Abstract: Metal surfaces which are pre-treated with high-energy NIR-radiation and then coated with a powder or a liquid coating composition, followed by curing or drying the coating composition, show better adhesion to the coating and improved appearance and performance and the process is more cost effective.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating system for a superalloy substrate is disclosed. The superalloy is preferably of the type that is capable of forming an adherent alumina layer. A bond coat is applied to a local area of the substrate, so that a portion of the substrate remains exposed. The localized area is defined to be the area(s) at which a TBC typically fails first, e.g., the leading and trailing edges of an airfoil, or other area. An alumina layer is formed on the remaining portion of the substrate, and also on the bond coat. A ceramic layer is then applied on the alumina layer. Even if the ceramic material is removed, the localized bond coat remains, and reduces the rate at which the underlying substrate oxidizes. A coated article is also disclosed, as is a system that utilizes a conventional superalloy and aluminide coating with the localized bond coat.

Abstract: Application of radiation curable coatings to a flexible vinyl web, which is usually printed with a decorative pattern. This printed vinyl may be laminated to a backing for support and is often embossed. The actinically irradiated coated vinyl surface has improved stain resistance and is resistant to chemical attack by common as well as aggressive household cleaning solvents such as pine oil cleaners and nail polish remover. The coating is essentially free of hazardous volatile organic compounds and does not pose a toxicological threat to humans nor does it contaminate the atmosphere. These surface coated, actinically crosslinked vinyl laminates can be used in the manufacture of wallcoverings, automotive interiors, upholstery, tablecloths and other such applications especially where heat sensitive plastics are employed.

Abstract: A method and system for finishing a golf ball to prevent tip marks is disclosed herein. The present invention includes whitening a portion of a golf ball, then positioning the golf ball in such manner that the tips of a carrier engage the whitened portion. The whitening may be accomplished by inkjet, pad printing or painting.

Abstract: A liquid output portion is arranged above a substrate. In the substrate, a film formation region and a non-film-formation region are determined. The liquid output portion is responsible for continuously outputting a liquid in a constant amount to the substrate. The substrate and the liquid output portion are relatively moved by a moving portion. Below the liquid output portion, a liquid shut-out portion is arranged. At least one of the substrate and the liquid output portion is moved and ready to supply of the liquid from the liquid output portion to the non-film-formation region, the supply is shut out by the liquid shut-out portion. A liquid, which has been controlled so as to spread in a constant amount, is continuously output from the liquid output nozzle to the substrate. While the nozzle and the substrate are relatively moved, the liquid is supplied to a first region on the substrate.

Abstract: Production process for 3-D structural images, wherein a structural mass is first applied to an untreated or treated picture carrier, giving rise to a character in relief, after which color and other colors, solvents, pigments, water or diluting agents, if required, are applied by shaking, rinsing and skimming techniques, resulting in an art work (3-D structural image) having a realistic effect from the graphic to the abstract, which exhibits at the same time both an expressionistic and an impressionistic effect.

Abstract: A display structure is formed using patterned deposition of display materials. A substrate includes a plurality of distinct electrodes. A plurality of droplets including a material are formed and charged to a second polarity. First selected ones of the plurality of electrodes are charged to a first polarity opposite the second polarity to selectively attract the droplets including the material to the oppositely charged first selected ones of the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: Method for removing a portion of the binder phase from the surface of a substrate that is composed of particles of at least a first phase joined together by the binder phase, and wherein the surface is etched by contacting it with a gas flow of an etchant gas and a second gas. The second gas is one or more gases that will not react with the substrate or the removed binder phase and will not alter the oxidation state of the substrate during etching.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of obtaining a simulated deep acid etch sign. The steps include creating a custom image on the sign through computer programming and hand applied manipulation. A coating of ink is applied and then cured with ultra violet light, post cured and then providing a conventional mirroring process.

Abstract: An ink jet printing process for improving the water-fastness of an ink jet image comprising: a) providing an ink jet recording element comprising a support having thereon an image-recording layer comprising a cross-linkable gelatin and a mordant, b) applying liquid ink droplets of an anionic, water-soluble dye on the image-recording layer in an image-wise manner, and c) submerging the element in an aqueous solution of a hardener to cross-link the gelatin.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing thick film circuit wherein an IC is attached to a central conductor pad with adhesive, and wherein spreading of the adhesive is constrained by a ring of porous dielectric material formed between the central conductor pad and the peripheral conductor pads to which the IC terminals are bonded. When the adhesive material is printed and begins to spread, it contacts the porous dielectric ring, which absorbs the adhesive material and stops the spreading. In this way, the porous dielectric ring controls the dimensions of the cured adhesive, thereby preventing the adhesive from contaminating the peripheral conductor pads. Even with the addition of the intervening dielectric ring, the length of the wire-bond connections and the overall dimension of the IC and its conductor pads are both significantly decreased, contributing to improved circuit area utilization and wire-bond durability.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a color filter comprises a step for charging an ink comprising a thermosetting resin composition onto an opening of a black matrix provided on a transparent substrate and a step for curing the ink by heat treatment. The thermosetting resin composition comprises either a coloring agent, a multifunctional epoxide having at least two glycidyl groups and a compound crosslinked by the multifunctional epoxide; or a coloring agent, a cellulose-reactive compound and a compound crosslinked by the cellulose-reactive compound.

Abstract: A layer of sealant is applied to a portion of the surface of a vehicle wheel to prevent air leakage therethrough.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a magnetic disk comprises the step of depositing a metallic layer on a glass substrate and laser texturing the metallic layer. The magnetic disk is then completed by deposition of (a) an underlayer such as Cr or sputtered NiP, (b) a magnetic layer such as a Co or Fe alloy, and (c) a protective overcoat such as ZrO.sub.2, carbon or hydrogenated carbon. By providing the above-mentioned metallic layer, laser texturing can now be used in conjunction with glass substrates.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for depositing multilayered thin films onto substrates, for example in making thin film magnetic heads. In accordance with the invention a first film, such as Cr, is deposited onto the substrate at a first angle and a second layer, such as CoCrPt is deposited at a second angle.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel method for the formation of optically variant pigments by the coating of layers onto a substrate and the fracturing of the coated material into pigment particles after the coating operation and novel pigments produced thereby. Coating techniques such as slot die coating (especially multiple slot die coating), spin coating, meniscus coating, curtain coating, and the like have proven successful. It is preferred that multiple die slots are used to coat multiple layers in a single pass so that manufacturing costs are minimized. The use of these coating techniques, and especially multiple die slot coating, allows for many layers to be coated, with from three to fifty layers being readily possible. This offers a relatively inexpensive way of coating out a wide variety of layers, and especially the pigment materials needed for optically variable pigments, quickly and with high quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of introducing enhanced biofouling release properties to intact biofouling release coatings by exposing the surface of the biofouling release coating to a restorative compound for a time sufficient to effect enhancement of biofouling release properties. Also disclosed are kits useful in carrying out these processes.

Abstract: A patterned molecular self-assembly is provided. The patterned molecular self-assembly comprises a support having an exposed patterned surface and a non-patterned surface. A compound is selectively adsorbed on the exposed patterned surface. The compound may comprise a first compound selectively adsorbed on the exposed patterned surface and a second compound selectively adsorbed on the first compound to form at least one bilayer. The patterned molecular self-assembly may further comprise a first set of bilayers and a second set of bilayers wherein the first set of bilayers has a different composition than the second set of bilayers.

Abstract: A method of making rotating element sheet material utilizing magnetic latching is provided. The first step is providing a sheet of sheet material comprising a substrate with a surface and rotatable elements disposed therein. The elements each have an optical and electrical anisotropy, and comprise at least two portions. One of the portions is magnetizable. After the magnetizable portions have been oriented in a common direction, they are magnetized substantially uniformly. The elements can be oriented such that the magnetized portions are disposed towards the surface of the substrate. A layer of hardenable mixture containing a plurality of magnetic particles is then applied to the surface of the substrate. The hardenable liquid is kept liquid for a period of time to allow the migration magnetic particles to the area of the layer in the vicinity of the magnetized portions of the rotatable elements.

Abstract: This invention relates to paperboard lids having a radiation cured overprint varnish. Such structures of this type, generally, protect the graphics which are printed upon the paperboard lid such that the graphics are not distorted and/or marred during the platen sealing process.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an adhesion-resistant microelectromechanical device is disclosed wherein amorphous hydrogenated carbon is used as a coating or structural material to prevent adhesive failures during the formation and operation of a microelectromechanical device.

Abstract: Overprintable thermoset decorating inks and methods of applying such inks to substrates are disclosed. The decorating inks include a reactive polymeric binder resin and a crystalline crosslinker. The reactive polymeric binder resin may comprise acrylics, epoxies, polyesters, urethanes and the like which possess high Tg values. The combination of high glass transition temperature resins and crystalline crosslinkers avoids the necessity of using diluents in the coating compositions. The coating composition is applied to a substrate by heating the composition to a first temperature below the curing temperature of the coating, applying the heated coating composition to the substrate, allowing the applied coating composition to cool sufficiently so it at least partially hardens, and heating the applied coating composition to a second temperature above the first temperature for a sufficient to cure the coating composition.

Abstract: A method for coating cloth especially fiberglass sheets with a thermosetting resin and resulting structure is provided. The coating is performed in two steps. In the first step, essentially all of the strands of the fiberglass are coated with the resin/solvent mixture while maintaining at least some of the interstices or openings essentially free of the solvent mixture. This first coating is then partially cured to between about 70% and 90% of full cure. The coated fiberglass with partially cured resin thereon is then given a second coating of either the same or different thermosetting resin mixture which coats the first coating and fills in the interstices between the fibers. This second coating is then partially cured, which advances the cure of the first coating past 80% full cure and results in an impregnated fiberglass cloth structure for use as sticker sheets.

Abstract: The present invention consists in obtaining a photocopy in a normal copy paper. After that, a spray that contains a textile fixing component is applied upon the paper absorbing the toner of the copy, and the copy impregnated with the textile fixing fluid is placed upon the fabric with the aid of heating and pressing means.

Abstract: Compositions containing polyurethane dispersions and water reducible resins particularly suited for use as basecoats in low VOC basecoat/clearcoat vehicle coatings.

Abstract: An carrying container and method for holding and transporting evidence, the case having a base portion and a cover portion and both vertically and horizontally adjustable securing means. The base portion has multiple support bars upon which slidably affixed support racks or U-clamps are positioned. The adjustable support racks or clamps position the item to be carried and securely hold the item placed therein. A storage compartment may also be incorporated. The container has a port or vent through which fingerprint dust fixative can be injected to fix fingerprint dust that has been applied to the item so that latent fingerprints can be identified. The container protects the item from damage and minimizes physical contact with the item and thus protects and preserves any latent fingerprints that may exist on the item.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a thin-film magnetic device having a magnetic film provided with uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, the magnetic film, which is formed on a Si wafer, is patterned, before it is heat-treated in a magnetic field, in such a manner that the length of the magnetic film in a direction parallel to that of the magnetic field is greater than the length of the magnetic film in a direction perpendicular thereto. The magnetic film is divided into band-like magnetic films, and the band-like magnetic films are heat-treated in the magnetic field and each provided with uniaxial magnetic anisotropy. The band-like magnetic films are patterned and each divided again into magnetic films of a chip size. Thus, a crack or a blister can be prevented from occurring on the magnetic film, and the magnetic characteristics of the magnetic film can be prevented from deteriorating.

Abstract: A method for imprinting woodprints onto the blade of fan generally includes the steps of 1) molding the plastic blade; 2) coloring the blade with woodprints; and 3) deploying a protective coating thereof. Characterized in that when the plastic blade is molded by injected molding, the surface of the plastic blade is formed with a plurality of recesses that stimulate the annular rings. The plastic material can be dyed with white or other colors that stimulates the wood color. Then the surface of the plastic blade is printed with a first UV coating that is darker than the color of plastic blade. Afterward, the UV coating is then flattened by means of a rubber knife such that the UV coating is left only within the recesses on the surface of the plastic blade. Before the UV coating is cured and dried, a brush can be used to brush the UV coating longitudinally to generate a pattern of fibrils. Then the coating is undergone the UV light to cure and dry the UV coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coating and printing methods for the deposition of aqueous compositions. The composition may be adapted to any method without the need to change its chemical content. Viscosity is determined and adjusted by rising and lowering the temperature. High gloss value, increased film integrity and enhanced more resistance result.

Abstract: A crank shaft is constructed only at the surface layer of a journal portion with a hard nitride layer, so that the resultant crank shaft is available at a low cost, not so heavy and excellent in durability in comparison with a case employing a hard material for the whole crank shaft. Also, a method of manufacturing a crank shaft according to the present invention employs fluorinating process prior to nitriding process to change a passive coat layer, such as oxide layer on the surface of the journal portion to a fluoride layer, which protects the same surface. Therefore, even when there is space of time between formation of fluoride on the surface of the journal portion and nitriding process, the fluoride layer protects and keeps the surface of the journal portion in a favorable condition, resulting in that re-formation of oxide layer on that surface is prevented.

Abstract: A building panel having a three-dimensionally patterned surface, and a method and apparatus for coating the building panel are disclosed. The building panel includes convex portions partially topcoated with a first coating, concave portions partially topcoated with a second coating which is different in color from the first coating, and between the concave and convex portions topcoated with a third coating which is different in color from the first and second coatings. The third coating layer topcoated over the intermediate portions is preferably darker in color than the first coating so as to emphasize the depth of the concave portions and hence the stereographic appearance.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing thick film circuits that effectively eliminates the trade-off between thickness and definition, permitting dielectric layers of increased thickness with no pin-holes, and at the same time, more precise definition of dielectric features, such as via openings and solder stops. The method utilizes a dielectric material that can be co-fired with an underlying conductor, and preferably, that remains porous after firing. A layer of the dielectric material (FDL) is printed atop a dried but not yet fired conductor of the first circuit layer, and then co-fired with the conductor. Spreading of the FDL prior to firing is minimized due to the porosity of the dried but unfired conductor, which absorbs solvent from the FDL. The FDL can be printed in a ring, enclosing a portion of the underlying conductor to form a via definition ring, or VDR.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for semi-selectively depositing a material on a substrate by chemical vapor deposition to form continuous, void-free contact holes or vias in sub-half micron applications. An insulating layer is preferentially deposited on the field of a substrate to delay or inhibit nucleation of metal on the field. A CVD metal is then deposited onto the substrate and grows selectively in the contact hole or via where a barrier layer serves as a nucleation layer. The process is preferably carried out in a multi-chamber system that includes both PVD and CVD processing chambers so that once the substrate is introduced into a vacuum environment, the filling of contact holes and vias occurs without the formation of an oxide layer on a patterned substrate.

Abstract: A magnetically shape-anisotropic material is made by providing a matrix with a plurality of elongated holes, and depositing first and second magnetic materials in each hole so as to form elongated particles including the first material adjacent one end and the second material adjacent the opposite end. One of the materials is a magnetically soft material having relatively low coercivity whereas the other material is a magnetically hard material having relatively high coercivity. The particles have dimensions transverse to their axes of elongation smaller than the magnetic domain size of the magnetically soft material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided in which a coating is deposited onto a substrate by a process which includes the following steps: depositing a precursor onto the substrate in a desired pattern; depositing an appropriate ligand onto the substrate; and applying sufficient energy to transfer electrons from the ligand to the precursor, thereby decomposing the precursor to form a precipitate. In one aspect of preferred embodiments, the precursor comprises a metallic salt, and the precipitate comprises a metal. Especially preferred salts are carboxylates, halides, nitrates, and pseudo halides. In another aspect of preferred embodiments, the ligand comprises an amine, an amide, a phosphine, a sulfide, or any other ligand containing nitrogen, phosphorous, sulphur or other donor atoms. In another aspect of preferred embodiments, the energy is supplied at least partially as radiant heat.

Abstract: A continuous reinforced composite material, including a first sheet with at least two polymer layers and a first fabric layer operatively coupled therebetween. The first sheet having at least one border where at least some of the fibers of the first fabric layer are continuous thereby having no free ends at the border. The composite material further includes a second sheet with at least two polymer layers with a second fabric layer operatively coupled therebetween. The second sheet having at least one border where at least some of the fibers of the second fabric layer are continuous thereby having no free ends at the border. The composite material further includes a seam wherein the borders of the first sheet and second sheet overlap and are operatively coupled to one another.

Abstract: In order to achieve deposit of very complex embossed designs which require thick layers of inks or paints in sharply defined patterns on flexible sheet substrate material suitable for packaging and high-volume production, a new combination of production sheet-fed printing elements is disclosed. As the typical materials will be sheet material supplied on rollers, a continuous process of moving the material from a supply roller to a take-up roller through a series of application and curing steps is provided, including elements for the steps of thick-deposit of design print material, embossing or impressing the deposited material, curing the material and sealing or covering the print material, and taking up the imprinted material for further shaping or processing.

Abstract: Defects in an initial protective coating, particularly a conversion coating, on a metal substrate can be touched up so as to at least equal the original coating in corrosion protection by use of a dry-in-place aqueous acidic liquid comprising:(A) fluorometallate anions;(B) divalent or tetravalent cations of elements selected from the group consisting of cobalt, magnesium, manganese, zinc, nickel, tin, copper, zirconium, iron, and strontium;(C) a component selected from the group consisting of phosphorus-containing inorganic oxyanions and phosphonate anions; and(D) a component of water-soluble and/or -dispersible organic polymers and/or polymer-forming resins.

Abstract: A process of making a decorative resilient floor covering is disclosed comprising the steps of applying a first layer of a first curable polymeric material to a substrate. A tape is applied to selected regions of the first layer of the first curable polymeric material after the curing thereof. A second layer of a second curable polymeric material is applied to the cured first layer. A pigmented particulate material is applied to one of the first and second layers prior to the curing thereof. The tape is removed to reveal the first layer and the second layer with the pigmented particulate material.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of pattern coating, comprising the steps of: coating a substrate with an aqueous colored coating composition comprising a neutralization product of an acrylic copolymer containing an alkoxysilyl group and a carboxyl group and a coloring pigment, using a spray device having a fine-orifice nozzle(s) to give a pattern coating layer, and coating the pattern coating layer with a clear coating composition.

Abstract: A method is described for reducing linewidth variations in the patterning of photoresists having non-uniform film thickness, comprising overcoating the photoresist with sufficient thickness of a nonreactive coating composition having a refractive index which within .+-.15 percent of that of the refractive index of the photoreist composition; said overcoating being of sufficient thickness such that it will result in about a one wave length phase lag between the oblique rays and the normal incident rays reflecting back from the substrate, upon arriving back at the resist surface. The effective thickness of the overcoating is a function of the exposure wavelength and the size of the numerical aperture of the objective lens used for expose. The overcoating compositions capable of providing the so defined refractive indices ranges, are described. For example, a polyacrylic acid coating composition having a refractive index of 1.5 at a thickness of 2.0 .mu.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing multi-layer thick film circuits that effectively eliminates the trade-off between thickness and definition, permitting dielectric layers of increased thickness with no pin-holes, and at the same time, more precise definition of dielectric features, such as via openings and solder stops. The dielectric features are precisely defined by an initial thin layer of dielectric material, referred to as a feature definition print, or FDP. After the FDP has been dried but not yet fired, a via can be formed by printing a comparatively thick cover layer of dielectric, over-lapping the edges of the FDP. Due to the porous nature of the dried but not fired FDP, it absorbs solvent from the dielectric cover layer, which inhibits the spreading of the dielectric cover layer. The FDP is then co-fired with the first dielectric layer, and a second dielectric layer may be provided atop the fired first layer to further increase the overall dielectric thickness, if so desired.

Abstract: A method of treating earthenware bodies to enhance resistance to freezing and to assist the application of decals and the like thereto comprises treating the bodies with a liquid medium containing a water-repellent material such as silicone. In a subsequent drying step, the bulk of the liquid medium is removed while leaving the water-repellent material deposited in the pores of the earthenware body. In this way, subsequent entry of water and freezing and cracking is resisted. It has also been discovered that the treatment also enchances the ability of the earthenware surface to receive decals and the like without the need for glazing and an additional firing step.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of water-covering type transparent keyboard comprises the steps of preparing the main body of silicone rubber keyboard, surface printing and coating, polyurethane layer coating, polyvinylalcohol thin film dipping, water rinsing, laser engraving text and graph forming, and polyurethane protective layer coating to form a water-covering keyboard. The water-covering type transparent keyboard according to the present invention can realize the effect of softness and good coherence.

Abstract: A substrate bears holographic imagery, selected portions of which are covered by non-holographic imagery printed in predetermined geometric registry with the holographic images. Multiple replicas of this interactive graphic work are mass-produced by embossing an array of the holographic imagery into a substrate in roll form, together with eyemarks located periodically along the roll. Using these eyemarks, the roll is optically sheeted and the non-holographic imagery then printed on the holographic substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus, kit and method for painting a marbleized pattern on an essentially flat interior surface using paints with a plurality of colors. Before beginning the process, if necessary, the surface is cleaned and prepared. This can include applying masking tape around the periphery of the area to be painted. Splotches of paint of one color are then applied to a portion of the total area to be painted using a stiff bristled brush. Splotches of other paint colors are then applied interspersed with the previous colors. The brush is then used to preliminarily blend the various splotches of paint. A special blending tool faced with wool is used to complete blending the paint. The wool face is moistened before use, and blending is completed by patting the paint with the wool face of the tool while changing the angles and locations of the tool between each contact. Accent veining lines can be added to the blended paint surface using a feather dipped into a paint of a different color than the blended surface.

Abstract: A method and resultant article are provided which optimize the adhesion of resin to the glass fibers in fiberglass cloth impregnated with a resin and also optimize the adhesion of the impregnated resin to metal sheets laminated to the resin-impregnated cloth. The fiberglass is treated in two or more passes. On the first pass, the fiberglass is impregnated with a first resin which is optimized for adherence to glass fibers and the coated resin is partially cured. In a last pass, the fiberglass is impregnated with a second resin, which is different from said first resin, and is optimized for bonding to metal. The second resin is then partially cured. The first and second resins are selected such that they form a bond with each other when cured.

Abstract: A method for coating cloth especially fiberglass sheets with a resin and resulting structure is provided. The coating is performed in two steps. In the first step, essentially all of the strands of the fiberglass are coated with the resin solvent mixture as well as most of the interstices or openings, although some of the interstices or openings have holes where the coating does not completely fill in. This first coating is then partially cured to the extent that it will not redissolve in a second coating of the same resin solution. The coated fiberglass with partially cured resin thereon is then given a second coating of the same resin mixture which coats the first coating and fills in any holes in the first coating. This second coating is then partially cured, which advances the cure of the first coating and results in an impregnated fiberglass cloth structure for use as sticker sheets. This substantially reduces pinholing.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the permanent application of indicia to the surface of the polyolefin object by applying pigmented material to the surface in an indica pattern, preferably from a transfer sheet. Preferably the pigmented material is a mixture of finely divided pigment, hydrocarbon wax and finely divided polyolefin. The polyolefin surface bearing the indicia is coated with a coating mixture comprising a mixture of polyolefin and a binder such as a rosin or wax. Thereafter, the coated, indicia-bearing polyolefin surface is surface-heated to a temperature sufficient to fuse the coating and incorporate the coating and indicia permanently into the polyolefin object. The heating can be performed by passing a heat source across the surface.

Abstract: Water-dissipative copolyesters are primer coatings for substantially amorphous polymeric films providing improved ink adhesion and improved slip characteristics. The primer coatings comprise copolyester having repeat units from a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 8 to 25 mole percent 5-sulfoisophthalic acid and 75 to 92 mole percent isophthalic acid and repeat units from a diol component comprising 25 to 100 mole percent diethylene glycol, 0 to 75 mole percent 1,4-cyclohexane-dimethanol, and 0 to 30 mole percent ethylene glycol, based on 100 mole percent dicarboxylic acid component and 100 mole percent diol component. The polymeric films are preferably polyester, polycarbonate or poly(vinyl chloride). These copolyesters primer coatings are generally dispersed in water or water/alcohol mixtures to a solids content of 20 to 35 weight percent.