Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to ensure high-quality coatings of medical implants using a new data evaluation and process control approach. Information on spray errors, such as areas with high and low droplet distribution, can be easily and reproducibly obtained by analyzing the axial and/or longitudinal cross-section of the spray using the apparatus and method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method to coat a substrate for the formation of coatings having a desired surface morphology is provided, wherein the roughness and the total surface area of the coating can be varied during the coating process. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of generating droplets from a coating composition, transporting the droplets to the substrate and depositing a majority of the droplets on the substrate.

Abstract: An atomizing device, comprising a fine liquid tube, a holder to permanently fix the tube proximate to its exit end and an optional cap to homogeneously and repeatably disintegrate small liquid amounts is disclosed. A manufacturing method for reproducibly machining the atomizer assembly of the present invention is provided.

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to provide a method to characterize a spray pattern by detecting and quantifying asymmetries resulting in detailed information on location, size, and type of asymmetries within the spray pattern, which are important for spray characterization comparability and classification. A system is provided for in-situ monitoring of the spray characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a compact spray nozzle having an improved tip for reproducibly forming droplets from small amounts of liquid with improved operational stability and spray pattern quality compared to prior art atomizing devices. The invention further provides a method for manufacturing the nozzle tip by machining comprising the step of machining the orifice and the inner section and/or the centering section in one setup.

Abstract: A holding device and method is provided for efficiently applying a coating on the exterior surface of a tubular hollow body, while preventing coating application on the interior surface and coating defects. The holding device of the present invention comprises at least two structures contacting the inner surface of the tubular hollow body and extending to a portion where the structures are connected and rotary motion is induced to rotate the tubular hollow body. The structures are arranged and shaped so that an inner hollow section is formed in which excess coating material can accumulate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to disintegrate a liquid having a tendency to solidify and improving the operational safety of processes involving dispensing or spraying of small liquids amounts. The method of the present invention comprises the prevention of the formation of nozzle built-up of formerly suspended particles or formerly dissolved solute by means of closing the nozzle aperture when the spraying process is stopped using a sealing liquid.

Abstract: A method to coat a substrate for the formation of coatings having a desired surface morphology is provided, wherein the roughness and the total surface area of the coating can be varied during the coating process. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of generating droplets from a coating composition, transporting the droplets to the substrate and depositing a majority of the droplets on the substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose holding device to handle, support and rotate one or more hollow cylindrical objects. The holding device consists of a rigid frame and support members for precise alignment and rotation of one or more objects within the frame structure. A method is also provided to reproducibly support, rotate and inspect the hollow cylindrical objects.

Abstract: An atomizing device, comprising a fine liquid tube, a holder to permanently fix the tube proximate to its exit end and an optional cap to homogeneously and repeatably disintegrate small liquid amounts is disclosed. A manufacturing method for reproducibly machining the atomizer assembly of the present invention is provided.