Abstract: A method of crystallizing amorphous silicon, wherein the method includes supplying nanoparticles over a surface of an amorphous silicon layer; intermittently melting nanoparticles that reach the surface of the amorphous silicon layer while supplying the nanoparticles; and cooling the amorphous silicon layer to grow crystals using unmolten nanoparticles as crystal seeds, thereby forming a polysilicon layer. Externally supplied nanoparticles are used as crystal seeds to crystallize an amorphous silicon layer so that large grains can be formed. Accordingly, since the number and size of nanoparticles may be controlled, the size and arrangement of grains may also be controlled.

Abstract: A surface covering is provided, comprising a substrate with a flocking layer adhered to the substrate by an adhesive. The substrate is formed at least partially from granulated recycled rubber and a binding agent. In an exemplary embodiment, a design is applied to the flocking layer. A method of manufacturing the surface covering comprises the steps of producing a substrate formed at least partially from granulated recycled rubber and a binding agent, flocking the substrate with fibers of a selected base color to form a base covering, printing a transfer paper with a design and transferring the design from the transfer paper to fibers of the base covering.

Abstract: To improve tensile strength without impairing flexibility and adhesion to concrete, and to form a thick coating in a surface layer part for preventing a basis material from being exposed by damage to the coating, a method of forming double coatings on a prestressing strand includes a primary painting process after a pre-treatment process, in which a resin coating is formed only at the surface layer, a secondary painting process in which respectively individual state resin coating is formed on an outer peripheral face of each of the core wire and surrounding wires under a loosened and separated state, thereby forming a double coating for each surrounding wire, and a finishing process of tightening and retwisting the surrounding wires about the core wire to an original state. The obtained prestressing strand has the double coating portions only at the surface layer and sufficient flexibility and adhesion to concrete.

Abstract: A composite having a plurality of filaments arranged in a fibrous web that is held together in a unitary structure by a domain matrix. The domain matrix comprises a plurality of matrix islands that individually connect, or bond, at least two filaments, to thereby hold the filaments in a unitary structure. Portions of the filament lengths within the unitary structure are free of matrix islands, causing the domain matrix to be discontinuous. The composite possesses a greater flexibility than coated structures. The composite may be formed into cross-plied structures. A method of making the composite also is disclosed.

Abstract: A device 10 for spraying dry flakes 12 including: an enclosure 22 including a lower portion 26 for holding a supply 12A of dry flakes 12 and an upper portion 27; a gas flow conduit 50 including: a receiving portion 52 adapted for connection to a pressurized gas source, and a nozzle 60; a flake conduit 40 connecting enclosure 22 with nozzle 60; and air holes 36 in enclosure 22. Flake conduit 40 includes a valve 44. A flow valve 76, operable by the user, regulates the flow of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas source through gas flow conduit 50. Receiving portion 52 includes pressure regulating valve 77 for regulating the pressure of gas from the pressurized gas source at a given gas flow rate and a pressure indicator 78 for indicating pressure of gas flowing through receiving portion 50.

Abstract: Application of a thermally and/or electrically conductive compound to fill a thermal and/or EMI shielding gap between a first and a second surface. A supply of a fluent, form-stable compound is provided as an admixture of a cured polymer gel component, and a particulate filler component. An of the compound is dispensed from a nozzle or other orifice under an applied pressure onto one of the surfaces which, when opposed, form the gap, or into the gap formed between the surfaces. The gap is at least partially filled by at least a portion of the dispensed compound.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for assembling a structure onto a substrate. A method according to one aspect of the invention includes dispensing a slurry onto a substrate wherein the slurry includes a first plurality of elements, each of which is designed to mate with a receptor region on said substrate and each of which comprises a functional element. The method further includes dispensing in a flow having a first direction a slurry onto a substrate, wherein the slurry includes a fluid.

Abstract: A method of producing a material library of surface areas having different properties is described, in which mixtures of substances are applied to a substrate by a combinatory method so that a combinatory system is obtained. At least two suspensions are used to produce the mixtures.

Abstract: A method for making a nanocomposite electrode or circuit pattern includes forming a continuous carbon nanotube layer impregnated with a binder and patterning the binder resin using various printing or photo imaging techniques. An alternative method includes patterning the carbon nanotube layer using various printing or imaging techniques and subsequently applying a continuous coating of binder resin to the patterned carbon nanotube layer. Articles made from these patterned nanocomposite coatings include transparent electrodes and circuits for flat panel displays, photovoltaics, touch screens, electroluminescent lamps, and EMI shielding.

Abstract: A method for assembling components on a substrate including the steps of: (a) selectively coating at least a first receptor site of the substrate with a liquid precursor that forms a solid adhesive upon contact with an initiator; (b) providing each of the components with an adhesion surface that has the initiator; and (c) depositing the components on the substrate in a manner that causes a first of the components to contact the at least first receptor site whereupon contact between the initiator and the liquid precursor causes formation of the adhesive which affixes the first compound to the first receptor site. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the precursor is a liquid monomer and the initiator initiates a polymerization reaction upon contact with the monomer to form a solid polymer.

Abstract: A particle beam deposition apparatus includes a particle source for generating a plurality of particles in suspended form, an expansion chamber, and a deposition chamber connected to the expansion chamber by an aerodynamic focusing stage, and containing a substrate. The aerodynamic focusing stage may be comprised of a plurality of aerodynamic focusing elements, or lenses. Particles, including nanoparticles, may be deposited on the substrate by generating an aerosol cloud of particles, accelerating the particles into the expansion chamber, creating a collimated beam out of the particles by passing them through the aerodynamic focusing lenses and into a deposition chamber, and impacting the particles into the substrate.

Abstract: A method of producing an iridescent reflecting surface on an object is presented. Flakes of dry non metallic reflecting material such as cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) material are applied to the surface so that the flakes are parallel with the surface and bound with a binder to the surface.

Abstract: A high surface area electrode is made by retaining an electrode blank with one surface thereof horizontal and facing upward. The surface is then submerged in a liquid having particles of conductive material suspended therein. The particles in suspension are then allowed to precipitate out and onto the surface of the electrode. This process is repeated until a porous layer of particles of the desired thickness has formed on the surface. As a final step the particles are bonded to the surface using an appropriate bonding method such as a heat treatment.

Abstract: Coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture comprising a nanoparticle system employing same to impart surface modifying benefits for all types of soft surfaces, and in some cases, hard surfaces, are disclosed. In some embodiments, dispersement of nanoparticles in a suitable carrier medium allows for the creation of coating compositions, methods and articles of manufacture that create multi-use benefits to the modified surfaces. These surface modifications can produce long lasting or semi-permanent multi-use benefits that, in some embodiments, may include at least one of the following improved surface properties: cleaning, wettability, liquid strike-through, comfort, stain resistance, soil removal, malodor control, modification of surface friction, reduced damage to abrasion and color enhancement, relative to the surfaces unmodified with such nanoparticle systems.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus to link and/or pattern self-assembled first objects to a second object. Each of the first object (e.g., a nanoparticle) can be embedded in a mobile binder (i.e., a stabilizer). The invention applies energy to the first object and stabilizer, links this first object to the second object, and provides a controlled linkage of the first object with respect to the second object. Applying this procedure to many such objects results in a larger a real arrangement of these linked objects. An appropriate solvent may be used to remove non-linked objects, yielding a patterned array. Thermal annealing can be applied to control the physical and chemical properties of the array.

Abstract: A substantially tubular member comprises a body. The body is constructed from a first material and has an external surface. At least a portion of the external surface has a predetermined pattern of a second material deposited thereon. The predetermined pattern of the second material is deposited on the at least a portion of the external surface by one or more printing processes such as solution coating, spray coating, thermal printing, piezo jet printing, contact printing and any combination thereof.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing a superconducting quantum interference type magnetic fluxmeter including forming an input coil and a pickup coil integrated with the input coil by electrophoretically depositing high-temperature superconducting fine particles on a surface of the first cylindrical ceramic substrate, and sintering the fine particles, forming a high-temperature superconductor magnetic shield tube by electrophoretically depositing high-temperature superconducting fine particles on an entire surface of the second cylindrical ceramic substrate, and sintering the fine particles, magnetically coupling the input coil and the high-temperature superconducting quantum interference type element by placing the pickup coil such that a distal end portion thereof is inserted within a lower end portion of the magnetic shield tube and inserting the high-temperature superconducting quantum interference type element from an upper end portion of the magnetic shield tube.

Abstract: Disclosed are edge contacts for printed circuit boards comprising a copper lead coated with conductive ink comprising a binder and graphite powder, carbon black, and silver flakes. Also disclosed are printed circuit boards containing the contacts and methods for manufacturing the contacts and circuit boards.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hot melt conductor paste composition that includes conductive particles and glass particles dispersed in a thermoplastic polymer system. The hot melt conductor paste composition according to the invention is a solid at room temperature, but melts at a temperature of from about 35° C. to about 90° C. to form a flowable liquid that can be applied to a silicon substrate by screen printing. The hot melt conductor paste composition is particularly suitable for use in the fabrication of photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: An improved method for providing high-quality optical fiber metallization with the required length at the required location. The method enables metallized optical fibers to be soldered and connected to mechanical components while reducing the level of stress in the metal coatings and providing strong adhesion, good conductivity and connectivity. The advantage of the method is a combination of vacuum evaporation and electroless deposition for the optical fiber metallization. A strong adhesion of the metal layer is achieved by the use of an evaporated thin metal layer, comprising an adhesion layer and a seed layer. The stress reduction is achieved due to electroless deposition, which is adequately thick for subsequent soldering/welding or other applications. The method comprises preparation for evaporation, preparation of optical fibers, evaporation of the thin metal adhesion and seed layer on the optical fiber, electroless deposition of an adequately thick metal layer, and acceptance testing.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting parallel marketing of an item, include forming at least one of a coating and a code on the item, interrogating the at least one of the coating and said code, and determining from the interrogating whether the item has been transferred from an authorized merchant to an unauthorized merchant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an ordered array of nanoparticles on a substrate surface and to a nanomaterial having such an ordered array of nanoparticles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to the provision of an ordered array of magnetic nanocrystals on a substrate surface. Although the present invention is not limited to the production of a magnetic array, one important object of the present invention is the production of a material suitable for use as an ultra high density magnetic data storage medium. According to the present invention there is provided a method of producing a structure comprising a plurality of nanoparticles distributed across a surface of a substrate in a predetermined array, the method comprising the steps of: i) providing a substrate which has a passivated surface; ii) depositing nanoparticles on to said surface; and iii) displacing said particles over said surface to configure them in said predetermined array.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the continuous manufacture of shingles, for producing a plurality of laminated shingles.

Abstract: A method for forming a pattern on a surface of a panel substrate, includes electrically charging pattern-forming material particles, jetting out the electrically charged pattern-forming material particles through a nozzle by applying electrostatic force to the pattern-forming material particles to form a pattern, and fixing the pattern onto the panel substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to electrostatic chucks, methods for their use, the electrostatic deposition of objects, such as particles in a dry powder, onto recipient substrates, and the recipient substrates themselves that have been subjected to electrostatic deposition. In one aspect, the present invention provides an electrostatic chuck for electrostatically attracting an object or objects wherein the object is used in chemical or pharmaceutical assaying or manufacturing. The objects can be pharmaceutical substrates, for example, such as a pharmaceutical tablet. Additional embodiments of the invention provide chucks and their use to electrostatically attract particles, such as a pharmaceutically active ingredient, to a substrate, such as a tablet. In one aspect, the electrostatic chuck comprises a floating electrode, and is used to selectively attract particles to a substrate above the floating electrode, thereby providing for charge imaging for the deposition of particles in a selected image.

Abstract: Nanostructured non-stoichiometric materials are disclosed. Novel photonic materials and their applications are discussed. More specifically, the specifications teach the use of nanotechnology and nanostructured materials for developing novel photonic and optical applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for selectively enhancing corrosion protection of fabricated metal parts. One method of the present invention includes providing a non-galvanized metal sheet to be processed to form the fabricated metal part; selecting a localized region on the non-galvanized metal sheet; roughening the localized region for acceptance of a protective coating; applying a protective coating to localized region; and fabricating the non-galvanized metal sheet into a fabricated metal part. Another method includes providing a galvanized metal sheet; selecting a localized region on the galvanized metal sheet; applying a protective coating to the localized region; and fabricating the galvanized metal sheet into a fabricated metal part. Yet another method includes selecting a localized region on a fabricated metal part; roughening the localized region for acceptance of a protective coating; and applying the protective coating to the localized region.

Abstract: A method of applying blend drop granules to an asphalt coated sheet includes moving an asphalt coated sheet in a machine direction, depositing a blend drop of granules on a blend drop conveyor that is moving at a first speed, changing the speed of the blend drop conveyor to a second speed that is closer to the speed of the moving asphalt coated sheet than is the first speed, and releasing the blend drop from the blend drop conveyor for contact with the asphalt coated sheet.

Abstract: A light-reflective decorative glittered article is made by cutting a light-reflective foil into glitter flakes, mixing the flakes with a powdered resin to form a mixture, flocking the mixture onto a curable adhesive applied on areas of a base material to be decorated, and curing the adhesive while concomitantly causing the resin on contacting flakes to become tacky. Scattering and fall-off of the flakes during manufacture are reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for electrically controlling a flow of material, wherein a single- or multi-component, essentially polymer-based material (1), such as plastics, elastomer or the like, is charged electrically (I) and sprayed (II) in an electrical field (E) to a three-dimensional mould (2)/target (3). The method of the invention makes use of the mould (2)/target (3) set at an electric potential and provided with two or more treatment blocks (Li) to be set at voltage levels different from each other, especially for coordinating the courses of sprayed material particles and the electrical field (E) affecting the same, in such a manner that each section/area of the mould/target surface forms a material layer of desirable thickness in the spraying cycle (II). The invention relates also to an apparatus operating in accordance with the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for protecting and marking products by using microparticles, which are to be attached or added to the product, each microparticle having several color layers forming a code, wherein for each individual product two or more differently coded microparticle groups are used, with the first microparticle group containing in its code the same information for a plurality of products, and with the second or subsequent microparticle group containing in its code an information which is individual for each individual product or for few products.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making patterned paper. A printer patterning the paper is arranged in a patterning unit arranged in a paper machine, the printer patterning a paper web being made in the paper machine. The printer is preferably an ink-jet printer. The paper web patterned by the patterning unit can be coated by a coating unit arranged in the paper machine.

Abstract: Composite particles made of a resin and filler material are provided for use in subterranean formations. The filler is finely divided mineral and optional fiber. The particles are proppants useful to prop open subterranean formation fractures. The particles are also useful for water filtration. Methods of making the composite particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing an aluminum alloy-containing coating composition is described. A slurry containing a selected amount of aluminum is combined with at least one additional slurry containing a selected amount of a second metal which forms an alloy with aluminum. The resulting slurry mixture is applied to a metal substrate, and then heated to form a substantially devolatilized coating. The coating then receives a secondary heat treatment. Related compositions and articles are also described, as are processes for repairing a damaged or worn coating, utilizing the slurry.

Abstract: A method of printing using dry pigments is introduced, wherein a binder material is applied to the surface of an object uniformly or in a pattern, and then dry pigment is applied to the binder material in a pattern or uniformly. The dry pigment sticks to the patterned binder, or the patterned pigment may be bound to the uniform binder, to produce a pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for coating a continuously advancing web with a dry or wet coating material on a conveyor belt. The apparatus having a hopper which contains an agitator, a brush and a knurled roll to accurately dispense the coating material to an applicator which is positioned on a carousel. By rotating the carousel, the coating in the form of stripes, bars or a uniform layer can be varied at angles 0° to 90° on the continuously advancing web.

Abstract: A method is provided of continuously producing a plurality of laminated shingles, including the steps of advancing a fiber sheet, waterproofing the sheet, applying granules thereto, cutting and separating the sheet into a plurality of strips which are positioned and adhered to each other to be multi-layered, and then cutting the strips while controlling the placement of longitudinal centerlines of the strips, and cutting the multi-layers so as to form a plurality of shingles.

Abstract: Compositions comprising: (a) from about 51% to about 99.9% by weight of a polyamide resin component; and (b) from about 0. 1% to about 49% by weight of a wax component, wherein the polyamide resin component comprises a reaction product obtained by reaction of a dimerized fatty acid reactant, a carboxylic acid reactant and a diamine reactant, are disclosed for use in thermographic printing. The polyamide resin/wax component compositions disclosed herein exhibit decreased bloom and enhanced scratch/scuff resistance.

Abstract: A system (100, 100′, 100″) and method for robotic manipulation of objects (130) is provided wherein particulates (110, 110′) are agitated by the transfer of energy thereto to establish patterned granular motion of the particulates (110, 110′). The patterned granular motion of the particulates (110, 110′) forms standing waves (112). The objects (130) align themselves with the standing waves (112) and thus are dynamically arranged in a configuration established by the location of the standing waves (112). The location of the standing waves (112) can be predetermined by controlling the waveform of the signals applied to the energy application system (140). The predetermined waveforms are supplied from the signal source (150, 154) to the energy application system (140).

Abstract: Retroreflective article (10), e.g., in the form of a pavement marking, having raised, nonintegral protuberances (16) that exhibit good dry retroreflectivity and recover retroreflectivity quickly after exposure to water. The protuberance comprise a thermoplastic polymer body. Partially embedded in the protuberance are optical elements (14) which are in optical association with a light scattering agent. The protuberance is disposed on top of a conformable base sheet (12).

Abstract: A web or sheet product is provided which is coated on at least a portion of its surface with a bond-enabling material for adhering toner particles on the surface of the sheet. The sheet product can be used as a mailer or confidential form which is sealed using toner particles as the adhesive. The bond-enabling material may be a polymer which is coated on the sheet as a liquid and then cured to form a film on the surface of the sheet. The bond-enabling material is resistant to melting or degrading when exposed to temperatures used for fusing toner particles, and additionally may act as a tie coat to enhance the adhesion of toner particles to the surface of the sheet. The bond-enabling material may be coated on the peripheral edges of the sheet, and toner particles are printed over the bond-enabling material on the peripheral edges of the sheet. The sheet is folded and sealed by the application of heat and pressure to the edges of the sheet.

Abstract: Improved assembly and methods for manufacturing a three-dimensional object are described. The assembly includes a crucible for holding molten metal, an orifice disposed in the bottom of the crucible through which a jet of molten metal can flow towards a movable substrate, and a mechanically oscillating member immersed in the molten metal for controlling the flow of molten metal through the orifice and for breaking the flow of molten metal into the sequence of molten metal drops. As the drops land on the movable substrate, a three-dimensional object is built up. Continuously variable diameter or controllable planar jets may be used as the orifices. In forming drops from the output of a planar jet, the jet is first broken up by the oscillating member into horizontal cylindrical ligaments and the ligaments are then broken up into drops by acoustic energy applied by audio loudspeakers adjacent the falling ligaments. The assembly and methods are useful in the fields of rapid prototyping and materials processing.

Abstract: A form-in-place, electrically-conductive gasket is disclosed. The gasket, foamed, gelled or unfoamed is made of one or more elastomer resins, such as silicone urethane and/or thermoplastic block copolymers and is either filled with a conductive filler and lined onto a desired substrate or lined onto the substrate unfilled and then coated with a conductive outer layer, such as a silver filled elastomer or a conductive flocked layer. A process and system for making the gaskets are also disclosed.

Abstract: Micron-sized particles are produced in quantity by one of various methods, including generally the steps of preparing a substrate surface through a lithographic process, the surface being characterized by defining a plurality of elements, depositing a layer of particle material on the substrate surface including the elements, processing the substrate surface to isolate the material deposited on the elements, and separating the particles from the elements. The size and shape of the elements predetermine the size and shape of the particles. The elements may comprise, inter alia, pillars of photoresist or spaces on the substrate surrounded and defined by photoresist.

Abstract: A solution for the pretreatment of electrically non-conductive surfaces and a method for coating surfaces with solid matter particles, for example carbon black, graphite, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxides, transition metal chalcogenides and titanium dioxide. Furthermore, the invention relates to a production method for the solution also. The solution contains a solvent, polyelectrolytic compound as a coagulation trigger, and a charged surfactant which has opposite polarity relative to the polyelectrolytic compound. After pretreatment of surfaces with the solution, the surfaces are then brought into contact with a dispersion containing the solid matter particles.

Abstract: A structure having layers of controllable electrical properties is prepared by furnishing a sheet of a substrate material, patterning a pattern of recesses into a surface of the sheet of the substrate material, filling the pattern of recesses with a mixture of an active phase and a matrix, and laminating the sheet to a base structure. The filled recesses may be of any desired shape, depth, and orientation. The active phase is particles of a material such as an electrical conductor or semiconductor, or magnetic particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to inorganic particles comprising at least two chemical elements in a predefined and analytically identifiable ratio. These particles are used as a marking means incorporated into or applied onto any desired article. They provide a high security potential against counterfeiting since the analysis depend on a combination of spatial as well as of chemical information. In a first step the information containing particle has to be localized by scanning electron microscopy and in a second step the ratio of elements is analysed using energy—or wavelength—dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM/EDX).

Abstract: The present invention provides a number of interrelated methods for the production of random and ordered arrays of particles and recesses as well as films containing such arrays and recesses. The present invention also relates to the random and ordered arrays of particles and films prepared therefrom. The ordered arrays are obtained by the use of ferrofluid compositions which may be curable, solidifiable on non-curing/non-solidifiable. The arrays and films may contain electrically-conductive particles useful in electronic applications for effecting contact between leads or pads.

Abstract: A method for the production of a laminated shingle wherein at least two strips of a continuously advancing sheet are coated with differently colored aggregates of granules. Present among one of the aggregates are a multitude of granules having at least one color and/or hue thereof not present among the granules of the other aggregate or aggregates. The strips are cut from the sheet and laminated one above the other so as to form at least two layers with the differently colored aggregates exposed to view. The difference in coloration creates a pleasing color contrast and accentuates the difference in elevation between the shingle layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cost-effective manner of adding hydrophobic zeolite to packaging material for preventing or reducing the transmission of order-influencing and taste-influencing substances to the package contents, wherein a hydrophobic zeolite in powder form is added to the packaging material in conjunction with or immediately after applying printing ink and/or varnish to the packaging material.