Abstract: Variable-diameter tire-building drum intended for the manufacture of a green tire having a generally cylindrical receiving surface formed of radially mobile sectors and bearing elements the radially external part of which constitutes the receiving surface, the receiving surface comprising at least one circular groove containing an elastic circumferential sleeve which is held radially away from the bottom of the groove by pushers able to move radially with respect to the mobile sectors so as to align the radially external surface of the sleeve with the receiving surface when the drum is brought to a first laying diameter, and which is pressed against the bottom of the groove under the effect of circumferential elastic tensions when the drum is placed at a laying diameter greater than the said first laying diameter.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a tire comprising a tread strip in which blind radial cuts are arranged in the blocks of rubber that form the tread pattern, comprising a step during which the cuts (33) are made in the unvulcanized tread strip (3) intended to cap the green tire. One or more blades (22) are raised to a temperature higher than the vulcanization temperature of the material of which the tread strip (3) is made are caused to penetrate the radially internal face (32) of the tread strip (3) for a sufficient period of time that they superficially vulcanize the walls of the cut in contact with the blade (22) so as to prevent the faces from sticking back together once the blade has been withdrawn from the cut.

Abstract: A compaction device is removably connected to a refuse receiver and is positioned on a skid mounted frame which is dragged by a utility vehicle through an underground mine for the collection of waste material collected from the mining operations. The waste material is deposited into a compaction chamber and compacted in the receiver. Where electric power is not accessible for operation of the compaction device, hydraulic power is supplied from the hydraulic power takeoff on the utility vehicle. The receiver filled with compacted waste material is disconnected from the compaction device and lifted from the support frame onto the utility vehicle. The receiver is transported out of the mine for pick-up of the compacted waste material by a commercial waste hauler. By collecting and compacting waste material in the mine, the frequency of hauls of waste material from the mine and the associated costs are substantially reduced.

Abstract: A planar composite for the production of a container surrounding an interior having a. a carrier layer; b. a barrier layer of plastic joined to the carrier layer; c. at least two layers of thermoplastic plastic which are provided on the side of the barrier layer of plastic facing away from the carrier layer. The carrier layer has at least one hole which is covered by the barrier layer of plastic and the at least two layers of thermoplastic plastic. The composite is useful for the production of a container. Also disclosed is a process for the production of a container using the composite and a container obtainable by this process.

Abstract: A method for processing a sacrificial material of an intermediate microfabricated product includes forming a hydrogen-containing carbon layer on a surface of a base structure and releasing hydrogen from the hydrogen-containing carbon layer to obtain a hydrogen-released (i.e., densified) carbon layer with low shrink. The method further includes forming a structural layer on at least a portion of a surface of the hydrogen-released carbon layer, and oxidizing the hydrogen-released (densified) carbon layer to release the structural layer. In this manner, a cavity is formed between the base structure and the structural layer. The ashing of the hydrogen-released carbon layer leaves substantially no residues within the cavity of the intermediate or final microfabricated product. Further embodiments provide a method for manufacturing a microfabricated product, to an intermediate microfabricated product, and to a microfabrication equipment.

Abstract: Multi-layer forms and methods of producing the same are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first substrate first layer having a first side and a second side. The apparatus includes a second substrate first layer having a third side and a fourth side. The second side is coupled to the third side. The first substrate first layer and the second substrate first layer are embossed. The apparatus includes a second substrate second layer having a fifth side and a sixth side, the fourth side coupled to the fifth side. The apparatus includes a second substrate first layer having a seventh side and an eighth side. The seventh side is coupled to the sixth side. The second substrate first layer and the second substrate second layer are not embossed.

Abstract: A composite laminate for use on an external part of an aerospace vehicle has improved ultraviolet resistance and resistance to microcracking from thermal cycling. The laminate comprises a nanoreinforcement film, a support veil, and a composite layer. The laminate also can have a lightning strike protection layer and an external paint and primer. The nanoreinforcement film can comprise carbon nanomaterial and a polymer resin, and the composite layer has one or more layers of a reinforcement and a polymer resin. The carbon nanomaterial can be carbon nanofibers, and the nanoreinforcement film can have an areal weight of less than about 100 g/m2. The carbon nanomaterial can also comprise carbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A low density coring material is described. In one embodiment, the low density coring material consists essentially of: about 40 to about 80 wt % resin; 0 to about 50 wt % monomer; 0 to about 5 wt % dispersion aid; 0 to about 5 wt % accelerator; about 3 to about 7 wt % microspheres; and about 1 to about 5 wt % catalyst; wherein a density of the cured coring material is less than about 5.0 lbs/gal. Composites made using the low density coring material and methods of making composites are also described.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing carbon fiber fabrics, in which a fabric of carbon fiber (1) is impregnated with a silicone, polyurethane or acrylic emulsion (4) which is then dried together with the fabric (1). The present invention also relates to a fabric manufactured with this process as well as a coating for motor vehicles comprising this fabric.

Abstract: A polyimide precursor for obtaining a polyimide film having excellent adhesiveness to metals and improved transmittance in the UV-visible range, a polyimide in which the polyimide precursor is used, a polyimide film in which the polyimide is used, and a method for manufacturing a triazine compound used for manufacturing the polyimide precursor, polyimide film and polyimide.

Abstract: A coating composition for granular roofing has a liquid phase, such as a water, vinyl copolymer or a modified acrylic, and a material with high reflectance, such as CaCO3, TiO2, ceramic microspheres, nano-particles, talc dispersed therein to yield a low-viscosity coating. The coating is applied to a granular surface in a thin layer that does not significantly disturb the granular aesthetics, but covers the base material, e.g., modified bitumen, at least partially, to increase the overall reflectivity of the material. In some embodiments, the coating improves the physical integrity of the granular surface and increases resistance to environmental effects and may perform a pigment function. In one embodiment, the coating is applied as a powder followed by the application of a liquid. In another embodiment, the coating includes a water repellant.

Abstract: Disclosed are multilayer structures comprising a polyolefin layer, a tie layer and a barrier layer wherein the tie layer is a formulation comprising a crystalline block copolymer composite (CBC) comprising i) an ethylene polymer (EP) comprising at least 90 mol % polymerized ethylene; ii) an alpha-olefin-based crystalline polymer (CAOP) and iii) a block copolymer comprising (a) an ethylene polymer block comprising at least 90 mol % polymerized ethylene and (b) a crystalline alpha-olefin block (CAOB).

Abstract: In a non-PVC tile, a bottom material layer, a printing layer and a transparent wear-resistant layer are disposed from bottom to top. The printing layer includes an inorganic filling material of 55˜90 percentage weight (wt %). The coefficient of thermal expansion of the bottom material layer and the transparent wear-resistant layer are larger than that of the printing layer. When the bottom material layer, the printing layer and the transparent wear-resistant layer are heated and then cooled, the bottom material layer and the transparent wear-resistant layer symmetrically contract with the printing layer being a center.

Abstract: A multilayer film structure is disclosed which comprises at least a first layer made of a bio-based polymer composition; a tie layer comprising one or more ethylene copolymers and one or more inorganic fillers; and optionally at least one additional layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface layer material for a melamine decorative laminate having an aluminum layer, allowing 3R or less bending while maintaining the surface hardness of the melamine decorative laminate, and a melamine decorative laminate comprising the surface layer material. Disclosed is a surface layer material for a decorative laminate comprising a surface layer and an aluminum layer, the material comprising a surface layer substrate having a first surface being a design surface and a second surface being a surface on an opposite side of the design surface, wherein a melamine resin composition comprising a melamine resin is carried on the first surface, and a urethane-acrylic resin composition comprising a urethane-acrylic resin is carried on the second surface.

Abstract: Composite laminates used in structural applications include an interlayer of soft material that provides damping action to reduce noise and vibration. The interlayer may comprise a viscoelastic material which deforms under stress caused by shock, noise or vibration. A reinforcement may be embedded in the viscoelastic material to maintain the mechanical strength and stiffness of the laminate. The reinforcement may include individual or woven fibers or ridged tubes that provide the interlayer with stiffness.

Abstract: A coated substrate including a substrate having a surface, a bond coat proximate to the substrate surface, a yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thermal barrier layer opposite the substrate surface, and at least one interlayer disposed between the bond coat and the thermal barrier layer, wherein the interlayer contains an alloy having a nanocrystalline grain structure. A method for coating a substrate to be exposed to high in service temperatures and/or temperature cycles including depositing a bond coating on substrate surface, depositing at least one nanocrystalline interlayer on the bond coat opposite the substrate surface, and depositing a yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thermal barrier coating on the nanocrystalline interlayer opposite the bond coat, wherein the service life of the YSZ thermal barrier coating is extended relative to a substrate coated with the bond coating and the thermal barrier without the interlayer disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A system and method for making a door having first and second door skins and an internal frame. The top and bottom surfaces of the frame are coated with an adhesive and the frame is placed on a first door skin. The second door skin is then placed on the opposite surface of the frame. The assembled components are then pressed to bond the first and second door skins to the frame with a pressed having platens. Movable shims may be used to vary the pressed force and pressing area.

Abstract: Two workpieces composed of a resin workpiece and a resin workpiece, or composed of a resin workpiece and a glass substrate are bonded to each other such that troubles, such as an alignment shift and breakage etc. are not generated, while ensuring bonding uniformity. A first workpiece is placed on an inverting stage of an inverting stage unit, a second workpiece is placed on a work stage of a pressurizing stage unit, and UV light is radiated from a light irradiation unit. Then, the inverting stage is inverted 180°, the workpieces are overlapped each other on the work stage, and the workpieces are pressurized and pre-bonded to each other. Then, the workpieces in the pre-bonded state are transferred to a heating stage by a transfer means, the temperature of the workpieces is increased to a predetermined temperature by heating the workpieces, and the temperature is maintained until bonding is completed.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a porous composite particulate material includes a plurality of composite particles including an acid-base-resistant core particle at least partially surrounded by one or more layers of acid-base-resistant shell particles. The shell particles are adhered to the core particle by a polymeric material. The shell particles and/or core particles may be made from an acid-base-resistant material that is stable in harsh chemical conditions. During application of the polymeric material/shell particle bilayer, the core particles are sonicated to homogenize the particle size distribution and minimize agglomeration of particles. Multiple bilayers of polymer/shell particles may be applied. In one embodiment, the core particle comprises generally spherical glassy carbon, while the shell particles may comprise nano-sized diamond particles. Other acid-base-resistant materials may be employed.

Abstract: A rotary lamination apparatus has a die assembly rotatable about an axis and a mounting table received in an axial hole extending through the die assembly. Through rotation of the die assembly, punched core pieces are mounted on the mounting table while being rotatively offset. A drive portion is employed to rotate the mounting table integrally with the die assembly about the axis of the die assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transport system for a jig for fixing material to be laminated, which system can transport a jig for fixing material to be laminated using a simple exhaust device that is of a space-saving-type while it continuously exhausts air, a transport method for transporting a jig for fixing material to be laminated, and an apparatus for manufacturing bonded laminated material comprising the transport system.

Abstract: A film-removing mechanism configured to cooperate with a mechanical arm to remove a protecting film from a workpiece can include a base, a blowing member coupled to the base, and a holding assembly positioned adjacent to the blowing member. The base can be configured to support the workpiece. The blowing member defining an air outlet can be configured to communicate with an external air resource. The holding assembly can include a supporting member positioned adjacent to the base and a driving member coupled to the supporting member. The supporting member can correspond to the air outlet and the driving member can be configured to connect to the external mechanical arm.

Abstract: A separation apparatus for separating a composite substrate formed from a first substrate and a second substrate joined together includes an exfoliation unit for advancing into a boundary region between the first substrate and the second substrate of the composite substrate supported by a supporting face of a supporting base and a side face supporting unit to exfoliate the composite substrate into the first substrate and the second substrate. The exfoliation unit includes a wedge portion for advancing into the boundary region between the first substrate and the second substrate, an exfoliation member having a gas outlet open at a tip end of the wedge portion, and an exfoliation member advancing and retracting unit for advancing and retracting the wedge portion of the exfoliation member to and from the boundary region between the first substrate and the second substrate which configure the composite substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fixture for station-transferring wheel printing, which is composed of stands, servo motors, rotating plates, slide sleeves, air cylinders and the like. When in use, the fixture provided by the present invention can meet the requirement for quickly printing a pattern on a fixed window of a wheel and improve the production efficiency effectively, and meanwhile has the characteristics of simple mechanism, high automation degree, advanced technology, safe and stable performance.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for synchronizing a roll-to-roll transfer device, the apparatus includes a thin-film, a first roller, a second roller, a first load sensing element and a control part. The thin-film is transferred by the roll-to-roll transfer device. The first roller makes contact with a lower surface of the thin-film, and rotates with a rotational axis via a first rotational element. The second roller is disposed over the first roller, makes contact with an upper surface of the thin-film, and rotates with the rotational axis via a second rotational element. The first load sensing element senses a load of the first roller or a load of the second roller. The control part synchronizes a translational velocity of the first rotational element or the second rotational element based on the load sensed by the first load sensing element.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein are directed towards flexographic printing of microscopic high resolution conductive patterns (HRCP). These HRCP may be printed using one or more formulations for high polarity and stable viscosity inks for use in the flexographic printing process. The inks may be water permeable, UV curable, and configured to resist loss of integrity when exposed to water and atmospheric moisture.

Abstract: A screen printing apparatus is described. The apparatus has a plurality of radial arms each having a printing head associated therewith. A target area is in alignment with at least one of the printing heads wherein a design is applied to a target article at the target area by the printing head. A means for providing relative movement between the target area and the printing head provides multiple passes between a squeegee associated with the printing head and the target area. A means for providing a pressure between the squeegee and the target area is regulated such that a first pressure between the squeegee and the target area on a first stroke is not equal to a second pressure between the squeegee and the target area on a subsequent second stroke.

Abstract: A print head die with thermal control is described. In an example, a print head die includes a substrate having liquid feed slots formed therein extending along a major dimension of the substrate and nozzles extending along opposite sides of each of the liquid feed slots; a temperature sensor formed on the substrate adjacent to a first one of the liquid feed slots; and electrical interconnect formed on the substrate along the major dimension adjacent to a last one of the liquid feed slots farthest from the first liquid feed slot.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a thermal inkjet printhead stack with an amorphous thin metal protective layer, comprising an insulated substrate, a resistor applied to the insulated substrate, a resistor passivation layer applied to the resistor, and an amorphous thin metal protective layer applied to the resistor passivation layer. The amorphous thin metal protective layer can comprise from 5 atomic % to 90 atomic % of a metalloid of carbon, silicon, or boron. The film can also include a first and second metal, each comprising from 5 atomic % to 90 atomic % of titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, rhodium, palladium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, iridium, or platinum. The second metal is different than the first metal, and the metalloid, the first metal, and the second metal account for at least 70 atomic % of the amorphous thin metal protective layer.

Abstract: An ink jet head includes a head body, a plurality of pipes, a plurality of flexible substrates, a reference plate, a plate base, a plurality of in-covers, and a plurality of side covers. Each of the in-covers includes an inner surface having a first mating surface in contact with the plate base, and an outer surface having a second mating surface in contact with the driving circuits. Each of the side covers includes an inner surface that is thermally coupled to a respective one of the plurality of in-covers and has a third mating surface in contact with the second mating surface section of the respective one of the plurality of in-covers, and an outer surface fastened to the print wiring substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide a resistor electrically connected to an electrically conductive trace.

Abstract: A method for processing a silicon substrate, comprising the steps of providing a silicon substrate having a first surface and a second surface, forming a non-penetrated hole extending from the first surface toward the second surface side in the silicon substrate, sticking a sealing tape comprising a support member and an adhesive layer on the first surface and filling at least part of the non-penetrated hole with the adhesive layer, performing reactive ion etching from the second surface toward the first surface side to allow the reactive ion etching to reach the adhesive layer filled in the non-penetrated hole and to expose the adhesive layer, and peeling the sealing tape from the silicon substrate to form a through hole in the silicon substrate.

Abstract: An ink jet printer is provided with an ink jet head in which a nozzle for discharging an ink droplet toward a print medium is formed, a light emitting section that emits light for detecting the flying ink droplet that was discharged from the nozzle, and a light receiving section that receives the light emitted by the light emitting section are provided; detects the ink droplet in a case where an amount of the light received by the light receiving section among the light emitted by the light emitting section is equal to or less than a predetermined amount; and determines that a nozzle is defective (S167) in a case where the ink droplet discharged from the nozzle based on print data in the printing by the ink jet head is not detected at a scheduled timing of passing through a detection region (YES in S163 and YES in S164).

Abstract: A liquid supply apparatus includes plural outlet flow paths respectively connected to the plural mounting units in which plural liquid storing bodies are respectively mounted, a supply flow path to which the plural outlet flow paths are connected, a switching unit capable of switching a communication status of each outlet flow path with the supply flow path, and a pressurizing and supplying unit that pressurizes and supplies liquid in the liquid storing bodies to the supply flow path. If the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storing body communicating with one of the outlet flow paths is less than or equal to a second threshold greater than a first threshold, liquid in the liquid storing body communicating with another outlet flow path different from the one outlet flow path is made ready to be pressurized and supplied.

Abstract: A recording apparatus includes a housing body, an opening/closing member, attached to the housing body via a pivot shaft so as to be capable of rotating freely, that covers the surface of the housing body on one side thereof, and an ink tank having an injection port for filling an ink holding chamber with ink used in recording. Here, the ink tank is disposed so that one end thereof is positioned within the housing body on the opposite side of the housing body as the side in which the pivot shaft is provided, and has a stepped shape including a step portion, the step portion being provided on a side of the ink tank that is further from the pivot shaft. The injection port is provided in the step portion, and when the opening/closing member is opened and the ink is to be filled.

Abstract: A liquid storage container includes a liquid storage section configured to store a liquid, an injection port open to the liquid storage section and configured and arranged to receive the liquid injected into the liquid storage section, an air introduction valve configured and arranged to allow movement of air from an exterior of the liquid storage section to an interior of the liquid storage section and to prevent movement of air from the interior of the liquid storage section to the exterior of the liquid storage section.

Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a liquid accommodating unit, a delivery channel, a valve, and a locking mechanism. The liquid accommodating unit is configured to accommodate liquid. The delivery channel is configured to discharge the liquid outside. The delivery channel is in fluid communication with the liquid accommodating unit. The valve includes a valve body provided in the delivery channel. The valve body is configured to selectively move between a closed position where the delivery channel is closed and an open position where the delivery channel is open. The locking mechanism includes a locking member configured to selectively move between a locking position to prevent the valve body positioned at the closed position from moving to the open position and a disengaged position to allow the valve body positioned at the closed position to move to the open position.

Abstract: A technique of enhancing attachment of a liquid supply unit to a liquid ejection device is provided. A first cartridge 100a and a second cartridge 100b are attached to a carriage 27 of a printing device 27 via a holder structure 200. The holder structure 200 has a lever member 230 rotated and moved to engage with a main engagement part 120 of each of the first and the second cartridges 100a and 100b. Each of the first and the second cartridges 100a and 100b has a first side wall portion 125 and a second side wall portion 126 configured to press the lever member 230 and rotate and move the lever member 230 forward in the course of attachment of the first or the second cartridge 100a or 100b to the holder structure 200. A rotation axis RX of the lever member 230 is located at a position closer to an ink supply port 110 or 110a than the first side wall portion 125 and the second side wall portion 126 in the course of attachment of the first or the second cartridge 100a or 100b.

Abstract: An ink container that is attachable to and detachable from a liquid supply apparatus that supplies ink to a liquid injection apparatus. The ink container includes: an ink container part that houses ink; a handle unit that is located at an end of the ink container part; and an ink outlet part that is provided on the handle unit and that is in communication with an inside of the ink container part via the handle unit. The ink outlet part is located on a portion of the handle unit that is on an opposite side to the ink container part side.

Abstract: In one example implementation, a replaceable printing component includes a fluid supply chamber, and a printhead on the fluid supply chamber. The printhead includes a memory storing a factory identification code that comprises a combination of digitized analog performance parameters. The printhead also includes electronic test components from which the analog performance parameters have been measured.

Abstract: A liquid supply device includes a liquid container having a liquid containing part and a liquid supply part facing a first direction intersecting a gravity direction when supplying liquid to a liquid consumption device, a first support part supporting the liquid supply part such that the liquid supply part is positioned further to an upper side in the gravity direction than the liquid containing part and the liquid supply part moves in the first direction and a direction opposite the first direction, a liquid introduction part attached to the liquid consumption device and configured to connect with the liquid supply part by the liquid supply part moving in the first direction by the first support part, and a positioning part arranged at the liquid introduction part and configured to position the liquid supply part in a direction intersecting the first direction when connecting with the liquid supply part.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an inkjet assembly having inkjet nozzles through each of which ink flows at a nominal flow rate as it is ejected from the nozzle onto a substrate. Ink is held under a nominal negative pressure associated with a characteristic of a meniscus of the ink in the nozzle when ejection of ink from the nozzle is not occurring. The apparatus includes recirculation flow paths, each flow path having a nozzle end at which it opens into one of the nozzles and another location spaced from the nozzle end that is to be subjected to a recirculation pressure lower than the nominal negative pressure so that ink is recirculated from the nozzle through the flow path at a recirculation flow rate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides ways to more appropriately perform high-quality printing with gradation inks. The disclosure provides a printing apparatus for printing using an inkjet scheme. The apparatus includes a plurality of inkjet heads that eject ink droplets of a first-color ink of at least one color selected from a plurality of colors. The plurality of inkjet heads respectively eject ink droplets of different concentrations of the first-color ink (magenta or cyan). At least one of the plurality of inkjet heads ejects ink droplets of a resin dispersed ink, and the resin dispersed ink is a ink in which dispersing particles of a colored binder resin as a dispersoid is dispersed in a dispersion medium.

Abstract: A thermal transfer printer is capable of printing a plurality of images from one picture block of an ink sheet. The thermal transfer printer includes a damage prediction part that makes prediction of damage on a subsequent print image to be generated by printing of a preceding image by predicting damage on the ink sheet to be generated by printing of the preceding image, and a print control part that prints the preceding image while exerting control to suppress generation of the predicted damage on the subsequent print image based on the damage prediction.

Abstract: A method of marking an egg is disclosed and comprises applying radiant energy to the shell of an egg so as to cause discoloration of the eggshell, thereby forming a marking comprising at least a traceability code and a freshness date. Apparatus is also disclosed for applying markings on eggs being processed by an egg-handling machine that is designed and configured to transport a plurality of eggs therethrough, wherein the apparatus comprises a radiant energy source located in proximity to the egg-handling machine, the radiant energy source being configured to apply radiant energy to the eggs as the eggs are transported past the radiant energy source to selectively discolor the shell of the eggs and form markings on the shell, including a freshness date and a traceability code.

Abstract: A coating liquid comprising: an oxazoline group-containing resin; an alkanediol having 7 or more carbon atoms; a surfactant; and water.

Abstract: A method for printing a plurality of image planes on a substrate, the method includes providing a plurality of print head for depositing material on the substrate as the substrate moves along a transport path; providing a first sensor in a predetermined position along a transport path relative to predetermined positions of the plurality of print heads; providing an indication of position of the substrate along the transport path; providing a plurality of cue marks at predetermined positions or intervals on the substrate which are detected by the first sensor; and determining placement of an image plane printed by at least one of the plurality of print heads upstream of the first sensor based on the detection of position of the cue marks on the substrate by the first sensor.

Abstract: A cutting device includes a receiving block configured such that an object to be cut is arranged thereon, a cutting blade that includes a blade portion, the cutting blade being configured to move between a separated position and a contact position via a clamping position, a first rotating member coupled with the cutting blade, the first rotating member being configured to cause the cutting blade to move from the separated position to the contact position via the clamping position, by the first rotating member rotating in a specified direction from a separated rotation position to a contact rotation position via a clamping rotation position, an elastic member provided on the first rotating member, a DC motor, and a second rotating member configured to rotate in accordance with rotation of the DC motor.

Abstract: A system includes a print head including multiple nozzles formed in a bottom surface of the print head. The nozzles are configured to eject a liquid onto a substrate. The system includes a gas flow module configured to provide a flow of gas through a gap between the bottom surface of the print head and the substrate. The gas flow module can include one or more gas nozzles configured to inject gas into the gap. The gas flow module can be configured to apply a suction to the gap.