Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a fin, the fin including a metal base and a porous anodized layer formed on the metal base. A surface of the porous anodized layer has a submicron-order uneven structure, the uneven structure including a plurality of recessed portions whose two-dimensional size viewed in a normal direction of the surface is more than 100 nm and less than 500 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hot plate and substrate processing equipment using the same, wherein the hot plate comprises a central sub hot plate and at least one outer ring sub hot plate located around the central sub hot plate; thermal insulation parts are provided between the central sub hot plate and the outer ring sub hot plate and between two adjacent outer ring sub hot plates, so that the heat conduction between the adjacent sub hot plates can be effectively prevented or reduced by means of the thermal insulation parts. The hot plate and the substrate processing equipment using the same provided in the present invention can effectively compensate for the heat losses in the edge region of the substrate, so as to keep the heating rate the same in each region of the substrate.

Abstract: A light emitting apparatus comprising an at least substantially omnidirectional light assembly including an LED-based light source within a light-transmissive envelope. Electronics configured to drive the LED-based light source, the electronics being disposed within a base having a blocking angle no larger than 45°. A plurality of heat dissipation elements (such as fins) in thermal communication with the base and extending adjacent the envelope.

Abstract: A coating thickness measuring instrument has a probe for measuring the thickness of a coating applied to a substrate and producing an output relating to the measured thickness; a memory storing calibration data; and a processor arranged to process the output produced by the probe, together with calibration data stored by the memory, and produce a coating thickness measurement. The memory stores at least two sets of calibration data, each set associated with a different surface profile value and a user may select the set of calibration data to be used by the processor according to the surface profile of the substrate on which a measurement is to be made. This enables a user to make coating thickness measurements on substrates with at least two different, known, surface profiles without having to calibrate the instrument specifically for those surfaces.

Abstract: A metal surface treated to have a distinct cosmetic appearance such as an integral layer that is glossy may be used in electronic devices. The surface treatment may include polishing a metal surface, texturing the polished metal surface, polishing the textured surface, followed by anodizing the surface, and then polishing the anodized surface. The metal surface may also be dyed to impart a rich color to the surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture such a golf club heads are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the golf club head may include a ball-striking face and a protective aluminum oxide layer coupled to the ball-striking face of the golf club head. The protective aluminum oxide layer is associated with a hardness that is greater than that of the ball-striking face. In further embodiments, golf club heads may include a top portion and at least one of a plurality of interchangeable alignment indicia coupled thereto, which are configured to guide the golf club head relative to a golf ball.

Abstract: An automated hydrogen bubble detection apparatus includes a horizontal support surface on which a test coupon can be supported, a transparent tube having an open top and an open bottom and operable to contain a test solution when positioned on a test coupon, a camera arranged to view a test solution in the transparent tube, and a controller in communication with the camera and effective to operate the camera such that at least one video segment is recorded by the camera and analyzed to detect first bubble and continuous bubble generation. A method of evaluating corrosion resistance of coatings on aluminum and steel in acidic solution is also included.

Abstract: The present invention is aimed to fabricate nanoporous anodic oxide ceramic membrane tubes with excellent pore characteristics by anodizing metal tubes located in a cylindrical symmetry with respect to a cathode which itself has a cylindrical symmetry. The membrane tubes may have protruded portions acting as supports and joints. The present invention also deals with stacks and bundles consisted of numbers of the anodic oxide ceramic tubes for filter and dialysis applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of fabricating nanoporous anodic oxide ceramic membrane tubes with excellent pore characteristics by anodizing metal tubes located in a cylindrical symmetry with respect to a cathode which itself has a cylindrical symmetry. The membrane tubes may have protruded portions acting as supports and joints. The present invention also deals with stacks and bundles consisted of numbers of the anodic oxide ceramic tubes for filter and dialysis applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a mold for nanoimprinting and a method of manufacturing a mold for nanoimprinting are provided. The apparatus for manufacturing the mold for nanoimprinting performs an anodic oxidation treatment to an aluminum substrate with an electrolytic solution and is characterized in that at least a material of a surface of a portion contacting with the electrolytic solution is a metal or an alloy thereof, having an eluted amount of 0.2 ppm/cm2 or less per unit area when immersed in 80 ml of the electrolytic solution at room temperature for 450 hours. The method of manufacturing the mold for nanoimprinting is characterized in using the apparatus for manufacturing the mold for nanoimprinting to carry out the anodic oxidation treatment. The manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of the invention suppress metal elution into the electrolytic solution during the anodic oxidation treatment.

Abstract: A coated article includes a substrate including a porous surface and an anodic oxidation film. The porous surface defines a plurality of nanopores. The anodic oxidation film is formed on the substrate covering the porous surface by anodic oxidation process. The anodic oxidation film has a plurality of bonding protrusions, and each bonding protrusion is retained in one of the nanopores to improve a binding force between the substrate and the anodic oxidation film.

Abstract: An anodic oxide film is formed on an aluminium or aluminium alloy work piece by forming an anodic oxide film on the work piece by AC electrolysis followed by subjecting the work piece to DC electrolysis. The AC anodizing step may be conducted at a voltage of 5 to 30V for 30 seconds to 10 minutes and the DC anodizing step may be conducted at a voltage of 5 to 30V for a period of 1 to 20 minutes. The anodic oxide coating is suitable for adhesive bonding of aluminium alloy work pieces.

Abstract: This invention refers to a procedure for anodising aluminium or aluminium alloys in which an aluminium or an aluminium alloy part is submerged an in an aqueous solution at a temperature between 0° C. and 140° C., preferably between 0° C. and 130° C., in which said solution includes: sulphuric acid, tartaric acid, and at least one inorganic salt of an element selected between at least one transition metal, a lanthanide element, an actinide, and combinations of them, and applying a controlled potential difference, obtaining layers of aluminium oxide with properties as good as or even better than those obtained through anodising in traditional chromic acid solutions.

Abstract: The present invention uses a two-step anodizing process to produce a colored anodized coating on the surface of an aluminum part. In accordance with this invention, a thin hard anodized coating layer is first formed on the surface of the aluminum part and then growing a softer a clear anodized coating layer on the surface of the aluminum part underneath the hard coat layer. The soft coat is essentially colorless and suitable for color finishing. This invention drastically improves the wear resistance of the aluminum part while maintaining a desired amount of clarity for effective electrolytic coloring.

Abstract: We have discovered that the formation of particulate inclusions at the surface of an aluminum alloy article, which inclusions interfere with a smooth transition from the alloy surface to an overlying aluminum oxide protective film can be controlled by maintaining the content of mobile impurities within a specific range and controlling the particulate size and distribution of the mobile impurities and compounds thereof; by heat-treating the aluminum alloy at a temperature less than about 330° C.; and by creating the aluminum oxide protective film by employing a particular electrolytic process. When these factors are taken into consideration, an improved aluminum oxide protective film is obtained.

Abstract: Metal articles having a durable visible marking on a smooth Type III hard anodized surface particularly useful for shock absorber tubes are produced by applying an alkaline solution to the anodized surface for not less than about 15 seconds at temperature of 100°-140° F.; applying a pattern of lacquer based solvent ink to said surface; and sealing the applied pattern by applying a liquid selected from the group consisting of nickel acetate, cobalt acetate and boiling water to said pattern.

Abstract: An anodized aluminum alloy comprises an aluminum alloy comprising magnesium in an amount greater than 3 weight percent based on the total weight of the aluminum alloy; and a clear porous oxide layer having a thickness greater than about 5 micrometers disposed on and into a surface of the aluminum alloy, wherein the anodized aluminum alloy has a surface gloss value greater than about 40 gloss units as measured on a gloss meter at dual illumination angles of 60° and 85°.

Abstract: A method of producing electrodes for electrolytic capacitors by etching metal foil in a low pH etching electrolyte is disclosed. The low pH electrolyte is an aqueous solution, which comprises hydrochloric acid, glycerol, sodium perchlorate or perchloric acid, sodium persulfate and titanium (111) chloride. Anode foils etched according to the method of the invention maintain high capacitance gains, electrical porosity and strength. The electrical porosity of the etched foils is sufficiently high such that the overall Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) is not increased in multilayer anodes configurations. Also described is a low pH electrolyte bath composition. Anode foils etched according to the present invention and electrolytic capacitors incorporating the etched anode foils are also disclosed.

Abstract: A new and improved, anodized aluminum gas distribution plate for process chambers, particularly an etch chamber. The gas distribution plate includes an aluminum body having multiple gas flow openings extending therethrough and an alumina anodized coating or layer on the plate. The gas distribution plate is characterized by enhanced longevity and durability and resists particle-forming deterioration and damage throughout prolonged use.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy strip of high surface homogeneity, intended for applications requiring good visual quality or specific optical properties, such as reflectors and anodized plates for construction and decoration. The strip may be characterized by an upper side having, after a 1 &mgr;m thick sulphur anodic treatment, an optical roughness value SN measured on three 5 cm longitudinal sections and three 5 cm transverse sections, such that there is mean variation on each section, defined by the ratio: (Maximum SN−minimum SN)/Mean SN which is less than 20%, and a difference &Dgr;SN=SN max−SN min which is less than 20.

Abstract: Metal articles having a durable visible marking on a smooth Type III hard anodized surface particularly useful for shock absorber tubes are produced by applying an alkaline solution to the anodized surface for not less than about 15 seconds at temperature of 100°-140° F.; applying a pattern of lacquer based solvent ink to said surface; and sealing the applied pattern by applying a liquid selected from the group consisting of nickel acetate, cobalt acetate and boiling water to said pattern.

Abstract: The process of anodizing aluminum or an aluminum alloy in an aqueous solution of about 60 g/L to about 100 g/L sulfuric acid and optionally about 0.1 g/L to about 10.7 g/L boric acid, maintained between a temperature of about 70° F. to about 90° F. An aluminum object is immersed in the acid bath, where it acts as an anode. A voltage of 6 V to 16 V is applied to the object at a current density, which varies with the alloy. The object is maintained in the anodizing conditions until an aluminum oxide coating is achieved with a weight of about 30 to about 800 mg/ft2.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of anodizing a part made of aluminum alloy.

Abstract: We have discovered that the formation of particulate inclusions at the surface of an aluminum alloy article, which inclusions interfere with a smooth transition from the alloy surface to an overlying aluminum oxide protective film can be controlled by maintaining the content of mobile impurities within a specific range and controlling the particulate size and distribution of the mobile impurities and compounds thereof; by heat-treating the aluminum alloy at a temperature less than about 330° C.; and by creating the aluminum oxide protective film by employing a particular electrolytic process. When these factors are taken into consideration, an improved aluminum oxide protective film is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treatment of the surface of a workpiece of aluminum or of an aluminum alloy, which is characterized in that the workpiece is brightened in an aqueous electrolyte by application of an electric d.c. voltage, the electrolyte having the following composition per liter of water: 1 H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) 85 to 340 g/l H3PO4 (phosphoric acid) 850 to 1360 g/l Al (aluminum) 8.5 to 43 g/l.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a clear anodized coating on an aluminum base alloy containing more than three percent by weight magnesium. The alloy surface to be anodized is treated with an aqueous solution of a mineral acid such as sulfuric acid (10 to 20%), nitric acid (10 to 30%) or phosphoric acid (40 to 80%) under the influence of a relatively low voltage direct current. This treatment suitably reduces the magnesium content of the surface layer and, subsequently, a relatively low current density anodization in sulfuric acid produces the clear coating. The clear coating may then be colored by known processes.

Abstract: The process for anodizing a workpiece of aluminum or aluminum alloys provides for the use of the workpiece as the anode of an electrolytic cell in the presence of an aqueous acid solution which contains from 10 to 200 g sulfuric acid and from 5 to 200 g L(+)-tartaric acid.

Abstract: With the purpose of forming an anodic oxide coating that is given conductivity or other new functions on the surface of aluminum-based material with high productivity, anodizing of aluminum-based material (2) is performed in an anodizing bath containing sulfuric acid together with nitrate ion to form a porous anodic oxide coating on the surface of the aluminum-based material (2). In another processing step, if electroplating is performed after anodizing, silver or a silver compound or other metal (7) can be electroplated from an electroplating bath without dissolving and removing the barrier layer from the bottom (6) of the pores (3) of the porous anodic oxide coating (1).

Abstract: An external component of an endoscope includes an aluminum alloy base member whose surface is subjected to anodic oxidation, and thereafter, is subjected to an electrolytic deposition thereon.

Abstract: An array of nanowires having a relativley constant diameter and techniques and apparatus for fabrication thereof are described. In one embodiment, a technique for melting a material under vacuum and followed by pressure injection of the molten material into the pores of a porous substrate produces continuous nanowires. In another embodiment, a technique to systematically change the channel diameter and channel packing density of an anodic alumina substrate includes the steps of anodizing an aluminum substrate with an electrolyte to provide an anodic aluminum oxide film having a pore with a wall surface composition which is different than aluminum oxide and etching the pore wall surface with an acid to affect at least one of the surface properties of the pore wall and the pore wall composition.

Abstract: An improved method of anodizing an aluminum or aluminum alloy workpiece including the steps of: (a) providing an aqueous anodizing bath consisting essentially by weight of about 3 to 5 percent sulfuric acid, from about 0.5 to 1 percent boric acid, not more than about 5.0 g/L aluminum ion, not more than about 0.2 percent chloride ion, and a fungistat consisting of benzoic acid, a water-soluble salt of benzoic acid selected from the group consisting of sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, or lithium benzoate, or mixtures thereof, the fungistat having a concentration in the range of about one part per million (1 ppm) to about ten thousand parts per million (10,000 ppm) by weight; (b) maintaining the bath at a temperature from about 70 to about 90 degrees F.

Abstract: A plurality of recesses having the same interval and array as those of pores of an alumina film, which are to be formed in anodizing, are formed on a smooth surface of an aluminum plate in advance, and then, the aluminum plate is anodized. With this process, the roundness of the pores of the porous anodized alumina film and the uniformity of pore size are improved, and the pores are regularly arrayed at a predetermined interval. The recesses are formed by pressing a substrate having a plurality of projections on its surface against the aluminum plate surface to be anodized.

Abstract: Capacitor elements made with a solid polymeric electrolyte show reduced leakage current when reformed at about 60-85% of formation voltage during the impregnation phase between successive layers of polymeric electrolyte.

Abstract: A colored anodic coating for use on surfaces of substrates, e.g. aluminum substrates in which it is desirable to maintain a high solar absorptance (a) and a high infrared emittance (e), particularly in low earth orbit space environments. This anodic coating is preferably a dark colored coating, and even more preferably a black coating. This coating allows a touch temperature within an acceptable design range to preclude burning of an astronaut in case of contact, but also allows a solar radiation absorption in an amount such that an a/e ratio of unity is achieved. The coating of the invention comprises a first layer in the form of an acid anodized colored anodic layer for achieving a high solar absorptance and a second or high emittance layer in the form of a clear acid anodized layer for achieving a high emittance. The entire coating is quite thin, e.g. 1-2 mils and is quite stable in a hostile space environment of the type encountered in a low earth orbit.

Abstract: A process for producing an oxide layer with a pore structure on the surface of a strip or wire of aluminum or an aluminum alloy is such that the strip or wire is passed continuously through an electrolyte and simultaneously anodized under conditions that create pores and at an anodizing voltage creating the desired thickness of oxide layer. In a first stage of the process, in order to form a fine pore structure, the anodizing voltage is set at an initial level (U.sub.1) and subsequently, in a second stage to form a coarser pore structure, raised to a final level (U.sub.2) required to reach the desired thickness of oxide layer.

Abstract: A cylinder tube comprising an aluminum tube formed on its outer surface with an outside oxide film having a hardness of not lower than 150 HV to less than 350 HV and on its inner surface with an inside oxide film having a hardness of not lower than 350 HV to not higher than 650 HV.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to insulated metal substrates and to a process for producing these substrates. These substrates have an aluminium base, an insulant constituted by an alumina film obtained by anodizing at least one of the faces of said base and at least one metal film which is to be transformed by chemical etching into a network of conductors. The alumina film is formed by a uniform compact zone adhering to the aluminium and having a thickness in excess of 500 nm and a porous layer with a rough outer surface. The process of making these substrates includes a step during which at least one of the faces of the aluminium base undergoes a treatment in a porous anodization layer forming bath and then in a barrier anodization layer forming bath. The invention is used in the production of substrates for single face, double face, with metallized holes, and multilayer conductive circuits. The substrates produced have a planar or non-planar configuration, and may also have resistive networks.

Abstract: Durable and clear blue color of freely controlled density can be expeditiously and efficiently impated to an anodic oxide film of aluminum by a method which comprises forming the anodic oxide film on the aluminum or aluminum alloy, then subjecting the aluminum or aluminum alloy to AC electrolysis in a bath containing an inorganic ferrous salt as a main component thereof thereby inducing deposition of iron in the pores of the oxide film, and subsequently placing the aluminum or aluminum alloy as an anode in a bath containing hexacyano iron (II) acid salt as a main component thereof and subjecting the same to DC electrolysis therein. In the alternative method, the pore-widening treatment is added next to said step of anodic oxidation. The pore-widening treatment is effected by immersing the aluminum or aluminum alloy in sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid or electrolyzing the same in phosphoric acid or a mixed solution of phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid.

Abstract: Process for anodizing aluminum or its alloys to obtain a surface particularly having high infrared emittance by anodizing an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate surface in an aqueous sulfuric acid solution at elevated temperature and by a step-wise current density procedure, followed by sealing the resulting anodized surface. In a preferred embodiment the aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate is first alkaline cleaned and then chemically brightened in an acid bath The resulting cleaned substrate is anodized in a 15% by weight sulfuric acid bath maintained at a temperature of 30.degree. C. Anodizing is carried out by a step-wise current density procedure at 19 amperes per square ft. (ASF) for 20 minutes, 15 ASF for 20 minutes and 10 ASF for 20 minutes. After anodizing the sample is sealed by immersion in water at 200.degree. F. and then air dried. The resulting coating has a high infrared emissivity of about 0.92 and a solar absorptivity of about 0.

Abstract: Capacitor structure capable of achieving increased energy storage density is disclosed together with a fabrication sequence for the capacitor and its anodic oxide dielectric material. Soft porous aluminum oxide which has been formed in a first anodization step and has been densified or transformed to hard barrier oxide in a second anodization step is preferred for the capacitor dielectric material. The first anodization may be performed in a sulfuric acid electrolyte while the second anodization may be performed in a boric acid electrolyte. The boric acid may be diluted with ethylene glycol. The disclosed capacitor is fabricated on a silicon wafer substrate.