Abstract: Arcing is minimized in a discharge chamber of a gas laser system by utilizing an electrode which comprises a surface portion capable of functioning as one of an anode and a cathode in order to energize a gas mixture in a discharge chamber of the gas discharge laser system, a shoulder portion being positioned on either side of the surface portion and being exposed to the gas mixture, and a coating layer made of electrically insulating material, wherein the coating layer is attached to the shoulder portion by a cold spraying method.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for forming topographical features. In one method, a pre-patterned structure is provided which comprises i) a support member having a surface and ii) an element for topographically guiding segregation of a polymer mixture including a first polymer and a second polymer, the element comprising a feature having a sidewall adjoined to the surface. The polymer mixture is disposed on the pre-patterned structure, wherein the disposed polymer mixture has contact with the sidewall and the surface. The first polymer and the second polymer are segregated in a plane parallel to the surface, thereby forming a segregated structure comprising a first polymer domain and a second polymer domain.

Abstract: A trowel for use in painting or sculpturing and having a handle enabling a user to hold the trowel, a rotating mechanism supported by the handle and an application member removably attached to and in rotary union with the rotating mechanism. The invention relates to a method for creating a three-dimensional artistic creation on a support member, with the method including distributing an image creating material on a palette, removing first portions of the image creating material and applying the image creating material with pressure across a path along and onto the support member with a twisting movement. Such application results in the first portions forming deposited panels that protrude from the support member at a thickness that is greater than that of the material on the palette. The invention also relates to a kit that includes a plurality of trowels with various size blades and image creating material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming an organic molecular film structure that can maintain desired functions characteristic to the organic material and that can be realized as a thin film, and the organic molecular film structure. An organic molecular film structure forming method for forming an organic molecular film on a base material comprises the steps of: i) forming a monomolecular film (12) that contains first organic molecules (12a) by chemically bonding a surface of the base material (10) and the first organic molecules (12a); and ii) causing second organic molecules (15) to be present inside the monomolecular film (12) by bringing the second organic molecules (15) into contact with the monomolecular film (12). Accordingly, it is possible to form an organic molecular film that can maintain desired functions characteristic to the organic material and that can be realized as a thin film.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a membrane having a tampered pore, a polymeric membrane having a tapered pore, and uses of such polymeric membrane are disclosed. The membrane includes apertures of increasing diameter which are aligned with each other to form the tapered pore.

Abstract: An article for insulation comprises a flexible substrate (200) and a thermal sprayed working layer (206) on the flexible substrate (200). The working layer (206) comprises an array of insulating elements. The insulating elements are separated by gaps so that the article is flexible.

Abstract: The method of patterning a photosensitive layer includes providing a substrate including a first layer formed thereon, treating the substrate including the first layer with cations, forming a first photosensitive layer over the first layer, patterning the first photosensitive layer to form a first pattern, treating the first pattern with cations, forming a second photosensitive layer over the treated first pattern, patterning the second photosensitive layer to form a second pattern, and processing the first layer using the first and second patterns as a mask.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an organic insulating layer used for an array substrate for a liquid crystal display device comprises forming a base material layer on a substrate; forming a photocurable organic material layer having a first liquid phase polymeric precursor, a second liquid phase polymeric precursor and a photo-initiator on the base material, the first liquid phase polymeric precursor having a single-functional group material, the second liquid phase polymeric precursor having at least one of a two-functional group material and a three-functional group material; disposing a stamp having a convex portion over the photocurable organic material layer; moving at least one of the substrate and the stamp such that the stamp depresses the photocurable organic material layer, wherein a contact hole, which exposes a portion of the base material layer and corresponds to the convex portion, is formed in the photocurable organic material layer; curing the photocurable organic material layer having the contact hol

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method for producing structural elements exposed to the effects of weather, such as metallic structural elements, in particular sectional door panels, roll-up door slats or the like, in which method the structural elements which may have already been provided with a base coating, are imprinted.

Abstract: A composition of matter for the recording medium of nanometer scale thermo-mechanical information storage devices and a nanometer scale thermo-mechanical information storage device. The composition includes: one or more polyaryletherketone copolymers, each of the one or more polyaryletherketone copolymers comprising (a) a first monomer including an aryl ether ketone and (b) a second monomer including an aryl ether ketone and a first phenylethynyl moiety, each of the one or more polyaryletherketone copolymers having two terminal ends, each terminal end having a phenylethynyl moiety the same as or different from the first phenylethynyl moiety. The one or more polyaryletherketone copolymers are thermally cured and the resulting cross-linked polyaryletherketone resin used as the recording layer in an atomic force data storage device.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a part with relief, wherein portions in relief are at least partially coated with a decorative layer. The method a) forms the body of the part; b) selectively alters the surface state of the body of the part to change the adherence thereof locally relative to the decorative layer; c) directly deposits the decorative layer over the entire body; d) removes the portions of the deposited layer which have not adhered to the body of the part. The method can be utilized in decorating timepieces.

Abstract: An electrode manufacturing apparatus comprises a conveying section for conveying a current collector sheet having a plurality of through holes; a backup roll for guiding the conveyed current collector sheet; an applicator for supplying a coating liquid to the current collector sheet on the backup roll; and a nip roll for pressing a part of the current collector sheet where the coating liquid is not supplied yet from the applicator against the backup roll.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a random graft PS-r-PEO copolymer and its use as a neutral wetting layer in the fabrication of sublithographic, nanoscale arrays of elements including openings and linear microchannels utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided. In some embodiments, the films can be used as a template or mask to etch openings in an underlying material layer.

Abstract: A production process of a perforated porous resin base, comprising Step 1 of impregnating the porous structure of a porous resin base with a liquid or solution; Step 2 of forming a solid substance from the liquid or solution impregnated; Step 3 of forming a plurality of perforations extending through from the first surface of the porous resin base having the solid substance within the porous structure to the second surface in the porous resin base; and Step 4 of melting or dissolving the solid substance to remove it from the interior of the porous structure, and a production process of a porous resin base with the inner wall surfaces of the perforations made conductive, comprising the step of selectively applying a catalyst only to the inner wall surfaces of the perforations to apply a conductive metal to the inner wall surfaces.

Abstract: A method of patterning a substrate comprising a plurality of fields, including, inter alia, positioning a first volume of fluid on a first subset of the plurality of fields of the substrate, with the first volume of fluid being subjected to a first evaporation time; positioning a second volume of fluid on a second subset of the plurality of fields of the substrate, differing from the first subset, with the second volume of fluid being subjected to a second evaporation time, differing from the first evaporation time; and patterning the first and second subsets of the plurality of fields, with the first subset of the plurality of fields being patterned prior to the second subset of the plurality of fields being patterned, with a volume associated with the second subset of the plurality of fields being greater than a volume associated with the first subset of the plurality of fields to compensate for the second evaporation time being greater than the first evaporation time.

Abstract: Processes for preparing catalyst structures, include forming a layer of a catalytic material on a substrate, and separating the layer of the catalytic material into droplet-shaped bodies of the catalytic material adhered to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of making nanostructures using a self-assembled monolayer of organic spheres is disclosed. The nanostructures include bowl-shaped structures and patterned elongated nanostructures. A bowl-shaped nanostructure with a nanorod grown from a conductive substrate through the bowl-shaped nanostructure may be configured as a field emitter or a vertical field effect transistor. A method of separating nanoparticles of a desired size employs an array of bowl-shaped structures.

Abstract: A method of producing a mold having an uneven structure and a mold for an optical element are provided. The method includes forming on a nickel substrate a mixed film using nickel and a material which phase separates from nickel simultaneously, the mixed film including a plurality of cylinders including nickel as a component thereof and a matrix region including the material which phase separates from nickel as a component thereof and surrounding the plurality of cylinders; and removing the matrix portion from the mixed film by etching to give a mold including nickel or a nickel alloy. The uneven structure is disposed in plurality on the substrate, and a pitch of the uneven structure is within a range of 30 nm or more and 500 nm or less and a depth of the uneven structure is within a range of 100 nm or more.

Abstract: This application relates to a method of applying a thermally settable coating to a patterned substrate, such as an asphalt surface. The coating is applied in one or more preformed thermoplastic sheets and heated in situ to conform the thermoplastic material to the pattern formed in the underlying substrate. In one embodiment of the invention a pattern is formed in the asphalt surface using a removable template which is impressed into the asphalt when it is in a pliable state. The pre-formed sheets are then applied to the patterned surface and gradually heated. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the template is impressed into the pre-formed sheet and asphalt surface simultaneously after the sheet has been heated to a suitable temperature in situ. A bond reduction agent may be used to minimize adhesion between the template and the heated thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A building material for use in forming exterior surface coverings. According to a preferred embodiment, the building material consists of the combination of a paper material, bonding agent, and water. The building material can either be formed directly upon a substrate, such as a wall or ceiling, or otherwise formed as a sheet of material or molding that can thereafter be affixed to a given surface or substrate. The building materials can be customized to have a specific type of color, shape and texture, and can further be utilized in a wide variety of building applications.

Abstract: A method of applying decorative layers to a steel golf club shaft is disclosed. The method may be performed on any type of steel shaft and comprises buffing the steel shaft, applying a primer or sealer coat, curing the sealer coat, buffing the sealer coat, applying a decal or decorative layer, applying clear coat over the shaft and decal, and curing the clear coat layer. Some embodiments comprise applying a layer of base coat color before applying a decal. Disclosed methods can, for example, improve adhesion between chrome-plated steel golf club shafts and paint, for golf club branding with increased resistance to wear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recognizable carrier for determining physical, chemical or biochemical interactions by means of optical measurement methods. The carrier comprises a surface that defines a substrate surface and that has a base layer coated with reactive elements, which are bonded to receptor molecules, wherein the base layer and/or the reactive elements are provided with a pattern of holes which forms a code and/or the reactive elements are provided with linker molecules or markers which form a code. The substrate surface may additionally have a macroscopically planar pattern which is applied using laser light or chemical etching and forms a code. The invention likewise relates to a method for producing a recognizable carrier for spectroscopic processes and/or intensiometric tests to determine said interactions. The code to recognize the carrier can be controlled via a read-out unit coupled to the photometric analysis unit.

Abstract: It is disclosed an over-coating agent for forming fine patterns which is applied to cover a substrate having thereon photoresist patterns and allowed to shrink under heat so that the spacing between adjacent photoresist patterns is lessened, with the applied film of the over-coating agent being removed substantially completely to form or define fine trace patterns, further characterized by containing either a water-soluble polymer and an amide group-containing monomer or a water-soluble polymer which contains at least (meth)acrylamide as a monomeric component. Also disclosed is a method of forming fine-line patterns using any one of said over-coating agents. According to the invention, the thermal shrinkage of the over-coating agent for forming fine patterns in the heat treatment can be extensively increased, and one can obtain fine-line patterns which exhibit good profiles while satisfying the characteristics required of semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A method of making a window unit is provided which may result in improved yields. In certain example embodiments, the method involves coating a substrate with both (i) a solar control/management coating, and (ii) a protective layer (e.g., of or including diamond-like carbon (DLC)) over the solar control/management coating. The protective layer protects the coated substrate from scratches and/or the like during processing prior to heat treatment. Then, during heat treatment, the protective layer(s) is burned off in part or in whole. Following heat treatment, the coated article (substrate with solar control/management coating thereon) is coupled to another substrate in order to form the window unit.

Abstract: This application relates to a method of applying a thermally settable coating to a patterned substrate, such as an asphalt surface. The coating is applied in one or more preformed thermoplastic sheets and heated in situ to conform the thermoplastic material to the pattern formed in the underlying substrate. In one embodiment of the invention a pattern is formed in the asphalt surface using a removable template which is impressed into the asphalt when it is in a pliable state. The pre-formed sheets are then applied to the patterned surface and gradually heated. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the template is impressed into the pre-formed sheet and asphalt surface simultaneously after the sheet has been heated to a suitable temperature in situ. A bond reduction agent may be used to minimize adhesion between the template and the heated thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A stent of variable surface area as determined by stent struts. The stent can have a variable surface area per unit length which accommodates a therapeutic agent. A patterned distribution of therapeutic agent can be provided throughout the stent. The stent can have an increased level of therapeutic agent near an end of the stent. A decreased level of therapeutic agent can be provided near an end of one embodiment of a stent. Indentations can be provided at the surface of the stent with therapeutic agent disposed therein. The stent can be cut with struts of variable thickness to provide the variable stent surface area.

Abstract: A method for forming a multilayer structure on a surface is disclosed. The method comprises forming a body having a surface, the body being substantially light permeable. The method further comprises forming a first layer on the surface of the body, the first layer being substantially light absorbing and having a mark formed therein for permeating light therethrough, and forming a second layer on the first layer, the second layer being substantially light permeable. More specifically, the first layer has a mark formed thereon and light is permeable through the multilayer structure for illuminating the mark.

Abstract: Photovoltaic conductive features and processes for forming photovoltaic conductive features are described. The process comprises (a) providing a substrate comprising a passivation layer disposed on a silicon layer; (b) depositing a surface modifying material onto at least a portion of the passivation layer; (c) depositing a composition comprising at least one of metallic nanoparticles comprising a metal or a metal precursor to the metal onto at least a portion of the substrate; and (d) heating the composition such that it forms at least a portion of a photovoltaic conductive feature in electrical contact with the silicon layer, wherein at least one of the composition or the surface modifying material etches a region of the passivation layer. When the surface modifying material is a UV-curable material, the process comprises the additional step of curing the UV-curable material.

Abstract: Methods of forming metal oxide structures and methods of forming metal oxide patterns on a substrate using a block copolymer system formulated for self-assembly. The metal oxide structures and patterns may be used, for example, as a mask for sublithographic patterning during various stages of semiconductor device fabrication. A block copolymer at least within a trench in the substrate and including at least one soluble block and at least one insoluble block may be annealed to form a self-assembled pattern including a plurality of repeating units of the at least one soluble block laterally aligned with the trench and positioned within a matrix of the at least one insoluble block. The self-assembled pattern may be exposed to a metal oxide precursor that impregnates the at least one soluble block. The metal oxide precursor may be oxidized to form a metal oxide. The self-assembled pattern may be removed to form a pattern of metal oxide lines on the substrate surface.

Abstract: A method of making a porous membrane is disclosed. One such method optionally includes: forming a plurality of pillars in an array form over a substrate; and forming a layer with a mixture of a porous material precursor and a surfactant over the substrate. The method optionally includes removing the pillars to leave cavities in the layer; filling the cavities in the layer with a cavity filler; and removing the surfactant from the layer. The porous membrane can be used as, for example, a sieve for separating molecules from a chemical reaction.

Abstract: Provided is a production method of a metallic decorative sheet capable of preventing from getting detached at edge portions. The production method of a metallic decorative sheet for insert molding comprises steps of forming a metal thin-film layer 12 on a back surface of a transparent thermoplastic resin film 11; removing a first region J for displaying a non-metallic design on an outer surface of the thermoplastic resin film 11 and a second region K which is at least a part of edge region of the thermoplastic resin film 11 from the metal thin-film layer 12; and laminating an ink layer 14 on at least the metal thin-film layer 12 and the second region K.

Abstract: A process for depositing an active substance on selected regions of the surface of a stent, comprising: (i) providing the active substance in at least one form selected from the group consisting of a powder and a paste; and (ii) depositing the active substance on the selected regions of the surface of the stent. Preferably, the active substance comprises or consists essentially of FK506, such as FK506 in the form of a powder with a grain size smaller than 15 micron or a paste with a base of FK506 with a viscosity not lower than 100,000 to 120,000 cps.

Abstract: A method of making a composite includes providing a particle suspension comprising colloidal particles (430) and a soluble matrix precursor (440); and co-depositing the particles and the matrix precursor on a surface in a process that provides a composite of an ordered colloidal crystal comprised of colloidal particles (430) with interstitial matrix (440). Optionally the templated colloidal particles can be removed to provide a defect-free inverse opal structure.

Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing devices that carry an active material. The process involves the continuous deposition of a strip of low-melting alloy in the liquid state on a ribbon of a metal net or a micro-perforated and stretched sheet metal, which surface has been pre-treated, for example by means of deoxidation. The ribbon is preferably prepared for subsequent cutting into individual components with active material. The deposition can occur by immersion into laminar wave or into a constant jet, by spraying of small drops or by liquid dispensation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a display, the method including the steps of: disposing a substrate over which a plurality of lower electrodes and a plurality of auxiliary electrodes are formed and a donor film over which a light-emitting functional layer is formed so that the light-emitting functional layer contacts with the lower electrodes and does not contact with the auxiliary electrodes; irradiating the donor film with an energy beam to selectively transfer the light-emitting functional layer onto the lower electrodes; and forming an upper electrode that covers the light-emitting functional layer and the auxiliary electrodes.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing an organic EL panel by using a mask that includes a blocking portion blocking incoming particles and a plurality of opening portions through which the incoming particles can pass.

Abstract: A golf ball including a spherical body, first regions, and second regions. The spherical body includes a core layer and a cover layer made from a synthetic resin covering the core layer. Dimples are formed in a surface of the cover layer. First regions that are electrically conductive are formed on a surface of the spherical body. The first regions are formed on a spherical surface having a center of the spherical body as a center. The first regions are positioned at six vertices of an imaginary regular hexahedron such that the vertices are positioned on the surface of the spherical body and, thus, six of the first regions are formed. The second regions are formed in areas of the surface other than where the first regions are formed. The second regions have a radio wave reflectance lower than that of the first regions.

Abstract: A keyboard for use with a computing device. In some embodiments, the keyboard comprises a plurality of keys having upper surfaces to which a durable protective coating has been applied and legend symbols that have been etched into the upper surfaces through the durable protective coating.

Abstract: When a mask layer is formed, a first liquid composition containing a mask-layer-forming material is applied on an outer side of a pattern that is desired to be formed (corresponding to a contour or an edge portion of a pattern) to form a first mask layer having a frame shape. A second liquid composition containing a mask-layer-forming material is applied so as to fill a space inside the first mask layer having a frame shape to form a second mask layer. The first mask layer and the second mask layer are formed to be in contact with each other, and the first mask layer is formed to surround the second mask layer. Therefore, the first mask layer and the second mask layer can be used as one continuous mask layer.

Abstract: It is disclosed a method of forming fine patterns comprising: covering a substrate having photoresist patterns thereon made of a photoresist composition which is sensitive to high energy light rays with wavelength of 200 nm or shorter or electron beam radiation, with an over-coating agent for forming fine patterns, applying heat treatment to cause thermal shrinkage of the over-coating agent so that the spacing between adjacent photoresist patterns is lessened by the resulting thermal shrinking action, and removing the over-coating agent substantially completely. The present invention provides a method of forming fine patterns whereby fine patterns having pattern width or diameter of 100 nm or shorter and being excellent in uniformity (in-plane uniformity), etc. can be formed by ultrafine processing using high energy light rays with wavelength of 200 nm or shorter or electron beams.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an electron source having a self-aligned gate aperture is disclosed. A substrate is deposited on a first conductive layer. Over the first conductive layer an emitter layer is deposited. The emitter layer includes one or a plurality of spaced-apart nano-structures and a solid surface with nano-structures protruding above the surface. An insulator is conformally deposited over the emitter layer surface and forms a post from each protruding nano-structure. A second conductive layer is deposited over the insulator and the second conductive layer and the insulator are removed from the nano-structures such that apertures are formed in the second conductive layer and at least the ends of the nano-structures are exposed at the centers of said apertures.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process for the efficient production of bas relief art, e.g., photo carvings, in a solid surface material for various uses, including for jewelry, and processes to provide a finished product of a certain desired quality, e.g., staining and finishing techniques.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing discrete track media and patterned media is disclosed which enables a magnetic recording layer having excellent magnetic characteristics to be obtained without imparting damage to a crystal orientation control layer which is at the surface when forming the magnetic recording layer. The method for manufacturing magnetic recording media comprises a process of forming a soft magnetic layer on a substrate; a process of forming a first crystal orientation control layer on the soft magnetic layer; a process of providing a depression in at least a portion of the first crystal orientation control layer; a process of performing heat treatment of the first crystal orientation control layer; and a process of forming a magnetic recording layer on the first crystal orientation control layer.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a template surface treatment method includes hydroxylating the surface of a template having an uneven pattern surface or absorbing water onto the surface to distribute OH radicals on the surface, and coupling a coupling agent onto the template surface on which the OH radicals are distributed. These processes are performed in an environment in which amines are controlled to be in a predetermined concentration or less.

Abstract: Block copolymers can be self-assembled and used in methods as described herein for sub-lithographic patterning, for example. The block copolymers can be diblock copolymers, triblock copolymers, multiblock copolymers, or combinations thereof. Such methods can be useful for making devices that include, for example, sub-lithographic conductive lines.

Abstract: This invention provides novel super-liquidphobic nanofibers and structures comprising such nanofibers, as well as methods and uses for such nanofibers.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a nozzle plate including a plurality of nozzle holes may include the step of forming a plurality of through-holes extending through a plate member in a thickness direction of the plate member. The manufacturing method may also include the step of forming a water repellant film in a region of one surface of the plate member where apertures of the through-holes are not positioned. The manufacturing method may further include the step of pressing individual regions on the one surface of the plate member, the individual regions respectively including the apertures of the through holes, to separate at least portions of the water repellant film formed in the individual regions from the water repellant film formed on the one surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a substrate includes a gas-atmosphere applying unit for applying gas atmosphere to the substrate, and a light-exposure unit for exposing the substrate to light through a lower surface of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wafer formed with an evaluation element and capable of improving productivity and a manufacturing method of an electronic component using the same. In a wafer according to the present invention, a plurality of elements connected to electrode films through lead-out conductive films are arranged and a chip area is defined for cutting out the plurality of elements in a given number. In the wafer, at least one evaluation element is formed in an area outside the chip area. The lead-out conductive films extend to the outside area and are connected to the evaluation elements. With this wafer, since the lead-out conductor is shared between the element and the evaluation element, the electrode film connected therewith can be shared, too.

Abstract: According to the invention, an insulating or semi-insulating barrier layer which has a thickness where a tunnel current can flow through is provided between a hole injection electrode and an organic compound layer with hole transport characteristics (a hole injection layer or a hole transport layer). Specifically, a thin insulating or semi-insulating barrier layer which contains silicon or silicon oxide; silicon or silicon oxide and a light transmitting conductive oxide material; or silicon or silicon oxide, a light transmitting conductive oxide material, and carbon may be provided between a light transmitting conductive oxide film formed of a light transmitting conductive oxide material, such as ITO and a hole injection layer containing an organic compound.