Abstract: Electrical circuitry is produced on the surface of an organic polymer. The electrical circuitry is produced on a support, and a polymerizable composition is brought into contact with the support and the circuitry. The polymerizable composition is polymerized while in contact with support and the circuitry to produce a solid, organic polymer. The electrical circuitry becomes adhered to and partially embedded in a surface of the solid organic polymer. The support may be removed subsequent to the polymerization step to expose the circuitry at the surface of the solid organic polymer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus that includes a moveable gripper element that includes a flexible inner sleeve. A mechanical energy source mechanism is communicatively coupled to the moveable gripper element, and the flexible sleeve defines an opening. The mechanical energy source mechanism transfers to the moveable gripper element a gripping force configured to move the moveable outer sleeve, reduce a size of the adjustable opening, and bring the flexible inner sleeve into an initial level of thermal contact with a container positioned within the adjustable opening. The mechanical energy source mechanism is configured to, subsequent to establishing the initial level of thermal contact, make adjustments to the gripping force, wherein the adjustment to gripping force increase thermal contact points at an interface between the flexible inner sleeve and the container; and displace air from the interface between the flexible inner sleeve and the container.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus that includes a moveable gripper element including a flexible inner sleeve. A mechanical energy source mechanism is communicatively coupled to the moveable gripper element, and a sensor network is communicatively coupled to the moveable gripper. A controller is communicatively coupled to the mechanical energy source mechanism and the sensor network. The flexible inner sleeve defines an adjustable opening. The controller controls the mechanical energy source mechanism to transfer to the moveable gripper element a gripping force configured to move the moveable outer sleeve, reduce a size of the adjustable opening, and bring the flexible inner sleeve into an initial level of thermal contact with a container positioned within the adjustable opening. The controller is configured to, subsequent to establishing the initial level of thermal contact, control the mechanical energy source mechanism to make adjustments to the gripping force.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly with a nozzle body cooperating with a flexible portion, the nozzle assembly also contains a throttle plate, and this combination is used to mitigate pressure variations transmitted to the nozzle assembly. The combination results in a more uniform liquid deposition during continuous liquid printing.

Abstract: A liquid replenishment system includes a dispensing vessel for holding a supply of a liquid that has an outer can and corresponding lid conjoinable to the outer can in an air-tight manner. The dispensing vessel is improved by the provision of a separate self-supporting secondary inner container removably receivable within the outer can. The container is fabricated of a material that is non-reactive with a liquid composition containing an organic semiconductor material, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene material or stainless steel.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly with a nozzle body cooperating with a flexible portion, the nozzle assembly also contains a throttle plate, and this combination is used to mitigate pressure variations transmitted to the nozzle assembly. The combination results in a more uniform liquid deposition during continuous liquid printing.

Abstract: A liquid replenishment system for a printing apparatus that includes a dispensing nozzle and a supply reservoir is improved by a replenishment system having a volume control network responsive to a signal representative of the volume of liquid within the reservoir for generating a volume control signal. The volume control signal is applied to a pump operable to inject replenishment liquid from a replenishment source into the reservoir. The replenishment liquid is injected at a pressure at least substantially equal to the pressure in the reservoir and at a flow rate selectable in accordance with the volume control signal such that the volume of liquid in the reservoir is maintained at a predetermined reference level. A temperature control network for adjusting the temperature of the replenishment liquid to a temperature that lies within a predetermined range of the temperature of the liquid in the reservoir may also be provided.

Abstract: A dispensing vessel for holding a supply of a liquid includes an outer can and corresponding lid conjoinable to the outer can in an air-tight manner is improved by the provision of a separate self-supporting secondary inner container removably receivable within the outer can. The container is fabricated of a material that is non-reactive with a liquid composition containing an organic semiconductor material, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene material or stainless steel.

Abstract: A liquid replenishment system includes a dispensing vessel for holding a supply of a liquid that has an outer can and corresponding lid conjoinable to the outer can in an air-tight manner. The dispensing vessel is improved by the provision of a separate self-supporting secondary inner container removably receivable within the outer can. The container is fabricated of a material that is non-reactive with a liquid composition containing an organic semiconductor material, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene material or stainless steel.

Abstract: A method for calibrating liquid flow measurements in a printing apparatus that includes a liquid flow line having a flow meter therein comprises the steps of: (a) using a positive displacement liquid pump operable while connected in fluid communication with the flow meter, pumping a liquid at a directly measured, precisely dispensed flow rate through the flow meter; (b) using the flow meter, measuring the volumetric flow rate of a liquid passed through the flow meter; (c) comparing the volumetric flow rate dispensable by the pump to a volumetric flow rate measurable by the flow meter; and (d) modifying the calibration parameters of the flow meter in accordance with the flow rate dispensed from the pump.

Abstract: A positive displacement calibration tool useful for simultaneously calibrating a plurality of flow meters, the tool comprising: a frame; a housing block having a plurality of fluid chambers therein, each fluid chamber being connectible to a respective liquid flow line, each chamber having an axis therethrough, the axis of each fluid chamber being aligned within a predetermined close tolerance with the axis of each of the other fluid chambers formed in the block; a piston mounted within the block for movement within each fluid chamber; and an actuator connected to all of the pistons whereby the actuator is operative to displace each piston through its associated chamber to cause a precisely dispensed predetermined flow rate of a liquid to pass simultaneously from each chamber.

Abstract: A dispensing vessel for a liquid replenishment system includes therewithin a secondary container fabricated of a material that is impervious to a driving fluid contained within the interior chamber of the dispensing vessel. The secondary container has a pleated body forming a collapsible bellows configuration with a freely movable end formed of a rigid planar base. The secondary container is attached to the lid of the dispensing vessel such that the interior of the secondary container is in fluid communication with an inlet port and an outlet port formed in the lid of the dispensing vessel.

Abstract: A liquid replenishment system responsive to a volume control signal representative of the volume of liquid within a secondary container disposed within a dispensing vessel. The secondary container is fabricated of a material that is impervious to a driving fluid contained within the interior chamber of the dispensing vessel. The secondary container has a pleated sidewall forming of a collapsible bellows configuration with a freely movable end formed of a rigid planar base. A volume sensor is responsive to changes in position of the freely movable end within the chamber to generate a signal representative of the volume of liquid composition within the secondary container.

Abstract: A liquid replenishment system for a printing apparatus that includes a dispensing nozzle and a supply reservoir is improved by a replenishment system having a volume control network responsive to a signal representative of the volume of liquid within the reservoir for generating a volume control signal. The volume control signal is applied to a pump operable to inject replenishment liquid from a replenishment source into the reservoir. The replenishment liquid is injected at a pressure at least substantially equal to the pressure in the reservoir and at a flow rate selectable in accordance with the volume control signal such that the volume of liquid in the reservoir is maintained at a predetermined reference level. A temperature control network for adjusting the temperature of the replenishment liquid to a temperature that lies within a predetermined range of the temperature of the liquid in the reservoir may also be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for liquid-phase dispensing of layers onto a substrate of an electronic device. An absorbent material reduces or eliminates splatter of printing material on the substrate during continuous printing operations. The absorbent material can be regenerated by exposure of new surface area or vacuum drawing of printing material through the absorbent material.

Abstract: Provided are methods for conditioning a getter material, comprising subjecting the getter material to microwave radiation. Electronic devices uses the conditioned getter materials and methods of making such electronic devices are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for liquid-phase coating of layers onto a substrate of an electronic device. Electo-form nozzles containing a body and disc are arranged in an array to perform multiple depositions on the substrate. A low solids mixture produces a very thin dried film of electronic materials.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improving the encapsulation processes for an organic electronic device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a screen-printable getter composition comprising: (a) glass frit; dispersed in (b) organic medium. The invention is further directed to a screen-printable thick film getter composition comprising: (a) glass frit; and (b) desiccant material; dispersed in (c) organic medium. The present invention further relates to a getter composition utilizing low-softening temperature glasses comprising, based on weight %, 1-50% SiO2, 0-80% B2O3, 0-90% Bi2O3, 0-90% PbO, 0-90% P2O5, 0-60% Li2O, 0-30% Al2O3, 0-10% K2O, 0-10% Na2O, and 0-30% MO where M is selected from Ba, Sr, Ca, Zn, Cu, Mg and mixtures thereof. The glasses described herein may contain several other oxide constituents that can substitute glass network-forming elements or modify glass structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for vapor phase deposition of a reactive surface area (RSA) material onto a substrate of an electronic device. The vapor phase deposition is conducted at ambient pressures in air, and provides capture of residual vapor to minimize environmental release of RSA and other constituents used in the processing.