip and the surface of the substrate and dispenses the liquid droplet from the dispenser assembly in response to second actuation signals. A controller is connected to the actuating mechanisms and delivers the first and second actuation signals to the first and second actuating mechanisms, respectively, so as to place the liquid droplet at a predetermined location on the surface of the substrate for performing the contact angle measurement.

Abstract: A process of depositing polymeric materials on the surface of a substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an eye mask with a soft, comfortable frame assembly which makes it particularly well-suited for use in surgical, dental and healthcare related applications. In a preferred embodiment the eye mask has separated lenses attached to an elastic nonwoven frame to provide an adjustable fit for a wide variety of facial contours and eye spacings. The lenses may be provided with anti-glare and anti-fog treatments to maintain visual clarity during use. The frame may be breathable and treated to have specific areas of hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity so as to absorb perspiration and resist penetration of fluids splashed or sprayed onto the face during surgical procedures.

Abstract: A fan clutch includes a housing and a cover cooperating to contain a viscous fluid. A pump plate divides an interior of the fan clutch into a working chamber and a reservoir. A driven clutch plate, disposed in the working chamber, includes hub and disk portions. A wiper is mounted on the pump plate adjacent a discharge orifice so that a first clearance is provided between the wiper and a front surface of the disk portion. An annular blocking wall is formed on the front surface of the disk portion radially inbound of the wiper. The height of the blocking wall is such that a second clearance formed between the blocking wall and the pump plate is less than or substantially equal to the first clearance, thereby forming a dynamic seal.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for depositing one or more polymeric materials on the surface of a substrate, which apparatus includes a polymerization chamber; an inlet for admitting a glow discharge polymerization precursor into the polymerization chamber; a first conductive member extending into the polymerization chamber; a first conductive support attached to the first conductive member for holding a substrate; a power generator arranged for transmitting electrical energy to the first conductive member; a second conductive member on or within the polymerization chamber, the second conductive member being spaced and insulated from the first conductive member; and a pump arranged for applying a vacuum to the polymerization chamber; whereby a glow discharge zone is established within the polymerization chamber when a vacuum is applied thereto and electrical energy from the first conductive member is received by the second conductive member.

Abstract: A viscous fluid clutch includes an internally-mounted pump plate for separating a working chamber from a reservoir. Discharge ports in the pump plate permit fluid flow from the reservoir to the working chamber. Return orifices in the pump plate direct return flow back to the reservoir. A rotatable control arm is supported by arcuate baffle walls formed in a cover to enhance the seal provided at the discharge ports. The baffle walls limit the amount of fluid which can collect at a discharge port from the reservoir when the clutch is at rest.

Abstract: A viscous fluid clutch includes an internally-mounted pump plate for separating a working chamber from a reservoir. Fill openings in the pump plate permit fluid flow from the reservoir to the working chamber. Orifices in the pump plate direct return flow back to the reservoir. Fluid accumulators formed in a cover are aligned with each of the pump plate orifices. A non-radical channel formed in the cover begins at a respective accumulator and terminates at an inner reservoir chamber. Centripetal forces of the rotating clutch pump fluid from the accumulators to the reservoir. The geometry of the channels prevents migration of fluid from the reservoir to the working chamber without the use of mechanical valves when the clutch is at rest.

Abstract: A transport member moves in a cyclic path to carry material from a first location to a second location at a different temperature, and a thermal shunt connects portions of the transport member. Counter-moving portions of the member are positioned to exchange heat with each other along an intermediate portion of the path, so that minimum energy is lost to the environment. In one embodiment as a printing apparatus, a belt transports a heat-fusible toner to a heater location where it is transferred and fused, i.e., transfused, as a print image to a sheet. Effective powder pick up and release is obtained in the printing apparatus with a transport member having an elastomeric layer of a softness which conforms to a receiving member of characteristic surface roughness, and a non-tacky outer coating which is harder than the elastomeric layer. The outer coating is thin enough to conform to the surface roughness, but hard enough to prevent entrainment of toner particles.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in a pressurized ink supply system for a three color ink jet printer. In order to provide a relatively large ink supply, three stationary primary ink reservoirs, formed as three long tubular sacks of flexible plastic film, contained in a pressurized disposable cartridge, are connected through flexible plastic umbilical tubes, and three solenoid-operated valves, to three secondary ink reservoirs mounted on the movable carriage of the print head.The pressure in the primary reservoirs, under automatic control, forces the ink to the secondary reservoirs and, under manual control, purges the ink passages and orifices by momentarily opening all of the solenoid valves. The waste ink that is discharged by this purging operation is captured and returned to a separate waste-ink storage chamber in the disposable cartridge. This waste-ink storage chamber is maintained under a slight vacuum by the same pump that provides the pressure for the ink reservoirs.