Coating Or Forming Means Patents (Class 204/622)
  • Patent number: 9144816
    Abstract: A panel carrier system and method for coating panels with the carrier system are disclosed. The carrier comprises a base and protective cover with an enclosure that protects the base when coating compositions are applied to the panels. The carrier system and coated panels may be transported to a curing location, followed by removal and evaluation of the coated panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Lewis, Walter J. Robertson, Mary Park, Nathan Goodnow, Joseph S. Szul, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150047981
    Abstract: The invention makes it possible to produce very thin ceramic blanks as a precursor for ceramic discs, for example for use as faces in wrist watches. On the other hand, the production of metal blanks for use in CAD/CAM machines is possible with the invention. Both methods are based on depositing the material from a slurry or slip by electrophoresis. The essence of the invention is the isolation of the peripheral region of the precipitation electrodes that is produced by a non-conducting frame. This allows the precipitated mass to be easily lifted off from the precipitation electrode. The subsequent sintering with a possibly proceeding machining operation allows precision articles to be produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Stefan Wolz
  • Publication number: 20140318967
    Abstract: Damascene templates have two-dimensionally patterned raised metal features disposed on an underlying conductive layer extending across a substrate. The templates are topographically flat overall, and the patterned conductive features establish micron-scale and nanometer-scale patterns for the assembly of nanoelements into nanoscale circuits and sensors. The templates are made using microfabrication techniques together with chemical mechanical polishing. These templates are compatible with various directed assembly techniques, including electrophoresis, and offer essentially 100% efficient assembly and transfer of nanoelements in a continuous operation cycle. The templates can be repeatedly used for transfer of patterned nanoelements thousands of times with minimal or no damage, and the transfer process involves no intermediate processes between cycles. The assembly and transfer processes employed are carried out at room temperature and pressure and are thus amenable to low cost, high-rate device production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Ahmed Busnaina, Hanchul Cho, Sivasubramanian Somu, Jun Huang
  • Publication number: 20140202860
    Abstract: A non-volatile bistable nano-electromechanical switch is provided for use in memory devices and microprocessors. The switch employs carbon nanotubes as the actuation element. A method has been developed for fabricating nanoswitches having one single-walled carbon nanotube as the actuator. The actuation of two different states can be achieved using the same low voltage for each state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Sivasubramanian Somu, Ahmed Busnaina, Nicol McGruer, Peter Ryan, George G. Adams, Xugang Xiong, Taehoon Kim
  • Publication number: 20140030527
    Abstract: Dissymmetric particles also called Janus particles of micron or submicron size and methods of synthesis of Janus particles by bipolar electrochemistry, based on substrates of isotropic or anisotropic shape. The particles include an electrically conductive substrate having at least a chemically and/or physically modified part by deposit of a layer of electrochemically depositable material, and a non-modified part. The particles are of isotropic shape, and the layer of electrochemically depositable material has a specific shape delimited by a precise contour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE BORDEAUX 1
    Inventors: Gabriel Michel Pierre Loget, Alexander Kuhn
  • Publication number: 20140021054
    Abstract: A system for dip coating articles, in particular vehicle bodies, which articles can be moved to at least one dip tank and away from it with the aid of a transport system. For being lowered into and raised out of the tank, they are placed onto a rotating platform of at least one stationary rotating station and are dipped into the treatment liquid and removed from it by rotation of the rotating platform. Each article is fastened with the aid of a fastening device on a skid which interacts with the transport system. The fastening device is configured such that the article fastened to the fastening device is at a smaller spacing from the rotating platform in the removed position than in the second, dipped position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: EISENMANN AG
    Inventor: Joerg Robbin
  • Publication number: 20130284598
    Abstract: A method for positioning nano-objects on a surface and an apparatus for implementing the method. The method includes: providing a first surface and a second surface in a position facing each other, where one or more of the surfaces exhibits one or more position structures having dimensions on the nanoscale; providing an ionic liquid suspension of the nano-objects between the two surfaces, where the suspension comprises two electrical double layers each formed at an interface with a respective one of the two surfaces, and the surfaces have electrical charges of the same sign; enabling the nano-objects in the suspension to position according to a potential energy resulting from the electrical charge of the two surfaces; and depositing one or more of the nano-objects on the first surface according to the positioning structures by shifting the minima of the potential energy towards the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Urs T. Duerig, Felix Holzner, Armin W. Knoll, Walter H. Riess
  • Publication number: 20130256013
    Abstract: A method for high rate assembly of nanoelements into two-dimensional void patterns on a non-conductive substrate surface utilizes an applied electric field to stabilize against forces resulting from pulling the substrate through the surface of a nanoelement suspension. The electric field contours emanating from a conductive layer in the substrate, covered by an insulating layer, are modified by a patterned photoresist layer, resulting in an increased driving force for nanoelements to migrate from a liquid suspension to voids on a patterned substrate having a non-conductive surface. The method can be used for the production of micro scale and nanoscale circuits, sensors, and other electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Asli Sirman, Ahmed Busnaina, Cihan Yilmaz, Jun Huang, Sivasubramanian Somu
  • Patent number: 8539907
    Abstract: The invention provides a film deposition apparatus, which includes a first cover and a second cover, wherein the first cover and the second cover are disposed opposite to each other, and the first cover has at least two holes, and a spacer disposed between the first cover and the second cover, wherein the first cover, the spacer and the second cover form a film deposition space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Wei-Tse Hsu, Chung-Wen Lan, Yi-Song Luo
  • Patent number: 8535501
    Abstract: A protective coating is applied to the electrically conductive surface of a reflective coating of a solar mirror by biasing a conductive member having a layer of a malleable electrically conductive material, e.g. a paste, against a portion of the conductive surface while moving an electrodepositable coating composition over the conductive surface. The moving of the electrodepositable coating composition over the conductive surface includes moving the solar mirror through a flow curtain of the electrodepositable coating composition and submerging the solar mirror in a pool of the electrodepositable coating composition. The use of the layer of a malleable electrically conductive material between the conductive member and the conductive surface compensates for irregularities in the conductive surface being contacted during the coating process thereby reducing the current density at the electrical contact area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Kabagambe, James W. McCamy, Donald W. Boyd
  • Publication number: 20130228463
    Abstract: A specific region of a polylactic acid sheet is heated by a microwave. To allow the polylactic acid sheet to exhibit piezoelectricity in the thickness direction of the polylactic acid sheet, a high voltage is applied to the heated polylactic acid sheet in the thickness direction of the polylactic acid sheet, and thereby the screw axes of at least a part of the polylactic acid molecules are relatively aligned with the thickness direction. Then the polylactic acid sheet is rapidly cooled, and thereby the polylactic acid molecules are immobilized. The same step is executed for other regions of the polylactic acid sheet, and thereby piezoelectricity is imparted to a wide area of the polylactic acid sheet in the thickness direction. The resultant piezoelectric sheet is capable of exhibiting a high piezoelectricity in the thickness direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicants: A School Corporation Kansai University, MURATA MANUFACTURING CO.,LTD.
    Inventors: Masamichi Ando, Yoshiro Tajitsu
  • Publication number: 20130228364
    Abstract: A method for positioning carbon nanotubes on a substrate, the substrate including a first electrode and a second electrode thereon, the second electrode being positioned oppositely from the first electrode; the method includes: applying a first AC voltage across the first and second electrodes; providing a first resistance in series with the first AC voltage; and introducing a solution including at least one carbon nanotube; wherein, when the first AC voltage is applied through the first resistance across the first and second electrodes, the at least one carbon nanotube attaches to the first and second electrodes. Another aspect of the invention includes providing a metallic area between the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: The Trustees of Columbia University In The City Of New York
    Inventors: Sarbajit Banerjee, Irving P. Herman
  • Publication number: 20130220813
    Abstract: The articles and methods described herein provide a way to manipulate condensation on a surface by micro/nano-engineering textures on the surface and filling the spaces between the texture features with an impregnating liquid that is stably held therebetween or therewithin. The articles and methods allow droplets of water, or other condensed phases, even in micrometer size range, to easily shed from the surface, thereby enhancing contact between a condensing species and the condensing surface. It has been found that dropwise condensation is enhanced by the use of an impregnating (secondary) liquid that has a relatively high surface tension, and, even more preferably, an impregnating liquid that has both a high surface tension and a low viscosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Sushant Anand, Adam T. Paxson, Jonathan David Smith, Kripa K. Varanasi
  • Publication number: 20130202959
    Abstract: Methods are provided for making bipolar electrochemical devices, such as batteries, using electrophoresis. A bipolar device is assembled by applying a field that creates a physical separation between two active electrode materials, without requiring insertion of a discrete separator film or electrolyte layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicants: A123 Systems, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, A123 Systems, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130192990
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for constructing tissue from cells or other objects by application of temporally and spatially controlled electric fields. Electric field applicators expose a substrate (32) to the electric field controlled to affect the processing medium (28) to achieve a processing effect on the construction of tissue on the substrate (32). Electrical bias is selected to interact with dipole properties of the medium (28) to control the movement of suspended dielectrophoretic cells or other particles in the medium (28) or at the substrate (32). The motion of suspended particles may be affected to cause suspended particles of different properties to follow different paths in the processing medium (28), which may be used to cause the suspended particles to be sorted. The processing medium (28) and electrical bias may be selected to affect the structure, or orientation, of one or more layers on the substrate (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Jozef Brcka
  • Publication number: 20130046324
    Abstract: Printing of color imagery onto a rewritable color surface (e.g. electronic paper or human skin tattooed with electrophoretic ink) is accomplished by providing an applicator with an alignment subsystem capable of sensing an alignment marker (e.g. color response, non-visible response or secondary emission) of one or more colors dots from multiple local color dot patterns as the applicator scans the surface to align the applicator's print head to the local color dot patterns. The alignment subsystem uses the sensed alignment markers to align the state values for the corresponding portion of the color image to the individual color dots in the local color dot patterns on said surface. Alignment may be achieved by mapping the state values for a particular color dot in the color image to an individual head that is aligned to a particular color dot or by micro-actuating a pattern of print heads with pre-assigned state values to align with the local color dot patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Darin S. Williams
  • Patent number: 8377281
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming devices using nanotubes. In one embodiment, an apparatus for depositing nanotubes onto a workpiece comprises a vessel configured to contain a deposition fluid having a plurality of nanotubes including first nanotubes having a first characteristic and second nanotubes having a second characteristic. The apparatus further includes a sorting unit in the vessel configured to selectively isolate or otherwise sort the first nanotubes from the second nanotubes, and a field unit in the vessel configured to attach the first nanotubes to the workpiece. For example, the field unit can attach the first nanotubes to the workpiece such that the first nanotubes are at least generally parallel to each other and in a desired orientation relative to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Publication number: 20120298508
    Abstract: A method of electrophoretic deposition includes: providing an electrophoresis tank, an anode substrate, and a cathode substrate; disposing the anode substrate and the cathode substrate oppositely in the electrophoresis tank; adjusting relative positions of the cathode substrate and the anode substrate for varying each of the distances between corresponding regions on the cathode substrate and the anode substrate; and inputting cathode voltage and anode voltage respectively to a cathode electrode of the cathode substrate and a anode electrode of the anode substrate for performing the electrophoretic deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Wen-Ching Shih, Jian-Min Jeng, Yu-Hao Chen, Mei-Tsao Chiang, Huai-An Li
  • Patent number: 8293083
    Abstract: Provided are fabrication, characterization and application of a nanodisk electrode, a nanopore electrode and a nanopore membrane. These three nanostructures share common fabrication steps. In one embodiment, the fabrication of a disk electrode involves sealing a sharpened internal signal transduction element (“ISTE”) into a substrate, followed by polishing of the substrate until a nanometer-sized disk of the ISTE is exposed. The fabrication of a nanopore electrode is accomplished by etching the nanodisk electrode to create a pore in the substrate, with the remaining ISTE comprising the pore base. Complete removal of the ISTE yields a nanopore membrane, in which a conical shaped pore is embedded in a thin membrane of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: University of Utah Research Foundation
    Inventors: Henry S White, Bo Zhang, Ryan J White, Eric N Ervin, Gangli Wang
  • Patent number: 8277761
    Abstract: A fluidic device (100) comprising a substrate (101) and a transport medium (103) provided on the substrate (101) to define a transport path for transporting a fluidic sample (104) driven by an electric force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Falk-Jordan, Patrick Kaltenbach
  • Patent number: 8273230
    Abstract: A cathode electrophoretic deposition (EPD) suspension is provided by mixing an ionomer solution with an electrolyte. An anode EPD suspension is provided via mixing carbon nanomaterial (CNM)-supported catalyst with a solution of the same composition as that of the cathode EPD suspension. Ultrasonication and high-speed stirring are executed on the cathode and anode EPD suspensions, thus turning them into homogenous suspensions. There is provided a low-voltage EPD apparatus incorporated with a porous material to separate it into anode and cathode compartments. The anode and cathode EPD suspensions are filled in the anode and cathode compartments, respectively. An inert gas is introduced into the anode compartment for stirring the anode EPD suspension. An electrode base substrate is used as the anode of the EPD apparatus. A low-voltage direct current (DC) power supply is used to supply DC low voltage to the EPD apparatus, thus evenly coating a catalyst layer on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Atomic Energy Council—Institute of Nuclear Research
    Inventors: King-Tsai Jeng, Wan-Min Huang
  • Patent number: 8262890
    Abstract: Electrodeposition painting systems may include an electrodeposition bath containing an electrodeposition paint solution, wherein the electrodeposition paint solution is in contact with an electrodeposition bath anode that charges the paint such that it electrocoats parts submerged therein to form electrocoated parts, a rinse tank that rinses the electrocoated parts, wherein a rinse tank reservoir of the rinse tank is capable of fluid communication with the electrodeposition bath, a filter that filters the electrodeposition paint solution to separate filtered water from the paint, and an ionizer assembly including one or more electrodes in contact with the filtered water and a power supply connected to the one or more electrodes, wherein the power supply causes a plurality of electrode ions from the one or more electrodes to enter the filtered water to produce filtered water including electrode ions such that the filtered water including electrode ions flows into and sterilizes the electrodeposition paint solu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: James Walter Meade
  • Patent number: 8252164
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for nanowire alignment and deposition. Energizing (e.g., an alternating current electric field) is used to align and associate nanowires with electrodes. By modulating the energizing, the nanowires are coupled to the electrodes such that they remain in place during subsequent wash and drying steps. The invention also provides methods for transferring nanowires from one substrate to another in order to prepare various device substrates. The present invention also provides methods for monitoring and controlling the number of nanowires deposited at a particular electrode pair, as well as methods for manipulating nanowires in solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Nanosys, Inc., Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Samuel Martin, Xiangfeng Duan, Katsumasa Fujii, James M. Hamilton, Hiroshi Iwata, Francisco Leon, Jeffrey Miller, Tetsu Negishi, Hiroshi Ohki, J. Wallace Parce, Cheri X. Y. Pereira, Paul John Schuele, Akihide Shibata, David P. Stumbo, Yasunobu Okada
  • Publication number: 20120211365
    Abstract: A method of altering a property of a surface includes suspending a plurality of low surface energy particles in a solvent, agglomerating the suspension of particles, and subjecting the suspension of particle agglomerates to electrophoretic deposition onto a substrate for a predetermined time. The altered surface may be superhydrophilic or superhydrophobic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Young Soo Joung, Cullen Richard Buie
  • Publication number: 20120193233
    Abstract: A protective coating is applied to the electrically conductive surface of a reflective coating of a solar mirror by biasing a conductive member having a layer of a malleable electrically conductive material, e.g. a paste, against a portion of the conductive surface while moving an electrodepositable coating composition over the conductive surface. The moving of the electrodepositable coating composition over the conductive surface includes moving the solar mirror through a flow curtain of the electrodepositable coating composition and submerging the solar mirror in a pool of the electrodepositable coating composition. The use of the layer of a malleable electrically conductive material between the conductive member and the conductive surface compensates for irregularities in the conductive surface being contacted during the coating process thereby reducing the current density at the electrical contact area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Kabagambe, James W. McCamy, Donald W. Boyd
  • Publication number: 20120175256
    Abstract: A system for electro-coating a metallic substrate includes a DC power supply, a primary electrode, and a wireless auxiliary electrode. The primary electrode transmits electrical current through electrolyte fluid when energized by the power supply. The auxiliary electrode is within the drain hole, and receives the current from the fluid at one end. The auxiliary electrode boosts the calibrated voltage at the opposite end near the drain hole. In a method for depositing thin film material onto the internal surfaces, the wireless auxiliary electrode is positioned in the drain hole, and the calibrated voltage is applied from the DC power supply to the primary electrode. Electrical current transmitted through the fluid is received at the first end of the auxiliary electrode. The calibrated voltage is boosted in proximity to the drain hole at the second end of the same auxiliary electrode. A wireless auxiliary electrode assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Hua-Tzu Fan, Yar-Ming Wang, Hong-Hsiang Kuo
  • Patent number: 8216441
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a novel apparatus and methods for forming a contact structure having metal lines formed using an electrophoretic deposition process. A substrate having a conductive or semiconductive layer is covered with an insulating layer and patterned to expose the conductive or semiconductive layer. The substrate is exposed to a processing medium comprising charged particles immersed in a dielectric fluid. An electric field is optionally applied. The charged particles deposit onto the exposed portions of the substrate and are then solidified in a reflow process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Manoocher Birang, Kapila P. Wijekoon, Alexander Sou-Kang Ko, Eugene Rabinovich
  • Patent number: 8216439
    Abstract: The invention provides novel a hybrid slip casting-Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) process which can be used to produce arbitrary shape geometries with controlled materials properties. The invention provides processes for the fabrication of Functionally Graded Materials (FGM) by a controlled Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: San Diego State University (SDSU) Foundation
    Inventors: Eugene Olevsky, Xuan Wang, Margaret Stern
  • Publication number: 20120160685
    Abstract: A process for forming a multilayer composite coating on a substrate is provided. The process includes forming an electrodeposition coating layer on the substrate by electrodeposition of a curable electrodepositable coating composition over at least a portion of the substrate. Optionally, the coated substrate is heated to a temperature and for a time sufficient to cure the electrodeposition coating layer. A basecoating layer is formed on the electrodeposition coating layer by depositing an aqueous curable basecoating composition directly onto at least a portion of the electrodeposition coating layer. Optionally, the basecoating layer is dehydrated. A top coating layer is formed on the basecoating layer by depositing a curable top coating composition which is substantially pigment-free directly onto at least a portion of the basecoating layer. The top coating layer, the basecoating layer, and, optionally, the electrodeposition coating layer are cured simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.
    Inventors: Sean Purdy, Dennis A. Simpson, Richard J. Foukes, David M. Aiken, James P. Rowley, Leigh Ann Humbert
  • Patent number: 8197658
    Abstract: In order to solve various problems such as a reduction in a paint resin with the progress of electrodeposition coating treatment and remelting of a coating film or the occurrence of pinholes caused by an increased concentration of an electrolyte as a result of the reduction, upsizing of a hollow electrode with a membrane for electrodeposition coating combined with a barrier membrane (e.g., an ion exchange membrane) and an increase in the number of components should be avoided. In order to realize this, a barrier membrane 20 such as an ion exchange membrane is attached to the exterior surface of an electrode main body 10, which is in a hollow state made of a conductive material and configured so as to allow a liquid to pass through freely between the inside and outside of the electrode serving as a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: Daiso Co., Ltd., AGC Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shouhei Matsui, Yasushi Yoshida, Nobuyoshi Shoji, Yukio Matsumura
  • Patent number: 8182667
    Abstract: A method for the electrophoretic coating of workpieces with a coating medium, in particular lacquer, and a coating installation are described. In the method, at least one workpiece is immersed in the coating medium. With a voltage source, a d.c. voltage is applied between the workpiece and at least one electrode immersed in the coating medium. The d.c. voltage is increased continuously, in an essentially stepless manner, throughout virtually the entire coating operation in such a way that the coating current density on the surface of the workpiece remains essentially constant over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Eisenmann AG
    Inventors: Juergen Schlecht, Zoltan-Josef Horvath
  • Publication number: 20120085647
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mineralising demineralised and hypo-mineralised biological material such as tooth or bone. The apparatus has a probe electrode for receiving a mineralisation agent and a counter electrode. It is also provided with a controller to control the electrical signal provided to the probe such that the extent of mineralisation of the biological material is controlled by modulating or changing the electrical signal provided by the probe based upon the measured output of the circuit formed from the probe, counter electrode and biological material. The electrical output provides a measure of the extent of mineralisation of the biological material which is compared with data from a reference technique which gives 3D structural information on an area of interest in the biological material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicants: The University of Dundee, The University Court of the University of St. Andrews, The University of Abertay Dundee
    Inventors: Christopher Longbottom, Joseph Crayston, Nigel Berry Pitts, Dmitri Grinev, Iain Young
  • Publication number: 20110284380
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for nanowire alignment and deposition. Energizing (e.g., an alternating current electric field) is used to align and associate nanowires with electrodes. By modulating the energizing, the nanowires are coupled to the electrodes such that they remain in place during subsequent wash and drying steps. The invention also provides methods for transferring nanowires from one substrate to another in order to prepare various device substrates. The present invention also provides methods for monitoring and controlling the number of nanowires deposited at a particular electrode pair, as well as methods for manipulating nanowires in solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Samuel MARTIN, Xiangfeng Duan, Katsumasa Fujii, James M. Hamilton, Hiroshi Iwata, Francisco Leon, Jeffrey Miller, Tetsu Negishi, Hiroshi Ohki, J. Wallace Parce, Cheri X.Y. Pereira, Paul John Schuele, Akihide Shibata, David P. Stumbo, Yasunobu Okada
  • Patent number: 8062493
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems, arrangements, and techniques for electrophoretic deposition of a plating material on a surface of a substrate. Example systems may include one or more of a substrate for receiving the plating material, a gel, a source element, and a conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Ezekiel Kruglick
  • Publication number: 20110165348
    Abstract: A method of coating a surface comprising providing a source of amorphous metal that contains manganese (1 to 3 atomic %), yttrium (0.1 to 10 atomic %), and silicon (0.3 to 3.1 atomic %) in the range of composition given in parentheses; and that contains the following elements in the specified range of composition given in parentheses: chromium (15 to 20 atomic %), molybdenum (2 to 15 atomic %), tungsten (1 to 3 atomic %), boron (5 to 16 atomic %), carbon (3 to 16 atomic %), and the balance iron; and applying said amorphous metal to the surface by a spray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Farmer, Frank M.G. Wong, Jeffery J. Haslam, Xiaoyan (Jane) Ji, Sumner D. Day, Craig A. Blue, John D.K. Rivard, Louis F. Aprigliano, Leslie K. Kohler, Robert Bayles, Edward J. Lemieux, Nancy Yang, John H. Perepezko, Larry Kaufman, Arthur Heuer, Enrique J. Lavernia
  • Patent number: 7964076
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrophoretic display sheet, comprising: forming a wall material on a first substrate, the wall material defining a disposing region; disposing a plurality of microcapsules to the disposing region, each of the plurality of microcapsules including an electrophoretic dispersion liquid in a shell; and arranging at least a part of the plurality of microcapsules on the disposing region by rubbing the wall material with a plate to sweep the plurality of microcapsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Sadao Kanbe
  • Publication number: 20110139617
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a new process for depositing a thick compact layer of biomolecules for instance such a layer with thickness in the ?m scale and, for depositing a thick compact layer of cells in the ?m scale. The deposited layer is made by application of an unbalanced (asymmetrical) alternating voltage polarization between two electrodes to a dissolved biomolecule or cell from low conductivity solutions. The process allows the rapid manufacturing of sensors and the coating of devices with functional cells and biomolecules. Examples are provided on the preparation of functional sensors such as a glucose, a lactose sensor, a hydrogen peroxide sensor and a glutamate sensor. Examples are also provided on the deposition of eukaryoric cells such as saccharomyces cerevisiae. The examples demonstrate a process that can be applied to coat devices with biomolecules and biological cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, K.U.Leuven R&D
    Inventors: Jan FRANSAER, Malika Ammam
  • Patent number: 7943028
    Abstract: A method for the electrophoretic application of a polymeric coating to an object having an elongate portion on a continuous belt, comprising the steps of positioning the object to engage a retaining member, the retaining member engaging the continuous belt such that a retaining portion on the retaining member releasably retains the elongate portion of the object to the belt; conveying the continuous belt with a drive mechanism; and coating the object on the continuous belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. McPheron, Gary R. Orosz, Catharine A. Palmer, John H. Martin, Lawrence T. Kirby, Robin M. Peffer, Nathan L. Goodnow, Paul J. Kaufman, William H. Rodgers, Raymond J. Kaufman, Daryl L. Vettori, Richard D. Pollick
  • Publication number: 20110100822
    Abstract: A device for quantitatively determining an analyte is provided to conspicuously improve the performance of the quantitative determination. This device is equipped with a flow channel, an analyte detecting unit for capturing and detecting the analyte, and a quantitative measurement unit for quantitatively determining the analyte, wherein a signal generated when the analyte detecting unit has detected the analyte is divided into a plurality of parts in the direction of the flow in the flow channel at the quantitative measurement unit for processing. Also provided are technologies including one for controlling the density of molecules attached to the surface of a solid. In these technologies, when molecules are attached to a substrate, the density of attached molecules is controlled, by having an electrolyte also present in a solution containing the molecules to adjust the screening effect by the electrolyte, and by taking into consideration the effective size of a molecule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Kenji Arinaga, Ulrich Rant, Tsuyoshi Fujihara, Shozo Fujita
  • Publication number: 20110100265
    Abstract: A “green process” and system employing a first operation of electrophoresis in a liquid suspending selected solids to introduce the suspended solid particles as micro- or nano-particles, or both, into pore spaces of a porous non-conductive medium. A second operation uses electro-transport to move ions of solids into small pore spaces inaccessible via electrophoresis alone to grow solids in these smaller pore spaces to a size that may fill them, thus increasing the density and strength of the medium. The process yields a material that has improved strength, reduced porosity, high density and, in select applications, resistance to formation of mildew, mold, fungus and the like. Certain applications also enable decorative colors and florescence to be introduced to the media. Materials made from the process include high strength concrete construction panels, “backer boards,” work surfaces, counter tops, complex decorative configurations, strong thin walled items, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Philip G. Malone, Charles A. Weiss, JR., Sean W. Morefield, Vincent F. Hock
  • Publication number: 20110027656
    Abstract: Methods are provided for making bipolar electrochemical devices, such as batteries, using electrophoresis. A bipolar device is assembled by applying a field that creates a physical separation between two active electrode materials, without requiring insertion of a discrete separator film or electrolyte layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, Benjamin Hellweg, Richard K. Holman, Steven M. Tobias, Dong-Wan Kim, Ryan Craig Wartena
  • Publication number: 20100326832
    Abstract: The invention relates to an immersion treatment system, particularly an electrophoretic immersion coating system, comprising at least one immersion basin in a known manner that can be filled with a treatment fluid. A transport system guides the objects to be coated to the immersion basin, into the interior of the immersion basin, out of the immersion basin, and away therefrom. It comprises at least one transport car whereon a vertically displaceable carriage is disposed. A component defining a rotary axis is supported on the same, supporting a mounting device for the object to be treated. A motion sequence for the object can be achieved in said manner, comprising a superposition of a horizontal linear motion, a vertical linear motion, and a rotary motion about the rotary axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: EISENMANN ANLAGENBAU GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Sebastian Albeck, Antonio Espinosa, Victor Gonzalez, Juergen Hanf, Joerg Robbin
  • Publication number: 20100307918
    Abstract: There is provided a method of preparing organic-solvent-free artificial lipid membranes formed over microapertures of a substrate and a substrate for holding the artificial lipid membranes. The method of preparing artificial lipid membranes over microapertures of a substrate includes forming a lipid pattern 5 on the perimeter of microapertures 4 formed in a substrate 1, swelling the lipid pattern 5 by an electroformation method, fusing the swelled lipid pattern, and further swelling the fused lipid pattern for each microaperture to prepare dome-shaped organic-solvent-free lipid membranes 7.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: THE UNIVESITY OF TOKYO
    Inventors: Shoji Takeuchi, Kaori Kuribayashi
  • Patent number: 7767070
    Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the coating of objects with a coating composition. The processes include positioning the objects on a continuous belt comprising a supporting member positioned to retain the object thereon, conveying the continuous belt with a drive member such that the continuous belt passes through both a coating unit and a drying unit, coating the objects on the continuous belt with the coating composition, and drying the objects on the continuous belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Orosz, James M. Gleason
  • Patent number: 7722752
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for carrying a liquid, the device comprising a microfluidic channel having an interior wall and a polyelectrolyte film on the interior wall whereby liquid carried by the channel contacts the polyelectrolyte film, the polyelectrolyte film having a thickness of about 1 to about 1000 nanometers and comprising an interpenetrating network of a predominantly positively charged polymer and a predominantly negatively charged polymer, the predominantly positively charged polymer, the predominantly negatively charged polymer or both containing (i) a pH insensitive positively or negatively charged repeat unit having a pKa greater than 9 or less than 3, and (ii) a pH sensitive repeat unit, the pH sensitive repeat unit having a pKa of 3 to 9, whereby the pH of liquid in the microfluidic channel may be used to control the velocity or direction of electroosmotic flow of the liquid within said microfluidic channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Florida State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Joseph B. Schlenoff, Zhijie Sui
  • Publication number: 20100006440
    Abstract: The apparatus for electrophoretic repainting of metal objects, in particular lids for containers for food use, comprises a tank (30) containing an electrophoretic bath; an electrode, immersed in the eletrophoretic bath, a conveyor line (10), provided with elements for supporting lids (20), the conveyor line (10) being arranged such as to transit internally of the tank (30) in order to immerse the lids (20) in the electrophoretic bath; and a unit (40) for establishing an electrical contact with the lids (20) transiting immersed in the bath, having an opposite polarity with respect to a polarity of the electrode immersed in the bath. The contact unit (40) includes a rotation element (4) which rotates about a longitudinal axis thereof, an external lateral surface (42) thereof affording a groove (5) having a helical progression destined to receive conductive electrical means such as to contact at least an end portion (21) of the lids (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: CORIMA INTERNATIONAL S.R.L.
    Inventor: Gianfranco Baldassari
  • Publication number: 20090314640
    Abstract: A method for the electrophoretic coating of workpieces with a coating medium, in particular lacquer, and a coating installation are described. In the method, at least one workpiece is immersed in the coating medium. With a voltage source, a d.c. voltage is applied between the workpiece and at least one electrode immersed in the coating medium. The d.c. voltage is increased continuously, in an essentially stepless manner, throughout virtually the entire coating operation in such a way that the coating current density on the surface of the workpiece remains essentially constant over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Juergen Schlecht, Zoltan-Josef Horvath
  • Publication number: 20090288952
    Abstract: The invention provides novel a hybrid slip casting-Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) process which can be used to produce arbitrary shape geometries with controlled materials properties. The invention provides processes for the fabrication of Functionally Graded Materials (FGM) by a controlled Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Eugene Olevsky, Xuan Wang, Margaret Stern
  • Publication number: 20090242921
    Abstract: A method of forming a phosphor coating layer on a light emitting diode (LED) chip using electrophoresis includes separating phosphor particles in a suspension according to a particle size, and coating the phosphor particles on a surface of the LED chip by sequentially depositing the separated phosphor particles on the surface of the LED chip according to the particle size. An apparatus to form a phosphor coating layer on an LED chip includes an electrophoresis bath to accommodate a suspension containing phosphor particles separated into layers according to a particle size, and electrodes disposed inside the electrophoresis bath. The electrodes may include a cathode electrode on which the LED chip may be arranged, and an anode electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yevgeni ALIYEV
  • Publication number: 20090145760
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a novel apparatus and methods for forming a contact structure having metal lines formed using an electrophoretic deposition process. A substrate having a conductive or semiconductive layer is covered with an insulating layer and patterned to expose the conductive or semiconductive layer. The substrate is exposed to a processing medium comprising charged particles immersed in a dielectric fluid. An electric field is optionally applied. The charged particles deposit onto the exposed portions of the substrate and are then solidified in a reflow process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: MANOOCHER BIRANG, Kapila P. Wijekoon, Alexander Sou-Kang Ko, Eugene Rabinovich