Abstract: Provided are a nanoporous membrane and a method of fabricating the same. The nanoporous membrane includes a support, and a separation layer including a plurality of nano-sized pores at a density of 1010/cm2 or greater and a matrix. The nanoporous membrane has a high flux and a high selectivity.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: A product having superhydrophilic or superhydrophobic surface physical properties comprising a substrate coated on its surface with a structuring layer added on to the surface and with a film deposited on the layer. The film is continuous, and the physical properties of the surface are conferred by the nature of the film, the surface of the layer and the deposited film having roughnesses with nanometric-size dimensions.

Abstract: Various coatings and methods of coating fasteners are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of coating includes applying a chromate coating to a fastener. In other embodiments, the method may include deoxidizing an aluminum fastener, etching the fastener, deoxidizing the fastener a second time, applying a chromate coating to the fastener, and dying the fastener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices (20), and in particular, heat management in such devices. To achieve desired thermal properties in selected areas of a microfluidic or nanofluidic device, selective removal or addition of material (thermal mass) can be effected in certain selected regions of the device to control thermal properties, wherein the selected regions are immediately surrounding a reaction chamber (14) and resulting in an empty space (18). This is particularly useful in accommodating rapid heating and/or cooling rates during sample processing and analysis on a microfluidic or nanofluidic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the structuring of surfaces of substrates in which a substrate is structured in a first step and, in a second step, coated by the sol-gel process for partial smoothing of the structuring, giving, in particular, a surface which scatters in a diffuse manner.

Abstract: The process of forming a plated film according to the invention is designed such that the surface asperities of the inorganic film formed by the tracing of a standing wave occurring at the inner wall surface of the first opening in the resist at the resist pattern-formation step are reduced or eliminated. It is thus possible to form, efficiently yet in a short period of time, a high aspect-ratio plated film portion having an aspect ratio of greater than 1. In addition, the formed plated film quality is extremely improved for the absence of pores (cavities).

Abstract: Refinishing an exterior automotive lens having a damaged exterior surface in situ using a continuous movement and oscillating motion, with first, a 320 grit sanding disc, next a 600 grit sanding disc and finally a 1500 grit sanding pad while flushing the surface with water to prevent melting of the surface. Buffing the surface with a polishing compound until a high gloss is achieved. Finally, coating the surface with a transparent ultraviolet hardenable coating material, and hardening it by exposure to an ultraviolet light source. This method is accomplished using an oscillating tool having a remotely located drive.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically conductive element for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell having low electrical contact resistance and high corrosion resistance. The conductive element comprises a corrosion susceptible metal substrate with a surface, which is preferably treated to activate the surface (i.e., to remove a passivation layer of oxides from the surface) with an acidic treatment solution. The treated surface is then overlaid with an electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant, protective coating to protect the substrate re-forming a passivation layer while exposed to the corrosive environment of the fuel cell. The present invention also provides methods of preparing an electrically conductive element to have low electrical contact resistance and high corrosion resistance.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to accurately align a cap wafer relative to a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) wafer during a bonding process. Other materials may be accurately aligned as well. A trench is established in the MEMS wafer, and a printed substance, secured to the cap wafer, flows into the trench when a pressure is applied to the cap wafer at bond temperature. Natural forces aid in shifting the materials into a lowest energy state and self-aligns the materials into a desired position. The trench also serves as a collection trench for the flowing substance by helping to shape the substance. The trench dimensions may be used to aid in creating a hermetic seal. The alignment tolerances required conventionally during the device design stage are decreased, since the present invention provides a repeatable and accurate alignment bonding process. Chip multiple is increased and therefore chip costs are decreased.

Abstract: A vapor-deposited metallized film is disclosed including a metallized film that is vapor-deposited across the entire surface, and a metallized film that has been coated a number of times and also a method for producing a vapor-deposited metallized film, a metallized film that is vapor-deposited across the entire surface, and a metallized film that has been coated a number of times, wherein either a structure is printed onto a substrate or onto a supporting film with a soluble ink or the base materials are directly cleaned in a vacuum by means of plasma processing and are simultaneously initiated with target atoms, and wherein a metal or the like is vapor-deposited thereon followed by a production of the structured layer, for multiple uses, for example, in securities, as a radio frequency antenna for transponders and the like.

Abstract: An organic layer, such as a porous low-K dielectric in an IC, contains pores open at its surface. To close the pores, the organic layer is contacted by a supercritical fluid that is a solvent for the layer. After a small amount of the surface and the wall of the open pores is solvated, a phase transition of the solvated organic material is effected at the surface to cover it with a dense, smooth, non-porous film that seals the open pores.

Abstract: An integrated circuit system includes providing an integrated circuit wafer; applying a first cleaning solution over the integrated circuit wafer; and applying a second cleaning solution over the integrated circuit wafer to prevent or remove a defect resulting from the first cleaning process.

Abstract: Composite particles of a metal particle within a crosslinked, cored dendrimer are described. Additionally, methods of making the composite particles and compositions that contain the composite particles are described.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating nano-scale structures, such as channels (i.e., nano-channels) or vias (i.e., nano-vias). An open nano-structure, is formed in a substrate. Thereafter, a conformal material film may be deposited within and over the nano-structure using an optional first deposition process condition, and then the open nano-structure is closed off to form a closed nano-scale structure using a second deposition process condition, including one or more process steps.

Abstract: A molding die for molding glass includes a base material, a first intermediate layer on the base material, and a protective film on the first intermediate layer. The first intermediate layer is made of titanium or other materials that is not easy to be attacked, and the protective film is made of molybdenum alloy. A method of reproducing the molding die of the present invention includes removing the protective film but keeping the first intermediate layer and the base material still, and then coating a new protective layer on the first intermediate layer.

Abstract: A substrate processing method which is capable of easily removing residue caused by hydrofluoric acid. By the substrate processing method, a substrate is processed which has a thermal oxide film formed by a thermal oxidation process and a BPSG film containing impurities. In an HF gas feeding step, an HF gas is fed toward the substrate, and in a cleaning gas feeding step, a cleaning gas containing at least NH3 gas is fed toward the substrate fed with the HF gas.

Abstract: Inorganic solid lubricant coatings and processes for applying a solid lubricant coating to a substrate surface. A process for applying the solid lubricant coating may involve applying a precursor material to the substrate surface, and thereafter melting at least one inorganic bonding component of the precursor material to bond the solid lubricant coating to the substrate surface. The precursor material may comprise an organic polymer binder, at least one wear-resistant component, and at least one friction-reducing constituent, in addition to the at least one bonding component.

Abstract: A conductive diamond electrode including an electrode substrate comprising a material selected from the group consisting of a valve metal and an alloy based on the valve metal, at least a surface of the metal or alloy having been subjected to plasticization processing, or heat treatment in vacuum or inert atmosphere; and a conductive diamond film formed on the plasticization processed surface of the electrode substrate. When the electrode substrate is subjected to plasticization processing and heat treatment, peeling resistance of the conductive diamond film is improved, thereby an electrode life is prolonged.

Abstract: A method is described for the surface treatment of metals to improve the strength, flexibility and fatigue life of the metal, which in a preferred embodiment includes the steps of thoroughly cleaning and drying the metal surface, etching the surface of the metal to remove sharp apexes and ends of cracks in the metal surface, water rinsing and drying the metal surface, and coating the surface with a low water miscible, water displacing, low surface tension corrosion preventive compound.

Abstract: In the swell-welding according to the invention of two bodies, of which at least one body consists of plastic, the connection surface of the plastic body is firstly exposed to a gas which contains the vapor of a swelling agent for the plastic. The plastic body reversibly swollen at the surface is welded to the other body by pressing onto one another, and the pressed-together bodies are conditioned. In all process steps, the temperature of the bodies to be connected is below the glass transition temperature of the plastic. No auxiliary substance remains in the welded body. The flush connection produced by swell welding is durable and strong.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of natural discoloration in an article, particularly a vinyl chloride polymer article, by treating the surface of the article in ambient air with a first organic solution containing an organic peroxide and a first organic solvent. The invention process is particularly useful for vinyl chloride-based articles that have undergone pinking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of repairing a Ni-based alloy part having an undercoat layer and a topcoat layer stacked on a Ni-based alloy base when the topcoat layer is damaged, comprising the steps of removing a peeled-off portion of the damaged topcoat layer and a denatured portion of the undercoat layer corresponding to the peeled-off portion, forming another undercoat layer by applying spraying to an opening portion of the undercoat layer in the atmosphere at a spray particle speed of 300 m/s or more and a base-material temperature of 300° C.

Abstract: An optical compensatory sheet comprises a cellulose ester film, an orientation layer and an optically anisotropic layer formed of liquid crystal molecules in this order. Alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is fixed. An alkaline solution is coated on a surface of the cellulose ester film to saponify the surface. The saponified surface is coated with a coating solution of the orientation layer.

Abstract: A layer of single crystal boron doped diamond produced by CVD and having a total boron concentration which is uniform. The layer is formed from a single growth sector, or has a thickness exceeding 100 ?m, or has a volume exceeding 1 mm3, or a combination of such characteristics.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electron beam apparatus having an airtight container with electron-emitting devices contained therein and spacers provided in the airtight container comprising the coating step of providing a film on a spacer substrate to be the spacers, and characterized in that the coating step includes the applying step of applying liquid film material by emitting from an emitting portion in a predetermined direction to a part of a surface of the spacer substrate facing the emitting portion.

Abstract: High-use temperature, lightweight polymer/inorganic nanocomposite materials are described having enhanced thermal stability and performance characteristics. These materials are made possible by new methods for synthesizing composite materials that enhance the thermal stability of the nanocomposite systems from 100–150° C. to over 450° C. These materials and techniques for their formation are enabled at least in part by the use of polar organic phthalonitrile monomers and oligomers that can exfoliate layered phyllosilicates, such as smectite clays, in percentages greater than 10% inorganic by weight. This approach offers a solvent-free direct melt intercalation technique that greatly reduces the cost of processing nanocomposites. Additionally, the use of unmodified phyllosilicates overcomes temperature limitations of prior art, which uses organically-modified layered silicates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film for a circuit board characterized in that the following A layer is adjacent to the following B layer is disclosed in the present application. A circuit board excellent in adhesion strength of a conductor layer can easily be produced by using this film. A layer: a heat-resistant resin layer with a thickness of from 2 to 250 ?m which layer is made of a heat-resistant resin having a glass transition point of 200° C. or more or a decomposition temperature of 300° C. or more, and B layer: a roughenable cured resin layer with a thickness of from 5 to 20 ?m which layer is made of a cured product of a thermosetting resin composition containing at least component (a) of an epoxy resin having two or more epoxy groups in a molecule and component (b) of an epoxy curing agent, the cured product being capable of roughening with an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A phosphor or scintillator sheet, web or panel is provided, wherein a phosphor or a scintillator layer is coated onto a flexible substrate, the stiffness of which is lowered by presence of pits or grooves onto said substrate, preferably applied by a technique selected from the group consisting of mechanical, chemical, (laser) optical, electrical and photo-etching techniques.

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

Abstract: A method of forming a coating of polyionic materials in a layer-by-layer-like manner onto a polymeric material is provided. A polymeric material, such as a contact lens, can be dipped once into a solution of polyionic materials such that layers of polyionic material can be formed thereon. A single dip solution of the present invention typically contains a polyanionic material and a polycationic material in a non-stoichiometric amount and maintained within a certain pH range.

Abstract: A method for structuring a surface includes, by an assigned modification device, creating a latent structure of at least a first layer of the surface, which has a polymer therein, so as to form hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions for producing a printing form for offset printing, by selectively applying a gaseous, readily volatile solvent as a modifying agent to at least one locally limited region of the surface over at least one exposure time interval. A device for performing the method, a printing form exposer, a printing unit and a printing machine including the surface-structuring device according to the invention, are also provided.

Abstract: A treatment method for preservation of plant leaves wherein the plant leaves are immersed in a dehydrating solvent consisting of acetone and ethyl alcohol to replace the tissue water and remove chlorophyll in the leaves by the dehydrating solvent. Thereafter, the leaves are immersed in a permeating solution containing polyethylene glycol and acetone for allowing polyethylene glycol to permeate the leaves for replacing the dehydrating solvent. Thereafter, the leaves are dyed with a coloring matter.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an imprinted effect in a plastic film, characterized by the following steps: (a) applying a hardenable mixture of lacquer and solvent subject to volumetric shrinkage in liquid form to a localized area of the plastic film, whereby the plastic film surface is for all practical purposes made insoluble by the solvent; (b) drying the lacquer-solvent material; (c) hardening the lacquer to a lacquer-laminate layer that is completely bound to a localized area of the surface; and (d) allowing the lacquer-laminate layer to shrink, with a simultaneous tightening of the laminated plastic film below the lacquer-laminate layer without formation of wrinkles.

Abstract: A ClF3 gas generation system is provided with supply sources of chlorine (3) (for example a cylinder of compressed chlorine) and fluorine (4) (for example a fluorine generator) connected into a gas reaction chamber (2) enabling generation of ClF3 gas. The reaction chamber has a valved outlet (C) for the supply of the ClF3 gas to a process chamber for immediate local use.

Abstract: A process and composition for manufacturing printed wiring boards that reduces or eliminates the problem of depositing electroless nickel in through holes that are not designed to be metal plated is provided. Also provided by the present invention is a method and composition for depositing a final finish that is even and bright. The present invention is particularly suitable for the manufacture of printed circuit boards containing one or more electroless nickel-immersion gold layers.

Abstract: An adhesive polyimide resin which comprises a siloxane polyimide resin obtained from (A) an aromatic tetracarboxylic dianhydride and (B) a diamine ingredient comprising (B1) a diamine having a phenolic hydroxyl group, carboxyl group, or vinyl group as a crosslinkable reactive group and (B2) a siloxanediamine and has a glass transition temperature of 50 to 250?C and a Young's modulus (storage modulus) at 250?C of 105 Pa or higher; and a laminate which comprises a substrate comprising a conductor layer and an insulating supporting layer having at least one polyimide resin layer and, disposed on a surface of the substrate, an adhesive layer comprising a layer of the adhesive polyimide resin. The adhesive polyimide resin and the laminate have satisfactory adhesion strength even after exposure to a high temperature of up to 270?C and further have excellent heat resistance in reflow ovens. They are hence suitable for use in the bonding of electronic parts.

Abstract: A process for improving the knot tensile strength of a braided suture while maintaining its first throw holding characteristics includes the steps of applying a biocompatible co-polymer to the braided suture and then heating the suture to a temperature above the flow point of the co-polymer. An outer coat is applied to the suture after the heating step. The suture may be scoured with a solvent before the co-polymer is applied or the co-polymer may be applied simultaneously with the scouring step. The co-polymer preferably comprises one or more lactones, more preferably, ?-caprolactone and glycolide. This process may be used with bioabsorbable sutures, such as those comprising filaments made of polyglycolide and polylactide.

Abstract: An objective of the invention is to provide a method for producing a polymer-particle composite by which a polymer-particle composite having a desired particle density and a desired film thickness can be produced conveniently without allowing the particle to be aggregated in the polymeric matrix. To accomplish the objective described above, the present invention provides a method for producing a polymer-particle composite comprising a step of forming a polymer-containing layer mainly consisting of a polymeric material and a step of bringing a particle suspension containing the particle suspended in a solvent capable of swelling the polymeric material into contact with the polymer-containing layer.

Abstract: The invention includes processes for combined polymer surface treatment and metal deposition. Processes of the invention include forming an aqueous solution containing a metal activator, such as an oxidized species of silver, cobalt, ruthenium, cerium, iron, manganese, nickel, rhodium, or vanadium. The activator can be suitably oxidized to a higher oxidation state electrochemically. Exposing a part to be plated (such as an organic resin, e.g. a printed circuit board substrate) to the solution enables reactive hydroxyl species (e.g. hydroxyl radicals) to be generated and to texture the polymer surface. Such texturing facilitates good plated metal adhesion. As part of this contacting process sufficient time is allowed for both surface texturing to take place and for the oxidized metal activator to adsorb onto said part. The part is then contacted with a reducing agent capable of reducing the metal activator to a lower ionic form, or a lower oxidation state.

Abstract: A method of surface treating a polyimide film to impart improved adhesion to metal which comprises treating the surface of a polyimide film having a biphenyltetracarboxylic acid component by contact to a solution containing potassium permanganate and/or sodium permanganate and potassium hydroxide and/or sodium hydroxide and treating said surface with an acid.

Abstract: A painted polyacetal article comprises a polyacetal substrate comprising 90-99.5 wt % polyacetal and 0.5-10 wt % of semicrystalline or amorphous thermoplastic non-polyacetal resin of molecular weight 1,000-50,000; and a paint applied to the polyacetal substrate from a solvent-borne, water-borne or powder 1K paint system onto a surface of the polyacetal substrate pretreated to enhance exposure of said semicrystalline or amorphous thermoplastic non-polyacetal resin of the substrate to the applied paint. The paint is a thermoplastic or partly thermoplastic non-thermosetting paint. A layer of thermosetting paint or varnish can be applied over the thermoplastic paint. The painted polyacetal article has improved paint adhesion and good retained physico-mechanical properties.

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

Abstract: A method for fabricating an electrode for lithium secondary battery formed by depositing a thin film composed of active material capable of lithium storage and release, on a metallic foil to be used as a current collector, in which the surface of the metallic foil is roughened through wet-etching and then the thin film is deposited on the roughened surface.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for stabilizing porous silicon. A porous silicon structure having a surface terminated with hydrogen atoms is subjected to organic thermal processing to substitute the hydrogen atoms with a protective organic layer. The resulting structure are found to have unprecedented stability.

Abstract: A method for creating a material library of surface areas having different properties in which a substrate is coated. The substrate is subjected to a combined pretreatment procedure.

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

Abstract: A printing medium is manufactured by forming a primer layer 12 and an adhesive layer 13 successively on the rubbed surface of a base film 11 and wound into a roll 15. When the printing medium is delivered from roll 15, adhesive layer 13 does not remain on the roll 15 side even if adhesive layer 13 has a low adhesive power because the adhesion between adhesive layer 13 and primer layer 12 is strong while the adhesion between adhesive layer 13 and base film 11 in roll 15 is weak. The printing medium can be run in a printer without using a release film because adhesive layer 13 has a low adhesive power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for depositing zincate coatings on aluminum and aluminum alloys comprising applying an immersion zincate coating on an aluminum or aluminum alloy substrates, optionally followed by plating the zincate coated aluminum or aluminum alloy substrate using an electroless or electrolytic metal plating solution. The present invention also relates to an improved aqueous alkaline zincate solution comprising hydroxide ions, zinc ions, nickel ions and/or cobalt iron ions, copper ions, and at least one inhibitor containing one or more nitrogen atoms, sulfur atoms, or both nitrogen and sulfur atoms provided said nitrogen atoms are not present in an aliphatic amine or hydroxylamine.

Abstract: One method of the present invention relates to a method for enhancing adhesion of spraying metal to a ceramic model. The method is comprised of providing the ceramic model having a spray surface, and modifying at least a portion of the spray surface if the ceramic model to enhance adhesion of spray metal to the spray surface.