Abstract: To make membranes, a plurality of membrane substrates are each wetted with a curable liquid mixture, arranged in a stack such that every pair of substrates are separated by at least one film, and moved simultaneously through a common curing region. Each wetted substrate sheet may be sandwiched between two films. After curing, the stack comprises two or more membranes with each pair of membranes separated by a film. An apparatus for making membranes comprises at least two substrate feeding devices, at least one film feeding device, one or more chemical wetting devices, a curing region, optionally, a stack separating region, and, optionally, a membrane binding or fusing region. Membrane production rate may be increased while the curing energy required per unit area of membrane is decreased. The method can make, for example, ion exchange membranes.

Abstract: A membrane stack may be used, for example, in an electrodialysis or other electrically driven membrane separation device. The stack has a plurality of modules, each containing a number of membranes and spacers bundled together. A module can be removed from the stack, for example for diagnosis or repair by sliding the module out of the stack in a direction parallel to the plane of a membrane or spacer in the stack. A banding mechanism is described for compressing a stack but can be released to allow the stack to be dis-assembled. The banding mechanism is also capable of lifting at least an upper end plate or electrode from the stack. Ports communicate with parts of a stack and may be used to perform diagnostic tests. In an embodiment, the stack has at least two modules as described above and each of the two modules has at least one port.

Abstract: A spacer for a membrane stack has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface has a raised perimeter surrounding a membrane supporting section. The spacer has one or more protrusions and recesses configured such that the one or more protrusions of a first spacer fit into one or more recesses of a second spacer with the same protrusions and recesses stacked against the first spacer. Optionally, there may be an interference or snap fit. In a stack, membranes are placed on the membrane supporting sections located between spacers. In one embodiment, the bottom of an upper spacer rests on the raised perimeter of a lower spacer. A spacer may have a hole extending from an edge of the spacer to the interior of a flow field within the spacer. The hole allows access to the flow field for diagnostic testing and/or sampling.

Abstract: A membrane, for example an ion exchange membrane, is made by preparing a curable liquid using at least one aqueous solvent. The curable liquid is continuously cast onto a substrate to form a membrane precursor. The membrane precursor is continuously cured to form a membrane. Optionally, the curable liquid may be made by mixing a water soluble aliphatic sulfonic acid monomer with a pair of crosslinking monomers and a water soluble free-radical generating catalyst. Optionally, the method may include one or more steps of processing the membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing membranes is provided, the apparatus comprises a casting section, a processing section and a conveyor system. The casting section prepares a membrane that is conveyed to the processing section. The conveyor system conveys the membrane through the processing section. In the processing section, the membrane is conditioned in tanks to extract residues. The membrane is also subjected to a leak test to detect physical flaws in the membrane. The leak test involves applying a dye to a surface of the membrane. Any dye that leaks through the membrane will provide a high contrast dye mark on an adjacent contrast material, which is indicative of a physical flaw in the membrane. A process for manufacturing and testing membranes is also provided. The process comprises the steps of casting a membrane precursor, curing the membrane precursor to form a membrane and processing the membrane.

Abstract: A solder-flux composition is sprayed onto a substrate by rotating the solder-flux composition inside a spray cap, and before the solder-flux liquid exits the spray cap, perturbing the flow thereof with a fluid.

Abstract: To make membranes, a plurality of membrane substrates are each wetted with a curable liquid mixture, arranged in a stack such that every pair of substrates are separated by at least one film, and moved simultaneously through a common curing region. Each wetted substrate sheet may be sandwiched between two films. After curing, the stack comprises two or more membranes with each pair of membranes separated by a film. An apparatus for making membranes comprises at least two substrate feeding devices, at least one film feeding device, one or more chemical wetting devices, a curing region, optionally, a stack separating region, and, optionally, a membrane binding or fusing region. Membrane production rate may be increased while the curing energy required per unit area of membrane is decreased. The method can make, for example, ion exchange membranes.

Abstract: A solder-flux composition is sprayed onto a substrate by rotating the solder-flux composition inside a spray cap, and before the solder-flux liquid exits the spray cap, perturbing the flow thereof with a fluid.

Abstract: A solder-flux composition is sprayed onto a substrate by rotating the solder-flux composition inside a spray cap, and before the solder-flux liquid exits the spray cap, perturbing the flow thereof with a fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating workpieces are described. One embodiment relates to a deflux system including at least one array of nozzles, the nozzles adapted to transmit a fluid outward therefrom. The nozzles are moveable relative to one another, so that a distance between adjacent nozzles can be varied. The nozzles are individually adjustable with respect to an angle of spray emitted therefrom during operation. The system also includes a controller adapted to send a signal to each of the nozzles to transmit the fluid therethrough at a desired angle at a desired time. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to improve flux spray atomization and/or splash control are described. In one embodiment, a flux nozzle includes a plurality of injection holes to deposit flux fluid through an exit hole of an air cap onto a substrate (such as a printed circuit board). The flux fluid may atomize prior to deposition onto the substrate as relatively smaller broken down flux droplets that may aid reduced spray splash. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating workpieces are described. One embodiment relates to a deflux system including at least one array of nozzles, the nozzles adapted to transmit a fluid outward therefrom. The nozzles are moveable relative to one another, so that a distance between adjacent nozzles can be varied. The nozzles are individually adjustable with respect to an angle of spray emitted therefrom during operation. The system also includes a controller adapted to send a signal to each of the nozzles to transmit the fluid therethrough at a desired angle at a desired time. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed is fluid dispenser valve for managing a streamlined flow of fluid. The fluid dispenser valve includes a valve chamber and a fluid inlet. The valve chamber is capable of circulating the fluid. Further, the fluid inlet is configured tangentially to the valve chamber. The fluid inlet is capable of enabling the flow of the fluid into the valve chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to improve flux air cap and/or spray nozzle designs are described. In one embodiment, a flux nozzle may include a cylindrical portion and a conical portion. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to improve air cap design for controlling spray flux are described. In one embodiment, a plurality of opposing gas inlets are provided in an air cap, e.g., to reduce or eliminate potential opposing turbulence inside the air cap. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to improve flux spray atomization and/or splash control are described. In one embodiment, a flux nozzle includes a plurality of injection holes to deposit flux fluid through an exit hole of an air cap onto a substrate (such as a printed circuit board). The flux fluid may atomize prior to deposition onto the substrate as relatively smaller broken down flux droplets that may aid reduced spray splash. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A solder-flux composition is sprayed onto a substrate by rotating the solder-flux composition inside a spray cap, and before the solder-flux liquid exits the spray cap, perturbing the flow thereof with a fluid.