Abstract: Sputtered coatings of gradient thicknesses are produced by employing a foraminous mask between the cathode and the substrate. The size of openings in the foraminous mask may be varied in different areas to provide versatility in controlling the gradient patterns. The invention is particularly suitable for producing gradient electroconductive heating films on transparencies.

Abstract: Backside growth on substrates in a vapor deposition system has been a problem resulting in cracking of the material deposited on the substrate, making replication in a vapor deposition system difficult to achieve, and requiring post deposition machining to separate the substrate-deposit from the deposition fixture. A solution to the problem is the following: the substrate is mounted on a plurality of graphite pillars, with the pillars being bonded to the substrate as near the periphery thereof as possible. A hollow body open on one side but closed on the other, and fabricated from GRAFOIL with graphite cement used as a bonding agent, is mounted on the pillars with the open end facing the substrate. The open end of the body is pressed against the substrate and sealed with a bonding agent. This completely covers the backside of the substrate and thus prevents any vapor deposition thereon.

Abstract: A temporary shield for covering a vehicle wheel in the course of applying a detailing solution to the sidewall of a vehicle tire seated on the rim of the wheel and comprising a generally disk-shaped body having a plurality of circumferentially extending markings in spaced concentric relation to one another relatively near the outer peripheral edge of the body and away from the center of the body to define circumferential lines of separation for selective removal of the circumferential portions radially outwardly of a selected marking so as to size the body to the size of the wheel. The body is of generally conical configuration and the markings are defined by circumferentially extending shoulder portions concentric to one another and to the outer peripheral portion of the wheel so that when the body is cut to size to fit a particular size of wheel the shoulder portion will fit snugly over the outer peripheral portion of the wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for making multi-layer crystals. It includes a holder and a plurality of masking elements adapted to be secured successively to the holder. The masking elements have cover pieces that overlie the area protected by the preceding cover pieces and have an additional cover piece. This produces a device having progressively truncated corner sections. There is thus formed a multi-layered crystal having portions adapted to be connected to electrical leads.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for solder plating parallel arranged leads on an electronic device, e.g. QFP having leads on four sides or SOLC having leads on two sides. A metal plate of solder wettable material having an inclined upper surface is placed in a molten solder bath. The electronic device, with the leads to be solder plated exposed, is lowered horizontally in the solder bath and is pulled out horizontally. A large quantity of solder adhering on the inclined plate pulls solder adhering on the leads sequentially along an inclined surface of the plate to obtain uniform thickness of solder plating on the leads without causing bridging.

Abstract: Masking films, having the advantageous properties of both those masking films having an intermediate adhesive layer and those masking films having a high-adhesion masking layer without an intermediate adhesive layer, include a masking layer which incorporates a cellulose ester component, a polyurethane and one or more colorants selected from dyes and pigments.

Abstract: A reusable evaporation fixture for aligning a plurality of small individual substrates to a single contact mask is described. The fixture preferably includes a series of thin inner plates held together by a base plate and top plate. One of the inner plates includes a plurality of spring means corresponding to the plurality of individual substrates to be masked. Each spring means forces individual substrate against the contact mask to prevent haloing of the deposition pattern. Another of the inner plates has a plurality of pockets and spring means within those pockets which force the individual substrates against the alignment faces of the pockets, to align and secure the individual substrates in the X-Y plane. Once the individual substrates have been placed in the pockets provided by the inner plates, the contact mask is placed over the inner plates, and a top plate is placed over the entire assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for registration or alignment of thin film structure patterns on a substrate formed with the use of an apertured mask in a vacuum deposition system. On particular the alignment apparatus is comprised of a mask holder assembly, which supports the apertured mask, and a substrate carrier which engages with the holder assembly. Upon placing the engaged alignment apparatus in a a deposition chamber, a magnet is positioned adjacent the holder assembly in order to formly hold the apertured mask against a substrate prior to vacuum to deposition. Upon depositing the pattern material, the magnet and holder assembly are disengaged, resulting in a pattern of thin film structures remaining on the substrate. The present invention is effective for remotely operating automatic masking systems where there is a need to eliminate the need for breaking vacuum in a deposition system.

Abstract: A semi-rigid mask spatially contoured and sized to overlie and be generally conformable to a vehicular window while lying in the closely spaced peripheral relation to vehicular trim bordering the window. The mask is provided with a pair of spaced suction cup structures operable by external handles to engage and release the window. The mask is peripherally thickened to reinforce shape retentivity by the mask and to provide an elevated surface for the application of masking tape to the mask and the ornamental boundary trim.

Abstract: A paint mask for a three-dimensional insignia plate upon a vehicle body comprises an integral molded thin hollow part of plastic material having a three-dimensional shape corresponding to the insignia plate. The portion of the hollow part defines an opening to receive the insignia plate. A plurality of spaced flexible anchor flanges extend radially inward to underlie and retainingly engage the insignia plate. A paint or other mask protects the insignia plate or other part from paint or other material sprayed on a body adjacent the molded insignia plate.

Abstract: A new masking member consisting of an inserting part and a double flange formed at the base of said inserting part wherein the diameter of the outer part of said double flange is larger than the diameter of the inner part of said double flange is presented in the present invention. When said masking member is used, said inserting part of said masking member is inserted into a hole of an article and said double flange of said masking member covers the surroundings of said hole. Thus the inside of said hole and said surroundings of said hole are protected from a surface treatment and the removing of said masking member after said surface treatment from said hole may be very smooth without obstruction of the film of said surface treatment since said film may be cut by the edge of the outer part of said double flange.

Abstract: The mag tire wheel and wheel cover shield includes a generally cylindrical preferable flat flexible resilient disc of paper, plastic, metal or the like, designed to cover the outer face of a "mag" tire wheel or wheel cover so that the tire can be sprayed with a polish or coating without spraying the wheel cover or mag wheel. The disc has a handle on the outer surface thereof, either protruding therefrom or indented, to place and help hold the disc against the "mag" wheel or wheel cover. A hook-type peripheral rim projecting inwardly from the inner face of the disc allows it to be releasably hooked in place around the wheel cover rim or mag wheel rim. Alternatively a ring or strip of adhesive or spaced magnets, or one or more suction cups strategically placed may be used to hold the disc against the wheel cover or mag wheel. A hard shield may extend outwardly from the disc handle to protect the user's hand against spraying.

Abstract: A method of plating treatment for forming a plated coating on the surface of a workpiece except on a region thereof comprises the steps of placing a masking member made of water swelling rubber in abutment against or in close proximity to the region of the workpiece where no plating is desired, immersing, in this state, the masking member in water to cause the water swelling rubber to undergo volumetric self-swelling, and immersing the workpiece in a plating solution with the swelled masking member pressed against the particular region of the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method achieves the submersiontype processing of silicon wafers in a manufacturing process for the fabrication of semiconductor devices therefrom. The silicon wafer is uniformly flooded with the process fluid in a manner which prevents impingement thereof during chemical processing, such as wet etching, cleaning, photoresist developing and the like. Upon flooding the silicon wafer, a gas pocket is formed between a portion of the lower surface of the wafer and an adjacent portion of vacuum chuck to which the wafer is mounted. The resulting gas pocket prevents accumulation of processed fluid therein to facilitate spin drying of the wafer.

Abstract: Vessel mouths (1) are provided with a silane coating in order to improve the pouring behavior. For this purpose, there is an apparatus which has, on a rotatable nozzle holder (14), several spray nozzles (16) and blowing nozzles (17) directed tangentially to the edge (1a) of the vessel mouth (1). A stationary nozzle mandrel (12) forms, by means of its lower centering portion (13), a centering means for the vessel mouth (1). An air flow flows from the centering portion (13) out of air nozzles (20) directed rearwards and prevents spray material from penetrating into the vessel (2). The spray residues and solvent vapors which occur are sucked off from a suction bell (21) surrounding the vessel mouth (1).

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for easily mounting, holding and facilitating the coating of preselected areas of very thin semiconductor samples. The apparatus includes a base adapted for placement in a coating chamber. The base includes a pair of spaced apart supporting arms onto which a plurality of stacked samples can be loaded. A cover is then slidably positioned over the stacked samples to hold the stacked samples in position during coating. The cover in conjunction with the supporting arms define an open sided cavity to enable the samples to be coated. The apparatus also can be used to hold only one sample.

Abstract: This tire protection cover is designed to prevent paint from being sprayed onto tires of an automobile when the automobile is being painted. Primarily, the device is a shell that covers the tire to block paint spray, and the shell is further provided with pivotal chocks for wheel rolling prevention. In one embodiment a pocket secured to the shell also provides for the placement of work sheets, etc. In another embodiment the tire protection cover comprises a thin flexible sheet of plastic material having an annular elastic band fixedly secured in a rim portion.

Abstract: A method of forming successive metal layers of varying widths on a substrate is disclosed. A mask having a through going aperture is provided, the mask including a constricted neck portion between its upper and lower surfaces. Successive metal layers are applied over the substrate through the aperture in the mask sequentially by sputtering methods which form a metallic layer wider than the constricted neck portion of the mask and by vapor deposition method which forms a narrower metal layer corresponding to the transverse dimension of the constricted portion of the mask.

Abstract: A device for protecting the beauty rims of ceilng-mounted water sprinklers comprises a shield member having a closed end removably attached to one end of an elongate handle. The shield member has an open end, the interior surface of which may be provided with a ring of adhesive material. In one preferred embodiment, the shield member is attachable to the beauty rim solely by the adhesive material. In another preferred embodiment, the shield member has a plurality of longitudinal, inwardly-directed ribs that are frictionally engageable against the protective receptacle within the beauty rim of the sprinkler on which the shield is installed.

Abstract: A new masking member of a vessel type comprising a bottom, (a) wall(s) which extend(s) upwards from the perimeter of said bottom, a flange which is extended from the upper edge(s) of said wall(s), and an adhesive layer formed on the surface of said flange, with said masking member made of a thermoplastic foam, is presented in this invention. When said masking member is used, said masking member is attached by said adhesive layer to a part of the surface of an article which is necessary to be protected from a surface treatment. After said surface treatment, said masking member may be removed from said part of said article by heating and softening or by a hook.

Abstract: This specification is directed to a process for making part of an electrically heated windshield assembly. The process includes the steps of selecting a glass sheet 10. The glass sheet is formed into a windshield configuration. At least a pair of electrically conductive bus bars (14, 16) are formed on the glass sheet. One bus bar (14) extends along a lower edge of the glass sheet. A second of the bus bars (16) extends along at least a short portion (20) of the lower edge of the glass sheet in a location spaced away from the bus bar (14) and near the lower edge of the glass sheet, up a side edge of the lower edge of the glass sheet as an edge portion (22), and along an upper edge of the glass sheet as an upper portion (24). A snap-on protective member (30) is placed on the glass sheet which engages both front and back surfaces of that glass sheet. The snap-on protective member covers over lower portions and side edge portions of the second bus bar (16).

Abstract: A tire rim protector for masking the tire rim while applying a liquid protectant to the rubber portion of the tire. The protector has a handle for maneuvering it and maintaining it in place while applying the protectant. A holder for a protectant applicator may be included on the outer surface of the protector, and a protectant applicator may be included within the holder.

Abstract: A frame fixture for use with a source of spray paint for camouflage painting of vehicles. A frame is formed in a shape corresponding generally to the shape of a portion of a vehicle to be painted. A plurality of strips connected to the frame divides an area inside the frame into a plurality of areas corresponding to areas to be painted on the vehicle. The strips can be mounted a predetermined distance from the vehicle to allow paint to spray into an area between the strips and the vehicle.

Abstract: An Easter egg decorating device is provided which securely holds an egg so that the entire surface thereof may be colored in a coloring bath and which is used in conjunction with a pattern which leaves an area of the egg defined by the pattern uncolored. The decorating device includes a pair of substantially oval shaped cylindrical segments having a yieldable absorbent diaphragm covering an open mouth of each, the segments are adjustably interconnected so that they are substantially axially aligned with the diaphragm covered mouths thereof facing each other, the adjustment permitting the axial distance between the segments to be varied.

Abstract: A disposable shield for the handle of a light used by dentists or doctors is disclosed. A new shield is used for each patient, thereby preventing the spreading of contagious diseases. The shield includes a flap covering the stem of the handle, thereby providing additional protection.

Abstract: A disk is cut from thin sheet material such as cardstock or plastic. The disc includes a radial cut from the center to the periphery thereof. A plurality of short radial slits is cut in the periphery spaced apart from the radial cut, and a plurality of tabs for engaging any of the slits is cut in the periphery and spaced apart from the radial cut in the opposite circumferential direction. Engaging a tab with a slit forms a cone and the spacings therebetween are selected to form cone diameters to match automobile wheel diameters. Finger holes are provided around the apex of a formed cone to permit holding the cone over a wheel while cleaning a tire on the wheel.

Abstract: A tire shield (10, 15) which mounts between the rim (100) and tire (101) and which covers the sidewall of the tire is described. The device has opposed convex and concave sides which have a radius of curvature smaller than that of the sidewall thus providing a space (27) between the shield and tire sidewall. The shield has a core of relatively penetration resistant rubber core (11, 16) which is preferably covered with a penetration resistant fabric (17).

Abstract: A paint shield for masking a door or window frame, or painting an adjacent wall and a method for its use are disclosed. The paint shield includes a substantially planar, rectangular portion of sheet like material. A substantially planar blade portion extends at right angles to the rectangular portion and has a width greater than or equal to the thickness of the frame to be masked. The blade portion terminates in a straight edge. A handle is affixed to the rectangular portion and is used to position the rectangular over the frame with the straight edge of the blade portion positioned against the wall at the intersection between the wall and the frame.

Abstract: A die-cut paint masking part for use in masking a curved corner surface of an object to be painted comprises a flexible, paint-impervious mask, a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive material permanently adhering to the underside of the mask, and a removable flexible protective liner releasably adhering to the adhesive layer. Prior to use and while flat, the masking part has a generally Y-shaped configuration and includes a base leg from which diverge a relatively wide branch and a relatively narrow branch. The base leg and wide branch have a common curved first edge. The base leg and narrow branch have a common curved second edge. A notch or cut-out to facilitate folding is formed at the point where the two branches converge. The protective liner is provided with two score lines, formed during die-cutting of the masking part from a web, which define three independently removable liner portions.

Abstract: A protective shield for use during spray painting of automobile panels. The shield covers an automobile wheel and tire during the spray painting of panels adjacent the wheel. The shield comprises a circular disk larger than the tire, a segment removed from the disk along the bottom and a flange extending axially inward along the perimeter of the disk ending at the segment. The segment and the flange combine to make the shield free standing. A hand hold is provided comprising a U-shaped cut formed in the center of the disk producing a hinged flap for grasping the shield for moving it about.

Abstract: A wheel shield is disclosed for covering the wheel of an automobile so that the sidewall of the tire carried thereon can be sprayed with a protectant solution. The shield comprises a frusto-conical body having a circumferential rim on the large diameter open end therof and a knob on the small diameter closed end thereof. On the top of the cylindrical rim a retainer member is provided having an angularly inwardly and outwardly extending free end portion. On the body adjacent the cylindrical rim and opposite the free end portion a reinforcing box structure is provided. When the shield is placed over the outer flange of the wheel, a manual push applied on the front surface of the box structure forces the free end portion into the crevice formed between the rim portion of the wheel and the tire to thereby detachably hold the shield on the wheel.

Abstract: A vapor masking device useable during the execution of a metal vapor depositing technique in a vacuum for masking inner and outer peripheral regions of a disc. The device comprises a support plate having a mounting opening and an annular seat protruding a slight distance radially inwardly into the mounting opening for the support of a pair of spaced discs from below in contact with a lower member of the discs, at least one disc holder for holding the discs in spaced and concentric relation to each other, and a retainer assembly having at least one access opening and adapted to be mounted on the support plate while permitting an intermediate region of an upper member of the discs between the outer and inner peripheral regions thereof to be exposed to the outside through the access opening.

Abstract: A method of aligning thin-film structure patterns on a substrate formed with the use of an apertured mask in a vacuum deposition system.

Abstract: A spray shield for a faceplate panel having a viewing widow and an integral peripheral panel sidewall which terminates in a seal land includes a gasket of a low durometer high temperature elastomer which envelopes the seal land for preventing pull-through of a spray coating. The shield and the gasket prevent the spray coating from being deposited on a predetermined portion of an interior sidewall portion of the panel and on the seal land. Since the gasket prevents pull-through of the spray coating, none of the spray coating is deposited on the exterior surface of the panel.

Abstract: A carrier is provided to hold a centrally apertured disk while magnetic material is coated simultaneously on the two surfaces of the disk. A carrier includes a plate which contains a first opening through the plate slightly smaller than the disk diameter and a second opening partially through the plate formed about a center line offset from the center line of the first opening to form a recess around an upper portion of first opening edge. The disk is directed into the recess and first opening and then lowered into a groove at the bottom of the first opening. The groove and recess in conjunction with the disk edges block flow of plasma and impurities from one side of the disk to the other during simultaneous coating of magnetic media on the disk surfaces. A two-part plug is placed in the disk center aperture, one part containing a spring or magnet for holding the two parts together in the disk. The plug also serves as a handle by which the disk can be carried, mounted in or removed from the carrier.

Abstract: A disposable shield for the handle of a light used by dentists or doctors is disclosed. A new shield is used for each patient, thereby preventing the spreading of contagious diseases.

Abstract: A shadow mask is provided which can provide a precise patterning to a deposit at process temperature without destruction of the shadow mask itself. The shadow mask consists of a plurality of metallic strips having a series of interconnecting small arched bridges that hold the strips of the mask together. The shadow mask is used in a process for depositing electrode structures in an electroluminescent device wherein the mask is positioned over a substrate surface to be coated and deposit electrode material is sprayed from a geometrically broad source, through the mask and onto the substrate. Deposition occurs beneath the arched bridges resulting in a pattern deposition that does not readily reveal the presence of bridges because sufficient material is coated beneath to provide cosmetic and electrical continuity between areas separated by the bridges. This invention is particularly suited for a mask designed to provide a fine pattern of closely spaced parallel lines or electrode structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mask for use in forming a thin film on a workpiece on which the thin film is to be formed, the mask comprising a member which flexes so that the center part of the mask projects toward the workpiece in the temperature range in which the thin film is formed.

Abstract: Self-supporting paint shields are wound into a spiral having an inside diameter different from a diameter of a raised circular object being shielded and having portions overlapping each others sufficiently to remain overlapping when this wound paint shield is adapted in diameter to a raised circular object. The overlapping portions in the wound paint shield are slidable relative to each other and are adapted to remain slidable relative to each other when the wound paint shield is fitted onto the raised object whereby the overlapping portions of the wound paint shield continue sliding relative to each other until the wound paint shield on the raised object is adapted in inside diameter to such raised object and exerts a gripping action supporting the wound paint shield on the raised object, whereby paint may be applied to a surrounding surface exclusive of the shielded object.

Abstract: A hinge mask primarily for spray painting, comprising a body of elastic sheet material and fastening means that may include a pair of hooks (40, 42) or a loop (80) fastened to the body. The body includes a first body portion (12) and a second body portion (14). The first body portion includes first (30) and second (32) concave sections and an intermediate section (34) extending between the concave sections. The concave sections face one another, and the intermediate section has a longitudinal opening (36) extending between the concave sections. The second body portion comprises an elongated member having first and second ends, the first end of the second body portion being secured to the second concave section. The two hooks are fastened to the second body portion near the second end thereof, and are oriented projecting towards the first end. The third body portion (16) may be provided secured to the first concave section.

Abstract: A holding device for holding items which are to be treated in different colors has a frame comprising a pair of spaced cross members supporting therebetween a series of bearers which have extending arms supporting a plurality of masks which are movable with respect to each other and with respect to the items to define a continuous wall surface to isolate both sides of the item for application of different color treatments.

Abstract: A stabilized mask assembly for direct deposition of a thin film pattern onto a substrate having a dimensionally stabilized mask supporting frame which includes an opening extending therethrough and defining a surface extending circumferentially around the opening, a relatively thin, substantially planar mask having a predetermined yield strength and selected geometrical shape and dimension wherein the mask is positioned adjacent the opening with the periphery of the mask circumferentially contiguous the circumferentially extending surface and wherein the mask has at least one aperture extending therethrough and arranged in a predetermined location defining a thin film pattern, and a securing device for rigidly affixing the periphery of the mask to the circumferentially extending surface with a substantially uniform tension applied to and in the plane of the mask and wherein the tension has a magnitude which establishes a stress on the mask during use which is less than the predetermined yield strength of the

Abstract: A portable system (10) for abrading the floor of a bathtub (26) to render it slip resistant. The system contains a portable power unit (12) containing an air compressor providing compressed air to abrading unit (14) via compressed air hose (20) and provides a source of electrical power to an abrading unit (14) via a power cable (18). The abrading unit (14) is adapted to direct a high velocity stream of abrasive particles against the floor of a bathtub through perforations in a particle impervious template (24). The unit (14) which is adapted to travel in the forward direction (indicated by the arrow), has a carriage movable in a direction lateral to the direction of forward travel. An abrading head (38) is supported by and reciprocally movable with a carriage to apply the particle stream in a direction lateral to the direction of forward travel and normal to the bathtub surface.

Abstract: A method of forming external electrodes at both ends of chip parts while elastically holding the chip parts.

Abstract: Self-supporting paint shields have at an end thereof a continuously annular wall portion defining an opening for receiving a circular object to be shielded. This annular wall portion has around that opening a tapering brim and has across that opening a diameter different from a diameter of that circular object. The annular wall portion is adaptable in diameter to the circular object and is adapted to extend with its tapering brim to a surface to be painted, while the continuously annular wall portion is in contact with the circular object at the mentioned end, thereby exerting a gripping action supporting the paint shield on the circular object. The paint shields preferably have a circumferential bevel extending in a continuous transition from an outer shield surface to the paint shield opening. Such opening preferably is smaller in diameter than the circular object, and the paint shield is twisted at the annular wall portion onto that object.

Abstract: A carrier is provided to hold a central apertured disk while magnetic material is plated simultaneously on the annular surfaces on both sides of the disk. The carrier contains a first opening substantially the same diameter as the disk and a second opening formed about a center line offset from the center line of the first opening so as to form a recess around a portion of the edge of the first opening. The disk is inserted into the first opening and recess to block the flow of plasma and impurities from one side of the disk to the other during the disk surface coating. A two-part plug is provided for placement in and sealing the center aperture of the disk. One plug part contains a spring or magnetic means for holding the two parts together within the disk. The plug includes a knob for handling, carrying and mounting or removing the disk from the carrier.

Abstract: A generally semi-circular or "U"-shaped plastic shield of a width to cover a sidewall of a tire, and having a radially outwardly extending handle midway between its opposite end, so as to flex the shield and fit its inner edge between a wheel rim and the tire.

Abstract: A system for plating resonator electrodes or the like by the vapor deposition process employs one or more shutters between the deposition material source and a plating mask. At least one of the shutters has a pair of apertures aligned with different apertures in the plating mark. In one embodiment comprising a two shutter, four position system, the two shutters may be positioned such that either, both or neither of the resonators can be plated. Because each shutter is either ON or OFF, a simple binary analogy for control of the shutters results.

Abstract: A pair of like adjustable masking mats for variously sized rectangular storm shutters, each including top and bottom L-shaped panels. A longitudinally oriented elongate groove is disposed on the back side of the long leg of the top panel while a complementary inwardly expanding elongate tongue is longitudinally disposed on the front side of the long leg of the bottom panel. The tongue interlocks and longitudinally slides within the groove for slidably interlocking the top and bottom panels together in a longitudinally contractable and expandable U-shape arrangement. Hand operable locking hardware is provided to releaseably hold the top and bottom panel stationary with respect to each other once the panels are sized for a particular shutter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means of relieving stress on an apertured mask, typically used to deposit thin-film structures on a glass substrate, such that the mask easily conforms to the substrate surface when the mask is in its hold down and patterning position during the deposition process. In particular, the present invention provides a mask assembly having a structurally relieved inner apertured mask portion from an outer mask portion that serves to eliminate wrinkles or crimps in the mask during deposition which may produce unacceptable blurs or shorts between thin-film structures. The stress relieving feature includes a slot which is disposed peripherally about the inner mask and two small segments providing the interconnection between the inner and outer mask of the mask assembly.