Abstract: A continuous method for manufacturing graphene films using a metal substrate, wherein a first surface of the metal substrate is heated such that a top layer of the first surface melts to form a molten metal layer, and devices for carrying out the same.

Abstract: In one aspect, articles are described comprising wear resistant coatings employing one or more composite refractory layers. For example, a coated article described herein comprises a substrate and a coating deposited by CVD adhered to the substrate, the coating including a multiphase refractory layer comprising an alumina phase and a zirconia phase, wherein the zirconia phase has a texture coefficient for the (200) growth direction, TC(200), greater than 4.

Abstract: A method for producing a component with a predetermined gloss level, including the steps of: preparing a component with a metallic surface; producing a matte/glossy mixture by mixing glossy paint and matte paint in a predetermined mixing ratio; applying the matte/glossy mixture to the metallic surface of the component; and cross-linking the matte/glossy mixture.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing films on the surface of a substrate are described. The systems possess aerosol generators which form droplets from a condensed matter (liquid or solid) of one or more precursors. A carrier gas is flowed through the condensed matter and push the droplets toward a substrate placed in a substrate processing region. An inline pump connected with the aerosol generator can also be used to push the droplets towards the substrate. A direct current (DC) electric field is applied between two conducting plates configured to pass the droplets in-between. The size of the droplets is desirably reduced by application of the DC electric field. After passing through the DC electric field, the droplets pass into the substrate processing region and chemically react with the substrate to deposit or etch films.

Abstract: A heating module for use in a substrate processing chamber. The heating module having a housing with a heat source therein. The heating module can be part of a gas distribution assembly positioned above a susceptor assembly to heat the top surface of the susceptor and wafers directly. The heating module can have constant or variable power output. Processing chambers and methods of processing a wafer using the heating module are described.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing two or more substrates in a batch process by subjecting at least part of the surface of the substrates to alternating surface reactions of at least a first and a second precursor. The apparatus includes: multiple substrate holders for supporting the substrates, and a reaction chamber that includes a reaction space for depositing material on the surface of the substrates during a processing phase. The substrate holders are installed or arranged to be installed inside the reaction chamber for processing of the substrates inside the reaction chamber during the processing phase. During a loading phase in which the substrates are loaded to the substrate holders by a loading device, at least some of the substrate holders are arranged to be movable relative to each other.

Abstract: A device includes at least a first electrically conductive contact plate, at least a second electrically conductive contact plate and a plurality of heating elements connected electrically in parallel. Each of the plurality of heating elements includes at least one resistance heating unit, respectively. Each of the heating elements is connected by means of a first connecting contact to the heating elements is connected by means of a first connecting contact to the first contact plate and by means of a second connecting contact to the second contact plate, in which both contact plates lie in a common first plane. The resistance heating units are arranged along a spiral or arched line around a center of the device. To expand the service life of the device at reduced manufacturing costs, a plurality of heating units are arranged consecutively or nested with each other along the ached or spiral line, and both the first and second contact plates comprise interlocking comb-like contact extensions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for cleaning a carbon coating film, which can clean the carbon coating film that is formed on each portion of a plasma CVD device, and provides the plasma CVD device. The plasma CVD device 1 includes: first and second sealing members 2a and 2b which are formed of insulators and seal both ends of a workpiece W or a dummy workpiece W?, respectively; an anode 3; decompression units 26 which decompress the inside of the workpiece W or the dummy workpiece W?; a source-gas supply unit 6 which supplies a source gas to the inside of the workpiece W; a power source 27; and an oxygen-gas supply unit 8 which supplies oxygen gas to the inside of the dummy workpiece W?.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for generating a metallic coating on a substrate using a mixture comprising a precursor compound typically of chromium oxide, a chemical agent typically comprising NHz, and an inert transport fluid. The precursor compound and chemical agent are generally in the form of particulates having mean diameters less than about 100 microns, and the transport fluid is present in an amount sufficient to facilitate application of the mixture to a substrate. The mixture is applied to a substrate and the coated substrate is heated to a temperature exceeding the decomposition temperature of the chemical agent, generating a reducing gas typically comprising CO, Hx, and/or NHx. In a particular embodiment, the precursor compound is CrO2, Cr3O4, CrO, or mixtures thereof, the chemical agent is urea, and the coated substrate is placed in a reactor having an inert atmosphere and subjected to a temperature of about 700° C. for about 5 minutes while maintaining an inert gas flow through the reactor.

Abstract: A component for high temperature applications includes a substrate and a layer of an aluminum-containing MAX phase material and another material applied to the substrate.

Abstract: Thermal atomic layer etching processes are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods comprise at least one etch cycle in which the substrate is alternately and sequentially exposed to a first vapor phase halide reactant and a second vapor halide reactant. In some embodiments, the first reactant may comprise an organic halide compound. During the thermal ALE cycle, the substrate is not contacted with a plasma reactant.

Abstract: A cathodic protection system for use with a wood veneer dryer is provided. The system includes a DC power supply and an anode mounted inside the dryer in a position to be electrolytically coupled to metallic structures or surfaces inside the dryer when an electrolytic medium is present inside the dryer. The electrolytic medium comprises a high-humidity atmosphere. A method for reducing the corrosion of metallic structures or surfaces inside the dryer is further provided. The method comprises mounting an anode inside the dryer in a position to be electrolytically coupled to the metallic structures or surfaces inside the dryer when an electrolytic medium is present. Wood veneer is conveyed through the dryer and heated to a temperature sufficient to produce a high-humidity atmosphere inside the dryer. A controlled amount of current is supplied by the DC power supply to electrolytically couple the anode to the metallic structures or surfaces.

Abstract: A separator plate and a frame member for an electrochemical cell are provided. The separator plate includes a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom to define a flow field. A pair of end features arranged along opposite sides of the flow field, each end feature extending substantially the length of the flow field. A periphery portion is provided having a first set of openings and a second set of openings. Wherein the plurality of protrusions and pair of end features extend from a plane defined by the periphery portion. The frame member includes features for facilitating assembly and reducing the risk of an over constrained condition. The frame member further having ports divided by a bridge member to support the frame member under operating pressures.

Abstract: An electrochemical electrode comprising a tin-based catalyst, method of making, and method of use are provided. Catalyst particles are prepared which comprise tin deposits of about 0.1 nm to 10 nm deposited onto carbon support. Preparing an ink comprising the catalyst particles and a binder enable an electrode to be prepared comprising the catalyst particles bound to an electrode substrate. The electrode may then be used in an apparatus and process to reduce carbon dioxide to products such as formate and formic acid at Faradaic Efficiencies up to 95 percent.

Abstract: A method of sealing a multi-component bipolar plate is disclosed. The method may include inserting a first seal between a first component and a second component, wherein the first seal is aligned with a first plurality of protrusions formed on a surface of at least one of the first component and the second component. The method may also include compressing the first component and the second component to cause the penetration of the first plurality of protrusions into the first seal. The method may further include plastically deforming the first seal in order to create a first sealing surface between the first component and the second component.

Abstract: An electrodes/electrolyte assembly—MEA, electrochemical membrane reactor—is described and a method for the direct amination of hydrocarbons, namely for the direct amination of benzene to aniline, and a method for the preparation of said electrodes/electrolyte assembly. The presented Solution allows the increase of conversion of said amination to above 60%, even at low temperatures, i.e., between 200° C. and 450° C.; preferably between 300° C. and 400° C. The electrodes/electrolyte assembly for direct amination of hydrocarbons comprises: an anode (1), electrons and protons conductor, that includes a composite porous matrix, comprised by a ceramic fraction and a catalyst for said amination at temperatures lower than 450° C.; a porous cathode (3), electrons and protons conductor, and electrocatalyst; an electrolyte (2), protons or ions conductor and electrically insulating, located between the anode (1) and the cathode (3), made of a composite ceramic impermeable to reagents and products of said amination.

Abstract: A coating method for a clad steel in which stainless sheets are combined on adjacent surfaces of an aluminum sheet may include preparing the clad steel, preparing a coating solution in which an epoxy resin and titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder are combined in an acrylic resin, etching the clad steel to improve adhesion property between the coating solution and the clad steel, heating the clad steel, and performing electrodeposition by immersing the clad steel in the coating solution.

Abstract: A flux composition which includes one or more organic compounds including one or more sulfonic acid groups, salts or anhydrides thereof is applied to tin or tin alloy deposits. The flux composition is then homogenized on the tin or tin alloy to inhibit tin or tin alloy oxidation and improve brightness of the tin or tin alloy.

Abstract: The invention presents a method for producing micro- or nano-structures of an anodized valve metal on a substrate. The method allows for accurate production of the structures, involves a small number of steps and is highly repeatable.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell that allows for in-situ structural characterization of amorphous thin film materials during the course of electrolysis using high-energy X-ray scattering (>50 keV). The compact and versatile cell employs a three-electrode configuration and minimizes X-ray scattering contributions from the cell, reference and counter electrodes, as well as the working electrode support. A large surface area working electrode has a physically robust support and is largely transparent to X-rays. This design, which utilizes a three-dimensional working electrode, also greatly improves the intensity and quality of the scattered signal compared to a two-dimensional working electrode. The in-situ cell can be used not only to investigate structural evolution during electrolysis using X-ray scattering (e.g. pair distribution function), but also to perform electrochemical potential-dependent structural analysis by extended X-ray absorption fine structure.

Abstract: Provided is a plating apparatus for plating a substrate by using a substrate holder including an elastic projection that seals a to-be-plated surface of the substrate, the plating apparatus comprising a measurement device configured to measure a deformed state of the elastic projection by measuring at least either one of a compression amount of the elastic projection and load applied to the elastic projection at a time when the substrate physically contacts the elastic projection of the substrate holder; and a controlling device configured to make a judgment on the basis of the measured deformed state as to whether sealing by the elastic projection is normal.

Abstract: A lasing medium having a tailored dopant concentration and a method of fabrication thereof is disclosed. The lasing medium has a single crystal having a continuous body having a selected length, wherein the crystal comprises dopant distributed along the length of the body to define a dopant concentration profile. In one embodiment, the dopant concentration profile results in a uniform heating profile. A method of fabricating a laser crystal having a tailored dopant concentration profile includes arranging a plurality of polycrystalline segments together to form an ingot, the polycrystalline segments each having dopant distributed, providing a crystal seed at a first end of the ingot, and moving a heating element along the ingot starting from the first end to a second end of the ingot, the moving heating element creating a moving molten region within the ingot while passing therealong.

Abstract: A feed assembly supplies polysilicon to a growth chamber for growing a crystal ingot from a melt. An example system includes a housing having support rails for receiving one of a granular tray and a chunk tray and a feed material reservoir positioned above the support rails to selectively feed one of either the granular tray or the chunk tray. A valve mechanism and pulse vibrator are also disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with a method of manufacturing CZ silicon wafers, a parameter of at least two of the CZ silicon wafers is measured. A group of the CZ silicon wafers falling within a tolerance of a target specification is determined. The group of the CZ silicon wafers is divided into sub-groups taking into account the measured parameter. An average value of the parameter of the CZ silicon wafers of each sub-group differs among the sub-groups, and a tolerance of the parameter of the CZ silicon wafers of each sub-group is smaller than a tolerance of the parameter of the target specification. A labeling configured to distinguish between the CZ silicon wafers of different sub-groups is prepared. The CZ silicon wafers falling within the tolerance of the target specification are packaged.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for synthesizing synthetic CVD diamond material and high quality synthetic CVD diamond materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing a carbon nanotube fiber.

Abstract: An electronic device may include intertwined strands of material such as strands forming fabric. A strand in the fabric may include a light-emitting core surrounded by a coaxial light modulator layer. The light-emitting core may be formed from an optical fiber, light-emitting diodes mounted to a polymer core, or a layer of light-emitting diodes sandwiched between coaxial inner and outer conductive layers. The light modulator layer may have coaxial transparent inner and outer electrodes and may have a light modulating material such as electrochromic material, liquid crystal material, or other material that exhibits optical properties such as color and/or light transmission that can be electrically controlled.

Abstract: A method for weaving a multi-image graphical fabric including the step of assigned groups, each group having first, second and third yarns, wherein a first group has the first yarn being for a valley position in a most suppressed position and the second and third yarns being a first pair for a slope position in relatively raised positions, a second group has a first yarn for a ridge position with the second and third yarn forming a second pair for a slope in a descending position resulting in a combination of six fill yarns across twelve warp ends to form a weave unit so that three separate and distinct image fields are created in a face of the fabric and viewing angle determines which image field is seen.

Abstract: To provide a method for manufacturing a woven fabric for which neither the appearance nor a function provided by flat threads of the woven fabric are impaired, and to provide the woven fabric. The woven fabric further includes flat threads 3 each wider than a fiber warp thread 10, and the flat threads 3 are caused to pass through healds 102 intermittently with respect to a plurality of the fiber warp threads 10. A hole 102a of each heald is long in a heald moving direction. By causing the flat thread 3 to pass through the hole, the longitudinal direction in transverse plane of the flat thread 3 is oriented along a heald moving direction M. By interweaving fiber weft threads with the fiber warp threads 10, a plurality of woven fabric placement sections is formed so as to be arranged in a weft direction W, each woven fabric placement section being formed as a woven fabric structure and having the flat thread corresponding thereto placed on the woven fabric structure.

Abstract: A textile is provided that includes a plurality of warp yarns and a plurality of weft yarns woven together, the plurality of warp yarns each including an elastic warp filament and a non-elastic warp filament, and the plurality of weft yarns each including an elastic weft filament and a non-elastic weft filament. At least one of the elastic warp filament, the non-elastic warp filament, the elastic weft filament, and the non-elastic weft filament includes a hydrophobic material. The materials of the elastic warp filament, the non-elastic warp filament, the elastic weft filament, and the non-elastic weft filament are selected such that the textile has a high elastic stretchability in at least one of a weft direction and a warp direction. A garment including the textile, and methods for manufacturing the textile and the garment, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an article. The article may include a first tubular rib structure and a second tubular rib structure. A webbed area may be located between the first tubular rib structure and the second tubular rib structure. The webbed area may have a first portion with a first width and a second portion with a second width, where the first width may be larger than the second width. The webbed area may be at least partially formed from a first yarn.

Abstract: A method for integrally weaving a shoe embryo having an extension is provided. The extension may be a vamp decoration piece, a shoe lace installation piece, an ankle strap or a toe decoration piece. During a weaving process of the shoe embryo of the method, the extension may be formed simultaneously by knitting at least one of yarns. Thus, by weaving the shoe embryo using the method of the present invention, the extension may be prevented from an additional post-process that may reduce the overall aesthetic features of the woven shoe embryo. Further, because the extension is a formed integral, a process of installing the extension after the shoe embryo is woven as in the prior art is eliminated.

Abstract: Present aspects hereof are directed to a circular knitted garment for a lower torso, formed from a circular knitted tube of fabric. In some aspects, a bottom edge of the tubular fabric body includes an arched front cutout with generally convergent legs, and an arched back cutout with generally divergent legs. Upon sewing a seam between the arched front cutout and the arched back cutout, a vertical seam is aligned with a vertical axis of the tubular fabric body and a front rise of the garment is lower than a back rise of the garment. In further aspects, a bottom angled cutout along the bottom edge of the tubular fabric body provides a perpendicular alignment between the bottom edge of the garment and the vertical inseam of the garment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a decorative compression sock made from resilient elastic material for the prevention and treatment. The material is composed of a plurality of fibers. An aesthetically pleasing image is stored onto a sublimation transferable medium. The image is transferred from the sublimation transfer medium onto the compression sock wherein the image is permanently incorporated into the plurality of fibers of the material. The compression sock configured as a knee length tubular member having a closed end and an opened lower end. Compression is graduated from the toe, ankle and leg portion.

Abstract: A dual-layer mesh fabric includes an upper gauze layer and a lower gauze layer. The upper gauze layer includes upper carded yarns. First color yarns are provided to stretch across at least two of the upper carded yarns and turned and weaved back and forth. The lower gauze layer includes lower carded yarns. Second color yarns are provided to stretch across at least two of the lower carded yarns and turned and weaved back and forth. The first and second color yarns are exchanged at a setting position, enabling the first color yarns to be tuned and inserted through the lower carded yarns and the second color yarns to be tuned and inserted through the upper carded yarns to be knitted. The upper gauze layer having the first color yarns shows the second color yarns. The lower gauze layer having the second color yarns shows the first color yarns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paper guide rope braided from a plurality of textile subunits, wherein each subunit contains a plurality of twisted yarns made from multifilament yarn. The rope according to the invention is characterized in that the titre of at least part of the twisted yarns, preferably of all the twisted yarns, is in each case at most 5000 dtex, and that the twist rate of at least part of the twisted yarns, preferably of all the twisted yarns, is in each case at least 150 T/m.

Abstract: A method of forming a three dimensional fiber structure is disclosed which comprises the steps of a) providing a starting material which comprises liquid carrier, fibers and binder; b) passing the starting material over a substrate so as to deposit fibers onto the substrate; c) forming a three dimensional fiber matrix; and d) curing the binder. The flow of material onto the substrate may be controlled such that the flow of a starting material over the substrate is chaotic and fibers are laid down in a three dimensional structure containing a high proportion of voids. The preform may be pressurized while moist and is cured under pressure. The fibers may comprise carbon fibers; recycled carbon fiber has been found to be particularly useful. The resulting preform may be stochastic and is suitable for use in ablative and braking applications.

Abstract: A pleatable nonwoven material is provided, including thicker form-giving fibers and thinner fibers determining the filter effect, wherein the thinner fibers are incorporated largely homogeneously in the thicker fibers running in the direction along the surface of the nonwoven material and a distribution density gradient of the thinner fibers is established perpendicular to the surface of the nonwoven material such that the highest concentration of thinner fibers is in the region of the center or on one of the two outsides, wherein the thicker and thinner fibers are bonded together by solidification from the melted condition and are made from the same material.

Abstract: Spunbonded electret webs comprising polylactic acid fibers, in which at least some of the polylactic acid fibers are meltspun, drawn, charged fibers that include charging additive; and, methods of making such fibers and webs.

Abstract: Presented is an apparatus and method for hook timing. An exemplary apparatus includes a frame, the frame having a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion having a needle bar channel, and a spacer, the spacer moveable relative to the frame to overlay a portion of the top portion of the frame. The apparatus further including a clasping element connected to the frame and operable to change an effective diameter of a portion of the channel, and a bottom plate, the bottom plate connected to the bottom portion of the frame.

Abstract: A sewing machine having a device for manually changing a feed dog (10), including the feed dog (10) and a feed-dog holder (30). The feed-dog holder (30) is disposed in an arm bed (103) that is associated with the sewing machine, and the feed dog (10) is receivable in a clearance (31, 81) of the feed-dog holder (30). The feed dog (10) that is located in the clearance (31, 81) has a support face (15) which may be disposed parallel with the surface of a sewn-product support which may contain a needle-hole plate (113) or be configured as a needle-hole plate (113), the sewn-product support and/or the needle-hole plate (113) may at least partially be formed by the surface of the arm bed (103), and the support face (15) may be received in an opening (140) of the needle-hole plate (113).

Abstract: Hook (11, 12, 13, 14) for a lockstitch sewing machine, or parts of the hook such as the support element of the tension spring (in particular the basket or the bobbin case) or the tension spring itself, including a tension spring (80, 90, 100, 110, 120) that includes a bending towards the outside (with respect to the support element on which it is mounted and with respect to the main bending radius of the tension spring) of the tension spring's extremity designed to press on the bobbin thread, so that the pressure point (P) on the bobbin thread is the point of tangency between the bending radius (R) of the bending of the tension spring's extremity and the support element of the tension spring, so as to generate a stable tension of the bobbin thread.

Abstract: A caddy for sewing items includes a hollow housing, and first/second elongated permanent magnets contained in the housing. The second magnet is arranged in parallel to and spaced from the first magnet. The housing includes first/second attracting surfaces and an elongated groove between the first and second attracting surfaces. The first magnet has an upper surface S-pole corresponding to the first attracting surface, and the second magnet has an upper surface N-pole corresponding to the second attracting surface. The groove extends in parallel to the first/second magnets and has a first longitudinal edge connected to the first attracting surface and a second longitudinal edge connected to the second attracting surface. The first and second longitudinal edges are curved so that their center portion is higher than other portions as viewed in the direction in which the first/second magnets are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: Different twisting techniques are employed for joining yarn to direct through a single needle of a tufting machine. Additionally, a more durable carpet, for at least some embodiments, is provided than would be expected. Furthermore, twist differential and luster differential amongst yarns are utilized to provide carpets.

Abstract: A laundry system performs a washing function to wash multiple load of fabric items. The system can include a first wash chamber for washing a first clothes load, a drawer below the first wash chamber, a tub supported by the drawer, and a wash basket rotatably mounted within the tub and defining a second wash chamber, which has a low capacity relative to a capacity of the first wash chamber. The laundry system is capable of performing a washing operation in the second wash chamber independently of a washing operation performed in the first wash chamber.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance and a method operating a laundry treating appliance having a dye sensor configured to output a signal indicative of the amount of dye within liquid in the treating chamber, a controller having a memory in which is stored a set of executable instructions including at least one user-selectable cycle of operation, and a user interface operably coupled with the controller and providing an input and output function for the controller and provide information related to a dye release.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a washing machine and method for controlling the same. An embodiment of the washing machine includes an auxiliary washing unit placed below a door arranged on top of a main body; an input unit for receiving instructions to start and stop auxiliary washing; and a water supply unit for supplying water to the auxiliary washing unit if the instruction to start water supply is input, and stopping supplying water to the auxiliary washing unit if the instruction to stop water supply is input.

Abstract: Methods of reducing a likelihood of contact between a rotating laundry-container, such as a basket or drum, located within a tub of a laundry treating appliance where the method includes rotating the drum during a measurement period, determining a torque, speed, acceleration, and position of the drum, using a parameter estimator to estimate the position of a mass relative to an imbalance of laundry and accelerating the rotation of the drum when the mass is determined to be angularly spaced from the relative position of the imbalance of laundry.

Abstract: A laundry washing machine and method automate the selection of a load type for a laundry washing machine during an initial fill phase of a wash cycle and based in part on weight and fluid level sensed by weight and fluid level sensors operatively coupled to a wash tub and after a selected amount of water has been dispensed into the wash tub.

Abstract: A laundry washing machine and method may use a distance sensor to determine dry and wet distance values associated with a load disposed in a wash tub, and dynamically configure a wash cycle based upon the determined values. In some instances, the distance sensor may also be used to detect an excessive fluid level, excessive foaming, or a floating item in the wash tub.