Abstract: A thermal spray coating method for creating a coating layer on a surface of a substrate is monitored by determining characteristics of the thermal spray coating as it affects the quality of the coating layer by recording, controlling, and monitoring through a digital camera whose image is analyzed and characterized.

Abstract: Described is a method of treating or coating homogeneously at least a portion of the surface of a material selected from metallic materials having a thickness of less than 100 &mgr;m and/or polymeric materials. The method of the present invention comprises exposing at least a portion of the surface of the material to an atmospheric plasma generated by an indirect plasmatron. In the method of the present invention, the surface of the material may undergo at least one of an increase in surface tension, a surface grafting, a surface cleaning and a surface sterilization.

Abstract: Described is a process for the homogeneous surface activation of a material in web form, by means of plasma-treatment. The material in web form is selected from metallic materials in web form having a thickness of less than 100 &mgr;m, polymeric materials in web form and combinations thereof. The process involves treating homogeneously at least a portion of the surface of the material in web form, which is moved over at least one pair of rolls, with an atmospheric plasma, optionally in the presence of a process gas and/or a process aerosol. The atmospheric plasma is generated by an indirect plasmatron.

Abstract: Described is a process for the homogeneous surface activation of a material in web form, by means of plasma-treatment. The material in web form is selected from metallic materials in web form having a thickness of less than 100 &mgr;m, polymeric materials in web form and combinations thereof. The process involves treating homogeneously at least a portion of the surface of the material in web form, which is moved over at least one pair of rolls, with an atmospheric plasma, optionally in the presence of a process gas and/or a process aerosol. The atmospheric plasma is generated by an indirect plasmatron.

Abstract: Described is a material in web form in which at least a portion of its surface has been plasma-treated. The material in web form is selected from metallic materials in web form having a thickness of less than 100 &mgr;m and polymeric materials in web form. The plasma treatment of the material in web form involves treating homogeneously at least a portion of the surface of the material in web form with an atmospheric plasma, optionally in the presence of a process gas and/or a process aerosol. The atmospheric plasma is generated by an indirect plasmatron.

Abstract: Described is a method of treating or coating homogeneously at least a portion of the surface of a material selected from metallic materials having a thickness of less than 100 &mgr;m and/or polymeric materials. The method of the present invention comprises exposing at least a portion of the surface of the material to an atmospheric plasma generated by an indirect plasmatron. In the method of the present invention, the surface of the material may undergo at least one of an increase in surface tension, a surface grafting, a surface cleaning and a surface sterilization.

Abstract: The indirect plasmatron comprises a neutrode assembly comprising a plurality of plate-shaped electrode members which are electrically insulated from each other. In its interior, the neutrode assembly defines an elongated plasma channel. The outlet aperture for the plasma torch is in the shape of an elongate slot and extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the plasma channel. Each of the two electrodes of the plasmatron is surrounded by a cavity through which an inert gas can be fed into the plasma channel. For the purpose of stabilizing the electric arc, at least one pair of permanent magnet members is provided. Their magnetic field exerts a force onto the electric arc which is directed opposite to the force exerted onto the electric arc by the flow of the plasma gas. Particular neutrodes are provided with a channel for feeding a further gas into the plasma channel.

Abstract: The plasma spray apparatus for spraying powdery material, particularly for the coating of the surface of a work piece, comprises an indirect plasmatron adapted to create an elongated plasma torch, having a central longitudinal axis and structure for feeding the powdery material into the plasma torch.The plasmatron comprises a cathode assembly having at least three cathode members evenly distributed along a circle around the central longitudinal axis of the plasmatron, an annular anode member located distantly from the cathode member and a plasma channel extending from the cathode assembly to the anode member.The plasma channel is delimited by the annular anode member as well as by a plurality of annular neutrode members which are electrically insulated from each other, and the structure for feeding the powdery material into the plasma torch are located close to the anode member.

Abstract: The invention provides a plasma spray apparatus for spraying powdery or gaseous material. The apparatus comprises an indirect plasmatron for creating an elongated plasma torch. The powdery or gaseous material is axially fed into the plasma torch. The plasmatron comprises a cathode assembly, an annular anode member located distantly from the cathode assembly and a plasma channel extending from the cathode assembly to the anode member and having a zone with a reduced diameter located in the region of the plasma torch which is near to the cathode assembly. The plasma channel is delimited by the annular anode member as well as by a plurality of annular neutrode members which are electrically insulated from each other.The cathode assembly comprises a central insulating member arranged in a fixed position with regard to the plasma channel inlet nozzle and further comprises a plurality of cathode elements embedded in the insulating member.

Abstract: A plasma spray apparatus for spraying powdery or gaseous material comprises an indirect plasmatron to create an elongated plasma torch. The plasmatron comprises at least one, preferably three cathode members, an annular anode member located distantly from the cathode members and a plasma channel extending from the cathode members to the anode member. The plasma channel is delimited by a plurality of annular neutrode members which are electrically insulated from each other. For axially feeding the powdery or gaseous material into the plasma torch a supply tube is provided which is located close to the cathode member at the beginning of the plasma channel. The plasma channel has a first zone with a reduced diameter located in that region of the plasma torch which is near to the cathode member and a second zone with increased diameter located between the first zone with a reduced diameter and the anode member.