Abstract: A printing machine includes: a printing plate attached to a plate cylinder; a blanket configured to transfer ink from the printing plate to a printed material; a blanket wheel configured to rotate the blanket; and at least one of a distance sensor or a temperature sensor. The distance sensor is provided in the blanket wheel and configured to measure a distance of the printing plate to the blanket wheel, and the temperature sensor is provided in the blanket wheel and configured to measure a temperature of the printing plate.

Abstract: The present invention enables quick cooling of steam-treated objects and thus reduces the manufacturing time of steam-treated products such as black coated steel sheets. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing steam-treated products, which involves a steam treatment step that introduces steam into a closed container (10) containing a treatment object (1) and brings the treatment object (1) into contact with the steam, and a treated object cooling step that cools the object (1) treated with steam in the steam treatment step, wherein said treated object cooling step introduces coolant gas into said closed container (10), brings said treated object (1) into contact with the coolant gas, and discharges the introduced coolant gas from said closed container (10).

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus 1 includes a coolant passage defining body 42 to define a coolant passage 48 to supply a coolant to a workpiece 100. The coolant passage defining body 42 includes an upper member 50 and a lower member 40 as a plurality of coolant passage defining members, and is configured so that, by displacing these members 49 and 50 so as to approach each other along an up-down direction Z1 crossing a conveyance direction, the coolant passage 48 is defined in a state housing the workpiece 100. In addition, the coolant passage defining body is configured so that, by displacing the members 49 and 50 described above so as to separate from each other along the up-down direction Z1, the workpiece 100 is allowed to be let into and out of the coolant passage 48 along the conveyance direction A1.

Abstract: A system for controlling the mixing ratio of a multi-component mixture including a first pump connectable to a source of a first component and a second pump connectable to a source of a second component. The first and second pump being associated with at least one linear sensor for generating an output indicative of actual pump speed or shaft displacement of the pump. The system further includes a control circuit operative to utilize the output of the linear sensor of one of the pumps to generate a control signal for controlling the output of the other pump.

Abstract: A method for operating a gluing system (10) for gluing blanks for producing and/or packaging cigarettes or other smokable objects, in which the blanks are conveyed along glue valves (11) of the gluing system (10), in which case, in order to control and/or regulate the glue valves (11), a superordinate master controller (13) respectively transmits values of at least one control and/or regulation parameter to individual controllers (15) which are assigned to the glue valves (11), are subordinate to the master controller (13) and are each connected to the superordinate master controller (13) via a suitable data connection, the subordinate controller (15) using said values to control and/or regulate the glue valve (11) assigned to it.

Abstract: A system for processing a substrate includes a plasma chamber to produce a plasma including reactive gas ions at a first pressure, a bias supply to supply a bias between the plasma chamber and the substrate, a plasma sheath modifier disposed between the plasma chamber and substrate, the plasma sheath modifier having an aperture configured to direct the reactive ions toward the substrate in a beam having an ion beam profile, and a process chamber enclosing the substrate, the process chamber at a second pressure different than the first pressure to define a pressure differential.

Abstract: The invention provides coating units, heat-treating units, and a first main transport mechanism for transporting substrates to each of these treating units. The substrates are transferred from the first main transport mechanism to a second main transport mechanism through a receiver. When a substrate cannot be placed on the receiver, this substrate is placed on a buffer. Thus, the first main transport mechanism can continue transporting other substrates. The other substrates in the treating units are transported between the treating units without delay, to receive a series of treatments including coating treatment and heat treatment as scheduled. This prevents lowering of the quality of treatment for forming film on the substrates.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying adhesive to the surface of expanded resin panels by means of a gluing roller, comprising a conveyor for feeding a panel, which is arranged upstream of the gluing roller, and a conveyor for receiving the panel, which is arranged downstream of the gluing roller, the conveyors being mutually aligned on a supporting framework so as to have adjacent ends, and means for moving the conveyors between a lowered position and a raised position, the means being controlled by an element for detecting a panel conveyed by the feeding conveyor so as to lift or lower the conveyors to a level at which the surface of the gluing roller is substantially in tangent contact with the panel in order to apply thereon a layer of adhesive.

Abstract: Devices and methods for coating wheel rims for the production of both standard rims and special rims, are provided. An example of a device for coating wheel rims includes a pre-treating station that is followed by a powder priming station followed by a basecoat application station and a final coating station, in particular an acrylate powder station, with the final coating station being coupled to both the power priming station and the pre-treating station by at least one conveyor, respectively. The device permits a proportion of special rims to be introduced in addition to standard rims without any impairment of the spindle-synchronous operation of the device.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a device (1) for gluing the final edge (4a) of a log of band-shaped material (4), comprising a rolling plane (2) for feeding a log (3) that has at least a through opening (7) for the application of a glue (8) on the log (3) itself. The device comprises a blade (9) provided for the application of the glue (8) on the log (3). The application blade (9) is mobile between a first position, in which it is spaced from the opening (7), and a second position, in which it is disposed close to the through opening (7). The device (1) comprises a pressure container (10) for housing the glue (8) to be fed to the blade (9). The container (10) has a slot (12) facing towards, and close to an application edge (9a) of the blade (9) when the latter is in the first position.

Abstract: A conductive substrate includes substrate made of a resin material, and a conductive layer formed on the substrate by baking a conductive paste which is coated on the substrate at a predetermined position, wherein the conductive layer is formed through baking by applying second laser light to the conductive paste of which a position on the substrate is detected based on a difference in reflectance depending on the application positions of first laser light applied to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying paints or varnishes with the aid of an application device in order to apply a color design on surfaces of buildings or public or civil engineering works in accordance with a previously executed implementation of a digital image model in a previously recorded digital surface object that represents the surface of the object. According to the invention, the application device moves on the surface of the object while contacting the surface thereof, the position of the application device is continuously measured or calculated using motion sensors and paint is applied in accordance with said implementation depending on the position thus determined.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for dispensing samples or reagents onto a target object are provided. A dispensing position designating section (62) designates the dispensing position on the target object (50), such as a membrane, based on an image of the target object (50) displayed on a monitoring section (60). A dispensing control section (64) positions the target object and the dispensing device relative to each other so that the designated dispensing position on the target object is placed beneath the dispensing device (10) and controls the dispensing operation of the dispensing device (10). A dispensing position information creating section (68) creates dispensing position information about the dispensing position on the target object (50) which is designated by the dispensing position designating section (62) and to which the dispensing operation has been performed and outputs it to the outside.

Abstract: Coating installation, specifically for painting automobile body parts, having at least two application robots (3, 5) for applying a coating means to a target, at least two handling robots (4. 6) for handling the target and two linear guides (1, 2) along which the handling robots (4. 6) and the application robots (3, 5) can be driven. It is proposed that each of the two linear guides (1, 2) carries at least one of the application robots (3, 5) and at least one of the handling robots (4. 6).

Abstract: System and method for coating a medical appliance is provided. In accord with one embodiment, a system for applying a coating to a medical appliance having accessible patterned surfaces is provided. The system may include: a processor, an appliance support, and a solenoid type fluid dispensing head having an electromagnetically controlled valve. In the system, the appliance support may be adapted to hold the medical appliance and to provide direct access for a coating to contact the exposed external patterned surfaces of the medical appliance. The solenoid type fluid dispensing head in this system may move with respect to the medical appliance and may be in communication with a source of coating and with the processor. The processor in this system may contain commands that instruct the solenoid type fluid dispensing head to force coating onto the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance in a pattern that correlates with the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance.

Abstract: Printed sheets are delivered from a printer to a coating machine which feeds the sheets successively to a coating nip formed between a coating cylinder and an impression cylinder. A transport mechanism advances the sheets through the coating nip. The arrival of each sheet is sensed, and a control unit determines a speed necessary for each sheet to be initially fed in order to reach the coating nip simultaneously with an image area of the coating cylinder and with grippers of the transport mechanism, as well as at a speed equal to a surface speed of the coating cylinder. Independently driven rollers advance each sheet at that sheet's determined speed (e.g., acceleration or deceleration).

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device, which is suitable for use in an operating theater just prior to implantation, for selectively applying a medical coating to an implantable medical device, for example a stent. Disclosed is a device for use with a stent deployed on a catheter balloon. The device is configured to apply a medical coating of a desired thickness to the surface of a stent only. This is done by use of a drop-on-demand ink-jet printing system in association with an optical scanning device. The device is further configured so as to, if necessary, apply a plurality of layered coats, each layered coat being of a different coating material, and if appropriate, different thickness. The section of the housing in which the stent is held during the coating procedure is detachable from the housing base. The detachable housing section may be easily cleaned and re-sterilized or simply disposed of.

Abstract: A method and device, for use in an operating theater just prior to implantation, for selectively applying a medical coating to an implantable medical device. Disclosed is a device for use with a stent deployed on a catheter balloon configured to apply a medical coating of a desired thickness to the surface of the stent only. A drop-on-demand inkjet printing system in association with an optical scanning device is described. The device is further configured to apply a plurality of layered coats, each layered coat being of a different coating material, and if appropriate, different thickness and to coat a portion of the medical device as a function of its geometric configuration. The coating is applied by moving an applicator over the device in a path that is independent of the deposited coating pattern.

Abstract: A paint line includes a plurality of modular manufacturing stations positioned in series and defining a forward transport direction. Each modular manufacturing station includes an article transportation device for moving at least one carrier through the modular manufacturing station. At least one of the modular manufacturing stations includes a piece of paint application equipment. A control system is in communication with each article transportation device and configured to independently move the carrier of each modular manufacturing station according to a unique operation pattern. The control system is also configured to index the carrier of each modular manufacturing station as the carrier traverses to a contiguous modular manufacturing station.

Abstract: To provide a thin-film forming device and a thin-film forming method, a liquid crystal display and a device and method for manufacturing the same, and a thin-film structure and a device and method for manufacturing the same, in which material losses are reduced by using a droplet ejection head, and in addition, the thickness of the entire film can be made uniform. The invention can include a thin-film forming device that is a device for forming a thin film by applying a coating solution onto a substrate, the coating solution containing a solvent and a film-forming material dissolved or dispersed therein. Also an ejection mechanism having a droplet ejection head for ejecting the coating solution onto the substrate, a moving mechanism capable of relatively moving the positions of the droplet ejection head and the substrate, and a control unit for controlling at least one of the ejection mechanism and the moving mechanism can be provided for the thin-film forming device.

Abstract: A flow sensor for detecting liquid flow generated by a spray device is non-invasive and capable of responding to rapid changes in the flow. The flow sensor includes a light emitter and a light detector, which may be disposed adjacent the liquid outlet of the spray device and oriented such that a light beam projected by the light emitter is aimed at the spray generated by the spray device and reflected by the spray into the light detector. The light detector senses the reflected light and generates an output indicative of the presence of the flow from the spray device. A deviation of the spray from the intended spray axis may also be detected.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for depositing oil paints, acrylics, or other textural paints provides a means for automating the process of painting a picture. The process can be programmed into a data base which is stored and used at will, or the artist can utilize control means such as a joy stick to provide real-time input.

Abstract: A coating film forming apparatus for forming a film by applying a coating solution to a substrate, which is provided with a cassette section, coating unit, developing unit, pre-treatment/post-treatment units and a main arm for transferring the substrate between the respective units. In the coating unit, provided is a coating section in which a resist is applied on the substrate in a manner of single stroke by intermittently moving the substrate in a Y-direction and by moving a nozzle in an X-direction, and provided is a reduced-pressure drying section for drying under reduced pressure the substrate after being applied, and further provided is equipment for removing the coating film adhered to a periphery of the substrate. Additionally, when the reduced-pressure drying section is arranged outside the coating unit, the main arm is covered with a cover so that the inside thereof is under a solvent atmosphere.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying a thermal conductive medium (TCM) to the inside of a disposable sheath. A uniform amount of TCM is applied in an automated manner to the conductive portion of a disposable sheath to increase conductivity. Application is by way of a rotating tip having a plurality of nozzles through which TCM is pumped under control of a timing circuit. The duration of TCM application and the rotation of the tip is carefully controlled to insure uniform application of a precise amount of TCM. TCM application is avoided at portions of the sheath where thermal conductivity is not desired and at the tip of the sheath which will be coated by TCM as a result of probe insertion into the sheath. By automating the TCM application process, TCM can be applied in precise amounts and in a uniform manner without accidentally coating areas of the sheath where TCM is not desired. In addition the process can be conducted in far less time than is required to manually apply TCM.

Abstract: A coating film forming apparatus for forming a film by applying a coating solution to a substrate, which is provided with a cassette section, coating unit, developing unit, pre-treatment/post-treatment units and a main arm for transferring the substrate between the respective units. In the coating unit, provided is a coating section in which a resist is applied on the substrate in a manner of single stroke by intermittently moving the substrate in a Y-direction and by moving a nozzle in an X-direction, and provided is a reduced-pressure drying section for drying under reduced pressure the substrate after being applied, and further provided is equipment for removing the coating film adhered to a periphery of the substrate. Additionally, when the reduced-pressure drying section is arranged outside the coating unit, the main arm is covered with a cover so that the inside thereof is under a solvent atmosphere.

Abstract: A deposit is formed on a deposition substrate using a deposition gun that bums a mixture of a fuel and an oxidizer to form a deposition gas flow, mixes a powder into the deposition gas flow to form a deposition mixture flow, and projects the deposition mixture flow therefrom. The deposition gun is provided with a flowing coolant. A flow rate of the fuel to the deposition gun, a flow rate of the oxidizer to the deposition gun, a flow rate of the powder to the deposition gun, and a cooling capacity of the coolant flow are all measured. The flow rate of the fuel, the flow rate of the oxidizer, the flow rate of the powder, and the cooling capacity of the coolant flow are all controlled responsive to the step of measurements.

Abstract: A coating film forming apparatus for forming a film by applying a coating solution to a substrate, which is provided with a cassette section, coating unit, developing unit, pre-treatment/post-treatment units and a main arm for transferring the substrate between the respective units. In the coating unit, provided is a coating section in which a resist is applied on the substrate in a manner of single stroke by intermittently moving the substrate in a Y-direction and by moving a nozzle in an X-direction, and provided is a reduced-pressure drying section for drying under reduced pressure the substrate after being applied, and further provided is equipment for removing the coating film adhered to a periphery of the substrate. Additionally, when the reduced-pressure drying section is arranged outside the coating unit, the main arm is covered with a cover so that the inside thereof is under a solvent atmosphere.

Abstract: A chamber 25 comprises a support 45 for holding a substrate 20 and a sensor system 135 adapted to detect the presence or proper placement of the substrate 20 on the support 45. The support 45 comprises a window 155 that is transparent and adapted to transmit light therethrough. The sensor system 135 comprises a light source 140 adapted to direct a light beam 150 through the window 155 and a light sensor 160 in the path of the light beam 150. The light beam 150 is sensed by the light sensor 135 when the substrate 20 is properly positioned and the light beam 150 is blocked from the light sensor 135 when the substrate 20 is improperly positioned or vice versa. Preferably, the support 45 comprises an electrostatic chuck 55 adapted to electrostatically hold the substrate 20, the electrostatic chuck 55 comprising a window 155 composed of transparent material or a cut-out or a hole therein.

Abstract: An apparatus including: a movement device that moves an object to be coated; a slot die coater equipped with a position sensor mounted on at least one end of the slot die coater and which slot die coater controllably dispenses coating material onto the moving object; and at least one servor motor-controller system in electrical contact with the position sensor, wherein the position sensor senses the position of the slot die coater relative to the object and wherein the at least one servor motor-controller system adjusts the position of the slot die coater relative to the object if the position of the slot die coater relative to the moving substrate deviates from a set of predetermined coordinates.

Abstract: An integrated paint quality control (IPQC) system for feedback control of paint process for painting vehicle bodies includes a film thickness sensor system for measuring paint film thickness of the painted bodies. The IPQC system also includes a control system communicating with the film thickness sensor system for receiving information of the paint film thickness and combining the paint film thickness information with paint automation parameters on a vehicle identification number (VIN) basis of the painted bodies to control the paint process.

Abstract: A rotary drum seeder for depositing seeds onto food products. The seeder includes a primary support structure, rotary drum assembly, seed hopper, feed gate disposed between the seed hopper and a hopper discharge, and controller. The surface of a rotatable drum of the drum assembly includes repeating patterns made up of apertures. Seeds are selectively adhered to and dislodged from the apertures by high and low pressure fluids provided to the apertures. The low and high pressure fluids come from a vacuum source and a high pressure source, respectively. The vacuum source causes seeds to adhere to the apertures, while the high pressure source generates a localized positive fluid pressure in a seed dislodging device disposed within the rotary drum, thereby forcing the seeds from the apertures when they pass over the seed dislodging device. A boundary layer air knife is used to remove excess seeds from the surface of the rotary drum.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a circumferential deposition thickness distribution on a substrate includes a motor that rotates the substrate and a positioning sensor that senses an angular position of the substrate. At least one deposition thickness sensor senses the deposition thickness of the substrate at multiple positions on a circumference of a circle centered about an axis of rotation of the substrate. At least one controller drives a vapor source used to emit material for a deposition on a substrate. The at least one controller is coupled to the positioning sensor and the deposition thickness sensor. The controller synchronously varies an emission rate of material from the vapor source with respect to the angular position of the substrate to control the circumferential deposition thickness distribution.

Abstract: The present invention is a coating unit for coating a substrate with a coating solution, comprising a coating solution discharge member for discharging the coating solution to the substrate which is positioned in a downward part. A lower surface of the coating solution discharge member is in a shape having a length longer, at least, than the radius of the substrate and having a narrow width. A coating solution discharge port is disposed in a portion of the coating solution discharge member, facing the center of the substrate, while a solvent mist discharge port for discharging a solvent mist of the coating solution is disposed in a portion facing a peripheral portion including an outer edge potion of the substrate, when the coating solution discharge member is positioned above the radius of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing electrostatic destruction of integrated circuits coats an electrostatic agent on surfaces of the integrated circuits to avoid accumulation of static electricity caused by dynamic contact friction. The apparatus comprises a belt, at least one motor, at least one spray nozzle, at least one dispenser or controller and at least one photo switch. The integrated circuits are placed on the belt. The motor drives the belt and therefore the integrated circuits step by step to the spray nozzle to coat the electrostatic agent on the surfaces of the integrated circuits. The controller controls the output rate of the electrostatic agent from the spray nozzle. The photo switch is connected to the spray nozzle and dispenser to detect the integrated circuits as they pass the spray nozzle.

Abstract: A rotateable substrate support having a rotateable base and a plurality of end effectors coupled to the rotateable base, and adapted to support a substrate. Each end effector has a removable finger extending from the rotateable base and adapted to contact an edge of a substrate supported by the plurality of end effectors, and/or a removable pad, removably coupled to a finger, and positioned so as to contact an edge of a substrate supported by the plurality of end effectors.

Abstract: Gluing unit of a tail end of a log fitted in a load-bearing structure (12) of a machine to produce logs, in which the structure (12) comprises an inclined surface (13) for feeding logs (14) and in which fitted at the end of the inclined surface (13) is a rotating selector (15), equipped with a series of pockets (15a), to receive individual logs (14) and feed these towards an actual gluing unit (11). This gluing unit (11) comprises in succession a lower unwinding roller (16) and an upper conveyor belt (17) and, moreover, immediately downstream of the unwinding roller (16) a feed roller (18) followed by a suction roller (19), connected to a vacuum source, and a glue dispensing device (20), and also provided above the unwinding roller (16) and feed roller (18) with a blowing component (27) to blow a final end (21) of the log (14) and a photocell (28) which interacts to detect the final end (21) of the log (14).

Abstract: A paste applicator and paste application method for die bonding apply paste to adhere a semiconductor chip on a substrate. Data on paste application volume and application pattern which can be identified from paste thickness and chip size are stored. A dispensing flow rate calculator calculates dispensing flow rate of a dispenser based on the paste application volume data and application pattern data when the paste is dispensed from the dispenser and pressure fed to an application nozzle for applying paste. Based on this calculated dispensing flow rate and application pattern data, a dispenser controller controls the dispenser and a transfer table controller controls the transfer table for moving the application nozzle.

Abstract: A drive pulley is disposed to a driving motor. A plurality of follower pulleys are disposed to a rotating shaft of a spin chuck that vacuum sucks a substrate. A belt is passed from one follower pulley to the drive pulley. Belts are passed from the other follower pulleys to the drive shafts of a plurality of air motors. Since the air motors assist the driving of the driving motor, a large substrate can be rotated at a predetermined rotating acceleration. Thus, a film forming apparatus and a film forming method that allow the quantity of process solution supplied to be reduced and a film of process solution to be equally formed on a substrate can be provided.

Abstract: A system and method for setting up an applicator to treat a target blank traveling on a conveyor includes placing a mark on an example blank, where the mark represents a desired location for treatment of the target blank. The marked example blank is passed along the conveyor, and the location of the mark is sensed on the example blank. The applicator is programmed to treat the target blank at the sensed location. Further, a method and system for regulating an applicator for treating a desired location of a target blank traveling along a conveyor include passing the target blank along the conveyor and sensing an applied location of the treatment to the target blank. The applied location is compared with the desired location and responsive to the comparing, the applicator is adjusted to apply the treatment closer to the desired location.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing workpiece support which includes a detection subsystem that detects whether a wafer or other workpiece is present. The preferred arrangement uses an optical beam emitter and an optical beam detector mounted along the back side of a rotor which acts as a workpiece holder. The emitted beam passes through the workpiece holder and is reflected by any workpiece present in the Workpiece holder. The preferred units include both an optical emitter and pair of detectors. The detection is preferably able to discriminate on the basis of the angle of the reflected beam, so that a portion of the beam reflected by the workpiece holder is not considered or minimized.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a liquid resist into a through hole part of an electroconductive substrate comprises an application roll, rotating in a single rotational direction, for coating the electroconductive substrate carried by a carrier with a liquid resist. An opposing member opposed to the application roll enables the electroconductive substrate carried by the carrier to be held. A control unit controls the carrier so that the carrier moves the electroconductive substrate between the application roll and the opposed member in a first carrying direction, and subsequently in a second direction inverse to the first carrying direction.

Abstract: A process for the vacuum treatment of workpieces, includes loading the workpieces into a treatment facility, surface treating the workpieces in at least one vacuum station of the facility grouped as a station batch and controlling at least the timing of the process by a freely programmable process controller unit. At least two stations operating each on workpiece batches can be grouped as respective station batches and be different with respect to number of workpieces. The workpieces can be transported to and from the grouped stations. An embodiment of vacuum treatment system for such a process includes at least one vacuum treatment station for workpieces grouped as a station batch. A transport system supplies the vacuum station with workpieces. A process controller unit has an output operationally connected to a drive arrangement for the transport system. The unit controls operating timing of the treatment system and is freely programmable.

Abstract: A conveyor system for transporting parts through a plurality of processing areas. The conveyor system comprises a plurality of conveyors, each of the conveyors for transporting parts through an associated one of the processing areas. Each of the conveyors are driven by a motor. Each of a plurality of sensors are associated with one of the plurality of processing areas. Each of a plurality of control interfaces are associated with a device in one of the plurality of processing areas. Each of a plurality of control circuits are associated with one of the plurality of processing areas and coupled to corresponding sensors and corresponding interfaces. At least one operator interface is coupled to the plurality of control circuits. Wherein, the operator interface can modularly control and monitor devices within the plurality of processing areas.

Abstract: An image forming substance removing apparatus for preventing an unstabilizing liquid from being excessively applied to a sheet material unnecessarily, preventing a bad state of transporting the sheet material, and not requiring a long time for drying the sheet material is provided. In the above-mentioned apparatus, an unstabilizing liquid supplying unit applies the unstabilizing liquid to the transfer material and is constructed with an applying roller for pumping up the unstabilizing liquid by an action of its rotation, a restriction roller for bringing the applying roller into contact with the transfer paper, and others. And further, in order to move the restriction roller between a position of coming into contact with the applying roller and a position of departing therefrom, a tip end sensor for sensing the tip end of the transfer paper, a spring, and a solenoid, etc. are provided in the apparatus.

Abstract: A thin-film depositing apparatus of the present invention deposits a sputtered film on a substrate in a sputtering chamber, and removes the substrate having the sputtered film deposited thereon from the sputtering chamber via a load-lock chamber by a robot arm. As a system for controlling the sheet resistance of the sputtered film deposited on the substrate, a measuring device using an eddy current method is mounted in the proximity of a substrate outlet of the load-lock chamber and measures the sheet resistance of the sputtered film of the substrate removed from the substrate outlet. With this structure, it is possible to provide a thin-film depositing apparatus which stably measures the sheet resistance of a thin film deposited on a substrate and performs feedback of the measurement result to control the film deposition conditions so that a thin film to be deposited on a subsequent substrate has a desired thickness.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle body painting system can be equipped with a paint purge mechanism that includes a densitometer responsive to density changes in the fluid flowing through the mechanism. The densitometer can be used to selectively direct pure paint into a pure paint collection receptacle or a solvent-paint solution into a mixed paint collection receptacle. The system achieves a relatively high percentage recovery of pure paint that is purged from the painting system during each paint color change.

Abstract: An apparatus and procedure for applying a protective coating to a lens disc; the procedure comprises the positioning of trays (7) carrying lens discs, on a conveyor belt (9), which comes to a halt opposite a sensor means which detects the lenses; the tray (7) enters a coating chamber (4) provided with a coating diffusor (11); and the tray (7) comes to a halt repeatedly leaving one of the lens carried on the tray (7) opposite the diffusor (11); the pulverised coating material is sprayed onto the lens and then the tray (7) passes on to a drying section (3). The apparatus comprises trays (7) carrying lenses; a means for the transport thereof; a chamber (4), provided with a coating diffusor (11) and a gas extraction means (13); there is also a sensor means (15) and a stopping means for regulating the movement of the tray (7) as far as the drying section (3).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a masking, insulating and/or lubricating barrier coating on a portion of the threads and/or other surfaces of discrete objects such as fasteners utilizing a liquid coating material as provided. The present invention can selectively coat threaded and/or unthreaded surfaces of fasteners having odd shapes, deep threads and extended hubs. The fasteners are subsequently elevated and inverted onto a conveying system that moves them away from the area where the coating material is applied directly into a heat treatment device such as an oven in a continuous on-line process that does not require manual handling of the fasteners.

Abstract: A bead or caulking material is applied to a workpiece, such as a window frame, utilizing a moveable carriage holding a bead dispensing nozzle thereon. The nozzle is mounted on a platform moveable relative to the carriage. The carriage is moved along a predetermined path relative to the workpiece. Bead or caulking material is simultaneously dispensed from the nozzle onto the workpiece. Additionally throughout the movement of the carriage, the nozzle and platform are biased to maintain engagement between a guide surface mounted on the nozzle and a reference surface. The reference surface may be formed as a portion of the workpiece. The platform may include a pair of orthogonally arranged slides with piston cylinder assemblies utilized for biasing each of the respective slides. Sensors may be provided on each of the cylinders for sensing biasing parameters relating to the biasing of the nozzle and the platform with the sensed parameters utilized for controlling the movement of the carriage.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing workpiece support which includes a detection subsystem that detects whether a wafer or other workpiece is present. The preferred arrangement uses an optical beam emitter and an optical beam detector mounted along the back side of a rotor which acts as a workpiece holder. The emitted beam passes through the workpiece holder and is reflected by any workpiece present in the workpiece holder. The preferred units include both an optical emitter and pair of detectors. The detection is preferably able to discriminate on the basis of the angle of the reflected beam, so that a portion of the beam reflected by the workpiece holder is not considered or minimized.