Abstract: The present invention is a method and device, which is suitable for use in an operating theater just prior to implantation, for selectively applying a medical coating to an implantable medical device, for example a stent. Disclosed is a device for use with a stent deployed on a catheter balloon. The device is configured to apply a medical coating of a desired thickness to the surface of a stent only. This is done by use of a drop-on-demand inkjet printing system in association with an optical scanning device. The device is further configured so as to, if necessary, apply a plurality of layered coats, each layered coat being of a different coating material, and if appropriate, different thickness. The section of the housing in which the stent is held during the coating procedure is detachable from the housing base. The detachable housing section may be easily cleaned and re-sterilized or simply disposed or simply disposed of.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for creating a distinctive painted appearance on the surface of a substrate. The method involves coating a patterning composition on the surface, applying a coating of paint on the surface and removing the patterning composition.

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: The systems, methods and products of the invention include systems and methods for manufacturing servo tracks on a magnetic tape. In one aspect, the invention includes systems for manufacturing magnetic tapes having servo tracks thereon wherein the servo tracks are optically detectable and are capable of being processed by a servo control system for maintaining alignment of a magnetic recording head with the data tracks on the recording side of the magnetic tape. In one practice, the manufacturing systems described herein engrave the servo tracks onto the non-recording side of a magnetic tape by directing a laser beam at the non-recording side of the magnetic tape. In another practice, the manufacturing systems described herein engrave the servo tracks onto the magnetic side of a magnetic tape by directing a laser beam at the magnetic side of the magnetic tape. Such engraved patterns can act as optical servo tracks for maintaining alignment of the recording head with the data tracks on the magnetic tape.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a belt and a belt for use in the production of bulk tissue and towel, and of nonwoven articles and fabrics, requires the application of a sacrificial material onto a base substrate in a predetermined pattern which is to be imparted onto products manufactured with the belt. The sacrificial material is deposited in droplets in a controlled manner so as to control the x, y, z dimension of the material deposited and preferably has having an average diameter of 10? (10 microns) or more. A polymeric resin material is then deposited on the base substrate in all areas except those on which the sacrificial material has previously been applied. The polymeric resin material is then set by means appropriate to its composition, and the sacrificial material removed. Optionally, the polymeric resin material may then be abraded to provide the belt with a uniform thickness, and a smooth, macroscopically monoplanar surface.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for providing improved image quality and water resistance of dye based ink images on substrates using aqueous dispersed mordants and dispersed hydrophobic materials.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a belt and a belt for use in the production of bulk tissue and towel, and of nonwoven articles and fabrics, a polymeric resin material is applied onto the surface of a base substrate in a precise predetermined pattern which is to be imparted onto products manufactured with the belt. The polymeric resin material is deposited in droplets having an average diameter of 10? (10 microns) or more. The polymeric resin material is then set by means appropriate to its composition, and, optionally, may be abraded to provide the belt with a uniform thickness, and a smooth, macroscopically monoplanar surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and a papermaker's or industrial fabric, such as a dryer fabric for the dryer section of a paper machine, includes the application of a polymeric resin material onto preselected locations on the backside of a base substrate using a piezojet array which deposits the polymeric resin material in droplets having an average diameter of 10? (10 microns) or more to build up discrete, discontinuous deposits of the polymeric resin material having a height of about 0.5 mm at the preselected locations. The preselected locations may be the knuckles formed by the interweaving of the yarns making up the fabric. The purpose of the deposits is to separate the backside of the dryer fabric from a surface, such as that of a dryer cylinder or turning roll, to enable air trapped between the dryer fabric and the surface to escape in lengthwise and crosswise directions parallel to the surface, instead of being forced through the fabric, possibly causing “drop off”.

Abstract: A process for the manufacturing of a decorative surface element, which element comprises a base layer and a decorative upper surface. A wetting repellent lacquer is printed in a predetermined pattern on the decorative upper surface. The wetting repellent lacquer covers only parts of the decorative upper surface. A wear layer of a UV or electron beam curing lacquer is then applied on top of the decorative upper surface which UV or electron beam curing lacquer is repelled from the parts of the surface being covered by the wetting repellent lacquer whereby a surface structure is achieved.

Abstract: Encapsulating a component structure includes applying a fluid, light-sensitive first reactive resin layer to a surface of a component substrate containing the component structure, exposing and developing the first reactive resin layer so as to form a frame structure that encloses the component structure, covering the frame structure with an auxiliary foil, applying a second reactive resin layer to a surface of the auxiliary foil so as to form ceiling structures on the surface of the auxiliary foil, at least one of the ceiling structures making a seal with the frame structure, and removing the auxiliary foil in areas between ceiling structures.

Abstract: On a support, a porous resin layer which is opaque in a water-unabsorbed state and capable of turning transparent in a water-absorbed state is formed, and also a water-repellent resin layer is so provided as to exist in the porous resin layer at its some area or areas in a co-existent state, to make up a water-metachromatic laminate. A novel toy element can be provided in which latent images standing invisible in a normal condition are rendered visible by means of water as a medium so as to be visually distinguished.

Abstract: A method for the production of catalyst coated membranes, especially catalyst coated membranes for use in fuel cells, includes raised relief printing a catalyst coating composition (11) onto the surface of an ion exchange membrane (16) to form at least one electrode layer.

Abstract: A method is taught for fabricating patterned silicon dioxide layers on process areas disposed perpendicularly or at an inclination to a substrate surface. Firstly, a starter layer having leaving groups is produced by non-conformal deposition of a reactive component. Tris(tert-butoxy)silanol is subsequently added. The addition of the tris(tert-butoxy)silanol leads to the formation of a silicon dioxide layer selectively only on the starter layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of writing and reading information hidden from visual observation and may be used for visualizing hidden images (marks) identifying an object, which provide protection from unauthorized reproduction (forgery). The method of creation and visualization of an optically invisible mark consists in the following. On the surface of the object in question an optically invisible marking image is formed by means of modification of, at least one part of said surface, after which visualization of said image is established. Prior to formation of the optically invisible marking image the surface of the object in question (carrying the applied image) is made into a mirror. Modification is achieved by changing the surface energy of the parts being modified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the interior metal-coating of glass tubes, with the metal-coated surface being a cylindrical shell. In accordance with the invention such a method comprises the following process steps: the glass tube is sealed off at either end; the glass tube is brought to a horizontal position: a sensitizer solution is introduced into the interior space of the glass tube in such a quantity that the interior space is only partly filled; the sensitizer solution is removed from the interior space after a certain dwell period; a mirror-coating solution is introduced into the interior space of the glass tube, with the entire interior surface of the glass tube being wetted by the mirror-coating solution; the used-up mirror-coating solution is removed from the interior space of the glass tube.

Abstract: A method of decorating an article, the method comprising mixing a thermochromic ink with a transparent lacquer, applying the mixture on to part or all of the surface of an article, once the mixture is set, applying a second layer of dishwasher proof transparent lacquer.

Abstract: Using a hydraulic transfer film wherein a transfer layer is composed of a decorative layer made of a printing ink coating film or a paint coating film, the transfer layer is hydraulically transferred onto a target body for transfer made of a metal substrate having a cured coating film layer in which a xylene absorption amount is within a range from 3.5 to 100 g/m2. Alternatively, using a hydraulic transfer film wherein a transfer layer has a protective layer made of a radiation-curable resin or a thermosetting resin, the transfer layer is hydraulically transferred onto a target body for transfer made of a metal substrate having a cured coating film layer in which a xylene absorption amount is within a range from 10 to 100 g/m2.

Abstract: This invention relates to the printing of a substrate having a pre-printed “print pattern” with a “design layer” of ink where there is differential adhesion within and without the print pattern. The print pattern is receptive to an ink, and the design layer ink forms a durable image material with good bond to the print pattern, but the ink does not form a durable image material on the portions of the substrate outside the print pattern. The design layer ink is a UV-curable ink, and the print pattern may have a higher surface energy than the portions of the substrate outside the print pattern.

Abstract: Arrays of protein-capture agents useful for the simultaneous detection of a plurality of proteins which are the expression products, or fragments thereof, of a cell or population of cells in an organism are provided. A variety of antibody arrays, in particular, are described. Methods of both making and using the arrays of protein-capture agents are also disclosed. The invention arrays are particularly useful for various proteomics applications including assessing patterns of protein expression and modification in cells.

Abstract: A material includes a layer with a plurality of self-assembled structures comprising compositions. The structures are localized in separate islands covering a portion of the layer in an integrated assembly. In some embodiments, the compositions include nanoparticles. In particular, some embodiments pertain to a material with a self-assembled formation of inorganic particles with an average diameter less than about 100 nm. The structures can be used as devices within an integrated article. The method for producing the articles comprise a localization process defining boundaries of the devices and a self-assembly process within the identified boundaries.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a patterned thin film on a surface of a substrate having thereon a patterned underlayer of a self-assembled monolayer. The method comprises depositing a thin film material on the self-assembled monolayer to produce a patterned thin film on the surface of the substrate. The present invention further provides processes for preparing the self-assembled monolayer. The present invention still further provides solution-based deposition processes, such as spin-coating and immersion-coating, to deposit a thin film material on the self-assembled monolayer to produce a patterned thin film on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming a film using a rotating cup application apparatus in which a rotatable inner cup is provided within an outer cup, the upper openings of the inner cup and the outer cup are closed with corresponding lids, and the lid for the inner cup is integrally rotated together with the inner cup, the method comprising the steps of setting a material to be treated, on which wiring layers have been formed, in the rotating cup application apparatus, applying SOG onto the surface of the material to be treated, thereafter closing the upper openings of the inner cup and the outer cup with the lids, rotating the inner cup in this state to thereby uniformly diffusing the SOG, repeating the SOG application and diffusing steps, and thereafter baking the material to be treated in a heat treatment apparatus.

Abstract: A method for producing a painted ceramic body. A transfer material containing an inorganic pigment, or hot melt ink containing an inorganic pigment is directly or indirectly disposed on the surface of a ceramic body in an imagewise manner. Subsequently, the ceramic body with the image formed thereon is heated and the inorganic pigment contained in the image is sintered on the surface of the ceramic body.

Abstract: A method of forming a paste pattern with no variations in liquid amount while preventing a bubble from being entrapped in a step of bonding a bonded member. The drawing pattern is linearly drawn with a paste on the paste-applied body by using a nozzle, the paste, a paste reserving container, and paste supply means. The paste line is drawn while moving any of the paste-applied body, the nozzle and the paste. The paste-applied body can be a lead frame, and the paste can be an adhesive for die bonding. The drawing pattern is a figure made up of a plurality of segment lines, preferably a figure in the radial form. The drawing pattern can be a figure including an enclosed shape. At least one segment line is formed of two drawn lines by moving any of the paste-applied body, the nozzle and the paste to go and return. The start and end points of drawn lines can be positioned other than the ends of the drawing pattern.

Abstract: An improved packaging material may include a substrate which is normally susceptible to permeation by substances such as oil or grease. A colorant layer may be applied to the outer surface of the substrate. The colorant layer may be of a color chosen to closely resemble or to overpower the appearance of a stain on the substrate which would otherwise be caused by the substances. In this manner, the colorant layer serves to mask the stain which would otherwise be caused by substances permeating through the substrate. A second colorant layer may optionally be provided over the first colorant layer to provide a uniform background of a desired color. Graphics, e.g, text and/or images, may then be applied to the first or second colorant layer in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A liquid material containing metal particles is directly applied onto a piezoelectric layer with an inkjet head to form a pattern portion, and the applied liquid material is transformed into a metal layer by heat treatment.

Abstract: A method of developing latent fingerprints involves the preparation of an 8-quinolinol complex by mixing a solution of 8-hydroxyquinoline or a derivative with a complexing reagent such as a metal salt. The solution is then applied to a porous substrate, such as paper, containing the latent fingerprint where the soluble complex is adsorbed onto the surface of the latent print and precipitates thereon. The unadsorbed solution is then removed from the substrate allowing the precipitate to highlight the latent image. The choice of the complexing reagent will determine the color of the precipitate and whether or not it is flourescent.

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: An improved and novel device and fabrication method for a magnetic element, and more particularly a magnetic element (10) including a first electrode (14), a second electrode (18) and a spacer layer (16). The first electrode (14) and the second electrode (18) include ferromagnetic layers (26 & 28). A spacer layer (16) is located between the ferromagnetic layer (26) of the first electrode (14) and the ferromagnetic layer (28) of the second electrode (16) for permitting tunneling current in a direction generally perpendicular to the ferromagnetic layers (26 & 28). The device includes insulative veils (34) characterized as electrically isolating the first electrode (14) and the second electrode (18), the insulative veils (34) including non-magnetic and insulating dielectric properties.

Abstract: A method for impregnating decorative papers which are used for producing highly abrasion-proof laminate floor materials. The decorative paper is first moistened with an amino resin and is thus impregnated. The amount of resin applied is controlled using dosing rollers. In addition, a layer including an amino resin is sprayed with a special dispersion onto the moistened decorative paper. The final mass per unit area with regard to the dry mass of the base paper ranges from 100% to 250%.

Abstract: A method of recording fingerprints in which a solution of monohydrogen or dihydrogen ester having an AAV of about 9 or more is applied to a person's fingerprint area with the area then pressed onto a thermosensitive substrate.

Abstract: The invention provide a method for applying a coating to an ophthalmic lens or a mold for making the ophthalmic lens or a medical device other than ophthalmic lens. The method comprises spraying at least one layer of a coating liquid onto an ophthalmic lens using a spraying process selected from the group consisting of an air-assisted atomization and dispensing process, an ultrasonic-assisted atomization and dispensing process, a piezoelectric assisted atomization and dispensing process, an electro-mechanical jet printing process, a piezo-electric jet printing process, a piezo-electric with hydrostatic pressure jet printing process, and a thermal jet printing process. The coating can comprise a property/functionality pattern or a color image or combination of both.

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: A method for coating includes applying an adhesive to a surface, wherein the surface comprises an arrangement of structures thereon, wherein the structures extend upward from a plane of the surface and have at least one sidewall that makes an angle with respect to the plane of the surface of greater than 0° and less than 90° selected to reduce air bubble formation for a coating solution of a selected rheology.

Abstract: A method of treating the surface of a rough, plastic object to produce a high gloss, textured and/or coloured finish. A rapid prototype treated according to the present method assumes the appearance of an injection molded part, without the usual high costs associated with producing the injection mold. In one embodiment, first step involves of removing the pores in the porous part, at least at the outer layers of the part, followed by a smoothening process of filling the voids between the miniature steps with a hardener to give a smooth surface, on which further post-processing may be performed.

Abstract: An aqueous composition suitable for use, when dry, as an improved coating is provided including an aqueous emulsion polymer, the polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) from greater than 20° C. to 80° C., formed by the free radical polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated nonionic acrylic monomer and 0-7.5%, by weight based on the total weight of the polymer, ethylenically unsaturated acid monomer in the presence of 0.01-1.0%, by weight based on the total weight of the polymer, t-alkyl hydroperoxide, t-alkyl peroxide, or t-alkyl perester wherein the t-alkyl group includes at least 5 Carbon atoms and, optionally, at least one other oxidant. A method of preparing the emulsion polymer, a method for providing a coated substrate wherein the coating contains the emulsion polymer having a Tg from −20° C. to 80° C., and a method for improving the scrub resistance of a coating by including the emulsion polymer having a Tg from −20° C. to 80° C.

Abstract: A primitive display plate includes a supporting portion having a positioning structure formed to be positioned by engagement with another member, a display plate shape portion formed to have a predetermined positional relation to the positioning structure and to have the planar shape of a display plate to be manufactured, and a connecting portion for integrally connecting the display plate shape portion and the supporting portion, and wherein an ink-receiving layer is formed on the surface of the display plate shape portion, for holding the received ink droplets thereby.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a soft ferromagnetic film structure with reduced edge stress anisotropy and enhanced magnetization switching speed. A soft ferromagnetic film structure is formed over an underlying structure. The soft ferromagnetic film structure has one or more edges exhibiting edge stress anisotropy. A non-ferromagnetic film structure is formed along the one or more edges to induce stress contributions therein that control the edge stress anisotropy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-insulating material acceptable for use, such as a bed blanket. The heat-insulating material has a reinforcing layer, a base layer bonded to the reinforcing layer, and flock fibers secured to the exposed surface of the base layer through a discontinuous coating of cured adhesive. The base layer can have a thickness of less than 0.0625 inch. The flock fibers can have a diameter in the range from about 3 denier to about 4 denier. The invention also relates to a method of making the heat-insulating material by providing a laminate of a reinforcing layer and a base layer of a thickness less than 0.

Abstract: A laser processing apparatus comprises a laser oscillator for producing a laser beam to selectively remove part of a substrate to be processed, a scanning system for applying the laser beam to an arbitrary position of the substrate and incident means for applying the laser beam to the substrate substantially at right angle.

Abstract: The invention provides a membrane for cross-flow filtering of a fluid to be treated, said membrane comprising an inorganic rigid porous support defining at least one flow channel for the fluid to be treated flowing in a given direction, the surface of the channel being covered in at least one separator layer separating out from the fluid to be treated a fraction referred to as the permeate which passes through the layer and the support. According to the invention, the separator layer presents a thickness gradient that decreases in the flow direction of the fluid to be treated.

Abstract: A method of printing sheer fabric is described. In accordance with the method, a supply of the sheer fabric and a supply of a release substrate having a width less than the width of the sheer fabric are provided. A low tack adhesive is applied to an endless belt. The sheer fabric and the release substrate are combined such that the edges of the fabric overhang the edges of the release substrate and the overhanging edges of the sheer fabric and the release substrate are temporarily affixed to the endless belt with the low tack adhesive. The combined sheer fabric and release substrate are conveyed on the endless belt through one or more printing stations where at least one color ink is printed on the sheer fabric. The ink is dried and the sheer fabric is separated from the release substrate.

Abstract: A process, which comprises forming a metal micro-pattern on the surface of an inorganic substrate, surface-treating the surface of the metal micro-pattern and the surface of the plastic substrate to make it chemically reactive, and bringing the metal micro-pattern into contact with the surface of the plastic substrate to transfer the metal micro-pattern from the surface of the inorganic substrate to the surface of the plastic substrate, can be easily and simply carried out using conventional equipments to produce one or more metal pattern fixed on a plastic material.

Abstract: A method for patterning a recording medium selectively thermally couples a recording medium and a heat source to alter a chemical composition of the recording medium. An apparatus for patterning a recording medium has a heat source for generating and directing an incident thermal wave to a recording medium so as to alter a chemical composition of the recording medium, and a controller for coordinating a mutual position of the incident thermal wave and the recording medium for inducing a direct thermal coupling between the recording medium and the heat source.

Abstract: A conductive electrolessly plated powder used, for example, for bonding a small electrode of an electronic device, its producing method, and a conductive material containing the plated powder. Conventionally, there has been known, as conductive powders, metallic powders such as of nickel, carbon powders, and conductive plating powders the resin core particles of which are coated with a metal, e.g., nickel. However, there has been no conductive electrolessly plated powders having a good conductivity with respect to connection between conductive patterns having an oxide coating thereon or between electrodes and no methods for producing such powders industrially. The conductive electrolessly plated powder of the present invention consists of resin spherical core particles the average size of which is 1 to 20 &mgr;m and each of which has a nickel or nickel alloy coating formed by electroless plating. The coating includes small projections of 0.

Abstract: A process for forming a patterned thin film structure on a substrate is disclosed. A pattern is printed with a material, such as a masking coating or an ink, on the substrate, the pattern being such that, in one embodiment, the desired thin film structures will be formed in the areas where the printed material is not present, i.e., a negative image of thin film structure to be formed is printed. In another embodiment, the pattern is printed with a material that is difficult to strip from the substrate, and the desired thin film structures will be formed in the areas where the printed material is present, i.e., a positive image of the thin film structure is printed. The thin film material is deposited on the patterned substrate, and the undesired area is stripped, leaving behind the patterned thin film structures.

Abstract: The foregoing differential gloss covering comprises a backing substrate, an ink layer, and a cured top layer having a first surface portion with a first gloss and a second surface portion, made by the process comprising providing the backing substrate; depositing an ink formulation comprising a curing agent over at least a first area of a top side of the backing substrate to form said ink layer; coating the top side of the backing substrate with a radiation curable formulation to form a top curable layer; diffusing at least a portion of the curing agent into the top curable layer; curing the top curable layer to form the cured top layer and thereby forming a differential gloss covering having said first surface portion above the first area of said top of said backing substrate having the first gloss and the second surface portion having the second gloss that is different from said first gloss.

Abstract: A method of decorating an article, the method comprising mixing a thermochromic ink with a transparent lacquer, applying the mixture on to part or all of the surface of an article, once the mixture is set, applying a second layer of dishwasher proof transparent lacquer.

Abstract: A process for forming a patterned thin film structure on a substrate or in-mold decoration film is disclosed. A pattern is printed with a material, such as a masking coating or ink, on the substrate, the pattern being such that, in one embodiment, the desired structures will be formed in the areas where the printed material is not present, i.e., a negative image of thin film structure to be formed is printed. In another embodiment, the pattern is printed with a material that is difficult to strip from the substrate, and the desired thin film structures will be formed in the areas where the printed material is present, i.e., a positive image of the thin film structure is printed. The thin film material is deposited on the patterned substrate, and the undesired area is stripped, leaving behind the patterned thin film structure.

Abstract: When forming a beam shaped body by deposition using a focused ion beam device on the end of a sample, the present invention adopts a beam shaped film pattern formation method for irradiating the focused ion beam to a narrow strip shaped region from an open end of the sample to an outer space, and depositing a beam shaped film on the narrow strip shaped region, and sequentially shifting the irradiation region in a tip end direction to cause formation of a beam shaped body by growth of thin deposition layers, and causing formation of a deposition film of desired thickness on the thin deposition layers on the beam shaped body.