Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and methods for depositing materials on a substrate, and for performing other selected functions, such as material destruction and removal, temperature control, imaging, detection, therapy and positional and locational control. In various embodiments, the apparatus and methods are suitable for use in a tabletop setting, in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and methods for depositing materials on a substrate, and for performing other selected functions, such as material destruction and removal, temperature control, imaging, detection, therapy and positional and locational control. In various embodiments, the apparatus and methods are suitable for use in a tabletop setting, in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: An aqueous composition for applying to and treating metallic substrates that does not include chrome or chromium-containing compounds, does not include an organic solvent, and promotes adhesion of overcoat layers that are applied to the metallic substrate. The composition is an aqueous solution that includes of two hydrolyzed silanes, and water, wherein the composition has a pH of less than or equal to 5 and is substantially free of organic solvent and any chromium-containing compound. Also provided is a method for applying a chromium-free treatment on a metallic substrate comprising mixing a cross-liking agent with the above-described composition and applying the resulting mixture to the metallic substrate, and drying the metallic substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and methods for depositing materials on a substrate, and for performing other selected functions, such as material destruction and removal, temperature control, imaging, detection, therapy and positional and locational control. In various embodiments, the apparatus and methods are suitable for use in a tabletop setting, in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: Paste compositions for forming ceramic composites can include at least one solvent; at least one optional binder; at least one low-temperature frit glass; and a plurality of one or more functional particles; wherein the paste is capable of forming a composite upon low-temperature processing or laser processing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a low temperature 0-3 composite material, comprising the steps of providing a mixture, wherein the mixture comprises a liquid phase and a particulate phase and wherein the liquid phase comprises a reactive metal alkoxide; depositing the mixture on to a plastic substrate; and consolidating the mixture to provide a 0-3 composite material, wherein the 0-3 composite material is suitable for use as an electronic component.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and methods for depositing materials on a substrate, and for performing other selected functions, such as material destruction and removal, temperature control, imaging, detection, therapy and positional and locational control. In various embodiments, the apparatus and methods are suitable for use in a tabletop setting, in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: A laser sintering method and apparatus has a material on a substrate. A laser is used for completely sintering the material and enhancing adhesion of the material to the substrate without damaging the substrate. Any computing device may receive and process data and automatically control the sintering operation. A protective layer may be provided on the substrate. The substrate may be a low temperature substrate and the protective layer may be a protective thermal barrier which prevents damage to the substrate during sintering and also enhances adhesion of the material to the substrate. The substrate, the material, and the protective thermal barrier may be formed as an electronic component. A feedback control system coupled to the computer provides information to the computer for processing and controlling output of the laser. The material on the substrate may have any shape. The substrate may also have any shape.

Abstract: Sol-gel-derived “0-3 composite” ceramics are provided for application to electronics components directly written onto low-temperature substrates. The 0-3 composite materials are prepared from a mixture of liquid-phase and solid-phase constituents, as are the pastes conventionally used to prepare thick-film materials for the electronics industry. The prepared 0-3 composites exhibit several advantages, including substantial reductions in (1) processing temperatures, (2) solvent concentrations, and (3) organic post-processing-residual concentrations. In addition, the rapid removal of solvent during application is compatible with such rapid prototyping methods as laser densification. The 0-3 composites may be deposited onto plastic substrates while still meeting expected performance standards. Therefore, the direct writing of electronics components onto such low-temperature substrates as plastic may be achieved using sol-gel-based 0-3 composites.