Abstract: A shower head according to an embodiment includes: a mixing chamber to which process gas is supplied; a plurality of cooling portions provided below the mixing chamber with a gap therebetween, the cooling portion having a cooling hole provided in a horizontal direction, the process gas being introduced from the mixing chamber to the gaps; a plurality of buffer regions provided below the gaps, the process gas being introduced from the gaps to the buffer regions; and a shower plate provided below the buffer regions, the shower plate having a plurality of through holes disposed at a predetermined interval, the process gas being introduced from the buffer regions to the through holes.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus including a vacuum chamber comprising a conduit, a process chamber, and a first gas input port for introducing gas into the vacuum chamber, and a pump port for evacuating gas from the vacuum chamber. A magnetic core surrounds the conduit. An output of an RF power supply is electrically connected to the magnetic core. The RF power supply energizes the magnetic core, thereby forming a toroidal plasma loop discharge in the vacuum chamber. A platen that supports a workpiece during plasma processing is positioned in the process chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma processing apparatus that processes a processing target substrate using microwave plasma within a processing container. The plasma processing apparatus includes a placing table provided in the processing container, and configured to place the processing target substrate thereon; and an antenna provided above the placing table to face the placing table, and including a dielectric plate, the antenna being configured to radiate microwaves into the processing container through the dielectric plate to generate plasma of a processing gas supplied into the processing container. The dielectric plate includes a flat plate portion provided on a bottom surface of the antenna, and formed in a flat shape at least on a surface facing the placing table; and a rib formed on a surface of the flat plate portion that is opposite to the surface facing the placing table.

Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactor includes a resonating cavity configured to receive microwaves. A microwave transparent window positioned in the resonating cavity separates the resonating cavity into an upper zone and a plasma zone. Microwaves entering the upper zone propagate through the microwave transparent window into the plasma zone. A substrate is disposed proximate a bottom of the plasma zone opposite the microwave transparent window. A ring structure, positioned around a perimeter of the substrate in the plasma zone, includes a lower section that extends from the bottom of the resonating cavity toward the microwave transparent window and an upper section on a side of the lower section opposite the bottom of the resonating cavity. The upper section extends radially toward a central axis of the ring structure. A method of microwave plasma CVD growth of a diamond film on the substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for highly reproducible and focused plasma jet printing and patterning of materials using appropriate ink containing aerosol through nozzles with narrow orifice and tubes with controlled dielectric constant connected to high voltage power supply, in the presence of electric field and plasma, that enables morphological and/or bulk chemical modification and/or surface chemical modification of the material in the aerosol and/or the substrate prior to printing, during printing and post printing.

Abstract: A method of forming a carbonized composition includes providing an organic composition, forming a protective layer over the organic composition, increasing temperature to carbonize the organic composition and for a period of time to form the carbonized composition, and removing the protective layer from the carbonized composition.

Abstract: The method for producing noble metal nanocomposites involves reducing noble metal ions (Ag, Au and Pt) on graphene oxide (GO) or carbon nanotubes (CNT) by using Artocarpus integer leaves extract as a reducing agent. As synthesized MNPs/GO and MNPs/CNT composites have been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) imaging, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The TEM images of prepared materials showed that the nanocomposites were 1-30 nm in size with spherical nanoparticles embedded on the surface of GO and CNT. This synthetic route is easy and rapid for preparing a variety of nanocomposites. The method avoids use of toxic chemicals, and the prepared nanocomposites can be used for biosensor, fuel cell, and biomedical applications.

Abstract: By the use of highly pure zirconium oxide material for the outermost thermal barrier coating of a two-layer thermal barrier coating system, improved and durable layer systems for high-temperature temperature use is provided. A ceramic thermal barrier layer system, comprising: a substrate, a metallic adhesion-promoting layer on the substrate, an inner ceramic layer on the adhesion-promoting layer, and an outer ceramic layer on the inner ceramic layer, wherein the inner ceramic layer and the outer ceramic layer together represent the ceramic thermal barrier layer on the adhesion-promoting layer, wherein the outer ceramic layer is at least 20% purer, than the inner ceramic layer in terms of its chemical composition.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ferroelectric element includes forming an insulating film on one side of a metal substrate by an electron beam (EB) vapor deposition method or a sputtering method; forming a metal film on the insulating film by the sputtering method; and forming a ferroelectric film on the metal film by a sol-gel method. The metal substrate includes iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni), and a content of the nickel (Ni) is greater than or equal to 30% and less than or equal to 40%.

Abstract: A material for an additive manufacturing system having a build environment includes a filament coated with a barrier wherein barrier comprises less than about 1 wt % of the filament wherein the barrier substantially prevents the transmission of moisture or gasses into the filament.

Abstract: There is a formulation and a method for inhibiting carbon-based deposits on metal substrate. The method comprises the use of a formulation comprising at least one oxidizing agent and at least one etchant capable of forming free metal ions from the metal substrate, at least one sequestering agent having a ligand capable of forming a complex with the free metal ions and at least one chelating agent having a ligand capable of complexing with at least one surface metal atom.

Abstract: Compositions comprising hydrogenated and dehydrogenated graphite comprising a plurality of flakes. At least one flake in ten has a size in excess of ten square micrometers. For example, the flakes can have an average thickness of 10 atomic layers or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxygen-consuming electrode, in particular for use in chloralkali electrolysis, comprising a novel catalyst coating based on carbon nanotubes and a silver-based cocatalyst, and to an electrolysis device. The invention further relates to a method for producing said oxygen-consuming electrode and to the use thereof in chloralkali electrolysis or fuel cell technology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for modifying the surface of a substrate made of electrically conductive metal oxide and notably made of ITO, comprising the following steps consisting in: (i) bringing into contact said surface with a solution containing copper ions (Cu2+) and ammonia then washing and optionally drying the surface thus obtained; and (ii) bringing into contact the surface obtained following step (i) with a solution containing sodium tetraborohydride then washing and optionally drying the surface of said conductive metal oxide substrate. The present invention relates to the use of such a method within the scope of the metallisation by copper of a conductive metal oxide substrate as well as the surfaces of a modified and metallised conductive metal oxide substrate thus obtained.

Abstract: A stainless steel suspension component such as a mount plate is chemically activated by exposure to an activating solution. Gold is then spot plated onto the mount plate in the activated area using an elastomeric mask that is clamped over the mount plate. A component may then be bonded to the gold bond pads. The component may include a PZT microactuator bonded to the gold bond pads using a conductive adhesive such as silver epoxy. The gold acts as an interface metal that provides to a low resistance and environmentally robust ground path for the microactuator.

Abstract: A tin-plated copper alloy terminal material in which an Sn-based surface layer is formed on a surface of a base material that is made of copper or a copper alloy, and a Cu—Sn alloy layer and an Ni layer or an Ni alloy layer are sequentially formed between the Sn-based surface layer and the base material from the Sn-based surface layer side: the Cu—Sn alloy layer is a layer that is formed only of an intermetallic compound alloy which is obtained by substituting some of Cu in Cu6Sn5 alloy with Ni; and parts of the Cu—Sn alloy layer are exposed from the Sn-based surface layer, thereby forming a plurality of exposed portions; an average thickness of the Sn-based surface layer is from 0.2 ?m to 0.6 ?m (inclusive); and an area rate of the exposed portions of the Cu—Sn alloy layer relative to a surface area of is 1% to 40% (inclusive).

Abstract: A self-lubricating solid composite coating configured for an application to timepiece mechanisms, including particles of graphene and/or graphene oxide distributed in a metal matrix.

Abstract: An electroplating system includes an electroplating bath in which a cathode end and at least an anode end are configured. The anode end is provided with plural anode elements which are insulative from one another, as well as plural conductive elements which are connected electrically with each anode element, respectively. The electroplating system enables a variety of distribution of the electric lines of force to be formed in the electroplating bath through energizing one or any number of anode elements. In particular, good benefits can be achieved by a more aggressive and reliable means, without a need for changing the original anode end equipment.

Abstract: An electroplating anode assembly includes primarily a bracket on which plural anode elements are disposed, with which anode element controlling the on or off of the circuit, respectively. The electroplating anode assembly enables a variety of distribution of the electric lines of force to be formed in an electroplating bath through energizing one or any number of anode elements. In particular, when the shape of the product to be electroplated or the configuration that the product is suspended and disposed is changed, the corresponding distribution of the electric lines of force can be formed only through a simple way of switching an electric current supplying loop, so as to secure the quality of electroplating of the product using a more aggressive and reliable means.

Abstract: There are provided a plating apparatus and a plating method enabling continuous operation even while a stocker is taken out of the plating apparatus. The plating apparatus includes a plating treatment section performing plating on a substrate and a plurality of stockers configured to be able to store a holder configured to hold a substrate or an anode. At least one of the plurality of stockers is configured to be movable into and out of the plating apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for electroplating nickel which employ substantially sulfur-free nickel anodes. The methods may include placing a semiconductor substrate in a cathode chamber of an electroplating cell having an anode chamber containing a substantially sulfur-free nickel anode, contacting an electrolyte solution having reduced oxygen concentration with the substantially sulfur-free nickel anode contained in the anode chamber, and electroplating nickel from the electrolyte solution onto the semiconductor substrate placed in the cathode chamber. The electroplating systems may include an electroplating cell having an anode chamber configured for holding a substantially sulfur-free nickel anode, a cathode chamber, and a substrate holder within the cathode chamber configured for holding a semiconductor substrate. The systems may also include an oxygen removal device arranged to reduce oxygen concentration in the electrolyte solution as it is flowed to the anode chamber.

Abstract: The provided by the disclosure is a SiC single crystal production method permitting suppression of temperature variation of a Si—C solution even in a case of long-time crystal growth. The SiC single crystal production method includes: a preparation step of preparing a production apparatus including a crucible, a seed shaft, and an internal lid; a formation step of heating the material in the crucible to form the Si—C solution; a growth step of bringing the seed crystal into contact with the Si—C solution to produce the Si—C single crystal on the seed crystal; an internal lid adjustment step of vertically moving one of the internal lid and the crucible relative to the other during the growth step to keep an amount of variation in vertical distance between the internal lid and the Si—C solution within a first reference range.

Abstract: Boron-doped diamond and methods for making it are provided. The doped diamond is made using an ultra-thin film of heavily boron-doped silicon as a dopant carrying material in a low temperature thermal diffusion doping process.

Abstract: Provided are: a high-melting-point resin fiber having heat resistance and solvent resistance, offering excellent workability/formability, and having a diameter of 4 ?m or less; and a nonwoven fabric including the high-melting-point resin fiber. Also provided is a method for efficiently producing a high-melting-point resin fiber having a diameter of 4 ?m or less, via laser melt electrospinning. The high-melting-point resin fiber according to the present invention includes a resin having a melting point of 250° C. or higher and has a diameter of 4 ?m or less. In the high-melting-point resin fiber, the resin having a melting point of 250° C. or higher is preferably a PEEK. The fiber preferably has a degree of crystallinity of 30% or less.

Abstract: A composite filament includes a core particle comprising a sulfonated polyester matrix and a plurality of silver nanoparticles dispersed within the matrix, and a shell polymer disposed about the core particle, and methods of making thereof. Various articles can be manufactured from such composite filaments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifilament yarn having a tenacity of at least 30 cN/dtex, and comprising a plurality of spun ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin filaments characterized in that the titer of any one of said spun filaments is at least 10 dtex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyolefin pellet for preparing a fiber, and a fiber comprising the same. According to the present invention, provided is a polyolefin, which exhibits a high molecular weight range and a narrow molecular weight distribution and in which the formation of a gel deteriorating the quality of a fiber is reduced. Therefore, by using the polyolefin pellet, the present invention exhibits a molecular weight, a density and a narrow molecular weight distribution, which are equivalent to those of conventional polyolefin, but has high tenacity and an excellent drawing characteristic and can be highly oriented because gel formation is reduced, and therefore, the present invention can be applied to various industrial products due to a high draw ratio and crystallinity during a multifilament operation using the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of thermally stabilised melt spun fibres, in which polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibres or PAN fibre precursors produced by melt spinning are treated in an aqueous alkaline solution which comprises in addition a solvent for PAN. Likewise, the invention relates to fibres which are producible according to this method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a bale opener (1) having a stripping element (3) and a safety device for protection against penetration into a hazardous zone of the stripping element (3), said safety device consisting of sensory safety means, wherein a monitoring region (13, 131, 132, 133) at the front beneath the stripping element is detected and wherein the stripping element (3) is mounted on a stripping tower (2). According to the invention the safety device is at least one two-dimensional laser scanner (12), on which at least one monitoring region (13, 131, 132, 133), which is adjustable and variable over time, is monitored. The invention also relates to a corresponding bale opener (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for calibrating the loading force of a breaker element (3) of a bale opener (1) before the breaking process of a bale group (4) and on a corresponding bale opener (1). In doing so, the breaker element (3) is calibrated so as to exclude any signal distortion influences and to ensure a stable and reliable scanning of the bale groups (4) by measuring the loading force. During the longitudinal movement of the breaker element (3) along the bale group (4), the force is measured continuously with the calibrated force sensor (12) and there is a lowering movement of the breaker element (3) when a lower loading force is reached, and there is an upward lifting movement when an upper loading force is reached.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a polyester fabric for an airbag that can not only prevent or minimize the separation of a sizing agent, which is provided to a yarn through a sizing process, during a weaving process, but can also maximize a peel strength between a textile substrate and a coating layer to be subsequently formed thereon and lower the stiffness of an airbag fabric by effectively removing the sizing agent from the textile substrate after the weaving process is completed. The method of the present invention comprises: applying a polyester-based sizing agent to a polyester yarn; manufacturing a textile substrate with the sizing agent-applied polyester yarn; removing the sizing agent from the textile substrate under an alkaline condition of pH 8 to 10; and forming a coating layer on the sizing agent-removed textile substrate in order to enhance air-tightness.

Abstract: A method for preliminarily making a basic knitted fabric by repeatedly juxtapositionally plating a hydrophilic yarn on a hydrophobic yarn to form an inner hydrophobic sublayer consisting of a plurality of inner hydrophobic loops to be contacted with a wearer's skin, and an outer hydrophilic sublayer consisting of a plurality of outer hydrophilic loops at an outer surface; and for secondarily fleecing the basic knitted fabric to increase its capillary gradient and uni-directional moisture transportability for quickly transporting moisture outwardly for making the wearer more dry, warm, comfortable.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a stitch marker comprises a body that defines a first enlarged opening and a second enlarged opening. The first enlarged opening is larger than a cross-sectional size of an associated stitching device, such as a knitting needle. The second enlarged opening is larger than the cross-sectional size of the stitching device.

Abstract: A bendable straight knitting needle consisting of at least three parts that provides ergonomic benefit by enabling bending of the needle during stitch/loop creation by the knitter typically done with two knitting needles, one in each hand. The addition of the bendable portion to the standard conventional straight knitting needle would allow flexible knitting motion with enhanced comfort and better ease of knitting in a tight place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bobbin carrier 7 for receiving a bobbin 2 which is set up for unwinding a strand material I, wherein the bobbin carrier 7 is provided for use in a braiding, winding or spiralling machine and is set up to rotate relative to the machine during operation of the latter. The bobbin carrier 7 has a tensile-force measuring device 3 for measuring the tensile force of the strand material I unwound from the bobbin 2 and has a first data transfer device 4 for transferring data. According to the invention, the first data transfer device 4 is set up to transfer measured tensile force values to a second data transfer device 5 arranged outside the bobbin carrier. As a result, too low or too high tensile forces in the strand material I can be detected early at the individual bobbin carriers 7.

Abstract: A web is formed by integrating continuous fibers produced by melt-spinning, at a temperature of 220° C. or lower, polyvinyl butyral pellets having a butyralization degree of 50 to 90 mass %, an MFR of 0.5 to 45 g/10 min at 150° C. and 2.16 kgf, an acid value of 0.12 mgKOH/g or less, and a 1-butanal content of 5 mass ppm or less, to give a meltblown nonwoven fabric or a spunbonded nonwoven fabric having a 1-butanal content of 10 mass ppm or less. The present invention thus provides a nonwoven fabric formed from PVB continuous fibers whose distinct odor is suppressed, and a manufacturing method therefor.

Abstract: Among other things, the inventive subject matter generally relates to bulk fill materials suitable for an insulative or cushioning material. The bulk fill material consists of a plurality of discrete units comprising clusters or loose webs of fibers. The fibers consist of superfine fibers and/or fibers in a range of 1 to 5 denier; the fibers being entangled to form the clusters or loose webs. In some embodiments the clusters or webs are multinode fiber structures that mimic natural down. The inventive subject matter is also directed to related methods of production.

Abstract: A system and method for forming synthetic/artificial grass or turf products in which a series of tufts of artificial/synthetic grass filaments or yarns are formed in a backing material with various graphic pattern effects being formed therewith. The system generally will include a pair of needle bars each having at least one row of needles mounted along a tufting zone and reciprocated through the backing to a desired penetration depth, and will present a desired set or group of yarns to a series of gauge parts mounted at differing elevations. A first or upstream one of the needle bars will be shifted to an off-gauge position to move the needles thereof into positions so as to not be engaged by their associated gauge parts. The yarns fed to these needles further can be controlled to substantially pull back or otherwise prevent tufts of such yarns from being formed in the backing.

Abstract: A washing machine, which can prevent the damage to washings and also can improve the cleaning force. The washing machine includes: a washing tank for receiving washings, a water pumping path for pumping water stored in the washing tank from an inlet and spraying the water drawn through a flow path into the washing tank from outlets, a blocking member for blocking the upper end of the flow path, and an impeller for delivering the water stored in the washing tank into the inlet through rotation. The outlets are of a lengthwise slit shape. The impeller is arranged at a bottom of the washing tank in a manner of being separated from washings.

Abstract: A self-cleaning drum washing machine, comprises a coaxial drum and outer tub. Cleaning particles are arranged between the drum and the outer tub. Structures between the drum and the outer tub opposite to each other are smooth. A flange is fixedly connected to the bottom of the drum; the outer portion of the flange has a smooth structure or an enclosed cavity is arranged on the outer portion of the drum bottom; the flange is arranged in the cavity; a shaft hole is arranged at the center of the cavity; and a drum shaft sticks into the cavity through the shaft hole and is connected to the flange. The smooth structures go against the attachment of dirt, so that the outer wall of the drum and the inner wall of the outer tub can be conveniently cleaned by the cleaning particles.

Abstract: An electrolyzed water generating device of the present invention includes an electrolytic solution supplying unit and an electrolysis unit including an electrolysis electrode pair. The electrolytic solution supplying unit is provided so as to supply an aqueous solution of an electrolyte for generating electrolyzed water to the electrolysis unit. The electrolysis unit is provided so that the aqueous solution of the electrolyte for generating electrolyzed water is electrolyzed using the electrolysis electrode pair to generate an electrolyzed water. The electrolyte for generating electrolyzed water contains an alkali metal chloride and a substance that makes an aqueous solution acidic. The electrolyzed water generating device generates an electrolyzed water having a pH of more than 6.5 and less than 8.0.

Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine appliance includes flowing a volume of liquid into a tub, agitating articles within the tub for a first period, the tub containing the volume of liquid, and measuring movement of the tub during agitation of the articles within the tub, the tub containing the volume of liquid. The method further includes agitating articles within the tub for a second period when the final measured movement is greater than an out-of-balance movement threshold, the tub containing the volume of liquid. The method further includes draining liquid from the tub when the final measured movement is less than the out-of-balance movement threshold, and spinning a basket after draining liquid from the tub.

Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine appliance includes flowing a volume of liquid into a tub, agitating articles within the tub for a first period, the tub containing the volume of liquid, and measuring movement of the tub during agitation of the articles within the tub, the tub containing the volume of liquid. The movement is measured using an accelerometer and a gyroscope. The method further includes agitating articles within the tub for a second period when the final measured movement is greater than an out-of-balance movement threshold, the tub containing the volume of liquid. The method further includes draining liquid from the tub when the final measured movement is less than the out-of-balance movement threshold, and spinning a basket after draining liquid from the tub.

Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine appliance includes flowing a volume of liquid into the tub, and agitating articles within the tub for a first period, the tub containing the volume of liquid. The method further includes draining a first portion of the volume of liquid from the tub, the first portion less than the volume flowed into the tub, wherein a sum of the first portion and a second portion of the volume of liquid remaining in the tub equals the volume. The method further includes measuring movement of the tub during agitation of the articles within the tub after draining the first portion of the volume of liquid from the tub, wherein the step of measuring movement occurs after agitating articles within the tub for the first period and for an intermediate measurement period.

Abstract: A method for operating a washing machine appliance includes flowing a volume of liquid into a tub, and agitating articles within the tub for a first period and using a first agitation profile, the tub containing the volume of liquid. The method further includes measuring movement of the tub during agitation of the articles within the tub, wherein the step of measuring movement occurs after agitating articles within the tub for the first period and for an intermediate measurement period and using an intermediate agitation profile, and wherein the intermediate agitation profile is different from the first agitation profile. The method further includes agitating articles within the tub for a second period when the final measured movement is greater than an out-of-balance movement threshold. The method further includes draining liquid from the tub when the final measured movement is less than the out-of-balance movement threshold.

Abstract: A wall-mounted drum washing machine includes a housing having one or more through-holes in a rear surface thereof; and one or more fixing units having a first side or end fixed to a wall and a second side or end inserted in one of the through-hole(s), wherein each through-hole includes a guide having a cross-sectional area that decreases from a rear surface of the housing toward a front of the housing.

Abstract: Automatic washing machines having at a plurality of load size indicators. Processes of treating fabric articles using such machines. Instructional systems that include a plurality of load size indicators.

Abstract: A laundry machine and a washing process allow the storage of water from prior washes, in order to minimize the consumption of water destined for laundry washing. According to an embodiment, the laundry machine includes an impeller (201); a wash tub (202); a mechanical and/or electric drive element of the impeller and of the tub; and at least a tank (203) encircling the wash tub. There is additionally a reservoir (300) in fluid communication (250) with the tank and disposed below the tank and the wash tub and encircling, at least partially, the mechanical and/or electric drive element of the impeller and the tub.

Abstract: A washing machine appliance includes a reservoir and a dispensing assembly having a Venturi pump, a supply conduit and a water valve. The Venturi pump is coupled to the supply conduit such that the Venturi pump draws fluid additive from the reservoir when the water valve is open and water flows through the Venturi pump. A controller opens the water valve in response to actuation of a user input.

Abstract: A method of removing lint from drying air in a laundry treating appliance having a treating chamber for holding clothes for treatment according to a cycle of operation, a treating chemistry dispenser fluidly coupled to the treating chamber, and an air supply having an inlet and outlet fluidly coupled to the treating chamber is disclosed. The method includes a laundry treating phase including supplying treating chemistry from the treating chemistry dispenser to the treating chamber and leaving a portion of the treating chemistry within the treating chamber to form a bath of treating chemistry, a laundry drying phase including supplying air to the treating chamber through the inlet and exhausting the supplied air from the treating chamber.