Abstract: An atomic layer deposition system for depositing thin layers of material onto a common substrate includes a deposition head shaped to define a conical interior cavity into which a conical deposition drum is disposed. Together, the deposition head and the deposition drum define a narrow gap adapted to receive the common substrate, the spacing of the narrow gap being adjustable through acute axial displacement of the deposition head relative to the deposition drum. A pair of rollers advances the substrate through the gap in a first direction, as the deposition head rotates in the opposite direction at a precise rate. Each of the deposition head and deposition drum includes a plurality of separate fluid channels which enable gasses utilized in the deposition process to be delivered into and exhausted from the narrow gap, with the delivery of inert gas on both sides of the substrate effectively creating an air bearing.

Abstract: A high-power light system includes a lamp for producing light within a designated wavelength range, a chiller for maintaining the lamp below a defined temperature threshold, and a control module for regulating operation of both the lamp and the chiller. The lamp includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged into independently-operable modules. In use, the control module selectively overdrives the LEDs to yield high-power light within the designated wavelength range. To prevent overheating within the lamp, the control module restricts the lamp to a pulse-based operational cycle, whereby each period of LED activation is of limited duration and is immediately followed by a period of deactivation at least three times as long in duration as the period of activation. Additionally, one or more temperature sensors are disposed within the lamp and enable the control module to temporarily suspend LED activation when measured temperature levels exceed the defined threshold.

Abstract: An atomic layer deposition system for depositing thin layers of material onto a common substrate includes a deposition head shaped to define a conical interior cavity into which a conical deposition drum is disposed. Together, the deposition head and the deposition drum define a narrow gap adapted to receive the common substrate, the spacing of the narrow gap being adjustable through acute axial displacement of the deposition head relative to the deposition drum. A pair of rollers advances the substrate through the gap in a first direction, as the deposition head rotates in the opposite direction at a precise rate. Each of the deposition head and deposition drum includes a plurality of separate fluid channels which enable gasses utilized in the deposition process to be delivered into and exhausted from the narrow gap, with the delivery of inert gas on both sides of the substrate effectively creating an air bearing.

Abstract: A high-power light system includes a lamp for producing light within a designated wavelength range, a chiller for maintaining the lamp below a defined temperature threshold, and a control module for regulating operation of both the lamp and the chiller. The lamp includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged into independently-operable modules. In use, the control module selectively overdrives the LEDs to yield high-power light within the designated wavelength range. To prevent overheating within the lamp, the control module restricts the lamp to a pulse-based operational cycle, whereby each period of LED activation is of limited duration and is immediately followed by a period of deactivation at least three times as long in duration as the period of activation. Additionally, one or more temperature sensors are disposed within the lamp and enable the control module to temporarily suspend LED activation when measured temperature levels exceed the defined threshold.

Abstract: A system for constructing a roller-type nanoimprint lithography (RNIL) master comprises a master fabrication tool positioned in relation to a metal sleeve which is axially mounted on a rotatable drum. As part of the manufacturing process, the metal sleeve is applied with a layer of photoresist. Then, a laser writing instrument for the master fabrication tool exposes the photoresist in a defined, controller-regulated pattern using highly-focused pulses of light. Using alignment fiducials on the metal sleeve for registration, the laser writing instrument sensitizes the photoresist in a designated pattern as the rotatable drum continuously moves both rotationally and linearly about its longitudinal axis. In connection with one manufacturing process, the photoresist is sensitized at variable depths by modifying the number, duration and intensity of light pulses emitted.

Abstract: A system for the fabrication of patterned miniature structures, such integrated circuits, includes a continuous, flexible substrate that is transported by rollers to a series of processing stations. To ensure proper alignment amongst the various stations, the substrate is provided with at least one fiducial that is raised above its top surface a height that maximizes optical contrast when viewed interferometrically. At least one processing station includes an optical device that is capable of both interferometrically identifying the fiducial for alignment purposes and subsequently illuminating the substrate with a modifiable light pattern as part of a photolithographic process. Fiducials can also be used to identify gross geometric variances in the substrate caused by external factors, such as heat and moisture. In turn, a web adjustment element can be used to apply selective heat or tension to the substrate in order to correct such geometric variances.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a pollutant controlled workspace includes an airtight enclosure with a front access window. A set of impermeable exterior panels and a set of permeable interior panels are slidably mounted within the access window in a spaced apart relationship. Regulated either through a manual control panel or programmable controller, a fan filter unit treats a supply of source air and delivers the filtered air down into a narrow vertical airflow channel located between the exterior and interior panels. Once a suitable amount of pressure accumulates, the treated air penetrates into the workspace as a horizontal laminar flow. Any particulates present in the workspace are drawn rearward by the laminar flow and are trapped behind a multi-apertured back board. The contaminant air is then drawn from a low pressure return located behind the back board and into the fan filter unit for recirculation within the enclosure.

Abstract: A miniature technological structure is fabricated by printing a conductive ink in a highly precise pattern onto a substrate. In one embodiment, high-resolution printing of the conductive ink is achieved by precisely patterning a hydrophobic, ink-repellant layer onto a print-receptive surface on the substrate. A water-based, conductive ink is then broadly applied to the substrate, with the ink adhering to the exposed print-receptive surfaces on the substrate and repelling from the ink-repellant layer. In this manner, the ink-repellant layer functions as mask which defines the pattern of the conductive ink retained on the substrate. Because the hydrophobic, ink-repellant layer can be printed with relatively great precision, nanoscale structures can be achieved. In lieu of applying a separate hydrophobic layer onto the substrate, hydrophobicity can be imparted onto an otherwise ink-receptive surface in the desired masking pattern, for example, by roughening the physical texture of the surface.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a cylindrical, nanoimprint lithography master includes, in one embodiment, a flat master coated with a first layer of compliant photopolymer material, a cylindrical master with an outer sleeve formed from a second layer of compliant photopolymer material, and a light source. The cylindrical master is disposed in tangential contact against the flat master such that the first and second layers of compliant material exhibit 5%-20% compressive strain within the region of contact. Through such pressure, the feature pattern in the flat master is imprinted into the first layer of material. Light from the light source is acutely focused into a narrow curing zone within the contact region. Curing causes the first layer of photopolymer material to bond to the outer sleeve. Through geometric matching and synchronized movement between the flat and cylindrical masters, the cylindrical master can be patterned about its periphery without creating a seam.

Abstract: A system for the fabrication of patterned miniature structures, such integrated circuits, includes a continuous, flexible substrate that is transported by rollers to a series of processing stations. To ensure proper alignment amongst the various stations, the substrate is provided with at least one fiducial that is raised above its top surface a height that maximizes optical contrast when viewed interferometrically. At least one processing station includes an optical device that is capable of both interferometrically identifying the fiducial for alignment purposes and subsequently illuminating the substrate with a modifiable light pattern as part of a photolithographic process. Fiducials can also be used to identify gross geometric variances in the substrate caused by external factors, such as heat and moisture. In turn, a web adjustment element can be used to apply selective heat or tension to the substrate in order to correct such geometric variances.

Abstract: A system for the fabrication of patterned miniature structures, such integrated circuits, includes a continuous, flexible substrate that is transported by rollers to a series of processing stations. To ensure proper alignment amongst the various stations, the substrate is provided with at least one fiducial that is raised above its top surface a height that maximizes optical contrast when viewed interferometrically. At least one processing station includes an optical device that is capable of both interferometrically identifying the fiducial for alignment purposes and subsequently illuminating the substrate with a modifiable light pattern as part of a photolithographic process. Fiducials can also be used to identify gross geometric variances in the substrate caused by external factors, such as heat and moisture. In turn, a web adjustment element can be used to apply selective heat or tension to the substrate in order to correct such geometric variances.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a pollutant controlled workspace includes an airtight enclosure with a front access window. A set of impermeable exterior panels and a set of permeable interior panels are slidably mounted within the access window in a spaced apart relationship. Regulated either through a manual control panel or programmable controller, a fan filter unit treats a supply of source air and delivers the filtered air down into a narrow vertical airflow channel located between the exterior and interior panels. Once a suitable amount of pressure accumulates, the treated air penetrates into the workspace as a horizontal laminar flow. Any particulates present in the workspace are drawn rearward by the laminar flow and are trapped behind a multi-apertured back board. The contaminant air is then drawn from a low pressure return located behind the back board and into the fan filter unit for recirculation within the enclosure.

Abstract: Remote-activation locks designed to permit unlocking and/or locking of the lock without physical manipulation of the lock are articulated to a product/good in a manner so as to deny one or more benefits associated with the product/good.

Abstract: A system for the fabrication of patterned miniature structures, such integrated circuits, includes a continuous, flexible substrate that is transported by rollers to a series of processing stations. To ensure proper alignment amongst the various stations, the substrate is provided with at least one fiducial that is raised above its top surface a height that maximizes optical contrast when viewed interferometrically. At least one processing station includes an optical device that is capable of both interferometrically identifying the fiducial for alignment purposes and subsequently illuminating the substrate with a modifiable light pattern as part of a photolithographic process. Fiducials can also be used to identify gross geometric variances in the substrate caused by external factors, such as heat and moisture. In turn, a web adjustment element can be used to apply selective heat or tension to the substrate in order to correct such geometric variances.

Abstract: A system for producing color transformable light includes a light source designed to emit blue excitation light and a color transformer adapted to selectively absorb and reemit the blue excitation light as green light and/or red light. The color transformer includes a transparent slide that includes a first region embedded with red phosphor, a second region embedded with green phosphor and a third region in the absence of phosphors. An apparatus retains and selectively moves the color transformer relative to the light source, such as through translational or rotational displacement. Accordingly, by displacing the position of each region in color transformer relative to the light source, the amount of blue, green and red in the output light can be adjustably mixed to yield a particular color. An optical component, such as a lens, is situated with the color transformer at its focal point and serves to focus the output light.

Abstract: A method and system for deactivating locks, locking the functionality of products and/or the product packing in which such products are sold, in particular remote-activation adhesive locks

Abstract: An imaging system designed for use in a low visibility, underwater environment includes a short wavelength light source, such as an ultraviolet LED, for illuminating an object and a camera for capturing images of the object. The exterior of the object is applied with a light absorptive coating, such as a phosphorescent coating. In use, some the light emitted by the light source is reflected by particles suspended in the water, such as silt or algae, at the same relatively short wavelength as initially emitted. However, some of the light emitted by the light source is absorbed by the coated object and re-emitted at a relatively long wavelength based on a principle of fluorescence known as Stokes shift. Accordingly, a cutoff filter disposed in front of the camera enhances visibility of the object by filtering out the short wavelength light reflected by particles suspended in the immediate environment.

Abstract: A high power, outdoor light fixture includes an enclosed, watertight housing shaped to define an interior cavity, a light source disposed within the interior cavity, an optical component for directing light produced by the light source out through a transparent region in the housing, a wirelessly accessible power source for supplying current to the light source, and an electrically insulating, thermally conductive, and transparent fluid, such as mineral oil, that substantially fills the interior cavity and submerges all components contained therein. The utilization of a liquid, rather than a gas, to fill the interior cavity eliminates internal pressure fluctuations within the fixture, thereby rendering the fixture safe and reliable for use in a wide range of environments. Additionally, any heat produced by the light source, or any additional interior components, is designed to be transferred to the thermally conductive housing via the liquid for efficient dissipation.

Abstract: A method and system for deactivating locks, locking the functionality of products and/or the product packing in which such products are sold, in particular remote-activation adhesive locks.

Abstract: A vacuum roller for a web handling system comprises a hollow, cylindrical, rotably driven drum and an end cap threadingly mounted onto the rear end of the drum. Together, the drum and the end cap define a plurality of individual, externally communicable vacuum paths. A spherical, metal movable element is internally disposed within each vacuum path and regulates the passage of air therethrough. A plurality of magnetic elements is fixedly mounted on a stationary annular holder. In use, each magnetic element selectively displaces each movable element when disposed in close proximity thereto to the extent necessary so as to permit the passage of air through its corresponding vacuum path. As such, the vacuum roller is provided with a predefined range of suction, or vacuum zone, about the outer surface of its rotating drum that directly corresponds to the angular arrangement of the plurality of stationary magnetic elements.