Abstract: A controlled application of warm dry air is provided during and/or between applications of sprays in an automated spray system. Short multiple passes of the spray cloud over the human target are provided, each being followed by application of warmed dry air for a short drying cycle that is effectuated between the individual spray passes. When the system is implemented in a booth or enclosure, warmed dry air may be supplied into the environment so as to warm the ambient air temperature prior to spraying.

Abstract: A system and associated methods are described for preparing a magnetic disk for installation within a disk drive system. For example, a polyfunctional lubricant may be mixed with a chemical agent to esterify the polyfunctional lubricant and cap hydroxyl groups of the polyfunctional lubricant. The magnetic disk may then be dip coated with the polyfunctional lubricant and chemical agent mixture. A polishing system then polishes the magnetic disk via an abrasive polishing tape after dip coating the magnetic disk. A portion of the chemical agent is then removed from the magnetic disk to bond a portion of the lubricant to the magnetic disk to prevent the lubricant from interfering with a read/write head when installed within a disk drive system.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus that forms thin films on a plurality of substrates and thermally processes the substrates, by uniformly heating the substrates. The substrate processing apparatus includes a processing chamber, a boat in which substrates are stacked, an external heater located outside of the processing chamber, a feeder to move the boat into and out of the processing chamber, a lower heater located below the feeder, and a central heater located in the center of the boat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the cost effective formation of a composite material which includes metallized carbon nanotubes and/or nanofibers that can be used to form portions of an energy storage device, such as a lithium ion battery. In one embodiment, carbon nanotubes are formed on a host substrate using a catalytic chemical vapor deposition process. An initiation-adhesion layer is formed over the carbon nanotubes and a metallic layer is then deposited on the initiation-adhesion layer and each layer is formed using a wet deposition process. In one embodiment, portions of the host substrate are used to form an electrochemical storage device that may be integrated with other formed electrochemical storage devices to create an interconnected battery array. The battery array may be formed as a woven sheet, panel, or other flexible structure depending upon the type of host substrate material.

Abstract: Shaped metal deposition apparatus comprises a mounting head for mounting a shaped metal deposition device, an inert gas shield for providing an inert atmosphere around shaped metal deposited in use by the shaped metal deposition device, and a rotatable coupling between the mounting head and the inert gas shield to permit relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: There is provided a coating apparatus capable of continuously producing coated rice having powdered coating material adhered to the grains and including a drying process to prevent the grains from being bonded to one another and make the grain surfaces smoother upon drying of the grains. The coating apparatus comprising a binder coating unit for applying liquid binder to the grains being conveyed through a coating and stirring chamber to coat the grain surfaces with the binder; a adhering unit for adding powder material to the grains conveyed through a adhering and stirring chamber to adhere the powdered material to the grain surface by the binder; and a drying unit including a drying and stirring chamber through which the grains are conveyed while being stirred, a blow passage for blowing hot air into the drying chamber to dry the grains, and an exhaust passage for exhausting the hot air from the drying chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a substrate utilizing a rotating substrate support are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for processing a substrate includes a chamber having a substrate support assembly disposed within the chamber. The substrate support assembly includes a substrate support having a support surface and a heater disposed beneath the support surface. A shaft is coupled to the substrate support and a motor is coupled to the shaft through a rotor to provide rotary movement to the substrate support. A seal block is disposed around the rotor and forms a seal therewith. The seal block has at least one seal and at least one channel disposed along the interface between the seal block and the shaft. A port is coupled to each channel for connecting to a pump. A lift mechanism is coupled to the shaft for raising and lowering the substrate support.

Abstract: A system for synthesizing carbon nanotubes (CNT) on a fiber material includes a surface treatment system adapted to modify the surface of the fiber material to receive a barrier coating upon which carbon nanotubes are to be grown, a barrier coating application system downstream of the surface treatment system adapted to apply the barrier coating to the treated fiber material surface, and a barrier coating curing system downstream of the barrier coating application system for partially curing the applied barrier coating to enhance reception of CNT growth catalyst nanoparticles.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a generating mechanism to generate foam from a liquid or gel which may take a foam state, a coating roller having a peripheral surface supplied with the foam to coat the foam on the peripheral surface onto a surface of a recording medium, and a transport passage to transport the foam from the generating mechanism to the coating roller by an accumulation force of the foam.

Abstract: A droplet ejecting apparatus includes a stage which holds a substrate; R (red), G (green), and B (blue) head groups for ejecting droplets of the R, G, and B colors, respectively, each of the head groups including at least one head; and a carriage which holds the R, G, and B head groups. In the apparatus, droplets of the R, G, and B colors are ejected to R, G, and B colored portions on the substrate from the R, G, and B head groups, respectively, during movement of the carriage relative to the stage in a first direction.

Abstract: A substrate mounting mechanism on which a substrate is placed is provided. The mechanism includes a heater plate having a substrate mounting surface, and a first insertion hole having large and small diameter portions, and a temperature control jacket formed to cover at least a surface of the heater plate other than the substrate mounting surface and having a non-deposition temperature a second insertion hole having large and small diameter portions. The mechanism further includes a first lift pin having a cover inserted into the large diameter portion of the first insertion hole and a shaft inserted into both the large and small diameter portions of the first insertion hole, and a second lift pin having a cover to be inserted into the large diameter portion of the second insertion hole and a shaft to be inserted into both the large and small diameter portions of the second insertion hole.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a silicon thin film layer and a manufacturing apparatus of a solar cell are disclosed. The manufacturing apparatus of solar cell comprises an outer chamber; an inner chamber disposed within the outer chamber; a container disposed at the inner chamber and which receives a fluid; and a heat exchanger disposed at the outside of the outer chamber and which exchanges heat of the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing active materials, such as adhesives, onto articles, such as absorbent articles or release paper, using a coater with a multitude of applicators. The applicators coat a surface (roll) with a multitude of beads of the active material. The apparatus also includes a specific coating blade, which contacts the surface with the active material at a certain angle and thereby coats the surface even better.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic cell array of the type comprising a primary electrode array and a counter-electrode array together defining a series-connected sequence of cells, each containing electrolyte which is insulated from direct electrical contact with the electrolyte of neighbouring cells, the method comprising: (a) depositing electrolyte into the cells; and (b) sensing the level of electrolyte deposited.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing an insulated electric wire, in which a primary coating layer including at least an enamel-baking layer is formed on a metallic conductor to form a primary coated electric wire, and a secondary coating layer is extrusion-formed on the primary coating layer of the primary coated electric wire. The method includes an electric wire pre-heating process where a surface of the primary coating layer is pre-heated using an electric wire pre-heating unit, and a resin extrusion process where a secondary coating layer is extrusion-formed on the pre-heated primary coating layer using a resin extrusion unit. Further disclosed is an apparatus for producing an insulated electric wire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a substrate are provided. The apparatus includes a load port, an index module, a first buffer module, a coating/developing module, a second buffer module, a pre/post-exposure treatment module, and an interface module, which are sequentially arranged in a direction. The coating/developing module includes a coating module and a developing module, which are arranged in different layers. The pre/post-exposure treatment module includes a pre-treatment module and a post-treatment module, which are disposed at different layers. The pre-treatment module coats a protective layer on the wafer before an exposure process. The post-treatment module performs a wafer cleaning process and a post-exposure bake process after the exposure process. A robot for transferring the wafer is disposed in each of the pre-treatment and post-treatment modules.

Abstract: In a method for producing a component (20) with a coating (24) containing nanoparticles (21), it is provided that, in order to introduce the nanoparticles (21) into the coating (24), a film (19) with the dispersely distributed nanoparticles (21) is applied to the surface (22) to be coated, which decomposes with incorporation of the nanoparticles (21) during the actual coating operation and is thereby not incorporated into the layer.

Abstract: The invention provides an ink jet recording ink containing a self-dispersion pigment having a lactone group and a carboxyl group, an organic carboxylic acid salt, water and a water-soluble substance having a coefficient of hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity of 0.37 or more as defined by the following equation (A), and having a surface tension of 34 mN/m or less.

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

Abstract: A method and corresponding system for providing a uniform nanowire array including uniform nanowires composed of at least three elements is presented. An embodiment of the method includes growing an array of two-element nanowires, and thereafter uniformly doping or alloying each two-element nanowire, with respect to each other two-element nanowire, with at least one doping or alloying element through a wet chemical synthesis with a precursor solution, to produce the uniform array of nanowires composed of at least three elements. The two-element nanowire can include Zn and O, and the at least one doping or alloying element can be Mg, Cd, Mn, Cu, Be, Fe, and Co. Applications of the three-element nanowire array include solar cells and light emitting diodes with improved efficiencies over existing technologies.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes heat treatment apparatus blocks each comprised of stacked heat treatment apparatuses HP each having temperature adjustment mechanism 70 configured to be able to move a substrate to a heating mechanism and adjust the temperature of the substrate, and includes a cooling liquid supply mechanism 81 that supplies a cooling liquid set for a predetermined temperature to be supplied for each of the heat treatment apparatus blocks HPB, a supply mechanism 99 which branches the cooling liquid supplied from cooling liquid supply mechanism 81 and supplies the cooling liquid to each temperature adjustment mechanism 70 of heating mechanisms in one of the heat treatment apparatus blocks.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrodischarging and hydrocharging substrates and articles to produce enhanced ability to avoid attraction of contaminants or improved capability of removing contaminants from fluids are disclosed. In another form the method involves removal of electric charges or neutralization of charge on or within substrates. Also disclosed are methods of making using electret substrates and articles for removing particulates and mists from fluid streams.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for forming components or circuits by ejecting a fluid including materials in a single ligament are disclosed.

Abstract: An electroless plating chamber is provided. The electroless plating chamber includes a chuck configured to support a substrate and a bowl surrounding a base and a sidewall of the chuck. The base has an annular channel defined along an inner diameter of the base. The chamber includes a drain connected to the annular channel. The drain is capable of removing fluid collected from the chuck. A proximity head capable of cleaning and substantially drying the substrate is included in the chamber. A method for performing an electroless plating operation is also provided.

Abstract: A miniaturized aerosol jet, or an array of miniaturized aerosol jets for direct printing of various aerosolized materials. In the most commonly used embodiment, an aerosol stream is focused and deposited onto a planar or non-planar target, forming a pattern that is thermally or photochemically processed to achieve physical, optical, and/or electrical properties near that of the corresponding bulk material. The apparatus uses an aerosol jet deposition head to form an annularly propagating jet composed of an outer sheath flow and an inner aerosol-laden carrier flow. Miniaturization of the deposition head facilitates the fabrication and operation of arrayed deposition heads, enabling construction and operation of arrays of aerosol jets capable of independent motion and deposition. Arrayed aerosol jets provide an increased deposition rate, arrayed deposition, and multi-material deposition.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming coatings on stents. The method comprises applying a coating composition to the stent; followed by terminating the application of the coating composition; followed by inserting a temperature adjusting element within the longitudinal bore of the stent to change the temperature of the stent.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cleaning, coating and sealing leaks in existing pipes, in a single operation. A piping system can be cleaned in one pass by dry particulates forced and pulled by air throughout the piping system by a generator and a vacuum. Pipes can be protected from water corrosion, erosion and electrolysis, extending the life of pipes such as copper, steel, lead, brass, cast iron piping and composite materials. Coatings can be applied to pipes having diameters up to approximately 6?. Leak sealants of at least approximately 4 mils thick can cover insides of pipes, and can include novel mixtures of fillers and epoxy materials, and viscosity levels. A positive pressure can be maintained within the pipes during applications. Piping systems can be returned to service within approximately 96 hours.

Abstract: Films are formed on a plurality of substrates through a batch process while preventing formation of films on the rear surfaces of the substrates. For this, a substrate processing apparatus comprises a reaction vessel, supports, a support holder, and an induction heating device. The reaction vessel is configured to process substrates therein. The supports are made of a conductive material and having a disk shape, and each of the supports is configured to accommodate a substrate in its concave part in a state where the substrate is horizontally positioned with a top surface of the substrate being exposed. The concave part is formed concentrically with a circumference of the support, and a difference between radii of the support and the concave part is greater than a distance between neighboring two of the supports held by the support holder. The support holder is configured to hold at least the supports horizontally in multiple stages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed, which is capable of realizing an extension of a cleaning cycle for a processing chamber, the method comprising preheating a substrate; placing the preheated substrate onto a substrate-supporting unit provided in a susceptor while the preheated substrate is maintained at a predetermined height from an upper surface of the susceptor provided in a processing chamber; and forming a thin film on the preheated substrate, wherein a temperature of the preheated substrate is higher than a processing temperature for forming the thin film in the processing chamber.

Abstract: A system for cold gas dynamic spraying of particulate material has a de Laval nozzle and two or more radial particle inlets located between the throat and the outlet of the nozzle, the two or more particle inlets arranged symmetrically around a linear flow path of the nozzle. Blocking of the inlets is reduced by controlling pressure of particle carrier gas to provide a stable particulate material injection pressure before and during introduction of working gas into the nozzle, and/or by clearing the particle inlets of residual particles after a spraying process. Such a system and associated method combines benefits of both downstream and upstream cold gas spray systems. Further, a nozzle for spraying particulate material having a cross-sectional shape that is narrower in a middle section compared to edge sections provides coatings with superior cross-sectional profiles.

Abstract: A method includes forming a gas-sensitive substrate during a production process by dispensing one or more gas-sensitive materials onto the substrate and drying the one or more gas-sensitive materials on the substrate. The method also includes adjusting the production process based on one or more sensor measurements associated with the substrate and/or the production process. Adjusting the production process could include conditioning air around the substrate so that the conditioned air has one or more specified characteristics and adjusting the one or more specified characteristics based on the one or more sensor measurements. The one or more sensor measurements could include one or more measurements of a moisture content of the substrate. Adjusting the production process could also include adjusting a tension of the substrate. The one or more gas-sensitive materials could be deposited in multiple regions of the substrate, such as along multiple tracks extending lengthwise down the substrate.

Abstract: The installation includes elements for the temporary injection of inert gas; and at least one individual and autonomous casing (6) provided with a window (13) and including receiving elements for a support (3) carrying an ophthalmic lens (2), and sealing elements (21) adapted to form around the ophthalmic lens (2) a sealed enclosure, that enclosure including a non-return inlet member adapted to cooperate with the elements for the temporary injection of inert gas.

Abstract: In a purge gas assembly provided: in an outer circumference portion of a substrate stage, with a shoulder portion offset downward below a substrate mounting surface on an upper end of the substrate stage; a purge ring enclosing a stepped circumferential surface between the substrate mounting surface and the shoulder portion; and an annular gas ejection passage for ejecting the purge gas, the gas ejecting passage being defined between the stepped circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface of the purge ring, an arrangement is made such that the purge gas can be ejected uniformly from the gas ejection passage over the entire circumference thereof and that the deposition of a film on an upper surface of the purge ring can also be restricted, and further that the construction is simplified. The purge ring has formed therein an annular groove which recesses from a lower surface thereof upward.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for providing necessary capacitive decoupling to a large area substrate in a plasma reactor. One embodiment of the invention provides a substrate support for using in a plasma reactor comprising an electrically conductive body has a top surface with a plurality of raised areas configured for contacting a back surface of a large area substrate, and the plurality of raised areas occupy less than about 50% of the surface area of the top surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring material on at least a portion of an uneven surface of a substrate in the manufacture of photovoltaic cells, which may include, but is not limited to a thin-film solar substrates (3-D TFSS). An apparatus for transfer coating onto an uneven surface comprising an applicator roll, a transport roll, a heating device, a drying system, a conveying system, a reservoir, a blade, and a substrate. A method for positioning a substrate, selectively coating the material on an uneven surface, compressing the material to conform at the uneven surface, heating the material to a temperature more than that of the substrate, and drying the material to form continuous material coverage on said uneven surface. A method and apparatus for passing the substrate in a controlled environment, agitating the material prior to step of selectively coating, and heating the conveying plane.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a powdery source supply system prevents outflow of particles from a chamber or an introduction line in a film forming process. A substrate processing system includes a powdery source supply system and a film forming processing unit. The powdery source supply system includes an ampoule for accommodating a powdery source, a carrier gas supply unit for supplying a carrier gas into the ampoule, an introduction line for connecting the ampoule and the film forming processing unit, a purge line branched from the introduction line, and a valve for opening or closing the introduction line. When the valve is opened and the interior of the purge line is evacuated prior to the film forming process, the carrier gas supply unit supplies a carrier gas so that the viscous force acting on particles by the carrier gas is greater than the viscous force in the film forming process.

Abstract: A disclosed method of manufacturing an image display element structure includes a coating step of coating a substrate surface including a plurality of recessed portions arranged at predetermined intervals, with a coating material that is plastic-deformable, in such a manner as to maintain spaces in the recessed portions; and an expanding step of forming gaps in the coating material coating the substrate surface by expanding gas in the spaces, wherein the gaps correspond to the recessed portions; and a peeling step of peeling off the coating material in which the gaps have been formed, from the substrate surface.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing a membrane electrode assembly comprising steps of: preparing a precursor of a membrane electrode assembly wherein a catalyst mixture comprising an electrolyte resin and a catalyst-carrying conductor is applied or placed on an electrolyte membrane; and externally exposing the precursor of the membrane electrode assembly to a superheated medium under oxygen-free or low-oxygen conditions and heating the boundary of the electrolyte membrane and the catalyst mixture in the precursor of the membrane electrode assembly by condensation heat of the superheated medium to fix the catalyst mixture to the electrolyte membrane. This method enables the production of a membrane electrode assembly that is substantially free of boundary and that has a catalyst layer in which a porous and sufficient three-phase boundary is present.

Abstract: Inline methods for forming a photovoltaic cell electrode structure, wherein the photovoltaic cell includes a semiconductor substrate having a passivation layer thereon, includes providing a plurality of contact openings through the passivation layer to the semiconductor substrate, selectively plating a contact metal into the plurality of contact openings by printing electroless plating solution into the plurality of contact openings to deposit the contact metal, depositing a metal containing material on the deposited contact metal, and firing the deposited contact metal and the deposited metal containing material. The metal containing material may include a paste containing a silver or silver alloy along with a glass frit and is substantially free to completely free of lead. The methods may also use light activation of the passivation layer or use seed layers to assist in the plating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for the efficient production of a substantially wood free coated web. In particular, a method for producing an at least substantially wood free coated web includes the application of a double coating on at least one side of the web, whereby the last coating application occurs by means of a contactless coating process.

Abstract: A coater (1) includes: a droplet jet part (4) which ejects droplets of a first solution toward an object to be coated (2) to apply the droplets to the object to be coated (2); and a remoisturizing-drying part (6) which gives a residue of the first solution applied on the object to be coated (2) a solvent capable of dissolving the residue to form an applied body with a second solution containing the residue as a solute, and which dries the formed applied body with the second solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions for treating inflammatory skin, eye and/or ear diseases comprising 4{4-[3-(4-chloro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-ureido]-3-fluorophen-oxy}-pyridine-2-carboxylic acid methylamide optionally combined with at least one additional therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A method of processing a mailpiece that bears identifiers for postal use and identifiers other than for postal use, in which method said identifiers other than for postal use are printed on the mailpiece prior to it being fed into a franking machine suitable for printing a postal imprint on the mailpiece, wherein the identifiers other than for postal use are printed in an ink that is erased after the process of printing said postal imprint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the corrosion resistance of chrome plated materials. After the materials to be chrome plated are mechanically abrasively polished, but before they are reverse etched, they are power washed with a high-pressure liquid. A sprayer with nozzles directed inwardly towards the materials directs water onto the material at pressures in the range of 1000 or 2500 to 3000 psi. After the materials are chrome plated, they are heated above the melting point of a buffing compound, and then the heated materials with the buffing compound applied are buffed. An induction heater is used, before or after the buffing compound is applied. Computer controls, responsive to operator input of the cross-sectional size, composition and/or speed of movement of the chrome plated materials, to in turn regulate the power to an induction coil heater.

Abstract: A method and a printing device (6) for decorating glass or ceramic items, wherein a pigment layer (3) is sandwiched between two glass frit layers (2, 4), wherein at least the pigment formulation layer (3) and the upper glass frit formulation layer (4) are, or can be, imprinted by an inkjet printing process.

Abstract: In a method particles are delivered to a thermal spraying process for forming a layer on a component. They are entrained there by a carrier gas stream and deposited on a component to be coated. The particles are dispersed in a liquid or solid additive before being introduced into a supply line which issues into the thermal spraying apparatus, the additive, after leaving the supply line, being transferred into the gaseous state in the carrier gas stream. A liquid additive evaporates or a solid additive is sublimated, whereby the particles in the carrier gas stream are separated. The dispersal of the particles in the additive simplifies an exact metering and prevents the particles from forming lumps, so that improved layers can be deposited by virtue of an improved homogeneity of the carrier gas stream. As the additive has been transferred into the gaseous state, it is not deposited in the layer.

Abstract: There are provided a method for imparting a high-durability function to a polymer formed article, which can efficiently impart various function-imparting agents to the polymer formed article, can decrease processing waste liquid as much as possible and recover the waste liquid and the function-imparting agents, can also reuse them as needed, and moreover, can impart the function-imparting agents to the polymer formed article by a continuous system, not by a batch system; and an apparatus thereof. A method for imparting a function to a polymer formed article, which comprises spraying a supercritical fluid to the polymer formed article to firmly fix a function-imparting agent to the polymer formed article.

Abstract: A process to deposit an Alpha Alumina (?-Al2O3) crystalline coating on a substrate surface, wherein the process includes hydrothermal synthesis of the ?-Al2O3 crystalline coating.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to an apparatus for coating a photoresist layer and a photolithography method using the apparatus. In embodiments, the apparatus may include a rotatable wafer support for supporting a wafer to be coated with a photoresist layer, a beam nozzle for performing WEE (Wafer Edge Exposure) with respect to a photoresist layer at an edge of the wafer on the wafer support, and a spray nozzle for spraying an alkali solution onto an edge of the wafer exposed through the beam nozzle.

Abstract: A functional droplet coating apparatus includes a functional droplet discharge head for discharging a functional droplet, a stage for setting thereon a board to be coated with the functional droplet discharged from the functional droplet discharge head, and a drying unit for covering one or entire part of the board set on the stage, the drying unit for drying the functional droplet ejected from the functional droplet discharge head.