Abstract: Encapsulated water soluble chemicals for use in controlled time release applications, methods of encapsulating the chemicals and methods of using the encapsulated chemicals are provided. The methods of encapsulating the chemicals are basically comprised of forming a first coating of a dry hydrophobic film forming material or a sparingly soluble material which provides a dry shield on the chemical and then forming a second coating of a porous cross-linked hydrophilic polymer on the first coating which prevents the substantial dissolution of the resulting encapsulated chemical for a selected period of time.

Abstract: A process for producing an excellent gel-coated seed, a coating gel-layer of which has a uniform thickness and hardness, is provided. The process for producing a gel-coated seed according to the present invention employs a gel-forming solution and a hardener for gelatinizing the gel-forming solution, wherein a seed is dipped into the gel-forming solution after the hardener adheres to the seed.

Abstract: Improvements in the existing procedures and materials for conduct of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) are disclosed. The use of plastic coated matrices especially small spheres or balls which form superior magnetic gradient-intensifying supports are disclosed, along with improved methods and apparatus to conduct HGMS. The selection of small spheres in combination with the coating provides for uniform matrices of high stability.

Abstract: An ink jet recording paper, which is excellent in ink absorbency and color-developing properties and has dull-tone glossiness, comprising an ink-receiving layer and at least two colloidal silica layers applied successively onto a support, each of said colloidal silica layers comprising chain colloidal silica as a main ingredient, wherein at least the colloidal silica layer contacting the ink-receiving layer contains no binder and has a coverage of about 1 to 3 g/m2, and the coverage of other colloidal silica layer is about 1 to 6 g/m2.

Abstract: A method of coating a liquid or solid particulate core involves dropping or suspending the particulate core in an atmosphere and then applying a liquid coating while the particulate core is dropped or suspended, the applying of the liquid coating being done by either (a) spraying the liquid coating onto the particulate core with an ink jet or (b) moving the particulate core through a fog of the liquid coating.

Abstract: Methods of coating core materials by providing target materials and core materials; ablating the target materials to form ablated particulate target materials; and coating the core materials with said ablated particulate target materials; wherein the method is performed at a pressure of about 10 Torr or higher. Methods of coating particles with nanometer to multiple nanometer thick coatings in atmospheric pressure, and using pneumatic fluidization, are also provided.

Abstract: This invention, in one aspect, relates to a method of applying a corrosion-resistant coating on an article and is particularly, but not exclusively, concerned with a method of applying a corrosion-resistant coating on an Nd—Fe—B magnet. In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of applying a coherent coating on the surfaces of the particles of a powder. Such powder may be one which is susceptible to oxidative corrosion and/or one which is used to form a magnet (e.g Nd—Fe—B powder).

Abstract: PZT crystals are peripherally coated in manufacture by cutting a series of intersecting first kerfs in a wafer comprising a plurality of PZT crystal precursors, filling the kerfs with a coating resin, and cutting a second, narrower kerf in the locus of the first kerfs to separate the crystals while providing them a peripheral coating of the coating resin.

Abstract: A highly functional film-coated powder which is produced without using the method based on the hydrolysis of a metal alkoxide and without using a metal alkoxide, which is an expensive compound, or a highly flammable organic solvent and which therefore can be obtained at a low overall product cost without necessitating explosion-proof facilities in the production equipment and while attaining easy temperature and humidity regulation; and a process for producing the same. The film-coated powder comprises a base particle having films on the surface thereof, wherein at least one of the films is formed by reaction of a metal salt in an aqueous solvent having a constant pH. By the technique, the surface of base particle can be evenly coated with a solid phase film while inhibiting particle aggregation without precipitating an independent solid phase in the liquid phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for dynamically blending two or more fluids to form a blended gaseous mixture. The apparatus integrates a pressure regulation section and a dynamic adjusted blending panel into a single enclosure that allows for custom blending at the fabrication tool site which permits such blending in a more efficient and less complex manner.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a micro-carrier, which includes patterning pluralities of bar code on a mask; exposing the bar code to a substrate coated with photoresist; etching and removing residual photoresist and electroforming to a nickel plate; placing a bead coated with biotin or poly-L-lysine between two-nickel plates, and compressing the bar code on the surface of the bead to form a microcake-like particle with bar code; and combining the particle with the corresponding bio-molecule thereof to produce a micro-carrier with a label. The invention also provides a test method for identifying a bio-molecule, which includes mixing several micro-carriers with the labeled unknown bio-molecules; and identifying the bar code on the micro-carrier via image recognition system, wherein the numbers and types of the known micro-carrier can be flexibly adjusted.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a method of coating a material, the method including the following steps: (a) forming a generally elongate coating structure (15), the coating structure having an internal cavity (17) extending at least substantially along its length, and wherein the internal cavity of the coating structure is capable of receiving a core material (21); (b) inserting a core material (21) into the internal cavity (17) of the coating structure (15); (c) compressing the coating structure at a first location (44) along its length so as generally to form a seal at that location; and (d) compressing the coating structure at a second location along its length (45).

Abstract: Provided is a method of fluorescence imaging of living tissue using functionalized nanocrystals. The method comprises contacting an effective amount of functionalized nanocrystals with the living tissue; exposing the tissue to a spectrum of light suitable for exciting functionalized nanocrystals, present in fluorescently labeled tissue, to emit a emission spectrum comprising a fluorescence peak; and detecting any fluorescence peak emitted by the tissue exposed to the excitation spectrum of light, and obtaining a fluorescence image of the tissue. Also provided is a composition comprising a functionalized nanocrystal which is bound to a substrate in a living tissue.

Abstract: A method of constructing a resilient surface layer of particles bound together and to a base surface comprises uniformly dropping dry rubber particles from a moving apparatus and spraying the particles with a liquid, water based, latex binder as the particles are dropping, the apparatus comprises a movable vehicle with a particulate spreading assembly comprising a hopper with a controlled orifice, and a spray system with an array of nozzles directed to intersect the path of the particles after leaving the hopper and before the particles reach the base surface.

Abstract: Provided are methods for purifying functionalized fluorescent nanocrystals having affinity ligand operably bound thereto by using a solid support matrix in a reactor through which solutions are circulated, and by using an immobilized solid phase formed by operably binding functionalized fluorescent nanocrystals to the solid support matrix. Also provided are purified functionalized fluorescent nanocrystals having affinity ligand operably bound thereto which are purified using the methods according to the present invention to be substantially free of free affinity ligand.

Abstract: Silicon carbide fibers having an excellent mechanical strength and a superior heat resistance can be produced by the process in which activated carbon fibers having a thickness of 1 to 30 &mgr;m and a BET specific surface area of 700 to 1500 m2/g are reacted with a silicon and/or silicon oxide gas at 1200 to 1500° C. under a reduced pressure or in an inert gas atmosphere; and the resultant SiC fibers are heat treated in the presence of a boron-containing substance and optionally a carbon-containing substance at 1700 to 2300° C. in an inert gas atmosphere, wherein the fibers may be in the form of a shaped article, for example, a sheet or honeycomb structure.

Abstract: Provided are a fluorescent microsphere comprised of a plurality of fluorescent nanocrystals operably bound to a polymeric microsphere, and a method of producing the fluorescent microspheres which comprises contacting the polymeric microsphere with a plurality of fluorescent nanocrystals under suitable conditions in which the fluorescent naocrystals become operably bound to the polymeric microsphere. Also provided is a method of using the fluorescent microspheres capable of determining the presence or absence of a predetermined number of analytes in a sample by contacting the sample with the fluorescent microspheres, and detecting the fluorescence signal pattern of excited fluorescent microspheres bound to one or more analytes of the predetermined number of analytes, if present in the sample.

Abstract: Multi-functional materials are classified into those which have a photocatalytic layer with a photocatalytic function directly disposed on the surface of a base and those which have a photocatalytic layer with a photocatalytic function disposed on the surface of a base through a binder layer interposed therebetween. Photocatalytic particles of the photocatalytic layer are joined together by a surface energy or solid-state sintering. The photocatalytic layer has a structure in which fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles. A metal such as Ag, Pt, or the like may be fixed or not fixed to surfaces of the photocatalytic particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a spherical particle comprising an aggregate of particles containing at least 95% of a water-soluble single substance having a viscosity of 10 mPa.

Abstract: Inorganic phosphor particles having a diamond-like carbon coating and the method of making these particles. Inorganic phosphor particles are coated with a diamond-like carbon coating, which can include additive components. The coating is applied in a plasma reactor process.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a composite material such as that having high thermal conductivity and having specific application as a heat sink or heat spreader for high density integrated circuits. The composite material produced by this process has a thermal conductivity between that of diamond and copper, and basically consists of coated diamond particles dispersed in a high conductivity metal, such as copper. The composite material can be fabricated in small or relatively large sizes using inexpensive materials. The process basically consists, for example, of sputter coating diamond powder with several elements, including a carbide forming element and a brazeable material, compacting them into a porous body, and infiltrating the porous body with a suitable braze material, such as copper-silver alloy, thereby producing a dense diamond-copper composite material with a thermal conductivity comparable to synthetic diamond films at a fraction of the cost.

Abstract: Silicon carbide fibers having an excellent mechanical strength and a superior heat resistance can be produced by the process in which activated carbon fibers having a thickness of 1 to 30 &mgr;m and a BET specific surface area of 700 to 1500 m2/g are reacted with a silicon and/or silicon oxide gas at 1200 to 1500° C. under a reduced pressure or in an inert gas atmosphere; and the resultant SiC fibers are heat treated in the presence of a boron-containing substance and optionally a carbon-containing substance at 1700 to 2300° C. in an inert gas atmosphere, wherein the fibers may be in the form of a shaped article, for example, a sheet or honeycomb structure.

Abstract: The present invention is for particulate compositions and methods for producing them that can absorb or scatter electromagnetic radiation. The particles are homogeneous in size and are comprised of a nonconducting inner layer that is surrounded by an electrically conducting material. The ratio of the thickness of the nonconducting layer to the thickness of the outer conducting shell is determinative of the wavelength of maximum absorbance or scattering of the particle. Unique solution phase methods for synthesizing the particles involve linking clusters of the conducting atoms, ions, or molecules to the nonconducting inner layer by linear molecules. This step can be followed by growth of the metal onto the clusters to form a coherent conducting shell that encapsulates the core.

Abstract: A method of curing a polymeric binder onto a powdered metal after such polymer has been coated on the powdered metal but before a part is therefrom molded, thereby forming a polymer matrix-powdered metal composite material. The polymer-coated powdered metal may be cured by retaining the polymer-coated powdered metal in a fluidized bed contained within a fluidized bath (e.g. a fluid bed coater/drier apparatus) even after the coating process has terminated. The temperature of the fluidized bath may then be raised, in turn raising the temperature of the fluidized bed, thereby curing the polymer onto the coated powdered metal in situ. By keeping the polymer-coated power metal in constant motion during the curing process, the polymer-coated powdered metal particles do not agglomerate nor otherwise adhere to other coated powdered metal particles.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a porous interlayer insulation film including therein a stacking of SiO2 particles having a diameter in the range between about 5 nm and about 50 nm and stacked so as to form a void between adjacent particles, wherein the interlayer insulation film has a porosity in the range between about 13% and about 42%.

Abstract: Algae-resistant roofing granules coated with: a first coat consisting of a fired silicate-clay matrix containing cuprous oxide and zinc sulfide to provide a slow, long-term bimetallic copper and zinc ions release; and a second coat consisting of a fired silicate-clay matrix containing a pigment.

Abstract: Multi-functional materials which have a photocatalytic layer with a photocatalytic function disposed on the surface of a base through an amorphous binder layer 6 interposed therebetween. Photocatalytic particles of the photocatalytic layer are joined together by a surface energy or solid-state sintering. The photocatalytic layer may have a structure in which fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles or a structure in which no fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles. A metal such as Ag, Pt, or the like may be fixed or not fixed to surfaces of the photocatalytic particles. A lower layer of the photocatalytic layer is embedded in the binder layer such that an intermediate layer is formed between the binder layer and the photocatalytic layer, the intermediate layer including components of the binder and photocatalytic layers in varying concentrations therethrough.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel titania pigment useful for external painting. This pigment has a titania nucleus coated successively with a layer of zirconium hydroxide or oxyhydroxide, then a layer of titanium hydroxide or oxyhydroxide, then of a layer of co-precipitated phosphate and silica, and finally a layer of aluinium oxyhydroxide. The invention also concerns a method for preparing said pigment and its use in paints, plastics and laminated paper.

Abstract: A coated material comprising a substrate which has micropores and a reaction product coated thereon along the surface configuration of the substrate and an inner wall of the micropores thereof. The coated material is preferably produced by performing a supercritical coating step wherein a reaction precursor is dissolved in a supercritical fluid to form a precursor fluid and then the precursor fluid is brought into contact with a substrate in the presence with a reaction initiator to allow a reaction between the reaction precursor and the reaction initiator, thereby coating a reaction product onto the substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to metallized, particularly aluminized, fabrics which are coated with specific polyurethane finishes and primer coatings comprising novel phosphate-containing primers. Such specific polyurethanes are cross-linked when reacted with the primer coatings and applied in latex form. Upon impregnation within metal-coated fabrics, these particular polyurethanes encapsulate the metal particles and provide vastly improved washfastness properties to the fabrics and thus ensure the retention of substantially all the metal coating within and on the target fabric. The phosphate-containing primer provides remarkably improved adhesion between the metal and the polyurethane for excellent durability and washfastness. The primer compositions as well as the methods of producing a metallized coated with a primed polyurethane encapsulant are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns titanium dioxide particles coated at least partially: with a first layer of at least a cerium and/or iron compound, and a second layer of at least a metal oxide, hydroxide or oxohydroxide, the said particles having a BET specific surface area of at least 70 m2/g and a density of 2.5. The invention also concerns a method for preparing these particles and their use as anti-UV agent.

Abstract: A method for preparing a stimulable phosphor is disclosed, comprising forming a stimulable phosphor and coating the formed stimulable phosphor with a metal oxide and a silane coupling agent, or a metal oxide and a metal alkoxide. Another method is also disclosed, comprising forming a stimulable phosphor precursor, calcining the formed precursor in the presence of a metal oxide or metal alkoxide, and coating the calcined precursor with a silane coupling agent or metal alkoxide. Further disclosed is a preparation method of a radiation image conversion panel containing the stimulable phosphor.

Abstract: An improved, pre-coated aluminum-alloy aircraft component prepared by providing an aluminum-alloy component precursor to a coating apparatus having a fluidized-bed or mist apparatus, suspending the components in the fluidized-bed apparatus vertically at a distance from the bottom of the apparatus and introducing a coating to the apparatus to coat the components while being suspended in the airstream flowing through the apparatus. The non-contact, fluidized-bed or mist coating method allows for the coating of increased batch sizes in shorter coating times with decreased variations in coating thickness and uniformity.

Abstract: A medical device of metallic or non-metallic material coated with a combination of antiseptics and a method for coating such an implant with a combination of antiseptics is provided. Different combinations of antiseptics can be used for different types of medical devices depending on the spectrum of organisms that cause the infections related to each device. The combination of different antiseptics has a synergistic effect against certain bacteria and fungi. The combination of antiseptic can be applied to the surface of a metallic device by dissolving the combination of antiseptics and a polymeric sticking agent in an acid solution to form an antiseptic solution, and applying the antiseptic solution, in an effective concentration to inhibit the growth of bacterial and fungal organisms, to at least a portion of the surfaces of the medical device.

Abstract: Reactive silica particles capable of producing coatings exhibiting excellent scratch resistance, weather resistance, adhesiveness, and curability, while satisfying a wide spectrum of performances from transparency to semi-transparency and providing a glossy surface as well as a frosty surface.

Abstract: A metallic coating composition is disclosed which contains bright pigments in the form of metal flakes produced by finely dividing a vapor-deposited metal layer. The metallic coating composition may be applied over a base coating layer. A clear topcoating layer may further be applied over the metallic coating layer.

Abstract: AC waveforms biasing of bead transporter chucks and their accumulated charge sensing circuits tailored for low resistivity substrates and beads where if traditional DC quasi-static biasing potentials were used, the bead attraction potentials of the chuck would undergo rapid RC decay and cause the bead transporter chuck to stop working. Methods for selecting AC waveforms are given, including those that maximize the time average of the bead attraction potential at the bead collection zone of the bead contact surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing ferrofluid-forming magnetic particles substituted by DMSA (FFSH) that can be covalently coupled, directly or through a difunctional reactant, to an effector, which process comprises combining DMSA with ferrofluid-forming magnetic particles to form FFSS particles having disulfide bonds, and reducing the disulfide bonds of the FFSS at basic pH to form FFSH. The invention includes a composition comprising such FFSH magnetic particles. The invention also relates to a method in which FFSH magnetic particles are incubated with an effector comprising at least one functional group which forms an S--S, C--S, C--C, or C--N bond with DMSA, so that a covalent effector-FFSH complex is formed. The invention further includes a method for separating and/or distinguishing between molecules or cells having a ligand that forms an affinity complex with an effector-FFSH particle of the invention, and those molecules or cells that do not have such a ligand.

Abstract: A dry powder, for example, a medicament for an inhaler, comprises elongated particles with an aspect ratio sufficient to cause the particles to be bound to a preferably metal or non-metallic sheet material substrate at the particle tips by electrostatic deposition and for aligning a plurality of particles with their major axes aligned normal to the substrate and oriented tip-to-tip. Particles deposited form a low density, high relative void deposition to minimize attractive forces between the particles. This minimizes agglomeration and bonding forces to the substrate facilitating the release of a powdered medicament in an inhaler. Medicament dosages in a substrate pocket are covered by a sealing layer. An embodiment of a drug dosage inhaler substrate and inhaler is disclosed.

Abstract: A stable solid controlled release formulation having a coating derived from an aqueous dispersion of a hydrophobic acrylic polymer includes a substrate including an active agent selected from the group consisting of a systemically active therapeutic agent, a locally active therapeutic agent, a disinfecting and sanitizing agent, a cleansing agent, a fragrance agent and a fertilizing agent, overcoated with an aqueous dispersion of the plasticized water-insoluble acrylic polymer. The formulation provides a stable dissolution of the active agent which is unchanged after exposure to accelerated storage conditions.

Abstract: Metal powders or granules, comprised of at least 2 alloyed metals selected from the group consisting of alkaline metals, alkali metals, transition metals, metalloids, and rare earth metals are coated with an organic monomer, oligomer, polymer, or other organic compound. The metal powders or granules are in hydride, oxide, or reduced form. The coated metal powders or granules are used to decompose and/or immobilize organic compounds containing at least one hetero atom.

Abstract: The superparamagnetic monodispersed particles comprise a core of a first polymer, an internal layer of a second polymer coating the core and in which a magnetic material is distributed, and an external layer of a third polymer coating the magnetic layer and capable of interacting with at least one biological molecule. At least the second polymer is heat sensitive and has a predetermined lower critical solubility temperature (LCST) of 15-65.degree. C. These particles may be used to isolate at least one biological molecule from a liquid specimen.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the gelatin coating of medicaments which includes a continuous conveyer system to advance a plurality of pallets through a loading station, at least one dipping station, at least one dryer station, a reorientation station and an unloading station. Medicaments to be coated are loaded into pallets at the loading station and advanced to the first dipping station where a vacuum is applied to secure the medicament to the pallet. The pallet is inverted and a first portion of each of the medicaments is dipped into a coating mixture. The pallet is then returned to its upright position, the vacuum is removed and the coating is dried. The medicaments are then transferred from the first pallet to a second pallet by a reorientation mechanism. The second pallet is then advanced to a second dipping station which operates in the same manner as the first dipping station.

Abstract: Several variations in full-color additive gyricons are shown. Each gyricon shown has been designed for ease of construction by eliminating the need for precise placement of rotating elements, alignment between the gyricon layers, if any, and alignment between the gyricon sheet and the addressing device.

Abstract: In order to guarantee that individual elastomeric components used for medicinal or pharmaceutical purposes have improved inertness and static and sliding friction properties, a suitable layer is provided on the elastomeric components for this purpose by the method of the invention. This method includes providing an extended flat mat made of elastomeric material including connected protruding elastomeric components; coating at least one side of the mat including the connected elastomeric components by means of a PECVD or PICVD method to provide a silicon dioxide layer containing carbon, hydrogen and/or nitrogen on the at least one side of the mat; and punching the connected elastomeric components out of the mat to form individual unconnected elastomeric components, each at least partially coated with a portion of the layer.

Abstract: Several variations in full-color additive gyricons are shown. Each gyricon shown has been designed for ease of construction by eliminating the need for precise placement of rotating elements, alignment between the gyricon layers, if any, and alignment between the gyricon sheet and the addressing device.

Abstract: Method of electrostatically coating a substrate wherein the substrate is brought to a coating station at which it is held substantially electrically isolated from its surroundings adjacent a source of particulate coating material. The substrate and the coating material are held at a potential difference to each other sufficient to coat the exposed surface of the substrate with particles of coating material.

Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising water-soluble, functionalized nanocrystals. The water-soluble functionalized nanocrystals comprise quantum dots capped with a layer of a capping compound, and further comprise, by operably linking and in a successive manner, one or more additional compounds. The one or more additional compounds is comprised of at least a diaminocarboxylic acid which is operatively linked to the capping compound, and may further comprise an amino acid, an affinity ligand, or a combination thereof. Also provided are methods of using the functionalized nanocrystals having an affinity ligand to detect the presence or absence of a target substrate in a sample.

Abstract: A composite comprised of reinforcement fibers having a continuous coating of a metal nitride wherein the metal is from the group consisting of silicon, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, tantalum, and mixtures thereof, and a molten silicon infiltration formed silicon carbide matrix. The reinforcement fibers are fibers from the group consisting of elemental carbon, silicon carbide, and mixtures thereof. A method of forming the composite comprises depositing a continuous coating of the metal nitride on the fibers. A carbonaceous material is admixed with the coated fibers so that at least 5 volume percent of the mixture is the coated fibers. The mixture is formed into a preform having an open porosity ranging from about 25 volume percent to about 90 volume percent of the preform. The preform is heated in an inert atmosphere or partial vacuum, and infiltrated with molten silicon to produce an infiltrated product having the composition of the composite.

Abstract: A suspension of microfabricated microdevices for use in therapeutic applications is disclosed. The microdevices have a selected shape, and uniform dimensions preferably in the 100 nm to 10 Am range. Also disclosed are microfabrication methods for making such microdevices.