Abstract: A method of forming a coating for an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is provided which includes applying a composition to the device in an environment having a selected pressure. An apparatus is also provided for coating the devices. The apparatus comprises a chamber for housing the device wherein the pressure of the chamber can be adjusted during the coating process.

Abstract: A curtain coater and a curtain-coating method for coating a moving web of paper or board are described. The curtain coater has an applicator nozzle for applying a coating mix to the surface of the web in the form of a continuous curtain extending uniformly over the cross-machine width of the web. In one aspect, a doctoring means located upstream (in terms of the direction of travel of the web) from the applicator nozzle substantially removes the air boundary layer traveling on the surface of the web. In another aspect, the doctoring means comprises a suction nozzle for removing the air boundary layer. In yet another aspect, a gas nozzle located downstream from the applicator nozzle sprays gas on the coating curtain in order to help apply the coating mix to the surface of the web.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing workpieces treated in a vacuum includes providing first and second vacuum chambers having first and second vacuum pumps, respectively. A vacuum is generated in the first and second vacuum chambers using the second vacuum pump. The second vacuum pump is connected by valves between the first vacuum chamber through the first vacuum pump and the second vacuum chamber. The valves are operated to evacuate the second vacuum chamber, followed by processing the workpieces in the first vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A multi-layer coating for a transparent substrate, such as glass, plastic, or other transparent material, which increases the durability and weatherability of the substrate. The coating includes a surface-hardening layer of organo-siloxane formed over the substrate. An abrasion-resistant coating comprising a multi-layer stack of alternating layers of silicon dioxide and zirconium dioxide is formed over the surface-hardening layer. The multi-layer coating further includes a hydrophobic outer layer of perfluoroalkylsilane formed over the abrasion-resistant coating to form an outer moisture-resistant surface. This multi-layer coating configuration increases the abrasion resistance and mechanical strength of the transparent substrate on which it is formed without imparting color to the transparent substrate.

Abstract: A method for coating an ink jet printhead with an ink-phobic coating includes applying the coating to an outer surface of the printhead and then drawing or forcing the coating through the apertures of the printhead, preferably with a vacuum. The method coats and renders ink-phobic not only the outer surface, but also the inside surfaces of the apertures. The ink-phobic coating may contain an amorphous fluoropolymer.

Abstract: A carrier (1) for treating photonic devices such as laser bars (B) is provided with a recessed formation (3) with a web surface (3a) for supporting the photonic device in contact therewith as well as at least one side surface (3b) forming an abutment surface for engaging a respective end facet (S1, S2) of the photonic device. The photonic device (B) is arranged in the recessed formation (3) so that the lower surface (LB) of the photonic device is masked with respect to the treatment source, while at least one end facet (S1, S2) of the photonic device engages at least one side surface (3b) by leaving exposed a surface to be treated. A protection member (5) is placed in contact with the upper surface (UB) of the photonic device (B) and the carrier (1) with the photonic device (B) arranged therein is exposed to the treatment source (E). The treatment is thus effective substantially exclusively on the surfaces of the end facets (S1, S2) to be treated.

Abstract: A multi-layer vapor deposited protective and decorative coating a polymeric basecoat layer wherein the polymer of the basecoat layer is cured at subatmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method of processing a porous ceramic preform is disclosed comprising: partially infiltrating interconnected pores of a ceramic preform with an organic fluid, converting the organic fluid on pore surfaces of preform to a carbon film, and injecting silicon into the pores with the carbon film of the preform.

Abstract: A conventional cutting tool is provided and a cutting edge of that tool is formed and/or sharpened. A relatively hard layer is applied over at least a portion of the cutting tool that includes the cutting edge and then a friction-reducing layer is applied over the hard layer. The entire coated cutting tool, or at least a portion of the coated cutting tool that includes the cutting edge, is cryogenically treated. The coated and cryogenically treated cutting tool is mounted in a conventional manner to a conventional cutting machine, and then used cut articles containing at least a substantial amount of wood.

Abstract: A process for the production of a coated substrate, preferably glass, comprising depositing a reflective metal, especially a silver, layer by a low pressure deposition process performed in a coating atmosphere that contains a gasous oxygen scavenger. The presence of the gasous oxygen scavenger alleviates oxidation of the silver layer by any oxygen gas present in the coating atmosphere. The gaseous oxygen scavenger may be a hydrocarbon and is preferably methane. The coating process is preferably sputtering.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spin-valve sensor employing one or more in-situ oxidized films as cap and/or gap layers in order to achieve an increased GMR coefficient and improved thermal stability. A fabrication method comprises depositing multilayer metallic films on a wafer in ion-beam and DC-magnetron sputtering modules of a sputtering system, and then transferring the wafer in a vacuum to an oxidation module where in-situ oxidation is conducted. When the method is used to form a cap layer, the cap layer may only be partially oxidized. A magnetic-field annealing may be subsequently conducted without the substantial occurrence of interface mixing and oxygen diffusion during the anneal process. The resulting spin-valve sensor exhibits an increased GMR coefficient, possibly due to induced specular scattering of conduction electrons and improved thermal stability mainly due to the protection of an underlying sensing layer from interface mixing and oxygen diffusion during the annealing process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a film-forming method, comprising dispensing from a dispenser nozzle a coating solution, which is prepared by adding a solid component to a solvent and controlled to be spread on the substrate in a predetermined range, onto a target substrate to be processed while relatively moving the dispenser nozzle and the target substrate so as to form a liquid film on the entire surface of the target substrate, and arranging a sucking nozzle above and apart from the target substrate such that the sucking nozzle is not in contact with the surface of the liquid film so as to permit the sucking nozzle to suck the solvent vapor right under the sucking nozzle while moving the sucking nozzle relative to the target substrate, thereby removing the solvent from the liquid film and, thus, forming a coated film.

Abstract: Single wafer processing methods and systems for manufacturing films having low-k properties and low indices of refraction. The methods incorporate a processing station in which both curing and post-cure, in situ gas cooling take place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of utilizing the aerodynamic interlacing process to produce a chemical filter media, comprising: (a) utilizing the airflow to bring short-cut fibers and functional particulates to a composite air blower, thereby enabling the blowing air of the short-cut fibers and the functional particulates to enter into diffusing mixing conveying area at the same time so that the mixed airflow diffuses the short-cut fibers and the functional particulates from the top to the bottom which flow afterwards to a multilayer interlacing forming area beneath; (b) utilizing an air suction device under the multilayer interlacing forming area to adsorb the short-cut fibers and the functional particulates for sequentially piling up on a moving forming matrix so that the filter media is formed with a laminated structure having several layers of from sparse to dense, (c) heating the filter media and (d) cooling the filter media.

Abstract: Apparatus for coating a support such as a monolithic catalyst support (5) comprises a dispenser (1) for dispensing a predetermined quantity of coating liquid, a containment (2) for the liquid and a source of vacuum (8, 9) which can be actuated to draw the entire quantity of coating liquid into the support (5). The apparatus and method are particularly useful for coating car catalysts without wastage and with increased design options.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for blacking components. In order to develop a method which creates black surfaces on components which are not inclined to peal off, and in which no fluids or baths are used which are expensive to produce, maintain or dispose of, it is proposed that the surfaces of the component are subjected to a heat treatment with simultaneous administration of a carbon-emitting medium inside the processing space. Furthermore, the invention concerns a device that can be operated using the method of the invention.

Abstract: In processing a substrate, adsorption members provided on a table play an important role in whether “indirectly influenced marks” are left on the rear surface of the substrate. Groups of adsorption members are selected in a predetermined order for use in the adsorption operation. Adsorption at a first group of members is terminated before an “indirectly influenced mark” is left on the substrate, and another adsorption operation is initiated at a second group of members. In this manner, the substrate is held on the table by migrating adsorption sites on the rear surface of the substrate.

Abstract: In drying a coating liquid such as a resist applied to a substrate under reduced pressure, a coating film in a peripheral portion tends to lose good shape regardless of duration of a drying period, and it is difficult to set an appropriate exhaust flow rate. After the substrate is loaded in an airtight container, a pressure is reduced from atmospheric pressure to a pressure slightly higher than the vapor pressure of a solvent, for example. Then, the solvent actively evaporates from the coating liquid. Here, evacuation is performed initially based on a first flow rate set value Q1, and thereafter, it is performed based on a second flow rate set value larger than Q1. Rounding of the surface in the peripheral portion is corrected by evacuation based on Q1, and more active evaporation of a solvent component is attained by switching to Q2.

Abstract: A method for forming a pattern on a surface of a panel substrate, includes electrically charging pattern-forming material particles, jetting out the electrically charged pattern-forming material particles through a nozzle by applying electrostatic force to the pattern-forming material particles to form a pattern, and fixing the pattern onto the panel substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for coating a support such as a monolithic catalyst support (5) comprises a dispenser (1) for dispensing a predetermined quantity of coating liquid, a containment (2) for the liquid and a source of vacuum (8, 9) which can be actuated to draw the entire quantity of coating liquid into the support (5). The apparatus and method are particularly useful for coating car catalysts without wastage and with increased design options.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the production of protective coatings on parts. A coating formed in accordance with the invention has a chemical composition and structure gradient across its thickness. The coating is obtained by heating of a composite ingot including a body and at least one insert disposed within the body. As the composite ingot is heated it sequentially evaporates to produce a vapor with a chemical composition varying over the evaporation time period. The composition of the body and composition and location of the insert within the body function to determine the chemical composition of the vapor at any time. Condensation and/or deposition of the vapor onto a substrate forms the inventive coating.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for synthesizing a plurality of compounds on the surface of supports. Biopolymer features are attached to the surfaces of the supports. The synthesis generally comprises a plurality of steps. The support is placed into a flow chamber, and a reagent is introduced into the flow chamber. The reagent is reactive with features on the surface of the support. During removal of the reagent from the flow chamber, the pressure in the chamber is maintained substantially atmospheric. In another embodiment the reagent is removed from the flow chamber under vacuum. In another embodiment the reagent is removed from the flow chamber by simultaneously venting and applying a vacuum to the flow chamber.

Abstract: A thin-film magnet formed from a gas-phase reaction of tetracyanoetheylene (TCNE) OR (TCNQ), 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-P-quinodimethane, and a vanadium-containing compound such as vanadium hexcarbonyl (V(CO)6) and bis(benzene)vanalium (V(C6H6)2) and a process of forming a magnetic thin film upon at least one substrate by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) at a process temperature not exceeding approximately 90° C. and in the absence of a solvent. The magnetic thin film is particularly suitable for being disposed upon rigid or flexible substrates at temperatures in the range of 40° C. and 70° C. The present invention exhibits air-stable characteristics and qualities and is particularly suitable for providing being disposed upon a wide variety of substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for treating ceramic surfaces to decrease their wettability by aqueous solutions. One method involves polishing the ceramic surface until wettability is decreased, and a second method involves a silane heat treatment. Both methods can be used to produce ceramic supports for IEF and electrophoresis gels, as well as microarray plates.

Abstract: A magnetoresistance sensor structure is fabricated by providing a substrate structure, depositing a magnetic pinning structure on the substrate structure, and depositing an oxidized copper spacer layer overlying the magnetic pinning structure. The deposition of the oxidized copper spacer layer includes depositing a first copper sublayer, oxidizing the first copper sublayer, depositing a second copper sublayer, and oxidizing the second copper sublayer. More deposition and oxidation steps may be used as necessary. A sensing structure is deposited overlying the oxidized copper spacer layer.

Abstract: A process for preparing composite particles having a coating of an organic compound on their surfaces, comprising the steps of (a) dissolving an organic compound in supercritical carbon dioxide to give an organic compound solution; (b) contacting particles which do not dissolve in the supercritical carbon dioxide with the organic compound solution in a vessel; and (c) reducing the internal pressure of the vessel at an internal temperature of not less than the critical temperature of carbon dioxide. The composite particles have controlled properties such as water repellency, oil repellency, optical properties, ultraviolet shielding ability, texture, safety, activity, color tone, stability of dispersion and weatherproof, which can be suitably used for paints, ink-jet ink and cosmetics, and the composite particles obtained.

Abstract: A multilayer plastic substrate. The substrate comprises a plurality of thin film layers of at least one polymer, the plurality of thin film layers being adjacent to one another and having sufficient strength to be self-supporting, wherein the multilayer plastic substrate has an average visible light transmittance of greater than about 80%.

Abstract: The apparatus for plasma treatment of a non-conductive hollow substrate (5), comprises a plasma chamber (12) provided with two oppositely facing field admission windows (8, 9), and first and second opposite coil arrangements (20, 30) located on an outer surface (8a; 9a) of the first and second windows respectively. The first and second coil arrangements being connected to power supply means (4) such that a current (I) of a same direction flows simultaneously in the first and second coil arrangements. The two coil arrangements (20, 30) induce through the substrate a magnetic flux (7) transversal and perpendicular to a substrate depth (L) for generating an electrical field in the substrate plan.

Abstract: A method for treating substrates including the steps of: providing a substrate; exposing said substrate to a plasma glow discharge in the presence of a fluorocarbon gas; maintaining said gas at a pressure between about 50 mTorr and about 400 mTorr; generating said plasma as a modulated glow discharge; pulsing said discharge at an on time of 1-500 milliseconds; pulsing said glow at an off time of 1-1000 milliseconds; maintaining said plasma glow discharge at a power density of 0.02-10 watts/cm2; and applying a hydrophobic coating to said substrate.

Abstract: Aqueous zinc-containing coating compositions are provided in which the bonding agent is a blend of sodium and/or potassium silicate and lithium polysilicate the latter being in relatively high proportion particularly over 30% up to 70% by weight of silicate. Preferably the composition contains particulate flaked zinc. The composition is of particular value in enhancing corrosion resistance of articles produced from powdered metal or of non-passivated galvanized artefacts.

Abstract: A film deposition method includes the steps of preparing a first chamber, a second chamber, and a transport connector which connects the first chamber and the second chamber with each other, setting a pressure in the second chamber to be lower than a pressure in the first chamber, and introducing a plurality of kinds of particles into the second chamber using a differential pressure between the pressure in the first chamber and the pressure in the second chamber so that the particles collide with a substrate placed in the second chamber to form a film on the substrate. The plurality of kinds of particles include particles of a sublimable substance and particles of a material for forming the film on the substrate in the second chamber. Consequently, cleaning by the sublimable substance and film deposition by the material for forming the film are performed simultaneously.

Abstract: A coating material is deposited on a substrate by vacuum or low-pressure pulsed detonation coating. A detonation chamber receives a detonable mixture containing a coating precursor. The detonable mixture is ignited to produce detonation products laden with the coating precursor. The detonation products are accelerated in a low-pressure or vacuum chamber and discharged through a nozzle into contact with a substrate situated in low pressure to produce a high quality coating.

Abstract: A process for coating the flow channels in a monolithic, cylindrically shaped catalyst carrier with a coating dispersion, wherein the carrier has two end faces which are connected to each other by flow channels arranged parallel to the axis of the cylinder, by vertically aligning the axis of the cylindrical carrier, placing a predetermined amount of coating dispersion from a storage container on the upper end face of the carrier and drawing the dispersion through the flow channels under suction, removing excess coating dispersion from the flow channels by emptying the flow channels under suction, returning the excess dispersion to the storage container and fixing the dispersion coating by calcination. The coating dispersion is drawn through the flow channels under suction at a rate of flow of 0.

Abstract: A multi-layer sandwich of vapor deposited metal and release coats in alternating layers is applied to a drum or carrier in a vapor deposition chamber. The metallized layers are applied by vapor deposition. The release layers are solvent soluble thermoplastic or lightly crosslinked polymeric materials applied by vapor deposition in the chamber. The multi-layer sandwich is removed and treated with solvent to dissolve the release coating from the metal flakes. The release coat material can be a radiation curable, crosslinkable vapor deposited polymeric material of low crosslink density. A high energy radiation source crosslinks the release material to produce tack-free, solvent soluble release coat layers. The multi-layer vapor deposit can be built up on an endless belt passing from the chamber through a separate vacuum lock. Both chambers are at vacuum pressures below atmospheric while depositing the flake material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thin film deposition apparatus for producing an optical film with an optical characteristic on a deposition substrate in a vacuum chamber by depositing a film producing material on the deposition substrate, comprising:

Abstract: A method of forming a thin polycrystalline silicon film and a thin film forming apparatus allowing inexpensive formation of a thin polycrystalline silicon film at a relatively low temperature with high productivity. More specifically, a method of forming a thin polycrystalline silicon film and a thin film forming apparatus in which a state of plasma is controlled to achieve an emission intensity ratio of hydrogen atom radicals (H&bgr;) of one or more to the emission intensity of SiH* radicals in the plasma.

Abstract: A degassed polyester varnish is applied to the transduction driver to increase surface dielectric strength (insulation resistance), driver voltage breakdown, physical protection, and heat and water resistance. A vacuum chamber application process is used to apply the polyester varnish. The disclosed coating technique is applicable to all transducer drive materials and all transducer types.

Abstract: A method of making a composite polymer of a molecularly doped polymer. The method includes mixing a liquid polymer precursor with molecular dopant forming a molecularly doped polymer precursor mixture. The molecularly doped polymer precursor mixture is flash evaporated forming a composite vapor. The composite vapor is cryocondensed on a cool substrate forming a composite molecularly doped polymer precursor layer, and the cryocondensed composite molecularly doped polymer precursor layer is cross linked thereby forming a layer of the composite polymer layer of the molecularly doped polymer.

Abstract: In this disclosure, air flow is formed above chemical liquid film and a move of the chemical liquid is generated by making the air flow into a contact with the surface of chemical liquid. Further, a negative pressure is generated in a space between a processing object substrate and a plate by rotating the plate. Consequently, uniformity of processing of chemical liquid is improved, so that liquid removing step can be carried out effectively. As a result, yield rate of chemical liquid treatment can be improved.

Abstract: In a device for forming magnetic film which deposits magnetic material on a substrate 12, a device is provided which, before the magnetic film is formed in a magnetic film-forming chamber 11, cleans one or both of the film-forming face and reverse face of the substrate 12 in a cleaning processing chamber 13. The cleaning mechanism carries out cleaning by placing a substrate on a horseshoe-shaped insulator substrate-holding part 51 which moves up and down, and emission of gas from the reverse face of the substrate and the like is brought about by generating Ar plasma between the upper periphery of the substrate, the substrate and a lower insulator 61 of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for sulfurization of workpiece in vacuum, including cleaning the surface of workpieces, loading the workpieces into vacuum chamber, vacuum pumping, heating the sulfur source for sublimating thereof, making the gaseous sulfur ionized in the presence of a high electrical field and sulfurizing the workpieces, removing the workpieces from the vacuum chamber, wherein after the workpieces being cleaned, putting them into the vacuum chamber that has a pressure-rising rate up to 10−3 Pa/h and a ultimate vacuum up to 0.1 Pa, vacuuming to 20 to 100 Pa; heating the workpieces placed on the cathode plate at 35 to 120° C. for 20 to 40 min while keeping a vacuity of 0.

Abstract: A process for forming a coating layer on the surface of a molded product by boiling a coating solution in a closed metal mold. The molding process includes depressurizing the cavity of the metal mold, boiling a coating solution in the cavity and injecting a urethane material into the cavity under reduced pressure.

Abstract: A filter having two zones, the first zone having a low electrical conductivity and the second zone having a high electrical conductivity at electrode attachment zones due to infiltration of metal within the second zone.

Abstract: A process for impregnating a porous material with a cross-linkable composition is disclosed. The degree of impregnation and placement of the cross-linkable composition within the pores of the porous material can be controlled very precisely through the use of a pressure differential. The pressure differential is effected through a nonreactive gas, a vacuum, or a combination thereof. Medical devices produced using such a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A manufacturing process of Christmas tree decorations where glass half-products are first blown to required dimensions and shapes, including the process stem. This glass half-product is fixed into the rack and placed into the metal-coating device where, under vacuum conditions, a thin (1 to 7 microns) layer of metals and/or their alloys is coated on its surface by vacuum plating or vacuum powder coating processes. The metal-coated surfaces created this way may be finished in various colors using clear and color varnishes either gloss or matt. The glass half-products for Christmas tree decorations may be provided with masking in the place of intended decor before the half-product is put into the vacuum metal-coating device. After the masking elements are removed, clear non-coated spots are created on the decoration surfaces. The rack accommodating the glass half-products of decorations is for their placement into the metal-coating device when above methods are performed.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for use in spin coating a coating material onto a wafer. The apparatus includes a rotatable chuck capable of supporting the wafer and a bowl having a bottom and a side defining an interior region, the bottom containing an opening through which said rotatable chuck is movable and separable from the bowl. In a preferred embodiment the bottom has a raised cylindrical portion containing the opening and, the rotatable chuck is positioned within the opening so that the wafer is in close proximity to the raised portion of the bowl so as to prevent solvent vapors form escaping the bowl through the opening.

Abstract: A coated plastic container provides for low permeability to gases and vapors. A method and system for coating plastic containers includes applying a thin inorganic oxide layer to the external surface of the containers with plasma-assisted vacuum vapor deposition. For example, the coating can include silica which is bonded to the external surface of the container. This coating is flexible and can be applied regardless of the container's internal pressure or lack thereof. The coating firmly adheres to the container and possess an enhanced gas barrier effect after pressurization even when the coating is scratched, fractured, flexed and/or stretched. Moreover, this gas barrier enhancement will be substantially unaffected by filling of the container. A method of recycling coated plastic containers and a method and system for packaging a beverage using the coated containers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for forming and drying a multi-layer composite coating on an elongated three-dimensional multi-faced substrate is provided.

Abstract: A getter device is shaped like a substrate used in a deposition process. Embodiments of the device include a powdered getter material coated onto one or both sides of a support with a narrow rim portion left uncoated so that the device can be manipulated by automatic handling equipment. A method for using the getter device includes providing a vacuum chamber and automatic handling equipment, loading the device into the chamber, reducing the chamber pressure to a desired value by using the getter device in conjunction with an external pump, removing the getter device and replacing it with a substrate, and depositing a thin film on the substrate. The getter device can be in an activated state when loaded into the chamber, or it can be activated after being loaded by employing heating equipment ordinarily used to heat substrates placed in the chamber. The getter material of the device may also be activated in a separate activation chamber before the getter device is loaded into the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing fiber reinforced resin structures using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding technology, wherein the apparatus and process employ a first fluid impervious flexible sheet containing therein a resin port; a fiber containing preform; a primary vacuum line; a resin channeling means; and a secondary vacuum line. The fluid impervious flexible sheet is placed over or around the fiber containing preform to form a chamber to which the primary vacuum line is connected. The resin channeling means is positioned on top of the fluid impervious flexible sheet, exterior to the chamber containing the preform in a fashion so as to form a pocket between or around the resin channeling means and said fluid impervious flexible sheet to which the secondary vacuum is applied. Activation of the secondary vacuum causes formation of channels in the fluid impervious flexible sheet. These channels increase the speed and efficiency of resin impregnation of the fiber containing preform.