Abstract: The present invention relates to a pipe treatment process that is a portable, field-applied, coating process. The process produces a two-layer composite protective coating system with a finished, seamless, chemical bond within its interlayers as well as to adjacent coating materials, The process is suitable for both metailic and concrete substrates, which may or may not be cathoadically protected, and may be used to either coat now or to recoat e.g.

Abstract: An MR sensor includes an MR layer and permanent magnets defining an active area on the MR layer. A bi-layer test structure is fabricated with a permanent magnet layer deposited on a substrate and an MR layer deposited on the permanent magnet layer. If desired, a SAL may be deposited prior to deposition of the permanent magnet layer. A DC magnetic field is applied to the bi-layer test structure, and the strength of the DC magnetic field is varied. During application of the DC magnetic field, the magnetic response of the bi-layer test structure is measured to determine a hysteresis loop of the bi-layer structure. The exchange coupling between the permanent magnet layer and the MR layer is characterized by a point of inflection identified on the measured hysteresis loop.

Abstract: A pavement marking and a method of making a pavement marking, where retroreflectivity and skid-resistance can be independently controlled while making efficient use of the optical elements and skid-resistant particles. One illustrative embodiment includes two topcoats on a base sheet having first and second major surfaces, the first major surface having a plurality of protuberances located thereon which are separated by valleys. A first topcoat is attached to the first major surface of the base sheet and a second topcoat is selectively located on the protuberances. A first mixture of optical elements and/or skid-resistant particles is attached to, e.g., partially embedded in, the first topcoat and a second mixture of optical elements and/or skid-resistant particles is attached to, e.g., partially embedded in, the second topcoat.

Abstract: Water-free, gaseous sulfur trioxide is used as an agent to form patterns in organic coatings, films, and layers, including photoresists, by etching areas exposed to the agent through an overlying mask or by developing a latent image of the desired pattern using the agent as a dry-developer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multilayered filter films, and in particular, a multilayered filter film not having a substrate and a method for making the same. The method for making the multilayered filter film not having a substrate includes a step for forming a filter frame layer having a window on the substrate, a step for forming a multilayered film on the substrate inside the window and on the filter frame layer, and a step for removing the substrate from the filter frame layer and the multilayered film.

Abstract: A film is applied to a substrate in accordance with a predetermined pattern by applying a solution of a copolymer of fluoropolymers dissolved in a solvent onto the surface of the substrate; curing and annealing the solution to boil off the solvent and form a copolymer film on the substrate; depositing a thin metal film on the copolymer film; patterning the thin metal film by a photoresist etching process to expose the underlying copolymer film in accordance with the predetermined pattern; removing the exposed copolymer film so that the underlying substrate is exposed in accordance with the predetermined pattern; removing any remaining thin metal film; depositing the film to the remaining copolymer film and exposed substrate; then removing the remaining copolymer film and any film applied thereon by ultrasonic cleaning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving properties of a solid material by providing shock waves therethrough. Laser shock processing is used to provide the shock waves. The method includes applying a water based coating to a portion of the surface of the solid material and then applying a transparent overlay to the coated portion of the solid material. A pulse of coherent laser energy is directed to the coated portion of the solid material to create a shock wave. A high speed jet of fluid is directed to coated portion of the solid material at times to remove the coating from the solid material. Additionally, the method may include directing a high speed jet of fluid to the surface of the solid material to dry the solid material.

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

Abstract: A method for producing a magnetic disk having a surface roughness in the entire portion of its main surface in which the peak height of the surface roughness in a data zone of the magnetic disk is lower than the peak height of the surface roughness in a CSS zone of the magnetic disk, wherein forming a magnetic disk substrate having the main surface in which a surface roughness having a substantially uniform peak height is formed in the substantially entire portion of the main surface; conducting varnishing only to the data zone in the main surface of the substrate having the surface roughness to lower the peak height of the surface roughness of the data zone; and forming a ferromagnetic layer, a protective layer and a lubricant layer sequentially on a region of the main surface of the substrate, which includes the data zone and the CSS zone.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a dual magnetoresistive (DMR) sensor with improved sensor-to-sensor match is disclosed. A first Mo conductor layer and a first NiMn antiferromagnetic layer are formed on top of a first gap layer in wing regions of the DMR sensor. The first NiMn layer is formed on top of the first Mo layer. A first NiFe sensor layer, a first spacer layer and a second NiFe sensor layer are deposited on top of the first NiMn layer in the wing regions and on top of the first gap layer in the active region. The first NiFe sensor layer, the first spacer layer and the second NiFe sensor layer are all deposited in a single vacuum deposition run to minimize material mismatches, and are simultaneously patterned to the desired geometry to minimize misalignment between the two sensor layers. A second conductor layer and a second antiferromagnetic layer are formed on top the second NiFe sensor layer in the wing regions.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a metallized substrate using the island coating method, includes depositing a coating layer containing a radiation curable non-volatile film former. The coated part is then vacuum metallized to form the metal islands of the present invention. A layer of clear resinous protective dielectric topcoat containing a radiation curable non-volatile film former is then deposited to completely cover the layer of metal islands while maintaining the aesthetic properties of the metallizing island coating system at a reduced cost and with minimal variability among parts.

Abstract: A method for forming an elastic member in a thin film actuated mirror, the method being capable of controlling a stress built up therein, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: forming a thin film sacrificial layer; depositing an elastic layer on top of the thin film sacrificial layer by using a CVD method; forming an actuating structure on top of the elastic layer, the actuating structure having a first thin film electrode, a thin film electrodisplacive member, a second thin film electrode and an elastic member; and removing the thin film sacrificial layer. In the present invention, the elastic layer is vertically divided into at least two portions, each of the portions being made of a same material having a different stoichiometry. The stress built up in the elastic layer is controlled by controlling the ratio of the source gases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product having raised thermographic print and a method for making the same. The product relates to a raised thermographic product having raised thermographic print greater than about 0.01 inches.

Abstract: An image forming method is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for finally finishing a surface of a bronze sculpture that is then waxed with at least a single wax coating. In a practice of the invention, to a bronze surface that has been polished and preliminarily buffed, a low pressure grit material flow is directed against a section of the bronze surface as a final surface texturing step and, where a surface or surfaces adjacent to the section is to be painted, patinaed, or is to receive a like surface finish, a selected plastic material is used to coat the section of the bronze surface, which material is applied as a liquid and dries to a flexible surface that adheres to so as to essentially render the bronze surface imperious to contamination with paint, water, or the like. After application of paint, patina, or the like, the plastic material coating is stripped away by a painter/operator using a tool or tools, such as a pair of tweezers, to remove the coating. Whereafter the sculpture surface is waxed.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium is constructed with a substrate made of glass, one or two underlayers, and a magnetic film. In order that the easy magnetization axis of the magnetic film is parallel to the magnetic film, an underlayer having an NaCl crystallographic structure is superposed on the substrate. A magnetic film made of a Co based alloy having a hexagonal close packed crystallographic structure is formed on this underlayer, putting an underlayer made of a material having a body centered cubic crystallographic structure therebetween at need. Magnetic anisotropy of the magnetic film is increased by forming grooves in a predetermined direction in a surface portion of the substrate. These grooves play a role also for defining the orientation of the underlayer made of the material having an NaCl crystallographic structure.

Abstract: A microscope slide having a glass plate, a marking surface coating on an area of the glass plate, and indicia formed by etching away portions of the marking surface coating. The marking surface coating may comprise an epoxy resin material, a ceramic material, or any other substance capable of being affixed as a layer onto a glass surface. The indicia may include machine-readable indicia, human-readable indicia, or both machine-readable and human-readable indicia. In order to produce accurate, high-quality indicia, a laser directed by a computer controller may be used to etch away the portions of the marking surface coating.

Abstract: A process for forming a film on a ceramic substrate or on a fired film formed thereon includes coating, on a ceramic substrate or on a fired film formed thereon, a material which becomes a metallic film or a ceramic film upon firing, to form an as-coated film, irradiating the as-coated film with an energy beam which does not damage the ceramic substrate or the fired film formed thereon to such an extent that it becomes useless and which can decompose and remove the as-coated film, to trim the unrequired portion(s) of the as-coated film, and firing the trimmed as-coated film to form a desired film. The film can be formed on a ceramic substrate or on a fired film formed thereon while the damage to the substrate or the fired film is minimized.

Abstract: An arbitrary pattern write head assembly for writing timing-based servo patterns on magnetic storage media is provided, comprising: (a) a first pole piece comprising a substrate comprising a magnetic material, said substrate having a major surface; (b) a plurality of electrically conducting windings formed on the major surface; and (c) a second pole piece formed on the substrate, with a portion thereof formed above the plurality of electrically conducting windings and electrically insulated therefrom, the second pole piece having at least one opening therethrough defining a gap above the electrically conducting windings and the substrate, the second pole piece comprising at least two layers, each layer comprising a magnetic material. A method of batch fabricating servo writer heads is also provided for batch fabrication of servo writer heads at a very low cost. The method enables fabrication of heads capable of azimuthal recording commonly practiced in the video recording art.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for electroless plating of a conductive metal layer onto the surface of a non-conductive substrate, in which the substrate surface is prepared for receiving a coating of activator using conventional methods, and the coating of activator is applied by contacting the substrate surface with a stabilized sensitizing solution comprising ions of at least one Group VIII and IB transition metal, preferably palladium chloride, stannous ions in a molar concentration in excess of that of the transition metal ions, an acid, and a buffering salt; followed by contacting the sensitized substrate surface with a noble metal activating solution to catalyze the substrate surface for subsequent electroless plating. The sensitized and activated substrate is then contacted with an aqueous dry film photoresist, which is then imaged and developed to form a predetermined electrical circuit pattern, using conventional methods.

Abstract: A pellicle structure comprises a frame having a vertical through opening and a pellicle film spread on the upper the upper end of the opening of the frame. The pellicle film has a coating layer comprising a coating agent formed at least on the inner surface thereof, and a bonding portion for bonding the end edge of the frame to the peripheral edge of the pellicle film through an adhesive layer. The coating agent, in the bonding portion, is dissolved or dispersed in the adhesive so that the pellicle substrate is directly contacted by and bonded to the adhesive.

Abstract: A flux enhanced data transducer and method for producing the same in conjunction with shared shields on MR read heads in which substantially between 500-2500 .ANG. of a relatively higher magnetic moment material is added to the upper surface of the shared shield, or bottom write head pole, prior to a magnetic flux containment ion milling operation utilizing the upper pole as a mask. The relatively higher magnetic moment flux enhancement layer may comprise CoNiFe, FeN or similar material which is deposited prior to the formation of the dielectric gap layer. The flux enhancement layer may then be selectively removed substantially surrounding the upper pole by means of a relatively brief ion milling process in which only on the order of 1.0 k.ANG. of the layer need be removed and during which only an insignificant amount of the material removed might be re-deposited on the sides of the upper pole.

Abstract: Disclosed is a structure composed of a ragged base body with a ragged surface and a non-adhesive layer of a non-adhesive high polymer, in which the layer is fixed to at least the depressions of the ragged surface in such a way that the ragged profile of the body appears on the outer surface, reiterated by the layer. The ragged profile has a mean surface roughness Ra of 0.5 to 20 .mu.m and the mean distance Z between the adjacent projections forming the ragged profile is 20 to 1000 .mu.m. The non-adhesive high polymer may be a silicone high polymer having a silicone oil content of 10% or less. It has an effective surface tension of 32 dyn/cm or less. As the structure has improved releasing characteristics, adhesion of an adhesive substance to the structure may be effectively prevented without using any conventional releasing agent.

Abstract: A method of recycling a support material for supporting images thereon, at least part of the support material including a paper layer which contains cellulose fibers as the main component and bears thereon hydrophobic images having a coloring agent and a heat softening or thermofusible material, includes the steps of causing the support material to hold a water-containing image peeling liquid thereon; bringing an image peeling member into contact with the hydrophobic images while the image peeling liquid is held on the support material; and peeling the hydrophobic images off the paper layer, with the image peeling liquid being held in an amount of 1.0 g or more per A4-size paper layer, or with the rate of the penetration of the image peeling liquid into the paper layer of the support material being set at 12 ml/m.sup.2 or more for a contact time of 0.

Abstract: A process for preparing an X-ray mask structure comprises an X-ray transmissive film, an X-ray absorptive member held on the X-ray transmissive film and supporting frame for supporting the X-ray transmissive film. The X-ray absorptive member is constituted of crystalline grains having a grain boundary size of 1 .mu.m or larger, or has a density of 90% or more relative to the density of the bulk material.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium is constructed with a substrate made of glass, one or two underlayers, and a magnetic film. In order that the easy magnetization axis of the magnetic film is parallel to the magnetic film, an underlayer having an NaCl crystallographic structure is superposed on the substrate. A magnetic film made of a Co based alloy having a hexagonal close packed crystallographic structure is formed on this underlayer, putting an underlayer made of a material having a body centered cubic crystallographic structure therebetween at need. Magnetic anisotropy of the magnetic film is increased by forming grooves in a predetermined direction in a surface portion of the substrate. These grooves play a role also for defining the orientation of the underlayer made of the material having an NaCl crystallographic structure.

Abstract: An effective non-specular reflector, for use in a Liquid Crystal Display, is formed by first coating a substrate with a two component solution. One component hardens when heated or when exposed to ultraviolet light (optionally through a mask) while the other component remains liquid. The result is a solid layer in which are dispersed multiple liquid regions, some of which break the surface where they are easily removed, leaving behind a roughened surface. Once a high reflectance metal has been deposited onto this surface it becomes an effective nonspecular reflector. Examples of materials for use as the two components are given.

Abstract: An image-bearing member for supporting thereon images formed by a thermofusible or heat-softening ink containing a dye coloring component, at least part of the image-bearing member having a paper layer which contains cellulose fibers and a discoloring agent capable of discoloring the dye coloring component of the thermofusible or heat-softening ink. In addition, a method for recycling the above-mentioned image-bearing member is also disclosed.

Abstract: A light influencing element and the process of fabricating the same is disclosed, wherein the light influencing element is fabricated by disposing a layer of a substantially opaque material upon a transparent substrate. One or more openings or wells may then be cut or formed in the surface of the layer of opaque material. Into such openings a light influencing material is then disposed, preferable said materials are injected thereinto as by ink-jet type injection heads. Liquid crystal displays and subassemblies formed upon the light influencing elements of the instant invention are also provided.

Abstract: A soft adjacent layer biased magnetoresistive ("MR") device, and a method for producing the same, which incorporates a natural flux closure design utilizing coplanar thin film permanent magnets to stabilize the device while obviating induced domain walls in the magnetoresistive and soft adjacent layers ("SAL"). The device structure includes an SAL film and overlying magnetic spacer layer ("MSL") in conjunction with an MR film to produce an SAL biased magnetoresistive structure ("MRS") with the MR layer patterned to a shortened length with respect to the SAL and MSL layers. A non-magnetic metal or dielectric separation layer of on the order of 20-300 angstroms (".ANG.") is then deposited over the MSL layer and the sides of the MR layer followed by the deposition of permanent magnet layer portions substantially coplanar with the MR layer to produce a low energy equilibria device with high sensitivity and superior signal output.

Abstract: A security element for the authentication of a substrate has a pattern comprising optical diffraction elements which are embossed in a carrier material of plastic material and unembossed neutral areas. On the embossing side of the carrier material a reflecting layer covers only surfaces with relief structures of the diffraction elements while the neutral areas which lie therebetween are free of the reflecting layer and are therefore non-reflecting. If the security element is stuck in the form of a stamp onto the substrate and the carrier metal is transparent, image portions, which are covered by the stamp, of a feature on the substrate can be discerned through the neutral areas.

Abstract: A photoresist-free method for making patterned films of metal oxides, metals, or other metal containing compounds is described. The method involves applying an amorphous film of a metal complex to a substrate. The film may be conveniently applied by spin coating using standard industry techniques. The metal complex used is photoreactive and undergoes a low temperature chemical reaction in the presence of light of a suitable wavelength. The end product of the reactions depends upon the atmosphere in which the reactions take place. Metal oxide films may be made in air. Patterned films may be made by exposing only selected portions of the film to light. Patterns of two or more materials may be laid down from the same film by exposing different parts of the film to light in different atmospheres. The resulting patterned film is generally planar. Separate planarization steps are not generally required.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of manufacturing decorative board meeting exceptionally high standard concerning abrasion resistance, scratch resistance and impact resistance and which for this pruposes is varnished, electron-beam cured to 60-9.5%, is subjected to a pressing treatment and finally it is electron-beam cured to 100% to provide the disired abrasion resistance, gloss, and surface finish.

Abstract: A process for providing indicia to the surface of an article. The process comprising the steps of: providing an article having material initially forming at least a portion of its exterior surface; coating at least part of the material whereat indicia is to be provided to thereby form a film; contacting, with radiation from a radiation beam, indicia areas of the film intended to be provided with indicia, the radiation thereby removing the film and modifying the surface of the material of the indicia areas and also forming a mask in the non-indicia areas of the film; applying an ink to the indicia areas thereby forming the indicia on the surface; drying the ink; and removing the film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a printed circuit board, which comprises the steps of:(1) forming, on the surface of an insulating substrate on a necessitate portion of which electrolessly plated copper is to be precipitated, a layer of a light-sensitive resin composition comprising (a) 40 to 80 parts by weight of a vinyl-polymerized high molecular weight binder having an acid value of 10 to 46 mgKOH/g, (b) 20 to 60 parts by weight of a compound having at least two polymerizable unsaturated double bonds in a molecule, with the total amount of Components (a) and (b) being 100 parts by weight, and (c) a photopolymerization initiator generating free radicals by irradiation of active light in an amount of 0.

Abstract: A fabrication method of a printed wiring board in which the halation effect of light irradiated to a solder resist film is utilized in a process of selectively removing the solder resist film. After a conductive layer is patterned to a given circuit pattern including soldering pads, the solder resist film is formed on the base material to cover the patterned conductive layer. The solder resist film is selectively exposed to light utilizing reflection of the irradiated light from the insulating base material and developed so that the solder resist film is selectively left in areas adjacent to the respective soldering pads. Then, an etching resist film is formed to cover the patterned conductive layer except for the soldering pads, and surface areas of the respective soldering pads are selectively etched using the etching resist film as a mask to produce solder resist dams made of the solder resist film left on the base material. Solder films are formed on the respective soldering pads thus selectively etched.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing an electronic circuit assembly having surface mount integrated circuit packages mounted to its substrate, in which ingress of a conformal coating into a void present between the IC package and the substrate is prevented by a masking composition which forms a barrier around the IC package prior to the conformal coating process. The masking compositions are hot melt materials, in that each is initially a solid at roughly room temperature, melts to become a liquid at an elevated temperature at which the masking composition is applied to the electronic assembly, and forms a solid upon cooling to a temperature corresponding to a service temperature of the electronic assembly. As such, the masking compositions can be rapidly applied through various highly controllable techniques, and will quickly and sufficiently solidify upon cooling to allow handling of the electronic assembly.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive (MR) read transducer assembly having passive end regions separated by a central active region, and a method of fabricating it. Layers of a first biasing material and a nonmagnetic decoupling spacer material are deposited on a substrate, then covered by a mask only in the central region. By etching or ion milling, those parts of the layers not covered by the mask are removed to define a transverse biasing means in the central region and define the passive end regions. With the same mask remaining in place, a conductive material and exchange layer comprising a second biasing material are deposited over all regions. The mask is removed to define and provide conductor leads and longitudinal biasing means only in the end regions. MR material is thereafter deposited as a continuous thin film in direct contact with the central region containing the transverse biasing means and in direct contact with the end regions containing the longitudinal biasing means.

Abstract: A method for producing polymeric diacetylene thin films having desirable nonlinear optical characteristics has been achieved by producing amorphous diacetylene polymeric films by simultaneous polymerization of diacetylene monomers in solution and deposition of polymerized diacetylenes on to the surface of a transparent substrate through which ultraviolet light has been transmitted. These amorphous polydiacetylene films produced by photo-deposition from solution possess very high optical quality and exhibit large third-order nonlinear optical susceptibilities, such properties being suitable for nonlinear optical devices such as waveguides and integrated optics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a process for producing a laminated ornamental glass, comprising:a) printing by a color inkjet printer an opaque, first coating layer having computer designed glazed painting or striped-figure pattern on the inner side of an outwardly facing glass substrate; by a color inkjet printer connected to a computer with a program of the design of said painting or pattern stored therein;b) coating a second, white paint coating layer and a third, black or grey oil ink coating layer in turn over the first coating layer by conventional spray coating or roll coating method; after dried,c) engraving in an array or net figures selected from the group consisting of circles, tetragons, and hexagons on said coating layers by a laser engraving machine connected to said computer with a program of the design of said figures stored therein, leaving transparent coating-free crevice portions between said opaque patterned coating portions; andd) laminating with adhesive an inwa

Abstract: A surface coating composition comprising generally cement, sand, a polymer binder, and water, and a method for applying the composition to a surface. The composition is used to apply an ornamental surface coating onto a pre-existing cementitious surface, or a surface to which a cementitious base layer has been applied. The surface is cleaned with a muriatic acid solution. A flexible plastic template is laid on the surface to define the desired pattern and a thin layer of the composition is applied. The template is removed after the composition is applied. After the composition starts to cure, the surface is wiped with a damp sponge to round off corners and open up surface pores. The surface is sealed after curing. Texturizing rollers may be used to provide a more realistic finish. The coating is tough and durable, and can withstand up to approximately 6,000 psi (about 400 kg/cm.sup.2) pressure.

Abstract: Electrolessly deposited metal films having improved adhesion can be obtained by coating the surface of the substrates to be metallized with a formulation consisting of UV-curable varnishes which contain noble metal compounds as activators and, in addition, either fillers or solvents or a combination of fillers and solvents, curing these varnishes by means of UV radiation, followed by electroless metallization of the substrates thus treated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a coating design to selected portions of a surface (13) of a structure (14) including the steps of applying a maskant (18) to the surface (13), positioning a plurality of sensors (20) on the structure (14) around the surface (13), positioning a laser (22) at a distance from the surface (13), directing a laser beam (32) from the laser (22) to each of the sensors (20) as input to the sensors, and using output from the sensors (20) based on the input to determine the position of the laser (22) relative to the surface (13), scanning the perimeter of the selected portions (36) with a laser beam (34), including using the determined relative positions of the laser and the surface to guide the laser beam, to cut into the maskant (18) around the perimeter, peeling the maskant (18) away from the selected portions (36), and applying the coating to the selected portions.

Abstract: A process of powder coating of workpieces in which initially a workpiece is coated with color powder such that the powder adheres to the workpiece and subsequently the powder is baked in an oven, in which subsequent to coating and prior to baking the powder adhering to the workpiece is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation within a particular, defined surface portion so that the powder within the defined surface portion will gelate and stick to the workpiece, and in which the color powder adhering to the workpiece outside of said defined surface portion is removed subsequent to irradiation.

Abstract: Articles, such as plastic parts, having the appearance of a naturally-occurring material such as wood or leather are formed by the techniques of (1) providing a plurality of grooves in a surface of the article, (2) applying a surfactant to the surface of the article, and (3) applying one or more color solutions to the surface of the article. The article may be a solid substrate, a part or a film. A topcoat is preferably applied to the surface of the article. The techniques include controlling movement of an applicator implement for applying the surfactant and color solutions to the surface of the substrate, and controlling movement of a saturator tool for modifying and synthesizing the surfactant and color solutions on the surface of the part and permeating the surfactant and color solutions into the plurality of grooves.

Abstract: The method for metallizing the surface of dielectric materials according to the invention comprises a first step wherein a metal powder, the size of the grains of which is comprised between 10 and 5000 nm, is deposited and then incorporated into the surface of the dielectric material. In a second step of the method, the dielectric material which is so impregnated with metal, is immersed into an autocatalytic bath to coat the impregnated zones of the material with a layer of the metal contained in the bath in a thickness which is proportional to the immersion time. This method enables to metallize materials such as oxides, polymers and composites containing these oxides and/or these polymers. The characteristics of the metal deposits are controlled, on the one hand, by the type of metal, and the size and the geometry of the metal powder grains and, on the other hand, by the type and the structure of the dielectric materials coated with these deposits.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a stamper includes the steps of coating a flat surface of a substrate with photosensitive material; directing light to a specified position on the photosensitive material to expose it; developing the photosensitive material to make a minute photoresist pattern; etching the substrate to a specified depth with a mask of the photoresist pattern; removing the photoresist as the mask to make a glass master; arbitrarily forming a first nickel layer on a surface of the glass master; forming an intermediate layer of a metal having a smaller linear expansion coefficient than nickel over the first nickel layer; forming a second nickel layer on the intermediate layer to form a conductive film having a two- or three-stratum structure; arbitrarily subjecting the whole substrate to a process to make nickel passive; forming an electroformed layer on the conductive film by an electroforming process; and separating the conductive film from the glass master.

Abstract: An elongated catheter having an interior and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface defines a lumen passing through the catheter. The catheter further including an enclosed cavity between the interior and exterior surfaces which encircles of the lumen. The cavity having an inner wall and an outer wall, the outer wall being a resilient sleeve which can stretch generally independently of the inner wall. The cavity containing an amount of a suitable lubricating substance effective to permit the resilient sleeve to slide along an outer surface of the inner wall while in lubricated contact therewith when stretched independently of the inner wall, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are joined together at distal end proximal ends of the enclosed cavity. An automated method for producing the same, including a series of automated dipping steps, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a composite material comprises the steps of furnishing a layer of a matrix material, forming a groove in the matrix-material layer using a laser to remove material from the layer of matrix material in the form of a groove, and placing a reinforcement into the groove. Preferably, the surface of the layer of matrix material is smoothed with a laser beam prior to formation of the groove. In most instances, more than one layer is desired, and the steps of furnishing, forming, and placing are repeated, using the same or different materials, to build up a multilayer composite material. Cylindrical, flat, or curved panel composite materials can be readily prepared, using metal, intermetallic, or ceramic materials for the matrix.

Abstract: Method of preparing an adhesive sheet comprising (1) a backing, and (2) an adhesive layer having at least one topologically microstructured surface comprising a plurality of pegs, optionally containing one or more beads, substantially uniformly distributed and protruding outwardly from the adhesive layer, wherein the pegs have essentially flat tops that comprise less than 25% of the total surface contact area of the adhesive layer, and have a height of at least 15 .mu.m.