Abstract: Application of a resin to a pool surface to provide a colored finish that is ultraviolet resistant. The resin may be a powder that can be melted at a fairly low temperature and applied to the pool surface. A first later of resin may be applied to an epoxy layer that is applied to the pool surface to provide better adhesion while the epoxy is still tacky (hot-flocking). The hot-flocking causes the resin and the epoxy to blend into a single layer. An additional layer of resin may be applied after the epoxy and the first layer of resin fully cured. After the second layer of resin has cured an additional layer may be applied to provide designs and/or markings. The designs/markings may be produced with tape and/or stencils and the next layer may be applied to the non-covered areas to provide the desired look.

Abstract: A highly tunable bioscaffold is provided, as well as a method of manufacture of the bioscaffold and methods of use of the bioscaffold, for example for drug testing, cell propagation and for optimizing growth of a cell type, for example corneal endothelial cells.

Abstract: A method for producing a building panel. The method includes forming a mix including wood particles, a solvent, a binder and optionally at least one additive, wherein the binder and optionally said at least one additive are homogenously distributed in the mix by means of the solvent and wherein the binder impregnates the wood particles, drying the mix, applying the mix on a substrate, and forming a layer by applying heat and pressure to the mix.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to methods of increasing ink crystallization.

Abstract: A method of applying indicia to an item having a textured surface is disclosed herein, the method including the steps of: applying a textured paint to an exterior surface of the item; and applying the indicia to the exterior surface by an offset printing process. Also disclosed herein is a fluid filter having: a housing having an exterior surface; a textured paint applied to the exterior surface; and indicia applied to the textured paint, wherein the indicia is applied by an offset printing process.

Abstract: Cleanable articles having overcoats with hydrophilic front surfaces and which are siloxane-bonded to an underlying body member. Also, methods of making and using such articles.

Abstract: A method for moving high aspect ratio molecular structures (HARMS), which method comprises applying a force upon a dispersion comprising one or more bundled and individual HARM-structures, wherein the force moves the bundled and/or the individual HARM-structure based on one or more physical features and/or properties for substantially separating the bundled and individual HARM-structures from each other.

Abstract: Provided by the present inventions are a pattern-printed sheet and a method for manufacturing this, wherein the pattern-printed sheet is characterized that on a precoat layer laminated on a substrate are formed an optically readable region in which a dot pattern optically readable by an input terminal is printed and an optically unreadable region in which a dot pattern optically unreadable by an input terminal is printed, and the dot pattern formed in the optically unreadable region is a halftone tint having regularity whose halftone dot concentration is in the range of 10 to 30%. This pattern-printed sheet not only can be obtained by using a gravure printing method having outstanding production efficiency but also has a dot pattern readable with high reading precision in a prescribed dot size.

Abstract: A tire printing device includes a printer head (2), positioned near a rotating tire (1), that ejects and applies coating material, an unevenness detection sensor (3) that detects a predetermined raised/recessed character on the surface of the rotating tire (1) and a PC (10) that sets the origin of rotation of the tire (1) based on a signal detected by the unevenness detection sensor (3) and synchronizes the operation start time of the printer head (2) with the origin of rotation in order to maintain a constant relationship between the position of the raised/recessed character and the position of application of the coating material. Desired printing is performed by the printer head (2) ejecting and applying the coating material onto a surface of the rotating tire (1) after the rotating tire is mounted on a rim and inflated to a regular shape by being applied with an internal pressure.

Abstract: A pretreatment fluid for printing media with a pigment ink composition includes a liquid vehicle, at least one polymeric binder having pendant carboxyl groups, and an ammonium metal chelate cross-linker.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanoporous film pattern on a substrate comprising imparting differential surface energy to a surface of a substrate to define first areas having a first surface energy conducive to maintenance of a nanoporous film thereon and second areas having a second surface energy non-conducive to maintenance of a nanoporous film thereon, said first and second areas defining a differential surface energy pattern on the substrate; depositing a nanoporous film precursor onto the differential surface energy pattern; and curing the nanoporous film precursor to form the nanoporous film pattern.

Abstract: Wrapper for cigarette manufacture includes transversely extending band regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The band regions comprise starch, an anti-wrinkling agent such as 1,2 propylene glycol or glycerin, and optionally calcium carbonate. Any suitable printing technique can be used to apply the aqueous solution to the banded regions. The pattern of banded regions may be bands, stripes, two-dimensional arrays, undulated regions, and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The pattern can be applied in one or more layers. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate.

Abstract: A camouflage system includes a layer of an adhesion promoter so paint will adhere to the surface of an article and a first layer of paint applied to the surface on top of the adhesion promoter. A second layer of paint of a different color is applied to a portion of the first layer of paint. The second layer of paint may be in the form of a design, symbol, brand, logo, mark, and/or name. A multi-color layer is then applied to the surface of the article over the layers of paint. The multi-color layer may be a camouflage ink pattern. A clear coat may be applied over the multi-color layer. The multi-color layer affects the visual appearance of the second layer of paint. The second layer of paint may be visible at one viewing angle and may be less visible or non-visible at a different viewing angle.

Abstract: Surface-modifying layers, including neutral layers for vertical domain-forming block copolymers of styrene and methyl methacrylate are provided. Also provided are self-assembled block copolymer structures incorporating the surface modifying layers, methods of fabricating such structures and methods of using the structures in BCP lithography applications. The surface-modifying layers comprise a crosslinked copolymer film, wherein the crosslinked copolymers are random copolymers polymerized from styrene monomers and/or (meth)acrylate monomers and crosslinkable epoxy group-functionalized monomers. The crosslinked copolymer films are characterized by a high content of the crosslinkable epoxy group-functionalized monomer.

Abstract: A patterned multilayered barrier film for protecting devices from permeation of moisture and gases includes a substrate, a first layer on the substrate acting as a barrier layer, a second layer on the first layer and acting as a decoupling or planarization layer, and a third layer on the second layer, and acting as a barrier layer. Each of the first and third layers has an area greater than an area of the second layer such that the second layer is completely enclosed between the first and third layers defining an edge perimeter surrounding the second layer that is completely sealed between the first and third layers. The patterned multilayered barrier film may be cut into individual barrier units between portions of the second layer such that portions of the second layer of each individual barrier unit are completely edge-sealed between the first and third layers.

Abstract: Cellulose diester films that include a cellulose diester; a plasticizer; a colorant; and an opacity additive may be useful for playing cards. In some instances, forming cellulose diester films may include preparing a dope that comprises a cellulose diester, a plasticizer, and a solvent; introducing a colorant and an opacity additive into the dope to yield a casting dope; and casting the casting dope into a cellulose diester film. Playing cards may then be produced by methods including, for example, cutting the cellulose diester film and printing on the cellulose diester film.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a support plate for an electrowetting device includes providing a first hydrophobic layer on a substrate, reducing the hydrophobicity of a surface of the first hydrophobic layer and providing a second hydrophobic layer on at least part of the surface with reduced hydrophobicity.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for forming a layered structure comprising a self-assembled material. An initial patterned photoresist layer is treated photochemically, thermally, and/or chemically to form a treated patterned photoresist layer comprising a non-crosslinked treated photoresist. The treated photoresist is insoluble in an organic solvent suitable for casting a material capable of self-assembly. A solution comprising the material capable of self-assembly dissolved in the organic solvent is casted on the treated layer, and the organic solvent is removed. The casted material is allowed to self-assemble with optional heating and/or annealing, thereby forming the layered structure comprising the self-assembled material. The treated photoresist can be removed using an aqueous base and/or a second organic solvent.

Abstract: A method of forming a layered structure comprising a domain pattern of a self-assembled material utilizes a negative-tone patterned photoresist layer comprising non-crosslinked developed photoresist. The developed photoresist is not soluble in an organic casting solvent for a material capable of self-assembly. The developed photoresist is soluble in an aqueous alkaline developer and/or a second organic solvent. A solution comprising the material capable of self-assembly and the organic casting solvent is casted on the patterned photoresist layer. Upon removal of the organic casting solvent, the material self-assembles, thereby forming the layered structure.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses and devices relate to porous metal layers on a substrate which are three-dimensionally coated. In one embodiment, a porous metal layer is deposited over a substrate. The porous metal layer can be three-dimensionally coated with a coating material.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for preventing oxidation or contamination during a circuit printing operation. The circuit printing operation can be directed to OLED-type printing. In an exemplary embodiment, the printing process is conducted at a load-locked printer housing having one or more of chambers. Each chamber is partitioned from the other chambers by physical gates or fluidic curtains. A controller coordinates transportation of a substrate through the system and purges the system by timely opening appropriate gates. The controller may also control the printing operation by energizing the print-head at a time when the substrate is positioned substantially thereunder.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for preventing oxidation or contamination during a circuit printing operation. The circuit printing operation can be directed to OLED-type printing. In an exemplary embodiment, the printing process is conducted at a load-locked printer housing having one or more of chambers. Each chamber is partitioned from the other chambers by physical gates or fluidic curtains. A controller coordinates transportation of a substrate through the system and purges the system by timely opening appropriate gates. The controller may also control the printing operation by energizing the print-head at a time when the substrate is positioned substantially thereunder.

Abstract: Compositions containing certain organometallic oligomers suitable for use as spin-on, metal hardmasks are provided, where such compositions can be tailored to provide a metal oxide hardmask having a range of etch selectivity. Also provided are methods of depositing metal oxide hardmasks using the present compositions.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a transparent conductive film including a conductive layer having different thicknesses so as to increase the optical transmittance while maintaining the conductivity of the transparent conductive film. The present invention also pertains to a process for the preparation of the above-mentioned transparent conductive film.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wire for straightening irregular teeth, which is not harmful to a human body and preserves the color of the teeth, is provided. The method of manufacturing a wire for straightening irregular teeth includes manufacturing a metal wire with metal alloy; physically or chemically etching a surface of the metal wire and then performing heat treatment; coating the surface of the metal wire with a metal material, Teflon, epoxy or urethane to show white or ivory and then performing heat treatment; forming a transparent parylene film on the metal material, Teflon, epoxy or urethane and then performing heat treatment; and removing one side of the foregoing coating layer from the surface of the metal wire, and then applying surface treatment to the one side with the coating layer removed.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head, the liquid discharge head includes a substrate provided on a surface with a first energy generating part and a second energy generating part for generating energy utilized for discharging a liquid; a first discharge port provided corresponding to the first energy generating part so as to face the surface; a second discharge port provided corresponding to the second energy generating part so as to face the surface; a first wall member which has a wall of a first liquid flow path which communicates with the first discharge port; and a second wall member which has a wall of a second liquid flow path which communicates the second discharge port, wherein a distance between the second energy generating part and the second discharge port is greater than a distance between the first energy generating part and the first discharge port.

Abstract: A method of producing a decorative carpet tile may include providing a carpet tile in accordance with the prior art techniques and then treating at least two carpet tiles in one of various manners to provide separations internal to side edges of the carpet tile. Specifically, two tiles can be treated simultaneously, in register and/or without moving the second tile after treating the first tile.

Abstract: A coating and developing system includes a cassette station, a processing station and an inspection station interposed between the cassette station and the processing station. Time for which a substrate is held uselessly in the inspection module is reduced. A substrate carrying means disposed in the inspection module places priority to transferring a substrate between the cassette station and the processing station, and transfers a substrate to an inspection module in a part of a cycle time in which a substrate carrying means disposed in the processing station carries out one carrying cycle. It is permitted to carry out a substrate from the inspection module in a skip carrying mode, in which a substrate specified by a larger ordinal numeral is carried ahead of a substrate specified by a smaller ordinal numeral. It is inhibited to carry a substrate to the inspection module in the skip carrying mode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing transfer sheet is provided. The method includes forming a colored toner image on a sheet-like base material based on objective image data. The sheet-like base material has releasability. The method further includes defining an image area on the sheet-like base material based on the objective image data. The image area includes the colored toner image. The method further includes forming a transparent toner layer on the image area. The method further includes forming an adhesive layer on the transparent toner layer. The adhesive layer has hot-melt property.

Abstract: A method for forming a chromium nitride coating over a substrate to provide a chromium nitride coated article, and the resulting chromium nitride coated article, each use a bilayer chromium nitride containing material layer. The bilayer chromium nitride containing material layer includes: (1) a first chromium nitride material layer having a first thickness, a first uniform chromium concentration and a first uniform nitrogen concentration located and formed closer to a substrate which provides the article; and (2) a second chromium nitride material layer having a second thickness, a second increasingly graded chromium concentration and a second decreasingly graded nitrogen concentration located and formed upon the first chromium nitride material layer. This particular bilayer chromium nitride containing material layer provides the article with superior reflectivity and crack resistance.

Abstract: A method of depositing material onto a base portion of a wafer is disclosed. The method includes forming a bevel into a portion of a surface of the base portion of the wafer and depositing a first layer of conductive material onto the beveled portion of the base portion so that part of the first layer includes a wedge shape above the surface of the base portion. A second layer of conductive material is deposited onto the base portion including the portion of the base portion onto which the first layer of material is deposited.

Abstract: The invention provides a transferring apparatus for a flexible electronic device and method for fabricating a flexible electronic device. The transferring apparatus for the flexible electronic device includes a carrier substrate. A release layer is disposed on the carrier substrate. An adhesion layer is disposed on a portion of the carrier substrate, surrounding the release layer and adjacent to a sidewall of the release layer. A flexible electronic device is disposed on the release layer and the adhesion layer, wherein the flexible electronic device includes a flexible substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a super-slippery thin-layer film or coating for enhancing the lubrication capacity of a part to be subjected to great friction and wear. The film of the invention for improving the lubrication capacity of parts to be subjected to important friction and wear includes at least: a layer (3) of a hard material selected from titanium nitride (TiN), chromium nitride (CrN), titanium carbide (TiC), chromium carbide (CrC), tungsten carbide (W2C) and tungsten carbide-carbon composites (WC/C), alumina (AI2O3), molybdenum sulphide (MoS2), and materials of the hydrogenated amorphous carbon type (a: CH), the layer including on one surface thereof a series of dips and protrusions; and a layer (4) of an oleophilic material. The invention can particularly be used in the field of mechanics.

Abstract: A method of assembling an electronic device includes providing a transparent conductive polymer layer coated over a first support followed by pattern-wise forming a transparent mask with at least one opening over the conductive polymer. The masked conductive polymer is subjected to treatment through the opening that changes conductivity of the conductive polymer by at least one order of magnitude in areas not covered by the mask to form a first electronic component. The first electronic component having the mask is secured to a second electronic component, thereby forming the electronic device.

Abstract: A method of applying a coating material to a target surface defined by a wall comprises providing a pigmented texture material, combining the texture material with a propellant in a main chamber, operating a valve assembly to allow the propellant material to force the texture material out of the main chamber in discrete droplets, and arranging the container assembly such that the discrete droplets are deposited on the target surface. The binder material, filler material, and pigment material are combined such that the discrete droplets define a physical structure that is visibly distinct from the target surface, where the binder material is provided in an amount sufficient to maintain the physical structure of and to bind the discrete droplets to the target surface. The discrete droplets also define a texture color associated with a color of the pigment material. When dry, the discrete droplets are sufficiently durable to function as part of a final wall surface.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a z-directed component for insertion into a mounting hole in a printed circuit board according to one example embodiment includes depositing a liquid based material onto a top surface of a rotatable plate. The top surface of the rotatable plate has at least one cavity formed thereon that defines the shape of a layer of the z-directed component. The rotatable plate is spun to level a top surface of the liquid based material in the at least one cavity. The liquid based material is cured to form the layer of the z-directed component. A conductive material is applied to at least one surface of the formed layer. The z-directed component is formed including a stack of component layers that includes the formed layer.

Abstract: A method and a system is provided to form deletion windows on a glass substrate. The method includes the steps of applying a provisional masking substance of the glass substrate for masking predetermined regions of said glass substrate. The method also includes applying a reflective material on the glass substrate including the provisional masking substance. The method further includes applying heat to the glass substrate for removing the provisional masking substance of the glass substrate forming the deletion windows.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heating article (1) comprising a substrate (2) of which one of the surfaces (21) is equipped with a design (4), in the form of a coating layer with at least one pattern (41, 42), which comprises a thermochromic pigment composition with at least one SC thermochromic pigment that is lipid-sensitive under heat. According to the invention, the thermochromic pigment composition includes at least one thermostable pigment and composite pigment grains (43), which each include a core (430) including the semiconducting thermochromic pigment, and a solid, transparent and continuous envelope (431), formed by a mineral or organomineral material. The thermochromic pigment composition shows a reversible change in color in a thermal color-change area with an amplitude of no more than 40° C. within the range of variation of said temperature T1 of use.

Abstract: A system and method for forming conductive lines on a substrate comprising depositing a precursor onto at least a portion of the substrate, depositing a thin layer of conductive material over the precursor, forming a negative-patterned mask over a portion of the thin layer of conductive material to form an exposed pattern, forming conductive lines in the exposed pattern, removing the patterned mask thereby uncovering an exposed portion of the conductive layer that substantially corresponds to the negative pattern portion, and removing the exposed portion of the conductive layer so as to uncover substrate that substantially corresponds to the exposed portion.

Abstract: A layered structure comprising a self-assembled material is formed by a method that includes forming a photochemically, thermally and/or chemically treated patterned photoresist layer disposed on a first surface of a substrate. The treated patterned photoresist layer comprises a non-crosslinked treated photoresist. An orientation control material is cast on the treated patterned photoresist layer, forming a layer containing orientation control material bound to a second surface of the substrate. The treated photoresist and, optionally, any non-bound orientation control material are removed by a development process, resulting in a pre-pattern for self-assembly. A material capable of self-assembly is cast on the pre-pattern. The casted material is allowed to self-assemble with optional heating and/or annealing to produce the layered structure.

Abstract: The use of self-assembled block copolymer structures to produce advanced lithographic patterns relies on control of the orientation of these structures in thin films. In particular, orientation of cylinders and lamellae perpendicular to the plane of the block copolymer film is required for most applications. The preferred method to achieve orientation is by heating. The present invention involves the use of polarity-switching top coats to control block copolymer thin film orientation by heating. The top coats can be spin coated onto block copolymer thin films from polar casting solvents and they change composition upon thermal annealing to become “neutral”. Top coats allow for the facile orientation control of block copolymers which would otherwise not be possible by heating alone.

Abstract: The invention concerns a two-tone paint application having a first base color in a first color area, a second base color in a second color area, and two layers of clear coat such that the transition between the two color areas is smooth surface.

Abstract: There are provided a thermal barrier coating material and a thermal barrier coating member that can suppress spalling when used at a high temperature and have a high thermal barrier effect, a method for producing the same, a turbine member coated with a thermal barrier coating, and a gas turbine. The thermal barrier coating member comprises a heat resistant substrate, a bond coat layer formed thereon, and a ceramic layer formed further thereon, wherein the ceramic layer comprises an oxide which consists of an oxide represented by the general formula A2Zr2O7 doped with a predetermined amount of CaO or MgO and has 10 volume % or more of a pyrochlore type crystal structure, where A represents any of La, Nd, Sm, Gd, and Dy.

Abstract: Imprint lithography may comprise generating a fluid map, generating a fluid drop pattern, and applying a fluid to a substrate according to the fluid drop pattern. The fluid drop pattern may be generated using a stochastic process such as a Monte Carlo or structured experiment over the expected range of process variability for drop locations and drop volumes. Thus, variability in drop placement, volume, or both may be compensated for, resulting in surface features being substantially filled with the fluid during imprint.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, devices and systems for using a stamp to enhance selectivity between surface layers of a substrate, and to facilitate functionalizing selected layers. An array of flat stamps may be used to concurrently stamp multiple regions of a substrate to transfer one or more substances to the topmost layer or layers of the substrate. If desired, the affected regions of the substrate may be isolated from each other through the use of a reactor plate that, when clamped to the substrate's surface, forms reaction wells in the area of stamping. The stamp area can, if desired, be configured for stamping the substrate after the reactor plate has been fitted, with the individual stamps sized and arranged in a manner that permits stamping within each reaction well.

Abstract: A low ignition propensity wrapping paper includes a paper web and bands arranged on the web at predetermined intervals in a longitudinal direction of the web. These bands are formed by applying a combustion-inhibition liquid onto the web. The combustion-inhibiting liquid contains a solvent and a combustion inhibitor that is sodium alginate or pectin dissolved in the solvent. The solvent is treated water obtained by substantially removing at least calcium ions and magnesium ions from raw water of a water supply or a well.

Abstract: A composition for allowing marking of a product, the composition comprising: (a) a volatile solvent; (b) a silicone resin comprising a trifunctional unit of formula (R)SiO3/2, wherein R is chosen, independently by trifunctional unit, from hydrocarbyl groups and hydroxyl groups, on the condition that at least one R is a hydrocarbyl group; and, (c) titanium dioxide particles having an average size of between approximately 100 nanometers and 1000 nanometers.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a concrete surface includes at least partially covering the surface with a first coating which is substantially transparent and substantially impermeable to water; and at least partially covering said first coating with a second coating which is substantially transparent and photocatalytic; the surface having an average roughness Ra less than about 10 ?m.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention describe soft imprint lithography methods capable of preparing structural features on surfaces. Disclosed methods include surmounting a deformable substrate, having an original form, with a composition, wherein the deformable substrate is capable of achieving at least one predetermined deformed state; predictably deforming said deformable substrate from its original form to the at least one predetermined deformed state; and transferring at least a portion of the composition surmounting the deformed substrate to a receiving substrate.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices and techniques for enhancing efficiency thereof are provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic device is provided. The photovoltaic device comprises a photocell having a photoactive layer and a non-photoactive layer adjacent to the photoactive layer so as to form a heterojunction between the photoactive layer and the non-photoactive layer; and a plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures on one or more surfaces of the photoactive layer. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures are configured to act as a scattering media for incident light. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures can also be configured to create an optical resonance effect in the incident light.