Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing golf balls having covers of very high transparency, which method includes, prior to formation of the cover, a preformed body fabricating step wherein a temperature-responsive pigment that responds to a change in temperature by developing a color is included in or coated onto the preformed body. In this way, a preformed body that matches the cover to be formed can be easily and reliably identified from among a plurality of types of preformed bodies stored at a temporary storage place. The invention also provides golf balls having a construction suitable for carrying out such a manufacturing method. The invention enables golf balls of excellent visibility and stylishness to be efficiently produced.

Abstract: A method is provided for depositing a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer on a substrate, in which contaminations of the layers of the layer system is reduced through the diffusion of material from the substrate, and whose layer properties in respect to coupling and transmission of light are optimized. For that purpose, a barrier layer, a seed layer and a transparent conductive oxide layer are directly successively deposited on the substrate. Also, a thin-film solar cell is described which comprises such a transparent conductive oxide layer.

Abstract: A method of preparing a carbon-carbon composite fiber and a carbon heater manufactured using the same are provided. The method may include providing a support, weaving a carbon fiber onto the support, forming a mixed solution containing a carbon precursor and an organic solvent, and immersing the carbon fiber into the mixed solution. The support may include a polymer having a melting point of about 250° C. or less, or a polymer having a functional group which does not react with a hydroxyl group (—OH).

Abstract: The present invention relates to composite material of xyloglucan and clay for use as a coating material. The invention also relates to a method of producing the coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to microscopic structures and methods of making and using the structures. A method of forming a microscopic structure of a material includes obtaining a solution (310) containing the material, establishing a flowing stream of the solution (310) in a capillary (104), wherein the capillary (104) has an inner dimension that is smaller than about 300 micrometers, and maintaining the stream until a layer is built up along an inner wall of the capillary (104) from material deposited from the flowing stream, thereby forming a microscopic structure.

Abstract: A liquid discharging nozzle of the present invention includes (i) a liquid reservoir for reserving a discharging liquid and (ii) a discharging tube connected to a bottom part of the liquid reservoir. A water-repellent layer is provided on an inner surface of the discharging tube, on an inner surface of the discharging tube, and on an inner surface of the liquid reservoir, and is a fluorinated water-repellent layer. An aluminum oxide layer and a silicon oxide layer are used as foundation layers of the fluorinated water-repellent layer. The aluminum oxide layer, the silicon oxide layer, and the fluorinated water-repellent layer, which are stacked together, have a combined thickness of not more than 25 nm. The fluorinated water-repellent layer alone has a thickness of 1 nm to 4 nm.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate for a thin-film photoelectric conversion device which makes it possible to produce the device having improved characteristics at low cost and high productivity. The substrate includes a transparent base member, with a transparent underlying layer and a transparent electrode layer successively stacked on one main surface of the transparent base member. The underlying layer includes transparent insulating fine particles and transparent binder, and the particles are dispersed to cover the one main surface with a coverage factor of particles ranging from 30% or more to less than 80%. An antireflection layer is provided on the other main surface of the transparent base. The antireflection layer includes transparent insulating fine particles and transparent binder, and the particles are dispersed to cover the other main surface with a coverage factor greater than the underlying layer. The transparent electrode layer contains zinc oxide deposited by low-pressure CVD method.

Abstract: Methods for making a bearing are disclosed, wherein the bearing includes a substratum and a self-lubricating surface coating composition. The self-lubricating surface coating composition further includes at least one cured thermosetting acrylate and at least one phenolic resin. Methods includes the step of disposing the self-lubricating surface coating composition onto the substratum.

Abstract: A method of preparing a surface for deposition of a thin film thereon, wherein the surface including a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom and having shadowed regions, includes locally treating at least one of the protrusions.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cathode active material is provided. The method includes the step of precipitating step for providing a solution of a deposition component onto composite oxide particles including lithium Li and nickel Ni, removing a solvent from the solution on the composite oxide particles within a short time period, and precipitating the deposition component on surfaces of the composite oxide particles; and heating step for heating under an oxidation atmosphere the composite oxide particles with the deposition component precipitated on the surfaces.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is described. The photovoltaic device comprises an organic-based antireflection layer. A method of making a photovoltaic device is also described.

Abstract: Processes are described herein for preparing medical devices and other articles having a low-fouling surface on a substrate comprising a polymeric surface. The polymeric surface material may possess a range of polymeric backbones and substituents while providing the articles with a highly efficient, biocompatible, and non-fouling surface. The processes involve treating the substrate to reduce the concentration of chemical species on the surface of or in the substrate without altering the bulk physical properties of the device or article, and thereafter forming a grafted polymer layer on the treated substrate surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for adjusting adhesion strength between materials during semiconductor sensor processing. One or more embodiments are directed to using various surface treatments to a substrate to adjust adhesion strength between the substrate and a polymer. In one embodiment, the surface of the substrate is roughened to decrease the adhesive strength between the substrate and the polymer. In another embodiment, the surface of the substrate is smoothed to increase the adhesive strength between the substrate and the polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for imparting decreased adhesion of biological material to the surface of a substrate comprises the following steps (i) oxidizing the surface of the substrate (ii) applying a composition comprising one or more ethylenically unsaturated compounds to the oxidized surface of the substrate and (iii) curing the composition in order to form a coating layer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide textured surfaces to be lubricated, the texturing to enhance the effectiveness of the intended nano-lubrication. The texturing may make asperities and depressions in the surface to be lubricated. This texturing may be executed, for example, by chemical etching, laser etching, or other techniques. This texturing may create locations in the lubricated surface to hold or anchor the intended nano-lubricants, to facilitate the creation of a tribo-film on the surface when the lubricated surface is used under pressure, and resulting in delivery of multiple chemistries from the nano-lubricant.

Abstract: Described are stretchable and formable lighter than air balloons including a high barrier lamination. The stretchable and formable balloons stretch when overinflated instead of failing. The balloons are formed from a lamination including a polyester film with a total thickness of 4 ?m to 12 ?m including a biaxially oriented polyester core layer and at least one amorphous copolyester skin layer. The polyester film has an Elongation % in the transverse direction (TD) or machine direction (MD) of greater than 125%.

Abstract: A method for electroless coating of substrates by applying an activating coat of polyelectrolyte or salt with a first aqueous composition; rinsing the activating coat such that the activating coat not being entirely removed; contacting and coating of the activated surfaces that have remained after rinsing with an aqueous composition in the form of a solution, emulsion or suspension, to form an organic secondary coat; and drying. The activating coat is a solution, emulsion or suspension containing a anionic polyelectrolyte or at least one anionic salt in solution in water. The aqueous composition forming the secondary coat has constituents which can be precipitated, deposited or salted out and which are anionically, zwitterionically, sterically or cationically stabilized. The dry film formed in the process, comprising the activating coat and the secondary coat, has a thickness of at least 1 ?m.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product includes a plurality of orally disintegrable granules. Each granule has a lipid core and at least one layer surrounding the core. The core can also include binders, powdered tobacco carbohydrates, water soluble polymers, flavorants, salts, sweeteners, and combinations thereof. The orally disintegrable granules can provide a pleasing texture and/or flavor experience.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the disclosure include a component, methods of forming components, and methods of cooling components. In some embodiments, a component is disclosed including: a body; a microchannel extending through a portion of the body; a thermal barrier coating (TBC) covering a portion of the microchannel; and a marker member extending from the microchannel through the TBC or from an end of the microchannel, the marker member indicating a location of the microchannel in the body.

Abstract: A method of forming a self-cleaning coating on a substrate comprises the step of selecting a substrate, cleaning the substrate, and/or roughening the substrate using an abrasive. In an embodiment, roughening of the substrate create microscopic tortuous grooves. Another embodiment of the method comprises coating the roughened surface with at least one hydrophobic chemical agent. In an exemplary embodiment, the hydrophobic chemical agent covalently binds with the substrate creating nanoscopic grooves. Another embodiment of the present disclosure pertains to an apparatus for depositing a self-cleaning coating on a flat substrate. A further embodiment of the present disclosure pertains to a self-cleaning coating on a substrate comprising a hydrophobic chemical agent covalently bonded to at least one roughened surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A tip for use in an optical detection system to analyze an analyte in a fluid sample drawn into the tip, using light reflected from a detection surface inside the tip that the analyte binds to, comprising a first detection surface and a second detection surface located in a same flow path with no controllable valve separating them, wherein the first and second detection surfaces have different surface chemistries.

Abstract: A method and golf ball incorporating a surface penetrating color composition comprising a colorant (e.g. dyes, tints, color effects, etc.) in a portion (surface or region) of a golf ball component or coating (substrate). The substrate is formed from a homogenous composition having a color C1 which may comprise any color within the spectrum of visible light, or be clear colorless, and alternatively, may also be opaque, translucent, or clear colored, for example. An outer surface of the substrate is treated with or otherwise exposed to a surface penetrating color composition having a C2 that is different than C1 in some respect such as hue, chroma, saturation and/or opacity. The surface penetrating color composition penetrates the golf ball substrate surface to a target depth and becomes embedded within the surface, thereby forming a surface penetrating color composition-treated component or coating having a treated region and an untreated region.

Abstract: The present application relates to a fiber having an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and at least one cavity. The cavity is positioned symmetrically with respect to a plane containing the longitudinal axis. In addition, an insulating gas, less thermally conductive than air, is trapped in the cavity.

Abstract: Described is a multi-layered film comprising a core layer comprising polypropylene; a metalizable skin layer such as a treated HDPE or PETG; and a first tie layer comprising a functionalized polypropylene such as an acid-grafted isotactic polypropylene between the core layer and metalizable skin layer; wherein the metalizable skin layer comprises a polymer having a surface energy (ASTM D2578) of at least 30 dynes/cm, a Young's Modulus (ASTM D790) of at least 1500 MPa, and a melting point (ASTM D3418) of at least 130° C.; and wherein the film as measured on the metalizable skin side has a Haze of less than 1000 Haze Units, and a Gloss of greater than 300 Gloss Units.

Abstract: Different molding materials and methods are provided for producing a sport bra having moisture-transporting molded bra cups. The different molding materials comprise foams having different average cell sizes, fibers having different average deniers per filament, injection-molding materials having different degrees of hydrophilicity, and different hydrophilic treatments. The molding materials are arranged to create a hydrophilic gradient from a skin surface of the wearer of the sport bra to the exterior of the sport bra.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for coating the surface of a substrate comprises the following steps (i) oxidizing the surface of the substrate (ii) applying a composition comprising one or more quaternary ammonium compounds carrying one or more ethylenically unsaturated groups onto the oxidized surface of the substrate and (iii) curing the composition in order to form a coating layer, and substrates obtainable by the latter process.

Abstract: A complex including: a support provided with at least two faces one of which is provided with a coating of an adhesive, at least one ligand, said ligand being immobilized on the adhesive surface. The ligand implemented within the framework of the present invention is chosen from among proteins, peptides, antibodies, nucleic acids, sugars or oligosaccharides, toxins, pesticides, hormones, herbicides, fungicides, neurotransmitters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of grafting, by covalent bonding, hollow or solid composite capsules onto any type of natural, artificial or synthetic, organic or inorganic, support, the capsules being chemically, physically or physico-chemically modified, so as possibly to improve their affinity with the support and to functionalize them, and then grafted, after the capsules and/or the support have been activated. The invention also relates to the capsules thus modified, to the supports grafted by the capsules, especially fibres and textiles, and also to the use of these grafted supports, especially fibres and textiles, for making up what are called “functional” articles.

Abstract: Coke formation in pyrolysis furnaces is controlled by applying a coating of boron nitride to pyrolysis furnace process equipment surfaces, for instance, parts of the transfer line heat exchanger assembly.

Abstract: A method of the present invention for producing a calcium phosphate complex including a substrate and calcium phosphate bonded to a surface of the substrate, the method includes the steps of: (a) treating the surface of the substrate; and (b) bonding the calcium phosphate onto the surface of the substrate after the step (a), the step (a) being the step of placing the surface of the substrate in contact with ozone water. Therefore, the method of the present invention makes it possible to bond calcium phosphate and the substrate at a high bonding strength and at a high coverage. In addition, the method of the present invention provides an easy method for producing a calcium phosphate complex.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite building boards and associated manufacturing methods. The composite boards may include, for example, one or more slurry layers with embedded fibrous mats. An exterior plastic coating is mechanically adhered to the underlying slurry layer. The plastic layer chemically bonds and cross-links with polymer additives within the slurry layer. The result is an integrated polymer matrix with greatly improved durability and surface strength.

Abstract: A method of texturing a synthetic material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to resemble a natural material is provided. The method can include texturing a PVC profile after extrusion in order to achieve a surface roughness of about 70 to about 300 micro inches roughness average. The method can include producing a line pattern surface roughness to make the textured PVC resemble a wood finish, particularly when the method includes applying a paint or stain to the textured PVC. The method can include producing a radial pattern surface roughness to make the textured PVC resemble a brushed metal finish. The method of the present invention can be applied to existing PVC elements, such as extruded elements, either at the manufacturing level or at the consumer level. A kit can also be provided including a texturing means, a paint or stain, and instructions.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for prevention of porosity in composite material parts (1), which is applied when the curing stage of the part (1) is being carried out on a female tool (2). In the curing stage, an adhesive (4) is placed on at least one of the areas of the radii (5) of the composite material part (1), so that the possible subsequent appearance of porosity in said areas of the composite material part (1) is prevented. Thus, the adhesive (4) acquires the fluidization temperature before the resin of the composite material and it is displaced filling the holes generated during the placement of the part (1) on the female tool (2), in the area of the radii (5) of the part (1), during the coupling between the part (1) and the female tool (2).

Abstract: In an inkjet printer, a low surface energy material is applied to a printhead face and a drip bib during a printhead maintenance operation. The low surface energy material forms a thin layer on the printhead face and drip bib to resist adhesion of ink to the printhead. The low surface energy material can be a layer of silicone oil.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method may provide a magnetic element can have a thin film deposited on a cryogenic substrate. The thin film can additionally be stress tuned ,during primary annealing to reduce unwanted stress anisotropy. The thin film can be configured to have near zero internal stress after the primary annealing.

Abstract: Method and systems provide growth of polymer structures at a high rate in a selective manner. In various embodiments, the method or system can expose the growth site to a polymer source and growing a polymer tube at a rate of at least 80 micrometer per hour at the growth site. The method or system can provide selectivity by providing a growth site on a substrate by patterning a metal, such as copper, that provides a seed site for the polymer. Non-selected sites can be coated with a polymer growth inhibitor, such as polyimide or silicon nitride.

Abstract: A device housing includes a metallic substrate, a pattern element formed in the substrate, and a transparent or translucent decorative layer formed on the substrate and the pattern layer. The substrate defines a receiving space therein, and the pattern element is formed in the receiving space. The pattern element is made of thermosetting plastic. A method for making the device housing is also described.

Abstract: Method of bonding a layer (S) of silicone to a substrate (4?) of methacrylic polymer; the method involves positioning between the methacrylate polymer and the silicone a layer (9) of an organosilane having the formula R1Si(R2)3, in which R2 is OH and R1 is a methacrylic residue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a hydrophobic surface on to a material. The invention involves directing at a surface to be structured a particle spray structuring the surface so as to structure the surface, and coating the structured surface with a hydrophobic material. According to the invention, particles larger than a determined size d2 are separated from the particle spray by at least one impaction nozzle, which particles are directed at the surface to be structured such that they collide with the surface to be structured, producing a structure thereon. Next, the structured surface is coated by a gas deposition method in which the structured surface is subjected to alternate surface reactions of starting materials.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the invention relates to an article having a liquid-impregnated surface. The surface includes a matrix of solid features (e.g., non-toxic and/or edible features) spaced sufficiently close to stably contain a liquid therebetween or therewithin, wherein the liquid is non-toxic and/or edible. The article may contain, for example, a food or other consumer product, such as ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is a method comprising: disposing atoms of at least one non-metal element over a surface of a cladding material of a nuclear fuel element; and forming at least one product comprising the at least one non-metal element in, over, or both, a surface layer of the cladding material; wherein the at least one non-metal element has an electronegativity that is smaller than or equal to that of oxygen. Also provided is a nuclear fuel element comprising a modified surface layer adapted to mitigate formation of Chalk River Unidentified Deposits (CRUD) on the cladding material.

Abstract: A method of preparing a nickel-coated nanocarbon using electroless plating is provided. The method includes washing a nanocarbon with a solvent or thermally-oxidizing the nanocarbon to remove impurities from the nanocarbon, immersing the washed or thermally-oxidized nanocarbon into a Pd-containing solution to form an activated Pd seed on a surface of the nanocarbon, treating the nanocarbon having the Pd seed with a strong acid, immersing the strong acid-treated nanocarbon into an electroless nickel plating solution to form a nickel plated layer on a surface of the nanocarbon, and heat-treating the nanocarbon having the nickel plated layer at a high temperature to crystallize the nanocarbon.

Abstract: A knife structure including a knife body having a cutting surface, a relief surface and a knife clamp surface. The cutting surface and the relief surface intersect at an apex region of the knife body. The knife clamp surface intersects with an end of the relief surface opposite an end of the relief surface that intersects with the cutting surface at the apex region. In one embodiment, the apex region is comprised of an alloy of a base material for the knife body and a boron containing compound. The thermally conductive plating is present on at least the knife clamp surface, the cutting surface and the release surface of the knife body. The thermally conductive plating is not present on the apex region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door skin comprising an exterior surface having outer portions lying on a first plane, spaced grooves recessed from the plane of the outer portions, and tonal portions having a planar area and a plurality of spaced depressions recessed from the plane of said planar area. The present invention is also directed to a method of etching a plate, for use with a molded die set, for embossing a wood grain pattern in the door skin, and the etched plate formed therefrom.

Abstract: A method for locally forming a smooth surface on frosted glass includes steps of: a) preparing a piece of frosted glass; b) locally coating the frosted glass with a sealant; and c) such forming the sealant that has a smooth surface. The smooth surface of the frosted glass allows a video camera to capture clear images therethrough so as to prevent blurred images caused by micro-roughness on a surface of the frosted glass.

Abstract: A system for painting a structure includes a motorized, wheeled vehicle that is movable along a surface and includes a frame and a lift structure coupled with the frame. The system also includes a support structure supported by the lift structure, and a table supported by the support structure. The table is translatable relative to the support structure. The system also includes a mount structure rotatably coupled with the table and a kit of parts that includes a spray head assembly configured for releasable attachment to the mount structure. The system further includes a paint reservoir and a pump, each being supported by one of the vehicle and the support structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a honeycomb support structure comprising a honeycomb body and an outer layer or skin formed of a cement that includes an inorganic filler material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion from 25° C. to 600° C. and a crystalline inorganic fibrous material having a second coefficient of thermal expansion from 25° C. to 600° C.

Abstract: Diamine is used to enhance adhesion between polyurethane and polyolefinic material or ionomeric material.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical method on metal preservation is disclosed that includes applying a coating on metal surface and curing the coating. The coating includes: A) the film-forming component; and B) the surface modified nanometer titanium dioxide, which consists of nanometer titanium dioxide particle as substrate and the nonionic surfactant covered on the substrate surface. The diameter of the nanometer titanium dioxide substrate is 1-100 nm. The hydrophile-lipophile balance value of the nonionic surfactant is 1-10 and is contained of 1-20 wt % based on the weight of nanometer titanium dioxide substrate. The content of the surface modified nanometer titanium dioxide is 0.1-10 wt % based on the total weight of the coating. The photoelectrochemical method on metal preservation through this disclosure is low cost and high efficient and obviously reduce the corrosion speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for applying a liquid active substance to surfaces moving in a circulating manner, such as of cylinders, rolls, fabrics or other moving webs, consisting of a metering unit and an application unit. The active substance is conducted to the application unit by the metering unit, and the application unit has a pad with an open-pore mesh structure for receiving and storing the active substance and for applying the active substance as a film as a function of the degree of saturation and the contact pressure of the pad on the moving surface. Also, the use of the apparatus for keeping moving surfaces free from deposits, accumulations or contaminants.