Abstract: An apparatus for wetting an advancing filament bundle. A fluid is applied by means of a nozzle in the form of a fluid spray jet to the filament bundle advancing in spaced relationship with the nozzle. A portion of the spray jet is shielded before impacting upon the filament bundle, so that the application of fluid to the filament bundle is determined by the degree of shielding of the spray jet. With that, the invention is adapted for finely adjusting the fluid application to the filament bundle.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method adapted for shielding and removing fine particles for a portable camera module generated during a portable camera module fabricating process. The portable camera module includes an image sensor and an infrared ray filter. The apparatus includes a tape attaching device for attaching a surface protective tape on a surface of the infrared ray filter so as to prevent fine particles from being attached to the surface of the infrared ray filter, and a tape detaching device movably installed above the surface protective tape in order to detach the surface protective tape having fine particles shielded from the surface of the infrared ray filter. The fine particles are attached to the surface protective tape, which remains shielding the surface of the infrared ray filter during the holder attaching, primary heat treatment, secondary heat treatment, and under filling processes are subsequently carried out.

Abstract: A method of forming a silicon nitride layer is provided. A deposition furnace having an outer tube, a wafer boat, a gas injector and a uniform gas injection apparatus is provided. The wafer boat is positioned within the outer tube for carrying a plurality of wafers. The gas injector is positioned between the outer tube and the wafer boat. Similarly, the uniform gas injection apparatus is positioned between the outer tube and the wafer boat. Gas injected into the uniform gas injection apparatus is uniformly distributed throughout the entire deposition furnace. To form a silicon nitride layer on each wafer, a silicon-containing gas is passed into the deposition furnace via the gas injector and a nitrogen-mixed carrier gas is passed into the deposition furnace via the uniform gas injection apparatus.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided. A method supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is also provided.

Abstract: A mask frame assembly for evaporation includes a mask and a frame which supports the mask. The mask includes a metal layer having a predetermined pattern, and a coating layer which is formed on a surface of the metal layer so as to increase a precision of the predetermined pattern and a surface roughness of the mask.

Abstract: The invention is a one-piece ergonomic shielding tool that can be held in one hand to define a boundary against which a surface is processed on one side and protected from processing steps on the opposite side. The invention achieves this utility by providing a handle that is ergonomically fitted for the human hand to allow prolonged use without fatigue or injury to the user. The invention includes a straight edge, or guide edge, for dividing a surface into two regions and a curved handle for ergonomic hand-held use. The ergonomic shielding tool and a paint removal apparatus are useful in combination for scraping paint from one section of a surface and leaving another section protected from the paint removal process. The tool is adapted for use in a method of removing dried paint from a surface in a precise manner.

Abstract: A device for liquid treatment of a defined area of a wafer-shaped article, especially of a wafer, in which a mask is kept at a defined short distance to the wafer-shaped article such that liquid can be retained between the mask and the defined area of the wafer-shaped article by capillary forces.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer in a process chamber to improve power coupling through the substrate. The apparatus contains a pedestal assembly and a pedestal cover positioned over the top surface of and circumscribing the pedestal assembly for electrically isolating the pedestal assembly. The pedestal cover reduces conductive film growth in the wafer process region. As such, RF wafer biasing power from the pedestal assembly remains coupled through the substrate during processing.

Abstract: A disc is produced using a method of and an apparatus for forming a transparent layer on a disc substrate. The method for forming the transparent layer on the disc substrate includes covering an axial hole formed at a center of the disc substrate with a cover element by inserting a protrusion of the cover element in the axial hole of the disc substrate so that a resin does not leak through the axial hole, dispensing the resin toward the center of the disc substrate from an upper side of the disc substrate, and removing the cover element. A more uniform transparent layer can be obtained throughout the disc substrate.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate article is provided. The method includes masking a first portion of the substrate article with a maskant that includes a formed graphite piece that overlays and contacts the first portion of the substrate such that a second portion of the substrate is not overlaid nor contacted by the maskant; and processing the substrate article such that a coating of material is deposited on the second portion of the substrate, and wherein the maskant facilitates preventing the coating from being deposited on the first portion of the substrate article.

Abstract: A replaceable shielding apparatus provides a cost effective way of shielding a portion of a workpiece during processing. The apparatus includes a replaceable shield, made of comparable weight as the workpiece for allowing replacement of the shield in the same way as the replacement of the workpiece. With this feature, the replacement of the shield is a routine process and would not interfere much with the workpiece operation. The invention further includes a shield clamp for clamping the shield onto the workpiece. In a preferred embodiment, the invention further includes a non-reactive gas inlet for creating a pressurized cavity in the vicinity of the shielded portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: An adjustable paint guard for filling the opening of a door frame so that one side of the door frame can be quickly painted without having paint strike the other side of the door frame includes a multi-panel nested arrangement wherein at least one panel serves as the stationary base panel from which the other panels are capable of selective and independent slidable movement along an x-y axis whereupon all the panels can be brought into abutting relationship with the interior vertical and horizontal portions of the door frame that surround the opening thereby completely filling the opening of the door frame and closing off the opening so that paint cannot reach the opposite side of the door frame.

Abstract: A device to fix a substrate for a thin film sputter, includes a mask, a mask pressing plate, a magnetic body, and a driving unit. The mask having patterns is positioned under the substrate so as to form the patterns on the substrate. The mask pressing plate is positioned over the substrate and moves toward and contacts a back surface of the substrate at a predetermined pressure. The magnetic body is placed over the mask pressing plate and moves toward the mask pressing plate so as to have the mask adhere closely to the substrate by a magnetic force of the magnetic body. The driving unit applies a driving force to move the magnetic body. Where the mask pressing plate descends, the mask pressing plate adheres closely to the substrate. Thereafter, the magnetic body descends toward the back surface of the substrate which is supported by the mask pressing plate. The mask underneath the substrate adheres closely to a front surface of the substrate by the magnetic force of the magnetic body.

Abstract: A paint shield device for doorknobs of various sizes. The device includes two flexible clamshell shaped half cups mold formed together as a unit and connected together along a living hinge between the half cups. The half cups are pivotally movable together about the living hinge to mate or overlap each free distal side margin of each of the half cups to form a substantially complete cup having a substantially cylindrical side wall, a substantially closed bottom, and an open end adapted to admit a doorknob therein. A prong or post extends outwardly from an outer sidewall surface of each half cup to receive an elastic connector stretchably attachable to each prong or post with the half cups in the closed position to produce sufficient biasing force to hold the device in position over the doorknob.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient thin film forming apparatus which is capable of correcting a film thickness so as to take care of a variation in distribution in the film thickness and to take care of the circumferential distribution of the film thickness, as well as a method for forming a thin film using this film forming apparatus.

Abstract: A precision mask for deposition is provided that includes a first brace having a plurlaity of sections placed in parallel to each other at given intervals. The first brace forms portions that define a plurality of first openings. The precision mask for deposition also includes at least one second brace that is placed on the first brace so as to intersect with the first brace. The second brace forms portions that define a plurality of second openings. The second brace is joined to the first brace at a point where the second brace intersects with the first brace.

Abstract: Paint shields formed from relatively stiff but pliable material are configured to cover the transparent or translucent lenses of light fixtures so that frames of the fixtures which extend perimetrically about the lenses can be painted by brush, by roller or by spray without getting paint on the lenses. Edge regions of the paint shields are configured to be inserted between the frames and the lenses, and central regions of the paint shields preferably are transparent or translucent to permit light from the fixtures to pass through the installed paint shields. Peripheral regions of the shields preferably are provided with visible guide formations or may be scored or perforated to facilitate trimming the shields to fit small and undersized fixtures. Central portions may be designed to fold away from other portions of the shields to stiffen the installed shields to minimize sagging.

Abstract: An apparatus for spreading liquid liner in the interior of a rocket motor tube, the rocket motor tube having masks attached at both ends of the rocket motor tube, the apparatus including a generally vertical support plate with an opening there through; a flange with a center opening attached to the support plate; a support tube inserted into the center opening of the flange; a stop disposed in the support tube, the stop abutting the support plate and engaging a mask on one end of the rocket motor tube; a retaining funnel that engages a mask on the other end of the rocket motor tube; a retaining ring that threadingly engages the retaining funnel; and at least two clamps attached to the support tube and engaging the retaining ring.

Abstract: A vacuum painting head to paint objects, including a container having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture for the object to be painted, wherein the outlet aperture has a transverse section substantially equal to that of the object to be painted, wherein a suction pump is provided to create inside the container a determinate depression with respect to atmospheric pressure, and wherein paint is continuously introduced into the container. A stopper element is inserted into one of the apertures and is selectively movable to move away from or closer to the other aperture to open or close it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus as well as systems and methods for masking ceiling or wall fixtures, such as recessed light fixtures, during residential and commercial painting and drywalling. Through the use of an insert mask, a user can quickly and safely mask a fixture without the use of special tools or ladders. Typically, the user positions the insert within a defined opening on the ceiling or wall fixture. The insert is fully inserted into the opening whereby a retaining surface on the insert creates a friction fit between the fixture and the insert. While the insert frictionally resides within the opening, any overspray or misapplication of painting or drywalling material is captured by a protective surface of the insert. Following the material application process, the insert can be removed from the fixture. In an embodiment, the insert mask system includes an insertion tool for insertion and removal of the insert from the fixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mask for protecting a convex and/or window portion of a vehicle, the mask being made of a sheet material, and having an outline that is curvilinear, at least in part. A device for masking convex and/or window portions of motor vehicles is also provided having a plurality of masks that are united to form a packet of masks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filament-bearing tape comprising an adhesive substrate that is releasably adhered to a surface to be coated and a filament releasably adhered to an edge of the substrate that is used to trim the applied coating. The invention further provides a method of trimming the coating comprising applying a masking material to the surface to be coated and a filament of material of sufficient tensile strength to cut the coating material, allowing the coating material to dry or cure until it obtains sufficient strength to hold a cut edge and drawing the filament through to form the cut edge. Finally, the present invention provides an apparatus for making a filament bearing tape comprising means for folding an adhesive substrate along a predefined line, applying a filament to the interior of the fold and closing said fold to retain said filament at the edge of the tape.

Abstract: One or more chambers of a multi-chamber vacuum processing apparatus are provided with a high gas flow conductance path to an exhaust volume of the apparatus that is maintained at high vacuum with a high vacuum pump. Separate pumps for the one or more chambers are made unnecessary by providing such chambers with a protective deposition shield or shield set that is configured to substantially protect walls of the chamber and the gas flow conductance path from deposition and to partially impede the gas flow from the chamber through the gas flow conductance path to the exhaust volume so that the chamber can be operated at a higher pressure than that of the exhaust volume and the chambers can be operated at different pressures and without cross-contamination. Preferably, a nested set of chamber shields is used. A controller is programmed to control the processing of wafers in the chambers by controlling the supply of process gas into the chambers.

Abstract: A stencil used for printing solder paste on a contact pad of a printed wiring board has one or more reverse-tapered apertures passing there through, wherein the apertures have a variable cross-section that is larger at the fill side of the stencil (i.e., where solder paste enters the apertures) than at the board side of the stencil (i.e., where the stencil contacts the contact pad of the printed wiring board).

Abstract: A method for coating a shroud assembly is provided that includes inserting the shroud segment into a clamping fixture such that at least two edges of the shroud are masked by the clamping fixture, mounting the clamping fixture into a spraying fixture such that the shroud segment is oriented in approximately the same orientation as a sprayer, and moving the sprayer and the spraying fixture relative to each other at predetermined rates apply a layer of coating to the shroud segment.

Abstract: A mask frame assembly includes a frame having an opening and a mask having at least two unit mask elements. Both ends of each unit mask element are fixed to the frame in a state of tension. The unit mask elements include a unit masking pattern, and overlap each other on a predetermined width to form a single mask pattern block. Each unit mask element has a recessed wall in an overlapping portion thereof so as to maintain the thickness of the mask constant at an overlap between the unit mask elements. Accordingly, the mask frame assembly reduces distortion in an evaporation pattern due to an increase in the size of a mask pattern, facilitates the adjustment of a total pitch of evaporation patterns, and prevents evaporation from occurring at undesired positions.

Abstract: A latching hinge masking device and method of use comprising two half cavities mounted with a living hinge and a unique latching mechanism and relief portions for accommodating extending screwheads. The device latches and fits around a mounted half hinge and covers the hinge completely during painting, staining, or finishing operations of a door or doorway. The device and method of use allows for easy and convenient attachment and removal and further allows for repeated re-use of the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shutter for use in physical vapour deposition apparatus having a chamber. The shutter, generally indicated at 5, is located in a side housing 6 of the vacuum chamber 7, whilst sputtering is taking place. Once the substrate 2 is treated, the substrate is removed from the chamber and the shutter is brought in to an operative position above a wafer pedestal or support 1. The shutter is mounted on an arm 8 using a fixing boss 10, the arm and the boss being magnetically coupled.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing in situ, controllably variable concentrations of one, two or more chemical components on a substrate to produce an integrated materials chip. The component concentrations can vary linearly, quadratically or according to any other reasonable power law with one or two location coordinates. In one embodiment, a source and a mask with fixed or varying aperture widths and fixed or varying aperture spacings are used to produce the desired concentration envelope. In another embodiment, a mask with one or more movable apertures or openings provides a chemical component flux that varies with location on the substrate, in one or two dimensions. In another embodiment, flow of the chemical components through nuzzle slits provides the desired concentrations. An ion beam source, a sputtering source, a laser ablation source, a molecular beam source, a chemical vapor deposition source and/or an evaporative source can provide the chemical component(s) to be deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: A guard for wheel rims comprising a plurality of louvers and elongated shaft members. A housing member receives one end of the shafts and they are slidably received by cooperating track members mounted on one of the surfaces of the louvers. The shaft members are stacked and pivotally mounted to rotate over one common point. A locking assembly locks the relative position of the shaft members with respect to track members in accordance with the rim size. A locking assembly locks the relative angular positions of the louvers so that a user can selectively form a substantial arch to cover a substantial portion of a rim.

Abstract: A reactor for growing epitaxial layers includes reaction chamber having a passthrough opening for inserting and removing wafer carriers from the reaction chamber. A reactor also includes a cylindrical shutter located inside the reaction chamber for selectively closing the passthrough opening. The cylindrical shutter is movable between a first position for closing the passthrough opening and a second position for opening the passthrough opening. The cylindrical shutter includes an internal cavity adapted to receive a cooling fluid and tubing for introducing the cooling fluid into the internal cavity. The tubing is permanently secured to the shutter and moves simultaneously therewith. The cylindrical shutter and the internal cavity of the shutter surrounds an outer perimeter of the wafer carrier, thereby minimizing nonuniformity in the temperature and flow field characteristics of the reactant gases.

Abstract: A second metal mask (13) having a screen part (13A) provided with a plurality of parallel, fine slits (13a) arranged at very small intervals is placed on a base plate (12) serving also as a first metal mask and provided with a plurality of windows (18) defining regions in which a material is to be deposited. One end of the second metal mask (13) is fastened to the base plate (12) by a mask clamp (20) and the other end of the same is fastened to a slider (23). Resilient force is applied to the slider (23) by compression coil springs (30). Thus, the screen part (13A) of the second metal mask (13) is tensioned and thereby the slits (13a) are stretched straight and are extended at predetermined pitches. A substrate (17) placed on the second mask (13) is subjected to a vacuum evaporation process to form fine patterns on the substrate (17) in a gang-patterning mode.

Abstract: A housing having an inner surface and having a bottom end, a bearing component positioned within the housing above the bottom end of the housing, a first seal positioned within the housing between the bottom end of the housing and the bearing component, the first seal sized to provide a seal against the inner surface of the housing and to cover the a first sidewall surface of the bearing component, a top end of the housing positioned opposite the bottom end, a second seal positioned within the housing between the bearing component and the top end of the housing, the second seal sized to provide a seal against the inner surface of the housing and to cover a second sidewall surface of the bearing component during a coating operation.

Abstract: A coating solution is sprayed on a rotating wafer held horizontally from a nozzle provided above the wafer while the nozzle is travelling over the wafer from a wafer center to a wafer outer area, thus spirally spraying the coating solution on the wafer. The nozzle stops when the coating solution has reached the wafer outer area and the coating solution is sprayed in circle on the wafer outer area while the wafer is rotating. A coating solution including a component of a coating film and a solvent may be sprayed on a first area to be coated of the wafer and the coating solution and a solvent for the coating film may be sprayed on a second edge area located outside the first area of the wafer.

Abstract: A mask for vacuum deposition cthat is held by a mask frame is provided. The mask comprises a mask body for deposition; a guide member fixed to at least one side of the mask body for deposition; and tension applying means that, when the guide member is held by the mask frame, applies a predetermined tension to the mask body for deposition via the guide member.

Abstract: A method for producing an organic electroluminescent device, which is provided with first electrodes formed on a substrate, a thin film layer formed on the first electrode containing at least an emitting layer composed of an organic compound and a plurality of second electrodes formed on the thin film layer, and has a plurality of luminescent regions on said substrate, comprising the steps of forming spacers having a height at least partially exceeding the thickness of said thin film layer on the substrate, and vapor-depositing a deposit for patterning while the shadow mask having reinforcing lines formed across its apertures is kept in contact with said spacers. Highly precise fine patterning can be effected under wide vapor deposition conditions without degrading the properties of organic electroluminescent elements, and high stability can be achieved by a relatively simple process without limiting the structure of the electroluminescent device.

Abstract: Mask for fabricating a large sized display panel, wherein a main frame having a plurality of holes is fabricated, and sub-masks are fitted in the holes in the main frame relevant to a size, and forms of patterns to be fabricated, thereby eliminating sagging and shadowing, and being suitable for fabricating large sized, or mass production of panels.

Abstract: The present invention is a coating unit for applying a coating solution to a substrate which includes: a discharge nozzle for reciprocating in a predetermined direction above the substrate and discharging the coating solution to the substrate; a holder for holding the substrate and horizontally movable in one direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction; and a cover for covering an upper face of the substrate when the substrate is moved in the one direction to be more forward than the discharge nozzle as viewed from a plane, wherein a lower face of the cover is inclined such as to be higher on the discharge nozzle side. According to the present invention, the cover covering the upper face of the substrate restrains a solvent from evaporating from the coating solution applied on the substrate to secure flatness of a coating film.

Abstract: A mask frame assembly used in vacuum deposition of thin films of an organic electroluminescent device. The mask frame assembly includes a frame having an opening and at least two unit masks which each have at least one unit masking pattern portion in the direction of the unit mask and two edges which are fixed to the frame under tension.

Abstract: A masking device including a substantially rigid body, the body having an underside and adjoining first and second edges and an adhesive portion positioned on the underside adjacent to one or more of the first and second edges.

Abstract: A series of disposable spray shields may be used singularly or in combination to shield the tire, wheel, or the floor around the tire individually, or in combination, during a treatment of the tire or the wheel. By including more than one radius in portions of the outer edges of the tire and wheel shields, or by providing an adjustable tire-receiving opening in the floor shield, a single set of shields may fit many different tires, tire inflations, vehicles, and wheels. The preferred shields are made from materials that can be shaped, cut, embossed, stamped or milled to create these radiused edges and openings that, when properly positioned by the user, will prevent undesirable tire and wheel treatment materials, coatings and paints from contacting certain pre-selected surfaces.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for shielding magnetic flux which is associated with a semiconductor fabrication system are provided. A magnetic shield assembly substantially surrounds a side wall of a plasma reactor. The shield assembly comprises a passive shield member in combination with an active shield member. As a result, effective shielding of magnetic flux can occur without excessive distortion of the magnetic field line pattern in the plasma region of the plasma reactor. In one aspect, the shield assembly comprises a first shield member adapted to attenuate a magnetic flux density. The first shield member is disposed in a parallel, spaced apart relationship from the side wall. A second member is attached to the first shield member and is constructed of a ferromagnetic material which is permanently magnetized.

Abstract: The invention is a one-piece ergonomic shielding tool that can be held in one hand to define a boundary against which a surface is processed on one side and protected from processing steps on the opposite side. The invention achieves this utility by providing a handle that is ergonomically fitted for the human hand to allow prolonged use without fatigue or injury to the user. The invention includes a straight edge, or guide edge, for dividing a surface into two regions and a curved handle for ergonomic hand-held use. The ergonomic shielding tool and a paint removal apparatus are useful in combination for scraping paint from one section of a surface and leaving another section protected from the paint removal process. The tool is adapted for use in a method of removing dried paint from a surface in a precise manner.

Abstract: An absorbent edge coating for masking tape and other masking materials is herein disclosed. A masking tape according to the present invention comprises a substrate having a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one masking edge. The bottom surface of the substrate has an adhesive layer applied thereto. An absorbent edge coating is applied to at least one masking edge of the substrate so as to at least substantially prevent liquids addressed to the at least one coated masking edge from being absorbed into the substrate of the tape and from passing between the bottom surface of the tape and a surface to which the tape has been applied.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed to aperture mask deposition techniques using aperture mask patterns formed in one or more elongated webs of flexible film. The techniques involve sequentially depositing material through mask patterns formed in the film to define layers, or portions of layers, of the circuit. A deposition substrate can also be formed from an elongated web, and the deposition substrate web can be fed through a series of deposition stations. Each deposition station may have an elongated web formed with aperture mask patterns. The elongated web of mask patterns feeds in a direction perpendicular to the deposition substrate web. In this manner, the circuit creation process can be performed in-line. Moreover, the process can be automated to reduce human error and increase throughput.

Abstract: A shadow mask for uniformly forming an organic luminescent layer of an organic electroluminescent device is disclosed. The shadow mask includes a plurality of striped slots aligned in one direction, the striped slots having a plurality of inclined surfaces formed on each side thereof. Due to a step difference, the inclined surfaces prevent shadows from occurring, thereby uniformly forming the organic luminescent layer.

Abstract: A filling squeegee and a scraping squeegee are provided in a printing apparatus. The filling squeegee is moved without contacting a surface of a mask in order to fill a solder paste into openings of the mask. Unnecessary solder paste on the surface of the mask is scraped by the scraping squeegee. The solder paste is prevented from being improperly filled in or scraped from the openings even if a speed of the squeegee is increased, so that the solder paste can be printed stably on circuit board.

Abstract: A protector device for connection to and transport with a paint bucket includes a flexible protector sheet having an interior, a stiffener member disposed in the interior to resist flexing of the protector sheet and a connector for releasably connecting the protector sheet and stiffener member to the bucket.

Abstract: A protective coating and a method for applying the protective coating to a wall of a freezer enclosure includes applying a screen to the wall wherein the screen includes a plurality of intersecting elements forming a plurality of openings. One or more coatings of a polymer are then applied to the screen in a sufficient quantity to coat the screen and permeate the plurality of openings through to the wall. The polymer is then allowed to solidify or cure thereby creating a temperature, abrasion and chemical resistant protective coating on or within the freezer enclosure.

Abstract: In a stencil mask, a conductive thin film has first openings in it. An insulating film is formed in the region of the conductive thin film excluding the first openings. A conductive support is formed on the insulating film. A second opening goes through the conductive support and insulating film and reaches the surface of the conductive thin film. A conducting member is formed in the second opening. The conducting member connects the conductive support and conductive thin film electrically.