Abstract: A three-dimensional substrate has a central longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to a central lateral axis. A line taken in a direction parallel to or perpendicular to the central lateral axis of the three-dimensional substrate has a non-apertured, first visually discernible zone in the substrate and a second visually discernible zone in the substrate. The first visually discernable zone has a pattern of three-dimensional features on a first surface or a second surface. At least some of the three-dimensional features define a microzone having a first region and a second region. The first region and the second region have a difference in value for an intensive property. The second visually discernable zone defines apertures. The apertures have an Effective Aperture Area in a range of about 0.3 mm2 to about 15 mm2.

Abstract: A method for making conformal non-planar multi-layer circuitry is described. The method can include providing a substrate having a non-planar surface and depositing a first conformal dielectric layer on the substrate, the first conformal dielectric layer conforming to the non-planar surface of the substrate and having a non-planar surface. The method can also include applying a first conformal circuitry layer on the first conformal dielectric layer. The method can include depositing a second conformal dielectric layer on the first conformal circuitry layer, the second conformal dielectric layer conforming to a non-planar surface of the first conformal circuitry layer, and applying a second conformal circuitry layer on the second conformal dielectric layer. Successive layers can be sequentially deposited. Microvias may provide electrical connections between circuit layers.

Abstract: A method of forming an article includes forming a silicon-containing layer on a silicon-containing region of a surface of a substrate of the article; forming a plurality of channels and ridges in the silicon-containing layer; and forming at least one outer layer overlying the surface of the silicon-containing region. The plurality of channels and ridges may be formed by adding silicon-containing material to the silicon-containing layer. The channels and ridges may be formed by subtracting material from the silicon-containing layer. The channels and ridges may be formed by forming channels or grooves in the silicon-containing region of the surface of the substrate prior to formation of the silicon-containing layer.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for creating spill-proof or spill-resistant surfaces through the use of hydrophobic or oleophobic (H—SH) edges, borders and/or boundaries that contain the water and other liquids within the inside edges, borders and/or boundaries. Also described herein are spill-proof/spill-resistant surfaces. Liquid (e.g., water and other aqueous solutions/suspensions) heights of 3-6 mm on a level planar surface can be sustained by such edges, borders and/or boundaries. The H—SH borders can be created on glass, metal, wood, plastic, and concrete surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) comprising a body, a logo (3) comprising one or more than one logo segment (2) like characters such as letter, numeral, etc. and/or figures, symbols providing visual presentation of the producer name, the brand, the model or any characteristic of the household appliance (1) to the user, and a background (4) such as panel, front wall, door, etc. situated on the body and whereon the logo (3) is situated, and furthermore relates to a logo (3) coating method.

Abstract: Examples of integrated sensors are disclosed herein. An example of an integrated sensor includes a substrate and a sensing member formed on a surface of the substrate. The sensing member includes collapsible signal amplifying structures and an area surrounding the collapsible signal amplifying structures that enables self-positioning of droplets exposed thereto toward the collapsible signal amplifying structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated strip, in particular a decorative strip, comprising an upper layer (12) consisting of metal, preferably aluminum, whose upper face (22) is embossed with a structure in relief (18) and whose underside (24) is fixed to a reinforcement layer (14) consisting of plastic. During the production of the strip, the reinforcement layer (14) and the protective layer (16) are applied after the structure in relief (18) has been embossed on the upper layer (12).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for forming films. In particular, the present invention relates to the formation of films on a substrate, the substrate having at least one dam portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a workpiece which, on its surface, displays a depression having an opening width of at least 0.2 mm and in which depression a carrier material which is connected in a substantially inseparable manner to the workpiece and contains a characteristic marking material for the workpiece is disposed; and to a method for manufacturing the same and to a method for authentication and/or identification of the workpiece.

Abstract: A microchannel formed at the interface of two layers of material, at least one of the two materials being a substrate. A volume of the microchannel contains a film of polymer fixed by covalent bonding to the substrate layer. The film of polymer being formed from a hydrogel material susceptible to undergoing changes in volume under the action of an external stimulus. The hydrogel polymer is chosen from those which are sensitive to changes in temperature, light, electrical field or pH. A method for producing the microchannel.

Abstract: A decorative surface appearance in an acrylic material is obtained by applying a flowable crosslinkable acrylic material containing anisotropic particles having an aspect ratio of 3 to a shrinkable support followed by crosslinking to form a solid article.

Abstract: An article may include an array of features formed in a substrate and may be coated by a thermal barrier coating (TBC). The array of features may mitigate thermal stress experienced by the coated article. In particular, the array of features may reduce or limit crack propagation at or above the interface of a thermally insulative layer and a bond coat in the TBC. In some embodiments, the array may be formed proximate to and substantially aligned with cooling holes formed in the substrate. In other embodiments, an article may include a first array of features formed in a first location of a substrate and a second array of features formed in a second location of a substrate. The first and second locations may be determined or selected based on a prediction of thermal stresses that the substrate will experience at the first and second locations during use.

Abstract: A method of making a multi-layer micro-wire structure includes providing a substrate having a surface and forming a plurality of micro-channels in the surface. A first material composition is located in a first layer only in each micro-channel and not on the surface. A second material composition different from the first material composition is located in a second layer different from the first layer only in each micro-channel and not on the surface. The first material composition in the first layer and the second material composition in the second layer form an electrically conductive multi-layer micro-wire in each micro-channel.

Abstract: The invention notably concerns a method for depositing nano-objects on a surface. The method includes: providing a substrate with surface patterns on one face thereof; providing a transfer layer on said face of the substrate; functionalizing areas on a surface of the transfer layer parallel to said face of the substrate, at locations defined with respect to said surface patterns, such as to exhibit enhanced binding interactions with nano-objects; depositing nano-objects and letting them get captured at the functionalized areas; and thinning down the transfer layer by energetic stimulation to decompose the polymer into evaporating units, until the nano-objects reach the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Chemical burnout is used on fabrics having beaded and/or glittered areas to create embroidery that realistically simulates hand-sewn embroidery. A chemical fluid etchant is printed only on selected areas of a pattern on a fabric of cellulose fibers. Preferably, the fabric is a composite fabric that also has non-cellulose fibers. A curable fluid adhesive is printed only on other selected areas of the pattern. Ornamental particles are deposited onto the curable adhesive. The composite fabric is heated to cure the adhesive and fix the particles to the other selected areas, and to simultaneously activate the etchant to dissolve the cellulose fibers at the selected areas. The chemical etchant is removed by rinsing the composite fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ink-jet print head able to resist to chemically aggressive solvent-based inks, and to a process for the manufacturing thereof, the ink-jet print head comprising a polymeric material layer defining ink passage ways formed on a substrate, said polymeric material layer being formed by curing a curable resin composition comprising a cyclic aromatic di-functional epoxy resin, a cyclic aliphatic di-functional epoxy resin and a polymerization initiator. The invention also relates to an improved curable resin composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for forming a graphene pattern. The method includes forming a fine pattern defined by at least one trench on a substrate, applying a graphene solution on the fine pattern, and selectively forming a graphene layer on the fine pattern contacting the graphene solution.

Abstract: In a flexible substrate for roll-to-roll processing having improved thermal, mechanical, and chemical stabilities, a method of manufacturing the same, and an organic light emitting display apparatus including the same, the flexible substrate for roll-to-roll processing includes a base film formed of an organic material and an inorganic mesh pattern formed of inorganic material. The base film includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface comprising first trenches extending in a first direction and second trenches extending in a second direction. The inorganic mesh pattern buries the first trenches and the second trenches.

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 fixture for mounting and masking cutting tools includes a tool holder and a mask. The tool holder has a cavity adapted to receive a plurality of cutting tools. The mask is coupled to the holder and aligned with the plurality of cutting tools where a majority of the surface area of each cutting tool is covered by the tool holder and the mask. The mask includes a shaped portion having a profile adapted to substantially match the profile of the shaped cutting tip for the cutting tool. The mask is positioned to expose a portion of the cutting tool to the surrounding atmosphere. A method of masking and coating a cutting tool is also presented.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a game ball and methods for creating a textured graphic or stripe on the game ball, specifically on a panel of natural full-grain leather. Briefly, the full-grain leather panel is stamped with a textured plate to form a textured area. A graphic or stripe is then applied on the textured area. The resulting game ball has textured graphics or stripes with improved wear and good grip and handling characteristics.

Abstract: A plurality of grid points for forming a quadrangle, and an internal point included within the quadrangle, are quasi-formed on a medium prior to deformation, and position information is acquired that relates to the positions of the quasi-formed grid points and internal point moved in conjunction with the deformation of the medium. A triangle deformation ratio is acquired from the areas of triangles formed by the grid points and internal point before and after deformation, and a discharge amount of ink formed on the medium is computed in accordance with the deformation ratio after deformation, with respect to the triangles before deformation.

Abstract: A printed layer formation processing device performs a part of a process for forming a printed layer on a part of the print medium by a first colorant in a molded object formation process. The printed layer formation processing device includes: a formation amount correspondence relationship storage part that stores a formation amount correspondence relationship, which is a correspondence relationship between a degree of deformation of the print medium and a formation amount of the first colorant, which are correlated so that the thickness of the printed layer is substantially the same in respective regions of the molded object, a deformation degree acquisition part that acquires the degree of deformation in the respective regions of the print medium; and a formation amount determining part that determines the formation amount of the first colorant in the respective regions based on the degree of the deformation and the formation amount correspondence relationship.

Abstract: A method for processing a housing for devices such as electronic devices. A hairline is formed on an inner surface of an inmold mold. In addition, a hairline is formed on an inmold film. The inmold film is positioned inside the inmold mold and a housing representing the hairline of the inmold mold and the hairline of the inmold film together is formed using inmold injection molding.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for forming thin-film layers of chalcogenide on a substrate web. Solutions containing the reactants for the chalcogenide layer may be contained substantially to the front surface of the web, controlling the boundaries of the reaction and avoiding undesired deposition of chalcogenide upon the back side of the web.

Abstract: Methods for repairing gas turbine components damaged by corrosion that not only restores the components back to their original dimensions to ensure proper engine operations, but also have the added benefit of mitigating future corrosion attacks thereby extending the useful life of the components.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coated medical device, such as a medical guide wire, including at least applying a first colored coating to at least a first portion of an outer surface of a medical guide wire, securing a first end of the medical guide wire, and for each a designated quantity of turns, turn a second end of the medical guide wire upon a longitudinal axis of the medical guide wire. The method of manufacturing also includes securing the second end of the medical guide wire, blocking at least a first portion of the coated surface of the medical guide wire, applying a second contrasting colored coating to at least a second, unblocked portion of the outer surface of the medical guide wire and releasing the first end and the second end of the medical guide wire to display at least one spiral marking formed along a length of the medical guide wire.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of printing onto a balloon that includes the steps of: coating the printable outer surface of a balloon with a primer material; attaching the balloon about a supporting substrate to form a balloon blank; flattening the printable outer surface of the balloon on the upper surface of the substrate; attaching a first tab on a first end of the balloon blank; attaching a second tab on a second end opposite the first end of the balloon blank; applying the balloon blank to a printer, via the first tab, which in use prints a first image onto the printable surface; and moving the balloon blank back through the printer via the second tab, which in use prints a second image onto the printable surface.

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

Abstract: Decorative grasses having an appearance and/or texture simulating the appearance or texture of cloth are disclosed, as are methods for making such decorative grasses from materials, wherein at least one surface of the material is modified to simulate the appearance and/or texture of cloth.

Abstract: A method for producing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a semiconductor layer; forming a non-silicon-containing resin layer on the semiconductor layer; forming a pattern in the non-silicon-containing resin layer; forming a silicon-containing resin layer on the non-silicon-containing resin layer; etching the silicon-containing resin layer; selectively etching the non-silicon-containing resin layer; and etching the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A method for building a three-dimensional part, the method comprising providing a printed three-dimensional part and support structure, where the support structure comprises at least two polymers having different glass transition temperatures. The method also comprises annealing the three-dimensional part.

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: Method and apparatus for protecting a metal substrate from corrosion. The method comprises generating an acid catalysed sol-gel which is combined with a polyaniline solution before coating onto a metal substrate. The coating is then cured and optionally activated by subjecting the coating to alkaline conditions. The resultant metal substrate coating comprises an inter-mediate layer having a composition resultant from the reaction of the sol-gel layer with the substrate such that the sol-gel coating is chemically bonded to the substrate via the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A method of bonding a metal to a substrate involves forming a plurality of nano-features in a surface of the substrate, where each nano-feature is chosen from a nano-pore and/or a nano-crevice. In a molten state, the metal is over-cast onto the substrate surface, and penetrates the nano-features. Upon cooling, the metal is solidified inside the nano-features, where the solidification of the metal forms a mechanical interlock between the over-cast metal and the substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coated medical device, such as a medical guide wire, including at least applying a first colored coating to at least a first portion of an outer surface of a medical guide wire, securing a first end of the medical guide wire, and for each a designated quantity of turns, turn a second end of the medical guide wire upon a longitudinal axis of the medical guide wire. The method of manufacturing also includes securing the second end of the medical guide wire, blocking at least a first portion of the coated surface of the medical guide wire, applying a second contrasting colored coating to at least a second, unblocked portion of the outer surface of the medical guide wire and releasing the first end and the second end of the medical guide wire to display at least one spiral marking formed along a length of the medical guide wire.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a patterned surface on a substrate are described. Generally, the patterned surface is defined by a residual layer having a thickness of less than approximately 5 nm.

Abstract: A process for determining the placement of an adhesive relative to an emboss pattern is disclosed. The disclosed process is suitable for forming an embossed multi-ply substrate. The process comprises the steps of: 1. Providing the emboss pattern as a pattern of elements; 2. Providing a grid comprising a plurality of vertices, the grid corresponds to an adhesive application pattern; 3. Providing each vertex of the plurality of vertices with an initial position; and, 4. Overlaying said emboss pattern upon said grid.

Abstract: Provided are microfluidic devices and methods for fabricating and bonding such devices. Also provided are kits for analyzing analyte-containing samples and for lysing cells.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube (CNT) film having a transformed substrate structure and a manufacturing method thereof. The CNT film includes a transparent substrate, a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) structures formed distant from each other on the transparent substrate, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) deposited on the transparent substrate where the plurality of 3D structures is not formed. The method includes forming a plurality of 3D structures distant from each other on a transparent substrate, and depositing a CNT solution on the substrate with the plurality of 3D structures formed thereon, wherein the CNT solution is deposited into a portion of the transparent substrate where the 3D structures are not formed. Thus, the deposition mechanism of the CNT solution is controlled to thereby increase the transparency of the CNT film and the electrical conductivity of an electrode including the CNT film.

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: 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: The present invention relates to methods for marking a coated substrate. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for marking a coated substantially cementitious substrate in the form of a cementitious building product. The method comprises the steps of treating at least a portion of an uncoated cementitious substrate to form indicia; and applying a surface coating on said cementitious substrate to at least partially cover said indicia such that a marking is formed.

Abstract: A method for producing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a semiconductor layer; forming a non-silicon-containing resin layer on the semiconductor layer; forming a pattern in the non-silicon-containing resin layer; forming a silicon-containing resin layer on the non-silicon-containing resin layer; etching the silicon-containing resin layer; selectively etching the non-silicon-containing resin layer; and etching the semiconductor layer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a three(3)-dimensional distribution of structural reinforcement elements in a polymer-matrix composite. One embodiment of the invention provides a method that includes adding and curing a shape memory polymer in a plurality of flexible preforms attached with each other after preforming each of the flexible preforms to form a spatially controlled preform and variable stiffness material composite laminate. Here, in this embodiment, at least one of the preforms includes a flexible support formed from a patterned supporting material on a first surface of a stiff-structural sheet and the stiff-structural sheet that has been patterned on the support.

Abstract: An article that has the appearance of a retro instant photograph thereon is provided. The article has a raised surface, an image printed on the raised surface, and a border on the raised surface. The border has top, side, and bottom portions, and the bottom portion has a larger dimension than the top and side portions. The border has the appearance of a border of an instant photograph. The border and the image are printed on the raised surface to create the appearance of a three-dimensional instant photograph.

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: A method of forming a nano-structure can form a fine pattern easily, and the nano-structure obtained by the method is provided. A method of forming a nano-structure comprising forming a thin film by a liquid phase adsorption on surface of a template formed on a substrate, and removing a portion of the thin film, and removing the template is used.

Abstract: A method of forming an implant to be implanted into living bone is disclosed. The method comprises the act of roughening at least a portion of the implant surface to produce a microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises forming a nanoscale roughened surface on the microscale roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of depositing discrete nanoparticles on the nanoscale roughened surface though a one-step process of exposing the roughened surface to a solution including the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles comprise a material having a property that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a surface-enhanced optical property of an analyte using a flexible structured substrate having a metal layer conformably disposed on nanostructure, a flexible structured substrate, and a method of making the same.