Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the recovery, visualization and enhancement of latent fingerprints using Low Pressure Dye Vapor Deposition (LPDVD) are described. The LPDVD methods of the present invention provide for fine control over the deposition of a precursor in combination with a fluorescent dye, combination of dyes or a premixed dry solid compound of the precursor and dyestuffs, to make the latent fingerprints visible. The LPDVD process makes use of a heated carrier gas to dilute and carry the vapors into a vacuum chamber where they condense onto the exposed surfaces of the article being developed. The LPDVD process can be used to develop latent fingerprints on a wide variety of substrates, including metal, plastic, glass and thermal paper and has been shown to perform as well or better than conventional fingerprint development techniques on these surfaces.

Abstract: For providing control of two-step or a multi-step deposition process, a method and a corresponding deposition system is provided comprising providing a deposition process having at least two sub-processes employing different sets of process parameters, wherein each set of process parameters comprises at least one process parameter. The method comprises controllably generating an actual value for at least one first process parameter by taking into account at least one previous value of the respective first process parameter, wherein each first process parameter is a process parameter of said at least two sets of process parameters.

Abstract: An object is to provide a plasma processing device capable of highly accurately monitoring an operation state including whether or not the plasma discharge is executed, whether the discharge is normal or abnormal and whether or not the maintenance work of the vacuum chamber is necessary. A discharge detection sensor 23, in which a dielectric member 21 and a probe electrode unit 22 are combined with each other, is attached to an opening portion 2a provided in a lid portion 2 composing a vacuum chamber. A change in electric potential induced according to a change in plasma discharge in a probe electrode is received by a plurality of wave-form detecting portions and a detection signal is outputted each time a change in electric potential agreeing with a predetermined different condition appears. The detection signal outputted from the corresponding wave-form detecting portion is counted by the plurality of wave-form detecting portions and the counted value is held.

Abstract: A thin film deposition apparatus used to manufacture large substrates on a mass scale and that allows high-definition patterning, and a method of manufacturing an organic light-emitting display apparatus using the same, the apparatus inclues a loading unit fixing a substrate onto an electrostatic chuck; a deposition unit including a chamber maintained in a vacuum state and a thin film deposition assembly disposed in the chamber, separated from the substrate by a predetermined distance, to deposit a thin film on the substrate fixed on the electrostatic chuck; an unloading unit separating the substrate on which a deposition process is completed, from the electrostatic chuck; a first circulation unit sequentially moving the electrostatic chuck on which the substrate is fixed, to the loading unit, the deposition unit, and the unloading unit; and a second circulation unit returning the electrostatic chuck separated from the substrate to the loading unit from the unloading unit, wherein the first circulation unit p

Abstract: An observation window is provided for use with a spray booth during a spray coating process where the observation window is located in a position to permit an operator to observe the spray coating process. The observation window is controlled to provide light transmission in the window suitable for the specific spray process being performed. The control can be automatic or operator controlled. The window is adapted to have a different light transmission during different spray processes such as plasma spray and HVOF spray.

Abstract: The liquid droplet discharging apparatus includes a first workpiece stage and a second workpiece stage, an inspection stage arranged between the first workpiece stage and the second workpiece stage, an image recognizing section configured to execute image recognition with respect to a result of an inspection discharge of a liquid from a liquid droplet discharging head onto the inspection stage, and a stage moving mechanism configured to selectively move the first workpiece stage between the image formation area and a first workpiece exchange area, to selectively move the second workpiece stage between the image formation area and a second workpiece exchange area, and to selectively move the inspection stage between an inspection area and the image formation area. The inspection area is disposed between the image formation area and the first workpiece exchange area.

Abstract: The invention provides a gas distribution apparatus comprising a main frame and a cover. The main frame includes a plurality of walls having a plurality of second gas channels therein, a plurality of first plenums defined by the walls, a plurality of heat exchange channels, a plurality of first gas channels under the first plenums, a plurality of heat exchange channel covers on the heat exchange channel, and a plurality of first plenum covers on the first plenums. Each first plenum and two adjacent walls defining the first plenum form a trunk with a plurality of branches extending from the trunk, and the branches of adjacent trunks are arranged in an interlaced manner. Each heat exchange channel is between two adjacent trunks. The cover on the main frame encloses a second plenum thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing electrically conducting nanostructures by means of electrospinning, the apparatus having at least a substrate holder (1), a spinning capillary (2), connected to a reservoir (3) for a spinning liquid (4) and to an electrical voltage supply (5), an adjustable movement unit (6, 6?) for moving the spinning capillary (2) and/or the substrate holder (1) relative to one another, an optical measuring device (7) for monitoring the spinning procedure at the outlet of the spinning capillary (2), and a computer unit (8) for controlling the drive of the spinning capillary (2) relative to the substrate holder (1) in accordance with the spinning procedure.

Abstract: An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a substrate table configured to support a lithographic substrate and a plurality of nozzles arranged to eject fluid onto the lithographic substrate, the plurality of nozzles extending over a distance which is substantially equal to or greater than a width of the substrate, wherein the nozzles, the lithographic substrate, or both, are moveable relative to the other.

Abstract: A thin film manufacturing apparatus is disclosed, including a liquid ejecting unit which ejects a liquid onto an object on which a film is to be formed and which forms a coating film; a first laser irradiating unit which continuously irradiates a laser light onto the coating film and which evaporates a solvent of the coating film; and a second laser irradiating unit which irradiates a laser light pulse onto the coating film of which the solvent is evaporated and which crystallizes the coating film of which the solvent is evaporated.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for making gelatin shunts. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods that may involve moving a wire through a bath including a bottom layer of liquid gelatin and a top layer of water, thereby coating the wire with gelatin, moving the gelatin coated wire through an aperture, and drying the gelatin on the wire in a humidity controlled space, thereby manufacturing a gelatin shunt. In other embodiments, the invention provides systems that may include a motor, a wire operably coupled to the motor for movement of the wire, a temperature controllable bath, an aperture plate situated in a top portion of the bath, and an ultrasonic fogger, in which the system is configured such that the wire moves through the bath, through the aperture plate, and into the ultrasonic fogger.

Abstract: Techniques for automatically adjusting and/or optimizing the color and/or intensity of the illuminating light used in a vision system is presented. The intensity of each of a plurality of illuminating light colors is allowed to be independently adjusted to adapt the illumination light based on the color of a part feature against the part feature background of a part being viewed by the vision system to produce high contrast between the part feature and background. Automated contrast optimization may be achieved by stepping through all available color combinations and evaluating the contrast between the part feature and background to select a color combination having a “best” or acceptable contrast level.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming solar cells with selective emitters are provided. A method includes positioning a substrate on a substrate receiving surface. The substrate has a surface comprising a first patterned heavily doped region having a first dopant concentration that defines the selective emitters, and a second doped emitter region having a second dopant concentration that is less than the first dopant concentration, wherein the second doped emitter region surrounds the first patterned heavily doped region. The method further comprises determining a position of the first patterned heavily doped region by using a Fourier transform to process a filtered optical image, aligning one or more distinctive elements in a screen printing mask with the first patterned heavily doped region by using information received from the determined position of the first patterned heavily doped region, and depositing a layer of material on a portion of the first patterned heavily doped region.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing carbon nanostructures (CNSs) on a substrate can include at least two CNS growth zones with at least one intermediate zone disposed therebetween and a substrate inlet before the CNS growth zones sized to allow a spoolable length substrate to pass therethrough.

Abstract: The apparatus and method use an optical feedback system to align a brush assembly with a stent strut. Once alignment is achieved, a coating is dispensed onto the stent strut via the brush assembly and the brush assembly is moved along the stent strut to coat the stent strut.

Abstract: A tire dressing system includes an imaging device that captures an image of a vehicle tire or portion thereof and at least one application device that applies tire dressing to the tire based on the captured image. The system determines one or more tire parameters based on the captured image. The tire dressing system configures the at least one application device based on the tire parameter(s) such that the application device substantially restricts application of tire dressing to within the boundaries of the tire sidewalls. By determining the tire parameters, the tire dressing system may apply the tire dressing to the tire sidewalls while reducing or minimizing application of tire dressing to the body or rims of the vehicle.

Abstract: A thin film deposition apparatus including a substrate mounting error detector, a chamber and a substrate support positioned in the chamber. The substrate support is configured to support a substrate. The substrate mounting error detector includes: a light source configured to provide a light beam to the substrate, such that the substrate reflects the light beam; a collimator configured to selectively pass at least a portion of the light beam reflected by the substrate; and an optical sensor configured to detect the at least a portion of the reflected light beam passed by the collimator. The detector is positioned and oriented to detect substrate position on a lowered support prior to raising the support into contact with an upper cover of a clamshell reactor arrangement. This configuration allows a thin film deposition process only if the substrate is correctly mounted on the substrate support. Thus, abnormal deposition due to a substrate mounting error is prevented in advance.

Abstract: A component such as a pressure vessel includes a cladding layer bonded to a substrate by a welding process. The component is inspected by a method that includes using a first camera to record a first image of an inspection portion of the cladding layer, the inspection portion having a pattern of markings; causing or allowing a temperature change in the component; using a second camera to record a second image of the inspection portion; and identifying the deformation of the pattern of markings on the inspection portion by reference to relative movement of the respective markings between the first and second image. The temperature change may occur as a result of cooling of the component after the welding process. Analysis of the deformation may be conducted by a Digital Image Correlation process, enabling possible defects or flaws in the component to be identified.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid processing apparatus (method) that forms a coating film by supplying and pouring a coating solution from a coating solution nozzle onto a surface of a substrate held substantially horizontally by a substrate holder. In the liquid processing apparatus (method), a unit for photographing a leading end portion of a coating solution nozzle 10 is provided. When performing a process for anti-drying of the coating solution for a long period of time in advance, a position of the coating solution and a position of an anti-drying liquid are set by using a soft scale 121a displayed on a screen where the photographed image is displayed. Therefore, a dispense control is performed based on a set value without depending on the naked eyes and a control for suppressing the drying of the coating solution in the leading end portion of the coating solution nozzle is performed.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, equipment for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes a first block, a plurality of stamp pins, a second block and a plurality of springs. The first block includes a plurality of first through-holes penetrating from a first major surface to a second major surface. The stamp pins are inserted into each of the first through-holes from the first major surface, each of the stamp pins having an end projected from the second major surface and being capable of moving forward and backward in the insertion direction. The second block has a plurality of second through-holes with an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the first through-holes, the second through-holes being disposed so as to overlap with the first through-holes; and the springs are disposed in each of the second through-holes, for biasing the stamp pins in the insertion direction.

Abstract: A wind turbine tower cleaning or coating apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a frame which circumferentially extends at least partially around a wind turbine tower. A separator structure can be attached to the frame and extends between the frame and the wind turbine tower to position the frame at a predetermined distance away from the wind turbine tower. The separator structure can also include an attachment end which is attached to the frame and a slidabe end positionable near the wind turbine tower. A slider can be attached to the slidabe end of the separator structure and can slide on the surface of the wind turbine tower as the frame is raised and lowered on the wind turbine tower. A frame lift device can raise and lower the frame on the wind turbine tower. A plurality of sprayers can be positioned circumferentially along the frame and configured to selectively spray fluid onto the wind turbine tower.

Abstract: A move mechanism for horizontally moving a target object in an accelerating manner, includes a moving unit configured to be horizontally moved in an accelerating manner, a plate part arranged on the moving unit and supported by the moving unit at a substantially center-of-gravity height position, and a mirror part configured to reflect a laser beam for measuring a position, the mirror part being connected to the plate part such that a center-of-gravity height position of the mirror part is arranged at the substantially center-of-gravity height position of the plate part.

Abstract: A system for applying a metal particulate onto an object is disclosed herein. The system can include sources for a metal particulate and a hot pressurized air in communication with a spraying device having a nozzle assembly configured to: receive, mix, and expel the metal particulate and the hot pressurized air. The hot pressurized air can form a venturi effect within the nozzle assembly to draw in the metal particulate. The nozzle assembly can include a nozzle cap with a tapered nozzle having a helical channel, and an outer tip connected to the nozzle cap having a venturi effect chamber, a mixing conduit, and rifling. The helical channel can form a vortex flow of the metal particulate, and the mixing conduit can form a vortex flow of the air metal mixture. A nozzle orifice can expel the air metal mixture to onto the object to form a coating thereon.

Abstract: A method for the production and control of plates for electronics comprising a first step in which a plate is positioned, by means of positioning means, in a loading station; a second step in which the plate is disposed in a deposition station associated with a unit for depositing metal, or other material, in which the metal is deposited on the plate, in order to generate on the plates metal tracks, according to a pre-determined and desired topological disposition; a third step in which the plate is disposed in an exit station and a detection means is activated so as to detect the presence of defects in the plate; and a fourth step in which the plate is discharged from the exit station. In the first step the detection means is activated to identify defects in the plate disposed in the loading station. In the second step the deposition unit is activated in order to deposit the metal on the plate when in the first step the detection means has not detected any defect in the plate.

Abstract: A method for regeneration of internal conduit surfaces by thermal projection of metals, includes inserting a device including a vehicle having a rolling assembly to permit rolling of the vehicle and carrying a thermal projection system, through a manhole in a conduit installation, including the steps of inserting the device in a conduit with the rolling assembly in a retracted position, and expanding the rolling assembly inside the conduit until the device is centered in the conduit; inserting electrical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic conduits and conduits for supplying metal to be thermally projected, through the manhole, such that the conduits are connected with the vehicle; positioning a regeneration device including the thermal projection system connected with the vehicle by a remote-control pulling system in a particular position to be regenerated; thermally projecting metal from the regeneration device; advancing the vehicle and connected regeneration device to a new regeneration position.

Abstract: The invention provides a housing defining a chamber, within which chamber an operator can perform a procedure on an object, the housing comprising a forward edge portion which in use, is located adjacent the object; viewing means for allowing the operator to see into the chamber; at least one input port through which a tool can access the chamber; and at least one evacuation port through which any waste material produced is removed from within the chamber; such that the procedure is performed in a contained environment.

Abstract: A method of sealing pipes or ducts with a duct coating applicator having a camera mounted thereon. The duct coating applicator sprays plural compounds on an interior of the duct. A duct coating applicator mounted camera records a video of an inside of the duct. The video is quickly accessible for customer review on site. A customer billing statement is quickly generated on site. A controller communicates with the nozzle carriage. A pump feeds the duct coating applicator from a resin tank via a resin supply line. The controller receives resin temperature and pressure, duct diameter, and duct coating applicator speed data and can adjust resin feed and duct coating applicator speed rates. The duct coating applicator has a cylindrical body having an outer member and a core member. An adjustable nozzle is on an outlet end for dispersing resin. Extension arms may be adjusted to accommodate various duct sizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pulsed laser deposition, which device comprises: a substrate mount with a substrate mounted thereon; a target mount with a target material mounted thereon and opposite of the substrate mount; a laser device for directing a laser beam on the target material; and a shadow mask arranged over the substrate; wherein the shadow mask is arranged in a movable disc, which movable disc is movable in axial direction to and from the substrate mount. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a device.

Abstract: A view port device for a plasma process and a process observation device of a plasma apparatus are provided. The view port device for a plasma process comprises a first substrate portion, a second substrate portion, and a connecting portion. The first substrate portion has a first through hole. The second substrate portion has a second through hole and a second diffusion space. A cross-sectional area of the second diffusion space is larger than that of the second through hole. The connecting portion is disposed between the first substrate portion and the second substrate portion.

Abstract: A method for determining the thickness of a film on a substrate is described. The substrate has a first major surface opposite a second major surface, and the film covers a portion of the first major surface. During a first measurement step, a first measuring beam is used to determine the distance from a first reference point to a portion of the first major surface of the substrate that is not covered with the film, and a second measuring beam is used to determine the distance from a second reference point to a portion of the second major surface of the substrate that is not covered with film. During a second measurement step the first measuring beam is used to determine the distance from the first reference point to the film, and the second measuring beam is used to determine the distance from the second reference point to a portion of the second major surface of the substrate that is not covered with film.

Abstract: An electron gun evaporation apparatus capable of efficiently using an evaporation source includes an electron beam position controller which determines, as an applicable range, a range within which the distribution of the film thickness growth rate is almost constant in each scanning direction of an electron beam to be applied to an evaporation source in a crucible for the irradiation position of the electron beam, on the basis of information pertaining to the electron beam irradiation position and the film thickness growth rate in the electron beam irradiation position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for producing pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-like products. The apparatus and method provide real-time monitoring of the pharmaceutical product and can provide real-time control. The apparatus and method can monitor the dosage both before and after it has been added to a carrier substrate. The apparatus and method can provide monitoring of each pharmaceutical product that is processed.

Abstract: Techniques for automatically adjusting and/or optimizing the color and/or intensity of the illuminating light used in a vision system is presented. The intensity of each of a plurality of illuminating light colors is allowed to be independently adjusted to adapt the illumination light based on the color of a part feature against the part feature background of a part being viewed by the vision system to produce high contrast between the part feature and background. Automated contrast optimization may be achieved by stepping through all available color combinations and evaluating the contrast between the part feature and background to select a color combination having a “best” or acceptable contrast level.

Abstract: An arrangement for measurement of temperature and thickness growth of silicon rods in a silicon deposition reactor employs a temperature measurement device located outside the reactor. Continuous temperature measurement and measurement of the thickness growth throughout the entire deposition process is achieved with a contactlessly operating temperature measurement device arranged outside the silicon deposition reactor in front of a viewing window. The temperature measurement device can be pivoted horizontally about a rotation axis by a rotating drive. The pivoting axis runs parallel to a longitudinal axis of the silicon rod, and the central axis of the temperature measurement device runs through the pivoting axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for producing a plurality of products or processing a plurality of samples via dispensing. The apparatus and method provide real-time monitoring of the products/samples and can provide real-time control. The apparatus and method can monitor the liquid both before and after it has been added to a carrier substrate. The apparatus and method can provide monitoring of each product/sample that is processed.

Abstract: Provided is a film formation apparatus capable of reducing vibration and deformation that may be transmitted to an alignment mechanism and thereby suppressing misalignment between a substrate and a mask in a surface direction. The film formation apparatus includes: a film forming chamber; a supporting member; and an alignment mechanism provided on the supporting member in which: the supporting member includes a supporting plate for placing the alignment mechanism, and a leg portion; the supporting plate is provided so as to be spaced apart from a top board of the film forming chamber via the leg portion; and at least a part of the supporting plate is formed of a damping material capable of converting vibration transmitted to the supporting plate into thermal energy, thereby suppressing the vibration.

Abstract: A plasma etching apparatus capable of performing processing with excellent in-plane uniformity on an object to be processed having a large diameter is provided.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for cleaning of an optical position measurement system in a coating installation. The optical position measurement system includes a cantilever, and a sensor head having a radiation inlet and/or outlet for the reception and/or emission of an optical signal, at a free end of the cantilever. For tempering of the sensor head, a local thermoregulation is applied using a heater and/or cooling device for heating and/or cooling of the sensor head depending on thermal conductivity of material of at least the sensor head and depending on secondary heat in the coating installation.

Abstract: An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a substrate table configured to support a lithographic substrate and a plurality of nozzles arranged to eject fluid onto the lithographic substrate, the plurality of nozzles extending over a distance which is substantially equal to or greater than a width of the substrate, wherein the nozzles, the lithographic substrate, or both, are moveable relative to the other.

Abstract: A liquid droplet ejection apparatus includes an ejection inspecting section for recognizing an inspection pattern printed on a printing unit as an image, and inspecting ejection performance of the functional liquid droplet ejection heads, a workpiece alignment section for aligning a workpiece relative to a set table, a table moving section for moving the set table between the printing area and an alignment position, a unit moving section for moving the printing unit between a retracted position and an inspection position, and a controller for controlling the functional liquid droplet ejection heads, the ejection inspecting section, the table moving section, the unit moving section, and the workpiece alignment section. The controller allows alignment processing of moving the set table to the alignment position and aligning the workpiece and inspection processing of moving the printing unit to the inspection position and performing inspection of the ejection performance to be performed simultaneously.

Abstract: A system and techniques for performing deposition having a tapered horizontal growth chamber which includes a susceptor and a tapered channel flow block. A tapered chamber is formed between the susceptor and the tapered channel flow block. Gaseous species introduced are forced by the tapered channel block to flow toward the susceptor to enhance the efficiency of reactions between the gases species and a wafer on the susceptor.

Abstract: An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a substrate table configured to support a lithographic substrate and a plurality of nozzles arranged to eject fluid onto the lithographic substrate, the plurality of nozzles extending over a distance which is substantially equal to or greater than a width of the substrate, wherein the nozzles, the lithographic substrate, or both, are moveable relative to the other.

Abstract: A semiconductor device fabricating system 1 includes a casing 10, processing units 12, 13 and 14, for carrying out semiconductor device fabricating processes, disposed inside the casing, and platforms 15, 16 and 17 set outside the casing. The platforms are foldable. Spaces required by the platforms can be reduced and the footprint of the semiconductor device fabricating system can be reduced by folding the platforms.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a medication comprising an ejector unit adapted for ejecting a predefined amount of a drug having a liquid component to a solid carrier substrate. The ejector unit comprises a capillary and a tubular piezoelectric actuator surrounding at least a part of the capillary. The apparatus further comprises a control unit adapted for applying an electric signal to the piezoelectric actuator which, in response to the electric signal, is adapted to generate a compressional wave in the capillary for ejecting the predefined amount of the drug via an orifice of the capillary. Moreover, a method of manufacturing a medication is provided, the method comprising ejecting a predefined amount of a drug having a liquid component to a solid carrier substrate. Furthermore, a medication is provided comprising a solid carrier substrate, and a predefined amount of a drug ejected with a liquid component to the solid carrier substrate by an ejector unit.

Abstract: A microdeposition system includes a stage, a printhead carriage, and a controller. The stage holds a substrate. The printhead carriage includes N printhead modules, where N is an integer greater than one. Each of the N printhead modules includes a printhead and an alignment mechanism. The printhead includes a plurality of nozzles that deposit droplets of fluid manufacturing material onto the substrate while relative movement between the substrate and the printhead is along a first axis. The alignment mechanism adjusts the printhead with respect to the printhead module. The controller controls the alignment mechanisms of the N printhead modules to set effective nozzle spacing for the pluralities of nozzles to a uniform value. The effective nozzle spacing is defined as spacing between adjacent ones of the plurality of nozzles as projected onto a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the production of polysilicon or another material via chemical vapor deposition in a reactor are provided in which gas is distributed using a silicon standpipe. The silicon standpipe can be attached to the reactor system using a nozzle coupler such that precursor gases may be injected to various portions of the reaction chamber. As a result, gas flow can be improved throughout the reactor chamber, which can increase the yield of polysilicon, improve the quality of polysilicon, and reduce the consumption of energy.

Abstract: A robotic spray system is provided for accurately spraying mold release onto any size or shaped green tire. The system analyzes individual green tires using an integrated vision system. The system controls the robotic spray position, the fan, fluid, atomizing air, and tire rotation speed for optimal spray coverage on both the inside and outside of green tires. The system includes a conveyor, an overhead mounted camera located over an infeed station, and a second camera located perpendicular to the green tire's tread and several feet away from the center of the tire. Pictures of the green tire in the station are used to estimate the center and radius of the tire and locate the angle of the bar code with respect to the center of the tire. Reference points are provided from the camera images and robot positions are calculated to control the spraying.

Abstract: An apparatus detecting the position of the functional layer of the electrode plate includes a first electrode plate sensor disposed at a side of a material to sense start points of electrode plates continuously formed on the material at uniform intervals, a second electrode plate sensor disposed at an other side of the material to sense a length of the electrode plate, a functional layer sensor provided behind the first electrode plate sensor and the second electrode plate sensor above a material traveling direction to sense position and length of the functional layer formed on the electrode by sensing a difference in color, and a controller feeding back a feedback result indicating whether the functional layer is correctly coated through values sensed by the first electrode plate sensor, the second electrode plate sensor, and the functional layer sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of preparing and coating a large structure such as a ship's hull while in a dry dock wherein a plurality of spray guns disposed in an array are positioned by a robotic arm in a spaced relationship along the surface to be treated so that their spray patterns overlap. The array of spray guns is traversed downwardly a thus painting a strip whereupon the spray guns are secured, move horizontally and then activated to be moved upwardly until another strip adjacent to and overlapping the first strip is painted. These steps are repeated until the surface area is substantially entirely painted. A shroud is provided for collecting paint oversprays and other excess paint is mounted in the array assemblage. An auxiliary spray gun may be positioned and its spray pattern adjusted to apply paint to areas which were missed by the original spray pattern emanating from the array of spray guns.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus and a method of controlling a liquid crystal dropping amount are provided to drop liquid crystal onto a substrate corresponding to at least one unit panel area. In one aspect, the apparatus uses a liquid crystal dispensing unit to dispense liquid crystal. The liquid crystal dispensing unit includes a nozzle having a discharging hole through which the liquid crystal is dropped onto the substrate, a needle moveable between a down position in which the needle blocks the discharging hole and an up position in which the needle is separated from the discharging hole, a spring member to bias the needle toward the down position, and a solenoid coil to provide a magnetic force to move the needle to the up position. The dropping amount liquid crystal dispensing unit may be electrically controlled by controlling the solenoid coil or by controlling a gas pressure used to drive the liquid crystal through the discharging hole.