Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus including a die having at least one applicator slot for translating an applicator liquid through the die. The slot is in flow communication with a die cavity. An expansible chamber device is disposed within the die cavity and changes volume in response to changes in fluid pressure within the expansible chamber device, which may be regulated by a means for controlling the volume of the expansible chamber device. The applicator liquid is translated through the die and delivered from the applicator slot at intervals corresponding to actuation of the expansible chamber device. In some embodiments, the die has a single rectangular applicator slot, and the expansible chamber device is an expandable cylindrical tube disposed within the die cavity. In other embodiments, the fluid within the expansible chamber device is an incompressible liquid.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for forming a die having an applicator slot for translating an applicator liquid through the die. The slot is in fluid communication with a die cavity. An expansible chamber device is disposed within the die cavity and changes volume in response to changes in fluid pressure within the expansible chamber device, which may be regulated by a means for controlling the volume of the expansible chamber device. In some embodiments, the die has a single rectangular applicator slot, and the expansible chamber device is an expandable cylindrical tube disposed within the die cavity. In other embodiments, the fluid within the expansible chamber device may be selected to be a compressible gas. In further embodiments, the fluid within the expansible chamber device may be selected to be an incompressible liquid.

Abstract: A system for forming a multi-layer film, where the system includes a backing support having a surface and a close-coupled unit configured to be disposed adjacent the surface of the backing support. The close-coupled unit includes. a corona electrode and a coating die disposed at a downstream location along the surface from the corona electrode.

Abstract: A method and system for forming a multi-layer film, comprising corona treating a surface of a substrate in a processing environment having a positive pressure and an oxygen concentration of about 100 parts-per-million by volume or less, and coating the corona-treated surface of the substrate with a coating material while the substrate is within the processing environment.

Abstract: An ion-conductive membrane that includes a first layer comprising a first ionomer, and a porous polymer substrate, where at least a portion of the first ionomer is interpenetrated within the porous polymer substrate by ionomer-induced phase separation.

Abstract: A slot coating die having at least a first and a second portion together defining a cavity in fluid communication with a first applicator slot, and at least one quick release fastener disposed so as to clamp the first portion against the second portion. The invention particularly lends itself to the preparation of multilayer coating dies that include a third portion with the second portion and the third portion together defining a second cavity in fluid communication with a second applicator slot. The preferred rear operating quick release clamps obviate the need to tear down the entire die to access one of the interior portions in order to replace a shim or clean a slot.