Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for applying discrete area holograms or other optical devices directly onto documents or other substrates in a continuous process analogous to the operation of a printing press. The continuous process is carried out in a vacuum chamber in which at least two process steps are performed in sequence: the formation of a micro-grooved discrete resin area and a localized coating of it with a reflective or refractive material layer. The formation of the micro-grooved resin area can be accomplished by electron beam curing of the resin. The localized coating of the micro-grooved resin can be done by sputtering. One or more other steps, including pre-coating, post-coating and partial removal of the reflective or refractive layer, may also be carried out as part of the continuous process within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a fluid preservative to wood or wood products has a work tank for maintaining a predetermined concentration of preservative in the fluid. The work tank is equipped with a heater to keep the temperature of the fluid and the preservative in the work tank at a predetermined level. Hot fluid and preservative is drawn under a vacuum, initially from the work tank. On filling a pressure vessel, a pressure pump then supplies the preservative and fluid mixture under pressure to the pressure vessel in which the wood or wood product is being treated. As the treatment process depletes the preservative in the fluid, through absorption in the wood, the depleted fluid is circulated back to the work tank where it is heated and more preservative is added to restore the concentration of preservative in the fluid to a desired level. The fluid, replenished with preservative, is then pumped into the pressure vessel.

Abstract: Sheet products, such as card stock, envelopes and other paper products (10) are advanced on a vacuum surface conveyor belt (30) beneath a glue applicator drum (35). The glue transfer strips (37 and 38) of the glue applicator drum apply stripes of glue (42 and 43) at the ends of the sheet product, leaving a belt engaging space (41) without glue between the glue stripes. The sheet product is grasped by overlying conveyor belts (46 and 47) at the belt engaging space (41), thereby exposing the wet glue stripes on opposite sides of the belts. Hot air is applied on opposite sides of the conveyor belts (46 and 47), drying the glue. The glue transfer strips (37 and 38) of the glue applicator drum can be adjusted in size, shape and position so as to apply glue to one end, the other end, or both ends of the sheet product, and if glue is applied to only one end, one of the dryers (50 or 51) can be deactivated, saving energy.

Abstract: A method for surface modification of 3-dimensional bulk polymers is provided to improve surface properties and surface conductivity of 3-dimensional bulk polymers by using plasma source ion implantation technique. The plasma source ion implantation technique is to modify the surface by implanting ions into the surface of the 3-dimensional samples uniformly. When negative high voltage pulse is applied to a metallic grid around the bulk polymer samples, ions are extracted from the plasma; most of ions passing the grid and collide with the surface of the bulk polymer samples in high energy. Therefore, through the method for applying high voltage pulse to the grid around samples, ions are implanted into the surface of the 3-dimensional bulk polymer samples uniformly, and thereby the ions implanted in high energy modify the bulk polymer surface to improve the electrical conductivity effectively.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing coated synthetic bodies during which, before the coating, the surface to be coated is subjected to a pretreatment in an excited gas atmosphere. The surface is then coated. The gas atmosphere is predominantly formed of a noble gas and nitrogen and/or hydrogen, and the ionic energy in the gas atmosphere and in the are of the surface to be coated is not more than 50 eV. The ionic energy is selected to be not more than 20 eV, preferable not more than 10 eV. The gas atmosphere is excited by means of a plasma discharge or by means of UV radiation.

Abstract: A prosthesis having an apertured structure is located in a chamber (11) which is taken to sub-atmospheric pressure. Once sub-atmospheric pressure has been reached, a liquid, optionally containing pharmacological agents, is introduced into the chamber. Drawn by the sub-atmospheric pressure, the liquid saturates the apertured structure of the prosthesis. In this way, the invention eliminates the risk of air being trapped in the apertured structure that could give rise to the formation of blood clots after implantation of the prosthesis. The liquid can contain drugs that penetrate the prosthesis, performing their therapeutic action locally and over time after implantation.

Abstract: A composite plastic film comprises a plastic film which is coated, as desired at least on one side, with ceramic material deposited using a vacuum thin layer deposition process and a plastic layer deposited by extrusion coating on the plastic film or on the ceramic layer which may be present, such that the ceramic layer is situated between the plastic film and the plastic layer deposited by extrusion coating. In order to improve the strength of bonding, a metal layer of chromium, aluminum, nickel, titanium, iron, molybdenum or an alloy made up from at least two of these metals is provided, as an aid to bonding, between the plastic film or on the ceramic layer which may be present and the plastic layer deposited by extrusion coating. A thin metal layer deposited in such an amount that it has a thickness of approximately 0.1 to 0.5 nm corresponding to a monatomic coverage is sufficient for this purpose.

Abstract: In a method of reducing voids in an asphalt roofing product, an asphalt coating material having voids is contacted with a vacuum in an amount effective to reduce the voids in the coating material. A mat is coated with the coating material to make an asphalt roofing product. The vacuum contacting step occurs prior to the coating step. The vacuum contacting step causes the roofing product to have reduced voids visible on a top surface compared to the same roofing product made with a coating material not contacted with vacuum.

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 process is described for producing a decorative material such as a wall covering material by applying a very thin layer of metal to the surface of a textured flexible substrate. The thin metal layer replicates the surface features and texture of the substrate to thereby create interesting visual effects.

Abstract: A method for producing isolation copper facing membranes, in which the basic material is the “polyimide” isolation membrane “KAPTON”, includes the steps of: cleaning the “polyimide” isolation membrane “KAPTON” using a high pressure air stream to remove dust from the board; placing the board in a vacuum facing copper chamber, the pressure in the vacuum facing copper device should be kept at about 1×10−3 Torr, and then Argon and Oxygen, at a ratio of 1:3, should be inserted; the vacuum pressure should then be adjusted to about 5×10−3 Torr; facing copper is produced by spreading for 5 minutes, producing a thin CuO membrane on the “polyimide” isolation membrane “KAPTON”; the CuO membrane on the “polyimide” isolation membrane is placed into another vacuum with only Argon and the pressure is maintained at about 1×10−3 Torr.

Abstract: In a pigment depositing device for forming a recording layer of an optical recording medium, there is used an organic pigment of powder state, in which the diameter of each of particles of the organic pigment is uniform. In consequence, occurrence of splash is prevented when the organic pigment is heated by an electrical heater so that it is prevented that the particles of the organic pigment adhere to a substrate. Moreover, fluidity of the organic pigment in an organic pigment feeding device is raised so that the organic pigment is smoothly fed.

Abstract: An adhesive coating with optical and/or mechanical functions is applied to a PMMA substrate surface, a organic compound which is polymerized by radicals being used as the adhesive-providing layer. The coating with the optical and/or mechanical function(s) is obtained after radical-induced polymerization of the adhesive-providing layer.

Abstract: An antisoiling coating for an antireflective surface, particularly the outer surface of an antireflective film stack, wherein the antisoiling coating includes a fluorinated siloxane, preferably prepared by applying a coating composition of a fluorinated silane, having a number average molecular weight of at least about 1000, of the following formula: Rƒ—[—R1—SiY3−xR2x]y  (I) wherein: Rƒ is a monovalent or divalent polyfluoropolyether group; R1 is a divalent alkylene group, arylene group, or combinations thereof, R2 is a lower alkyl group; Y is a halide, a lower alkoxy group, or a lower acyloxy group; x is 0 or 1; and y is 1 or 2.

Abstract: A method for providing anti-static characteristics for polymeric, integrated circuit (IC) trays, which allows gaseous ions, such as nitrogen and argon, or metal ions, such as Ti, Li and Al, to be implanted to a surface depth of 1.5 &mgr;m in IC trays. In addition to experiencing no dimensional changes during the antistaticity working, the IC trays have a uniform distribution of ions over their surfaces and range, in surface resistance, from 106 to 1012 &OHgr;/cm2.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a stopper comprises impregnating a cork body with an elastomeric substance such as a silicone rubber mixture. The cork is submerged in the mixture and a vacuum is applied to enhance penetration of the mixture into the cork. The cork is then cleaned by forcing it through a conduit to remove excess liquid, and cured. A thin coating, approximately 25 &mgr;m thick, of the rubber remains on the outer surface of the cork, so that its appearance and feel are not substantially different from that of an untreated cork.

Abstract: The invention provides an adhesive cooling gel composition which stably contains a large amount of water and which is excellent in cooling effect and/or coolness-preserving effect, and a process for preparing the same. The composition comprises a polyacrylic acid compound, a polyvalent metal component and water, wherein the content of water is 75 to 95% by weight based on the cooling composition.

Abstract: In a method for producing an optical recording medium by forming a recording film on a substrate by means of vapor deposition of a pigment material in a high vacuum condition, the temperature (° C.) of an evaporation vessel for heating and evaporating the pigment material is not more than 2.5 times as high as the evaporation starting temperature of the pigment material.

Abstract: A pretreatment method for use in manufacturing an improved optical component comprises (i) providing a polymeric optical substrate; and (ii) exposing the polymeric optical substrate to electromagnetic energy having a wavelength of about 30 nm to about 350 nm. The exposure of the polymeric optical substrate to the electromagnetic energy substantially improves adhesion between the substrate and an optical coating deposited onto the substrate following pretreatment. The invention addresses the significant need for coated plastic optics by providing a method to achieve reliable adhesion of optical coatings placed on polymeric optical substrates. Specifically, this invention enables improved adhesion for even highly curved or shaped parts which have been historically more difficult to coat. The pretreatment method is particularly useful for molded substrates such as molded polymethylmethacrylate.

Abstract: Hydrophobic coating compositions are provided as are processes to coat articles with the compositions. Extremely hydrophobic coatings are provided by the compositions. Durable, weatherable and scratch-resistant coatings are provided by compositions comprising a trifluoromethyl-containing component and a hardenable material. Processes are also provided for forming hydrophobic coatings on articles without any substantial loss of fluorocarbon solvent used in the coating composition. Articles are coated on a surface thereof with a hydrophobic coating reactant or reaction product which forms a coating having an exposed surface populated with 30% by area or more terminal trifluoromethyl groups.

Abstract: Plasma assisted polymerization and deposition of a very thin inner surface coating in a plastic or metal container without an undesirable increase in container surface temperature is provided to change the surface properties of the internal plastic surface of a container by reaction of the surface with a reactive gas which has been energized to produce a plasma or the surface is activated by a plasma of reactive gas so that it becomes receptive to a further surface reaction.

Abstract: A sodium silicate polymerization method was used to incorporate sodium silicate and/or other water soluble inorganic fire retardants into an insoluble matrix. By using a vacuum/pressure technique, a water soluble sodium silicate/borate mixture was forced into the interior of various cellulosic materials, then was heat polymerized into an insoluble fire retardant matrix. This produced a dual action fire retardant material also with the following properties: moisture resistant, weather proof, and improved strength. Water insoluble forms of sodium silicate and borates have not been possible until now. This process and testing was then repeated with six other water soluble fire retardant combinations, making them similarly water insoluble.

Abstract: A device for the application of a liquid or viscous coating medium onto a moving material web, specifically a paper or cardboard web, includes a curtain coater to apply the coating medium in the form of a curtain or veil to the material web and a suction device to remove air which is carried along by the material web and/or the veil of coating medium. A dynamic pressure analyzer determines the pressure of the air that accumulates before the line of contact of the curtain of coating medium with the moving material web, when viewed in the direction of travel of the moving material web. A control unit controls the suction power of the suction device relative to the determined dynamic pressure.

Abstract: A preform resin immersion process (PRIP) for impregnating resin into a preform for the fabrication of composite structures. The resin contains a heatactivated catalyst and a thixotropic agent which maintain the viscosity of the resin at selected low level during the resin immersion process. The dry preform is placed in an impregnation vessel, and the resin is held in a resin storage vessel, with both vessels initially held at vacuum of about 5.0 mm Hg torr to draw off any air or volatiles. Pressure is introduced into the resin storage vessel, causing the resin to flow through a line into the impregnation vessel which is still held at vacuum conditions. When enough resin is in the impregnation vessel to completely immerse the preform, the flow of resin to this tank is stopped. Once the resin has completely permeated the preform, the resin is drawn back into the resin storage vessel, and the saturated preform is raised up from the impregnation vessel so that the excess resin drips off into collection means.

Abstract: Fire retarding and smoke inhibiting aqueous composition and a method for a one-step impregnation of aqueous-absorbable--and normally inflammable materials, such as wood, paper and textiles, said composition comprising ammoniumphosphates, phosphoric acid, water soluble metal salts with ability to form water insoluble salts with phosphate ions and/or ammoniumphosphate ions, and other optional additives.The composition comprises in combination:0.5-90% by weight monoammoniumphosphate and/or diammoniumphosphate,0.1-30% water-soluble metal salts with ability to form water insoluble salts with phosphate ions and/or ammoniumphosphate ions,1-20% by weight acid especially phosphoric acid (85%),1-15 % by weight dicyandiamide, andoptionally up to 5% by weight additivesin a total concentration of from 1 to 50% by weight with respect to the total weight of the aqueous solution, whereby phosphoric acid and dicyandiamide are present in the form of the reaction product guanylureaphosphate.

Abstract: This invention relates to the processing of organic tissues to prepare them for further investigation such as by light microscopy, electron microscopy, microwave staining, immunostaining, decalcification, hybridisation etc.The present invention discloses a process for processing organic tissue, which comprises the steps of fixing an organic sample to be processed, dehydrating and clearing the sample and subsequently infiltrating and embedding the sample in a supporting medium to prepare it for further examination wherein the steps of dehydrating and clearing are carried out simultaneously by applying a mixture of a dehydration agent and an essentially lipophilic agent simultaneously to the sample.

Abstract: A method for preparing a cylindrical separator from sheet material and for inserting the separator in the cylindrical anode space of a semi-finished cell, in which the separator is wound from a sheet material around a mandrel to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the anode space so that the sheet is temporarily affixed to the outer surface of the mandrel by providing vacuum through the mandrel wall, and the so obtained winding is inserted axially in the cathode cylinder. When the insertion is ready, the vacuum is disrupted, and the wound structure expands and presses against the cathode wall.

Abstract: The present invention is a plastic container coated with a multi-layer barrier coating. The multi-layer barrier coating is useful for providing an effective barrier against gas permeability in containers and for extending shelf-life of containers, especially plastic evacuated blood collection devices.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly is provided with a valve to enable the coating of low aspect ratio items such as tablets. In a preferred embodiment a valve is disclosed such that the vacuum forces acting on the surfaces of the valve are equal to the weight of the valve. This balancing of the weight of the valve and the vacuum forces allows gravity to be the primary motive force for actuation. The weight of the valve is used to detect a tablet, such that when a tablet is missing, the valve prevents any coating from being pulled into the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating plasma processing and in particular chemical plasma enhanced vapor deposition, plasma polymerization or plasma treatment of barrier materials onto the interior surface of containers barrier materials are useful for providing an effective barrier against gas and/or water permeability in containers and for extending shelf-life of containers, especially plastic evacuated blood collection devices.

Abstract: An improved method for producing low-cost carbon--carbon composites based on impregnating carbon fiber mat preforms with liquid dispersions or suspensions of fine carbon particles and subsequent mechanical consolidation is disclosed. A highly porous preform of carbon fibers is impregnated by a liquid suspension of colloidal graphite and dried in air at low temperatures. Multiple impregnation and drying densification cycles provide a soft, flexible carbon--carbon composite. Subsequent mechanical consolidation methods, such as pressing or rolling, combined with rigidization by resin or pitch impregnation and carbonization, render a thin carbon--carbon composite of high bulk density. Prior to rigidization, the composite may be sewn with carbon yarns for property enhancement.

Abstract: The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a fluid-pervious web comprising a first or wearer-contacting surface and a second or garment-facing surface. The web is particularly well suited for use as a topsheet on a disposable absorbent article. The first and second surfaces are separated from one another by an intermediate portion. The first surface of the web provides a structure which exhibits a surface energy less than the surface energy of the intermediate portion. In a preferred embodiment, the web exhibits a plurality of regions of comparatively low surface energy which define surface energy gradients where they interface with higher surface energy web surfaces. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a fluid-pervious web having a plurality of small-scale surface energy gradients which are oriented and located so as to effectively transport fluid away from the first or wearer-contacting surface.

Abstract: A developing storage disc boss adapted to engage a recess in a rotatable holding table for developing a storage disc including two discoid resin substrates with adhesive contained in a space therebetween. The developing storage disc boss includes a barrel portion for the engagement and a suction cylindrical portion that extends upwardly and orthogonally from a top planar wall of the barrel portion. There is a suction passage extending axially along the boss which includes first and second passages. There are a plurality of suction holes around the periphery of the suction cylindrical portion which communicate with the space between the two substrates. The holes extend radially through the suction cylindrical portion and have inner ends that open directly into the first passage. The first passage opens directly into the second passage, and the diameter of the second passage is greater than that of the first passage.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for producing a preform for plastic optical fiber having a refractive index distribution in which the refractive index is gradually decreased from the center of the preform toward the outer periphery thereof, by depositing a deposition layer comprising a polymer A (refractive index: N.sub.a) and a refractive index modifier having a refractive index different from that of the polymer A onto a surface of a rod member rotating about an axis thereof, by use of vapor-phase deposition based on a CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) process, or a coating process. A plastic optical fiber preform including deposition layers having a gradually decreasing refractive index distribution is formed by changing the mixing ratio between the polymer A and the refractive index modifier constituting the deposition layer.

Abstract: A mesh material for a spacecraft antenna reflector is disclosed. The mesh material has a base material made from a dielectric fabric. A conductive material, such as nickel, is applied to the dielectric mesh. The type and thickness of the conductive material is adjusted to regulate the final conductivity of the reflective surface to a predefined range. The present invention utilizes a range that reduces PIM while at the same time maintains a high degree of RF reflectivity. The preferred range is 0.01 to 10 ohms per square.

Abstract: A method and a pre-form for strengthening a substrate structural member. Layers are applied to a surface of a substrate where the layers include dry fibre reinforcement materials. A reduced pressure is then applied to the layers and a curable resin is introduced to the layers such that the resin is drawn therethrough until the interstices therein are substantially filled with the resin. The resin is then cured. The layers are preferably woven fabric and may include resin distribution layers of relatively low weave density and high permeability and reinforcement layers of higher weave density and lower permeability. The layers may be provided as a pre-form.

Abstract: A tube which is normally in a collapsed position and which has an inner layer, suitably of felt. The free end of the tube is pulled apart and a pool of resin is located within the tube. Opposed driven rollers then pull the free end of the tube to assist in the dispersion of the resin in the felt. To assist in the resin impregnating the felt a vacuum is applied to urge the felt on either side of the collapsed tube so that the sides are more towards each other in the region of the pool of resin. In order for the vacuum to be able to be applied in the region of the pool of resin the vacuum is applied to the trailing end of the tube and an insert comprising a strip of material that is less prone to collapse than the felt of the tube is located along the inside of the felt.

Abstract: In the production of a transportable, multilayery tube (1) with a gas-impermeable outer layer (2) and at least one layer (3) impregnated with a curable resin (11) and made of a composite fiber material (4) to line pipe conduits and sewer systems, using subatmospheric pressure and rollers (7,8) between which is formed at least one nip (6) through which to feed tube (1), to even out and accelerate the impregnation, at first still unimpregnated tube (1) is fed from below into nip (6) and air is evacuated from unimpregnated section (1a) of tube (1). In doing so, liquid resin (11) is brought into full opening (1d), at first still open, of tube (1) and is dammed up by nip (6).

Abstract: A flexible metallized product having a base material made of a soft resin material comprising polypropylene mixed with diene or polypropylene mixed with rubber, a base coat layer formed on the surface of the base material, a metal thin film layer formed on the surface of the base coat layer and a top coat layer covering the metal thin film layer. The metal thin film layer is made of a corrosion resistant metal such as chromium. The metal thin film layer has a thickness of at least 150 .ANG. and no greater than 800 .ANG. by means of a vacuum vapor deposition or sputtering. The metal thin film layer is constituted by a plurality of metal particles. The metal particles are disposed such that adjacent metal particles are in contact with one another to form a grain boundary therebetween.

Abstract: A roll of film consists of polyester film having a film thickness of less than 2 .mu.m and having a water content of less than 0.06 weight percent, based on the weight of polyester. The roll of polyester film is suitable for vacuum metallization.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical disc for uniformly spreading an adhesive at a region where the first and second resin substrates are bonded to each other at a portion close to central holes thereof, and a placing platform to be used by the same manufacturing method. The method of manufacturing the optical disc comprises coating the adhesive onto the first resin substrate, placing the second resin substrate on the first resin substrates, then spreading the adhesive while the first and second resin substrates are rotated at high speed, thereafter curing the adhesive thereby bonding the first and second resin substrates, wherein the adhesive is sucked from central holes of the first and second resin substrates so as to facilitate spreading of the adhesive at the central holes thereof. The placing platform of the optical disc to be used by the above method has a boss provided with suction means.

Abstract: A process for making a paintable polymer article is described which comprises impregnating a polymeric substrate having a plurality of pores, the pores having a number average pore cross-section of less than 50 square microns, with a liquid sealant having a viscosity less than 25 kPa.s and heating the impregnated polymeric substrate to cure the sealant. The paintable polymer article may be coated with a paint to form a painted polymer article. The inventors have found that this invention helps prevent paint popping due to the expansion of solvents trapped in voids in the polymer article during paint drying or curing operations, particularly paint popping caused by voids in the polymer article which are exposed by cutting or trimming the polymer article after compression molding.

Abstract: A thermoplastic container or packaging material is given low oxygen permeability by coating with a crosslinked acrylate layer and a layer of oxygen barrier material deposited over the acrylate layer. Another acrylate layer may be deposited over the oxygen barrier. The oxygen barrier is selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, aluminum oxide and metal. The acrylate layer may be formed from a photopolymerizable polyfunctional acrylate that is sufficiently low viscosity to be sprayed on the substrate or applied by dipping. Alternatively, the acrylate layer is a polymerization product of an acrylate monomer which is evaporated in a vacuum, condensed on the substrate and polymerized by irradiation by ultraviolet or an electron beam.

Abstract: Improved method of treating nonwovens with a neat or nearly neat treating composition at least 90% by weight active ingredients by subjecting the nonwoven to a uniform concentration of said composition in an atomized form within a treating station. Drying and its potentially adverse effects are substantially eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating plasma processing and in particular chemical plasma enhanced vapor deposition, plasma polymerization or plasma treatment of barrier materials onto the interior surface of containers barrier materials are useful for providing an effective barrier against gas and/or water permeability in containers and for extending shelf-life of containers, especially plastic evacuated blood collection devices.

Abstract: A method for blending fluorine into a polyimide free of fluorine comprises the steps of generating fluorine radicals in a fluorine based gas, removal of any charge particles from the gas to leave the fluorine radicals in the gas, and exposing a polyimide free of fluorine to an irradiation of the fluorine radicals so that the irradiated fluorine radicals penetrate into an inside of the polyimide without showing any reaction to the removed charge particles on a surface of the polyimide.

Abstract: A method for modifying an ocular implant polymer surface by the gamma-irradiation induced polymerization thereon of N-vinylpyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate or a mixture thereof while maintaining the following conditions:(a) monomer concentration in the range of from about 0.1% to about 50%, by weight;(b) total gamma dose in the range of from about 0.001 to less than about 0.50 Mrad; and(c) gamma dose rate in the range of from above about 2,500 to about 10.sup.8 rads/minute.

Abstract: A method for making transparent, reflective films includes coating a polymer film with ZnS by charging a set of carbon crucibles with ZnS cubes or pellets. The crucibles are heated by induction in a vacuum deposition chamber having a supply roll of the polymer film and a take-up roll. The ZnS cubes sublimate at a rate matched to web advance to insure a coating thickness for colorless films of at least 1,000 angstroms. The thickness of the ZnS layer on the film is monitored by visual observation of color by a source of visible white light and the rate of transfer of the film is adjusted to control the thickness of the ZnS layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dipping products, such as tablets, into coating material and for spreading and setting the coating immediately after dipping is provided. Carrier plates having a plurality of tablet holders are transported from a tablet loading station to a dipping station along a transport guide. At the dipping station, a carrier plate is mounted to a vacuum chamber. A set of vacuum tubes in the vacuum chamber are extended through the tablet holders to contact and lift the tablets off of the holders and secure the tablets to the tubes. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum chamber is rotated 180.degree. and a second carrier plate is mounted onto the housing and a second set of tubes secure the tablets to the plate. The carrier plates are alternately dipped and returned to the guide means where new plates with uncoated tablets replace the plates with coated tablets. Immediately after dipping the carrier plates enter a rotating station where the plate is rotated 360.degree.

Abstract: A method of making a gas-impermeable, chemically inert container wall structure comprising the steps of providing a base layer of an organic polymeric material; conducting a pair of reactive gases to the surface of the base layer preferably by pulsed gas injection; heating the gases preferably by microwave energy pulses sufficiently to create a plasma which causes chemical reaction of the gases to form an inorganic vapor compound which becomes deposited on the surface, and continuing the conducting and heating until the compound vapor deposit on the surface forms a gas-impermeable, chemically inert barrier layer of the desired thickness on the surface. Various wall structures and apparatus for making them are also disclosed.