Abstract: It has now been determined that a first coating layer may be applied to a substrate by a first coating die in a much thinner layer than its rheological properties and/or surface properties would normally allow. This is accomplished by using a second coating fluid dispensed from a second coating die acting as a “dynamic liquid squeegee” to transport, spread, even, or meter the first coating layer on the substrate by varying a gap between the second coating die and the substrate.

Abstract: A thermal transfer ribbon comprises a substrate, and a clear thermal transfer coating disposed on one side of the substrate, wherein the clear thermal transfer coating is substantially devoid of pigment material. Also, a method of manufacturing a thermal transfer ribbon for finishing a printed label comprises applying to one major side surface of a substrate a clear thermal transfer coating which is substantially devoid of pigment material. Further, an apparatus comprises a label printer, a thermal transfer printer, and an in-line feeding mechanism which interconnects the label printer and the thermal transfer printer to feed a printed label from the label printer to the thermal transfer printer so that the thermal transfer printer can thermally transfer a clear thermal transfer coating to the printed label to provide a finished label.

Abstract: An integrated composite structure with a graded coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is formed by selecting a plurality of layers of materials with a graded CTE and using build-up (bottom-up) fabrication approaches such as metal deposition or powder metallurgy to produce a CTE-graded layered composite preform, which is then consolidated and heat treated to create the CTE graded integrated composite billet or near net shape. The integrated composite billet or near net shape is then processed to produce a first surface for attachment of a first structural member having a first CTE and to produce a second surface of for attachment of a second structural member having a second CTE.

Abstract: A golf ball may include one or more structural layers, including an outermost structural layer, and indicia applied in a localized area of the ball. Also, the golf ball may include an intermediate coating applied in the localized area over the indicia, wherein the intermediate coating is formulated to prevent alteration of the indicia by the application of the intermediate coating. The golf ball may further include a top coating applied over the entire ball, including the outermost structural layer and the localized area including the intermediate coating.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a laminate product comprising at least a laminate layer with a decor sheet, wherein, for forming the laminate layer, at least a decor sheet is formed by providing in a decor application process a decor in the form of a motif on a decor carrier, wherein this decor carrier consists of a continuous material web, wherein the decor is applied by means of one or more digital printers and wherein the global decor during the processing of the material web is controlled in a varying manner, by means of controlling the one or more printers, as a function of varying external data.

Abstract: An article is provided, the article including a substrate having a surface, a nano-structure array formed on the substrate, the nano-structure array including a plurality of nano-structures extending from the surface of the substrate, and a cover layer formed on and around the nano-structures to anchor the cover layer to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a temperature resistant and fluid impermeable protective glove having front and back panels joined by at least one seam. During manufacture, the glove is dipped into a first thin liquid to coat the exterior surface of the glove. The first liquid penetrates through gaps in the seam and seals those gaps as it solidifies. The first liquid coated glove is then dipped into a second thicker liquid to coat the entire exterior surface including the sealed seam. A third coating may be applied to the interior surface of the glove prior to joining the front and back panels together. The glove may also include an interior liner and an exterior protective member for added comfort and protection.

Abstract: An embossing apparatus comprises an embossing die comprising a printed relief pattern, and a resilient surface for pressing media against the embossing die to emboss features corresponding to the printed relief pattern on the media, in which the printed relief pattern comprises a number of layers of a deposited material, and in which a number of layers of the deposited material closest to the top of the printed relief pattern comprises a deposited material with a relatively lower coefficient of adhesion than layers of the deposited material disposed under the deposited material closest to the top of the printed relief pattern. A printed relief pattern for embossing media comprises a number of preliminary layers, the preliminary layers comprising a first material, and a number of terminal layers, the terminal layers comprising a second material, in which the second material has a lower adhesive coefficient than the first material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a relief pattern as part of a layered structure and comprising, forming a relief pattern on the surface of a layer of the said structure and subsequently forming a protective fixing layer on at least part of the said relief pattern and serving to protect the underlying relief pattern during any subsequent processing of the said structure, and thereby also provides for a layered structure, generally comprising a substrate having a relief pattern formed on a surface of the substrate and wherein at least a portion of the said relief has been provided with a protective fixing layer serving to retain the characteristics of the relief pattern during any subsequent processing of the structure such as, for example, when forming a laminate structure with the relief pattern provided therein.

Abstract: A method of orienting microphase-separated domains is disclosed, comprising applying a composition comprising an orientation control component, and a block copolymer assembly component comprising a block copolymer having at least two microphase-separated domains in which the orientation control component is substantially immiscible with the block copolymer assembly component upon forming a film; and forming a compositionally vertically segregated film on the surface of the substrate from the composition. The orientation control component and block copolymer segregate during film forming to form the compositionally vertically-segregated film on the surface of a substrate, where the orientation control component is enriched adjacent to the surface of the compositionally segregated film adjacent to the surface of the substrate, and the block copolymer assembly is enriched at an air-surface interface.

Abstract: A building board, in particular of wooden material, plastic or a mixture of wooden material and plastic, with a top side and an underside and side edges. A polyurethane layer is applied at least on the top side. A decorative layer imitating a natural material is applied onto the polyurethane layer.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided that may include one or more structural layers, including an outermost structural layer having an outer surface. The ball may also include a primer coating applied to the entire outer surface of the outermost structural layer. In addition, the ball may include indicia applied on the primer coating in a localized area. Further, the ball may include an intermediate coating applied in the localized area over the indicia, wherein the intermediate coating is formulated to prevent alteration of the indicia by the application of the intermediate coating. A top coating may be applied over the entire ball, including the primer coating and the localized area including the intermediate coating.

Abstract: A housing includes a transparent substrate, a first ink layer formed on a surface of the substrate, and a metallic layer formed on the first ink layer. The first ink layer is at least translucent. The density of the first ink layer is gradually changed on the substrate. A method for making the housing is also described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a material of energy product includes sufficiently stirring and mixing a naturally-mixed rare earth mineral of 25%-35% with a water-soluble essence of 65%-75% to form a base material for printing; setting up a print plate on a screen printing machine to carry out printing of the base material, followed by baking and drying, in a layer by layer manner with each layer being of a thickness of 0.04 mm; and repeating the steps of printing and baking and drying for several times to form an energy product material of an increased thickness that is applicable to decorations, textiles, personal daily commodities, and rehabilitation articles to provide a user with protection against adverse influences caused by positive ions, maintain natural balance of the body of the user, and facilitate blood circulation of the body of the user to thus improve metabolism.

Abstract: A coated string for a stringed device which includes a coating applied to the surface of the string. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the string and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated string.

Abstract: A self-replicating monolayer system employing polymerization of monomers or nanoparticle ensembles on a defined template provides synthesis of two-dimensional single molecule polymers. Systems of self-replicating monolayers are used as templates for growth of inorganic colloids. A preferred embodiment employs SAM-based replication, wherein an initial monolayer is patterned and used as a template for self-assembly of a second monolayer by molecular recognition. The second monolayer is polymerized in place and the monolayers are separated to form a replicate. Both may then function as templates for monolayer assemblies. A generic self-replicating monomer unit comprises a polymerizable moiety attached by methylene repeats to a recognition element and an ending unit that will not interfere with the chosen recognition chemistry. The recognition element is self-complementary, unless two replicating monomers with compatible cross-linking chemistry are employed.

Abstract: A coated panel may include a substrate and a decorative top layer provided on the substrate. A method for manufacturing the panel may involve forming at least a portion of the top layer by printing on the substrate to provide a structure on the substrate. The structure may include protrusions formed by two or more prints provided on top of each other.

Abstract: The invention provides an ink composition including a polymerizable compound represented by following Formula (1), a polymerization initiator and water: XA)n??Formula (1) wherein, in Formula (1), X represents a divalent or trivalent nitrogen-containing linking group represented by any one of following Formulae (X1) to (X3), A represents a polymerizable functional group having an amide group, and n represents 2 or 3: wherein, in Formulae (X1) to (X3), Z represents an alkylene group having 2 or 3 carbon atoms, or a divalent linking group including an alkylene group having 2 or 3 carbon atoms and an oxygen atom; and R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for enhancing the consistency of performance of assays, such as multiplexed assays, by printing features in a particular pattern, such that the outer edge of the pattern has a shape that is substantially similar to the shape of the test well. For example, the pattern is a circular or oval pattern along the bottom of multiplexed wells. The assay substrates prepared according to the methods described result in more accurate, precise, and sensitive chemical and/or biological analyses.

Abstract: A filter includes a membrane having a plurality of nanochannels formed therein. A first surface charge material is deposited on an end portion of the nanochannels. The first surface charge material includes a surface charge to electrostatically influence ions in an electrolytic solution such that the nanochannels reflect ions back into the electrolytic solution while passing a fluid of the electrolytic solution. Methods for making and using the filter are also provided.

Abstract: A method and a printing device (6) for decorating glass or ceramic items, wherein a pigment layer (3) is sandwiched between two glass frit layers (2, 4), wherein at least the pigment formulation layer (3) and the upper glass frit formulation layer (4) are, or can be, imprinted by an inkjet printing process.

Abstract: A spacer wafer for a wafer-level camera and a method of manufacturing the spacer wafer include positioning a substrate in an additive manufacturing device and forming the spacer wafer over the substrate. The spacer wafer is formed by an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: An article may include a substrate comprising a matrix material and a reinforcement material, a layer formed on the substrate, an array of features formed on the layer, and a coating formed on the layer and the array of features. The article may have improved thermal and/or mechanical stress tolerance compared to an article not including the array of features formed on the layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a semiconductor element from a pattern formed body capable of attaining patterning efficiently with a high precision. The method includes a photoresist pattern formation step, a hydrophilicity imparting step and a photoresist pattern peeling step.

Abstract: A layered structure, a process of applying an image layer to a substrate, and a process of using a layered structure are disclosed. The layered structure having an image layer is applied to a substrate. The image layer is formed by a transfer foil process, a digital printing process, or a combination thereof. The image layer includes one or both of a radiation-cured coating and an amine-cured coating. The application process includes positioning a substrate, applying an image layer to the substrate, and applying a coating to the image layer. The process of using a layered structure includes positioning the layered structure in an exterior environment, applying an image to an image layer by a transfer foil process, a digital printing process, or a combination thereof, and applying the coating to the image layer, the coating being radiation-cured, amine-cured, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article having at least one surface, wherein said surface is at least partially coated with a ultra high hydrophobic film having a surface roughness such that the film exhibits a static water contact angle at least equal to 115°, preferably 120°, even better 125°, and wherein said film is a nanostructured film comprising a first layer comprising nanoparticles bound by at least one binder adhering to the surface of the article, and a second layer of an anti-fouling top coat at least partially coating said first layer. The present invention also concerns a process for preparing the above article.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a jacket, strength members, armor, and a tear feature. The jacket is formed from a first polymeric material and defines an exterior of the cable. The jacket further forms an interior cavity configured to support an optical fiber. The strength members are each surrounded by the jacket, with the cavity separating the strength members from one another. The armor extends above the cavity and at least partially above the strength members, and has greater tensile strength than the first polymeric material. The tear feature is located beneath the armor and is formed from a second polymeric material co-extrudable with the first polymeric material. The tear feature forms a discontinuity of material within the jacket. At least one of the second polymeric material and the interface between the first and second polymeric materials yields at a lesser tearing force than the first polymeric material.

Abstract: An additive three-dimensional fabrication process uses multiple build materials with different optical properties (e.g., color, opacity) at different surface depths to achieve grayscale-rendered images on exterior surfaces thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a method for disposing a component on a substrate (100), the method comprising steps of: a step (a) of preparing the substrate (100), a first liquid, and a component-dispersing liquid; a step (b) of applying the first liquid to the substrate (100) along the +X direction continuously to dispose the first liquid on hydrophilic lines (112) and hydrophilic body regions (111) along the +X direction alternately; a step (c) of bringing the component-dispersing liquid in contact with the first liquid disposed on the hydrophilic region (111); and a step (d) of removing the first liquid and the second liquid from the substrate (100) to dispose the component on the hydrophilic region (111).

Abstract: A process of manufacturing the main body of a bike helmet includes the following steps: (I.) coating with a base layer resin: that is, uniformly coating the entire shock absorbing liner with a base layer resin; (II.) coating with a protective layer resin: uniformly coating the base layer resin with a protective layer resin to form a shell; (III.) transferring pattern: transferring the pattern to print on the shell; and (IV.) clear coating: spraying clear coating on the pattern. By the aforesaid steps of the process, the shock absorbing liner and the shell are able to join tightly, which solidifies the helmet for better durability, to prolong the years of use, to substantially lower the production cost, and to boost the yield rate.

Abstract: A system and method for conditioning a chamber is disclosed. An embodiment comprises utilizing the deposition chamber to deposit a first layer and conditioning the deposition chamber. The conditioning the deposition chamber can be performed by depositing a heterogeneous material over the first layer. The heterogeneous material can cover and encapsulate the first layer, thereby preventing particles of the first layer from breaking off and potentially landing on a substrate during a subsequent processing run.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a flexible substrate structure is provided. A flexible metal carrier including at least one first region and at least one second region is provided. A surface-modified layer is formed on the first region of the flexible metal carrier. A flexible plastic substrate is formed over the first region and the second region of the flexible metal carrier. The flexible plastic substrate over the first region contacts with the surface-modified layer. The flexible plastic substrate over the second region contacts with the flexible metal carrier.

Abstract: A method including passing a substrate by at least one slot die in at least a first direction and applying at least one coating to the substrate with the slot die, where the slot die is moved in a direction transverse to the at least first direction.

Abstract: An armor system and method involves providing a core material and a stream of atomized coating material that comprises a liquid fraction and a solid fraction. An initial layer is deposited on the core material by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is less than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis. An outer layer is then deposited on the initial layer by positioning the core material in the stream of atomized coating material wherein the solid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material is greater than the liquid fraction of the stream of atomized coating material on a weight basis.

Abstract: Provided is an industrially excellent surface-treated copper foil which satisfies requirements for adhesiveness to an insulating resin such as polyimide, heat-resistant adhesiveness, chemical resistance and soft etching properties. Also provided is a method for producing a surface-treated copper foil which achieves a high adhesion strength between an insulating resin and the copper foil, shows high chemical resistance in circuit formation and sustains good soft etching properties after forming vias by laser-processing. A base copper foil is subjected to a roughening treatment to give a surface roughness (Rz) of 1.1 ?m or below. On the roughened surface, an Ni—Zn alloy layer is formed. The aforesaid roughening treatment is conducted in such a manner that the roughened surface comprises sharp-pointed convexes, which have a width of 0.3-0.8 ?m, a height of 0.6-1.8 ?m and an aspect ratio of 1.2-3.5, and the surface roughness (Rz) of said base copper foil is increased by 0.05-0.3 ?m.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method for containing spills on shelving and the like, and the resulting support members made in accordance with the method, by providing the generally flat top surface of a support with a hydrophobic surface which is arranged in a spill containment pattern and which is generally in the plane of the top surface of the support. The majority of the top surface of the support consists of one or more spill containment areas which are of a non-hydrophobic nature and which are bounded by the hydrophobic surfaces, such that spills on the shelving collect in the non-hydrophobic spill containment area or areas and are prevented from spreading by the hydrophobic surfaces.

Abstract: Pre-treatment composition and printing method for printing durable images using such pre-treatment composition are disclosed. A disclosed example of the pre-treatment composition includes a liquid vehicle, a polyvalent metal salt, a latex resin and thickener. Moreover, a printing method is also disclosed with an ink composition comprising of an aqueous liquid vehicle and a colorant after pre-treatment with said pre-treatment composition.

Abstract: The application relates to methods for producing islands of functionality within nanoscale apertures. Islands of functionality can be produced by growing an aperture constriction layer from the walls, functionalizing the exposed base of the aperture, then removing the aperture constriction layer. The aperture constriction layer can be produced, for example, by anodically growing an oxide layer onto a cladding through which the aperture extends. The islands of functionality can be used to bind a single molecule of interest, such as an enzyme within the nanoscale aperture.

Abstract: The adhesion of metal thin films onto polymeric substrates can be significantly enhanced by contacting the surface of the polymeric substrate with a non-complexing solvent before or after depositing the metal film.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a substrate to provide grease and oil resistance the substrate. The apparatus and method includes, applying a first film layer of a non-fluoro grease and oil resistant chemical on the surface of the substrate to form a first film layer on the surface of the substrate. The apparatus also includes applying a second film layer of a water resistant chemical over the first film layer to prevent the first layer from being contacted by water and to hold the first layer to the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of forming an electrode having reduced corrosion and water decomposition on a surface thereof. A substrate which has a conductive layer disposed thereon is provided and the conductive layer has an oxide layer with an exposed surface. The exposed surface of the oxide layer contacts a solution of an organic surface active compound in an organic solvent to form a protective layer of the organic surface active compound over the oxide layer. The protective layer has a thickness of from about 0.5 nm to about 5 nm and ranges therebetween depending on a chemical structure of the surface active compound.

Abstract: A liquid discharge method is a method for depositing liquid on a plurality of target discharge partitioned areas formed on a substrate as the liquid is selectively discharged from a plurality of discharge nozzles while the substrate and the discharge nozzles are moved relative to each other. The liquid discharge method includes setting an arrangement pattern according to shapes and positions of the target discharge partitioned areas so that a number of the discharge nozzles selected to be used among the discharge nozzles capable of depositing the liquid in the target discharge partitioned areas is the same in each discharge timing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing liquid- guiding structural layers by flexo or gravure printing on a substrate sheet, using a printing solution, which alters the properties of the substrate sheet in such a way that liquid flow is prevented in the area of the structural layers. The penetrability of the printing layer into the substrate sheet can be regulated by the printing-cylinder pressure and the composition of the printing solution. In the method it is possible to use printing solutions consisting of economical polymers and a solvent. In terms of printing technology, the invention is compatible with existing printing machines and is thus highly suitable for mass production.

Abstract: A composite article includes a substrate, at least one protective layer on the substrate, and an intermediate layer between the protective layer and the substrate. The intermediate layer includes a first material that occupies a first continuous region and a second material that occupies a second continuous region next to the first continuous region. The first continuous region and the second continuous region are each in contact with the substrate and the protective layer.

Abstract: A method of producing coloured portions on a tyre, the method including the steps of: producing a highly impermeable protective layer by depositing a water-based emulsion on a tyre part to be coloured; and applying a water-based paint to the protective layer. The water-based emulsion has at least a cross- linkable polymer base, and a surface-active agent of molecular formula (I) (R1CONR2CHR3COO?)n Xn+(I) where: R1 is an aliphatic group C6-C23, R2 is H or an aliphatic group C1-C8, R3 is H or an aliphatic or aromatic group C1-C8, X is a metal cation, preferably an alkaline cation, and n is an integer of 1 to 3.

Abstract: There are provided a gravure printing engraving roll and a manufacturing method thereof. The gravure printing engraving roll includes: a base layer provided with gravure printing patterns; and a reinforcement coating layer applied to the base layer in order to reinforce strength of the base layer, the reinforcement coating layer including a first reinforcement layer formed on the base layer by a wet plating method, a second reinforcement layer forming an outer surface of the reinforcement coating layer, a first adhesive layer disposed between the first and second reinforcement layers and providing adhesive strength to a surface of the first reinforcement layer, and a second adhesive layer providing adhesive strength between the first adhesive layer and the second reinforcement layer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating electronic devices includes the steps of 1) printing a multi-layer electronic device on a silicone-based hard coating on a substrate, and 2) removing the device from the substrate. The silicone-based hard coating is an abrasion resistant coating with hardness ranging from 1 to 10 gigaPascals.

Abstract: A pattern film formation method includes: discharging liquid from at least one first discharge head toward a first pattern film formation region on a substrate; and discharging liquid from a plurality of second discharge heads toward a second pattern film formation region that is narrower than the first pattern film formation region. A number of the second discharge heads is greater than a number of the at least one first discharge head.

Abstract: A method for producing a glass or glass ceramic composite material is provided. The method includes: providing a glass or glass ceramic substrate with a coefficient of thermal expansion of ??5*10?6 K?1; applying a sol-gel layer onto the substrate; adding particles to the sol-gel layer; patterning the sol-gel layer; thermally curing the sol-gel layer; and applying at least one further layer using a deposition process.

Abstract: Materials and methods for long term stability of records using metal nanoparticle-containing inks printed on durable substrates or media, including records generated by the disclosed methods, are described.