Abstract: A method of making a continuous rubber sheet with a texture thereon including the steps of: providing two rollers in front of a nozzle of a device for extruding a rubber material to form a rubber layer on the rollers. Provide a fabric to the rubber layer to form a rubber stack. Provide the rubber stack to a compression rolling set for rolling the rubber stack. Heat the rubber stack for vulcanization, and peel the fabric off.

Abstract: A water-repellent microphone and an improved method for constructing such a water-repellent microphone provides easy assembly and good acoustic performance. In one embodiment, a water-repellent membrane and a washer are pre-assembled. The surface of the washer opposite the membrane is covered by an adhesive, and the adhesive is covered by a removable liner. The method of assembly comprises removing the liner, and pressing the membrane and washer over the sound port of the microphone. The washer provides spacing between the microphone and the membrane and increases the membrane area through which sound passes, thus providing good acoustic performance. In a second embodiment, the washer is provided as a separate element with adhesives and liners on both sides. A first liner is removed and the washer is attached to the membrane or the microphone, and then the second liner is removed and the assembly is completed.

Abstract: A high-speed labeling device (20) is provided for use on form, fill and seal packaging equipment or other types of thermoforming equipment. The device (20) includes a label dispensing unit (22) operable to sequentially and successively deliver a plurality of labels to a delivery location (56). A label transport assembly (24) is locates adjacent to unit (22) and has a shiftable label-receiving component (58) operable to receive labels (28). A control assembly (55, 68, 54a) is operably coupled with the dispensing unit (22) and transport assembly (24) in order to dispense the plural webs (28) as a group and without interruption in the movement of the component (58) during sequential dispensing of the labels (28). The device (20) can achieve labeling speeds up to 50% greater than those obtainable with conventional labelers.

Abstract: A process for forming a portion of a package or envelope bearing printed indicia, a label bearing printed indicia or a sheet bearing printed indicia includes providing a substrate which constitutes a portion of the package, label or sheet to a printing apparatus, and utilizing the printing apparatus or an adjunct to the printing apparatus to form at least one electrically conductive component of an EAS and/or RFID tag on the substrate substantially contemporaneously with the printing of the indicia on the substrate. The forming of the electrically conductive component on the substrate is accomplished slightly prior to the printing of the indicia on the substrate, slightly after the printing of the indicia on the substrate and at the same time as the printing of the indicia on the substrate.

Abstract: Infrared (IR) radiation absorbing compounds of metal or metalloids with ligands are beneficial for many applications. Schiff base biquinone (SBB) ligands surrounding a metal or metalloid center may be used for laser welding applications, as one example, wherein effective infrared radiation absorption and heat resistance are required. These compounds may be known as Schiff base biquinone metal complexes (SBBC's). The compositions and methods of this invention provide examples of many different NIR absorbing compounds that exhibit high NIR absorbing strength, good thermal stability, and relatively low visible color. These NIR absorbing compounds may have application in many different applications, including laser welding of thermoplastics, and in IR reflecting fabrics.

Abstract: A method for producing an interior trim part in a vehicle having a decorative layer of leather, wherein the fiber structure of the leather is fixed by undercooling or by a fixing agent at least along a desired weakened line before the weakened line is produced by a laser and for the duration of the laser treatment. The leather comprises a dermis having an underside and a top skin having a decorative side. The weakened line is preferably formed by a series of perforations.

Abstract: An optical disk laminating method and an optical disk laminating device capable of shortening tact time is provided. The method comprises the steps of placing lower disks (D2) on chucks installed on a rotating table (1), placing upper disks (D1) over the chucks to be spaced from the lower disks (D2), applying, from the upper side, an adhesive agent to the upper disks (D1) on the chucks, reversing the upper disks (D1) applied with the adhesive agent, applying the adhesive agent to the lower disks (D2), stacking the upper disks (D1) on the lower disks (D2), carrying the stacked disks (D) manufactured in the previous step onto rotating stands (33A) and (33B) by a transfer arm (24) and spreading the adhesive agent, and carrying the stacked disks (D) having the adhesive agent spread on the rotating stands onto an ultraviolet radiating table (34) by the transfer arm (24) and curing the adhesive agent.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of a decorative laminate having a base layer, a decorative layer and a wear layer wherein a decor is printed on a base layer. The decor printed comprises a printing ink and the wear layer comprises a thermosetting resin selected from the group consisting of melamine-formaldehyde resin, phenol-formaldehyde resin, urea formaldehyde and mixtures thereof. An amount of amino resin is mixed into the printing ink in order to increase the bond between the decorative layer and the wear layer. The layers are laminated together in a laminate press under increased temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A longitudinally reinforced resin impregnated cured in place liner with at least an outer impermeable layer of a coated reinforcing scrim to limit longitudinal stretch is provided. A continuous length of resin impregnable liner is provided in lay flat condition and impregnated. The impregnated liner is then fed into a tubular former where a resin impermeable coated scrim in tubular form having greater strength in the warp direction than in the weft direction is fed into a tubular form, sealed and continuously inverted about the inner tubular member so that the inverted wrapping envelopes the tubular member. The reinforced liner may have an integral inner impermeable layer that may also be longitudinally reinforced is installed in an existing pipeline.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a flexible laminate substrate having an improved appearance and dimensional stability after removal of a metal foil. Specifically disclosed is a method of manufacturing a flexible laminate substrate 5 wherein a metal foil 2 is bonded to at least one surface of a heat-resistant adhesive film 3. The method comprises a step wherein the heat-resistant adhesive film 3 and the metal foil 2 are thermally laminated between a pair of metal rolls 4 via a protective film 1, thereby forming a laminate 7 wherein the heat-resistant adhesive film 3, the metal foil 2, and the protective film 1 are bonded together, and another step wherein the protective film 1 is removed. The tension of the laminate 7 at the time when the protective film 1 is removed is higher than the tension of the laminate 7 before the removal of the protective film 1.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method for securing a device and/or a detachable element of a device are provided. The apparatus and the system have a plunger which contacts the device and/or the detachable element. The plunger is connected to the device and/or the detachable element via a first adhesive, a layer and a second adhesive. The layer is positioned between the first adhesive and the second adhesive. The second adhesive attaches to the device and/or the detachable element. A circuit and/or a security system are in communication with the plunger to detect the location of the plunger. Removing the device and/or the detachable element of the device from the housing activates an alarm.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a process for continuous consolidation of at least one fold (22, 24), whereby said process consists in unwinding a unit that consists of said at least one fold (22, 24) that is placed between two strips (26, 28) continuously along at least one curved path, said at least one fold (22, 24) being placed between guiding means and a strip (26) to the right of the curved path to heat said at least one fold (22, 24) at least at the curved path and to exert tension on said strip (26) so that the latter compresses said at least one fold (22, 24) at least at said curved path, characterized in that it consists in using strips (26, 28) whose width is greater than that of said at least one fold (22, 24) so as to be in contact on both sides of said at least one fold (22, 24).

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method of enhancing selectivity of etching silicon dioxide relative to one or more organic substances. A material comprising one or more elements selected from Group VIII of the periodic table is provided within a reaction chamber; and a substrate is provided within the reaction chamber. The substrate has both a silicon-oxide-containing composition and at least one organic substance thereover. The silicon-oxide-containing composition is plasma etched within the reaction chamber. The plasma etching of the silicon-oxide-containing composition has increased selectivity for the silicon oxide of the composition relative to the at least one organic substance than would plasma etching conducted without the material in the chamber. The invention also encompasses a plasma reaction chamber assembly. The assembly comprises at least one interior wall, and at least one liner along the at least one interior wall. The liner comprises one or more of Ru, Fe, Co, Ni, Rh, Pd, Os, W, Ir, Pt and Ti.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling the temperature of a plasma chamber inside wall or other surfaces exposed to the plasma by a plurality of temperature control systems. A plasma process within the plasma chamber can be controlled by independently controlling the temperature of segments of the wall or other surfaces.

Abstract: A revolution member supporting apparatus holds and rotates a disc-shaped object (object to be rotated) such as a semiconductor wafer. The revolution member supporting apparatus includes a rotatable member which rotates about an axis of rotation, and a plurality of holding members which are disposed along a circle having a center corresponding to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member, and which revolve around the axis of rotation when the rotatable member rotates, wherein the holding members are allowed to swing about their own central axes.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a stage (3) on which an object (4) to be processed is to be placed, a vessel (1) which houses the stage, a conductive plate (24) which is arranged to oppose the stage, an antenna element (27) which is formed on the conductive plate, a waveguide member (22, 23) which constitutes, together with the conductive plate, a waveguide (21) which guides a high-frequency electromagnetic field to be supplied to the vessel through the antenna element, and cooling means (12, 31-35) for cooling the conductive plate. The conductive plate is cooled using the cooling means, so that a temperature change caused by heat generated by the conductive plate is suppressed. This can prevent the conductive plate from being deformed by the heat to change antenna characteristics. Hence, a distribution of a plasma (P) generated in the vessel is not affected by the change in the antenna characteristics, and the object to be processed arranged in the vessel can be processed uniformly.

Abstract: A more uniform plasma process is implemented for treating a treatment object using an inductively coupled plasma source which produces an asymmetric plasma density pattern at the treatment surface using a slotted electrostatic shield having uniformly spaced-apart slots. The slotted electrostatic shield is modified in a way which compensates for the asymmetric plasma density pattern to provide a modified plasma density pattern at the treatment surface. A more uniform radial plasma process is described in which an electrostatic shield arrangement is configured to replace a given electrostatic shield in a way which provides for producing a modified radial variation characteristic across the treatment surface. The inductively coupled plasma source defines an axis of symmetry and the electrostatic shield arrangement is configured to include a shape that extends through a range of radii relative to the axis of symmetry.

Abstract: Methods for rotating a magnetic field in a process chamber is provided herein. In one embodiment, a method for rotating a magnetic field in a process chamber includes forming a magnetic field having a primary shape; changing the primary shape to at least two sequential transitional shapes; and changing the transitional shape to a rotated primary shape. Optionally, the magnetic field may be maintained at an approximately constant magnitude throughout each step. Optionally, a maximum of one current applied to one or more magnetic field producing coils is equal to zero or has its polarity reversed between any two adjacent steps.

Abstract: An integrated capacitively-coupled and inductively-coupled device is provided for plasma etching that may be used as a primary or secondary source for generating a plasma to etch substrates. The device is practical for processing advanced semiconductor devices and integrated circuits that require uniform and dense plasma. The invention may be embodied in an apparatus that contains a substrate support, typically including an electrostatic chuck, that controls ion energy by capacitively coupling RF power to the plasma and generating voltage bias on the wafer relative to the plasma potential. An etching electrode is provided opposite the substrate support. An integrated inductive coupling element is provided at the perimeter of the etching electrode that increases plasma density at the perimeter of the wafer, compensating for the radial loss of charged particles toward chamber walls, to produce uniform plasma density above the processed wafer.

Abstract: The invention provides large surface area geogrids with a high tensile strength, a method and apparatus for producing them, and their use as drain and reinforcement grids and as fences. The method for the continuous production of geogrids which have a large surface area and comprise thermoplastic bars which cross one another and are joined together by welding at the areas where they cross one another is characterized in that single-layer, homogeneous, molecular-oriented plastic bars with a high tensile strength are used and a multiplicity of crossing areas arranged behind one another and next to one another are intermittently welded simultaneously using the vibration-welding technique. In this method, a newly developed vibration-welding apparatus is used, which is characterized in that it has at least one vibration device which can be used to weld at least 100 crossing areas, preferably up to 500 crossing areas, simultaneously.

Abstract: A system for producing a pultruded component includes a fixture for providing fibrous reinforcements, a system for providing a polymeric resin, and an impregnation die for coating the fibrous reinforcements with the polymeric resin precursor. The impregnation die includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The fibrous reinforcements include fiber tows made of a plurality of fibers. The system also includes a curing die for forming the pultruded component. The first chamber of the impregnation die is configured for coating exterior surfaces of the fiber tows with the polymeric resin precursor. The second chamber of the impregnation die is configured for coating the plurality of fibers within the fiber tows with the polymeric resin precursor.

Abstract: Described herein is a device for splicing the free end of a strip of web material to a homologous strip of web material being supplied. The device includes a first moving element and a second moving element, each of which is able to function alternatively as retention structure for the aforesaid free end and as guiding structure for the web of material being supplied. The moving elements are, at least in part, translatable with respect to one another for connecting the aforesaid free end to the web of material being supplied, performing the operation of splicing. The first moving element and the second moving element are selectively orientable between a position of opening, in which the moving element has a gripping formation, preferably of the negative-pressure type, exposed to receive the free end, and a position of closing, in which the gripping formation faces the other moving element of the device to allow the aforesaid free end to connect to the web being supplied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a processing device for covers (20), wherein processing stations are embodied as individual processing stations (47) provided with, respectively, one tool for one cover. Several of said stations work in parallel for the simultaneous processing of several covers. If need be, stations can also be used wherein several tools form groups which are functionally separate from each other. As a result, the processing precision and production speed of the objects can be increased.

Abstract: A high-speed labeling device (20) is provided for use on form, fill and seal packaging equipment or other types of thermoforming equipment. The device (20) includes a label dispensing unit (22) operable to sequentially and successively deliver a plurality of labels to a delivery location (56). A label transport assembly (24) is locates adjacent to unit (22) and has a shiftable label-receiving component (58) operable to receive labels (28). A control assembly (55, 68, 54a) is operably coupled with the dispensing unit (22) and transport assembly (24) in order to dispense the plural webs (28) as a group and without interruption in the movement of the component (58) during sequential dispensing of the labels (28). The device (20) can achieve labeling speeds up to 50% greater than those obtainable with conventional labelers.

Abstract: Provided is a coating film transfer tool capable of eliminating a sag when being used, while protecting the transfer tape when not being used.

Abstract: A connection system for a retractable awning for connecting the canopy of the awning to a support surface includes a rigid or semi-rigid cover and may or may not include a flexible strip of material secured thereto such that when the awning is fully retracted, the rigid or semi-rigid cover extends around a substantial portion of the awning canopy wrapped on a roll bar for the awning to protect the canopy from environmental elements.

Abstract: Cut-free width-adjustable horizontal blinds are a type of horizontal blinds that can adjust the width. The width of the blinds' upper rail, slat, and lower rail can be adjusted without cutting, thus matching the blind to different types of windows. By using a simple structure to coordinate different components, the blinds can both maintain usage and be applied to different windows with different width, without cutting. It is both convenient for the users and is lower in cost because manufacturers can mass produce it, thus achieving both goals.

Abstract: A door system (10) having, a door (D), a plurality of track sections (16, 17, 18) having a cross-section defining an interior track area (50) that is accessible though an opening (51) therein, a roller (25) received in the interior track area and coupled to a shaft (26) that is operatively interconnected with the door, and a guard (60) carried by the shaft and at least partially enclosing the roller, wherein the guard includes a shield (62) wall that is positioned within the interior track area and at least partially obstructs the opening in the area of the roller.

Abstract: A barrier for a robotic work station is provided and includes a pair of upright posts, and rigid panels which are movable between a lower open position and a raised closed position. The panels are simultaneously moved between the raised and lower positions by a pneumatic cylinder and a pulley system. The movable panels are cantilevered from one of the posts, and include rollers for movement within a channel in the post. A fixed panel is provided at the bottom of the posts and extends approximately to the top of the work station table.

Abstract: A blind arrangement for the window of a motor vehicle comprising a blind that can be wound onto a winding element and wound off the winding element such that it extends in front of the window, two long guiding rails that are interspaced transversally in relation to the extension direction thereof and extend on both sides of the blind, and two sliders that are arranged in one of the two long guiding rails in a longitudinally displaceable manner and are used to guide the blind during the unwinding in such a way that it extends in front of the window after the unwinding. A lever element is mounted on each slider in an articulated, freely pivotable manner, said lever element also being connected to the blind.

Abstract: A door, optionally with the possibility to assemble as a kit, made essentially from soft and colorful materials and other special features like a magnetized surface and a storage pocket, avoiding sharp edges and being user friendly for children.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in recycling paper material, the apparatus comprising a housing unit (10) including an inlet (12) for receiving paper material to be recycled and a first processing chamber (18) having means adapted for producing a pulp from paper material, a second processing chamber (26) having a screw device (29) rotatably mounted therein, the screw device being arranged for receiving the pulped material from the first processing chamber and having a pitch configured for driving the pulped material along its lengths for squeezing liquid from the pulped material, the second processing chamber including means (32) for recovering the liquid squeezed from the pulped material, the unit including a third processing chamber (30) for adding binder to the pulped material after it has passed trough the second processing chamber, and means (54) arranged for producing a paper web from the pulped material after it has been processed by the third processing chamber.

Abstract: Paper having improved curl and cockle properties for water based, ink jet printing applications and a method of producing them. The paper contains at least 50 pounds per ton of a mono alkali metal salt of citric acid. The paper has a maximum Cockle Value of 0.25. It also contain a hexasulfonated optical brightener. The paper is also water fast and can be preprinted with offset printing inks. A method for making the paper.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a gravure printing paper includes: providing a substance having an effect of inhibiting a binding between pulp fibers; preparing a mixture of pulp fibers and fillers; and adding the substance to the mixture; making a gravure printing paper using the substance-added mixture.

Abstract: A paper coating composition comprising one or more thickeners, characterised in that at least one of said one or more thickeners is a cold water swellable starch ester, methods of preparing such compositions and their use in coating paper products.

Abstract: Paper having improved curl and cockle properties for water based, ink jet printing applications and a method of producing them. The paper contains at least 50 pounds per ton of a mono alkali metal salt of citric acid. The paper has a maximum Cockle Value of 0.25. It also contain a hexasulfonated optical brightener. The paper is also water fast and can be preprinted with offset printing inks. A method for making the paper.

Abstract: A core for casting a metal part having a body with solid portions spaced apart by hollow portions. The body includes at least one support element extending between adjacent solid portions. The support element provides stiffness and strength for the casting core during the casting process. The support element has an optimized shape to prevent the core from fracturing during the casting process and to minimize operating stress in the metal part around the area formed by the support element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a semi-solid metal slurry, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for manufacturing a semi-solid metal slurry having a uniform spherical structure through a simple process. The method comprises the steps of feeding molten metal into a furnace, agitating the molten metal in the furnace by application of an electromagnetic field through an electromagnetic agitator to remove a temperature difference in the molten metal while suppressing growth of dendrites, performing rapid cooling to remove a specific heat and latent heat of the molten metal emitted from the furnace in a cooling part to prevent oxidation of the molten metal in an inert atmosphere while preventing dendrites from being formed therein, and storing the cooled semi-solid metal slurry dropped through a guide member positioned at an angle such that the semi-solid metal slurry is uniformly distributed in a slurry storing container.

Abstract: An investment casting pattern is formed by forming a metallic first core element including at least one recess. The first core element is engaged to at least a mating one of an element of the die and a second core element. The recess serves to retain the first core element relative to the mating one. The die is assembled and a sacrificial material is introduced to the die to at least partially embed the first core element. The recess may be pre-formed prior to cutting the first core element from a larger sheet of material.

Abstract: A method of controlling heat flux between the casting pool and the surfaces of the casting roll in a strip steel casting process includes controlling the concentration of nitrogen in the steel melt. The concentration of nitrogen may be controlled to achieve an operational heat transfer to the casting roll. The beat flux to the casting rolls may be controlled by maintaining the sum of partial pressures calculated from the nitrogen and hydrogen concentrations in the casting pool below 1.15 atmospheres. Decreasing the concentration of nitrogen can increase heat flux at the casting rolls.

Abstract: A modular heating system for large vehicles. At least one elongated heating element module is suitable for horizontal mounting along an interior wall and near the floor of the vehicle. The heating element module includes a convector including at least one essentially longitudinally extending pipe arranged to conduct a heating medium. The pipe is provided with a plurality of mutually spaced fins transversely mounted thereto. The system further includes at least one blower module including at least one fan. The blower module is selectively attachable to the heating element module at an arbitrary position along the extension thereof adjacent to the fins and further arranged to be selectively operable to produce a forced airflow through the plurality of fins in a direction from a side of the convector intended to be mounted facing upwards towards a side thereof intended to be mounted facing downwards.

Abstract: A combined radiator and charge air cooler package comprises a radiator for cooling engine coolant, and a charge air cooler for cooling charge air having upper and lower portions. The upper charge air cooler portion is disposed in overlapping relationship and adjacent to the upper end of the radiator, and the lower charge air cooler portion is disposed in overlapping relationship and adjacent to the lower end of the radiator, on the face side thereof. Ambient air may flow in series through the upper end of the radiator and the upper charge air cooler portion, and through the lower charge air cooler portion and the lower end of the radiator. The charge air cooler portions are operatively connected such that the charge air may flow between the lower manifold of the upper charge air cooler portion and the upper manifold of the lower charge air cooler portion.

Abstract: Provided are a heat exchanger assembly and a method of cooling the outlet stream of a fuel cell using the heat exchanger assembly, which increase the efficiency of heat exchange in fuel cell systems. The heat exchanging assembly for fuel cell systems comprising a heat exchanger and a ventilation unit for cooling the heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchanger comprises: an inlet manifold with an inlet opening, an outlet manifold with an outlet opening, and a plurality of heat exchanging elements disposed between the inlet opening of the inlet manifold and the outlet opening of the outlet manifold and connecting the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold, wherein cooling air generated by the ventilation unit flows in the opposite direction to the flow of a medium within the heat exchanging elements.

Abstract: A heat-dissipating fin assembly (1) includes a plurality of individual fin plates (10) arranged side by side. Each of the fin plates includes a main body (14) and a pair of flanges extending perpendicularly from opposite top and bottom sides of the main body. Each flange comprises a first plane extending from the main body and a second plane extending from the first plane. The second plane comprises a pair of engaging projections extending from two ends thereof. The second plane of a rear fin plate covers the first plane of an adjacent front fin plate. The rear and front fin plates are interlocked by the engaging projections of the rear fin plate bent to respectively engage two ends of the first plane of the front fin plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust-gas thermal conductor, comprising a tube array with exhaust gas flowing therethrough and cooling medium flowing around the same. The tube array is welded to a tube base, connected to the housing. As a result of varying temperature effects on the tubes and on the housing whilst operating the exhaust gas thermal conductor, thermal stresses, as a result of differing expansion of the tubes and the housing, occur. According to the invention, said stresses may be avoided, whereby slots are arranged in the housing sleeve, which are externally sealed by means of a bellows.

Abstract: A heat pipe includes a metal casing (10) filled with a working fluid therein, a capillary wick (20) provided inside of the metal casing and a tube (30) contacting with a surface of the capillary wick. The metal casing includes an evaporating section (40), a condensing section (60) and an adiabatic section (50) between the evaporating section and the condensing section. A vapor passage (70) is formed inside of the casing and a liquid channel (80) is defined by the capillary wick. The working fluid in vapor state flows from the evaporating section towards the condensing section along the vapor passage and the working fluid in liquid state returns to the evaporating section from the condensing section along the liquid channel. The tube separates the vapor from the liquid at a place where the tube is located.

Abstract: A heat dissipation device for an electronic unit includes a heat sink (10), a pair of first heat pipes (20) and a pair of second heat pipes (30). The heat sink includes a base (12) for contacting with the electronic unit (42), a plate (14) spaced from the base, and a plurality of fins (16) arranged between the base and the plate. The first heat pipes are attached to the heat sink and include evaporating portions (22) sandwiched between the base and a bottom portion (162) of the fins for absorbing heat from the base, and condensing portions (24) thermally sandwiched between a top portion (164) of the fins and the plate. The second heat pipes are attached to the heat sink and sandwiched between the base and the bottom portion of the fins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cooling system for a backlit device. The cooling system has a first heat collector that comprises a micro tube. The first heat collector is for maintaining contact with the backlit device. The cooling system also has a first radiator, a first pump, an interconnecting tubing, a fluid, and optionally a fan and/or a reservoir. The first radiator is for distributing and/or dispersing heat, the first pump is for driving a fluid flow, and the reservoir is for storing the fluid. The interconnect tubing is interposed between the first heat collector, the first radiator, and the first pump to form a closed cooling loop. Some embodiments further provide a method of cooling a backlit device by using such a cooling system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger, particularly an evaporator for air conditioners in motor vehicles, having a number of heat transfer surfaces made of metal, in particular, aluminum or aluminum compounds. The aim of the invention is to provide this heat exchanger with a surface coating that is improved compared to the prior art. To this end, a number of layers are applied to its heat transfer surfaces, and nanoparticles are used for the coating.

Abstract: In order to achieve a uniform temperature distribution with a high level of efficiency while minimizing any increase in production cost, a heat exchanger adopts a four-pass structure, comprising a plurality of tubes disposed so as to distribute a coolant along a top-bottom direction over two rows to the front and rear along the direction of airflow, a first upper tank portion communicating with the upper end of the group of tubes disposed in one of the tube rows, a second upper tank portion communicating with the upper end of the group of tubes disposed in the other tube row, a first lower tank portion communicating with the lower end of the group of tubes disposed in the one tube row, a second lower tank portion communicating with the lower end of the group of tubes disposed in the other tube row, a communicating passage that communicates between one end of the first upper tank portion and one end of the second upper tank portion, a partitioning means for partitioning the first upper tank portion and the sec