Abstract: A sleeve is positioned over a radially-expandable rod assembly and a stent is positioned over the sleeve. A mandrel is inserted into the rod assembly to thereby press the sleeve against the inner surface of the stent and expand the stent. A coating (such as a solvent, a polymer and/or a therapeutic substance) is then applied to the outer (abluminal) surfaces of the stent, by spraying, for example. The sleeve advantageously prevents the coating material from being applied to inner (luminal) surfaces of the stent and also allows the coating material to be efficiently applied to the abluminal surfaces.

Abstract: A flux spray head, a mask, and an integrated circuit substrate are arranged in a flux spray station to reduce flux overspray during a spraying operation. A support element within the spray station is used to align the substrate with the mask and spray head. A portion of the mask contacts the substrate along a boundary between a region to be sprayed and a region to be masked. The flux spray head sprays the substrate while a portion of the mask is in contact with the boundary of the region to be masked. In an embodiment, the mask may comprise one or more replaceable non-stick stencil elements and associated springs to press the stencil elements against the substrate. Each stencil element may have a wall to contact the substrate along a portion of the boundary.

Abstract: A mask frame assembly for depositing a deposition material on a deposition substrate comprises a mask frame including an opening and frames surrounding the opening, and a mask coupled on the mask frame. A deformation prevention unit is formed on at least one region of the mask. Since the deformation prevention unit is formed on a peripheral portion of a deposition pattern in the mask, deformation of the mask in a vertical direction may be reduced. Accordingly, defective attaching of the mask to the substrate may be reduced.

Abstract: A mask assembly for thin film vapor deposition of a flat panel display is disclosed. In the mask assembly, a cleansing solution remaining in the gap between a unit mask and a frame after cleansing the mask assembly may be minimized. The mask assembly includes a frame and a plurality of unit masks. The frame includes a pair of first supporting portions and a pair of second supporting portions that surround an opening. The plurality of unit masks have at least one set of pattern openings, and the unit masks are fixed on the first supporting portion while having a tensile force applied thereto. The first supporting portion includes a first surface and a second surface. The unit masks are fixed on the first surface, and the second surface has a height difference to the first surface along a thickness direction of the unit masks from the first surface.

Abstract: A workpiece holder for fluid processing a workpiece including a transportable frame, a flexible member connected to the frame and defining at least one retaining feature, and a ring comprising at least one engagement feature engageable with the at least one retaining feature of the flexible member, wherein the flexible member is flexed to provide a force to the at least one engagement feature to cause the ring to form a barrier to fluid entry with the workpiece.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and replicating foliage patterns comprising: a first stencil, where the first stencil forms the shape of a leaf; and a second stencil, where the second stencil forms the shape of an arrangement of veins and stems of a leaf, wherein a user may selectively arrange and attach the first and second stencil to create a foliage pattern. The leaf may include either an oak leaf or a maple leaf. The user may selectively apply at least one paint color to the stencils to create a depiction of the foliage pattern. In one particular embodiment, the system may comprise a layer of clear coat paint or sealant over the painted surface in order to protect the appearance of the pattern of foliage.

Abstract: A masking tape for use in applications where a coating material is applied to a surface for defining a sharp edge of the portion of the surface that is coated. A masking tape may include a reinforcing strip releasably attached to the non-adhesive side of conventional masking tape comprising a substrate with an adhesive layer on one side. The reinforcing strip extends longitudinally along the length of the substrate with one edge substantially aligned with, and preferably flush with, one longitudinal edge of the substrate and acts as a separate means to cut through a coating or film more efficiently than the masking tape alone, while subsequently leaving the masking tape in place until the preferred time of removal.

Abstract: The present invention is a masking material for painting for masking a surface to be unpainted, comprising: a masking material body for painting made of a carton having a shape conformed to the surface to be unpainted; a double-sided tape provided on the whole rear surface of the masking material body for painting; an incision formed in both the masking material body for painting and the double-sided tape; and a piece of thin paper that covers the incision.

Abstract: A masking product for masking a composite material object comprising a substantially flat liner, a first tape layer on the liner having a width less than a width of the liner and defining a margin of liner along one edge of the first tape layer, the first tape layer defining a longitudinal cut dividing the first tape layer into a first segment and a second segment; and a second tape layer on the first tape layer and extending the length thereof, the second tape layer having a width less than the width of the first tape layer. In one aspect, the first segment of the first tape layer has a width less that the width of the second segment of the first tape layer.

Abstract: A tool used for covering or shielding a length of baseboard, trim or molding that is connected to a wall being painted. The adjustable protective paint shield has a fixed length center section from which are adapted two telescopic inner sections that extend to a desired length in order to cover or shield varying lengths of baseboard or trim. Each section has a general appearance of an elongated inverted L-shape. The center section has a plurality of pivotally affixed legs used in securing the shield in an upright position. The legs have an outwardly arched shape. The ached shape allows the bottom of the leg to sit securely flat against a floor while supporting the adjustable paint protection shield upright and tightly against a section of baseboard or trim being covered.

Abstract: A method of spraying a component involves disposing a component near a spray coating device. The component has a first mating feature that is formed as part of the component. A first mask is disposed over a portion of the component and has a second mating feature. The first mating feature is resiliently connected to the second mating feature. The component is then sprayed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-purpose holding device to handle, support and rotate one or more hollow cylindrical objects. The holding device consists of a rigid frame and support members for precise alignment and rotation of one or more objects within the frame structure. A method is also provided to reproducibly support, rotate and inspect the hollow cylindrical objects.

Abstract: In a mask assembly and a method of fabricating the same, when the mask assembly is fabricated by tensile welding a pattern mask to a mask frame, a tensile welding portion of the pattern mask welded to the mask frame is structurally changed. Thus, the pattern mask can be easily welded to the mask frame, and patterns of the pattern mask can be precisely aligned, thereby minimizing stain failure rate due to the mask assembly. The mask assembly includes: a mask frame including an opening and a support; and a pattern mask including a pattern portion having a plurality of patterns arranged in a matrix and a plurality of tensile welding portions extending from the pattern portion in a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A painting apparatus for applying a coating material to a member surface of a member comprises a housing, at least one slide rail, a rack assembly, a cross beam and a spraying device. The slide rail may be mountable within the housing and may have a plurality of rack positions. The rack assembly is mountable within the housing at one of the rack positions. The rack assembly is configured to support the member such that the member surface is exposed. The cross beam may be coupled to the slide rail. The cross beam is movable along the slide rail and is positionable at the rack positions. The spraying device is mountable on the cross beam and is configured to move along the cross beam while spraying the coating material onto the member surface.

Abstract: A sleeve is positioned over a radially-expandable rod assembly and a stent is positioned over the sleeve. A mandrel is inserted into the rod assembly to thereby press the sleeve against the inner surface of the stent and expand the stent. A coating (such as a solvent, a polymer and/or a therapeutic substance) is then applied to the outer (abluminal) surfaces of the stent, by spraying, for example. The sleeve advantageously prevents the coating material from being applied to inner (luminal) surfaces of the stent and also allows the coating material to be efficiently applied to the abluminal surfaces.

Abstract: In a structure for crystalline material growth, there is provided a lower growth confinement layer and an upper growth confinement layer that is disposed above and vertically separated from the lower growth confinement layer. A lateral growth channel is provided between the upper and lower growth confinement layers, and is characterized by a height that is defined by the vertical separation between the upper and lower growth confinement layers. A growth seed is disposed at a site in the lateral growth channel for initiating crystalline material growth in the channel. A growth channel outlet is included for providing formed crystalline material from the growth channel. With this growth confinement structure, crystalline material can be grown from the growth seed to the lateral growth channel outlet.

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 masking apparatus includes a mask base body and a mask plate. The mask base body includes at least one spacer plate, and a cavity in which an electronic component can be housed. The mask plate is disposed on an upper surface and/or a lower surface of the mask base body. The mask plate includes a film-forming opening with a shape corresponding to the shape of an external structural body to be formed on an outer surface of the component. The mask plate thus allows a film-forming operation to be selectively performed on the outer surface of the component through the film-forming opening. The cavity includes, in an inner surface thereof, a film-forming groove communicating with the film-forming opening so that the external structural body can be formed at once on an upper surface and/or a lower surface of, and also on a peripheral surface of the component.

Abstract: A method of fluid sealing a workpiece is provided. The method includes placing a workpiece on a ring, engaging at least one engagement feature of the ring with at least one retaining feature defined by the member and flexing the member to provide a force to the at least one engagement feature to cause the ring to form a barrier to fluid entry with the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention is an optimized DWP for minimizing coating error that has two centering components which center the DWP inside a threaded or non-threaded opening effectively masking the threads and/or opening during the coating process.

Abstract: A masking apparatus is provided for masking a workpiece, for example a turbine blade, to protect portions thereof from the deposition of coating material thereon during selective application of a coating material to other portions of the workpiece. The masking apparatus includes an enclosure formed of a first mask half body defining a first cavity half and a second mask half body defining a second cavity half. The first mask half body and the second mask half body mate in assembly to form a workpiece cavity it which the workpiece may be enclosed.

Abstract: A method of applying a flexible, biodegradable sheet of starch-based material to mask a surface to be coated is described. The sheet is a solid, flexible, expanded, close-celled foam. The sheet is dispersible in water.

Abstract: Painter's tape has an adhesive portion that covers said tape's partial or entire width on only one of its two opposing flat surfaces, an absorbent material layer across all or at least a portion of said width, and a layer of non-porous barrier film covering said absorbent material layer to prevent a passage of paint (fluids).

Abstract: The formation in quantity of various different populations of a substance being studied with multiple combinations of distribution form and distribution density by dripping a suspension of a single concentration of the substance onto a masking member of a certain specified structure placed on a substrate by making use of the sedimentation of said substance.

Abstract: A mask includes: a tabular first section which includes a side portion and an opening portion formed at a position corresponding to a film formation region of a substrate and on which the substrate is to be disposed so that the first section overlaps a face of the substrate on which a film is to be formed; and a second section which is provided along the side portion of the first section, and covers at least one of portions of a side face of the substrate, wherein second sections of two adjacent masks overlap each other and a superposed section is thereby formed when a plurality of masks are arrayed in a lateral direction thereof.

Abstract: A shielding device for shielding a root of a blade or a vane for a spray coating process of the blade or the vane is provided. The shielding device includes a removable insert having a first member with one or more projections sized to sealingly fit into corresponding one or more grooves over an exposed part of the root of the blade or the vane, a second member with one or more projections sized to sealingly fit into corresponding one or more grooves over a remaining part of the root of the blade or the vane, wherein the first member and the second member are adapted to be coupled to sealingly fit on the blade or the vane.

Abstract: A rim shield device for covering a rim of a tire featuring a circular base having a raised side along its outer edge; a plurality of channels disposed on the base extending radially from the center to the raised side; a cable disposed in each channel, the second end of each cable extends out of its respective channel; a hook disposed on the second end of each cable; and a tightening system comprising a spring-loaded button disposed in the center of the base, the first ends of each of the cables are engaged in the spring-loaded button, the spring-loaded button can move between an in position and an out position, an inner spring of the spring-loaded button biases the spring-loaded button in the out position, wherein in the out position the cables are effectively shortened in length and in the in position the cables are effectively lengthened.

Abstract: A mask assembly configured to prevent the mask from being thermally transformed and to maintain gaps between a plurality of divided pattern masks is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the mask assembly comprises: an open mask that has a plurality of first openings arranged in rows and columns; and a pattern mask that comprises a plurality of unit pattern masks. In some embodiments, the ends of the unit pattern masks may be fixed with respect to the open mask, and the unit pattern mask includes a plurality of mask pattern units configured to align with the plurality of first openings of the open mask. In some embodiments, a tensile force is applied to the unit pattern mask(s).

Abstract: A protective sheet 10 is provided which exhibits excellent properties as a protective sheet and a satisfactory handleability. The protective sheet 10 is formed of a substrate 1 which is a plastic film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 2 which is provided on one side of the substrate, and satisfies all of the following properties: (A) the total flexural rigidity DTrt at 25° C. in a first direction and a second direction is from 3.0×10?6 to 20×10?6 Pa·m3; (B) the total flexural rigidity DTht at 80° C. is from 0.10×10?6 to 1.2×10?6 Pa·m3; (C) the flexural rigidity ratio DR, defined as DTrt/DTht, is from 3.0 to 80; and (D) the tensions T1rt and T2rt at 25° C. when stretched 10% in the first direction and the second direction respectively are at least 5.0 N/10 mm.

Abstract: A device for galvanic coating of a piston has a pot-shaped interior for accommodating the piston and an electrolyte fluid, a holder device for fixing the piston in place, a cover that is structured like a shutter and leaves only the surfaces of the piston that are to be coated uncovered, a first electrical contact that is connected with an anode and with the plus pole of a direct voltage source, and a second electrical contact that connects the piston with the minus pole of a direct voltage source. The piston can be simply and quickly attached to the holder device, since the holder device is in plate shape, and has an oblong centering device, the length of which corresponds to the radial inside diameter of the piston to be coated so that the piston can be pushed onto the centering device by way of its underside.

Abstract: A method of creating an air barrier on both sides of an innerliner splice on the inside surface of a green tire when a bladder release lubricant is being applied thereto to prevent contamination of the splice. High pressure air is directed through air nozzles on both sides of the innerliner splice just prior to and during the application of the lubricant. A pressure sensor detects high or low air pressure during the creation of the air barriers to stop the spray of lubricant should either situation be detected.

Abstract: The invention is an impermeable floor cover for protecting a surface while working along door regions, which utilizes one or more cover components, designed to allow full door movement variability. The specialized cover is made with a light, flexible and durable fabric, which maintains a flat composure and is adapted to register with one or more door jambs to substantially cover a floor space. Each cover component includes multiple grooves adapted to register with a door's jambs for protecting a surface area from undesired exposure to substances such as paint.

Abstract: A shielding tool protects a non-sprayed surface of a workpiece including a coating surface and defining a groove in the coating surface, with a bottom surface of the groove is the non-sprayed surface of the workpiece. The shielding tool includes a first shield member positioned in the groove of the workpiece, and a second shield member positioned on the first shield member. The first shield member includes an abutting surface. The second shield member includes a resisting surface abutting the abutting surface of the first shield member. The abutting surface and the resisting surface are substantially the same shape and size as the bottom surface of the groove. A gap is formed between the abutting surface and the resisting surface.

Abstract: A device for fabricating a mask by plasma etching a semiconductor substrate comprises a semiconductor substrate part of the area whereof is partially covered by a mask for protecting at least one area that must not be etched and for exposing at least one area including a pattern to be etched, a support for the substrate and means for generating a plasma in the form of a flow of ions toward the substrate. According to the invention the device further comprises means for confining the ions, including a conductive material screen disposed over the substrate and along the limit between the pattern area to be etched and the area not to be etched.

Abstract: An adhesive tape masking article that can be used to mask both a door hinge or a corner includes a thin flexible sheet of material having opposed first and second major surfaces, first and second side edges, first and second end edges, and arcuate corners extending between at least one of the first and second side edges and the first and second end edges, and adhesive on at least a portion of at least one of the first and second major surfaces, thereby defining an adhesive surface for adhering the sheet to a surface to be masked. The sheet includes a frangible connection that allows the sheet to be separated into two masking articles, each of which can be used to mask corners.

Abstract: A sleeve is positioned over a radially-expandable rod assembly and a stent is positioned over the sleeve. A mandrel is inserted into the rod assembly to thereby press the sleeve against the inner surface of the stent and expand the stent. A coating (such as a solvent, a polymer and/or a therapeutic substance) is then applied to the outer (abluminal) surfaces of the stent, by spraying, for example. The sleeve advantageously prevents the coating material from being applied to inner (luminal) surfaces of the stent and also allows the coating material to be efficiently applied to the abluminal surfaces.

Abstract: An adhesive masking article for shielding a protected work surface from a coating applied to a surface adjacent the protected work surface includes a backing layer having first and second opposed major surfaces, and at least one edge, an adhesive on at least a portion of at least one of the first and second backing layer opposed major surfaces, and a barrier inducing treatment on at least an edge surface of the masking article to contact the coating when the coating contacts the edge of the backing layer, thereby causing a barrier to form along the edge of the masking article that impedes the migration of the coating past the edge of the masking article beneath the masking article.

Abstract: An evaporation mask, a method of manufacturing an organic electroluminescent device using the evaporation mask, and an organic electroluminescent device manufactured by the method are provided. The evaporation mask is formed of a thin film and is drawn taut by application of tension. The evaporation mask includes at least one mask unit, the mask unit including a plurality of main apertures, and a plurality of first dummy apertures formed adjacent to outermost ones of the main apertures in a direction in which tension is applied to the evaporation mask.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fixture for use in a physical vapor deposition coating operation which comprises a support structure 14 comprising a circular base member 10, a circular top member 11 opposite the circular base member 10, and a plurality of structural members 12 joining said top member 11 to said base member 10; a plurality of panel members 13 aligned in a vertical direction around the outer periphery of said support structure 14 forming a cylinder-like structure; said panel members 13 including a plurality of apertures for holding workpieces 19 and 35 to which a coating is to be applied; and said apertures positioned on said panel members 13 so that said workpieces 19 and 35 are aligned in a staggered vertical direction. This invention also relates to a method for simultaneously coating a plurality of workpieces 19 and 35, such as gas turbine compressor blades and vanes, with erosion resistant coatings using the fixture of this invention.

Abstract: A stent fixture for supporting a stent during formation of a coating is provided.

Abstract: A masking panel to cover a protected first surface, such as a wall surface, floor surface, ceiling surface, door surface, door frame, fire place surface, window, window frame, window pane, decorative molding, chair rail or baseboard, while paint, stain, sealant or other chemicals is applied to an adjacent second surface. The masking panel includes a reusable protective material to be placed over at least a portion of the protected first surface. The reusable protective material includes at least one masking edge to create a masking boundary between the protected first surface and the adjacent second surface where the at least one masking edge has a masking edge shape that is pre-fabricated to substantially match the masking boundary.

Abstract: A film-formation mask and mask-affixing method with exceptional commercial utility is provided, whereby it is possible to achieve good adhesion to a substrate 6 and to form a film with good film pattern precision.

Abstract: A masking article includes a bendable backing layer having first and second opposed major surfaces, an adhesive arranged on at least a portion of at least one of the first and second major surfaces, wherein the adhesive has a thickness, and a raised element arranged on the same major surface as the adhesive, wherein the raised element extends beyond the thickness of the adhesive such that the masking article can be moved along an application surface to a desired location without having the adhesive adhere to the application surface, and such that the masking article can be secured to the application surface by pressing the backing layer in the region opposite the adhesive, thereby forcing the adhesive into contact with the application surface to secure the masking article to the application surface at the desired location.

Abstract: The present invention is a masking material for painting for masking a surface to be unpainted, comprising: a masking material body for painting made of a carton having a shape conformed to the surface to be unpainted; a double-sided tape provided on the whole rear surface of the masking material body for painting; an incision formed in both the masking material body for painting and the double-sided tape; and a piece of thin paper that covers the incision.

Abstract: A sleeve is positioned over a radially-expandable rod assembly and a stent is positioned over the sleeve. A mandrel is inserted into the rod assembly to thereby press the sleeve against the inner surface of the stent and expand the stent. A coating (such as a solvent, a polymer and/or a therapeutic substance) is then applied to the outer (abluminal) surfaces of the stent, by spraying, for example. The sleeve advantageously prevents the coating material from being applied to inner (luminal) surfaces of the stent and also allows the coating material to be efficiently applied to the abluminal surfaces.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing microstructures is disclosed, the method comprising a applying a mask to substrate; forming a pattern in the mask; processing the substrate according to the pattern; and mechanically removing the mask from the substrate. A polymer mask is disclosed for manufacturing micro scale structure, the polymer mask comprising a thin, preferably ultra thin flexible film. A method of manufacturing an integrated circuit is disclosed, the method comprising forming a plurality of isolated semiconductor devices on a common substrate; and connecting some of the devices. Apparatus for manufacturing microstructures is disclosed comprising: a mechanism for coating a mass substrate to create a structure; a mechanism for removing a mask from the substrate; and processing apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic coating device uses a driving motor and a conveyer to form a cyclically rotating module. An injector filled with a coating material is disposed on one side of the conveyer. When an object to be coated is disposed on the other side of the moving conveyer, the coating material is then applied onto the object by the injector. This can increase the coating speed and quality.

Abstract: A substrate processing method and apparatus can securely carry out a pre-plating treatment that enables uniform plating in the necessary area of the surface of a substrate. The substrate processing method carries out a cleaning treatment and a catalyst-imparting treatment of a surface of a substrate as pre-plating treatments and then electroless plates a metal film on the catalyst-imparted surface of the substrate. The cleaning treatment is carried out in a wider area of the surface of the substrate than that area to which a catalyst is imparted by the catalyst-imparting treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing turbine blades for spray coating their blade region that is subjected to the medium flowing through during operation in a spray coating apparatus, in which the turbine blade is inserted with its blade root into a cavity of a mounting in such a way that it protrudes with the blade region that adjoins the blade root from an opening of the cavity to form a gap between the rim of the opening and the turbine blade, and in which the gap is bridged by a shielding fixed on the mounting, which is characterized in that a shielding layer of a plastic which is resistant during the spray coating is used for the shielding, the shielding layer being arranged in such a way that it reaches up to the boundary between the blade root and the blade region.

Abstract: A deposition mask with which position precision of a passage hole is improved and deposition can be conducted precisely and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A mask body made of a metal thin film is fixed and tightly mounted on a frame body having an opening. The mask body has at least one pattern region including a plurality of passage holes for letting through a deposition material, a stress relaxation region including a plurality of fine holes provided at the periphery of the pattern region, and a holding region provided at the periphery of the stress relaxation region. The mask body is tightly mounted on the frame body at a holding region.