Abstract: New etch barriers of indium-tin-oxide in the manufacturing process of thin film transistor-liquid crystal display are self-assembled monolayers, such as n-alkylsilanes. A typical process of applying a self-assembled monolayer is to ink a hydrolyzed n-octadecyltrimethoxysilane solution on to a stamp and then to transfer the solution onto ITO. The surface of the stamp may be polar enough to be wet with polar self-assembled monolayer solutions of an akylsilane. A non-polar stamp surface may be treated with oxygen plasma to obtain a wettable polar surface.

Abstract: A process for forming a mode size converter with an out-of-plane taper formed during deposition with a shadow mask is disclosed. Mode-size converters according to the present invention can have any number of configurations. Measured coupling efficiencies for waveguides with mode size converters according to the present invention show marked improvement.

Abstract: A method for applying a highly porous alumina material that is useful in the hot section of a jet aircraft engine. In order to apply the porous alumina, an aluminum-based metal/alumina material known in the art is first placed onto an aircraft engine component substrate. The aluminum-based metal is then dissolved using a solution that will not affect the alumina or the underlying substrate. The alumina is then washed with deionized water and dried. The aircraft engine component may be first masked by applying a non-porous metal oxide material to the component or by oxidizing the surface of the component. The resulting alumina has a porosity in the range of about 20% to about 45%. The alumina has globular interconnected surface features in the range of about 0.5 ?m to about 20 ?m.

Abstract: A process for forming an interface (106) between a plated and a non-plated area (102, 104) on the surface of a plastic component (100) is disclosed. First, an anti-plating layer (110) is formed over the surface of the plastic component. Thereafter, a low-power laser beam (10) is used to remove a portion of the anti-plating layer and to form an interface between the plated area and the non-plated area. A seeding layer (120) is formed on the plated area so that the plated area is electrically conductive. Finally, a metallic layer (130) is electrically plated over the seeding layer. The metallic layer connects with the anti-plating layer via the interface. The cost of producing the anti-plating layer is low. Moreover, since the laser etching operation is able to produce a high-quality interface boundary between the plated and the non-plated area, yield of the process is improved.

Abstract: A method of forming a photo-resist image on a substrate, such as a conductive film. The method provides that a photo-resist image is printed directly onto the conductive film, such as by using an ink jet printer. Specifically, a CAD image may be sent from a computer to the ink jet printer, and the ink jet printer may use the CAD image to print the photo-resist image. The method may provide that a copper film is applied to a dielectric substrate, and then the photo-resist image is printed directly onto the copper film. Then, at least a portion of the copper film is removed, such as by etching, and at least a portion of the photo-resist image which has been printed on the copper film is removed, such as by etching. By printing the photo-resist image directly onto the copper film, it is not necessary to perform steps such as: applying a mask, exposing to UV light, and developing.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical device, including forming a thermal tape on a glass substrate, cutting the thermal tape into a plurality of tape areas, removing at least one of the tape areas, and coating a first color film on the tape area without the thermal tape. In this case, the thermal tape is cut into a plurality of tape areas, so as to define the pattern of the optical device.

Abstract: A system and method for forming servo patterns on magnetic media is disclosed. A magnetic film coated with a layer of polystyrene is stamped with a nickel stamper reproducing the negative image of the stamped pattern on the polystyrene. Ions are then accelerated towards the surface of the polystyrene, which stopps the ions in the areas where the polystyrene is thick and allows the ions to penetrate through to the magnetic layer in the areas where the polystyrene is thin. The ions, which penetrate through to the magnetic layer, interact with the magnetic layer altering the magnetic layer's structure reducing its coercivity (Hc) and remnant moment (Mrt). This reproduces the stamped polystyrene pattern on the magnetic layer. The polystyrene is then removed by oxygen plasma etching the surface leaving behind a patterned magnetic media.

Abstract: A dual-sided stamper/imprinter for simultaneously forming magnetic transition patterns in spaced-apart first and second layers of magnetic material by contact printing comprises a mechanically hard, substantially rigid magnetic material having high saturation magnetization and high permeability and including first and second oppositely facing imprinting surfaces, wherein each of the imprinting surfaced has a topographical pattern formed therein comprising a patterned plurality of spaced-apart recesses with a plurality of non-recessed areas therebetween, each topographical pattern corresponding to a magnetic transition pattern to be formed in a respective layer of magnetic material. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing dual-sided stampers/imprinters.

Abstract: The present invention includes a personal ornament having a white coating layer and a method for making the same. The base article is made of metal and the white-colored stainless steel coating layer is formed by a dry plating process. The base metal may be ferrous or non-ferrous.

Abstract: A magnetic read head with reduced side reading characteristics is described. This design combines use of a current channeling layer (CCL) with stabilizing longitudinal bias layers whose magnetization direction is canted relative to that of the free layer easy axis and that of the pinned layer (of the GMR). This provides several advantages: First, the canting of the free layer at the side region results in a reduction of side reading by reducing magnetic sensitivity in that region. Second, the CCL leads to a narrow current flow profile at the side region, therefore producing a narrow track width definition. A process for making this device is described. Said process allows some of the requirements for interface cleaning associated with prior art processes to be relaxed.

Abstract: A method of temporarily protecting a surface which includes the steps of applying a continuous coating of a masking material to said surface, which masking material comprises, before drying, an aqueous solution or emulsion consisting essentially of a film-forming, carboxylic acid-containing polymer; coating all or a portion of said surface with a coating compound, said masking material preventing said coating compound from contacting said surface; and, thereafter, removing said masking material from said surface. Preferably said carboxylic acid-containing polymer is an acrylic or methacrylic acid-containing copolymer and is the sole film-forming component of the aqueous solution or emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for manufacturing resistors integral with the printed circuit board by plating the resistors onto the insulative substrate. The invention uses a mask during the activation step so as to selectively activate only selected portions of the surface thus enabling smaller areas to be plated on the printed circuit board because no plating mask is used. The process of the instant invention produced printed circuit boards having greater uniformity and reliability as compared to the prior art.

Abstract: Methods and devices for producing images on coated articles are provided. The methods generally comprise applying a layer of magnetizable pigment coating in liquid form on a substrate, with the magnetizable pigment coating containing a plurality of magnetic non-spherical particles or flakes. A magnetic field is then applied to selected regions of the pigment coating while the coating is in liquid form, with the magnetic field altering the orientation of selected magnetic particles or flakes. Finally, the pigment coating is solidified, affixing the reoriented particles or flakes in a non-parallel position to the surface of the pigment coating to produce an image such as a three dimensional-like image on the surface of the coating. The pigment coating can contain various interference or non-interference magnetic particles or flakes, such as magnetic color shifting pigments.

Abstract: A method of sealing the cells of a ceramic honeycomb body (5) and a cell sealing material (1) are disclosed which can suppress the deformation and dissolution of the portions of the ceramic honeycomb body dipped in the cell sealing material. An end surface (50) of the ceramic honeycomb body (5), with the portions of the end surface (50) not to be sealed covered with a masking material, is dipped in the cell sealing material (1) thereby to seal the cells in a predetermined part of the end surface. The cell sealing material (1) is composed of ceramic particles and an assistant for fluidizing the ceramic particles. The assistant has the property of not substantially redissolving a binder contained in the ceramic honeycomb body.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for printing metallic inks wherein a fountain solution and a first imprint ink are concurrently deposited onto a printing plate. A foundation metallic ink is then deposited onto the first imprint ink followed by depositing a second imprint ink is then onto the metallic ink. One or more layers of process ink colors can then be deposited onto the second imprint ink. The fountain solution is adjusted to have a pH of from about 3.7 to about 3.9 and the metallic ink is provided to have a tack of from about 14 to about 16.

Abstract: System and method for coating a medical appliance are provided. In accord with one embodiment, a system for applying a coating to a medical appliance having accessible patterned surfaces is provided. The system may include: a processor, an appliance support, and a solenoid type fluid dispensing head having an electromagnetically controlled valve. In the system, the appliance support may be adapted to hold the medical appliance and to provide direct access for a coating to contact the exposed external patterned surfaces of the medical appliance. The solenoid type fluid dispensing head in this system may move with respect to the medical appliance and may be in communication with a source of coating and with the processor. The processor in this system may contain commands that instruct the solenoid type fluid dispensing head to force coating onto the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance in a pattern that correlates with the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance.

Abstract: A process for forming a burrless castellation for a plastic chip carrier comprising forming one or more through holes in a substrate, plating the through holes with a metal to a thickness ranging from about 2 microns to about 6 microns, routing slots along the line extending through the through holes to produce half cylinder-shaped side-contact surfaces, and plating the half cylinder-shaped side-contact surfaces to a thickness in the range of 15 to 25 microns.

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

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a thin-film magnetic head provided with an MR element includes a step of forming an MR multi-layered structure in which a current flows in a direction perpendicular to surfaces of layers of the MR multi-layered structure, on a lower electrode film, a step of depositing an insulation film on the formed MR multi-layered structure and the lower electrode film, a step of flattening the deposited insulation film until at least upper surface of the MR multi-layered structure is exposed, and a step of forming an upper electrode film on the flattened insulation film and the MR multi-layered structure.

Abstract: A counterfeit-resistant document comprises a contrasting layer and a dynamic camouflaging layer. The contrasting layer is highly contrastive and includes a latent message that can be reproduced over a broad range of copy device control settings. The dynamic camouflaging layer is applied over the contrasting layer to suppress the latent message. The visual density of the dynamic camouflaging layer, which comprises a camouflage pattern that is printed in thermochromic ink, inversely varies with temperature. In this manner, the dynamic camouflaging layer is inactivated at room temperatures so that the latent message is suppressed on the original document, and activated at scanning temperatures so that the latent message is exhibited on a reproduction of the original document.

Abstract: An artwork is made on a surface of a matrix or plate with acrylic paint and then allowing the paint to dry. A layer of a backing material adhesive, such as an acrylic gel, is next applied to the acrylic layer and a backing material (such as paper or cloth) is placed upon the gel, and the wet gel is then allowed to dry. The dry artwork is then removed from the matrix. The invention allows the inclusion within a single image of other media (wet or dry), such as paper, fabric, dry acrylic elements, watercolor, waterbase crayons and pencils, felt pens, waterbase inks, water mixable oil paints, oil pastels and oil paint sticks because of the bonding abilities of acrylics.

Abstract: A method, kit and tool for decorative coloring of concrete utilizes the application of a releasable adhesive compound to a cementitious substrate to prevent coloring in particular areas. Various designs may be created by the releasable adhesive compound. Releasable adhesive compound may be applied from a caulk gun in the form of a releasable caulk using either freehand, a template to form dots to be connected together, or a stencil. Alternatively, the releasable adhesive compound may be in the form of a liquid which may be sprayed or brushed on to the surface. A coloring agent is applied and the releasable adhesive compound, particularly when it is in the form of a caulk, may be used to dam the coloring agent. A guide tool for making straight lines or particular designs uses a transparent guide surface mounted to a body which is raised by projections.

Abstract: A method for protecting surface finishes, sealing cracks, joints, and seams, and enhancing the aesthetic value of a surface includes the step of applying a multi-purpose flexible coating compound to the surface. The compound also has utility in the field of decorative writing, artistic creations, and creative doodling. The method further includes the steps of repeatedly stripping the compound from a surface and repeatedly re-applying the compound to the surface. The compound is a one to one mixture by volume of a brush caulking compound and a dimensional fabric paint. The amount of each ingredient in the compound may vary by twenty per cent so that the brush caulk may range from thirty to seventy per cent of the mixture as may the dimensional fabric paint.

Abstract: Construction substrates that have one or more coatings are disclosed. In one embodiment the coating is an adhesive mixture that is magnetically induced to attract a magnetic template. The template that is magnetic or magnetically attracted, that is applied to a construction substrate, is used to create a pattern when a subsequent coating is applied to the substrate. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A system and method for forming servo patterns on magnetic medium is disclosed. A magnetic film coated with a layer of styrene-acrylonitrile is stamped with a nickel stamper reproducing the negative image of the stamper pattern on the styrene-acrylonitrile. Ions are then accelerated towards the surface of the styrene-acrylonitrile, which stops the ions in the areas where the styrene-acrylonitrile is thick and allows the ions to penetrate through to the magnetic layer in the areas where the styrene-acrylonitrile is thin. The ions, which penetrate through to the magnetic layer, interact with the magnetic layer altering the magnetic layer's structure reducing its coercivity (Hc) and remnant moment (Mrt). This reproduces the stamped styrene-acrylonitrile pattern on the magnetic layer. The styrene-acrylonitrile is then removed by oxygen plasma etching the surface leaving behind a patterned magnetic medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of fabricating electromagnetic coil vanes. The method utilizes laser machining to provide high resolution, dense coil wire patterns on both sides of a ceramic vane substrate. A firing operation is first performed that eutectically bonds the copper to the ceramic. Laser machining is then used to produce a coil pattern in the copper. The substrate is drilled to provide a through hole which, when filled or partially filled with a conducting material, forms an electrical connection between the two coil patterns.

Abstract: Disclosed is an organometallic precursor for forming a metal pattern, having a structure defined by the following Formula 1, and a method of forming the metal pattern using the same, in which the conductive metal pattern is readily formed through an exposing step without using a photo-resist.

Abstract: An adsorbent fabric includes a color masking layer including fluid impermeable areas disposed on a fluid permeable support fabric in spaced relationship.

Abstract: A magnetic hard disk having magnetic tracks for storing data which is read or written by a magnetic head floating immediately above the magnetic track while the magnetic hard disk is rotating, and the magnetic head rests on the magnetic hard disk while the magnetic hard disk is not rotating. One aspect of the present invention is that the magnetic hard disk comprises a non-magnetic substrate having a plurality of banks and grooves alternately and concentrically arranged thereon, a magnetic film formed on each of the banks, and non-magnetic material formed on an entire surface of the substrate all over the banks and grooves such that roughness of the upper surface of the non-magnetic material is in a range between 0.5 nm and 3 nm.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a magnetic memory device, wherein the inventive method does not require any special technique for forming pattern, but bilaterally ensures precision for processing a tunnel magneto-resistive effect element (called TMR element) and self-matching formation of connecting elements. The manufacturing method of a magnetic memory device comprises a processing step of forming a tunnel magneto-resistive effect film sandwiching a tunnel barrier layer between a magnetic pinned layer and a memory layer into a predetermined elementary configuration by applying a mask layer, wherein the mask layer is formed by applying a plating process.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing the magnetic medium for data storage comprising magnetic segments (5) for data storage which alternate regularly with nonmagnetic segments, which method comprises deposition on a substrate (1) from a nonmagnetic material a material having low or zero initial magnetization and capable of varying its magnetic characteristics under the effect of irradiation. The mentioned material is laid on the substrate (1) as a layer (2) in a thickness corresponding to one of the overall size values of any one of the magnetic segment (5) being formed. Then the applied layer (2) is selectively irradiated so as to vary the magnetic characteristics of the material of the layer (2) on the irradiated segments before forming the magnetic segments (5) each having a maximum overall size the ratio between which and any other overall size of this magnetic segment is from 3.5:1 to 15:1.

Abstract: A fuel injector seat for a fuel injector assembly, and more particularly for a high-pressure fuel injector assembly, having a number of features for minimizing the formation of combustion chamber deposits on the seat, providing a selected finish on a needle-sealing portion, and reducing sac volume. These features include positioning a transition portion between the needle-sealing portion and an orifice portion, positioning a sharp edge at the outlet of the orifice portion, and applying a coating to certain surfaces of the seat. This invention also relates to a fuel injector seat and method of manufacturing the fuel injector seat, and a method of evaluating when the transition portion is required between the orifice and needle-sealing portions for a particular seat arrangement.

Abstract: An activated substrate surface suitable for electronics and microsystems preparation is prepare by contacting the surface with a surface activation compound, e.g. organometallic based on palladium, platinum, rhodium or iridium. The photo labile ligand has an optical absorption band which overlaps with the wavelength of the UV. A UV lamp is used, in combination with a mask, to selectively irradiate the contacted surface. Irradiation of the surface with light of a suitable wavelength decomposes the organometallic compound to the activating metal. The surface is then ready for electroless plating with the desired conducting material. The mask is patterned to delineate areas where surface activation is not to occur. The organometallic compound absorbs ultraviolet radiation in the wavelength range 210-260 nm, or in the wavelength range 290-330 nm, in the solid state if the compound exists as a solid at 25° C. or in the liquid state if the compound exists as a liquid at 25° C.

Abstract: A metallic substrate has a substrate surface having a substrate surface of nickel, a substrate aluminum content, and other alloying elements. A maskant is applied overlying the substrate surface to produce a masked substrate surface having an exposed region and a protected region. The maskant includes a plurality of maskant particles, each particle having a maskant particle composition comprising a maskant metal selected from the group of nickel, cobalt, titanium, chromium, iron, and combinations thereof, and a maskant aluminum content. The substrate is aluminided by contacting a source of aluminum to the masked substrate surface, whereby aluminum deposits on the exposed region and does not deposit on the protected region.

Abstract: A method of producing a patterned magnetic nanostructure is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate having a non-magnetic single layer or multi layer film that can be converted into a magnetic state by annealing and/or mixing. The method further includes positioning a mask having a desired pattern and resolution associated with the patterned magnetic nanostructure on or over the film. The method additionally includes subjecting the mask-covered substrate to a beam of radiation (focussed or unfocussed) having sufficient energy to locally anneal and/or mix the non-magnetic or weak-magnetic single-layer or multi layer film. Because of the mask effect, only the desired portions of the non-magnetic film are exposed to the beam of radiation. As such, the desired portions of the non-magnetic film are changed from a non-magnetic to a magnetic state to produce an array of magnetic elements in a non-magnetic matrix. The size of each magnetic element is dependent on the resolution of mask.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite wall with an open cell metal foam core layer bonded to an inner cladding layer and an outer cladding layer. The method involves: creating a core substrate of open cell gas permeable foam in a chosen shape; impregnating the open cell foam substrate with metal vapour and depositing a porous layer of metal on exposed internal and external surfaces of the substrate thereby forming the open cell metal foam core through metal vapour deposition; and forming the inner and outer cladding layers upon the metal foam core through spray application of metal or ceramic.

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: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of fabricating electromagnetic coil vanes. The method involves photolithographically exposing high resolution, dense wire patterns in a flash coat of copper, on both sides of a ceramic vane substrate. The substrate can be pre-drilled with a through hole to connect the two copper coil patterns. Additional copper is then deposited on both high resolution patterns and in the through hole by plating until the desired thickness is obtained. A firing operation is then performed that eutectically bonds the copper to the ceramic.

Abstract: The invention is a method for the fabrication of an imprint tool master. The process begins with a metallic substrate. A layer of photoresist is placed onto the metallic substrate and a image pattern mask is then aligned to the mask. The mask pattern has opaque portions that block exposure light and “open” or transparent portions which transmit exposure light. The photoresist layer is then exposed to light transmitted through the “open” portions of the first image pattern mask and the mask is then removed. A second layer of photoresist then can be placed onto the first photoresist layer and a second image pattern mask may be placed on the second layer of photoresist. The second layer of photoresist is exposed to light, as before, and the second mask removed. The photoresist layers are developed simultaneously to produce a multi-level master mandrel upon which a conductive film is formed. A tool master can now be formed onto the conductive film.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and devices for producing flexible sheeting including a screened hot-melt adhesive coating wherein said sheeting is based on wovens, knits or non-wovens as mainly employed in garment setting inlays. The coating is accomplished with a paste forming a barrier layer, the imprint of which is powdered with the hot-melt adhesive powder. Excess powder not adhering to the imprint screen is removed by blower/suction means prior to the coating being dried and sintered.

Abstract: A hidden image game piece and a method by which a hidden image game piece is produced and used. A first hidden image game piece is formed on a transparent or translucent substrate. A second hidden image game piece is formed electronically, and optionally printed or, alternatively, saved and distributed in electronic format. The hidden image game piece can be used to distributed either physically or electronically, and it may be used to derive demographic information from recipients, to drive them to web sites or retail outlets, and to provide a means for distributing advertising, either on the game pieces or at a game site, which may be a physical site, such as a retail outlet, or an electronic site, such as an Internet site. The methods of the present invention include the method of producing a game piece, the method of deriving demographic information from recipients of the game pieces, and the method of providing advertising to recipients of the game pieces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of printed circuit boards. The method contemplates a novel processing sequence for this manufacturing process which method is particularly versatile in reducing the number of steps and variety of chemicals currently necessary to produce the circuit boards.

Abstract: A counterfeit-resistant document comprises a contrasting layer and a dynamic camouflaging layer. The contrasting layer is highly contrastive and includes a latent message that can be reproduced over a broad range of copy device control settings. The dynamic camouflaging layer is applied over the contrasting layer to suppress the latent message. The visual density of the dynamic camouflaging layer, which comprises a camouflage pattern that is printed in thermochromic ink, inversely varies with temperature. In this manner, the dynamic camouflaging layer is inactivated at room temperatures so that the latent message is suppressed on the original document, and activated at scanning temperatures so that the latent message is exhibited on a reproduction of the original document.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a microlens having very small focal length. The present invention also provides a non-planar microstructure having a covering layer which is slowly oxidizing or substantially free of oxygen. The present invention also provides methods for forming such microlenses and microstructures. In addition, the present invention provides a VCSEL which includes one or more non-planar microstructures of the present invention.

Abstract: Treated, especially painted, sandwich of two or more joined parts, which a) is fixed with the formation of a spaced joint between the joined parts, where b) fixing of the parts to be joined takes place by means of an adhesive film which can be detached again by pulling in the direction of the bond plane, and c) the thickness of the spaced joint between the joined parts is determined by the thickness of the adhesive film, d) the untreated sandwich fixed in this way is treated in this form, and e) the treated joined parts are separable from one another without residue or damage by pulling on the adhesive film in the direction of the bond plane.

Abstract: A method for producing a porous diamond according to the present invention comprises steps of forming an anodized alumina layer, which functions as a mask, on a diamond substrate; and performing a plasma etching treatment to form pores on the diamond substrate, which pores have the same arrangement as those of the anodized alumina mask.

Abstract: A multi-layer, water-soluble film, a method of producing such film, and a method of packaging a chemical in such film are provided. The multi-layer film comprises a continuous layer of water-soluble material suitable for forming an outer layer of a bag, and a barrier coating affixed to discrete areas of the continuous layer, leaving a plurality of uncoated intervals occurring at repeating distances on the continuous layer. The continuous layer is of sufficient thickness and strength to provide sufficient structural integrity for use as a bag. The barrier coating, suitable for forming the inner surface of a bag, lacks sufficient structural integrity to contain the contents of the bag once the outer layer is substantially dissolved.

Abstract: A metallic substrate has a substrate surface having a substrate surface of nickel, a substrate aluminum content, and other alloying elements. A maskant is applied overlying the substrate surface to produce a masked substrate surface having an exposed region and a protected region. The maskant includes a plurality of maskant particles, each particle having a maskant particle composition comprising a maskant metal selected from the group of nickel, cobalt, titanium, chromium, iron, and combinations thereof, and a maskant aluminum content. The substrate is aluminided by contacting a source of aluminum to the masked substrate surface, whereby aluminum deposits on the exposed region and does not deposit on the protected region.

Abstract: A method of applying a matching layer to a transducer includes placing the transducer on a fixture and covering the transducer with a stencil so that an opening in the stencil allows access to a metal-coated, piezoelectric surface of the transducer, and so that the stencil is affixed to the transducer surface. A roughly cylindrically shaped bead of epoxy is extruded onto the stencil at a predetermined distance from the opening, and a blade is positioned upstanding relative to the transducer surface and located so that the bead lies between the blade and the opening. The fixture is moved laterally so that the blade rolls the bead across the exposed transducer surface to form a layer of epoxy thereon. The fixture can then be moved back in the opposite direction to its initial position if desired. The assembly can also be subjected to a vacuum before the fixture is returned to its initial position. If desired, the fixture can be designed to vibrate during movement.

Abstract: A method of patterning at least one object layer, includes a step of forming a mask on the object layer, and a step of selectively etching the object layer using the mask. The mask is made of a magnetic metallic compound with a basic metal of nickel or cobalt containing at least group 3B element and/or group 5B element.