Abstract: A hydrogen separator is provided, including a porous substrate having a large number of pores communicating from a first surface to a second surface thereof, and having a hydrogen-separating layer disposed on the first surface so that the hydrogen-separating layer has a penetrated portion extending through the pores from the first surface to a particular depth. An average pore diameter at the first surface of the porous substrate is 0.02 to 0.5 ?m, a thickness of the hydrogen-separating layer is 1 to 5 ?m, and a penetration depth of the penetrated portion is 0.05 to 1 ?m, is at least equal to the average pore diameter at the one surface of the porous substrate, and is not larger than one half of the thickness of the hydrogen-separating layer. The hydrogen separator hardly generates defects such as cracks, peeling and the like in the hydrogen-separating layer, is superior in durability, and provides both good hydrogen-separating ability and good hydrogen permeability.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating by injecting a fluid treatment material into the bodies of porous structures such as those formed from concrete, brick, stone, marble, and wood. The apparatus for use in the method includes an applicator head having an inner chamber and an outer chamber surrounding the inner chamber both of which chambers are connected with a vacuum source. The inner chamber is also connected with a source of pressurized liquid treatment material. The method is non-invasive in that the fluid treatment material impregnates the porous structure without the need to break open, destroy, repair, or replace any part of the structure, and includes the steps of engaging the structures with the applicator head, drawing a vacuum on at least the outer chamber to secure the applicator head to the structure, and supplying the pressurized liquid treatment material to the inner chamber to and onto the surface of the structure to impregnate the structure to be treated.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a magnetic disk including at least a substrate 1, a magnetic layer 3 formed on the substrate 1 in order to carry out magnetic recording, and a protecting layer 4 formed on the magnetic layer 3 in order to protect the magnetic layer 3, the protecting layer 4 has a carbon hydride protecting film 4a substantially formed of carbon and hydrogen on a side of the magnetic layer 3. The method includes a carbon hydride protecting film forming step of forming the carbon hydride protecting film 4a in an atmosphere having a degree of vacuum ranging from 0.1 Pa to 2 Pa while carrying out a plasma ignition using an igniter for maintaining a stable plasma discharge.

Abstract: A multi-pass coating system and method for applying multiple coatings to substrates traversed through the system. The system includes at least one vacuum pump coupled to the system to establish a sub-atmospheric pressure within the system. The system also includes a least one coating zone where a coating layer is applied to the substrate and includes at least one transfer lock through which the substrates transition between atmospheric pressure outside the system and the sub-atmospheric pressure inside the system. To move the substrates through the system, the system includes a transport mechanism configured to move the substrates at least two times through the coating zone prior to the substrates being exited from the system.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck includes an insulating layer, a conductive layer overlying the insulating layer, a dielectric layer overlying the conductive layer, the dielectric layer having pores forming interconnected porosity, and a cured polymer infiltrant residing in the pores of the dielectric layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates a process for the preparation of catalytic support and the supported metallocene catalysts used in the production of ethylene homopolymers and ethylene copolymers with ?-olefins, of high and ultra high molecular weight with broad molecular weight distribution, in gas or liquid phase polymerization processes, the latter being in slurry, bulk or suspension, and the products obtained from these processes.

Abstract: A method for making a carbon nanotube composite includes: forming a self-supporting carbon nanotube film structure; providing a hardenable liquid material; immersing the carbon nanotube film structure in the hardenable liquid material; and solidifying the hardenable liquid material to achieve a carbon nanotube composite.

Abstract: A reflective material is heated to reduce internal stress, and then a capping layer is formed over the reflective material. Heating the reflective material reduces the internal stress of the reflective material. Because the reflective material has reduced internal stress, a more continuous, stable and reliable capping layer is formed that is not subject to stress induced degradation over time due to the relaxing internal stress of the underlying reflective material. Thus, the capping layer remains intact and protects the reflective material residing beneath the capping layer from exposure to contaminants.

Abstract: An exemplary substrate processing apparatus has a vacuum chamber and a load lock for gas removal. The load lock has a support table to support a substrate. A cover plate may be provided in the load lock, the cover plate having a lower surface facing the upper surface of the support table. Openings may be provided in the lower surface of the cover plate to allow removal of gas from over the substrate in a direction substantially normal to the lower surface. In an embodiment, a gas pressure between the upper surface of the support table and the substrate is initially reduced through the opening to a certain pressure below a concurrent load lock pressure. When the remainder of the load lock pressure has dropped below the certain, gas pressure between the upper surface of the support table and the substrate is reduced together with the remainder load lock pressure.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus for nanolithography and a process for thermally controlling the deposition of a solid organic “ink” from the tip of an atomic force microscope to a substrate. The invention may be used to turn deposition of the ink to the substrate on or off by either raising its temperature above or lowing its temperature below the ink's melting temperature. This process may be useful as it allows ink deposition to be turned on and off and the deposition rate to change without the tip breaking contact with the substrate. The same tip can then be used for imaging purposes without fear of contamination. This invention can allow ink to be deposited in a vacuum enclosure, and can also allow for greater spatial resolution as the inks used have lower surface mobilities once cooled than those used in other nanolithography methods.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for: applying an inorganic barrier layer to at least a portion of a flexible substrate, the barrier layer being formed from a low liquidus temperature (LLT) material; and sintering the inorganic barrier layer while maintaining the flexible substrate below a critical temperature.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a resin-coated sliding member wherein the method ensures the productivity and at the same time enables the recycling of the solvent so as to be friendly to the environment. According to the present invention, included are a coating step in which a porous sintered layer prepared by sintering on a back metal is impregnated with a solvent-containing resin composition, a heating step to heat the solvent and the resin composition and a collecting step to collect the solvent wherein the vaporized solvent is sucked, liquefied and collected; and hence even when a solvent having a high boiling point and a low vapor pressure is used, the solvent can be collected efficiently by applying a low energy, and the collected solvent is recycled so as to be friendly to the environment and to enable the reduction of the consumed raw materials.

Abstract: The present invention is a two-layer shadow mask with small dimension apertures and method of making and using same. The two-layer shadow mask of the present invention is suitable for use for manufacturing an electronic device via deposition in a production system. The two-layer shadow mask of the present invention is formed by a first thick mask, which includes a plurality of apertures that has been formed, for example, by etching, bonded to a second, comparatively thin mask, that has been formed by an electrolytic process, and which includes a plurality of apertures that has been patterned by a photoresist. The second mask is aligned and bonded atop the first mask, with their respective apertures desirably offset one to another. The offset amount of the respective apertures of the two-layer shadow mask determines the resulting final aperture dimension, which may approach 0 microns, through which material is deposited upon a substrate in a deposition production system.

Abstract: An exemplary housing includes a metallic main body; and two coatings formed on the metallic main body. The coatings include an adhesive layer on the metallic main body, and an outer layer formed on the adhesive layer. Surface treating methods for making present housing are also provided.

Abstract: An exemplary housing includes a metallic glass main body; and two coatings formed on the metallic glass main body. The coatings include an adhesive layer on the metallic glass main body, and an outer layer formed on the adhesive layer. Surface treating methods for making present housing are also provided.

Abstract: A catalyst composition is applied to an interior of a hollow substrate. The composition is coated on the substrate by immersing the substrate into a vessel containing a bath of coating slurry. A vacuum is then applied to the partially immersed substrate. The intensity of the vacuum and its application time is sufficient to draw the coating slurry upwardly from the bath into each of a plurality of channels located in the interior of the hollow substrate. After removing the substrate from the bath, it is rotated 180°. A blast of pressurized air is applied at an intensity and for a time sufficient to distribute the coating slurry within the channels of the substrate to form a uniform coating profile therein.

Abstract: A method of forming a ferroelectric thin film containing vinylidene fluoride homopolymer, including the steps of (i) preparing a green powder of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer of crystal form I alone or as main component by subjecting vinylidene fluoride to radical polymerization in the presence of a radical polymerization initiator, (ii) forming a thin film on a substrate surface by using vinylidene fluoride homopolymer of crystal form I alone or as main component obtained from the green powder product of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer of I-form crystal structure alone or as main component, and (iii) subjecting the thin film of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer formed in step (ii) above to polarization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for direct synthesis of three-dimensional nano-net-structures. The method is also named thermal evaporation method, which uses metal powders as the raw materials and silicon wafer, aluminum oxide plates or other high-temperature-resistant materials as substrates. The three-dimensional nano-net-structures of single crystal metal oxides are produced on a substrate by heating the metal powders to certain temperature and then keeping for a period of time under the atmosphere of inert gas. The process of the method is simple and direct, and the cost of the raw material is low. The prepared three-dimensional nano-net-structures will have great application prospects in vacuum microelectronic device and gas sensor device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an impact absorption sheet for flat panel display with a polyoxyalkylene-series polymer as the main component, preferably, an impact absorption sheet for flat panel display made of a cured product obtained by curing a composition containing (A) polyoxyalkylene-series polymer having at least one alkenyl group in each molecule, (B) compound having an average of 2 or more hydrosilyl groups in each molecule, and (C) hydrosilylation catalyst. According to the present invention, an impact absorption sheet for flat panel display can be obtained, which can meet the size reduction and weight reduction of flat panel display, and which affords practically sufficient impact absorbability even in an area of thin film where practically sufficient impact absorbability has not been conventionally achieved.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a substrate with an array of curvilinear cavities. The substrate of the microfluidic device is preferably fabricated of a polymer such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The microfluidic device is manufactured using a gas expansion molding (GEM) technique.

Abstract: The method for consolidating plate-like, slice-like or modularelement-like ornamental stones comprises: the impregnation by means of the pressure created in the treatment environment with a water glass solution wherein the material being treated is plunged for enough time for the full penetration in fissures and microporosities of the surface thereof; characterised in that it has the following steps:—A pre-treatment of the material by exhausting;—A permanence of the pre-treatment step for enough time to extract gases, steams and powders existing in said fissures and microporosities;—An injection of the impregnating solution with a water glass solution and keeping the treatment chamber under vacuum during the injection and in the following impregnation step. The absolute pre-treatment pressure is preferably of 0.2-0.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling the spatial distribution, shape and size of films of conjugated organic molecules that can be used to grow single layers of organic molecules on silicon oxide nanostructures. The silicon oxide nanostructures are produced using an anodic oxidation process. The organisation of the molecules on the oxide nanostructures is dependent on the kinetic parameters of the latter (evaporation rate, diffusion coefficient) and on the interactions with the silicon (anodic) oxide regions. The molecules form domains which exactly reproduce the lateral size and the shape of the oxide nanostructures. The invention provides a powerful method of performing a bottom-up construction of wires, electrodes and charge transfer zones in nanoscale devices.

Abstract: The method for reconditioning ducts in air conveying or processing networks envisages generating an air flow with maximum turbulence between two openings of the duct sections to be treated. An aerosol is then generated inside the airflow, consisting of a film-forming product with liquid droplets of predetermined average size, in the vicinity of an upstream section of the duct to be treated relative to the direction of movement of the air flow. The droplets containing polymer precursors are deposited on the inner surface of the duct forming a liquid film which, after a crosslinking step, results in the formation of a uniform and continuous solid coating. Measurement data identifying the geometric form of the duct to be treated are converted during a calculation step performed using a model into at least one pair of values for the flowrate and average size of the droplets, respectively.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a first chamber, a second chamber provided adjacent the first chamber to form a process space therebetween, a support unit supporting the second chamber with a gap between the first and second chambers, and a vacuum unit to place the process space in a vacuum state, the process spaced sealed in the vacuum state.

Abstract: A non-stick surface comprising a porous, hard metal-ceramic coating such as chromium oxide applied to the cook surface of a cooking utensil by arc or plasma spraying. The pores of the coating are impregnated under vacuum with an inert release agent of low viscosity such as food grade liquid silicon resin. After vacuum impregnation, the impregnate is thermally cured and the cook surface is mechanically abraded/polished to remove the protruding peaks of metal-ceramic material to expose flattened bare metal portions interspersed between and substantially co-planar with the surfaces of the impregnated release agent residing in the valleys/pores.

Abstract: A method of coating a stent using a pressure mandrel is provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite material with high-density array of carbon nanotubes, includes the steps of: (a) providing a substrate with an array of carbon nanotubes formed thereon; (b) applying a liquid polymer precursor to the array of carbon nanotubes such that the liquid polymer precursor infuses into the array of carbon nanotubes; (c) compressing the array of carbon nanotubes in directions parallel to a first axis parallel to a surface of the substrate to form a high-density array of carbon nanotubes with a density in the approximate range from 0.1 g/cm3 to 2.2 g/cm3; and (d) polymerizing the liquid polymer precursor to form a composite material comprising a polymer matrix with the high-density array of carbon nanotubes incorporated therein.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate by thermal application of the coating materials using a plasma jet is disclosed. The properties of the plasma jet are determined by controllable process parameters. The coating material and a process gas mixture are injected into the plasma jet where the coating material is partly or completely evaporated depending on the controllable parameters. The phases of the coating material present in vapor and, optionally, condensed form are at least partly deposited on the substrate. A diagnostic measuring method determines the relative proportion of vapor and/or condensed phase for the coating material transported in the plasma jet. The controllable process parameters are set with respect to desired values using such measured data. Regulation of direct manufacture of the coating, particularly a multi-layer coating system, is carried out with respect to these desired values, which correspond to a predetermined vapor or condensed phase proportion.

Abstract: A carbon nanocomposite material composed of a carbon nanomaterial and a film formed on the surface thereof is disclosed. The film contains the element Si. The average thickness of the film is 10 to 50 nm.

Abstract: A robotic painting system includes a device for generating a vacuum and a dump line disposed upstream from a connection between an isolation line and a canister, wherein the device for generating a vacuum and the dump line are employed for filling and cleaning the robotic painting system.

Abstract: Method and system for functionalizing a collection of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). A selected precursor gas (e.g., H2 or F2 or CnHm) is irradiated to provide a cold plasma of selected target species particles, such as atomic H or F, in a first chamber. The target species particles are directed toward an array of CNTs located in a second chamber while suppressing transport of ultraviolet radiation to the second chamber. A CNT array is functionalized with the target species particles, at or below room temperature, to a point of saturation, in an exposure time interval no longer than about 30 sec. *Discrimination against non-target species is provided by (i) use of a target species having a lifetime that is much greater than a lifetime of a non-target species and/or (2) use of an applied magnetic field to discriminate between charged particle trajectories for target species and for non-target species.

Abstract: Article including light-reflective layer over primer layer over substrate. Substrate has first composition including polymer. Primer layer has second composition including polymer, and polymer-bound nucleophilic moiety selected from carboxylic acids, organophosphorus acids, organosulfur acids, nitrocellulose, or mixture. Light-reflective layer has third composition including metal element. Substrate has first posterior and anterior surfaces. Primer layer has second posterior and anterior surfaces. Light-reflective layer has third posterior and anterior surfaces. Second posterior surface faces first anterior surface and third posterior surface faces second anterior surface. Third anterior surface is optically smooth. Primer layer and light-reflective layer are molecularly bonded together. Method that includes providing substrate, forming primer layer, and forming light-reflective layer.

Abstract: Methods of applying metallic coatings to non-metallic, non-conductive, chemically active, corrosion-susceptible or otherwise uncoatable substrates are provided, wherein the metallic coatings strongly adhere to the substrates. First, an intermediate coating is applied on the substrate. Then, the intermediate coating is treated. A metallic coating is subsequently applied on the treated intermediate coating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming plated liquid crystalline polymer substrates which includes placing a plated liquid crystalline polymer substrate on or within a fixture and applying vacuum and heat to the fixture and the plated liquid crystalline polymer substrate. The plated liquid crystalline polymer substrate may contain printed circuits and can be formed to any shape, configuration, and size without destroying the printed circuits contained on the liquid crystalline polymer substrate.

Abstract: A process for producing a thin film and an optical member which are free from discoloration of a lens and exhibit a good antistatic property and a good water repellency. The thin film is formed by a vacuum deposition of a water repellent solution which contains (a) a water repellent having a perfluoroalkyl group, (b) a mixture of a silane coupling agent, a modified silicone oil introduced with an organic group into its side chain and/or both terminal ends, and a perfluoroether compound, and (c) at least one conductive substance selected from the group consisting of fullerenes, carbon nanotubes and graphite compounds.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to semiconductor, integrated circuits, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to centrifugal methods of filling high-aspect ratio vias and trenches with powders, pastes, suspensions of materials to act as any of a conducting, structural support, or protective member of an electronic component.

Abstract: A gas exhaust unit evacuates the inside of a vacuum transfer chamber at a constant exhaust rate. An gas exhaust valve is kept normally open, and a purge gas (N2 gas) is supplied from a purge gas supply source into the vacuum transfer chamber via a mass flow controller (MFC) and an opening/closing valve. A main control unit controls a pressure in the vacuum transfer chamber to be within a specified range through a flow rate set value for the MFC while monitoring a pressure in the vacuum transfer chamber via a vacuum gauge. The main control unit determines occurrence of abnormality when the pressure exceeds a specified upper limit and then takes such actions as changing a flow rate set value for the MFC, giving an alarm and stopping the operation of a vacuum processing apparatus.

Abstract: A coating apparatus and coating method include a device for conveying an object to be coated; a coating device which is disposed in a vicinity of a conveyed surface of the object, and which discharges a coating liquid, and which forms a bridge of the liquid between the device and the object which is conveyed by the device for conveying an object to be coated, and which coats the liquid on at least one surface of the object; and a gas stream blowing device which, immediately after starting of coating, blows out a gas from a direction substantially opposite to a object conveying direction, toward a portion of the object where coating starts.

Abstract: A method of forming MgB2 films in-situ on a substrate includes the steps of (a) depositing boron onto a surface of the substrate in a deposition zone; (b) moving the substrate into a reaction zone containing pressurized, gaseous magnesium; (c) moving the substrate back into the deposition zone; and (d) repeating steps (a)-(c). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the substrate is moved into and out of the deposition zone and the reaction zone using a rotatable platen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating multi-material joining mechanisms are described. In one embodiment, a tool assembly includes a main body having an outer surface, first and second enclosed ends, and an internal chamber. A plurality of vent holes is disposed through the outer surface, wherein each vent hole fluidly communicates with the internal chamber. A circumferentially-disposed ridge is formed on and extends outwardly from the outer surface proximate the second enclosed end. A port is disposed through the first enclosed end and is configured to be coupled to at least one of a source of pressurized medium and a vacuum. A drive assembly is operatively coupled to the second enclosed end and is configured to rotate the main body during a portion of a fabrication process. During operation, the internal chamber may be evacuated during a cure cycle, or may be pressurized to release a component from the outer surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and methods for curing a plurality of lithography layers while reducing the level of intermixing are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A method for forming a coating film at part of a surface of a substrate includes, in sequence, a first step of applying a masking agent having inert particles over part of the substrate through a screen having blocked areas, a second step of depositing the coating film under at least partial vacuum over at least part of the surface covered and not covered by the masking agent, and a third step of removing the masking agent covered by the film with the aid of an aqueous fluid.

Abstract: The present invention comprises new materials, material structures, and processes of fabrication of such that may be used in technologies involving the conversion of light to electricity and/or heat to electricity, and in optoelectronics technologies. The present invention provide for the fabrication of a clathrate compound comprising a type II clathrate lattice with atoms of silicon and germanium as a main framework forming lattice spacings within the framework, wherein the clathrate lattice follows the general formula Si136-yGey, where y indicates the number of Ge atoms present in the main framework and 136-y indicates the number of Si atoms present in the main framework, and wherein y>0.

Abstract: One method for controlling edge thickness includes applying a coating to a moving substrate, thereby forming a film having a cross direction and a machine direction and one or more edges. The method also includes modifying a thickness of a first portion of the coating along one of the edges of the film, thereby forming a film having a substantially predetermined profile in the cross direction. A method of making a polymeric sheet includes applying a polymer to a moving substrate, thereby forming a sheet having a cross direction and a machine direction. This method further includes removing a first portion of the polymer from a first edge of the sheet, thereby the sheet having a substantially predetermined profile in the cross direction.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal-carrying carbonaceous material is provided. The method comprises immersing a carbonaceous material in a metal-containing aqueous solution under vacuum, with stirring, and/or in the presence of a polar solvent, and then thermally treating the immersed carbonaceous material at a temperature ranging from 120° C. up to a temperature not higher than the melting point of the involved metal under vacuum or in the presence of a protective gas. According to the method, the metal can be effectively carried on a carbonaceous material so as to enhance the applicability of the metal-carrying carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A system (10) is disclosed for treating and consolidating with hard-enable resins stone blocks (1) comprising at least one liquid- and gas-tight sheet (2) adapted to form a containing housing (3) of a block (1); at least one permeable layer to the resin arranged between the block (1) and the sheet (2) adapted to create a distance between the block (1) and the sheet (2) through which resin can flow; at least one closing manifold (20), comprising a central body (5) and a cover (6), such closing manifold (20) being equipped with connecting means adapted to connect the interior of the containing housing (3) to at least one pressure control duct, at least one duct (15) connected to a first vacuum pump (21), at least one air inserting duct (19) inside the containing housing (3) and sealingly passing means of at least one resin supplying duct (17) supplied by resin storing, conditioning and mixing means; and an autoclave (13). A process using the system is further disclosed.

Abstract: An entry lock system for feeding web from a web supply to a web processing installation, the entry lock system comprising a first chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, a second chamber having an inlet port, a first seal positioned at the inlet port of the first chamber, a second seal positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber, a first web storage unit positioned in the first chamber; and a second web storage unit positioned in the second chamber.

Abstract: A method for forming a material for a brake disc, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing at least one porous body; (ii) introducing into pores of the porous body one or more precursor materials for forming or depositing a ceramic material; and (iii) forming the brake disc material by forming or depositing the ceramic material from the precursor material within the pores of the body, wherein the precursor material is a liquid containing a suspension of ceramic particles and/or acid phosphate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating comprising a number of layered structures, each such layered structure comprising—a first layer comprising a diamond like nanocomposite layer, said first layer comprising carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and silicon; a second layer comprising a diamond like carbon layer. The number of layered structure is higher than 4 and is preferably between 10 and 100. The invention further relates to a method to deposit such a coating.

Abstract: A metal-coated polyimide film is excellent in long-term adhesion reliability, exhibits various dimensional stabilities, and is particularly suitable for FPC, COF and TAB applications. The metal-coated polyimide film comprises a non-thermoplastic polyimide film; and a metal layer being directly formed on one surface or both surfaces of the non-thermoplastic polyimide film without using an adhesive, wherein the non-thermoplastic polyimide film contains a non-thermoplastic polyimide resin having a thermoplastic polyimide block component.