Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for plasma process of the present invention detects the change of conditions of a plasma processing apparatus to omit the defective products in the earlier stage of the process and omits the unnecessary steps to decrease the manufacturing cost. The monitoring apparatus is to monitor the change of conditions of the plasma processing apparatus and comprises a detecting means for detecting power supplied to the plasma processing apparatus, and a detecting means for detecting the change of conditions of the plasma processing apparatus from the change of power detected by the detecting means.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to various aspects of a plasma process, and more specifically the monitoring of such plasma processes. One aspect relates in at least some manner to calibrating or initializing a plasma monitoring assembly. This type of calibration may be used to address wavelength shifts, intensity shifts, or both associated with optical emissions data obtained on a plasma process. A calibration light may be directed at a window through which optical emissions data is being obtained to determine the effect, if any, that the inner surface of the window is having on the optical emissions data being obtained therethrough, the operation of the optical emissions data gathering device, or both. Another aspect relates in at least some manner to various types of evaluations which may be undertaken of a plasma process which was run, and more typically one which is currently being run, within the processing chamber.

Abstract: A STM drive mechanism capable of moving a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) incorporated with a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) device in the MBE device under vacuum and a substrate holder with a wide clearance formed between a substrate heating system and the substrate holder are provided. The STM is protected by a heat insulating shield from high vapor pressure atmosphere and radiant heat according to substrate heating.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system is provided having a degas module which can be retrofitted to allow early detection of degas defects within the system. A degas chamber is modifiable to include at least one view port into which an operator can visually examine leaks within a fluid-carrying tube existing exclusively within the degas chamber. Liquid leaking from the tube, or particles possibly entering the tube, can be readily detected through the view port prior to harming any downstream processing operations. In addition to the view port, a purge port can be provided through which a purge gas is transmitted during times when potential backstreaming can occur. The purge gas alleviates unwanted gases from interacting with the volatile leaking liquid. This helps minimize particulate formation in or around the leak and, specifically, particulates entrained within the liquid forwarded to the downstream processing tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for spin coating surfaces with liquid polymer comprises a spin coating chamber having a rotatable chuck for supporting an object to be coated. A distributor introduces gases into the chamber. A solvent vapor and carrier gas supply provides a carrier gas having a controlled level of solvent vapor therein within the range of from 0 to saturation concentrations of solvent vapor. A solvent vapor sensor is positioned with respect to the coating chamber to produce signals which correspond to the concentration of solvent vapor in the coating chamber. A control means is connected to the solvent vapor concentration sensor and to the solvent vapor and carrier gas supply means for controlling the level of solvent concentration in the carrier gas supplied by the solvent vapor and carrier gas supply means. The solvent vapor level can be obtained by controlled mixing of solvent-bearing and solvent-free gas streams, or by injection of solvent into a gas stream by means of an atomizer, for example.

Abstract: A wafer coating apparatus for use in the application of a viscous precursor fluid on a substrate surface of a silicon substrate. The coating apparatus includes a carrier mechanism adapted to support the substrate thereon; and a coating head having a deposition surface positioned proximate and substantially parallel to the substrate surface. The deposition surface defines at least one orifice in flow communication with the precursor fluid for deposition thereof between the substrate surface and the deposition surface. The coating apparatus further includes a rotating device coupled to at least one of the coating head and the carrier mechanism for relative rotational movement between the deposition surface and the substrate surface about a rotational axis to form a thin circular film coating on the substrate surface. A method of coating a silicon substrate surface of a substrate is also provided.

Abstract: In the process of dry etching or the like, the bond between specific atoms contained in a deposit attached on the interior wall of a chamber and composed of an etching by-product is monitored by using an infrared ray. An incoming infrared ray generated from a light source for monitoring is directed to the deposit so that the absorption spectrum of an outgoing infrared ray passing through the deposit is measured by an infrared-ray measuring device. As a result, accurate information on the inside of the chamber can be obtained and a reduction in production yield due to variations in etching characteristics and generated particles can be prevented. Moreover, the availability of an apparatus can be increased by optimizing a maintenance cycle based on a specific variation in the absorption spectrum of the infrared ray. In particular, process administration and process control in such processing using plasma as dry etching and plasma CVD can be improved.

Abstract: A paste applicator for drawing a paste film in a desired pattern on a substrate, including a table for detachably supporting a substrate, a paste reservoir tube to be filled with a paste, and a nozzle communicating with the paste reservoir and having a paste discharging port opposing to an upper surface of the substrate mounted on the table. A device is supplied for changing the relative positional relationship between the nozzle and the substrate mounted on the table. The paste is applied onto the substrate to form a desired pattern of the paste. A measuring device measures a position of a paste discharging port of a nozzle exchanged together with the paste reservoir tube by using a paste pattern formed by applying the paste onto the substrate held on the table using the exchanged nozzle. The center of the paste pattern nearly agrees with the center of the paste discharging port.

Abstract: A coating line system has a main coating line including at least a main coating booth for coating a workpiece, and a coating repairing line branched from the main coating line downstream of an inspecting section for inspecting the coated workpiece for a coating defect thereof. The coating repairing line has a coating repairing booth for repairing a coating defect of the workpiece which is caused in the main coating line, and a drying furnace disposed downstream of the coating repairing booth along the coating repairing line, for drying the workpiece which has been repaired in the coating repairing booth.

Abstract: Rapid Thermal Processing of a semiconductor wafer is performed by scanning a laser beam across a silicon dioxide film in contact with a surface of the wafer. The silicon dioxide film absorbs the energy from the laser beam and converts the energy to heat. The heat, in turn, is transferred to the wafer. Temperature feedback can be obtained to increase control and uniformity of temperatures across the wafer.

Abstract: A spray gun for applying a liquid spray coating, such as paint, to a surface incorporates a light source and detection system for analyzing the position of the spray gun relative to a worksurface in order to optimize application of the coating to the surface. The light source is preferably in the form of a laser which emits a beam of light toward the worksurface. The laser is interconnected with the housing of the spray gun in a location over the spray gun handle so as not to effect the center of gravity of the spray gun. Optical sensors are mounted to the spray gun housing for receiving light reflected from the work-surface, and the sensors are interconnected with a processor for providing the operator with a real time visual indication as to compliance with predetermined paint application criteria. In addition, information can be stored to memory and downloaded for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: System and method for determining thermal characteristics, such as temperature, temperature uniformity and emissivity, during thermal processing using shielded pyrometry. The surface of a semiconductor substrate is shielded to prevent interference from extrinsic light from radiant heating sources and to form an effective black-body cavity. An optical sensor is positioned to sense emitted light in the cavity for pyrometry. The effective emissivity of the cavity approaches unity independent of the semiconductor substrate material which simplifies temperature calculation. The shield may be used to prevent undesired backside deposition. Multiple sensors may be used to detect temperature differences across the substrate and in response heaters may be adjusted to enhance temperature uniformity.

Abstract: A method for visualization of a lubricant coating on a surface of an article includes dissolving a fluorescent agent into a lubricant. The method then includes applying the fluorescenated lubricant to coat a surface of the article. The coated article is then irradiated with an electromagnetic radiation capable of inducing a fluorescent emission in the fluorescent agent and the fluorescent emission is observed to detect the coverage of the lubricant on the surface of the article.

Abstract: A system for evaluating the reflectance of an object (e.g., a CRT) that is coated with an anti-reflective coating material is disclosed. The quality and/or uniformity of the coating is evaluated by a reflectometer. The reflectometer is positioned relative to the object by non-contact sensors. Reflectance data gathered by the reflectometer is analyzed to determine to what extent the actual coating differs from the optimal (i.e., ideal) coating. A feedback system modifies the coating process for subsequent objects in an attempt to fine-tune the coating process and achieve optimal anti-reflective coatings for later objects passing through the system.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus and method, printing material is printed on to-be-printed circuit boards in a predetermined pattern and a printing state of the material is inspected. The apparatus includes the following devices. A board supporting device has a rotary body supporting a plurality of board-fixed tables to which the boards are secured, and turns the rotary body together with the board-fixed tables intermittently at predetermined angular intervals so as to stop the board-fixed tables at each of a fixing, recognizing, printing, and inspecting position. A board feed device feeds the boards to the board-fixed tables arranged at the fixing position. A board discharge device discharges the boards from the board-fixed tables arranged at the fixing position. A recognizing device recognizes fixed positions of the boards relative to the board-fixed tables at the recognizing position. A printing device prints the printing material on the boards at the printing position.

Abstract: A thin film forming device comprises a vacuum chamber which is vacuous inside, a substrate holder which is provided in the vacuum chamber for holding a substrate thereon and a molecular beam source disposed in the vacuum chamber directed toward the substrate holder. An endoscope is inserted in the vacuum chamber at the tip end thereof and is covered by a transparent protecting tube connected to the tip end of a bellows. As the bellows is stretched or retracted, the tip end portion of the endoscope and the protecting tube can be advanced to a space between the substrate held by the substrate holder and the molecular beam source or retracted into a shelter provided at a side of the space. As a result, it is possible to know the composition of a thin film as well as to observe the irradiation source of material of the thin film and the plasma radiation while the film is being formed on the film-forming surface of the substrate in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A temperature measurement system for use in a thin film deposition system is based on optical pyrometry on the backside of the deposition substrate. The backside of the deposition substrate is viewed through a channel formed in the susceptor of the deposition system. Radiation from the backside of the deposition substrate passes through an infrared window and to an infrared detector. The signal output by the infrared detector is coupled to electronics for calculating the temperature of the deposition substrate in accordance with blackbody radiation equations. A tube-like lightguide shields the infrared detector from background radiation produced by the heated susceptor.

Abstract: A coating system for detecting the presence of contaminants carried by a fluid that is applied as a coating on a workpiece. A tube guides the fluid along a flow path to the workpiece. A light source illuminates the fluid along at least a portion of the flow path, and this light is scattered by any contaminants present in the fluid. Light scattered by the contaminant particles is more intense than light scattered by the other fluid particles, and this brighter scattered light is detected by a light detector positioned adjacent to the fluid flow path. If one or more contaminant particles is detected in the fluid, a warning signal can be given and/or the flow of fluid can be stopped. This coating system is particularly well suited for use in a spin-on coating process that applies a liquid, such as a photoresist material or a dielectric material, to a semiconductor wafer or other workpiece that is secured to a rotating turntable.

Abstract: A slider is associated with a carrier for transferring a vehicle body through a magnet and an air cylinder. An amount or a distance of movement of the slider transferred together with movement of the carrier is detected with a rotary encoder and it is computed as an amount or a distance of movement of the carrier. When the carrier is transferred in a predetermined amount or distance, an image of the vehicle body is fetched by an investigating robot. The fetching does not undergo any adverse influence due to a deviation of the position of the investigating robot relative to the position of the carrier.

Abstract: A shutter apparatus capable of protecting the interior surface of an evacuable optical coating chamber viewport from the deposition of off-substrate coating material when in the closed position, and exposing the viewport surface to permit viewing through the viewport into the chamber when in the open position. The movement of the shutter between the open and closed positions is accomplished without breaching the chamber seal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a ceramic welding process in which a mixture of refractory and fuel particles is projected from an outlet at an end of a lance in a gas stream against a target surface where the fuel particles combust in a reaction zone to produce heat to soften or melt the projected refractory particles and thereby form a coherent refractory weld mass. A method of monitoring the distance between the lance outlet and the reaction zone is disclosed in which the reaction zone and at least part of the gap between that reaction zone and the lance outlet is monitored by a camera and an electronic signal is produced indicative of the distance ("the working distance") between the lance outlet and the reaction zone.

Abstract: A line striper with optical sighting means, and guide line marking devices adapted to be used simultaneously with the application of a paint stripe. The line striper has a forward extending guide bar for direct sighting on the surface to be marked, as well as an optical sighting means for aligning the line striper on a distant fixed point for application of a guide line. Adjustable length booms mounted transverse to the line striper allow application of guide lines a distance removed from the paint spray nozzle. The line striper has multiple paint reservoir paint storage capability to facilitate application of different color paints.

Abstract: A hot bridle mechanism to tension and to guide metal strip at the exit of a metal strip processing line. A bridle comprising one or more roll means is positioned and enclosed in a sealed hood at the end of a line of interconnected heat treating and cooling enclosures, and maintained in a controlled atmosphere at substantially the same temperature as that of the strip. The roll means are adapted to selectively pivot in a horizontal plane in a controlled manner for the purpose of guiding the strip. The hood is stationary and the roll means are secured to a pivot frame which is adapted to pivot in a horizontal plane relative to the stationary hood. Flexible seals connect the stub shafts of the rolls in sealing engagement with the hood.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling yarn coatings such as sizing are provided which includes nuclear radiation detectors which measure the attenuated radiation through processed yarn. Before and after radiation measurements are signaled to a computer which is programmed to generate a signal which controls squeeze rollers that adjust, according to specific size requirements. A second embodiment of the invention is provided for processing tire cord webs and utilizes digital line scan cameras in conjunction with the radiation detector sensors. Line scan cameras provide an opacity measure to determine yarn count and maintain an accurate density measurement even as lateral shifts in the web during processing occur.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method are provided for directly viewing, through a viewport assembly (26), the process for forming a layer of mercury cadmium telluride of a predetermined composition on a surface of a wafer (not shown). According to the invention, a molten melt (20) comprising mercury, cadmium and tellurium is provided in a vertically oriented crystal growth chamber (14), which, in turn, is housed in a reactor tube (12). A wafer (not shown) is contacted with the crystal growth melt while cooling the melt below its liquidus temperature at a predetermined rate sufficient to cause a crystal growth layer of mercury cadmium telluride to form on the wafer (not shown). Viewports (26, 48) located approximately radially adjacent to the melt (22) provide direct see through capability to visually monitor the crystal growth process.

Abstract: A tubular stroboscope is interposed in the line of sight between a viewing glass and a process to be viewed in a chamber. The stroboscope is rotated about a central axis transverse to the line of sight and has a pair of diametrically opposed slots parallel to said axis, one slot being substantially wider than the opposite slot. The stroboscope is preferably driven by a jet of inert gas acting on a drive wheel inside the chamber, aspiration means being provided for dust removal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying a programmable pattern to a succession of moving objects, comprising a microprocessor for storing a user defined value representing the length of the pattern, a clock for generating a series of pulses and a photo-eye for detecting the presence of the succession of moving objects. Upon detecting the presence of a first one of the moving objects, a set-up mode gate is enabled for transmitting the clock pulses to a first divider circuit. The first divider circuit divides the number of transmitted clock pulses by the user defined value and in response generates and stores a first count value. Upon detecting the presence of subsequent moving objects, a run mode gate transmits successive predetermined numbers of clock pulses to a second divider circuit. The second divider circuit divides the successive predetermined numbers of clock pulses by a first count value and in response generates successive further count values.

Abstract: A manufacturing facility (20) has substantially reduced space requirements for applying a coating to vehicle structural components such as frames (22, 24). A rotary carousel (28) in a building (26) has a central hub (30) rotatable about a vertical axis and has one or more arms (32) thereon swingable about pivot points (60) on the hub to lower and raise the frames. A loading station (36), preheat wash station (46), rinse station (48), coating station (38), post heat drip station (50) and unloading station (44) are peripherally spaced around the hub such that rotation of the hub moves the arms between the stations for respective functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an object by stereolithography from layers of a medium solidifiable upon exposure to synergistic stimulation by selecting an area element of a first layer of medium. The depth of the medium within the object underlying the area element is determined and compared to the depth to the minimum solidification depth of the medium. The area element is exposed to solidifying synergistic stimulation only if the depth of the medium equals or exceeds the minimum solidification depth. A next layer is created over the first layer without exposing the first layer to solidifying synergistic stimulation, if the depth is less than the minimum solidification depth. The layers may have a thickness selected such that the minimum solidification depth is a integer multiple of the layer thickness.

Abstract: A self contained recirculating powdering and vacuuming assembly and the airflow discharge manifold therfor. The vacuum assembly includes a blower operably connected within a housing having a low and high pressure region. A powder tray is mounted beneath a first outlet at the bottom of the low pressure region and is structured to hold a quantity of powder for controlled depositing onto paper stock having a wet ink coating on preselected areas of the paper stock. This first outlet sealably transfers powder collected in the low pressure region back into the powder tray, which powder is transported by conveyor beneath the powder tray. A vacuum passage extends downward from a low pressure region inlet to a powder pickup slot positioned adjacent to the area where the powder is deposited onto the paper stock. Pressurized air is directed toward the pickup slot from either side thereof by the airflow discharge manifold which receives air from the high pressure region outlet.

Abstract: Contained in the feed gas line (4) and in the dosing gas line (24) of an injector (2) is a pressure setting instrument (6, 26) each which is adjustable with regard to its outlet pressure. A gas flow instrument (46) displays the entire amount of feed air and dosing air flowing per unit of time. This makes it possible to change the pressures of the feed air and the dosing air while nonetheless keeping the entire gas quantity in the powder/gas flow in a simple way at a desired value.

Abstract: A solder joint inspection system comprises a substrate (60) having at least one solder pad (56), a predetermined amount of solder (54) on the solder pad, and an image fluxing material (52) that fluoresces when an ultraviolet light source (42) is applied to the solder (54) and the fluxing material (52). When an ultraviolet light source is applied to the substrate having a predetermined amount of solder and fluxing material, a visual inspecting device (40) can verify if, in fact, the predetermined amount of solder and fluxing material is present.

Abstract: Apparatus for impregnating a liquid such as a resinous liquid into wood, in which timbers to be subjected to the impregnation are placed in a pressure tank which is capable of reducing or increasing the interior pressure thereof; the inside of the pressure tank is evacuated through a monitoring timber identical in properties with the timbers to be subjected to the impregnation, to expel the air present in the tank and the timbers; the liquid is injected into the pressure tank under pressurized conditions, while continuing the evacuation, to impregnate the liquid into the timbers; and the impregnation is completed when the liquid begins to flow out of the tank through the monitoring timber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly determining the print quality of a porous material which includes contacting a porous surface with a source of ink, providing a known relative acceleration between said ink source and said porous surface, and thereby transferring a predetermined volume of ink from said ink source to a known area of said porous suface. Then, the amount of ink transferred into the porous surface area per unit of time is measured to thereby determine the time between initial ink contact and the initial ink penetration, referred to as wetting delay, and the penetration rate of ink into the porous surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and monitoring the manufacture of a thick film circuit board device. The method includes the steps of forming a resistive layer in a prescribed pattern on an insulative base board, forming a first conductive layer on the insulative base board adjacent to the resistive layer with a gap of predetermined width therebetween and forming a second conductive layer in the gap and overlapping a portion of the resistive layer and the first conductive layer for establishing electrical contact between the resistive layer and the first conductive layer.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the speed and impression on a manual ink proofer engaging a substrate wherein the manual ink proofer is detachably connected to a piston rod of a fluid motor. A valve is provided for controlling the speed at which the piston rod and associated ink proofer is retracted toward the cylinder, and an adjustable downward pressure is applied to the ink proofer to obtain the desired impression pressure.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle for use in performing work inside pipes of piping systems, for example, for cleaning or coating the inner surface of the pipe includes at least three traveling assemblies connected to the body of the vehicle by parallel link assemblies. The traveling assemblies are travaeled along the pipe inner surface to be worked on by the operation of a drive unit and transmissions while being pressed against the pipe inner surface by a collapsing assembly. During travel, a liquid can be sprayed onto the pipe inner surface by a nozzle which is rotated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly determining the print quality of a porous material which includes contacting a porous surface with a source of ink, and then providing a known relative acceleration between the ink source and the porous surface. In this manner, a predetermined volume of ink is transferred from the ink source to a known area of the porous surface. Then, the amount of ink transferred into the porous surface area per unit of time is measured to thereby determine the time between initial ink contact and the initial ink penetration, referred to as the wetting delay, the penetration rate of ink into the porous surface, and the volumetric roughness of the porous material. All of these latter parameters are closely correlated to print quality.

Abstract: A method of testing coating integrity of containers includes the steps of introducing a probe into an electrolytic solution into the container and applying a constantly-increasing voltage to the probe from a source and taking readings of the voltage when the current flow through the container reaches a predetermined level. The apparatus also includes a gripping mechanism for producing a positive contact between the metal in the container and the remainder of the circuit.

Abstract: A transportable treatment apparatus includes a multi-compartment unitary tank mounted within a support structure along with an oven extending over the tank area as well as tank circulation means upon a side support wherein the support is attachable at opposite ends to a respective wheeled carrier device and a track coupling trailer device so that the assembled unit may be transported down a roadway.

Abstract: An asphalt sealant material is heated within an insulated box-like container supported by a front caster wheel and a pair of thin disk-like steel side wheels. A push-type handle bar projects rearwardly and upwardly from the container which has an inner bottom wall sloping downwardly to a side discharge tube. A burner tube extends through a surrounding heater tube located within the lower portion of the container, and a heat exchange oil is confined within the annular space defined between the tubes. A propane fuel tank is supported by a platform projecting rearwardly from the container and is connected by a flexible hose to a nozzle located at the front or the rear of the burner tube. The rear of the burner tube connects with a vertical exhaust pipe, and the rear of the heater tube connects with an oil fill tube.

Abstract: The device consists of a mastic material-filled pipe (27) set in a cylinder (24) which is revolvable around its longitudinal axis and secured there against displacement by means of locks (30). Inside the pipe (27) is a piston (31) which is acted upon by a conduit (33) with compressed air. On the free end of the pipe (27) is a mastic spreading device (41) which is locked to the pipe. The piston (31) forces the material out of the pipe into the mastic spreading device which is revolvable together with the pipe around the longitudinal axis thereof. Once the mastic spreading device (41) has been fully emptied, it is removed from the pipe (27) and the latter is separated from the cylinder (24). The empty pipe is replaced by a full pipe and the mastic spreading device is again attached to the latter. In this way the device is again ready for use within a short time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus for monitoring epitaxial crystalline growth mounted in a vacuum chamber, said apparatus including a support for mounting a single crystal substrate surface, a device for applying epitaxial material to the substrate surface, a device for impinging an electron beam upon the substrate surface to emit secondary electrons therefrom, and a system for detecting the secondary electrons emitted and for outputting a corresponding signal.

Abstract: An asphalt sealant material is heated within an insulated box-like container supported by a front caster wheel and a pair of thin disk-like steel side wheels. A push-type handle bar projects rearwardly and upwardly from the container which has an inner bottom wall sloping downwardly to a side discharge tube. A burner tube extends through a surrounding heater tube located within the lower portion of the container, and a heat exchange oil is confined within the annular space defined between the tubes. A propane fuel tank is supported by a platform projecting rearwardly from the container and is connected by a flexible hose to a nozzle located at the front of the burner tube. The rear of the burner tube connects with a vertical exhaust pipe, and the rear of the heater tube connects with an oil fill tube.

Abstract: A machine for depositing powder in a selected configuration, fusing the configured powder into a laminate and adhering the fused laminate to a shoe substrate. A heater raises the temperature of configured powder to fuse the powder into a laminate. A pair of radially spaced holes extend downwardly through the heater through which a fused laminate underlying the holes can be observed. Configured powder is conveyed past the heater to fuse the configured powder into a fused laminate, and a remote temperature sensor is controllably displaceable from one location to a second location so that the temperature of a fused laminate below either one of said apertures can be sensed. The temperature sensor is secured at either of the two discrete locations, and the holes can be closed by pivotally mounted caps.

Abstract: A registration device for use in silk screen printing of garments and other articles. The device facilitates the accurate positioning of the garment or other article to be printed. The device has a support arm which is held in a fixed position in respect to the platen of the silk screen printing apparatus. The support arm holds a frame which is affixable to a transparent sheet. The sheet is taped to the platen and marked with the silk screen indicia. The frame is then moved over the transparent sheet and taped to the sheet. The sheet is then detached from the platen and moved away therefrom on the frame. The garment to be marked is then placed on the platen, and the transparent sheet and frame is temporarily returned to its original position and placed over the garment to be marked. The garment is then alignd so that the spot on the garment to be marked is directly below the indicia on the transparent sheet. The frame and sheet are then moved away and the garment is accurately printed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of placing a measured amount of tracer material into a release agent solution so that the concentration of tracer material in the release agent as applied to a mold surface is an indication of the amount and distribution of the release agent on the mold surface. The release agent can be applied and/or re-applied until the amount of the tracer material reaches a predetermined value. In the embodiment disclosed the tracer material is a UV dye which will re-emit light when activated by a UV light source and the intensity level of the re-emitted light is a function of the amount of release agent applied.Curing of the release agent preferrably taken place after each layer in multiple layer applications.Also disclosed is a spray head (12) connected to a source (20) of release agent with UV dye therein for coating a mold surface (28). A source of UV light (30,32) activates the UV dye to re-emit visable light which is measured by a photometer (34) to practice the above method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a repairing apparatus for an industrial furnace wall using a plasma spray gun. The plasma flame of the gun traces the damaged part to be repaired by moving the gun in three-dimensional directions (up-and downwardly, right-and leftwardly, and forwardly and backwardly) relative to the furnace wall to be repaired. Furthermore, the optimum spray distance of the plasma flame follows the unevenness of the furnace wall and the depression extent of a damaged part to be repaired from the sound surface of a furnace wall by changing the mixture ratio of the operation gas for the gun to control the length of the plasma flame.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for supplying a powdery material to a workpiece to be processed thereby. According to the method, the powdery material is discharged from a hopper and metered, and then fed into a tube extending in the vicinity of the workpiece. Ultrasonic vibrations are imparted to the tube to supply the powdery material to a portion to be processed of the workpiece while the amount of the supplied powdery material is being detected. The apparatus includes a hopper for storing the powdery material, the hopper having an outlet, a tube extending from the outlet to a position adjacent to the workpiece for conveying the powdery material therethrough, and an ultrasonic vibrating device mounted on the tube for imparting ultrasonic vibrations to the tube, and a device mounted on the tube for detecting the amount of the powdery material supplied through the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating and polishing a micropipette for patch recording comprises an inverse microscope having a stage for supporting a micropipette to be processed, and a pair of objectives of relatively low and relatively high magnification, respectively, which are adapted to be selectively placed into the optical path of the microscope. An air gun is positioned to supply an air jet to a pipette supported on the stage, said gun comprising heating means for selectively producing a hot and a cold air jet. An attchment comprising an electricially heatable filament is associated to the objective of relatively high magnification. The micropipette is positioned and coated under observation with the aid of the objective of low magnification and then the coating is cured by applying the hot air jet. Subsequently, the tip of the pipette is polished by the heated filament under observation with the aid of the objective of high magnification.