Abstract: This invention relates to the field of passenger vehicles, including light and heavy truck, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, particularly HVAC systems, using oxidants to reduce contaminants and increase passenger comfort levels in such vehicles.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of passenger vehicles, including light and heavy truck, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, particularly HVAC systems, using oxidants to reduce contaminants and increase passenger comfort levels in such vehicles.

Abstract: A vacuum arc plasma gun deposition system includes a cathode, several anode assemblies that define a plasma channel, a current source for causing electrical current to flow from the anode assemblies to the cathode, a mechanism for moving the anode axially to keep the active surface of the cathode substantially at a fixed position relative to the anode assemblies, mechanisms for moving the anode assemblies to keep the cross sectional size of the plasma channel substantially constant, a mechanism for cooling the cathode by conducting heat away from lateral surfaces of the cathode, and mechanisms for ensuring that a non-flat substrate is coated uniformly. The scope of the invention includes methods of making coated products by depositing coatings on substrates using this vacuum arc plasma gun deposition system, and the coated products so made.

Abstract: A vacuum arc plasma gun deposition system includes a cathode, several anode assemblies that define a plasma channel, a current source for causing electrical current to flow from the anode assemblies to the cathode, a mechanism for moving the anode axially to keep the active surface of the cathode substantially at a fixed position relative to the anode assemblies, mechanisms for moving the anode assemblies to keep the cross sectional size of the plasma channel substantially constant, a mechanism for cooling the cathode by conducting heat away from lateral surfaces of the cathode, and mechanisms for ensuring that a non-flat substrate is coated uniformly. The scope of the invention includes methods of making coated products by depositing coatings on substrates using this vacuum arc plasma gun deposition system, and the coated products so made.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for depositing thin films and coatings using a vacuum arc plasma source having hot, non-consumable anode is described. Plasma and macroparticles of the cathode material are emitted from the cathode. Part of this material arrives at the hot refractory anode, where it is re-evaporated without macroparticle generation. Substrates exposed to the vapor flow from the anode, but shielded from a direct line of sight with the cathode, are coated with cathode material without macroparticle inclusions.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of controlling the microstructure and service properties of electrically conductive transparent and other materials by passing an electrical current through the materials while simultaneously employing an additional process. Examples of the additional process include heating, sintering, deposition, casting, electrical arcing, and immersion in liquids. In one embodiment of the present invention, the additional process is deposition of a transparent conductive coating material while passing a current through the deposited coating along the surface of the coated material.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of controlling the microstructure and service properties of electrically conductive transparent and other materials by passing an electrical current through the materials while simultaneously employing an additional process. Examples of the additional process include heating, sintering, deposition, casting, electrical arcing, and immersion in liquids. In one embodiment of the present invention, the additional process is deposition of a transparent conductive coating material while passing a current through the deposited coating along the surface of the coated material.