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.

Abstract: A monitoring method of the invention is for monitoring electrodeposition coating of an object to be coated in which a conveying mechanism that conveys the object to be coated while the object is immersed in an electrodeposition paint in an electrodeposition bath, and a plurality of electrodes arranged along a conveying direction in which the object to be coated is conveyed by the conveying mechanism, are used, the method including: acquiring present position data of the object in the conveying direction; when the acquired present position data has a value corresponding to a predetermined determination position, acquiring an electric current value corresponding to a predetermined one, associated with the determination position, of the electrodes; and determining the occurrence of the abnormality for the object to be coated that is positioned at the determination position, based on whether the acquired electric current value is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: An electrodeposition tank that pools and enables fluidization and agitation of an electrodeposition paint into which a work is to be immersed, the electrodeposition tank including: a grooved part having a plurality of concave and convex shapes formed along a work-conveying direction on a bottom surface of the electrodeposition tank; an electrodeposition paint supply pipe that circulates and supplies the electrodeposition paint to the electrodeposition tank; a plurality of branch pipes that are arranged on ridges of the grooved part and that branch off the electrodeposition paint supply pipe; and electrodeposition paint discharge nozzles provided oriented upstream in the work-conveying direction at a section of the branch pipes that opposes bottom parts of the grooved part.

Abstract: Provided with a work electrodeposition coating method for immersing a work in a paint in an electrodeposition tank provided with a first positive electrode for supplying a low voltage and a second positive electrode for supplying a high voltage to carry out electrodeposition coating of a work surface.

Abstract: In order to create a workpiece carrier for conveying a workpiece to be painted, in particular, a vehicle body through at least one electrophoretic dip paint bath and by means of at least one conveyor device following the electrophoretic dip paint bath, comprising at least one electrical contacting device for passing a coating current into the workpiece when the workpiece is conveyed through the electrophoretic dip paint bath and at least one contact surface, at which the workpiece carrier comes into contact with the conveyor device following the electrophoretic dip paint bath, with which dip paint is prevented from rubbing off in the conveyor device following the electrophoretic dip paint bath, it is suggested that at least one contact surface be electrically insulated from the at least one contacting device.

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

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for electromotively coating a part can include a conveyor that has a plurality of hangars that are configured to be positively connected to respective parts that are to be coated. An attachment mechanism can be provided on the hangar and the part, the attachment mechanism being configured to exert force in more than a single direction. The part can be a conductive plastic part and can include an attachment structure that is formed thereon, for example, screw threads integrally formed in the part. The hangar can include a similar fastener that is configured to connect to the attachment structure of the part. For example, the fastener of the hangar can be a screw thread that mates with threads integrally or otherwise formed on the part.

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 electrophoretic 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).

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrodipping device comprising, in a known manner, a bath of enamel, and a transport device used, during the continuous method, to dip the workpieces to be coated into the bath of enamel, to move the workpieces through the bath, and remove the same therefrom. Electrodes are arranged in the bath of enamel, along the path of displacement of the workpieces, said electrodes being connected to a voltage source with one pole thereof. The second pole of said voltage source is connected to a contact rail extending along the path of displacement of the workpieces. Each workpiece is provided with a contact device which is in contact with the contact rail. A controllable voltage regulating unit is arranged between each contact device and the corresponding workpiece. A position determination device enables the momentaneous position of each workpiece to be determined.

Abstract: A system for coating an object having an elongate portion and a method of employing the same that includes at least one retaining member engaging a continuous belt, the retaining member including a retaining portion positioned to releasably retain the elongate portion of the object to the belt for coating the object.

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.

Abstract: An electro-dipcoating apparatus is described in which, in conventional manner, a work-piece to be lacquered is dipped into a lacquer bath, moved through the latter, and lifted out again in a continuous process. Along the path of motion of the work-piece in the lacquer bath there are arranged electrodes which are connected to a first pole of at least one voltage source. Several contact rails extend parallel to one another without electrical interruption along the entire path of motion of the work-piece leading through the lacquer bath and are each connected to the second pole of varying voltage sources. To each work-piece a contact device is assigned which can be brought into communication with a respective one of the several contact rails and in this way applies the potential of the second pole of the corresponding voltage source to the work-piece. In this way, cuts in the contact rails are avoided that would result in wear of the contact devices and in increased control effort.

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.

Abstract: A system (apparatus and process) for producing an electrophoretic (display) device is provided for allowing production of such a device wherein electrophoretic particles in the dispersion liquid are easily and evenly distributed to respective cells (pixels) between two substrates of the device even in the case of a very small gap between the two substrates or the case of using a flexible substrate. The system includes a storage unit for a dispersion liquid containing the charged phoretic particles dispersed therein, a stiffer for stirring the dispersion liquid, a substrate-holder for holding the substrate in the dispersion liquid, and a voltage source for applying a voltage to the electrodes formed on the substrate thereby depositing the electrophoretic particles on the electrodes.

Abstract: In order to create a workpiece carrier for conveying a workpiece to be painted, in particular, a vehicle body through at least one electrophoretic dip paint bath and by means of at least one conveyor device following the electrophoretic dip paint bath, comprising at least one electrical contacting device for passing a coating current into the workpiece when the workpiece is conveyed through the electrophoretic dip paint bath and at least one contact surface, at which the workpiece carrier comes into contact with the conveyor device following the electrophoretic dip paint bath, with which dip paint is prevented from rubbing off in the conveyor device following the electrophoretic dip paint bath, it is suggested that at least one contact surface be electrically insulated from the at least one contacting device.

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.

Abstract: One object on which the present invention is based is to specify an apparatus (101, 201, 301, 401, 501) for production of a mold (117), in particular of a dental mold (117), by means of electrophoretic deposition of particles (115) from a suspension (113, 213), in which case a predetermined spatial shape can be produced deliberately in order in this way to produce the mold (117) as close as possible to its final dimensions and final contour. A further aim is to produce the mold (117) at low cost, with efficient use of resources, quickly and in as simple a manner as possible, with good reproducibility of the method being desirable in order to achieve a low scrap rate.

Abstract: An installation for treating articles, especially vehicle bodies, comprises at least one treatment zone, in particular a bath containing a treatment liquid, into which the articles are introduced. The articles are conveyed through the installation in a continuous or intermittent translational movement. To this end, the installation comprises at least two transport carriages combined to form a pair, which in turn each comprise a running gear and at least one swivel arm, which is connected to the respective running gear so as to be swivellable about a first pivot pin and with which a supporting structure for the article to be treated is connected so as to be swivellable about a second pivot pin. The unit includes the two transport carriages effecting a correlated movement actually has six degrees of freedom of motion, wherein drives are provided for at least three of these degrees of freedom of motion.

Abstract: A system for coating variable and/or unlimited length parts is provided. The system comprises a process tank, a coating material supply, and an open-ended process tank conveyor is provided. The process tank comprises an entry port, an exit port opposite the entry port, and a process path extending from the entry port to the exit port. The process tank is in communication with the coating material supply. The open-ended process tank conveyor defines a tank conveyor path extending from a receiving end to a dispensing end along at least a portion of the process path, wherein the process tank conveyor defines an open-ended configuration at the receiving end of the tank conveyor and an open-ended configuration at the dispensing end of the tank conveyor.

Abstract: A processing solution tank of forming an agitating flow by flowing and circulating a processing solution in directions opposite to each other between the side of a liquid surface and the side of a tank bottom, in which a guide plate substantially of an arcuate shape is formed to an end of the tank situated at least to the downstream on the side of the liquid surface or the downstream on the side of the tank bottom in the agitating flow for reversing the flow downward to the tank bottom or upward to the liquid surface, and a swirl chamber having a swirl generating portion of a substantially arcuate face for capturing dusts is provided at the bottom of the tank, whereby high quality surface treatment, for example, electrodeposition coating can be conducted by uniformly stirring the processing solution so as not to cause backflow or turbulence in the processing solution tank while dipping a work on a conveyor in the processing solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that enables the use of electrophoretic resists in the microfabrication industry for the production of microelectronic devices and is of sufficiently high quality to be used as a replacement for, or supplement to, current photoresist deposition technology. This system enables the application of electrophoretic resists in automated equipment that meets the standards for cleanliness and production throughput desired by the microelectronic fabrication industry.

Abstract: A gel electrophoresis cassette (33) is disclosed which includes two plates (34, 35) and at least one seal (36) which separates these plates. The seal (36) is annular; it may be positioned essentially in the region of the outer edge of the plates (34, 35). For performing an electrophoresis in a second dimension following an isoelectric focusing in an first dimension, one of the plates (34, 35) includes a recess (37) for inserting a strip holder (1) having a base plate (4), which has a carrier surface (2) on which an IEF strip (3) is accommodated. The base plate (4) includes at least one stop (5) offset to a lower level in relation to the carrier surface (2) and a sealing surface (6). The strip holder (1) is insertable into this recess (37) in such a way that the stop (5) of the base plate (4) is applied to the outer surface of the plate (34, 35) and the sealing surface (6) presses tightly against the inner surface (38) of the recess (37).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that enables the use of electrophoretic resists in the microfabrication industry for the production of microelectronic devices and is of sufficiently high quality to be used as a replacement for, or supplement to, current photoresist deposition technology. This system enables the application of electrophoretic resists in automated equipment that meets the standards for cleanliness and production throughput desired by the microelectronic fabrication industry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system that enables the use of electrophoretic resists in the microfabrication industry for the production of microelectronic devices and is of sufficiently high quality to be used as a replacement for, or supplement to, current photoresist deposition technology. This system enables the application of electrophoretic resists in automated equipment that meets the standards for cleanliness and production throughput desired by the microelectronic fabrication industry.

Abstract: A strip holder (1) is disclosed for accommodating a gel strip (3) for separating molecules using gel electrophoresis. The strip holder (1) disclosed is distinguished by including a baseplate (4), at least one stop (5), which is offset to a lower level in relation to the carrier surface (2), and at least one sealing surface (6), this stop (5) being implemented to be applied to counter surfaces (7) of an electrophoresis chamber, through which offset to a lower level of the stop (5) the installation depth of the strip holder (1) carrying a gel strip (3) into this electrophoresis chamber is determined and the sealing surface (6) ensuring a sealing installation of the strip holder (1) carrying a gel strip (3) into this electrophoresis chamber. Such a chamber (15) for isoelectric focusing of molecules in gel strips (3) is distinguished by including such a strip holder (1), a frame (16), and a cover (20).

Abstract: A transport object support means (40) is rotated about an anteroposterior axis (39) by a rotary control means (30), whereby a transport object (85) supported by the transport object support means (40) can be displaced in the vertical direction and the orientation of the transport object (85) can be varied during the vertical displacement without moving the carriage (10). As a result, the distance needed to displace the transport object (85) in the vertical direction can be dispensed with, the section (apparatus) for treating the transport object (85) can be shortened and made more compact, and the varying orientation of the transport object (85) can be utilized to perform a variety of treatments smoothly and efficiently without affecting the environment.

Abstract: An electrochemical reaction assembly of inducing electrochemical reactions, such as for deposition of materials on semiconductor substrates. The assembly achieves a highly uniform thickness and composition of deposition material or uniform etching or polishing on the semiconductor substrates by retaining the semiconductor substrates on a moving cathode immersed in an appropriate reaction solution wherein a wire mesh anode rotates about the moving cathode during electrochemical reaction.

Abstract: An e-coating line for small parts includes a series of load carriers, each having a rotatable shaft supporting an apertured metal barrel with parts to be treated. Electrically conductive drive chains and sprockets connect the rotatable shaft to barrel shafts to suspended the barrel from the carrier for submersion of the barrel into treating tanks including an e-coating tank. The chain/sprocket units are self cleaning and establish a reliable grounding of the barrels through the load carrier and slide rail conveyor conducting the load carriers to ground. A rack is mounted on a support secured to move with the load carriers. The rack engages a drive sprocket on the rotatable shaft. A push cylinder secured to the rack, moves the rack with the slide rail held stationary to rotate the shaft and coupled barrel. The system provides a low cost and effective grounding of the barrels and minimizes maintenance requirements and costs.

Abstract: An installation for the cataphoretic dip coating of articles (4), in particular of vehicle bodies, comprises in known manner a dip tank (1), into which the articles (4) can be immersed. The negative terminal of a coating voltage source (5) can be connected with the immersed articles (4); the positive terminal of the voltage source is connected with at least one anode (6) immersed in the coating liquid present in the dip tank (1). This anode (6) has a cross-sectional profile which, in at least one portion (6a, 6b, 6c), is adapted as a curved surface to the outline of the articles (4) to be treated in such a manner that the anode follows the outline of said article (4) in approximately parallel manner. This is made possible by the electrodialysis apparatus (19), by means of which the acid formed during the coating operation is removed from the coating liquid and which is necessary for such installations, being arranged outside the dip tank (1).

Abstract: There is provided an electrodeposition coating apparatus for dipping a body into an electrodeposition coating liquid filled in an electrodeposition tank, which includes a first circulation system for causing a flow direction of the coating liquid in a surface area and an intermediate area through which the body passes in the electrodeposition tank to be opposite to a moving direction of the body, and a second circulation system for causing a flow direction of the coating liquid in a bottom area in the electrodeposition tank to be equal to the moving direction of the body.

Abstract: The apparatus is provided with a wire guiding means disposed in a liquid bath for turning the direction of a wire to feed the wire into and out of the bath contained by the liquid. The wire guiding means includes a tubular conduit having a first open end disposed in the liquid, a second open end disposed above the liquid, and a middle curved portion for guiding the wire through the tubular conduit. The tubular conduit can be at least partially filled with the liquid. Preferably, the treatment liquid is an electrodeposition liquid. A plurality of the tubular conduits may be disposed in the bath substantially parallel with each other. Preferably the first open end is connected to a bottom portion of the bath through a coupling such that the treatment liquid in the bath can flows into the tubular conduit. The second open end is positioned higher than the first open end.

Abstract: A polychromic image is reproduced and transferred onto a substrate by (a) providing a positive electrolytically inert electrode having a continuous passivated surface moving at constant speed; (b) coating the positive electrode surface with an olefinic substance; (c) forming on the olefin-coated positive electrode surface a plurality of colored pixels representative of a desired polychromic image and each comprising juxtaposed dots of differently colored, coagulated colloid, by electrocoagulation of a colloid present in an electrocoagulation printing ink; and (d) bringing a substrate into contact with the colored pixels to cause transfer of the colored pixels from the positive electrode surface onto the substrate and thereby imprint the substrate with the polychromic image.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of making an ink-jet-ink-derived material image on a receiver. An ink jet device is used to form a coagulable ink image on a member, the ink image including a coagulable marking ink and a non-marking ink. Each smallest resolved imaging area of the ink image includes a predetermined mixed volume of the coagulable marking ink and the non-marking ink, the predetermined mixed volume being coagualable. Coagulates are formed within the coagulable ink image, and excess liquid is removed from the coagulates so as to form an ink-jet-ink-derived material image. The ink-jet-ink-derived image is transferred from the operational surface of the intermediate member to another member, which another member may be a receiver member, a drum or a web.

Abstract: An electrophoretic coating process of the surface of a sample in a bath, and a coating system, in which, during the flow of an electrophoretic current, one subjects the bath or the sample to vibrational movements so as to produce vaporous cavitations in the vicinity of the surface of the sample. The vibrations may be applied only in an initial phase of the beginning of current flow and/or only in a second phase at the end of current flow. In the system, the vibrations are generated using vibrational generators positioned in only at least one of the beginning and end positions of the container holding the bath.

Abstract: An image is reproduced and transferred onto a substrate by (a) providing a positive electrode having a continuous passivated surface moving at constant speed; (b) forming on the positive electrode surface dots of colored, coagulated colloid representative of a desired image, by electrocoagulation of a colloid present in an electrocoagulation printing ink; and (c) bringing a substrate into contact with the dots of colloid to cause transfer of same onto the substrate. Step (b) is carried out by providing a series of negative electrodes having passivated surfaces spaced from the positive electrode surface by a constant gap; coating the positive electrode surface with an olefin; filling the electrode gap with the ink; applying to the negative electrodes a pulsed bias voltage; and applying to selected ones of the negative electrodes a trigger voltage sufficient to cause point-by-point selective coagulation and adherence of the colloid onto the olefin-coated positive electrode surface.

Abstract: An electro-coagulation printer uses an electrode control unit to drive electrodes which are aligned in proximity to a rotation drum having a conductive ink film on its surface. The electrodes are respectively electrified to partially coagulate the conductive ink film to form ink dots on the surface of the rotation drum, so that the ink dots are transferred onto a paper. Herein, the electrode control unit receives print data from a host device by way of an interface. Gradation data representing gradation values for one line of the electrodes are created based on the print data and are output in a serial manner. The serial gradation data are converted to parallel data corresponding to the gradation values, which are held and controlled in output timing. Based on the gradation values, pulse signals are generated to drive the electrodes respectively.

Abstract: A process for conveying vehicle bodies through a treatment tank for the surface treatment of the vehicle bodies, where the liquid of the treatment tank offers only a slight immersion resistance to the vehicle bodies during immersion and the flow velocities of the liquid relative to the submerging and emerging vehicle bodies are kept low. Prior to their introduction into the treatment tank the vehicle bodies are transferred from a standard position, in which window openings of each vehicle body are arranged above the floor pan of the vehicle body, into a headfirst position, in which the window openings of each vehicle body are arranged beneath the floor pan of the vehicle body. The vehicle bodies are subsequently introduced into the treatment tank in the headfirst position, conveyed through the treatment tank and brought out of the treatment tank again in the headfirst position.

Abstract: A double line electrode unit for use in an electro-coagulation printer contains a pair of electrode plates, negative electrodes and a prepreg (or an insulating layer). The negative electrodes are linearly arranged with prescribed intervals of distance therebetween on surfaces of the electrode plates respectively and are embedded in insulating resin materials being solidified. The insulating resin materials contain fillers that are selected from among prescribed materials of boron nitride, aluminum nitride, alumina and silica. In addition, connectors are arranged on other surfaces of the electrode plates in connection with the negative electrodes respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for the electrophoretic painting or varnishing of thin metal objects such as, for example, lids for food containers, comprising a tank for the electrophoretic bath, extending along a longitudinal axis, a conveyor line for the metal objects, immersed in the tank for the electrophoretic bath, an electrode immersed in the bath, and a system of electrodes of opposite polarity to the electrode immersed in the bath, characterized in that it comprises means for securing the metal objects, the securing means being able to keep the plane containing each metal object in a position substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the conveyor line for the lids.

Abstract: An anode having a passive oxide film thereon and made of an iron alloy consisting essentially of at least 20 wt. % Cr, 5 to 15 wt. % Ni, 1 to 2 wt. % Si, 0.9 to 1.5 wt. % Mn and 0.1 to 0.3 wt. % C with the balance consisting of iron and unavoidable impurities is used for reproducing an image by electrocoagulation of a colloid. Such an anode can be thoroughly cleaned without undergoing abrasion and/or pitting during cleaning. The alloy composition does not adversely affect passivation.

Abstract: An image is reproduced and transferred onto a substrate by (a) providing a positive electrode having a continuous passivated surface moving at substantially constant speed along a predetermined path, said passivated surface defining a positive electrode active surface; (b) forming on the positive electrode active surface a plurality of dots of colored, coagulated colloid representative of a desired image, by electrocoagulation of an electrolytically coagulable colloid present in an electrocoagulation printing ink containing a coloring agent; and (c) bringing a substrate into contact with the dots of colored, coagulated colloid to cause transfer of the colored, coagulated colloid from the positive electrode active surface onto the substrate and thereby imprint the substrate with the image.

Abstract: Electrical contacting system for an electrophoretic dip painting plant for motor vehicle bodies, where the bodies are guided through an electrophoretic dip paint bath by an overhead conveyor having hangers for engaging beneath the body carriers. Each conveyor hanger has at least two lower contacting devices secured thereto and each body carrier has at least four upper contacting devices secured thereto. Each upper contacting device has a protective bell open at the bottom and storing an air bubble in the submerged state. In the area of the air bubble the bell has a downwardly concave, partially circular cylindrical support and contact surface and has a horizontal cylinder axis extending transversely to the conveyance direction. At its outer side facing the guide element, two locking elements form a vertical opening therebetween to interact with a locking nose on the guide element where the locking noses pass through the openings formed by the locking elements.

Abstract: An electrocoagulation printing apparatus includes a cylindrical positive electrode, an ink supplying device, a printing head having negative electrodes forming dots of coagulated ink, a removing device for removing non-coagulated ink, a transfer device for bringing the dots of the coagulated ink into contact with an substrate and transferring the dots on the substrate, a gap measurement sensor, and gap control device. The gap measurement sensor measures the size of the gap between the positive electrode and the negative electrodes, and outputs the measured value to the gap control device. The gap control device changes the size of the gap by moving the negative electrodes with respect to a surface of the positive electrode such that the input measured value of the gap falls within a desired established range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for treating a surface of an article with a liquid material by dipping. This system includes (a) a major tank having therein the liquid material for dipping the article thereinto; and (b) a circulatory mechanism for circulating the liquid material through the major tank. The circulatory mechanism is arranged to make a flow of the liquid material through the major tank such that the majority of the flow is in one direction that is substantially along the longitudinal direction of the major tank. Thus, contaminants and/or bubbles are not distributed over the entire major tank, but are effectively promptly removed from the major tank. The flow of the liquid material may include a first flow of the liquid material in the major tank and a second flow that is lower than the first flow in position. The first and second flows run substantially in parallel with each other, before the first and second flows reach a downstream end thereof in the major tank.

Abstract: An electrochemical reaction assembly and methods of inducing electrochemical reactions, such as for deposition of materials on semiconductor substrates. The assembly and method achieve a highly uniform thickness and composition of deposition material or uniform etching or polishing on the semiconductor substrates by retaining the semiconductor substrates on a moving cathode immersed in an appropriate reaction solution wherein a wire mesh anode rotates about the moving cathode during electrochemical reaction.

Abstract: A process for forming a fluorescent layer on an electrode disposed on a substrate for display panel includes the steps of: placing an opening of a housing section for housing a fluorescent paste opposite to the electrode on the substrate; and applying a voltage between the electrode on the substrate and a control electrode disposed inside the housing section in this state, whereby the fluorescent paste inside the housing section is exactly applied onto the electrode via the opening. Also, an apparatus for forming a fluorescent layer on a substrate for display panel using the process is disclosed.

Abstract: An image revealing squeegee device for an electrocoagulation printing apparatus including a positive cylindrical electrode having a central longitudinal axis and a passivated surface on which dots of colored, coagulated colloid representative of a desired image are formed by electrocoagulation of an electrolytically coagulable colloid present in a colloidal dispersion containing a coloring agent, the positive electrode having a predetermined radius and being rotatable about the longitudinal axis in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a record sheet used in an electro-coagulation printing method for forming characters and images on a cylinder as an electrode with an ink which coagulates with electric charge and for transferring the characters and images to the record sheet, wherein the wet time is 15 milliseconds or less, obtained from the absorption curve of pure water measured by a dynamic scanning absorptometer. Preferably, the record sheet has 5 ml/m.sup.2 s.sup.-1/2 or more absorption coefficient, and more preferably, has contact ratio measured by a specular reflection smoothness tester under a pressure of 40 kg/cm.sup.2 with a ray having a wavelength of 0.5 .mu.m is 40% or more. The record sheet can be used for various print sheets, in particular, for business form sheets and newspaper sheets.

Abstract: An image is reproduced and transferred onto a substrate by (a) providing a positive electrode having a continuous passivated surface moving at constant speed and defining a positive electrode active surface; (b) forming on the positive electrode active surface a plurality of dots of colored, coagulated colloid representative of a desired image, by electrocoagulation of a colloid present in an electrocoagulation printing ink containing a coloring agent; and (c) bringing a substrate into contact with the dots of colored, coagulated colloid to cause transfer of the colloid from the positive electrode active surface onto the substrate and thereby imprint the substrate with the image.