Abstract: Devices for leveling an object for patterning a substrate surface, including an array of scanning probe tips, are provided. A device may include a support structure adapted to mount an object, the object having a plurality of protrusions adapted to form a pattern on a surface of a substrate upon contact of the object to the surface; and at least one flexible joint assembly mounted to the support structure and adapted to allow the object to achieve a parallel orientation with respect to the surface upon contact of the object to the surface. Also provided are apparatuses and kits incorporating the devices and methods of making and using the devices and apparatuses.

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: The present invention relates to a micro metal mold for manufacturing micro metal sheet products provided with a fine or micro opening(s) or an aperture(s) together with or independently of a groove(s) and/or a protrusion(s), a method for making the mold by the electroforming or electroplating method, a method for making the mold and micro metal sheet products manufactured by using the micro metal mold. According to the invention, it is possible to manufacture micro metal sheet products, provided with fine and precise dimensions of an opening(s) as well as a groove(s) and/or a protrusion(s), under a mass production.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to methods to reduce warpage of a substrate.

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 roughened surface. The method further comprises the act of depositing discrete nanoparticles on the roughened surface though a one-step process of exposing the roughened surface to a solution. The nanoparticles comprise a material having a property that promotes osseointegration.

Abstract: A method of printing on a metal surface includes steps of forming a plurality of macropores on at least a portion of a metal surface. A plurality of micropores are formed within and adjacent to the macropores. The metal surface is cleaned, and a first ink having a first color is applied to the macropores and micropores to form at least one image on the metal surface. Preferably, the ink is applied using an inkjet printer. The ink is dried. A second ink having a second color may also be applied to the metal surface and then dried. Additional inks may also be applied. A lacquer top coat may be applied to the metal surface on top of the first ink (and additional inks, if provided). Preferably, the metal surface is part of a coin.

Abstract: A T shirt stretching tool (4) in a closed state is inserted into a T shirt (5) of print object. The T shirt stretching tool (4) is opened to the right and left, the body portion (51) of the T shirt (5) is spread to the right and left and then the front part (51a) and the back part (51b) of the body portion are stretched to bring about a planar state (step for stretching clothing). The T shirt (5) spread to the right and left by the T shirt stretching tool (4) is then mounted on the medium mount (22) of an ink jet printer (2) while the front part (51a) is directed upward (step for setting clothing). Thereafter, the ink jet printer (2) is driven to print a print image at a set position of the front part (51a) in the body portion (51) of the T shirt (5). Consequently, a pattern can be printed neatly on a T shirt using an ink jet printer.

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.

Abstract: A method of controlling flow includes treating a region of a surface to have a non-wettable surface characteristic or a wettable surface characteristic in the region.

Abstract: There is provided a method for surface treatment of a sliding portion of a product, which is an economical method, has less risk of polluting the working environment, or causing a fire by the powder dust, and yet enables high lubricativeness to be achieved, and many concavities to be formed on the sliding portion while simultaneously providing lubricativeness. Injection particles, obtained by blending soft-metal solid lubricant particles the surfaces of which have been oxidized and layered-structure solid lubricant particles, are injected onto a surface of the sliding portion of the product to be treated at an injection speed of 150 m/sec or more, thereby to diffuse and penetrate the surface to form a layer of the injection particles, and to form many concavities on the surface of the sliding portion.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a mattress or a mattress pad with one or more gel sections. The gel section may provide improved support and comfort at a localized area of a mattress or a mattress pad.

Abstract: A false inlay decoration is characterized in that a linear notch is formed in a surface of a base by laser processing; a first decoration face and a second decoration face are sectioned and formed by the linear notch; and a coating layer is formed on the inner surface of the linear notch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a one-piece hairspring (21, 21?) including, a balance spring (25, 25?) coaxially mounted on a collet (27, 27?), made in the same layer of silicon-based material. According to the invention, the hairspring includes an elevation device (2, 2?) for the outer coil of the balance spring above the layer of silicon-based material so as to improve the concentric development of the hairspring. The invention also relates to a timepiece including a hairspring of this type and the method of manufacturing the same. The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous, single-step application of a decoration to at least one face of articles made from an extruded- or foamed-plastic material. The aforementioned step comprises: (i) the embossing of at least one face of the article, by passing the article under an embossing roller which is equipped with a relief groove; and (ii) the printing of said at least one face of the article with the transfer of an ink from a composite film with transferable ink. The printing step is performed concomitantly with the embossing step with the same embossing roller which is made form an elastic material and which is heated to the surface softening temperature of the plastic article. The invention also relates to a device for decorating extruded- and foamed-plastic articles in a single step, to the articles thus decorated and to the use of the method and the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a metal part. Said method comprises the steps of supplying a strand of metal material and applying a coating from a fluxing agent composition to a surface of the strand of material by means of an application device (1), said fluxing agent composition being applied to only a defined portion of the surface of the strand of material by means of the application device (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for functionally modifying a polymeric surface for subsequent deposition of metallic particles and/or films, wherein the polymeric surface is modified by increasing hydroxyl and/or amine functional groups thereby providing an activated polymeric surface for deposition of metallic particles to form a fluorescence sensing device. The device can be used for metal-enhanced fluorescence of fluorophores positioned above the metallic particles that can be readily applied to diagnostic or sensing applications of metal-enhanced fluorescence.

Abstract: The present provides a bondably coated metallic member comprising a metallic member having a low surface energy polymeric coating, said low surface energy polymeric coating having been surface activated on at least a portion thereof, and having on said surface-activated portion a bondable high surface energy polymeric coating. The present invention also provides a bondably-coated metallic pipe comprising metallic pipe having a low surface energy mainline polymeric coating thereon extending over the pipe except at a bare zone adjacent each end of the pipe that is free from said main-line coating; a portion of said mainline coating adjacent each bare zone having been surface activated and having on said surface activated portion a bondable high surface energy polymeric coating.

Abstract: Described is a structural body including at least partially an aluminum member having on a surface an anodized film with micropores present, in which: the micropores have a coefficient of variation in pore size of 5 to 50%; and the micropores are each sealed with a metal. The structural body can generate localized plasmon resonance having a sufficiently large intensity and be produced at low cost through a simple production process, and having a large surface area.

Abstract: A refractory panel is formed with recesses delineating a pair of adjoining brick relief patterns. One or more depressions are formed in the recesses such that grout or the like placed in the recesses form fingers that harden into position.

Abstract: An appliqué and associated method of applying an appliqué an improved sublimated and screen printed image on a substrate of a An improved appliqué suitable for applying a graphic to a material a first printing layer and a second polyurethane layer. The appliqué is cut the graphic imparted thereon and adhered to a garment.

Abstract: Methods for transferring of a useful layer from a support are described. In an embodiment, the method includes for facilitating transfer of a useful layer from a support by providing an interface in a first support to define a useful layer; and forming a peripheral recess on the first support below the interface so that the periphery of the interface is exposed to facilitate removal and transfer of the useful layer. An epitaxial layer can be formed on the useful layer after forming the recess, with the width and depth of the recess being sufficient to accommodate the volume of residual material resulting from formation of the epitaxial layer without covering the periphery of the interface. Alternatively, an epitaxial layer can be formed on the useful layer after forming the recess, wherein the peripheral recess is configured for receiving sufficient residual material from the epitaxial layer to prevent bonding between the residual material and the useful layer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present application relate to new form constructions and methods of forming and using the new form constructions. One method of printing a form construction involves (1) providing a substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface; (2) bossing at least a portion of the substrate to form a bossed substrate portion; and (3) attaching a signage to the bossed substrate portion. The signage or a printable portion of the substrate may then optionally be printed. An exemplary new form construction includes a substrate having a bossed substrate portion and an unbossed substrate portion; and a signage adjacent to the bossed substrate portion.

Abstract: A process for the treatment or pretreatment of containers made of aluminum, aluminum-containing alloys, magnesium-containing alloys, iron-containing materials such as steel, coated iron-containing materials such as galvanized steel, or aluminum alloys, tinplate, brass or bronze, in particular the treatment or pretreatment of bags, tubs, bottles, cans, canisters, casks or tubes, wherein the process steps for the treatment or pretreatment take place at the same time as the application of the lubricant, with the agent used for the pretreatment or treatment, which also contains or is a lubricant, not essentially consisting of titanium or zirconium with fluoride and polymer, the lubricant possibly being formed first in the agent for the pretreatment or treatment or in the formation of the coating produced therefrom.

Abstract: Methods for forming an assembly for transfer of a useful layer are described. In an embodiment, the method includes forming a useful layer on a first support having an interface therebetween, and a residual material on a portion of the first support to form the assembly, and processing the assembly to attenuate any bond between the useful layer and the first support caused by the residual material. An implementation of the method includes processing the assembly to remove residual material. In another variation, processing of the assembly includes forming at least one cut or separating channel between a free surface of the useful layer and the interface to separate the useful layer from contact with the residual material. In yet another variation, processing of the assembly includes forming a peripheral recess so that the residual material does not contact the useful layer.

Abstract: It is disclosed a method of protecting a local area of components (1) from the effects of thermochemical or mechanical processes carried out on the surface (6) of the component. A masking material (5) containing at least one filler material is applied to the local area so that the local area is protected by the masking material (5). This is at least partially polymerized on the local area. Subsequently the thermochemical or physical processes on the surface (6) of the component (1) are carried out after which the polymerized masking material (5) is removed from the local area of the component (1).

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

Abstract: New etch barriers of indium-tin-oxide in the manufacturing process of thin film transistor-liquid crystal display are self-assembled monolayers, such as n-alkylsilanes. A typical process of applying a self-assembled monolayer is to ink a hydrolyzed n-octadecyltrimethoxysilane solution on to a stamp and then to transfer the solution onto ITO. The surface of the stamp may be polar enough to be wet with polar self-assembled monolayer solutions of an akylsilane. A non-polar stamp surface may be treated with oxygen plasma to obtain a wettable polar surface.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting parallel marketing of an item, include forming at least one of a coating and a code on the item, interrogating the at least one of the coating and said code, and determining from the interrogating whether the item has been transferred from an authorized merchant to an unauthorized merchant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gas separation membranes including a metal-based layer having sub-micron scale thicknesses. The metal-based layer can be a palladium alloy supported by ceramic layers such as a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer. By using MEMS, a series of perforations (holes) can be patterned to allow chemical components to access both sides of the metal-based layer. Heaters and temperature sensing devices can also be patterned on the membrane. The present invention also relates to a portable power generation system at a chemical microreactor comprising the gas separation membrane. The invention is also directed to a method for fabricating a gas separation membrane. Due to the ability to make chemical microreactors of very small sizes, a series of reactors can be used in combination on a silicon surface to produce an integrated gas membrane device.

Abstract: A dual-sided stamper/imprinter for simultaneously forming magnetic transition patterns in spaced-apart first and second layers of magnetic material by contact printing comprises a mechanically hard, substantially rigid magnetic material having high saturation magnetization and high permeability and including first and second oppositely facing imprinting surfaces, wherein each of the imprinting surfaced has a topographical pattern formed therein comprising a patterned plurality of spaced-apart recesses with a plurality of non-recessed areas therebetween, each topographical pattern corresponding to a magnetic transition pattern to be formed in a respective layer of magnetic material. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing dual-sided stampers/imprinters.

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

Abstract: A process for creating a visible pattern on a frosted glass article to give the appearance of selective frosting of the glass article. A clear glass substrate is uniformly roughened on one surface to create a uniform frosting effect and abrasion layer. Artwork for a desired visible pattern is created on a computer, and a silkscreen is prepared of the artwork. The silkscreen is used to transfer a clear ink to the substrate to fill in the abrasion layer in the desire visible pattern. The clear ink has an index of refraction close to glass, and the abrasion layer is essentially cancelled out or removed. The substrate is then cured in an oven until the ink is dry. The resulting glass substrate or glass article has the same appearance as if it had been entirely frosted, except for the desired visible pattern that appears clear and transparent to light. In another aspect of the present invention, a process is claimed for producing selectively frosted glass articles.

Abstract: A method of reducing the formation of surface defects in a coated substrate includes providing coating powders at both the appearance surfaces and the non-appearance surfaces of the substrate. A method of coating a substrate includes machining the appearance surface of the substrate, machining the non-appearance surface of the substrate, disposing a first powder at the appearance surface of the substrate, and disposing a second powder at the non-appearance surface of the substrate. The powders are disposed at the surfaces by electrostatic deposition. A method of facilitating the adherence of a coating at an edge between two surfaces of a substrate includes configuring the edge to have a rounded surface.

Abstract: A process and an installation for the production of a bituminous sealing sheet, comprises a strip impregnated and/or coated with a given bitumen and having a zone in the shape or a band or a portion of a band of a different bitumen from the first bitumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an ordered array of nanoparticles on a substrate surface and to a nanomaterial having such an ordered array of nanoparticles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to the provision of an ordered array of magnetic nanocrystals on a substrate surface. Although the present invention is not limited to the production of a magnetic array, one important object of the present invention is the production of a material suitable for use as an ultra high density magnetic data storage medium. According to the present invention there is provided a method of producing a structure comprising a plurality of nanoparticles distributed across a surface of a substrate in a predetermined array, the method comprising the steps of: i) providing a substrate which has a passivated surface; ii) depositing nanoparticles on to said surface; and iii) displacing said particles over said surface to configure them in said predetermined array.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for distressing a wooden plank give the plank an antique, aged appearance. The preferred method includes four independent steps. The plank is run through an inventive machine operative to impart a random saw blade distressing on the plank. This step is preferably carried out as a single stream in a machine having a plurality of saw arbors, each driven by its own rotating cam. To impart the most random pattern, each cam preferably has a different shape and rotates at a different speed. The plank is preferably fed into a roller having raised portions operative to produce random dents and impressions into the plank. This step is preferably carried out in multiple streams using a machine having a large roller or drum with protrusions affixed thereto. The plank is then fed into a profile sander having one or more wire wheels operative to apply a surface texture to the plank, then sanding and smoothing the plank with abrasive wheels.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium, comprises steps of providing a non-magnetic substrate for a magnetic medium, the substrate including at least one major surface having a contact start/stop (CSS) or landing zone and a data zone; and forming a pattern of recesses in the substrate surface in said CSS or landing zone by embossing utilizing a stamper having a surface including a negative image pattern of said pattern of recesses. Embodiments of the invention include magnetic media comprising a non-magnetic substrate including at least one major surface having a contact start/stop (CSS) or landing zone and a data zone, said substrate surface in said CSS or landing zone comprising an embossed pattern of recesses. In addition, the data zone of the substrate surface may include an embossed servo pattern formed simultaneously with the embossed pattern of recesses formed in the landing zone.

Abstract: A fabric paint delivery system includes a container storing fabric paint under nitrogen pressure, the container having an opening for discharge of the paint therethrough; a valve operative for receiving the paint from the opening; a trigger assembly having a nozzle operative for discharging the paint received from the container through the valve, the trigger assembly having a trigger for opening and closing the valve to selectively discharge the paint from an opening of the nozzle as a mist in a spray cone; wherein the trigger is operable by pulling the trigger towards the container using one's index finger for opening the valve and for closing the valve by releasing the trigger.

Abstract: A cooling system for cooling of the flow path surface region of an engine component used in a gas turbine engine and a method for making a system for cooling of the flow path surface region of an engine component used in a gas turbine engine. The method comprises the steps of channeling apertures in a substrate to a diameter of about 0.0005″ to about 0.02″ to allow passage of cooling fluid from a cooling fluid source; applying a bond coat of about 0.0005″ to about 0.005″ in thickness to the substrate such that the bond coat partially fills the channels; applying a porous inner TBC layer of at least about 0.01″ in thickness to the bond coat, such that the TBC fills the channels; applying an intermediate ceramic layer that is more dense than the inner TBC layer on top of the porous TBC; applying an outer TBC layer over the intermediate layer; and, passing cooling fluid from a cooling fluid source through the channel into the porous TBC.

Abstract: A magnetic hard disk having magnetic tracks for storing data which is read or written by a magnetic head floating immediately above the magnetic track while the magnetic hard disk is rotating, and the magnetic head rests on the magnetic hard disk while the magnetic hard disk is not rotating. One aspect of the present invention is that the magnetic hard disk comprises a non-magnetic substrate having a plurality of banks and grooves alternately and concentrically arranged thereon, a magnetic film formed on each of the banks, and non-magnetic material formed on an entire surface of the substrate all over the banks and grooves such that roughness of the upper surface of the non-magnetic material is in a range between 0.5 nm and 3 nm.

Abstract: An elongate elastomeric structure having controlled surface texture. Plasma deposition is used to create controlled features, such as ridges, on the external surface of an elongate elastomeric surface, such as the external surface of silicone tubing. The invention has particular applicability in the medical device field, such as the fabrication of implantable leads, catheters, and medical devices incorporating them.

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

Abstract: An article having a substrate is protected by a thermal barrier coating system. An interfacial layer contacts the upper surface of the substrate. The interfacial layer may comprise a bond coat only, or a bond coat and an overlay coat. The interfacial layer has on its upper surface a preselected, controllable pattern of three-dimensional features, such as grooves in a parallel array or in two angularly offset arrays. The features are formed by an ablation process using an ultraviolet laser such as an excimer laser. A ceramic thermal barrier coating is deposited over the pattern of features on the upper surface of the interfacial layer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a patterned surface wherein predetermined regions of the surface are masked with a self-assembled monolayer (“SAM”) covalently bound to a brush polymer overlayer. The remainder of the substrate surface will generally be functionalized with a second self-assembled monolayer. Preferably, the method involves a microcontact printing technique, wherein a molecular moiety capable of spontaneously forming an SAM upon transfer to a surface is “stamped” onto a substrate surface, followed by growth (or covalent attachment) of a polymer on exposed functional groups within the SAM molecules. Coverage of surface regions with both an SAM and a polymer overlayer provides a number of advantages, particularly with regard to surface masking during etching and the like. The method is useful in the manufacture of microelectronic circuitry, biosensors, high-density assay plates, and the like.

Abstract: A turbine blade and a method for its production. In order to protect the turbine blade from being damaged by particles carried in the gas, surfaces of the turbine blade are melted down to a predetermined depth in order to form a defined amorphous region on a crystalline structure of a base material. The surfaces are then cooled down at a predetermined temperature reduction rate per unit time.

Abstract: Adhesive is applied to a web by way of a printing plate and reverse enclosed doctor blade so as to apply the adhesive in selected locations thereby minimizing the amount of adhesive applied in order to decrease the stiffness of the resultant multi-ply web. The amount of adhesive build up on the embossing rolls due to the adhesive bleeding through the web material is minimized and the embossing rolls are permitted to clean themselves in that the adhesive application is carried out so that adhesive is not applied to the web material adjacent portions of the embossing roll on successive rotations of the roll. By doing so, portions of the backup roll which support the web where adhesive was previously applied are permitted to selfclean by allowing the adhesive which has bled through the web and collected on the backup roll to dry and flake off prior to adhesive again being applied to the web adjacent such region.

Abstract: A method of producing glass tiles, glass borders, ornamental panels made from glass or the like, the rear side of which is structured to form a relief, involves the following steps:

Abstract: A packaging laminate (10) including a substrate film (15) coated with a carbon containing silicon oxide layer (16, 17) on both surfaces is disclosed herein. A method for producing the laminate (10), and blanks and packages fabricated from the laminate are also disclosed herein. The PECVD process of the present invention strains the substrate film (15) during deposition thereby creating a very thin oxide layer with superior durability, oxygen and aroma barrier properties. The carbon-containing silicon oxide coating (16, 17) has a stoichiometry of SiOxCy in which x is witin the range of 1.5-2.2 and y is within the range of 0.15-0.80. The substrate film (15) may include a core layer (12) of a material selected from the group consisting of paper, paperboard, a foamed core, polyethylene terephtalate, polyamide, polyethylene and polypropylene.

Abstract: A ferrite magnetic film structure exhibiting a magnetic anisotropy, the ferrite magnetic film structure comprising, a substrate provided on one main surface thereof with a groove-like recessed portion and with a ridge-like projected portion located neighboring to the groove-like recessed portion, and a ferrite magnetic film constituted by a continuous film having a substantially flat upper surface and formed on one main surface of the substrate, wherein the ferrite magnetic film structure meets the following conditions: (a/(a+b))(h/(t−h))≧0.047 1≧(a+b) where “a” is a width of the ridge-like projected portion, b is a width of the groove-like recessed portion, h is a height of step between the groove-like recessed portion and the ridge-like projected portion, t is a thickness of the ferrite magnetic film at the recessed portion, and l is a length of the recessed portion and of the projected portion.

Abstract: A method in accordance with our invention for providing texture bumps on a substrate comprises the step of forming elliptical ridge-shaped bumps on the substrate. In one embodiment, substrate is used in the manufacture of a magnetic disk used in a disk drive. The elliptical bumps cause less vibration of the read-write head than circular bumps. The elliptical bumps also provide reduced friction between the disk and a read-write head during use.