Abstract: A system comprises: a filter for removing at least one of a contaminant or gas bubbles from a liquid photoresist to provide a filtered photoresist at an outlet of the filter. The filter has a filter vent. A trap has an inlet coupled to receive the filtered photoresist from the filter, for removing a remaining contaminant or gas bubbles from the filtered photoresist. One or more valves and one or more conduits are connected to the filter and the trap. The one or more valves are operable to reverse a direction of flow of the filtered photoresist, so that the photoresist flows from the inlet of the trap, through the outlet of the filter, to the filter vent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating a semiconductor device using a 4-way valve with improved purge efficiency by improving a gas valve system by preventing dead volume from occurring are provided. The apparatus includes a reaction chamber in which a substrate is processed to fabricate a semiconductor device; a first processing gas supply pipe supplying a first processing gas into the reaction chamber; a 4-way valve having a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet and installed at the first processing gas supply pipe such that the first inlet and the first outlet are connected to the first processing gas supply pipe; a second processing gas supply pipe connected to the second inlet of the 4-way valve to supply a second processing gas; a bypass connected to the second outlet of the 4-way valve; and a gate valve installed at the bypass.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a flowable conductive paste onto a greensheet from a dispensing apparatus comprising an orifice member having first and second surfaces and a bore therethrough between the surfaces, a pressurized chamber adjacent the orifice member first surface containing the paste, and a punch having a face movable through the orifice member bore. The method comprises positioning the punch outside the orifice member bore such that the punch face is spaced from the orifice member first surface, flowing a desired amount of paste onto the punch face, moving the paste on the punch face through the orifice member bore until the punch face extends beyond the orifice member second surface, and contacting the workpiece with the paste while still on the punch face to deposit the paste on the greensheet.

Abstract: Bookbinding-unit adhesive application device that does not interrupt the unit to replenish adhesive when consecutively applying adhesive to sheet bundles, and can shorten the time the system is interrupted. An adhesive storage container (10) that stores adhesive; an applicator roller (30) rotatably disposed in the adhesive storage container (10); an adhesive supplier (55) that refills hot-melt adhesive to the adhesive storage container (10); heater (20) that melts the adhesive in the adhesive storage container (10); and refill volume controller (62) that controls the amount of refill adhesive of the adhesive supplier (55) are provided. The refill volume controller (61) is configured to set the adhesive refill volume based on information from adhesive detector (22a) disposed in the adhesive storage container (10); and remaining sheets determiner (62) that determines the number of sheets to coat for the sheet bundles to be coated with adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an alignment layer comprising: at least one alignment layer forming line having a plurality of alignment layer forming units; a plurality of alignment material coating devices disposed at each alignment layer forming unit and configured to coat an alignment material on a substrate of the corresponding alignment layer forming units; at lest one alignment material supplying unit having a plurality of second alignment material containers for supplying the alignment material to each alignment material coating device; a central supplying unit connected to the at least alignment material supplying unit and having at least one first alignment material container for supplying the alignment material to the at least one alignment material supplying unit; a supplying pipe configured to connect the at least one alignment material supplying unit to the central supplying unit; and a controller configured to measure the remnant amount of alignment material of the at least one alignment material supp

Abstract: A resist pipe and a resist coating device are provided. Support portions are provided at an inner wall of a resist supply portion towards a cross-sectional center of the resist supply portion from three locations. The support portions are provided at equal intervals at the inner wall, and the leading ends thereof extend to positions at which a circular rod-shaped liquid level sensor portion is nipped by a peripheral surface of the liquid level sensor portion. In this manner, the support portions support the liquid level sensor portion from three directions, and gaps are formed between the liquid level sensor portion and the inner wall of the resist supply portion. The liquid level sensor portion inside the resist supply portion is supported by the support portions such that a sensing portion is substantially in the same plane as an inlet aperture of the resist supply portion.

Abstract: A powder spray coating facility is automatically switched between a first operating mode in which only recovery powder is moved into an intermediate receptacle, and a second operating mode in which only fresh powder from a fresh powder unit is fed to the intermediate receptacle. Switching may be carried out from the second operating mode to a reserve powder operating mode when, following switching from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, an intermediate receptacle sensor continues to transmit a “powder needed” signal.

Abstract: A plasma processing chamber includes a substrate support having a top surface defined to support a substrate in a substantially horizontal orientation within the chamber. The plasma processing chamber also includes a number of telescopic members disposed within the chamber outside a periphery of the substrate support. The number of telescopic members are also disposed in a concentric manner with regard to a center of the top surface of the substrate support. Each of the number of telescopic members is defined to be independently moved in a substantially vertical direction so as to enable adjustment of an open volume above the top surface of the substrate support, and thereby enable adjustment of a plasma condition within the open volume above the top surface of the substrate support.

Abstract: A powder feed rate sensor includes a surface or diaphragm configured to detect powder feed rate.

Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus includes: a replenishing device having a pellet storing section that stores pellets of adhesive and a replenishing member that takes out the pellets in a countable manner from the pellet storing section; an adhesive reservoir that melts the pellets replenished from the replenishing member and stores the molten adhesive liquid; a coating device having a coating member that coats the adhesive scooped up from the adhesive liquid; a replenishment sensor that detects the number of pellets replenished to the adhesive reservoir; and a controller that controls the replenishing member based on an output of the replenishment sensor.

Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus for forming a booklet by coating an adhesive on a spine of a stack of sheets, including: a coating apparatus, which has an adhesive reservoir to store a liquid of the adhesive, and a coating roller to coat on the spine the adhesive scooped up from the adhesive reservoir; a pellet storage section to store pellets of the adhesive; a replenishing section to replenish the pellets of the adhesive into the adhesive reservoir; an adhesive quantity sensor to detect a liquid level in the adhesive reservoir; and a controller to control the replenishing section based on a detection signal of the adhesive quantity sensor, wherein the controller controls a rate of replenishing amount of the pellets by controlling the replenishing section based on information of the stack of sheets.

Abstract: A supply system for a chambered doctor blade assembly makes possible the sequential use of water-based and non-water-based coating materials through automated functions programmed in a PLC that controls the system. A pair of pneumatically driven diaphragm pumps serve as supply pump and return pump between the doctor blade chamber and a coating reservoir A PLC controls the pulse rate of pneumatic pressure to the pumps to control the rate of flow of the coating material into, and out of the doctor blade chamber. An ultrasonic sensor mounted detects the liquid level in the trough collection area. The PLC is programmed to modify the pulse rate of the supply pump and return pump to maintain the liquid level in the trough collection area above the drain thereof and below the maximum tolerance.

Abstract: A book-binding apparatus in which adhesive is used for binding a book includes a tank to store an adhesive which is heat-melted, a heater to heat the tank, a first temperature sensor mounted in the tank, a first controller to control the temperature based on a temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, wherein the first controller controls the heater so as to make the temperature of the adhesive in the tank to be a predetermined temperature, a second temperature sensor mounted adjacent to a top level of a melted adhesive, an adhesive transporting section to transport the adhesive to the tank, and a second temperature controller to control the adhesive transporting section to transport the adhesive to the tank based on a shape of a book, when the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor is equal to or lower than a set temperature.

Abstract: A fluid application device stores seam paste in a reservoir tank 18 and feeds the seam paste to a pressure tank 20 through a feed pump 22. Inside of the pressure tank 20 is maintained under a given air pressure by a pneumatic unit 26, and the seam paste is supplied from the pressure tank 20 to an application nozzle 16 through a supply pipe 24. A level sensor 28 detects fluid level of stored seam paste in the pressure tank 20, and a detection signal is input to a controller 30. The controller 30 controls operation of the feed pump 22 based on the detection signal that is transmitted from the level sensor 28 and also controls a supply amount of the seam paste to the pressure tank 20 to maintain the fluid level in the pressure tank 20 at a fixed level.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for coating a device comprising a coating chamber and a device rotator having at least one device mount wherein the apparatus allows insertion and retraction of the device on the device mount into and out of the coating chamber. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of applying a substantially uniform coating on a device comprising the steps of providing an apparatus for coating a device, mounting the device onto the device mount, purging the coating chamber to reduce humidity in the coating chamber, maintaining a reduced humidity content in the coating chamber, inserting the device into the coating chamber, disposing a coating material on the device and rotating the device mounts about the device axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a providing device capable of using a solution within a tank effectively than ever as preventing an air bubble from mixing in the solution to be provided to an applying device. In providing devices and for leading a coloring sensitive matter from any one of a plurality of pressure tanks to an applying device via a predetermined flow path, middle tanks are provided every for each of pressure tanks on the way of a flow path connecting each of the plurality of pressure tanks and the applying device. A sensor detects whether an amount of a solution stored in respective middle tanks is not less than a predetermined lower limit value or not. Then, a signal in response to its result of the detection is outputted to a system controlling device. On the basis of this output signal, it is discriminated whether the amount of the solution in the middle tank is not less than the lower limit value or not.

Abstract: A photoresist supply apparatus is provided. The photoresist supply apparatus includes a lower photoresist sensor and an upper photoresist sensor respectively installed near the bottom and the top of a trap tank to detect a photoresist in the trap tank. A drain line is connected to an upper side of the trap tank to release air. A photoresist-blocking valve is installed at the drain line, the photoresist-blocking valve structured to be opened to release air or closed to prevent photoresist loss according to signals detected by the lower photoresist sensor and the upper photoresist sensor. While the photoresist is supplied into the trap tank, the photoresist-blocking valve is opened to release air. After the photoresist supply into the trap tank is completed, the photoresist-blocking valve is closed to prevent the loss of a large amount of the photoresist through the drain line.

Abstract: In a method for depositing particles onto a substrate a flow of gas containing particles is provided along a flow path that bypasses a deposition chamber. The flow path may direct the flow of the gas containing the particles to a vacuum. To deposit particles onto a substrate in the deposition chamber, the flow path of the gas containing the particles is diverted into the deposition chamber so that particles are deposited onto the substrate. After a desired amount of particles have been deposited onto the substrate, the flow path of the flow of the gas containing the particles is changed to the flow path that bypasses the deposition chamber. A particle deposition system and a method for maintaining particle diameter during deposition of particles onto a substrate also are described.

Abstract: A processing solution is supplied from processing-solution suppliers onto the surfaces of targets to be processed while a flow rate of the processing solution is being adjusted. The processing solution is fed from a processing-solution supply source at a specific pressure via a processing-solution pressure-up feeder. The pressure of the processing solution fed via the processing-solution pressure-up feeder is adjust to another specific pressure or more at least when the processing-solution suppliers are operating simultaneously. A flow-rate detector detects the flow rate of the processing solution supplied from each processing-solution supplier. A pressure detector detects the pressure of the processing solution fed via the processing-solution pressure-up feeder.

Abstract: A system for adding a desired additive to a corrugating adhesive.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for applying solution to a filament include an applicator for applying at least a partial coating of a solution to a filament, comprising: an applicator surface operable to at least partially coat a filament with a solution; a first container operable to supply the solution to the applicator surface, a volume of the solution in the first container corresponding to a solution level in the first container; a second container operable to contain a supply of solution in fluid communication with the solution in the first container such that the solution in the second container has a solution level indicative of the solution level of the solution in the first container; and a detector for determining the solution level within the second container, the detector operable to control an adjustment of the volume of the solution in the first container such that the solution level in the first container is maintained within a predetermined range of levels.

Abstract: A coated film forming method is capable of readily forming a coated film of a thermoplastic material on a coated region of an inner peripheral surface of a cylinder. A nozzle, through which a molten paste of a thermoplastic material kept molten is discharged, is disposed toward an inner peripheral surface of a cylinder. The nozzle is moved along a rotational central line of the cylinder while rotating the cylinder and discharging the molten paste from the nozzle. Centrifugal force acting on the cylinder being rotated leads to spreading of the molten paste applied to the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder. Viscosity of the molten paste, a rotational speed of the cylinder and a speed of movement of the nozzle are set so as to keep the molten paste discharged from the nozzle from being scattered to a region other than the coated region.

Abstract: A processing solution is supplied from processing-solution suppliers onto the surfaces of targets to be processed while a flow rate of the processing solution is being adjusted. The processing solution is fed from a processing-solution supply source at a specific pressure via a processing-solution pressure-up feeder. The pressure of the processing solution fed via the processing-solution pressure-up feeder is adjust to another specific pressure or more at least when the processing-solution suppliers are operating simultaneously. A flow-rate detector detects the flow rate of the processing solution supplied from each processing-solution supplier. A pressure detector detects the pressure of the processing solution fed via the processing-solution pressure-up feeder.

Abstract: A method employing a casting head having a variably displaceable cavity surface. The casting head comprises a cavity, at least partially formed by plurality of surfaces, including a carrier surface adjacent the cavity, and a variably displaceable drive surface for controlling a pressure of a viscous casting material in a region proximate the carrier surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the casting head further comprises a doctor blade, disposed proximate the carrier surface, forming a gap therebetween for egress of the casting material. In another embodiment of the casting head, the variably displaceable drive surface is comprised of a piston. The piston is actuated by a driver-controlled motor according to a pre-determined displacement program, or according to the level of the casting material in the cavity.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming a coating of a paint composition on a moveable substrate is disclosed. The method involves determining the volume flow rate of the paint composition that is required to form a desired wet film thickness for a given substrate speed and coating width and supplying the paint composition to a pool in the nip between an applicator roll and a metering roll or other suitable metering means at a flow rate that is substantially equal to the calculated flow rate, and then monitoring the level of the paint composition in the pool and adjusting operating parameters, such as the pressure between the rolls to maintain the paint composition level substantially constant.

Abstract: A system for spraying an at least substantially fluid material has a source providing a controllable flow of the material to be sprayed; a dosing unit that receives the flow of material from the source, that holds a quantity of the material in a reservoir, and that outputs the material to a dispensing device; and a control arrangement that has as an input signal an indication of a fill level of the reservoir and that outputs a flow control signal to the source such that the fill level in the reservoir is maintained less than a maximum level and greater than a minimum level when the dispensing device is active. The dosing unit thereby forms an active accumulator able to both receive material from the source and deliver material to the dispensing device at the same time.

Abstract: A method of forming a thin polycrystalline silicon film and a thin film forming apparatus allowing inexpensive formation of a thin polycrystalline silicon film at a relatively low temperature with high productivity. More specifically, a method of forming a thin polycrystalline silicon film and a thin film forming apparatus in which a state of plasma is controlled to achieve an emission intensity ratio of hydrogen atom radicals (H&bgr;) of one or more to the emission intensity of SiH* radicals in the plasma.

Abstract: A casting head having a variably displaceable cavity surface. The casting head comprises a cavity, at least partially formed by plurality of surfaces, including a carrier surface adjacent the cavity, and a variably displaceable drive surface for controlling a pressure of a viscous casting material in a region proximate the carrier surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the casting head further comprises a doctor blade, disposed proximate the carrier surface, forming a gap therebetween for egress of the casting material. In another embodiment of the casting head, the variably displaceable drive surface is comprised of a piston. The piston is actuated by a driver-controlled motor according to a pre-determined displacement program, or according to the level of the casting material in the cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a glueing device for adhesive bookbinding of a page stack (A) to a cover sheet (B), which comprises a housing (65) for containing hot melt adhesive (61′) in a molten state; a coating roller (64) with a periphery, at least a part of which is immersed in the molten adhesive in the housing, having an axial length substantially greater than a lengthwise size of the back surface of the page stack. The coating roller is rotatable about a shaft extending substantially in alignment with a center of thickness of the page stack.

Abstract: Microchip devices are provided with an inert and biocompatible conformal coating to mitigate adverse responses following device implantation in a patient, to contain and seal a drug or other material within the device, and/or to insulate the electrical connections to the device. The device can include: (1) a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs; (2) reservoir contents, such as a drug or biosensor, in the reservoirs; (3) reservoir caps covering the reservoirs to isolate the contents from environmental components outside the reservoirs; and (4) a conformal coating over the outer surface of at least a portion of the substrate other than the reservoir caps. The reservoir caps can be selectively disintegrated or permeabilized to expose the reservoir contents to environmental components. The conformal coating preferably comprises a vapor depositable polymeric material, such as parylene. Processes for controlling coating of the devices while facilitating reservoir cap exposure are provided.

Abstract: A deposition system is used for depositing particles onto a substrate, such as a wafer in a deposition chamber. The particles are carried in an aerosol that is generated an atomizer that includes an impaction plate for removing large particles before the aerosol is discharged, and which has an output that is provided through a particle classifier to the deposition chamber. Various branches of flow lines are used such that the aerosol that has classified particles in it, is mixed with a clean dry gas prior to discharge into the deposition chamber, and selectively the aerosol can be directed to the deposition chamber without having the particles classified. The lines carrying the aerosol can be initially connected to a vacuum source that will quickly draw the aerosol closely adjacent to the deposition chamber to avoid delays between deposition cycles.

Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a supply unit containing liquid coating material and a reservoir receiving liquid coating material dispensed from the supply unit. A coater dispenses liquid coating material onto a moving strip of material. A liquid meter unit includes a flow passage and a flow regulator associated with the flow passage. A flow rate manager cooperates with the reservoir to determine the flow rate of liquid coating material passing through the flow passage in the liquid meter unit and operates the flow regulator to regulate the flow rate of liquid coating material discharged to the coater.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to apparatus for depositing thin layers. The technical field of the invention is that of manufacturing thin layer optical devices. In the invention, apparatus for depositing thin layers on a plurality of substrates comprises means for producing a light beam for monitoring the optical thicknesses of the substrates.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for compressing viscous material through openings in a stencil is disclosed. The novel apparatus has a compression head cap which provides a contained environment to direct and to aid the flow of pressurized viscous material through the openings in the stencil. In another embodiment of the invention, the compression head includes a selectively expandable diaphragm and viscous material reception and dispensation apertures. The viscous material reception aperture is formed in close proximity to the material dispensation aperture and this aperture placement to allow the viscous material to be selectively dispensed with a substantially uniform velocity and pressure profile. In another embodiment, the compression head includes a selectively expandable diaphragm which further increases the uniformity of the velocity and pressure profiles.

Abstract: An apparatus for impregnating porous parts comprises a vessel for holding at least one porous part and a fixed volume of impregnant, and at least one device for measuring the change in effective volume of the impregnant within the vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber coating device for coating the outer circumference of the optical fiber with the coating material, in which the coating device is provided with and a gas provider for providing an environmental gas within the coating device, and a cooler for cooling down the environmental gas provided to the coater from the gas provider.

Abstract: A resist processing system includes a sensor connected for detecting the surface level of the processing solution contained in an intermediate tank, and a controller connected for controlling the fluid pressure on the basis of the surface level detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A plant for preparing and feeding a coating composition to a coating head for paper or the like includes a plurality of hoppers, each hopper being intended to receive and deliver one ingredient of the composition. The plant further includes a premixer tank which is fed by the hoppers and mixes and homogenizes the formed composition and a homogenizing tank, fed by the premixer tank, having a high-speed stirrer for shearing the composition. A buffer capacity is directly and continuously fed by the homogenizing tank and connected to the coating head, wherein the buffer capacity preferably has a volume and an attached level detector for determining when the composition in the buffer capacity is below a predetermined level. A set of controllers attached to the level detector control the delivery of components from the plurality of hoppers.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance machine is operable at different speeds for applying selected lane dressing profiles to the lane and for reducing the time required for performing lane maintenance, including cleaning. In the preferred machine, absorbent wicks are used to transfer lane dressing from a reservoir to an applicator assembly. Lane dressing is recycled through an overflow in the reservoir to maintain a constant level and thereby maintaining a constant transfer rate through the wicks. The preferred machine also includes a cleaning assembly for applying a cleaning liquid to the lane and removing the liquid into a spent liquid storage tank. A vacuum pump induces air flow through the cleaning assembly for removing spent cleaning liquid which subjects the liquid in the tank to foaming. A controller stops the vacuum pump for a selected time in order to allow the foam to settle and then restarts the pump.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance machine is operable at different speeds for applying selected lane dressing profiles to the lane and for reducing the time required for performing lane maintenance, including cleaning. In the preferred machine, absorbent wicks are used to transfer lane dressing from a reservoir to an applicator assembly. Lane dressing is recycled through an overflow in the reservoir to maintain a constant level and thereby maintaining a constant transfer rate through the wicks. The preferred machine also includes a cleaning assembly for applying a cleaning liquid to the lane and removing the liquid into a spent liquid storage tank. A vacuum pump induces air flow through the cleaning assembly for removing spent cleaning liquid which subjects the liquid in the tank to foaming. A controller stops the vacuum pump for a selected time in order to allow the foam to settle and then restarts the pump.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the coating of liquids, particularly of colour markings, onto film webs or the like. A printing unit (16) serves for the transfer of especially small colour markings to film webs. In the printing unit (16), a dye roller (25) dips from above into a dye chamber (24) which is open at the top and takes up dye by means of a rotating movement. This dye flows constantly or intermittently through the dye chamber (24) which is dimensioned to be relatively small. The dye can be fed to the dye chamber (24) from a reservoir (43) via a feed conduit (45) or discharged from the dye chamber (24) to another reservoir via a discharge conduit (46). A further particularity consists in measures for the improvement of the proofness by sucking off dye residues on the dye roller (25) by means of suction conduits (74, 76).

Abstract: A coating apparatus and method for applying a coating to a workpiece, comprising:a vessel to contain molten metal;an induction coil disposed about said vessel; and,temperature regulation means;wherein, in use, said induction coil induces a magnetic field within said vessel such that a meniscus of molten metal is formed above said vessel, through which said workpiece is passed for coating, whilst said temperature regulation means regulates temperature of said molten metal and/or controls the meniscus height of said meniscus.

Abstract: A powder coating apparatus and method are provided for feeding fine powdered coating material such as thermoplastic type material to a succession of discrete articles passing by the apparatus. The invention also provides a powder feed system that deposits an excess of powdered coating material than that required to form the coating and provides for recirculation of the powder not ultimately used to form the coating back to the powder feeding apparatus.

Abstract: A bowling lane maintenance machine is operable at different speeds for applying selected lane dressing profiles to the lane and for reducing the time required for performing lane maintenance, including cleaning. In the preferred machine, absorbent wicks are used to transfer lane dressing from a reservoir to an applicator assembly. Lane dressing is recycled through an overflow in the reservoir to maintain a constant level and thereby maintaining a constant transfer rate through the wicks. The preferred machine also includes a cleaning assembly for applying a cleaning liquid to the lane and removing the liquid into a spent liquid storage tank. A vacuum pump induces air flow through the cleaning assembly for removing spent cleaning liquid which subjects the liquid in the tank to foaming. A controller stops the vacuum pump for a selected time in order to allow the foam to settle and then restarts the pump.

Abstract: A coater incorporates a die, a reservoir, a gravure cylinder, and a doctor blade for applying coating fluid to a moving surface. The flow rate of coating fluid to the gravure cylinder is controlled to equal the rate at which coating fluid is consumed by the coating process. This eliminates the need to recycle surplus coating fluid. The coating fluid can be quickly and conveniently replaced with a solvent in the reservoir when coating is not being performed to reduce the occurrence of coating defects arising from excessive evaporation of solvent and premature solidification of coating fluid.

Abstract: A system for eliminating air from liquid-carrying conduits, in particular in a photoresist dispensing system, with features for reducing the possibility of contamination by residual resist in the conduits after the air elimination process has been carried out. Double or multiple tubing, with one or more secondary tubes contained within an outer tube, is used to interconnect the trap tank, the drain and the vacuum chamber. Resist is directed through the double or multiple tubing such that resist is completely evacuated from the vacuum chamber, and from the trap tank, to the drain valve. Further, an arrangement for avoiding the consequences of contamination of the air exhaust valve in the system, if a mist of residual resist has not been removed by the air elimination process, includes a vacuum generator downstream from the air exhaust valve.

Abstract: To apply hot grit particles to a continuous thermoplastic web such as a geonet, the web is brought to the upper part of the surface of a roller which is rotating in a container containing grit particles. A controlled layer of grit particles is carried up over the upper part of the roller, and the particles are heated by halogen emitters and are pressed into the web, causing local melting of the web so that the grit particles are embedded and firmly retained. Grit particles are added to a hopper and the top surface of the mass of grit particles adjacent the ascending part of the roller surface is kept at a controlled level below the uppermost part of the roller. Surplus grit particles not taken up by the web are recirculated by interaction with the roller surface.

Abstract: A closed cylindrical housing defining a transport chamber has a top plate with a first opening communicating with an entry and exit chamber, and a second opening communicating with a coating chamber. A turntable rotatable about an axis in the transport chamber carries a holder to a first position below the first opening as it carries a like holder to a second position below the second opening. Each holder has thereon a container with a diameter smaller than the first opening but larger than the second opening. A first lifter raises a holder sealingly against the top plate around the first opening, the container thereon passing through the first opening to load or unload substrates. A second lifter raises the other holder so that the container thereon abuts a mask defining the second opening in order to coat a substrate in the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for and related methods of forming three-dimensional objects out of a building material, which is normally solid but which is flowable when heated. In one embodiment a support material is used to fill in portions of layers which are not to be solidified as part of the object to provide support to otherwise unsupported portions of other layers. Advantageously, the support material is also normally solid and flowable when heated, and has a lower melting point than the building material enabling the support material to later be removed without damaging the object. In an alternative embodiment this support material can be used to build a support such as a web support, or the like, for supporting an object surface from a second surface.