Abstract: Set forth herein are processes and materials for making ceramic thin films by casting ceramic source powders and precursor reactants, binders, and functional additives into unsintered thin films and subsequently sintering the thin films under controlled atmospheres and on specific substrates.

Abstract: Methods of firing ceramic honeycomb bodies are disclosed that include placing refractory particles on and end face of the green ceramic honeycomb body, and heating the green ceramic honeycomb body to a temperature of at least 600° C. to form a fired ceramic honeycomb body. The refractory particles prevents sticking of honeycomb-to-honeycomb during firing. A layer of refractory particles can also be used to replace a green cookie.

Abstract: A manufacturing line includes a tape of green material that is directed through a furnace so that the furnace burns off organic binder material and then partially sinters the tape without the use of a setter board. Sintered articles resulting from the manufacturing line may be thin with relatively large surface areas; and, while substantially unpolished, have few sintering-induced surface defects. Tension may be applied to the partially sintered tape as it passes through a second furnace on the manufacturing line to shape resulting sintered articles.

Abstract: A system (1) for detecting and locating corrosion on the outer surface of a metal body (2). The system includes an extended electromagnetic waveguide (6) arranged adjacent to the outer surface of the metal body. The electromagnetic waveguide includes a sacrificial component that experiences substantially the same environment as the outer surface of the metal body. The system also includes a waveform generator (10) arranged to be connected to the waveguide and to inject an electromagnetic waveform into the waveguide. The system also includes a waveform analyser (12) connected to the waveguide. The waveform analyser is arranged to receive a reflected portion of the injected electromagnetic waveform from the waveguide. The reflected portion of the injected electromagnetic waveform is used by the waveform analyser to determine the location of corrosion of the sacrificial component of the waveguide.

Abstract: A variety of additive manufacturing techniques can be adapted to fabricate a substantially net shape object from a computerized model using materials that can be debound and sintered into a fully dense metallic part or the like. However, during sintering, the net shape will shrink as binder escapes and the base material fuses into a dense final part. If the foundation beneath the object does not shrink in a corresponding fashion, the resulting stresses throughout the object can lead to fracturing, warping or other physical damage to the object resulting in a failed fabrication. To address this issue, a variety of techniques are disclosed for substrates and build plates that contract in a manner complementary to the object during debinding and sintering.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention relate to a method of manufacturing a dental bridge. In certain embodiments of the method, a pre-sintered blank made from a green body of ceramic material is subjected to a machining operation that transforms the blank into an intermediate product with a bridge structure and a support body linked to the bridge structure by one or several retaining sections that extend from the support body to the bridge structure. In certain embodiments, a sintering operation is then performed on the intermediate product while the retaining section(s) still link(s) the support body to the bridge structure.

Abstract: The electronic assemblies described in this specification are characterized by a non-planar low-temperature co-fired ceramic substrate on which an electronic device is mounted.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a first magnetic sensor configured to sense first and second components of a magnetic field in respective, orthogonal directions, using first, second, third, and fourth sense elements, each on an angled surface sloped with respect to a surface, each including respective first, second, third, and fourth longitudinal axes, each parallel to each other. Further, a second magnetic sensor on the same surface can sense second and third components of a magnetic field in respective, orthogonal directions, using first, second, third, and fourth sense elements, each on an angled surface sloped with respect to the first surface, each including respective first, second, third, and fourth longitudinal axes, each parallel to each other and orthogonal to the longitudinal axes of the first magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A system for the fabrication of dome shaped low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) substrates comprises a plurality of prefired substrates, a first mandrel, and a second mandrel. The prefired substrates may form a stack and each may include a circular central portion and a plurality of segments uniformly distributed along the circumference of the central portion. Each segment may include a first edge, an opposing second edge, and an end edge. The first and second edges each may have an inner end and an opposing outer end. The end edge may be coupled to the outer end of the first and second edges. The first mandrel may have a first circumference and may be configured to receive the prefired substrates while the stack is formed. The second mandrel may have a second circumference smaller than the first circumference and may be configured to retain the stack during a firing process.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a honeycomb structure including a honeycomb unit includes forming a honeycomb molded body having a plurality of cells extending from a first end face to a second end face of the honeycomb molded body along a longitudinal direction of the honeycomb molded body and separated by a plurality of cell walls, placing the honeycomb molded body in a degreasing apparatus so that the first end face faces downward and the second end face faces upward, feeding introduced gas into the degreasing apparatus, degreasing the honeycomb molded body at a temperature of approximately 200° C. to approximately 400° C., and firing the degreased honeycomb molded body at a temperature of approximately 500° C. to approximately 900° C. to obtain the honeycomb unit.

Abstract: A method of forming hollow fiber bundles includes the step of providing a mat having a plurality of hollow fibers forming a weft and a plurality of soluble fibers forming a warp. Each hollow fiber extends between a first side and an opposed second side of the mat. The mat is bundled so as to form a bundle with the first side of the mat defining a first end of the bundle and the second side of the mat defining a second end of the bundle. At least a portion of the bundle is potted so as to substantially fix a position of the hollow fibers relative to each other. The soluble fibers are at least partially dissolved so as to remove the soluble fibers from the bundle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sintering flat ceramics using a mesh or lattice is described herein.

Abstract: A method of sintering large refractory ceramic articles is disclosed. The method includes supporting a green refractory body on a plurality of support plates, the support plates in turn being supported by a plurality of support members having arcuate upper and lower surfaces. A setter material is disposed between the green refractory body to be sintered and the support plates. As the refractory body is sintered, the density of the article increases. Concurrently, the dimensions of the body decrease, which shrinkage, unless otherwise accommodated, may cause fracture of the body. The support plates and the structure of the support members, move to prevent the development of detrimental stresses in the refractory body as it sinters.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a sintered body for a ZnO—Ga2O3-based sputtering target, which has a low resistivity and is capable of suppressing the formation of nodules and flakes, and a method of producing the same. [Solving Means] The present invention includes the steps of forming a powder mixture of a zinc oxide powder and a gallium oxide powder, housing the compact of the powder mixture in an inside of a container 20 to be installed in an inside of a sintering furnace 10, raising a temperature of the compact up to a sintering temperature of not less than 1200° C. but not more than 1500° C. while introducing oxygen into the inside of the container 20, keeping the sintering temperature under a state in which the oxygen is introduced into the inside of the container 20, and lowering a temperature of the inside of the furnance under a state in which the introduction of the oxygen into the inside of the container 20 is stopped.

Abstract: A microreactor assembly [100] is provided comprising a fluidic interconnect backbone [10] and plurality of fluidic microstructures. Interconnect input/output ports [12] of the fluidic interconnect backbone [10] are interfaced with microchannel input/output ports [14] of the fluidic microstructures at a plurality of non-polymeric interconnect seals [50]. Interconnect microchannels [15] are defined entirely by the fluidic interconnect backbone [10] and extend between the non-polymeric interconnect seals [50] without interruption by additional sealed interfaces. At least one of the fluidic microstructures [20, 30, 40] may comprise a mixing microstructure formed by a molding process. Another of the fluidic microstructures [20, 30, 40] may comprise an extruded reactor body. Still another fluidic microstructure [20, 30, 40] may comprise a quench-flow or hydrolysis microreactor formed by a hot-pressing method.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a ceramic hinge to connect two ceramic bodies, comprising the steps of: shaping a separation insert in the form of a hinge, introducing the separation insert into a ceramic body, thereby separating the ceramic body into a first part and a second part; and heating the ceramic body and the separation insert of the ceramic body up to the sintering temperature of the ceramic body. The separation insert creates either a cavity in the case of a combustible insert or a soft pad in the case of a ceramic fiber based insert within the ceramic body. This cavity or soft pad allows a hinge or rotary movement between the first part and the second part of the ceramic body. The first part and the second part of the ceramic body can therefore freely rotate or hinge around one another.

Abstract: An adjustable mold is used to mold material to form a first support. A first ceramic article is supported by the first support during firing. The adjustable mold may be adjusted and used to mold material to form a second support having a second configuration. The second support is used to support a second ceramic article during firing. The first and second supports may advantageously be formed with projections which engage the ceramic articles during firing. The length of these projections may be varied by adjusting the mold. A second adjustable mold may be used to form a first retainer which limits upward movement of the first ceramic article during firing. The second adjustable mold may be adjusted and used to form a second retainer which limits upward movement of the second ceramic article during firing.

Abstract: A drying jig circulating apparatus includes a drying jig assembling apparatus for assembling a drying jig on a movable table, a drying apparatus for drying a ceramic molded body held by the drying jig, and a drying jig disassembling apparatus for disassembling the drying jig on a movable table, and a drying jig circulating conveyor for transporting the drying jig from the disassembling apparatus to the assembling apparatus. The drying jig is configured by two or more separate jigs with a fixing member that integrates the separate jigs, or formed by one openable jig with a fixing member for maintaining a closed state. The drying jig assembling apparatus further includes a molded body mounting mechanism, a ceramic molded body holding mechanism, and a jig delivering mechanism. The drying jig disassembling apparatus further includes a jig receiving mechanism, a jig releasing mechanism, and a molded body taking-out mechanism.

Abstract: A circulating apparatus includes a firing jig assembling apparatus, a firing furnace, a firing jig disassembling apparatus, and a transporting conveyor. The firing jig assembling apparatus includes a lid member attaching mechanism that attaches the lid member to a predetermined position of the firing jig placed on the table or the conveyor; and a jig delivering mechanism that delivers the firing jig which has the ceramic molded body being mounted thereon and the lid member being attached thereto, to the firing furnace. The firing jig disassembling apparatus further includes a jig receiving mechanism that receives the firing jig which has the fired ceramic molded body being mounted thereon and the lid member being attached thereto, from the firing furnace; and a lid member detaching mechanism that detaches the lid member from the firing jig placed on the table or the conveyor with the lid member being attached thereto.

Abstract: An adjustable mold is used to mold material to form a first support. A first ceramic article is supported by the first support during firing. The adjustable mold may be adjusted and used to mold material to form a second support having a second configuration. The second support is used to support a second ceramic article during firing. The first and second supports may advantageously be formed with projections which engage the ceramic articles during firing. The length of these projections may be varied by adjusting the mold. A second adjustable mold may be used to form a first retainer which limits upward movement of the first ceramic article during firing. The second adjustable mold may be adjusted and used to form a second retainer which limits upward movement of the second ceramic article during firing.

Abstract: A microreactor assembly [100] is provided comprising a fluidic interconnect backbone [10] and plurality of fluidic microstructures. Interconnect input/output ports [12] of the fluidic interconnect backbone [10] are interfaced with microchannel input/output ports [14] of the fluidic microstructures at a plurality of non-polymeric interconnect seals [50]. Interconnect microchannels [15] are defined entirely by the fluidic interconnect backbone [10] and extend between the non-polymeric interconnect seals [50] without interruption by additional sealed interfaces. At least one of the fluidic microstractures [20, 30, 40] may comprise a mixing microstructure formed by a molding process. Another of the fluidic microstructures [20, 30, 40] may comprise an extruded reactor body. Still another fluidic microstructure [20, 30, 40] may comprise a quench-flow or hydrolysis microreactor formed by a hot-pressing method.

Abstract: Firing of ceramic cores (1) is important in order to achieve manufacturing processes. These ceramic cores (1) are generally formed in a “green” state which has limited mechanical strength and may be distorted during the firing process by non-uniform thermal effects, etc. By providing a tube or containment 2 which is located on a saggar base 3 and surrounded by firing media 4, it is possible to achieve an initial pre-firing step whereby the “green” state core 1 is located through a stem 1a in an initial partial depth 5 of firing media 4 in the tube or containment 2 until it achieves a sufficient mechanical strength to enable positional adjustment. Thus, the green core will be pre-fired in a kiln solely supported through the stem 1a and then the core adjusted using a tool such as an engineering rule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic sheet having uniform quality over its entire surface with a decreased number of defects such as foreign matters and flaws. When the ceramic sheet was divided into sections of 30 mm square or smaller, each divided section has 5 or less defects detected based on an image obtained with a charge coupled device (CCD) camera. The present invention also relates to a method of producing the ceramic sheet. In this method, a green sheet or a calcined sheet mainly including spherical ceramic particles having an average particle diameter of 0.1 to less than 5 ?m was used as a spacer. By using this spacer, the green sheet for ceramic sheet slides smoothly on the spacer surface when it shrinks in baking, and the friction resistance between the green sheet for ceramic sheet and the spacer is lowered. In this manner, the method of the present invention can mass-produce the above-described high quality ceramic sheets.

Abstract: A method and device for producing shaped ceramic bodies, particularly ceramic sheets or multilayer hybrids provided with printed circuit traces, switching elements and/or plated-through holes. The shaped ceramic bodies are initially present as green bodies and also contain organic auxiliary agents, for example as a binder. During sintering and/or removal of the binder from the shaped ceramic bodies, they are compressed between porous setter plates in whose pores a catalytically active substance is introduced, so that the gaseous, organic, bake-out products of the green bodies, these products developing during sintering and/or binder removal, are catalytically converted when escaping through the porous setter plates. The setter plates be provided with separating layers that likewise may contain the catalytically active substance. The method should provide a considerable time savings when sintering and/or removing binder from the shaped ceramic bodies.

Abstract: A photothermographic material comprising at least (a) a photosensitive silver halide, (b) a silver salt of an organic acid, (c) a reducing agent and (d) a hydrophobic and thermoplastic organic binder on a support, which contains a heat-fusible solvent that is solid at an ordinary temperature and can be fused at a heat development temperature. There is provided a photothermographic material showing high sensitivity, high developing speed and little performance fluctuation due to variation of heat development temperature.

Abstract: A new method is disclosed for producing thin plates by sintering a thin gel plate (e.g., silica) made using a sol-gel process, which substantially eliminates warpage of the plate during the sintering step. Sintering a sol-gel based silica plate to a dense glass typically causes significant shrinkage, and this can cause the plate to curl, especially around its edges. This phenomenon is referred to as warpage. In the method of the invention, the sintering step is performed while the gel plate is mounted on a support surface, separated by a thin layer of refractory powder. At the high sintering temperature, the powder partially fuses and sticks to both the gel plate and the support surface, which prevents non-uniform stresses in the gel plate from warping the plate.

Abstract: Flexible setter powder deposition sheets containing setter powders were developed for sintering of ceramic articles including tapes by an economical, fast and simple method. The sheets provide for deposition of a thin and uniform layer of setter powders on a green ceramic article after burnout of a binder in the sheet. Because of high strength and low burnout temperature, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose binder is preferred for production of these sheets. Tape cast sheets with low solids loading can be obtained by optimizing the wetting behavior of aqueous slurries on tape carrier. Setter, powder deposition sheets are of particular benefit in processing of thin ceramic tapes, particularly for processing of piezoelectric ceramic tapes. Tapes can be processed in a sandwich formed by layering setter powder deposition sheets between tapes and cover plates employed to maintain tape flatness and to reduce evaporation of volatile components of the ceramic.

Abstract: A method for producing high performance components by the consolidation of powdered materials under conditions of hot isostatic pressure. The method uses the inclusion of reactive materials mixed into pressure-transmitting mold materials and into the powder to be consolidated to contribute to in-situ materials modification including purification, chemical transformation, and reinforcement. The method also uses encapsulation of the mold in a sealed container to retain the mold material in position, and to exclude air and contaminants.

Abstract: The invention utilizes green support structures during sintering to maintain the shape, reduce sagging and prevent separate part sections from coming into contact and fusing together during the sintering process. In the most preferred embodiment, monolithic green structures are form with integrated support green structures that are released from the parts after sintering. Preferably monolithic green structures are formed by the Mold Shape Deposition Manufacturing (Mold SDM) process. By the method described, complex sintered structures can be made having interlocking and independently movable interlocking parts.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ceramic arc chamber (420) comprising providing a sintering tray (412) including a plurality of bores (422). The bores (422) having a first diameter upper section (424) and a second narrower diameter lower section (426). Positioning a plurality of ceramic end caps (212) having a main body portion (216), and a leg portion (219) in the bores (422) such that the leg portion (219) passes downwardly through the narrower diameter lower section (426) and the main body portion (216) is retained within the upper section (424). Moreover, the second diameter lower section (426) acts as a shoulder supporting the end cap (210). Next, a ceramic arc tube (214) is positioned within the first diameter upper section (424) and mated with the ceramic end cap (212). A second end cap (210) is mated to a second upper open end of the ceramic arc tube (214) to form an arc tube preform (420). The arc tube preforms (420) are then sintered to join the components via controlled shrinkage.

Abstract: A method for sintering tube pre-forms in an furnace for obtaining ceramic tubes which are extremely straight is provided, in which, during sintering, the tube preforms are placed inside supporting tubes in ceramic material, the support tubes 1 containing the tube preforms being arranged parallel to each other forming stacks 7 of layers 3 supported by support plates 4 in a refractory material, the inside surface of the support tubes being out-of-true by less than 0.1 mm over a length of 90 mm.

Abstract: A stacking system includes a frame having recesses therein used to partially define openings that permit gas generated during firing of a substrate within the space defined by the frame to escape without adversely affecting the substrate. A relatively thin tile placed on the frame provides the system with an additional level for substrates.