Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed for automated securing and releasing of items on shuttles. In one embodiment, an example item sortation system may include a shuttle having a conveyor, a first gate portion having a second width that is about half a first width of the conveyor, a second gate portion having the second width, an optional third gate portion having the second width, and an optional fourth gate portion having the second width, wherein the third gate portion and the fourth gate portion are disposed at a second side of the conveyor. The first gate portion, the second gate portion, the third gate portion, and the fourth gate portion may be configured to: (i) secure the at least one item on the conveyor during transport, and (ii) guide the at least one item along the conveyor when the item is unloaded.

Abstract: A rotating substrate is cleaned by a polishing head and a cleaning brush. A first trajectory is formed by movement of the polishing head along a first path. A second trajectory is formed by movement of the cleaning brush along a second path. A region in which the first and second paths overlap with each other is defined as an interference region. The polishing head moves from a center towards an outer peripheral end of the substrate, and it is determined whether the polishing head has moved out of the interference region. At a time point at which it is determined that the polishing head has moved out of the interference region, the cleaning brush starts moving from the outer peripheral end towards the center of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an edge of a semiconductor wafer in a wafer edge exposure (WEE) apparatus includes positioning the semiconductor wafer having a resist thereon in a wafer positioning device. A brush bar is positioned adjacent a backside of the semiconductor wafer in the wafer positioning device. The brush bar engages and cleans a backside of the semiconductor wafer while the semiconductor wafer is disposed in the wafer positioning device. A height of an edge of the semiconductor wafer is detected. The focusing position of exposure light radiated toward the edge is controlled on the basis of a height of the edge. Exposure light is radiated towards an edge after the cleaning step.

Abstract: Methods and tools for de-bonding and cleaning substrates are disclosed. A method includes de-bonding a surface of a first substrate from a second substrate, and after de-bonding, cleaning the surface of the first substrate. The cleaning comprises physically contacting a cleaning mechanism to the surface of the first substrate. A tool includes a de-bonding module and a cleaning module. The de-bonding module comprises a first chuck, a radiation source configured to emit radiation toward the first chuck, and a first robot arm having a vacuum system. The vacuum system is configured to secure and remove a substrate from the first chuck. The cleaning module comprises a second chuck, a spray nozzle configured to spray a fluid toward the second chuck, and a second robot arm having a cleaning device configured to physically contact the cleaning device to a substrate on the second chuck.

Abstract: A non-contact edge coating apparatus includes an applicator for applying a coating material on an edge of a solar cell substrate and a control system configured to drive the applicator. The control system may drive the applicator along an axis to maintain a distance with an edge of the substrate as the substrate is rotated to have the edge coated with a coating material. The applicator may include a recessed portion into which the edge of the substrate is received for edge coating. For example, the applicator may be a roller with a groove. Coating material may be introduced into the groove for application onto the edge of the substrate. A variety of coating materials may be employed with the apparatus including hot melt ink and UV curable plating resist.

Abstract: A substrate treatment apparatus includes: a substrate holding unit which horizontally holds a substrate; a substrate rotating unit which rotates the substrate held by the substrate holding unit about a vertical axis; a treatment liquid supplying unit which supplies a treatment liquid to an upper surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit; an opposing member to be located in opposed spaced relation to the upper surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit in contact with a film of the treatment liquid formed on the upper surface of the substrate so as to receive a lift force from the liquid film; a support member which supports the opposing member; and an opposing member holding mechanism which causes the support member to hold the opposing member in a vertically relatively movable manner.

Abstract: A rolling contact layer-by-layer assembly device comprises at least one roller, a cylinder substrate and a motor to rotate the cylinder substrate. The assembly device optionally includes at least one rinsing nozzle and air applicator. The rollers each provide a polyelectrolyte solution to the surface of the cylinder substrate, the polyelectrolyte solutions having an affinity for each other. Excess polyelectrolyte solution can be washed using the rinsing nozzle followed by a drying step prior to the application of the second polyelectrolyte solution. A plurality of bilayers is produced by the continuous application of polyelectrolyte solutions to form an LBL article such as a nano-composite article or film. The film is then removed from the surface of the cylinder substrate.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for coating stents are described herein.

Abstract: Methods are provided for applying a layer to a honeycomb body. The methods include the steps of applying a cement mixture to a cylindrical surface of the honeycomb body and rotating the honeycomb body and a blade relative to one another about a longitudinal axis of the honeycomb body. The methods further include the steps of holding the blade at a first interior angle during a relative rotation of the honeycomb body and the blade about the longitudinal axis. The methods then include the step of moving the blade from the first interior angle to a second interior angle greater than the first interior angle. The methods still further include the step of rotating of the honeycomb body and the blade relative to one another about the longitudinal axis after the blade begins to move from the first interior angle toward the second interior angle.

Abstract: Method is provided for applying a cement mixture to a honeycomb body including the step of aligning a first end of the honeycomb body with respect to a first longitudinal axis of a first support member. The method further includes the step of aligning a second support member with respect to the second end of the honeycomb body. The second support member is allowed to move relative to the first support member such that a second longitudinal axis of second support member is not coincident with the first longitudinal axis. The method further includes the step of fixing the position of the honeycomb body with respect to the first support member and the second support member. The method still further includes the step of applying a cement mixture to the honeycomb body. An apparatus is provided that is configured to apply a cement mixture to a honeycomb body.

Abstract: An apparatus for color coding a tool bit includes a motor, a paint supply device, a brush, a lifting mechanism and a control unit. The motor includes a shaft onto which the tool bit is positioned. The paint supply device is provided for ejecting dyestuff therefrom. The brush is arranged to absorb the dyestuff from the paint supply device. The lifting mechanism is configured to move the paint reservoir and the brush together to have the brush contact with or depart from the tool bit. The control unit includes a pedal-type switch for activating the lifting mechanism, the motor and the paint supply device together in order to have the tool bit be annularly colored.

Abstract: A liquid application apparatus includes a guide roll for guiding a sheet for application, and a slit die for applying a liquid to a surface of the sheet for application from an opening. The slit die has an upper layer flow path and a lower layer flow path spaced in the rotational direction of the guide roll and joining at the opening. In a cross section perpendicular to the axis of the guide roll, an angle ? formed by the center line of the upper layer flow path and the center line of the lower layer flow path is 0.

Abstract: An apparatus for coloring a recognizable tool bit includes an operating system and a control system electrically connected to the operating system. The operating system has a rotating mechanism having a rotor extending therefrom for adapting to connect to a tool bit. A supplying mechanism is provided for adapting to store dyestuffs and inject the dyestuffs for coloring the tool bit. A daubing mechanism is relatively connected to the supplying mechanism for soaking dyestuffs from the supplying mechanism and daubing the dyestuff on the tool bit.

Abstract: A device and a method which is capable of uniformly coating, without waste, any flow passages formed in a raw material with a slurry even if a slurry having high viscosity is fed thereto by an amount required for the use of coating without excess and shortage. When the slurry (S) fed to one end of the base material (M) in which a large number of flow passages (2 . . . ) are formed parallel with each other is forced into the flow passages (2 . . . ) by an air pressure to coat the inner walls (2w) of the flow passages, the slurry (S) is fed from a slurry feeding device (6) by a required amount to a slurry storage part (5) formed at the upper surface part of the base material (M) disposed so that both ends of the flow passages (2 . . . ) can be opened in the upper and bottom surfaces thereof. Then, before the slurry (S) is forced into the flow passages (2 . . .

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for depositing a viscous material on a substrate surface. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of depositing a viscous material on a substrate surface, the method comprising: applying a pre-wet material to a surface of a substrate; depositing a viscous material atop the pre-wet material; rotating the substrate about an axis to spread the viscous material along the surface of the substrate toward a substrate edge; and depositing additional pre-wet material in a path along the surface and adjacent the spreading viscous material.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for forming coatings that can elute active agents and coating produced by the same. In an embodiment, the invention includes an apparatus for applying a coating to a medical device including a first spray nozzle, a first coating composition supply conduit, a second spray nozzle, and a second coating composition supply conduit. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of applying a coating to a medical device including forming a first spray stream, forming a second spray stream, and directing the spray streams toward the medical device so that the first spray stream intersects the second spray stream before hitting the medical device. In an embodiment, the invention includes an apparatus for applying a coating to a medical device including a spray nozzle, a first coating composition supply conduit and a second coating composition supply conduit.

Abstract: A gluing mechanism comprising a platform, a plurality of turn tables set on the platform for workpieces, a motor for driving the turn tables and a gluing device firmly set up on the platform. The gluing device comprises a forward assembly, an elevator, a panning assembly and a plurality of glue applicators. The forward assembly is set on the platform and moves along a shorter side of the platform. The elevator is set on the forward assembly and moves relative to the platform vertically. The panning assembly is set on the elevator and moves along a longer side of the platform. The glue applicators are installed on the panning assembly. The motor drives the turn tables simultaneously. The gluing mechanism of the present invention has benefits of simple structure, a high working efficiency and proceeds a precise rotary gluing process to workpieces. Therefore, an excellent gluing quality can be realized.

Abstract: An apparatus for coloring a recognizable tool bit includes an operating system and a control system electrically connected to the operating system. The operating system has a rotating mechanism having a rotor extending therefrom for adapting to connect to a tool bit. A supplying mechanism is provided for adapting to store dyestuffs and inject the dyestuffs for coloring the tool bit. A daubing mechanism is relatively connected to the supplying mechanism for soaking dyestuffs from the supplying mechanism and daubing the dyestuff on the tool bit.

Abstract: Methods for coating an implantable medical device, such as a stent, are provided.

Abstract: There is provided a nanoimprint apparatus. The nanoimprint apparatus transfers a pattern formed on a surface of a mold to a transfer layer which is formed partially or entirely on a side surface of a substantially cylindrical or columnar substrate. The nanoimprint apparatus includes: a first jig which is in contact with the substrate 102; a second jig which rotatably supports the first jig; a press unit which is connected to the second jig to press the substrate on the mold 104 through the first and second jigs; and a movable holding unit which holds the mold and moves the mold 104 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a pressing force.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for coating stents are described herein.

Abstract: A method of applying a coating to a stent supported by a mandrel is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating the outer peripheral surface 1a of a pillar structure 1 comprising a smoothing means 10 having a smoothing plate 10a and an elastic body 10b; the elastic body 10 being disposed to be contacted with the outer peripheral surface 1a of the pillar structure 1 to be coated. The coating surface of a coating material supplied to the outer peripheral surface 1a is smoothed between the outer peripheral surface 1a and the elastic body 10b. A method for coating the outer peripheral surface of a pillar structure is also provided. According to the method by using the apparatus, the occurrence of partial uncoating or peeling of the coating and occurrence of cracks in the coating portion during drying after coating can be inhibited since the coating material can be applied thinly and uniformly on the outer peripheral surface, thereby the coating surface is smoothed.

Abstract: A system for coating a medical device comprises a transfer web, a metering web. The webs are each advanced in a downstream direction toward a gap defined by the advancing webs. A coating solution applicator is configured to apply a coating solution at a staging area at a position upstream of the gap. A medical device retaining mechanism is positioned at a coating application area of the transfer web, at a position downstream from the gap.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus (1) for coating a cylinder (C), in particular a wiping cylinder of an intaglio printing press, with a plastic composition comprising, inter alia, heating means (6) for applying radiant heat to the cylinder throughout its length, the heating means being disposed in a movable hood part (7) adapted to be moved on top of the cylinder for applying heat thereto or away from the cylinder to allow mounting or dismounting of the cylinder (C) on or from the apparatus. In the closed state, the hood part forms an interior space enclosing the cylinder. The hood part includes a hood body (71) and a window panel (72, 73) mounted on a front side of said hood body to allow a human operator to monitor deposition of the plastic composition onto the surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: Method is provided for applying a cement mixture to a honeycomb body including the step of aligning a first end of the honeycomb body with respect to a first longitudinal axis of a first support member. The method further includes the step of aligning a second support member with respect to the second end of the honey-comb body. The second support member is allowed to move relative to the first support member such that a second longitudinal axis of second support member is not coincident with the first longitudinal axis. The method further includes the step of fixing the position of the honeycomb body with respect to the first support member and the second support member. The method still further includes the step of applying a cement mixture to the honeycomb body.

Abstract: Overspray eradicator. A portable spray and overspray capture system including a portable vacuum filtration and spray gun air power supply unit including an air pressurization system, a vacuum creation system, a high efficiency particulate air filter, and an organic vapor filter, the portable vacuum filtration and spray gun air power supply unit in pressurized air communication with, and vacuum communication with, a visibility sparing spray shroud, the shroud including a spray gun or a spray gun fitting, a vacuum fitting and a plurality of extensions each with an aperture allowing fluid communication between the interior of the shroud and the exterior of the shroud the shroud having internal fluid passages to allow fluid communication between each of the extensions and the vacuum fitting.

Abstract: An apparatus for coloring a recognizable tool bit includes an operating system and a control system electrically connected to the operating system. The operating system has a rotating mechanism having a rotor extending therefrom for adapting to connect to a tool bit. A supplying mechanism is provided for adapting to store dyestuffs and inject the dyestuffs for coloring the tool bit. A daubing mechanism is relatively connected to the supplying mechanism for soaking dyestuffs from the supplying mechanism and daubing the dyestuff on the tool bit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for coating an optical disc, and the tool includes: a coating section for spreading coating material; a restricting section for defining a coating area; and a support section for supporting the coating section and the restricting section. The coating section and the restricting section form a material accommodating space. Also, a method for coating an optical disc by using such tool and a method for fabricating an optical disc are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a high-quality and low-cost laminate type electrophotographic photoreceptor having a coating film of uniform thickness with high efficiency is provided. In the electrophotographic photoreceptor having a laminated structure composed at least of two layers: a charge generating layer containing a charge generating substance and a charge transporting layer containing a charge transporting substance, the charge generating layer is formed by applying a coating solution for forming the charge generating layer onto the conductive support by an ink-jet coating method, and the charge transporting layer is formed by applying a coating solution for forming the charge transporting layer onto the charge generating layer by a roll coating method.

Abstract: A system for coating a tubular implantable medical device, such as a stent, can include a rotatable applicator and a rotatable support for the medical device. The axes of rotation of applicator and the support can be substantially non-parallel.

Abstract: A device is described for applying a release agent to a molding ring (1) for a front centering shoulder of a tubular or annular workpiece made of concrete having an application unit connected to a pump for the release agent. To provide advantageous application conditions, it is suggested that the application unit for the release agent have an application roll (4) preferably adapted to the profile of the molding ring (1), whose rotational axis (5) at least approximately runs in a diameter plane of the molding ring (1).

Abstract: My invention relates to a method and apparatus for painting a stripe on the outside surface of spherical objects such as golf balls with their axes horizontal and rotating during the painting operation, the stripe is being painted circularly around the sphere with the axis as the center. The sphere being striped is supported for free rotation about its horizontal axis by bushing cups that are mounted on rotating shafts with a spring to apply pressure inward holding sphere in place. A felt tip paint marker or refillable ink marker, that is in contact with the sphere or golf ball, applies a stripe to outside surface so it may be identified as a range ball.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for coating an optical disc, and the tool includes: a coating section for spreading coating material; a restricting section for defining a coating area; and a support section for supporting the coating section and the restricting section. The coating section and the restricting section form a material accommodating space. Also, a method for coating an optical disc by using such tool and a method for fabricating an optical disc are disclosed.

Abstract: To suppress generation of a joint when detaching an applicator roll and cylindrical substrate from each other in a simple control to form a coating film having a uniform thickness efficiently on the cylindrical substrate is provided. A coating liquid is supplied from a pan to an applicator roll via a metalling roll, the applicator roll supplied with the coating liquid and a cylindrical substrate provided so as to be close to or in contact with the applicator roll are rotated. The coating liquid is transferred from the applicator roll to the cylindrical substrate, and the cylindrical substrate is rotated in a predetermined number. Thereafter, such control is carried out that the circumferential speed V1 of one of the applicator roll and the cylindrical substrate is higher than the circumferential speed V2 of the other when detaching the applicator roll and the cylindrical substrate from each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for machining (1) a continuous material (2), comprising a device for applying fluids, for example plastic substances and/or fluid adhesives, in the form of a surface coat at least partly on the continuous material (2) directly applied or by transfer. Such installations are particularly used for laminating a continuous material and one or more substrates. The invention is characterized in that the application device (A) mounted in the deflecting and/or pressing roll (4) is an interchangeable modular unit.

Abstract: Methods for uniformly distributing a flowing medium to a surface such as that of a rotary liquid permeable roll are disclosed where the flowing medium is distributed by a number of distribution units, the method including distributing the flowing medium to each of the distribution units and separately controlling the flow of the flowing medium to each of the distribution units whereby a uniform flow and an equal amount of the flowing medium is obtained in each of the distribution units. Distribution devices for uniformly distributing a flowing medium to such a surface are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for uniformly distributing a flowing medium to a surface such as that of a rotary liquid permeable roll are disclosed where the flowing medium is distributed by a number of distribution units, the method including distributing the flowing medium to each of the distribution units and separately controlling the flow of the flowing medium to each of the distribution units whereby a uniform flow and an equal amount of the flowing medium is obtained in each of the distribution units. Distribution devices for uniformly distributing a flowing medium to such a surface are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for applying adhesive to at least a first end of a rod-shaped member, such as a cotton swab stick includes a carrier, an adhesive applicator, and a rotator device. The carrier conveys the rod-shaped member or stick in a machine direction and also allows rotation of the rod-shaped member about its longitudinal axis. The adhesive applicator includes an application surface positioned to engage the first end of the rod-shaped member. The application surface includes at least one discharge passage for applying adhesive to the first end of the rod-shaped member. The rotator device rotates the rod relative to the application surface and about its longitudinal axis as the rod-shaped member is conveyed along the application surface.

Abstract: A system and method for applying adhesive to at least a first end of a rod-shaped member, such as a cotton swab stick includes a carrier, an adhesive applicator, and a rotator device. The carrier conveys the rod-shaped member or stick in a machine direction and also allows rotation of the rod-shaped member about its longitudinal axis. The adhesive applicator includes an application surface positioned to engage the first end of the rod-shaped member. The application surface includes at least one discharge passage for applying adhesive to the first end of the rod-shaped member. The rotator device rotates the rod relative to the application surface and about its longitudinal axis as the rod-shaped member is conveyed along the application surface.

Abstract: A stent mounting device and a method of coating a stent using the device are provided.

Abstract: A paint applying roller is positioned over the sidewall of a tire rotating about a vertical axis and the roller is vertically movable into contact with the sidewall to apply and spread protective paint over white sidewall surfaces.

Abstract: An exposure method according to the present invention includes a first step of forming on a substrate an alignment mark including a concave and convex pattern; a second step of forming a coat over said alignment mark and the other area on said substrate; a third step of flattening said coat; and a fourth step of applying a photosensitive material on said coat flattened by said third step and projecting a mask pattern thereto. The alignment mark is formed by said concave and convex pattern arranged with a pitch which is smaller than the predetermined value between adjacent convex portions having a width of not less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A non-impact process and apparatus for coating printing cylinders with layers of a coating liquid, especially for coating flexographic printing sleeves with infrared sensitive layers.

Abstract: An improved short dwell type coater and method are provided. The coater can coat a web directly or a moving roll surface as in a film coater or size press. The flow path in the coater includes a flow modifier shaped to have the introduced coating first turn upstream relative to the web or roll surface, then turn across a curved surface toward the web or roll and around the flow modifier. The flow then converges toward the top of the flow modifier and passes the tip of the flow modifier. Some flow remains on the web or roll and is subsequently doctored, while most is turned away from the web or roll and merged with the incoming flow. A gap filled with coating overflow provides a liquid seal. This coater and method use coating, reduce vortices and streaking, and can operate at higher speeds.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying photoresist to a surface of a base body having a receiving device therefor, including a photoresist feeder movable relative to the base body, the feeder being a point source device, and a device for performing a defined movement of the base body, comprising a conically shaped tip formed on the point source device for applying photoresist in a defined spot.

Abstract: A surface treatment method for use in integrated circuit fabrication includes providing a substrate assembly having a surface. A liquid is provided adjacent the surface resulting in an interface therebetween. An electrical potential difference is applied across the interface and the surface is treated as the electrical potential difference is applied across the interface. The liquid may be a planarization liquid when the treatment of the surface includes planarizing a substrate assembly or the liquid may be a coating material when the treatment of the surface includes applying a coating material on the surface.

Abstract: A coating material application method is for forming a film while guides disposed at both ends of the tip of a nozzle in the direction of application width and protruding to a substrate are contacted with the substrate, and while the gap between at least the outlet-side edge at the tip of the nozzle and the surface of the substrate is maintained constant.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resist coating-developing method and apparatus including (a) a setting step for setting a target value and an allowable range thereof, (b) a resist-coating step, (c) a pre-baking step, (d) a first cooling step, (e) a light-exposure step, (f) a line width measuring step for measuring a line width of a latent image, (g) a post-baking step, (h) a second cooling step, (i) a developing step, (j) a judging step determining whether or not the value of the line width of the latent image measured in the step (f) falls within the allowable range of the target value set in the step (a), (k) a calculating step for calculating a difference between the measured value of the latent image line width and the target value, and (l) a correcting step for correcting the process condition in at least one previous step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toner for developing an electrostatic latent image, comprising a calix arene compound expressed by the following general formula ?I!: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 to 5, or --(CH.sub.2).sub.m COOR.sub.3 (in which R.sub.3 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; and m represents an integer of 1 to 3); n represents an integer of 0 to 7.The present invention further relates to a charge-giving member comprising a calix arene compound expressed by the foregoing general formula ?I!.